What To Wear: Mid-Summer Trends

Hi lovely followers!

Here's my take on this year's summer trends!

 Nothing screams summer more than neon, and there is no doubt that it is this year's must-have color! Of course, we don't want to look like a walking high lighter, so a little pop of color will do.
Also, let's not forget this year's most popular clothing, rib crop tops, which can be worn with circle skirts along with triangle stud earrings and black sandals. 

Another thing that I really love (and wish more stores sold them) are set-ups! Especially ones with fun, summery prints. 

Orange lipstick is also something that I love sporting during the summer, and of course, a matching orange blush to go along with it.  

This might not really work if you want some privacy, but clear envelope clutches can take a summer outfit to a whole new level with its transparency and simplicity.  

Lastly, complete the outfit with simple white wedges. 

Hope you enjoyed this editor's picks! 

Comment&Follow us if you'd like :) 

Cheers, 

Wakana 

What to Wear: Summer Trends

I don't know about you, but this year sure has passed by quickly! Fortunately, summer is coming. Unfortunately, finals. (Plus AP testing and SAT?!) To make it easier for you busy fashionistas out there, I have liberated you from doing your style reports, and bring you two of my favorite trends for summer '13. 

As first seen on the runways of Paris Fashion Week, monochromatic and metallic pieces are no doubt becoming hot trends on the streets. Here, I present you my interpretation.

Monochromatic

Rock a Topshop cropped shirt paired with a quirky Forever 21 pinstriped shorts. Look even more hip wearing ASOS rings and Barney's snake ring with black and gold accents, and a Wetseal fringe bag. A red lip by Lancome Rouge in Love contrast perfectly with the muted color, and Nia nude wedges complete the look.

Metallic

Get futuristic wearing a Influence graphic tank with a trendy Topshop metallic skirt. You can tuck the tank-top in or knot it to keep the outfit fitted. Add Falke knee-high socks for a more unique touch and slip on T.U.K. creepers to go along with the futuristic-ness. Finally, a Nastygal backpack with an Only Time toywatch make cute accents to the overall look.

Festival Fashion @ SXSW 2013

The nine-day SXSW (South by Southwest) festival of 2013 is finally coming to an end. Even though I didn't get to be at there where all the cool people are at, I'm still bittersweet to be parting with my expertise stalking of its street style and hip music. SXSW definitely does not host the conventional LA or NYC type of style that I usually enjoy, but somehow I was drawn to the bizarre pairings, eclectic colors, and mixed patterns of the festival.

In commemoration of the unique style, I thought I'd share some of my favorite looks out on the streets of Austin, Texas.

Hot pink maxi skirts have never been so hip! Her polka-dotted bustier top contributes even more boldness to the
 look while the denim shirt dresses everything down a notch. Also, the booties add a nice familiar touch to the outfit.

I wonder what was running through her head when she chose that orange skirt off the shelf.... because it actually works in this look! The unexpected
shirt pairing goes perfectly with the silliness of her sunglasses and skirt, and the added height of the sneakers elevates it to the futuristic spin.

How do you dress in one color without looking like you're in kindergarten? Take a few cues from this stylish festival-goer. The
boxy top and fitted pants make this look fresh and minimalistic, especially with the neutral accessories to tone it down a bit.

There can't be a festival that goes by without at least one photo of Alexa Chung's amazing style. Here, her graphic tee works
splendidly with the hints of metallics throughout her outfit, and her sandals keep the cool while not overdoing the look.

This girl displays the perfect example of a casual but dressy look. The simple boots and military vest  keep it fun for the festivals
without ditching the classy. Accessories also play a key role, and she nails it with the minimal purse and work-appropriate jewelry.

I love the effortless vibe of Texas street style that this look emanates. The vintage-looking top is adorable with classic
 cowboy boots. Although there aren't many components to this outfit, the simplicity is what catches my eye.

Photo sources: ELLE, Refinery 29, Redeye

New York Fashion Week

Even though we as high schoolers can't fly all the way to New York for its iconic Fashion Week Spring 2013, thanks to the magic of the internet, we can find out what's hot on the runway! Just by looking through various blogs and websites, we were able to stay updated. Here are just five of the many prominent trends that even high schoolers can try out!

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2013 - mixing sweet florals with grunge. This look works well at school, too, because you can dress down a sweet summer dress.

2. Proenza Schouler Spring 2013 - the collared shirt is still in, and it's anything but basic! Play with colors, textures, patterns 

3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2013 - structured patchwork in different shades of denim can be paired it with printed pants.

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2013 - be unconventional with turbans and obi belts! Mixing patterns works well when you have lots of light layers to play with.

5. BCBG Spring 2013 - Delicate lace and sheer pieces work well with tough jackets. Don't be afraid to go all out.

All pictures from Harper's Bazaar

Try these looks out as the weather warms!

She's Got The Moves Like Moss

In case you don't understand the title of this post, it's a reference to the ultra famous supermodel, Kate Moss. In other words, Jennifer is a great model. Which is a pretty good reason for you to keep scrolling!

You may also be asking as to why I'm posting this three months later than when I actually shot this on Lynbrook's very own football field in late October. That's because I was waiting for the spring sports season to almost start! ... Duh. Aside from the hustle and bustle of this upcoming season of sports, I'd also like to point out that the looks on the track or in the pool can most definitely be worn outside as well! Many celebrities sport (ha, see what I did there) trends such as mesh, color-blocking, and brights even on the red carpet.

These following looks were not only inspired by different sports, but also by vibrant color and pattern mixing of gym fashion from the 1980's. Erm, minus the legwarmers though. But seriously, along with exercising your abs for this new year, I encourage you to exercise your style with these sports trends as well. Okay, enough of my dumb puns. Have a KICKIN' new semester! ... Sorry, couldn't help it.

Urban Outfitters dress, H&M sneaker, GAP socks, Nike bag

Vero Moda hoodie, Charlotte Russe monokini, Reebok sneakers

H&M sneakers, Victoria's Secret leggings, vintage Esprit crewneck, fake Raybans

Thrifted zip-up, Reebok sneakers, watch from Korea, Old Navy sports bra

Photography: Yaoyao Pei

Styling & Makeup: Yaoyao Pei

Model: Jennifer Lee

Monochromatica

This season, colors took over the runway. Pastels, neons, and prints exploded on the streets. But behind all that, black and white remained! And will remain. These two basic colors will always be in style and are simply chic. They're the go-to colors for easy outfit pairings you will never have to worry about. At Crush, we took a tomboy yet mod twist to the clean color palette, and completed the look with the beautiful Cantor Arts Center as our location. The classical black and white has never looked so refreshing!

Vintage leather jacket, Corpus shirt, De Masqe dress, Dr. Martens boots

Vero Moda jumpsuit, Converse sneakers

H&M baseball cap, Zara tee

Photography: Yaoyao Pei
Styling: Yaoyao Pei & Rachel Tu
Model: Rachel Tu
Makeup: Diana Zhao
Hair: Rachel Tu
Editing: Yaoyao Pei

3 (Amazing) Days of Fashion!

Rachel here! I just got back from an amazing program called 3 Days of Fashion, hosted by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in San Francisco.This experience gave me a chance to meet and work with awesome people who were all fashion-minded like me. These three days were a blast, so I hope you guys will enjoy reading what I learned and who I saw. 

Here are some highlights from the 3 days, along with a style diary. (Click photos for high-res!)

In the city, it's all about comfort and function (and still trying to look cute!).
H&M Jacket // Charlotte Russe Top // Hollister Jeans // dEliA's Boots // Forever 21 Necklace // Pacsun Bag

In the first workshop called “Concept to Consumer,” I used a collection of photographs as an inspiration for a Fall 2013 clothing collection. My team presented colors, textiles, sketches, and the inspiration pictures as a “concept,” or an idea. I loved working with my teammates to create a collaborative collection that was original, creative, and wearable.

Creating our concept - our table was a mess!

Next, I attended a “Draping” class where my team created three dresses with three yards of fabric, a mannequin, and lots of pins. My team’s first dress was a partial disaster; the fabric was fringy and hard to work with. But we pulled off a dress that ended up looking great! (bottom left) 

For our second dress on the top right, we used a sequined burgundy sheer fabric. Our challenge was to drape the dress on the bias, which made the drapes flow well. We shaped a cowl-neck, a V back, and lots of gorgeous drapes on the sides and back. It was a challenge to work with unusual fabric – but it was a good challenge!

In my last workshop called “Footwear Design,” I saw how shoes are made. I even got to design my own heels, which were a summery wedge with geometric print:

Watch out Steve Madden! (just kidding.)

Basic black with a pop of pink to make it interesting!
Split Coat // Gap Cami // Rockstar Pants // Dollhouse Oxfords // Forever 21 Necklace // Pacsun Bag

Next, in “Promo Campaigning” we simulated a promotion campaign for a clothing line. We designed a studio for a promotional photo shoot as well as an event to promote the collection, focusing on neon, edgy, and geometric shapes. We planned out all the details for the event - from the dinner to the runway to the lighting!

Our photo shoot studio & the event plan!

“Sketching the Fashion Figure” was a fast-paced class where I learned how to sketch figures, outfits, faces, shoes, and hair. Using the 9-headed technique, I developed a sketch that somewhat resembled a model:

With and without an outfit

 It is said that these models are simply "pretty hangers for your clothing." To make them "pretty," the key things to keep in mind are proportions! As you can see from my sketch, I need lots of practice!

Combining cold weather clothing (long pants, sweaters, and scarves) with bright, summery colors!
Old Navy Dolman // Century 21 Pants // Airwalk Shoes // F21 Belt & Shades // Hollister Scarf // Pacsun Bag

On the last day, we had the famous “Trends Tour.” We talked about spotting and predicting new trends and how these trends end up in stores like H&M of Forever 21. Then, we created an inspiration board of a trend:

Our trend was Metallic (Magnetism!)

We headed out to the stylish streets of San Francisco (Union Square, baby!) to check out window displays and to watch for trends. After three days of learning about marketing and retail, it was amazing to see it all come to life in the stores we shop at!

Left, clockwise: Zara; Diesel; Juicy Ombre Shorts; Levi's; Zara studs; Chanel; Inside Juicy; Walking the streets.

But the part everyone had been looking forward to was at the very end: a visit from Nick Verreos, the Project Runway season 2 winner! He’s so funny! :)

It was inspiring listening to his personal story and we even got to see some of his dresses – ones he designed for Beyoncé and Katy Perry:

Yes, the celebrities actually wore these dresses!

I’m so glad I attended 3 Days of Fashion at FIDM. It was an eye-opening experience that was fun and educational. Maybe you can attend this program next summer and experience it for yourself. Because in the words of Nick Ferreos, "No shoulda, woulda, coulda. Just do it!"