My (Ashley’s) TOP 10 Wardrobe Essentials

             Getting dressed shouldn’t be stressful or that difficult, but as for a woman, we all like to dress to impress and always add our personal feel to our comfort clothing. I believe that all women like to feel good and look pretty in what they wear and getting dressed should be one of the most inspired parts of your day!  It’s a shame that so many women waste valuable time each day wondering what to wear to school, work, or out to play.  I may be one of those many women, but it’s all simple.  What’s in your closet isn’t a matter of quantity; it’s a matter of quality.  And when you have a few key, high-quality pieces of clothing, I guarantee your daily dressing experience will become less stress and more styled success

             It’s my turn to talk to you about what my favorite go-to pieces are in my personal wardrobe.  I realized it’s about time I break it down for everyone, especially for the women out there who share common appeals as I or for those who might need a little help with go-to apparel. Let’s start with the basics:

1.      Diamond Studs…or Cubic Zirconium

You definitely don’t want to leave your ears bare and diamond studs go perfectly with everything.  I feel naked without earrings on.  It’s my number one “must-have on” before I leave the house.  If you are heading to work or school, studs are the perfect complement.  They’re classy and you can throw them on without worrying whether they go with what you’re wearing.  If you don’t have the money for genuine diamonds studs, you can buy cubic zirconia instead; just keep them small.

2.      Black Leather Purse

My mom handed me down a vintage AMERICANA by Sharif soft black leather purse with gold signature metal plates on each side that she had kept years ago.  It’s still in good condition and it’s a perfect everywhere/everyday purse I can wear to work, to school, to lunch, to dinner, and even shopping on the weekends.  It goes well with everything and I feel comfortable using it with whatever color or prints I may be wearing.  If not leather, it can be any other black purse.  It should be medium-sized: large enough to hold whatever you need during the day but not so large that it looks awkward if you find yourself running straight out to dinner with it.

3.      Michael Jordan Sneakers

I love sneakers!  I find them more comfortable than heels.  You can easily move around in them especially playing basketball.  Some people wear Jordan’s for style or some to play ball in, I use them for both.  It matters which pair I use though, if I want to keep them clean or if they already look dirty.  There are several types of sneakers Jordan created and they come in a variety of colors.  Because they come in many colors, you can just throw on a graphic tee or a plain white or black shirt to match.

4.      Dark Wash Denim

What woman can live without her favorite jeans?  I wear them usually on an everyday basis because jeans make me feel sexy, pulled together, and comfortable.  Skinny jeans is what I prefer for myself but whatever your preference, look for something with a silhouette that is slim and works to accentuate your figure.  Also, flat back pockets can work to create an instant ‘lift’ effect for your rear. You can wear them casual during the day and you can dress them up for night.

5.      The Perfect Fit Camisole

The foundation of any stylish look starts underneath it all.  It’s comfortable that I wear camisoles most of the time as an undershirt peeking out from beneath my favorite sweater, boyfriend blazer, or button-down shirt.  Find a camisole that fits your shape.  Especially since you’re likely to wear it every day, comfort is key.

6.      Cardigan Sweaters

I like buying different colored or striped cardigans.  Cardigan sweaters are great for those times when you don’t know what the weather will be like or if it’s the middle of summer and you get stuck in a ridiculously cold air-conditioned restaurant or office that you can just throw on.  A good-quality cardigan sweater should last a very long time.

7.      Slim Leg Black Pant

If it’s not a skinny leg black pant, I’d feel more comfortable wearing black pant jeans.  Style them professional with a sharp blazer and a crisp blouse, or wear them with a loose-fitting sweater and tucked in your favorite boots.

8.      Loose Top/Blouse

Don’t get me wrong, I like fitted tops, but a loose top or blouse can make me look a little more elegant and stylish with a pair of jeans on.  They actually even look good if you wear it with any other bottoms, such as skirts, shorts, or leggings.  It leaves me space to feel free inside and not having to worry about pulling it down back to my waist like a regular fitted t-shirt.

9.      Graphic T-Shirt

When I don’t feel like getting as dressed up, a graphic t-shirt is my go-to apparel.  It’s something casual and feeling young.

10.  Little Black Dress

A girl likes to play dress up and especially on occasions, a black dress will never hurt.  It should be sexy, yet sophisticated, well-made, and fit like a glove.  It should hide your flaws and accentuate your attributes.  Look for a style that will make your figure look fabulous by experimenting with different cuts and details.

             There are some items that I absolutely need ready and waiting in my closet.  These make up the basis of my wardrobe; they’re the must haves, no matter what your style — the wardrobe essentials

Tom Boy Chic

I have many reasons I decided to create a blog about fashion.  One of the several reasons, include my friend Jessica.  She recently graduated from FDIM and inspired me to look more into depth about the fashion industry and society.  So I decided why not interview her?

Ashley: Hey Jessica!  So you know that I have a blog and it’s about fashion.  Because you helped me gain knowledge about this specific topic, I’d like to ask you a few questions and post our conversation on my blog.

Jessica: It’s great to know someone who has interest in fashion and taking it somewhere beyond everything.  I’d be happy to answer any questions you want to know all about.

Ashley: Great. So to start things off, describe fashion in your own words.

Jessica: Fashion is an art form of self-expression. It creates a personality without spoken words. It’s telling a story.

Ashley: How would you describe your style of dress from head to toe?

Jessica: Tom boy chic. The great thing about fashion is that you can always change your style.  The hard thing is remaining the same when fashion is constantly changing and so do your interests.

Ashley: What are the most comfortable/stylish shoes you like to wear with your outfit of the day?

Jessica: I love the way suede booties look, but I absolutely love my Doc Martens!  Both shoes can dress up or dress down any outfit.

Ashley: As for an everyday outfit, what accessories or type of clothing do you like to wear or is your ultimate “must have on” before you leave your house?

Jessica: A fist full of gold....rings.  Jewelry is a girl’s best friend, after all.

Ashley: If you were to change up your style, how would you go about doing so?  Would you wear something that’s out of your element of dress? What would it be and why?

Jessica: I’d love to wear heels on a daily basis but my lifestyle doesn’t allow it.  The art of walking perfectly without stumbling isn’t a big deal for me but the thought of holding up for hours make me cringe.  I applaud anyone that can withstand a full day in heels. People always say how crazy people are at school for doing so I give them my full blessing if that makes any sense.

Ashley: Is there anyone, as far as friends, celebrities, or designers, etc., that inspire you to dress the way you do?  If so, who is it and why?

Jessica: My biggest inspiration is Lanie Alabanza-Barcena who is the founder and creative director of Hellz Bellz.  I pretty much grew up with the brand when they just started with t-shirts that later evolved into creating dresses, accessories, etc.  The reason I love Hellz is because it is an independent brand, they're moderately priced so they're a little bit more expensive than clothes at Forever 21, but lower priced than luxury brands like YSL, Marc Jacobs, Christian Galliano, etc.  There is a large following for the brand but you never find yourself wearing the same garment as the next girl, that’s for sure. 

Ashley: How do people react to fashion and how do you react to it?

Jessica: I can only speak for myself and not others but I’m a people watcher. I constantly watch people especially strangers, strangers fascinate me and just reading them through the type of shoes they wear or handbag they’re carrying says a lot.  The great thing about being a fashion student is that you understand it clearer than the next person.

Ashley: Why do costumers go for a particular brand?

Jessica: Consumers?  For the most part, I believe most people go for certain brands because of the name whether or not they know the history behind it because they see other people wearing it. Being a fashion student, I am fortunate to learn about fashion designers and the brands in depth.

Ashley: Why do people hate when they see someone wearing what they’re wearing?

Jessica: Earlier, I said fashion is an art form of self-expression.  Through self-expression, we think of ourselves as individuals, not carbon copies.  When you see someone wearing the same outfit, it defeats the purpose of being yourself. That’s the reason why I don’t care for stores like Forever 21 because their clothes are mass produced and if you think no one else will be wearing the same thing you are ever at the same moment, you’re wrong.

Ashley: What do you think about fashion trends? Do you follow them because others wear what’s “in” or is it at your own interest?

Jessica: I don’t follow trends. I do study color forecasts but never do I take it into consideration to what I’m wearing.  The thing is, I always think about what I’ll wear out. I never dress for the weather but more for my comfort.  I love wearing dresses and even when it’s 40 degrees outside, I’d probably still wear a dress.

Ashley: Interesting.  Well, that cuts the end of the interview and once again I want to thank you for everything.

Jessica: No problem.  I can go on and on about fashion and if anything I had fun answering your questions.  Thanks to you also!   

            Jessica mentioned a lot of good statements I can agree with and maybe you can too.  I would have to say throughout the interviews I’ve done, I can relate more to Jessica’s style because her interests would be somewhat similar to mine.  Not just to the fact she is a female, but because we share common interests.  For example, she mentioned Hellz Bellz, which is a brand I wear and she also wears gold accessories too.  And although she says she has that tom boy chic look, I think that her fashion sense can also be categorized under urban street wear.  Yes, at times when you think about females wearing street wear, you may think “oh she’s a straight up tom boy”.  No.  We may look like a boy with the clothes we have on, but we can also be girly looking and deeply, we are females dressed the way we want.

Sophisticated Urban Hippie

I have interviewed another male friend of mine that I knew back in high school.  His name is Jacob and is 21 years old.  I decided to interview him because he creates his fashion totally different from the way my other male friends dress.  Yeah, I may see people with somewhat the same look as Jacob on the streets or at school, but it’s always different when you actually know someone who you can relate to. Again, same interview questions, just a different person you are going to get to know a little about how Jacob dresses and his thoughts on fashion.

Ashley: Hi Jacob! So this is just an interview about your wardrobe and how you think of fashion.  I will be posting this interview on a blog of mine.  To keep your identity safe, only your first name will be given and nothing more. Is that fine?

Jacob: Hi Ashley! Okay sure. Yes, that's fine with me.

Ashley: Great.  Now to start off, the first question is to describe fashion in your own words.

Jacob: My definition of fashion basically is “looking gooooood”.

Ashley: How would you describe your style of dress from head to toe?

Jacob: Sophisticated Urban Hippie

Ashley: What are the most comfortable/stylish shoes you like to wear with your outfit of the day?

Jacob: Comfortable shoes are my Nike Free Runs! (laughing) Stylish shoes are my Steve 

Madden and BED STU boots.

Ashley: As for an everyday outfit, what accessories or type of clothing do you like to wear or is your ultimate “must have on” before you leave your house?

Jacob: Well, when it’s SUNNY, a simple V-NECK shirt and casual button up (rolled up sleeves) with a cool watch (on either side of wrists). And when it’s COLD/FOGGY, a V/CREW-NECK shirt, a jacket and a scarf.

Ashley: If you were to change up your style, how would you go about doing so?  Would you wear something that’s out of your element of dress? What would it be and why?

Jacob: I don’t think I would change up my style at all. If I was RICH I would probably change the price range of my clothing but I’m not. (laughing)

Ashley: Is there anyone, as far as friends, celebrities, or designers, etc., that inspire you to dress the way you do?  If so, who is it and why?

Jacob: People I meet every day at work (EXPRESS), people on the street from the hippies, to the business professionals, to the BUMS. I don’t and can’t dress exactly like any of those people, but I do take certain ELEMENTS from their attire; from a bandana, to a simple blazer, and feather/dream catcher necklace.

Ashley: How do people react to fashion and how do you react to it?

Jacob: Well depending on what the persons IDEA of fashion is, they can either like what someone they see on the street is wearing or really hate and say “WHAT IS SHE WEARIN’?!?” (under their breath)

Ashley: Why do costumers go for a particular brand?

Jacob: People go for a particular brand for one or more or all of the following; everyone around them buys/uses it, it’s popular, it’s cheap, good quality, and their favorite celebrity wears/uses it.

Ashley: Why do people hate when they see someone wearing what they’re wearing?

Jacob: Because everyone wants to be an individual and wants to stand out of the crowd instead of being ONE with the crowd.

Ashley: What do you think about fashion trends? Do you follow them because others wear what’s “in” or is it at your own interest?

Jacob: I follow trends if I feel like I look good in them. If not then I’ll pass. I think SLIM/SKINNY (whatever you wanna call it) is one of the trends I follow. NOT HELLA SKINNNY THO, where my legs are losing circulation! Also the V-NECK! Every guy needs to have at least 5 V-NECKS! BLACK, GREY, DARK GREY, WHITE, NAVY!

Ashley: Okay we are at the end of the interview.  I'm glad you took the time off to talk to me and give the audience and I an understanding of your prevailing style of dress.  Thanks!

Jacob: No worries.  I'm happy you came to me to discuss fashion.  It's something I take interest in.  Thank you as well!

             
             So how do you like his style just through the two pictures posted and how he describes his attire?  Personally, I like the way he dresses and the clothes/accessories he puts together.  It may seem like he wears a whole lot of v-neck shirts, but if you were to see him in person and look at the clothes he wears as far as coats/jackets and jeans, etc., Jacob knows how to flaunt it and be confident in his apparel.  It gives him a young adult look that is appropriate for being 21!

Who and What Follows What and Who? Part ll

           As a continuation to the previous post, anyone’s fashion style may be similar to another person’s style, but that doesn’t mean you are the same person.  Just like my cousin Ria that I interviewed, her style of dress reminds me much like Coco Chanel’s designs and her look.  My cousin does not wear much of fashion designer apparel nor does she even follow what is the latest piece they design, but the way she dresses looks like she is up to date with what’s in or new to the fashion industry.  

Chanel in her early years often borrowed clothes of her lovers: white shirts, ties, coats.  Later she made it one of the fundamental principles of her art: adapting the elements of male attire for feminine use.  This reminds me of Ria because growing up with her she would somewhat dress up like a boy when we were young and now as we got older, she sort of incorporates her wardrobe with what Chanel did with the whole male attire.  Ria can pull off wearing a loose collar button up from a males attire and still dress it up as a woman with clothing that fits and looks well with what she has.  She doesn’t wear hats or pearl accessories like Channel, but only throws on accessories when needed or if that certain accessory had a meaning behind it. 

           Ria’s style reminds me of Chanel’s looks because they both have that vintage display, even though the way Ria dresses falls more towards the urban vintage look as a young adult.  In my opinion I wouldn’t say she’s much of a follower.  But as far as her dress appearance looks, her interests or influences are through being surrounded by her friends, shopping with her sister, and working in the city of San Francisco where you see many people dressed all differently.  Ria is the type of person who you rarely see shop for jeans or jackets/coats.  She’ll always wear what she has in her closet and just mix and match her clothing with something different every time.  Ria has her own original trend that creates her own identification.  Wearing her black oxfords, sandals, suede laced up booties, or lace up boots with a pair of sheer stockings, shorts or a fitted skirt, a nice blouse, and a blazer is something she would wear to finish up an outfit.  Or sometimes for a casual look she’ll probably throw on some leggings, a shirt, and a jean jacket.  Ria wears clothes that make her feel comfortable and bring out her personality as a chill, friendly person.

Who and What Follows What and Who?

            Should we follow fashion trends or let fashion trends follow us?  This question is always going to be brought up when it comes to fashion.  Everyone has their own opinion.  As far as my opinion goes, I think that fashion trends or more of fashion forecasters follow us as time goes by.  I also think we all follow trends whether we think it or not.  After all, practically everything we wear was once a trend.  I say this because there are several styles the way people dress and balance their wardrobe with other looks just to make the trend their own.  I don’t want to dress like other people, so I tend to do my own thing and come up with my own look with the clothes that I have.  And following back to my blog post about fashion forecasters, they observe what others wear.  Therefore fashion trends follow us.  Again, that is just my thoughts to the question.  

Fashion trends do follow people all the time as much as some designers pretend that the ideas are unique to them.  Don’t get me wrong though.  Designers do have their own ideas when creating their clothing as well as getting ideas from others.  Designers study fashion trends, sketch designs of clothing and accessories, select colors and fabrics, and oversee the final production of their designs.  The point is fashion designers are connected to us in a way.  We both incorporate our own fashion.  For example, in my previous interview with my friend Alex, he describes his style of dress as a hipster urban vibe.  Alex dresses the way he does because he has influences in his life that contribute to his style.  Knowing him as a friend, he doesn’t have only one specific hobby, but has qualities of knowing how to skate on wheels, shoot a basketball inside a net, do martial arts, draw, paint, and write lyrically through poems and music. 

 

 










             Alex shows his identity more through the type of denims he wears and getting dressed up.  Denims make him look suited for an everyday use and he loves selvedge, the way it fades, the way it’s washed, the way it looks worn, and the way it rips.  Alex also works on his feet a lot and the activities he does such as, skateboarding and playing basketball require him to wear comfortable shoes that fit into that activity.  The shoes he mentioned in the interview are Vans.  Vans are usually skate shoes, but he also wears Vans or Sperry's for style to go with his casual outfits.  Wearing Vans, jeans, fitted t-shirts, and caps all together is an example of street wear working its way upwards.  He loves putting colors together that don’t usually match but make it work somehow and also combining primary or secondary colors to play out. I guess you can say he is just an athletic guy and that’s what affects his wardrobe.

Overall, we are designers.  We are part of a trend, keeping our own identity.  It is much easier these days not to follow trends because there is more choice in shops and we don’t all have to wear the same.  But sometimes we may notice that several days after we wear something, we see people wearing clothes very similar.  It happens.  Everyone’s fashion style is known through appearance, what they wear and what they put together.  It is also identified through our personality, interests, and influences.