How to Get a Capsule Wardrobe

Capsule wardrobes are a great way of simplifying your closet and are key for any person who considers themselves to be a minimalist.

So, what is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is "a minimal, interchangeable wardrobe with a finite number made up of clothes you actually love to wear." (Huffington Post)

To get started with this type of closet makeover, one needs to start by doing some serious spring (or summer, winter, or fall) cleaning. This means taking out everything that you don't wear anymore, have holes or other signs of wear, are no longer in style, or that don't fit. Let's be honest: holding on to your skinny jeans for eight years doesn't bring you any closer to your weight loss goals, and that skirt you had in high school probably won't be trendy again for another twenty years.

Once you have cleared your closet, it's time for some shopping. It helps to divide your wardrobe into halves: spring and summer, and fall and winter. That way, it's easier to shop when you have seasons to focus on. One will want to find pieces that are versatile, comfortable, and well-made, as these are going to be the pieces that are worn for the entirety of the seasons you are in. Make sure you place a limit on yourself so that you only get the things that are truly necessary.

For a great example of a capsule wardrobe, equipped with shopping links, check out this post by Stephanie Drenka.

Do you currently use the capsule wardrobe method for your closet? If not, is this something you'd be willing to try?




Sources:

http://utahvalley360.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Minimalist-Wardrobe.jpg

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/erin-flynn/what-is-a-capsule-wardrob_b_10172000.html

stephaniedrenka.com/spring-summer-capsule-wardrobe

Popping 60's Hairstyles

For our final project, my group is looking at the hairstyles and crowns of LSU homecoming queens through the 60's and 80's. My personal concentration for research is the 1960's. After thumbing though the Gumbo yearbooks for those years, I wanted to see how other women were styling their hair in this time period.

Recurring types of hairstyles in the 60's include: bodacious volume in the form of bouffants and beehives, stylish bobs, ponytails, angular pixie cuts, extra long hair, fringe/bangs, and afros for African American women. Hairpieces and wigs, as well as headscarves and headbands, were popular accessories for these hairstyles, adding an extra bit of sass.

First lady Jackie Kennedy, wore her tresses in an elegant bouffant. Her fashion sense was a huge influence on women during this time.

Jackie Kennedy, 1962

Blonde bombshell, Bridgette Bardot, is seen here showing off several hair trends of the 60's: long, voluminous hair, wispy fringe, and a statement-color head wrap.

Bridgette Bardot, circa 1960

The iconic model Twiggy made the short and sleek pixie cut popular, mixing masculine and feminine styles for a new, edgy aesthetic.

Twiggy, 1967

African American women began to embrace their natural hair texture and sported the statement-making afro, turning heads and making history with their glamorous new style. Here's Angela Davis (in the center with no glasses) as she makes her way to present her first philosophy lecture at UCLA.

Angela Davis, 1969

What's your favorite hairstyle from the 60's? Would you dare to be different and sport any of these looks?

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/09/1960s-hairstyles-photos_n_4063781.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/23/pixie-haircut-evolution-photos_n_4144739.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro#/media/File:Angela_Davis_enters_Royce_Hall_for_first_lecture_October_7_1969.jpg

Burning Hot Fashion

No, I am not talking about something revealing, figure hugging, or made of shimmering red fabric. The hot fashion I am referring to is what can be worn to keep from overheating, especially in scorching Louisiana summer weather. The need for this type of clothing is increased for college students, who often have to walk long distances in sometimes extreme heat. Here are a few tips to keep it cool on campus:

1. Watch out for shapeless pieces of light-weight fabrics. The material is what you are looking for, but without some sort of structure to the clothing, it will just stick to you when you start to sweat.

2. Another thing to look out for if you don't want your outfit clinging to you are heavy embellishments, like beading or metal accents. These will weigh your clothes down and cause them to stick to you.

3. If possible, trade in your backpack for something smaller, like a cross body. We have all experienced the back sweat from a heavy backpack. Opting for something that hangs further away from the body will help alleviate that extra heat.

4. Choose light colored pieces. These will reflect light and heat, keeping you cooler, while dark clothing absorbs light, doing the opposite.

5. This one is for the ladies: wear a light bralette or sports bra instead of a padded bra. The padding will make for the dreaded chest sweat that sometimes peaks through our tops.

Do you have any other tips for dressing cool? What do you like to wear on campus in the summer heat?


Inspiration source:

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/advice/a41303/summer-style-tricks-to-keep-you-cool/

Visual Kei

Japanese rock band, The Gazette

Visual kei is a sub-genre and subculture of Japanese rock, know for elaborate ensembles and statement-making hair and makeup. This may not sound too unusual for rock bands, but visual kei bands and made up predominately of men. The style began in the 1980's, largely inspired by the hair metal bands of the time, as well as Japanese graphic novels known as manga, and even kabuki performances, an over-the-top theatrical play native to Japan. The style of these bands can be controversial among some groups, as some members blatantly cross-dress. 

Visual kei band Versailles, all male members

Visual kei is unique as a music genre in the way that it is defining characteristics have to do with the appearance of the member. Within visual kei, one can music ranging from pop to extreme metal. Among the people in my peer group that I have spoken to, it seems that fans usually take one of two stances: they like the music but not the way the members look, or they like the exotic style but don't care very much for the music. I have only met a handful of people so far that like both the appearance and the sound of visual kei bands. I can't personally say that I like the music of every visual kei band, because the genre content is so varied, but even if I don't particularly favor a bands songs, I can still appreciate the effort and detail they put into their looks.

Diaura, all male members

What are your thoughts on visual kei bands' music and style?

Image sources:

The Gazette--https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/visualkei/images/1/18/Gazette01.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100721210819

Versailles--http://wallpapercave.com/wp/6v7vS29.jpg

Diaura--http://www.di-aura.com/slider_image/wide/1.jpg

Top 10 Reasons to Dress Up Every Day

I came across an article on collegefashion.net titled "25 Reasons Why You Should Dress Up Every Day". After reading through the list, I compiled a tweaked list of my own, what I believe are the top ten reasons for dressing up daily. (By dressing up, I mean wearing something that you consider your style, something that makes you feel good, an outfit you put thought into.)

Disclaimer: While I do believe in the importance of looking your best, I also acknowledge that it is not for everyone. Also, I definitely have my days where I don't put as much effort into my look as I think I should.

With that out of the way, here are the top ten reasons to dress up every day.



1. Fashion is a method of self expression. What are you trying to say?

2. You never know who you're going to run into or whose camera you could end up on.

3. That fabulous party outfit in your closet cost too much to only be worn once.

4. If you've got it (amazing legs, great style, killer confidence), it's just wrong to not flaunt it.

5. Life's too short to blend in. Don't settle for average.

6. Fashion is one of the rare instances where art comes alive. What artistic statement do you want to make?

7. Dressing up helps you weed out friends who don't love you for you. If they have a problem with the way you dress, they're not the kinds of friends you want around.

8. It annoys close-minded people. The fact that it annoys them so much is all the more reason to keep doing it. They don't get to control you.

9. It's a test of your confidence. Dressing unconventionally forces you to develop the self-assurance necessary to stand out from everyone else.

10. It's fun and can boost your mood!



What do you think about this list? Check out the original post at www.collegefashion.net/fashion-tips/25-reasons-why-you-should-dress-up-every-day and let me know what your top ten would be.

Stylish Tots

Gone are the days of kids only wearing Garanimals and outfits featuring their favorite cartoon characters. While many children enjoy playing dress-up with wacky costumes, some prefer a more fashion-forward approach.

Meet Alonso Mateo, son of a freelance stylist. His mother Luisa says that around the time he started preschool, he began asking for tailored suits and bow ties. The photos of him that she posted on social media went viral. “I don’t know if it’s because he’s an only child, and he’s surrounded by so many grown-ups that he kind of wants to replicate what everybody around him is wearing,” Luisa says regarding his adult taste in clothing. He was five years old at the time of these photos. For more, visit www.odditycentral.com/news/alonso-matteo-the-internets-five-year-old-style-icon.html. 

Another young fashionista, five-year-old Aria Klink, also has a strong social media presence. Her mother Melany refers to Aria as her "muse" on her Instagram page. Aria's baby sister, Prim, seems to be following in her style footsteps already at the age of seven months. To see their photos, go to Melany's Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/klink5/. 

What do you think about children dressing more like adults? Is it cute and endearing, or do you feel that they are growing up too fast?

Sources:

www.odditycentral.com/news/alonso-matteo-the-internets-five-year-old-style-icon.html

https://www.instagram.com/klink5/

6 Staples That Belong in Everyone's Closet

Trends can be fun, but let's face it--they never last very long. Then we're stuck with pieces that have gone out of style in a year or less. Here are a few classics that never go out of style, both for men and women.

1. A white shirt

White shirts are classic and infinitely versatile. Whether it's a button-down or simple blouse, a white shirt can be the building block for endless outfits, from professional office looks to classy night out.

2. A white tee

While similar to the white shirt, the white tee is the ultimate casual piece. Let it be said that I am not talking about your grungy, work in the yard white tee, but a clean, high quality top.  Pair it with any type of bottoms, layer with an accessory, and you have a comfortable, stylish look.

3. A winter coat

Even in Lousiana, we can get some harsh winter weather from time to time. A coat with a flattering fit will keep you looking fashionable AND warm. Complete the look with boots and a scarf, and no southern weather fluctuation can stop you.

4. A black blazer

Black blazers can be dressed up or down, and for students and young professionals, are an asset for interviews and presentations. The key to the black blazer is finding a fit that flatters your body size and height. One that is too large automatically makes you look sloppy, and you won't be able to move comfortably in one that is too small.

5. A leather jacket

Leather jackets go with absolutely everything: jeans, dresses, tailored pants, even over gym clothes. Plus, you never have to worry about this fashion going out of style, so you can be sure the steep investment price of real leather is worth it. If you prefer vegan leather, there are just as many stylish options that are a bit more affordable and environmentally friendly.

6. A pair of jeans that fit

Last but definitely not least are a pair of jeans that flatter you. Denim is timeless and comfortable, and when you find the perfect pair of jeans, you can rule the world. Not in a literal sense, but you feel great, look great, and everyone notices. Not sure what jeans fit suits you? If you go to a retailer like Levi's, they have fit specialists who can help you find the most flattering pair for you. Also, don't forget about the tailor if you want a truly custom fit.

Do you have these items in your closet? If not, what do you consider your staples?

Photos found on Pinterest.