Talking Chic – Page 3 – Agenda Magazine Archives

Celebrity Fashion Influences

Who influences your style of dress? My style is influenced by such superstars as Gwen Stefani, Rihanna, Nicole Richie, and Mary Kate Olsen. I love the combination of eclectic, bohemian, and chic. It is just who I am. However, do I typically invest in L.A.M.B. pieces or Dior? Nope. I am a gal who loves sales and adores 2-for-1 specials.

Fortunately, our day and age is all about affordable imitation. Instead of hitting Bloomingdale’s for Seven jeans, these days I walk into Forever 21 and spend less than 15 bucks for a pair of low-waisted skinny jeans. My loose, summer bikini cover-ups aren’t Juicy Couture; they are Target brands. While I choose to avoid paying $200 for jeans (especially if I can find these jeans on sale at Kohl’s); I will fork over the same amount for a shopping spree. For $200, I can find two pairs of heels, some tanks, jeans, and possibly a new vest to wear over those tanks.

It is important to realize that as much as you crave the exact pieces that, say, Kim Kardashian wears, you must be realistic about your finances, your lifestyle, and just what makes sense. I enjoy having money left over after I hit the mall. This means that I must keep in mind that imitating celebrity fashion, my own superstar icons, can be done for less. It also means taking a trend and making it your own. Lindsay Lohan is commonly shown wearing leggings as pants. Do you have the body shape to do so? If I decide to wear leggings, I prefer to wear them under a dress or skirt for a casual feel.

So instead of imitating, let’s focus on inspiration and being influenced by our Hollywood trendsetters. Fashion shouldn’t just be guided by who wears what; it is a state of mind and should also be guided by your emotions. Do you pick up that yellow sweater because a tabloid showed Blake Lively wearing it on the streets? Or, did you smile and feel the joy of a bright color when unfolding it from a shelf? Be true to yourself and embrace the various influences surrounding us. Just make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Imitation may be the best form of flattery—just be sure to look like yourself in the process.

Use Favorite Summer Fashion in Your Own Fall Collection

Use Favorite Summer Fashion in Your Own Fall Collection

Fashion weeks around the globe have already become the “it” calendar check-off in the industry. And whether or not you have the opportunity to make it backstage, have a seat at the show, hit after-show parties, and/or look at the pics from the shows in every fashion magazine you can find on the shelf at Borders, this event gives us ideas. It sort of sets the stage for the designer wear we want to purchase and find as a knockoff at a cheapy store. It’s fun to adopt a new color, a new trend, a new way of styling your outfits. But keep in mind, this doesn’t have to be an “in with the new and out with the old” process. There are current summer pieces in your closet that will add sass to your fall wardrobe collection.

Here are some ways to recycle, reuse, and retouch three of your favorite trends that keep you feeling ultra-cool in the hot, hot sun:

Tanks and Camisoles: So you wear your bright pink tank loud and proud with your jeans right now, right? Before you know it, you can throw a fun, printed scarf on top of it and wear a denim jacket with it. You may also want to try to wear the pink tank under a button-down blouse for work, with a poncho or shawl across your shoulders, or as a layering piece with your long-sleeve sheer tees. Let some color pop! (FYI: Every woman should have at least three tank top-like camisoles in her closet. The basic colors of black, white, and brown can save the day as undershirts, believe me.)

Sundresses: A sundress paired up with flat sandals is oh-so adorable! But as the fall approaches, this may not be practical. So find a pair of knee length boots in chocolate, black, or even purple (depending on the colors in your dress). As for how to stay warm here’s where you can have fun! A shrug, belted wrap sweater, bolero, and scarves will make a typical summer dress a fabulous fall staple.

Denim shorts: Ever throw a pair of opaque black tights under a pair of denim, frayed shorts? A great, funky combination may work perfectly for an eclectic personality. Think: denim shorts, black tights, black chunky UGG-like boots, and a loose long sleeve blouse or chunky sweater. There you are.

An alternative style that takes little effort but a lot of confidence! So make sure you are comfortable in your own skin, first.

I have no doubt that stylistas everywhere love fall because of the new fashion, and shopping for new must-haves. Tall boots, bright-colored booties, blazers, scarves, cowl neck sweaters, leggings, and flannel button-ups can make a gal’s wardrobe shine during a season that bridges the sun and gloomy weather. But don’t give up on what you already own! You will save money in the process and have fun stylizing the old with the new. Why stop wearing some of your favorite fashion pieces? Says who? Recycle, reuse, and retouch. That’s my motto.

Written by Elana Pruitt

My Winter Wardrobe

When I was a child, I couldn’t wait until it was Chanukah. The taste of latkes and relaxing by the fireplace are memories I shall never forget.

As for gifts, my parents usually had at least some sort of clothing wrapped up for me. This was in addition to new journals, fun Hello Kitty pencils, and new multi-colored strings for my friendship bracelets. I loved the thought of ringing in the winter season with something new to wear. I never expected a new wardrobe for Chanukah – and I wouldn’t have received that anyway! (My mother is a firm believer in “it’s the little things that count.”) Still, I couldn’t help but squeal in the delight that I would be able to add to my wardrobe.

One of my favorite gifts was a pink puffy button-up coat with a turquoise attached scarf! It was so perfect. Valuing that jacket so much, I decided to take the scarf out and save it. I still have it after 20 years.

Sometimes, I would get new slippers, a new robe, sweaters, or comfy turtlenecks. I never realized how smart my mother was until I was an adult. She would buy us what we truly needed ? practical gifts. However, she would make it fun. I really needed that jacket, as the hail poured down from our Southern California sky. Slippers, but in a royal blue, pull-up boot style, were to keep my feet toasty throughout the winter nights.

As an adult, I now like to treat myself to my own Chanukah gifts. And I do so following my mother’s standards – take what you need and put your own twist to it. So what do I need this winter? Well, my shopping list entails a top three must-have check-off: short, black leather bomber jacket; a man’s navy blue blazer jacket (which I may just snatch from my boyfriend’s closet to save money); and a faux fur cream jacket. I have plenty of boots ? the over-the-knee boot is too dominatrix for me. I also already own various plaid pieces, a print which will continue to be a hot style for winter. So my list is minimal and practical, these three items that will add classic, couture-inspired style to my wardrobe.

Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas! May your wardrobe be filled with pieces that are practical and exciting.