What To Wear on a Casual Date

Hi, everyone! Yesterday I got a really interesting email. It reads:

"Hey, Lane. I'm Abby from...and yesterday the boy that I have loved for forever finally asked me out. He said that we're going to dinner (maybe Red Robbin or Olive Garden?) and a movie. I'm soooo nervous. Jeez Loueez, my hands are shaking as I write this! And I NEED help!! Can you give me any tips on what to wear? I like to wear browns and blues. (Please no black! That color washes me out!!!) Thanks and peace. Buh, bye.

Oh! And P.S. Can you keep the look kind of casual? I don't want to look overdressed or anything. Thanks! Again bye. -Abby"

This is the first time I've ever recieved an email like this. And there was no way that I couldn't respond! I wish I knew more about Abby, like her age, but I wanted to post this as soon as possible. So I created two looks. I hope they work!

Casual First Date #2 by randon1993 on Polyvore.com

The first look is a bit edgy. Start with your favorite pair of jeans and a simple tank. [a cami underneath might be a good idea]. Then add a chic, oversized cardigan that is perfect for these cold winter months. Add a cute cross-shoulder bag that is large enough to carry all the necessities for the date. I cheated a little. I know you said no black but these studded flats were so chic but if you really hate black that much, wear brown flats. Add simple gold jewelry and the look is complete.

Casual First Date by randon1993 on Polyvore.com

This look is a little sweeter. Start with a simple white summer dress and a warm, chunky grey sweater. If you live in a really cold place, add a pair of tights! I know you like brown so opt for strappy wedges--perfect and comfortable--and a brown belt to cinch in the waist. Add color with a bold bag and complete the look with simple gold earrings.

Feel free to switch cardigans for balzers or jackets. Red cardigans for blue ones. These are just suggestions to keep in mind when choosing your outfit. I made these picks with both comfort and style in mind. I wish you all the luck on your date! Bye. :)

How To: Light Denim

Everyone knows that dark-wash is extra slimming. That is why it is so popular among women. We don't want to look bigger than we are and that is why we have been taught that dark denim is our friend. Lately, there have been many fashionistas finally deciding to buck that rule and start wearing light-wash denim freely.

Jayma Mays in a sequined skirt and denim button-up [left] and Jessica Szhor in a draped mini with a jean jacket [right].

Denim is such a work-man's fabric that an easy way to dress it up is shiny and fun sequin. It is the juxtaposition of necessity and want. A truly dark denim would've looked too harsh with the light gold color. Jessica is proving that jean jackets are not a project of the 90's. She adds a modern twist with her modern mini and black clutch.

Rashida Jones in a jean jacket and black capri [left] and Drew Barrymore in a belted long white skirt and jean button-up top [right].

Rashida adds a jean jacket to keep her look casual and it is styled perfectly with her detailed pumps and tailored capri pants. She tossed her hair up in a bun, suggesting an air of messiness. Drew looks like a breath of fresh tropical air in this billowing white skirt. She looks like she would be more at home on a beach than in the concrete jungle of New York. The dark chocolate  belt is a beautiful contrast to the light colors of her top and skirt.

Whitney Port in cuffed boyfriend jeans, a printed blazer, and white tee [left] and Blake Lively in a sequined skirt, belt, and denim shirt [right].

Light wash denim looks best in a slightly loose fitting pant. It is meant to look slouchy and un-put together. Whitney dresses it up a bit with structural heels and fitted blazer. Blake takes a casual denim shirt and keeps it casual with the messy knotted belt and shirt peeking from the bottom of her skirt but her sleek booties and sparkly skirt add class. This outfit surprisingly fits in both categories. 

 I just got the Glee Christmas Album and I'm so excited! :) My favorite song has got to be God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Acapella [spelling?] music is my favorite. Thank you guys for reading!

How To: Wear Bold Color

The moment I saw Carey Mulligan in her bright, cobalt heels I knew that I had to post about those bad boys. And then I started to noticed that lately celebs have been loving adding a burst of unexpected color to their outfits with this electric color.

Carey Mulligan in a balck and white beaded dress [left] and Heidi Klum in printed mini [right].

Whether you want to add a pop with shoes both Heidi and Carrey know that these velvet cobalt pumps are the perfect accessory for their very color-less looks. A bold shoes is unexpected as they normally play a supporting role in outfits but these two looks are perfection.

Clemence Poesy in Louis Vuitton [left] and Blake Lively in a Pucci jacket and cobalt pants [right].

If shoes are too subtle for you, there are always skirts and the less obvious option--pants. Clemence looks wonderful in her bold skirt and sub-dued top and shoes. Then Blake looks stunning in her bright cobalt capris and padded shouldered golden jacket. People often forget about their bottom half when they're searching for ways to add color.  

Robin Wright Penn in a Matthew Williamson jacket, white tee, and skinny jeans [left]. Gwen Stefani in her own brand, L.A.M.B. [right].

A cobalt jacket is a celeb favorite. Choose a jacket that is fit properly. It will draw the eye to the top half of your body, giving you the chance to camoflauge any unwanted imperfections with black jeans. Throw on a white or black tee and the look is complete. Simple and effortlessly chic.

And this is the end of today's session. Leave any suggestions in the comments. They're really appreciated. And I'd like to thank all of my readers. Especially all the ones who have been with me from the begining. Thank you! And follow if you want to.

How To: Wear Red

Moulin Rouge!, with its music and clothes, was a roller coaster of a movie. Nicole shimmered in red lipstick. Ewan sang his heart out for the girl he loved. Moulin Rouge! is one of my favorite movies [of all time]. And what kind of Moulin Rouge fan would I be if I didn't love the color red?

Red is a great color for all skin tones. It just has to be worn properly. And that's what I'm going to talk about.

A bright, vibrant red looks [truly, utterly, and completely] amazing on girls with dark hair and olive to dark skin. The bright color contrast beautifully against the dark color of the hair and brings out the rosy color in olive to dark skin.

It almost works like a blush. A bright, true red can look amazing on a girl with rosy to pale skin. But a problem that often occurs when red is worn too close to the face is it will make a girl with red undertones in her skin look ever redder. [istant sunburn]

Like shown on Vanessa. The red makes her complection warmer and the neutral bottom half don't distract from her bold statement. This outfit would look amazing for school or even a date.

Her outfit is minimal and she doesn't have too many accesories. If you are  wearing such a bold color next to your face a bold neckalce is unneccesay. A simple gold chain would suffice. Don't go over board. Bold colors can stand alone.

Another way to wear red without going quite as bold is wearin accesories. Red shoes. Red bags. Red bangles. They make a statement without going over-board.

Whitney looks adorable with her fun, flower shoes, polka-dot skirt, and dark shirt. Again, the red color does not need any competition and she kept her outfit simple and clean. Any color can be used to make a bold statement with the shoe.

I love wearing my dark wash skinnie, a navy blue tank, and my purple converse. Make shoes the center of attention rather than the accesorie. [in other words: let your shoes be the bride rather than the supportive friend who helps make the outfit flow effortlessly.]

A lady in red. Yes, we know the song. I've sung it many times. But a simple way to be a lady in red without looking like a huge, red balloon, is to make it a slightly muted red. It still makes a huge impact but it does look like you're wearing a dress right out of a Crayola box.

Plus, a muted red or even a maroon tends to more flattering on blondes and red-heads. Don't belive the myth that red-heads can't wear red. It doesn't look trashy or clashy [nince rhyming skills, huh?] if done with the right color.

Brown accesories are also a nice [and slightly more casual] approach to styling your outfit. Black and red is a harsh color combonation and looks amazing but the brown is softer. And a safter route.

I hope you enjoyed my tips and tricks on how to wear red. Comment. Then follow on Facebook or thorough GFC! :D Thank you!

How To: Sequins

Rule One [and this is serious because normally i don't believe in rules with fashion] wear sequins on only one piece of clothing. Please don't wear a sequin skirt, shirt, shoes, and jacket unless you're being a disco ball for Halloween.

Jessica does sequin effortlessly. She uses muted pieces, knowing that she shouldn't try to have too much going on. Also, jewelery isn't needed. In some way you're sequined item acts like your jewelery.

I saw this picture of Jessica and knew that I was going to be writing an entire post dedicated to sequins. Normally this doesn't happen but she looks so good! :)

Next, less is more. This sort of runs along the same lines as the 'Wear only one sequined piece' rule. But a sequined dress doesn't have to be a dress filled with sparkly, tacky sequined pieces. Jayma [from Glee!] does it brilliantly. Her dress has subtle sequined details.

At first it doesn't even appear like she's wearing any but if you look closely you can see the sun reflecting from the tiny sparkly pieces. I love this dress on her. Plus the nude shoes are perfect. There is nothing I would change. Honestly. She pulls off sequin beautifully.

Next, do the unexpected. Do sequins in a color that isn't traditionally done. Normally when I think sequins, I think silver and gold. Just because sequins glitters and precious metals glitter, doesn't mean you have to wear them only in those colors.

Brown, as worn by Blake, looks amazing. Bue is also another great option. I would generally suggest to stick with neutrals [unless you want to look like a drag queen.]. Although, that is a suggestion not a rule. Feel free to break it.

I think sequins is a fun element that would fit in effortlessly into almost any wardrobe. Here are just a few tips. Happy shopping. :)

Oh, and don't forget to check out my giveaway. A $75 Target giftcard could be yours! :)

How To: Rock the Military Trend

The military trend is kind of huge. Burberry Prorsum fall 2011 rtw collection. Mary-Kate Olsen on the cover of Marie Claire. Kate Hudson. Claire Danes. Rachel McAdams. Alexa Chung. Countless, beautiful women are sporting this look.

And like I mention in an earlier post, I've become obsessed. But take one look at my Amelia Would Be Jealous Pt. One and you'll totally understand. Trust me. :)

The easiest way to rock the military trend is in a jacket. Obviously because dating back for centuries military jackets are iconic. The British Red Coats. The old American military camoflauge print. I could go on and list jacket after jacket but I think you get my point.

Rachel looks low key and relaxed in her military-inspired jacket. I say inspired because you don't want to look like you moonwalked out of a Micheal Jackson music video. Subtle details are key. Obviously the dark green is synonmous with the military trend.

Plus, the masculine feel of the jacket make it lean into the military trend. I know that women proudly serve in the armed forces [thank you], I mean two of my aunts are retired from the Army but the armed forces tend to have a defininte masculine feel because most are male.

The jacket doesn't have an over-embellished look and looks like something from an old movie. Something like a young recrutee would wear as he waves to his family as he boards the bus for training camp.

Next, Nicky takes the military trend and infuses it with girliness. The bold buttons of the jacket are a throw back to when military uniforms were mostly for show rather than camoflauge from enemies. And while the cut is decidedly feminine the leather fabric gives it an edginess.

The rest of her outfit is muted in color. A military jacket always looks a little funny when paired with hot pink yoga pants and a canary yellow tee.

Finally, Rihanna pays homage to another branch in the military. The Navy, of course. A lot of times I think people hear military and automatically think Army. But in Burberry Prorsum last fall collection there were inspirations taken from the navy with navy and black pea coats.

I also loved the unexpected pops of a rich fusia color. Complete brilliance! :) But Christopher Bailey managed to mix in influences from the army, air foce [bomber jackets never looked so good], and the navy. Looking outside of the expected is what fashion is all about.

Don't stick to the green and beige if the navy, cream, and black are more you're thing. Take a trend and think of how to wear it, so that it is all you.

Hope your day is wonderful. "Because you're amazing. Just the way you are. Cause when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while." -Bruno Mars

How To: Stripes

Reese. She is known for her simple, minimalistic style. I don't think they're is anything wrong with simple. If its done right. Love her blue scarf and her naval inspired top. Stripes are so cute! :) I heard that Reese is coming out with a new movie where she plays a softball player. Is that true?

If so, I'm so excited. Her movies are always so good. Legally Blonde anyone? I also really want her sunglasses. And her bag. So basically I want her entire outfit. That's not really a surprise. :)

Amanda Peet is lovely in her Christian Louboutin shoes. I can admit that I'm a little jealous. Her striped dress is stunning. Love the grey color. Not in love with the lace but it's whatever. Oh, her picture just reminded me of something.

I finally got a blue boyfriend blazer! I know, isn't that so exciting? I've wanted one FOREVER but I never found one I liked enough or it was too expensive. Finding the perfect boyfriend blazer is more difficult than it seems.

Random tangent over. Sorry. I do that a lot.

Oh, Amanda. Love your black skinny jeans. :) Adore. Adore. But I don't think I've ever posted about Amanda before. I don't know why but I just don't. Hmmm...I should change that. I mean she was hilarious in Mean Girls.

"I can stick my whole fist in my mouth! [pause] Want to see?"

"Gretchen, I'm sorry that I laughed at you the time you got diarrhea at Barnes & Nobles. [pause] And I'm sorry for telling everyone about it. [pause] And I'm sorry for repeating it now."

"There's a 30% chance that its already raining!"

Oh, I could quote Karen all day. The things that she says in that movie are just so bizarre and...just bizarre. That movie is so funny. I went to go see it in the fourth grade with my mom. Kind of awkward. Thank goodness my dad refuses to see chick flicks in the theatre.

That would've been suuuper awkward.

But Amanda looks so chic in her stripes. She's small enough that she doesn't have to worry about the stripes making her appear larger. And the white jacket looks a lot better than a dark one. A dark jacket would just look overwhelming.

But good night world! Sorry for the random quotes. Once I get started its hard to stop me!

Good Ole Navy

I started training for XC yesterday. Ran two miles. I. Am. So. Sore. I'm just lying down. I don't even want to think about moving. Not going to move until much later. I'd laugh but then my ab muscles would hurt. :)

Anyway. I love the nautical look. Its summer so I'm thinking of the ocean and sand. Maybe its because my dad was in the Navy. Idk. But I don't like the super obvious and sometimes tacky nautical look. I think Blake and Jessica are subtle and sohpisticated. Its not over the top but both of these ladies are sporting looks with just enough nautical flare. :)

Blake Lively. Wearing Henly Tank, Navy and White Smythe Jacket, Skinny Jeans,

and Peep-Toe Pumps.

Jessica Alba with Cash Warren in Los Angelos. Wearing Navy and Blue Coat, Black

Cardigan, Simple White Top, Dark Washed Skinny Jeans, and Red Ballet Flats.

How cute are Jessica's flats? Adorable. :) I'm just going to sit around today. I might run a mile today but I don't know. I need to get my stamina up. I don't know...I'll think about it. Have a great Tuesday. Pretty Little Liars is on today! Yay! So excited. :D