Ties Aren’t Just For Men

Dear Readers,

Good news! I have recently joined a fashion/merchandising club at my university. I have also become a designer for our local Eco Fashion Show. This means I will be designing an outfit completely out of recycled and recyclable materials. I will definitely keep you guys updated on how that’s going.

Now, for this post I’m going to talk about ties and bow ties. Yes, this is a blog mainly for women interested in alternative fashion. Lately, ties have been my favorite accessory. I own four bow ties, one real tie, and two tie-style necklaces.

I know what you’re thinking. How in the world can you wear a tie AND look feminine at the same time? It’s quite simple, really. First, let me show you a couple of examples of how ties can look amazing.

First up, we have, yes of course, Avril Lavigne. In my mind, she is the girl who started this unique trend. Since I was young, I always admired her bold outfits and out-of-the-ordinary accessories. I felt she was always able to pull off a tie. So, finally, I tried as well. I love it. She looks very chic and classy, yet she could still kick my ass. That’s the look you want to be going for.

Here, we have a different take on what a tie could look like. If you don’t think you’re bold enough to wear one like a “man,” then here’s a cool way to do it. You’d still look pretty damn classy.

Now, what should you wear a tie with? Or even a bow tie (they practically go hand-in-hand)? Well, first I’m going to list a couple of rules that I believe should be followed. If you’re going for a classy look, I would stay with a solid tie, preferably black. With a black tie, it’s easy to wear almost anything. A white blouse would look very…well, how much should I tip you, waiter? You get my point. If you’re going to go for a white blouse with a black tie, at least mix it up with something crazy on the bottom. Add a colorful skirt or colored denim jeans. Don’t DON’T wear black on bottom if you’re going with this duo. Seriously.

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Nasty Gal

This is an example of the white blouse idea. As cute as that skirt is, don’t wear a black tie. Any other color but black.

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Nasty Gal

All I have to say is…bright red tie and bright red lipstick. Just do it. Don’t question it.

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Nasty Gal

So this is a top that is perfect for many kinds of ties. Any color works. This top is so versatile with accessories that I just love it. So just go crazy with your imagination. Let it run wild.

Random Fashion Tip:

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These shoes are just adorable. Wear them with a pair of faux-leather skinnies and a cute simple top.

Preparing For Colder Weather With Outerwear

Blazers and leather jackets: The two most popular pieces of outerwear this season. Leather jackets have seemingly made a huge comeback since the 90’s along with studs. They are chic, classy, and rocker all at the same time. Blazers are amazing as well. They are very versatile in that you can either dress them up or down. Add skinny jeans to either and they make perfect outfits for going out with friends. Add a pencil skirt or dress pants and you’re ready to go to the office.

Another thing I’m loving right now? Moto jackets and vests. I think they are such strong pieces that can accentuate almost any outfit, especially if you’re going for the rocker look. This spiked chiffon moto jacket is beautiful. I love how the model paired it up with some crazy leggings; another look I’m loving (although not sure if I can get myself to buy animal print)! Pairing a moto jacket with some combat boots will give you that edgy but casual look you may be looking for to start the year off.

Post-Holiday Hiatus

Hello my dear readers! I’m back from my unannounced college finals/holiday hiatus. Yes, I know New Years is right around the corner, but what better time for a fashion update?

I’m not sure which of you know of the site Nastygal.com, but they sent me an update via email recently with a link to a new e-magazine they have just started doing. I was scrolling through it when I noticed this beautiful gem and had to share it.

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Now, the thing I love about this is the skirt. It is a gorgeous Moto Suspender Skirt by Nasty Gal that I feel is so unique. There are so many things you could do with this piece to create a one-of-a-kind outfit!

As I said earlier, New Years is around the corner. For me, it is going to be a very cold night. Unfortunately, that ruins my plan of wearing a cute short dress and sparkly heels, especially if it’s snowing that day. But not all of you live in this type of weather, so perhaps you can wear the short dress and sparkly heels for me! If I was going to be wearing a dress, I’d be wearing a beautiful dark maroon color with gold shoes and accessories. That, or a light blue flowy dress with silver shoes and accessories. The possibilities are endless. However, I will most likely be in downtown Flagstaff bundled up in three coats and thermal leggings with snowboots. Mm, so fashionable. Maybe I’ll add some cute studs somewhere to help myself out.

Either way, if you’re wearing a cute New Years outfit that you’d like to show off, submit it below as a comment and I’ll publish it in a master post.

I want to wish you all a safe holiday season and a happy New Year. 2013 is right around the corner! A time for new fashions to explode and old fashions to come back from hiding!

Love,
Ash

Party On The Bottom, Business At The Top

Dear Readers,

Fall is rolling in quickly this year, and the fashion is changing just as fast. Leather jackets, skinny boots, scarves, and my favorite: Colorful bottoms.

Gone are the days (for now) where all your color is going to be in your top and shoes. In between, you’d simply pull on a pair of your favorite blue jeans or a black pencil skirt and be set for the day. Now, it’s recommended to switch it up a bit. Crazy leggings, colorful jeans, color blocked skirts; all these things are essential this season.

My favorite outfit of the month includes my red skinny jeans from Papaya ($16), a studded black fitted blazer from Kohls ($50), and a silver shimmery tank top, also from Kohls ($?). Blazers are the best way to dress up any outfit for any occasion. With a pair of jeans and flats, you’re ready to take on a day in school or at the mall. Put on a pair of leggings or your nice trousers with heels, and you’re ready to become the boss of your workplace. Blazers are the best way to feel confident, beautiful, and professional.

Colorful skinnies are a great way to spice things up. Why stick with a pair of regular blue jeans when you can wear a bright teal skinny and some faux leather boots? Stand out from the crowd in a good way. Be bold and spectacular. Just be sure to match your colors tastefully.

What’s your favorite fall attire?

Love,
Ash

Let’s Add a Leather Jacket to This ‘ish

Dear Readers,

Now that fall is right around the corner, I’m sure we are all beginning that search for that perfect jacket to compliment each outfit. Let me take the time to bring up leather jackets.

About a decade ago, I remember my mom getting me a leather jacket for my birthday. I told her I liked it, but I honestly wasn’t a big fan. The poor fabric stayed in the back of my closet for many years before I finally decided to get rid of it. However, they are now coming back into style, and this time I may follow along.

Now of course, it has to be just the right leather (faux or real) jacket. Some make my already super-broad shoulders even more so, which is something I’m wanting to stay away from. However, I like the idea of a leather jacket because I feel it can easily add a rocker-chic look to any outfit. Now if we take my suggestions from my Studs post, I would jump at the idea of having patches of studs and spikes added on as well. Let me show you what I mean.

Imagine that look with a dark maroon tank top and a pair of jeans. Sounds amazing for the winter, doesn’t it?

Thanks,
Ash

Color Combinations Are Everything

Dear Readers,

As I was getting dressed and ready for classes this morning, one thing was on my mind. Colors. How do they affect us? How do they show off our personality and style? How can we put them together so that they don’t clash, but instead compliment us?

At the moment, my favorite color combination (although I cannot pull it off) is yellow with black and white. Put together a bright yellow top with some black and white pants or a stunning jacket and you’re ready to rock the night away.

Another thing that’s currently coming back from the 80’s would be the color blocking. Suddenly it’s OK in the fashion world to mix a bright pink top with bright blue pants and neon yellow pumps. Five years ago, that combination would have been unheard of. Still, as I sit here typing that out, I’m putting the outfit together in my head and matching it with proper accessories and hair styles. As crazy as it seems, it may be just the thing to wear at the end of summer.

Let’s say you were to put together an outfit like the one I listed above. What would you pair with it? Well I would not suggest any tights, although a solid color of leggings may do the job if it’s extra chilly outside. Jewelry should be silver, such as a long silver necklace and bold bracelets, unless your skin tone is darker, then I would go with gold. Makeup needs to be as bold as your outfit. If you’re not comfortable with any colored eyeshadow or eyeliner, simply go for a dramatic smokey eye; don’t forget the wings in the corner!

Here’s an example of the outfit I was talking about:

 

 

 

(Can be found on CharlotteRusse.com…link to product attached to pictures)

Thanks,
Ash

Studs, studs, and more studs

Dear readers,

I’ve been noticing that studs have suddenly popped up everywhere. Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, PacSun; everyone is selling them. This is my first topic because I am honestly so excited about this. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for studs and the like. Studded boots? Mm. Jackets? Yes. Heels? Oh my gosh yes.

Adding studs to anything is one of the easiest ways to make anything have a rocker look to them. Put on a pair of skinny jeans and a tank top and you’re probably looking pretty cute. However, add a pair of studded boots like these bad boys and you will instantly turn into a chic rockstar. Couple that with a leather jacket for winter or a light scarf for summer and you’re rocking it.

As fun as studs are, don’t overdo it. They can easily become too much. What is too much exactly? Well, if you’re wearing studded boots, studded jacket, studded pants, a studded hair accessory (you get the point)….that’s when you should know it’s too much. I suggest not wearing any more than two sets of studded clothing or accessories. For example (back to the studded boots), boots and a hair accessory. Or, a jacket and a pair of chic studded platform heels for a night out. Two things maximum.

Extra Tip: For a more fun look, add a splash of bright pink or bright blue with a studded leather jacket. It will give you a unique chic style that is totally rocking the house at the same time.

Thanks,
Ash

Just an Introduction Post

Dear readers,

I have started this blog in hopes of spreading my passion for rocker fashion on to other chic chicks in the world. My goal is to take today’s styles and trends and add a twist to them to create them into something that is unique, creative, and a rocker style. I don’t believe this style is “emo,” “goth,” or anything of the sort. In fact, this style is completely different and perfect for a young adult in her twenties.

A little about myself. I am a college student in Northern Arizona. I originally claim from California, where I like to say my fashion roots began. Growing up, I always wanted to be a rockstar. I would be one of those preteen girls with a hairbrush in my hand pretending to be performing a concert in front of hundreds of people (while in reality I was actually lip-syncing to Avril Lavigne while my cat watched unenthused). I grew up and decided to major in film, which is my current field of study. However, I have a huge passion for music and everything within the music industry. I also love the fashions of the punk-rocker era and hope to bring those back while adding a modern look.

In this blog, I will be posting
1) Pictures of myself in my own sense of style
2) Pictures from magazines or websites
3) Examples and tips on how  to make your look a little bit more edgy
4) Things that will hopefully get you pumped about fashion and the rockIT style.

With that, I bid you all goodbye for now. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to comment below and I will be sure to respond as soon as possible.

Thank you,
Ash