Billie Holiday Mix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LtxvKY3IJY&list=PLEE91630C9FDC517C

Listen to while cleaning, cooking, sewing, etc.

Summer Fashion (it isn't as hard as it looks)

   
    I know, with the heat and the bugs, summer can be daunting (well it is to me at least). Fashion is hard, don't get me wrong. But just because of the rise in temperature and applying cream to bug bites (they really made a feast of me this season), your style should not be compromised.

As a teenager, you are expected if anything encouraged to sport daisy dukes, tube tops, and flip flops. When you're older, you should probably move away from the teen look and go for the more elegant, mature, and effortless look. And here's my effortless, elegant guide of how-to:

Underpinnings:
ugh nothing is worse then having lace or silk stick to your sweaty self, one way to cut down on the heat is wear everything in cotton. Cotton bras, panties, thongs what have you. The bonus with cotton is heat isn't retained as easily, it absorbs sweat and washes easy. Any lingerie store carrie it, and it is usually less costly. 
p.s. stockings or hoes of any type are not required, not only will this age you but it will jut make you overheated (desperately reaching for something yourself with)

Shirts:
in my opinion with anything in fashion, classics are always best to stick to (but again, this is just my preference) classics such as the t-shirt (no one wore it better than Clark Gable), keep in your closet at  least one white, navy, and black. Experiment with colours but keep in mind the cut and fit of a t shirt. Are you showing to much cleavage?, Is the fabric stretched across your bust? Can you move your shoulders? Or do you raise your arms and your belly button is in sight? Perhaps take a friend shopping with you to help be the judge. 

Besides the classic T-shirt, the tank top or light material blouse is popular and can be paired with anything (shorts, skirts, etc.) For tank tops and blouses though, keep in mind fit and how much skin you are showing. Being conservative is so much more attractive and is ageless, but if that isn't you (covering up) then let your freak flag fly and sport your skin. I high five you for your daring attitude. 

Bottoms:
no nothing wool just throw that in the winter box or where ever you store your seasonal clothing. Depending on where you are in the world, you might be able to get away with pants, but if it gets to warm here are my suggestions:
-capris
-black leggings
-shorts
-skirts

all of these can range in style, colour, and length. I personally like a black capri, leggings and shorts (it's naturally slimming and I feel more parisian than usual) and with skirts something A-line is always my favourite, allows air flow and is beautifully feminine. But again, what ever floats your boat is the way to go. 

Dresses:
so so many options with summer!: there are to many types to tell; a-line, strapless, maxi, etc. Right now I am a big fan of anything in a light weight material that falls at my ankles and allows me to move. But heres some fabric suggestions for occasion and keeping the sumer season in mind:

wedding (yes it is the season for it): don't wear white, or black. No blanc, No noir.  Unless you are a bridesmaid and the bride-to-be has instructed otherwise. Keep in mind that this is the couples day, not your shining moment. Avoid fabrics such as satin or silk, these will stain with sweat and stick to your body. Dress styles such as strapless, a-line, empire, anything that allows air flow and that you can dance in. Honestly this list (except the no noir and blanc) is applicable to occasions ranging from baptism to cocktails. Maybe later I will right up a guide to dressing for certain occasions, later though

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFmNgiEgPoQ
Frank Sinatra-Witchcraft

Billie Holiday Mix

www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3VWKEtkgBY
a link to a 50 minute plus Billie Holiday mix
perfect for cooking, dinner parties, going through your closet etc. 

The Basics

        The basics-
 something that should be in every woman's closet. They are the building blocks to 'outfit success', which for many is a daily struggle. And it does not have to be drudgery,  it should be a fun, creative, and enjoyable experiance. Basics (as I said above) are how we are going to make the transgression into 'fashion ease'; the ability to put something on and know that it is amazing and that you yourself are amazing. Furthermore have the confidence to be proud.

The most important basic above all however is Confidence.

And no one put it better than Karl Lagerfeld,
“The elegance is as physical, as moral quality that has nothing common with the clothing. You can see a countrywoman more elegant than one so called elegant woman.”



When it comes to your closet however, there are basics that are needed:
   (some of these will not work in certain seasons, but most you will be able to do all year)
Tops:
-Black cashmere long sleeve (turtleneck, scoop neck which ever) it's classic and to boot sliming
- Black t-shirt &White t-shirt (perfect for layering or for summer) plus so many things to wear with it
- Striped sailor shirt (loose fitting or tight, it is a classic basic, it gives pattern and visual interest) as well you will instantly feel like Coco Chanel or just a touch of Paris
Bottoms:
-a good pair of denim (jeans) they can be dressed up or dressed down, but the goal is to find the right one for you and your butt. Get a girlfriend's second opinion for that one if unsure
-black cigarette pants (they are the Joan Jett of the pants world, but honestly that is why we love them even more. They are slimming and have so many options to be paired with)
-black dress pants (so many options; wide cuff, no cuff, slim leg etc.) but no matter what they will be a staple to your life proffesional or otherwise
Dress:
-LBD (little black dress):this one is key, because you should have one for each season. Personally I have a black wool long sleeved dress that skims over my curves, but it is strictly a fall/winter dress.
summer: in fabrics such as chiffon, cotton, satin just anything light weight. The best part of this dress is you can dress it up for a date or dress it down for a summer party
spring: anything that's breezy or something you can at least put on a jacket or go sans jacket. Spring is exciting, it's when you can start to show off legs and start on that tan.
fall/winter: (see above) Wool, cashmere blends preferably, again the secret to the LBD is the dress up or dress down factor, it's like having Jon Hamm as a boyfriend; perfection.
Shoes:
-ballet flats (any color will do, this is up to you being the classic I am I usually go for a light pink) but the great thing about ballet flats is that beyond being oh-too-cute, they go with so many things: jeans, dress, skirts, etc.
-a pair of boots( riding, skater, angry 90's child- what have you) so many styles to choose from yet which ever is more your style they can be worn with jeans, skirts in the fall and winter. And maybe those really cold Spring days.
-The classic black pump (I'm not saying you have to wear scary tall heels, go kitten if that is you, but they are important) just avoid anything too pointy, too square that will become outdated fast.
Outerwear:
-Classic black and or Navy blazer ( tailored preferably, but this is a great piece as you can wear it to a job interview, out shopping, or to a party) it pulls together an outfit perfectly but it also creates structure to an outfit. It's sort of the fat pants of the fashion world: comfortable, dependable, and ever so wonderful.

-Trench coat (I mean Audrey Hepburn and Humprhey Bogart worn them, how many more reasons do you need? But in all seriousness it can be the any add on to a formal or casual outfit, it's classic and pulls together your outfit and is as well a great layer piece.
-Leather coat (I have a girlfriend of mine who wears her dad's university leather jacket and rocks it in either beaten up jeans or a floral dresss, key example of versitality) whatever your preffered color or style, it will work with formal or casual. It also adds a touch of badass