Coffee Cup Inspiration

I sometimes find inspiration in the strangest places. In fashion, a designer must often go outside their own mind to find something that strikes them. Something that plucks the right heart strings. Because if you just create strictly from your own head, you run the risk of becoming totally self-involved; no longer in touch with the real world. Even as a stylist- someone who designs "looks"- I must do the same. We both know that fashion is cyclical and if you're not careful, you can become complacent.

I recently came across an ad for Sharpie in my Teen Vogue (still not sure why that was in my mailbox) that I found to be extremely inspirational, and according to this New York Times article, that was the intended message.

peek-a-Boey

Artist Cheeming Boey took unassuming, blank coffee cups and turned them into little objects of art. Some have very elborate images while others are cute and quaint. His skill level clearly runs the gamut but what struck me most was the tagline Sharpie uses now to market themselves. Followed by the question "What are you gonna start?", the ad encourages you to "uncap what's inside". I like that idea, tapping into yourself because you never really know what you're capable of.

click the picture to see how much one of these little vessels will cost ya.

Coming at this from a sartorial perspective, I decided to urge you all to give prints a chance. I really like the black and white contrast in Boey's work and luckily, printed bottoms seem to be the easiest and most flattering way to incorporate my inspiration into your own wardrobe.

Take on two trends- wide leg and print. Winter Kate, Nordstrom, $285

The affordable option, and still in a flattering silhouette. Forever 21, $22.80

And if I haven't convinced you to "uncap what's inside", then at the very least try some color! DvF, Bloomingdales, $298

Have some fun with your clothes and break out of your fashion doldrums. You never know when something will tickle your fancy so why not surprise yourself and enjoy it.

Image(s) courtesy of google image search, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Forever 21

Recessionista Secrets- and how YOU can master them

Why is it that the desire/need to shop is always at its greatest when you can least afford it? The simple fact is LIFE GOES ON, even when our wallets can't keep up.  The economy may have come to a veritable stand-still, but our lives are still moving on. No matter how cinched our budgets become, we still need new items of clothing from time to time.

How to Smartly Shop During an Economic Downturn:

1. Go back to basics. Concentrate on acquiring the key pieces at the foundation of every great wardrobe. The classics, like a good coat, hand bag and shoes are important anchors to putting stylish looks together.
2. Make a list and stick to it. Determine the gaps in your wardrobe before you set out to shop. Only buy what’s on the list. It’s that simple.
3. Choose pieces appropriate for multiple occasions. Before buying, ask yourself, “Where am I wearing this? Can I wear it for more than one purpose?" For example, a sassy cardigan can be worn to the office and also on a weekend getaway to Napa.
4. Go easy on the trends. Hop off the trend wagon, for now at least. Set a goal to invest only in classics and incorporate a few trendy accessories to keep looks current, like scarves, leggings, tights, bangles.
5. Embrace quality over quantity. Opt for well-made clothing in high-quality fabrics to ensure your pieces have the bandwidth to last more than one season.  This is especially true with your basics that go with everything.  Spending more money on one item may seem counter-intuitive to being on a budget.  Americans are into "throw-away" fashion, with stores like H&M and Forever 21 feeding the budgeter's urge to spend.  The point here is to get items that will stand the test of time not only in style, but also regular washings.  Save the $15 shirts for trendier pieces, not your wardrobe staples (see #4).
6. Know when to shop the sales. Department stores like Macy's are constantly putting out printed coupons.  When using coupons, be sure to read the fine print and find out whether or not the items you are wanting to purchase are actually a part of that sale (which happens more often that you would think).  Know that the MSRP of a BCBG shirt will be the same at the boutique store, as it is in the department store down the street.  Because of that MSRP, that BCBG shirt will be the same price at Nordstrom as it is at Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus.  Know when your favorite brand is going on sale at your local department stores- you may find the items cheaper than if you went to the boutique.
Get onto your favorite brand's mailing list for updates on sales.  Like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter for the most up-to-date information on discounts and specials in-store and online.

Make sense?  Do you have any tips of your own?