New On The Scene: The Crop Kick

The day is finally here. After a long-standing career on the top of the charts, the skinny jean has been demoted by a cooler breed of denim: the crop kick. And, we can rejoice.

Of course, skinny jeans are a classic staple for any occasion. Our celebration is not for the death of the skinny jean, per say. Instead, we shout from the rooftops in pure elation for the arrival of an option of equivalence. Those exhausting, early morning, skinny jean shimmies and aggressive, end-of-day, denim evacuations don't have to be as frequent.

The crop kick is essentially a shortened straight leg jean. I, for one, have never really been a fan of straight leg denim; its styling confuses me. Do you tuck them into boots? Can they be cuffed? Are flats or sneakers even an option? By the time I can even process these questions, I am about ten minutes late for class, struggling to pull on a standard pair of skinny jeans as my solution. The crop kick answers all of these age old questions because it goes with everything. Unleash your ankles from the confines of the skinny, and pair a crop kick with sneakers. A fringed hem or baby cuff adds an unexpected personality.  Or, for a night out, let them compliment your best pair of mid-calf booties. 

Is the crop kick here to stay? Time will tell. As of right now, embrace the freedom of a denim suitable for endless cartwheels and high kicks, and toss your skinnies in the back of the closet for a later date. 

Mom Jeans: An Ode to the Fashion of our Moms

90s fashion is great. Mom fashion is great. 90s mom fashion is the stuff I live for. 

First, a little back story...

As I was perusing through old pictures, looking for something suitable for Instagram, I came across some snapshots of my mom, rocking Adidas tracksuits, running shoes and thick Oakley's. Growing up, I remember being so enamored with my mom. I sincerely believed she always looked amazing, that I needed to dress the same way. I would sneak into her closet when my parents were out, and try on all of her clothes––the turtle necks, chunky earrings, color blocked ski jackets, hush puppies––hoping that her greatness would somehow rub off on me. 

My mom was undoubtedly my first fashion icon, sadly replaced by Avril Lavigne circa Sk8er Boi, once I became "too cool" for her. 

A variety of today's most popular trends can be directly linked back to 90s mom fashion:

High waisted jeans

First seen on your mom (or in this epic SNL Clip) 

Now $90 at American Apparel

Overalls

Worn by your mom on a trip to Disneyland (probably with a fanny pack)

Now the single most popular item on every street style blog 

Running shoes and jeans 

A classic staple for a mom-on-the-go

Now worn by every hipster who hopped on the normcore bus a little late

Birkenstocks 

An item from your mom's "college days" praised for their comfort, often worn with socks

Now on my feet, with socks, of course 

90s mom fashion, a dominating force in the present day fashion scene, reminds us of three things: our moms are always right, certain clothes will "get fashionable again", and deep down, all of us got it from our mamas.  

So, if you are ever upset with your mom, just remember, she showed you the beauty of the Gap and bargain shopping. You wouldn't be the fashionable person you are today, without her. 

How to Look Fresh to Death at Coachella

rachel zoe knows what's up

Coachella Weekend One is fast approaching, bringing with it thousands of feather headdress clad, Flash Tat-ted bohemian girls, sitting upon the shoulders of shirtless frat stars in Chubbies, all vibing to live music in the scorching Indio heat. Ahhhhh, festival season. To make sure you stand out this weekend, here are some trends and tips you may want to implement in your packing list: 

1. Don't underestimate the power of a dress. 
What can withstand the pressures of high heat, long porta potti lines and hours upon hours of frolicking around? A killer dress. It's a
functional and versatile base piece for any outfit. Pair a maxi with gladiators and a cropped moto jacket, or layer an open back sundress with a detailed bralette and your favorite pair of booties, and you are destined for a comfort level of like 110. Also, twirling dress pics can make for some pretty rad instas. 
2. Accessorize your little heart out. Festivals offer a platform of fashion expression unlike a typical concert, so why not go all out? An event like Coachella calls for outfits of equal amplitude and energy. In other words, it is virtually impossible to over style. If you feel confident in a body chain, Flash Tats, wide brimmed hat, 70's sunnies and turquoise arm candy, then go for it. Festivals give us the opportunity to move outside our comfort zones. 

3. Boho isn't everything.
Trends such as flower crowns and hair feathers have become "basics" of the festival fashion scene. This year, step outside the Free People catalog. Bohemian looks are fabulous and all, but not a necessity of the festival dress code. Find some new inspiration. Channel your inner Gwen Stefani in a sporty bra top and tartan printed skirt, or even create a twist on your favorite Wes Anderson character. A graphic tee, vintage windbreaker and classic sneakers make for a cool 80's hip hop look. Inspiration is everywhere, and a stage like Coachella illicit fashion with the creative effort of Halloween. 

4. Lastly, and most importantly: do you.
Rules are meant to be tested and broken. Wear what you want, and what makes you feel confident. You, beautiful reader, are #flawless, even in a gigantic flower crown. 

Ahhh, Friends

The start of a new year popularizes gym memberships, gives people new hope, and allows us all to forget the missteps of the previous 12 months. This year, however, my priorities were a little skewed. As I embarked into 2015, I posed a life-altering question to myself: "Why make friends, when you can watch Friends?". 

For all of you (probably) very successful people–who refuse to pose victim to the procrastination powers of Netflix–here's the 411. As of January 1, 2015, the entirety of Friends can be found on Netflix in its original 90's glory. Thus, the question I posed to myself has quickly transformed into a motto, proving to be the most successful New Year's Resolution of my  life. 

As I spend hours fulfilling the challenge I set out for myself, I simultaneously receive a historical lesson in fashion. 

The fashion in Friends really drives the show, with the first season alone featuring iconic looks. What would Joey be without his turtlenecks? Chandler minus a sweater vest or an oversized tie would be a sin, and Rachel in anything but a crop top would feel treasonous. Each character had a distinctive identity enhanced by their respective outfits; wardrobes that evolved with every individual during the progression of seasons. And, in a strange twist of events, the fashion on Friends as a whole feels weirdly current. 

Here are the lessons I have learned from binge-watching Friends so far: 

1. Layering is great. Shirt under dress with a vest? Yes. A blazer over overalls? Sure. On that note...

2....overalls are always a good idea. 

3.. Rachel Green can literally rock anything. I mean anything. 

4. And, everyone should wear rings like Phoebe Buffay

Furthermore, watching Friends outside its original context makes me nostalgic of a time period in which I barely existed. The 90's in NYC seemed pretty rad: a time where rent for a few gigantic apartments could be paid through minimum-wage jobs, and a group of well-dressed best friends could spend their days gossiping at a coffee shop. Ahhhhhh, the 90s. 

my new screensaver