Style Icon: Carrie Bradshaw

There are very few things in the world I love more than Sex and the City. Carrie and Big's passionate, roller coaster ride of a relationship, Samantha's quotable one-liners, Charlotte's naiveté, the evolution of Miranda's hair, and, on top of it all, their undying love for each other, never fails to keep me entertained. I feel as though I am a part of their world, a dream that I surely do not share alone.

I am sure all Sex and the City die-hards have their favorite character, but I think we can all learn a lot from Carrie. Sure she cheated on Aidan and repeatedly returned to Big when her friends (and viewers) warned her otherwise. She was real, she made mistakes, obsessed over petty details, and always tried to do what was best for her. Her vulnerability is something anyone can relate to; despite the fact that she  is (sadly) a fictional character.

 Carrie's rapid emotions are reflected in her equally dynamic style. Her acute fashion sense was undeniable. Who else could rock a cropped button-down shirt, printed midi skirt, flower adorned top knot, and a completely inoperative belt? Carrie could. She was the ultimate fashionista, with an unparalleled and charismatic sense of style. Her clothes never failed to exude the inner confidence that her character sometimes lacked. Although some of her fashion choices may now be outdated, her conviction and one-of-a-kind creativity are timeless components of any successful style.

The fact that Sex and the City can maintain relevancy a decade after going off the air is quite a feat. Some may attribute its long-standing popularity to the endless re-runs, or even the engrossing character development. Personally, I am drawn to its portrayal of confident, passionate women. Through the ups and downs, all four characters–Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte–worked hard to chase their dreams, and continue to inspire new generations of young women to do the same.

Hardcore Normcore

You think baseball hats, oversized hoodies, and sandals with socks are simply just standard components of your father's wardrobe? Think again. Fashion's biggest (anti-)trend has hit the streets, decking hip, young people out in "dad jeans" and white New Balance sneakers. Normcore has infiltrated the elite hipster world, while simultaneously perplexing the rest of humanity. 

According to the ultra reliable resource of Urban Dictionary, normcore is defined as "an exercise in irony. It's being cool through not being cool". It's an anti-trend by nature; the act of standing out in a crowd by dressing absurdly normal. This ultra-conformist fashion movement follows an equally routine progression of trends. In fact, many decade-defining trends are nothing more than counter-culture's active rejection of the ordinary. All trends follow the same fate: a reaction, later commodified, followed by imminent rejection and replacement. The 70's are characterized by the hippie movement, whose fashion and lifestyle functioned as a direct response to 50's and 60's consumer culture. In more recent years, grunge ironically emerged among the youth of the 90's during one of the most profitable eras in American history. Teens rejected the "greed is good" mantra that drove the decade, and dressed accordingly. 

Personally, I secretly love normcore. It's easy, comfortable, and refreshing among trends that were beginning to feel stale. Will normcore come to define our current decade? Only time will tell  However, if one thing's for sure, the perpetual battle against normalcy will never cease in driving future trend-setters.  

Candice Swanepoel for Vogue Russia

I sincerely apologize for neglecting my blogging duties these past few days. Now, with finals and classes completed, I will try and get back on my game. Hopefully. 

I recently came across this stunning editorial from Vogue Russia featuring Candice Swanepoel. We all know Candice as a beloved Victoria's Secret Angel. From runway shows, to television advertisements and in-store features, the girl's face is everywhere. In spite of her risqué ensembles, the South African beauty has exuded a pretty cookie-cutter, "girl next door" persona in both interviews and past commercial photo shoots. However, this shoot in particular–shot by David Mushegain–sheds a new light on Candice. She inhibits a new found edginess within her fierce gaze. She recognizes that her killer bod is fully covered in exquisite garments, and acts accordingly.  Her poses are strong and powerful as she transitions from the flirtatious world of Victoria's Secret. 
I really love this side of Candice, and am eager to see her step outside the "Angels" bubble in the future. 

Met Ball Recap: Power Couples Galore

The Met Gala is the yearly fashion pinnacle of all things glamorous. Last year's theme–Punk: Chaos to Couture–presented some of the most memorable looks to date. I think I shed a tear of joy upon seeing Sarah Jessica Parker's gold-gilded faux hawk. 
This year showcased ensembles nothing short of incredible. "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" brought out the opulent, old-style glamour attributed to the famed designer. James' influence was unmistakable on the red carpet; the wide array of attendees arrived in incredible garments to pay tribute to"America's First Courtier". 

Hollywood's power couples ruled the red carpet in complimenting style. The always fashionable Johnny Depp looked dashing in Ralph Lauren, with beau Amber Heard completing the picture in a sumptuous Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown. The pair were styled superbly. Depp's pocket watch, glasses, and cane evoked old-glamour next to Heard's dark lip-stick, nail polish, and classic up-do. 
It doesn't take much to make the Beckham's look good, yet the couple–in matching snow white–managed to exceed expectations. David donned Ralph Lauren and Victoria was radiant in a vintage-inspired dress from her own Pre-Fall 2014 collection, naturally. 


Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were my personal favorite dynamic duo of the night. Both looked dashing, even reminiscent of Old Hollywood couples like Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Baccall. The Gossip Girl star dazzled in a clinquant Gucci dress with luscious curls. Reynolds looked equally dapper in a–you guessed it–Gucci velvet tuxedo and burgundy bow tie. 

It is impossible to discuss Hollywood's power couples without mentioning the Carters. Beyoncé and Jay Z looked striking on the red carpet, both evoking 20s extravagance. Beyoncé's plunging, black-beaded Givenchy gown, with matching head piece, transformed her into a modern-day flapper girl. 

Other notable mentions include: Karlie Kloss' magnificent Oscar De La Renta gown and Rachel McAdam's Jackie Kennedy-esque champagne pink Ralph Lauren dress. 

Coachella 2014 Recap: Best Looks

 As the Easter sun sets on the vast, desert landscape of the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, so to does the exuberant Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival come to a close. Although I caught a few performances on the Coachella live stream, I found myself more captivated by the always incredible festival ensembles. Coachella is inherently a place to see and be seen; even mediocre lineups would attract gigantic crowds. Despite the big names and surprise performances, the spectacle of Coachella lies in the fashion scene. Here are some of my favorite looks. 

The daisy appliques are subtly adorable. 

Lizzy Plapinger of Ms Mr

Evil eyes are a popular print on the festival scene. 

Simple and chic. Love the Blair Waldorf-esque lipstick. 

White shoes at Coachella? Daring. 

Hopefully, Kendall Jenner's nose ring chain  doesn't make a reappearance next year––or ever. 

Fashion Icon: Stevie Nicks

After Ticketmaster forced me to endure the most stressful fifteen minutes of my life, I made it through the madness and purchased a ticket to the much anticipated Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival (Thanks Mom!). The festival will be held in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and is set to feature some of the biggest acts in music, including: Kanye West, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and, my personal favorite, The Killers. Needless to say, I am ridiculously excited.

Now that I have my ticket, I have to figure out what to wear. 

Although Outside Lands is five months from now, it never hurts to be prepared. If college has taught me anything thus far, it is that over preparation in the form of online shopping can be a (somewhat) productive means of procrastination. 

I have recently been drawn to the fashion of the 70s; patterned wide-leg pants, lacy bralettes, and embroidered kimonos. While many 70s women come to mind as fashion icons, none did it quite like Fleetwood Mac front-woman, Stevie Nicks. Both edgy and bohemian, Nicks' style was truly one of a kind. I can't think of anyone able to rock a black top hat and cascading halter dress while looking remarkably cool. A champion of both music and fashion, Stevie Nicks continues to inspire women to defy the ordinary. 

Power In Clothes: Claire Underwood

I pride myself on my loyalty. This quality extends to just about every corner of my life, from friendships to intense, life-consuming television series. Homeland was my first love. But, after an unimpressive third season, I decided it was time to move on.

 Then I found House of Cards. 

House of Cards, a dramatic series created exclusively for Netflix, is twisted, corrupt, and extremely thought provoking. Among the show's stars stands Robin Wright, as Claire Underwood, the incredibly influential, conniving wife of Frank Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey). Wright convincingly plays Claire as a diabolical ice queen; who's smiles are as rare as her fashion missteps. Her morals are questionable and manipulation techniques undeniably effective, yet she is easily my favorite character on the show. If, in some fictional world, Miranda Priestly and Lily van der Woodsen were to create a more ruthless version of themselves, their result would be Claire Underwood. 

 Claire's wardrobe is as equally powerful as her demeanor. As Season 2 costume designer Johanna Argan puts it, "Her clothes are her armor... She is the modern-day Lady Macbeth" (NYDailyNews). The simple lines, classic silhouettes, and strict color palette of black, grey, and navy all add to her stature of sheer superiority. On paper, her style––made up of mainly shift dresses, pencil skirts, and oxford shirts––should seem like a bore. However, there is something about Wright's angular frame, paired with crisply tailored garments that gives her an entrancing sophistication. It also helps that she strictly wears designer pieces, from Louboutin stilettos to L'Wren Scott pencil skirts and Dior shift dresses.

As I begin Season 2 of the show, I look forward to all the shocking moments to come. However, if one thing's for sure, Claire's wardrobe, in all its powerful splendor, will relentlessly live up to all expectations.