GUEST POST: Royally Inspired Runways

Hello IFFers! (What? Is that even a word??)

Alright, it’s time to get our fashion learn on. I’m switching things up a little bit here with a fashion history guest post from the talented Laura Diaz. She’s a fashion addict with a deep love for soap operas (mostly Telenovelas – she is Latina, after all!). She’s a NYC girl who is trying to make her way through college (studying fashion history and journalism). When she approached me about writing a guest post I was thrilled to be able to collaborate with a fellow fashion enthusiast. Now time to take a step back in history…

Love,
Iris

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How to Mix Patterns: From Beginner to Advanced

Have you been eager to jump on the mixing patterns train but don't know how? It’s actually a lot easier than it looks. Just make minor changes to your outfits until you feel comfortable to go full speed ahead. Below are steps you can take (from beginner to advanced) to get that creative engine running.

The Starry Knight Necklace by Nikki Reed and 7 for all Mankind

Intriguing, edgy, and beautiful – that’s how I describe the Starry Knight Necklace and coincidently, how I would describe the designer. I asked Nikki Reed about her collection and she was beaming with pride when she explained that each piece was her vision, was meaningful to her, and she did all the sketches. Who wouldn’t be proud??

Nikki revealed that the Starry Knight Necklace was the missing piece in her closet. Recently, she’s been recording music with her husband (a mix of country and folkloric) and her outfits have been inspired by this new creative outlet. However, she noticed that her big flashy statement necklaces didn’t go well with her collared, down-to-earth blouses. Enter the Starry Knight Necklace:

7 For all Mankind Launch with Nikki Reed

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening of the 7 for all Mankind store at The Mall at Millenia with their special event featuring the new jewelry line by actress/singer/designer Nikki Reed. The store, as you can imagine, was perfect in every way. The clothes were bright, fresh, and crisply folded and presented. It was like every item in the store was eager to show off for the grand opening. The drinks were fancy and the tunes were tight; pretty amazing shopping experience.

Thrifty Thursday: Vintage Patterns

You might have noticed that I’m a sucker for any item that has a story or evokes an emotion. And Retromended Vintage Boutique is the place that provides this by the rack full (read about my first experience there). I initially loved this blouse just because of the sweet and girly vintage pattern. But once I found out the story, it became much more interesting.

A Classy Cinco de Mayo

As much fun as it is to rock a sombrero and some chili pepper beads on Cinco de Mayo, this year I decided I wanted to celebrate it a little classier. Although, I’m not Mexican, I’ve had the fortune to marry into this beautiful and rich culture. For that reason, I decided to forego the usual clichés and cultural inaccuracies and focus instead on one of my favorite things about this historic culture – the rich colors! You see the vibrant colors in their home design, handcrafts, and fashion. Just look at their flag: reds, yellows, blues, greens, and browns colorfully display their pride. How could I not be inspired by such a colorful representation of their home?

Thrifty Thursday: A Tribute to the Discarded

“Latest and Greatest”

In our everyday lives it seems like we are constantly being marketed with those simple words. “Get it now – it’s the latest and greatest.” We yearn for that new car smell and get consumed with keeping an item in mint condition. Could it be that without even noticing we have become so obsessed with the idea of “newness” that in the process we’ve forgotten the intrigue of “distinctiveness” and “old charm”? Instead, we describe those items as used, ordinary, bland and cast them aside.

Well, here’s to the forgotten and the discarded.