Wednesday, August 29, 2012

excuses

I know, I owe you guys a post. But I think I'm allowed like a 10 day grace period for getting settled in here! Meanwhile I'm trying to post new things on the Tumblr and Instagram every day in order to stay connected. I will get you guys something good soon <3 Thanks for your patience!

Facebook: Facebook.com/keepcalmandchiffon
Tumblr: keepcalmandchiffon.tumblr.com
Instagram: @jane_aus10

Keep Calm and Chiffon 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

life-size barbie

Hi there!
If you have a free moment before the summer comes to an end, stop in to the city and visit the main floor of the D building on the FIT campus. They have this cool Barbie display up right now that is a project for visual display students. The garments pictured below are all made of Barbie parts from the dolls themselves and the accessories. It's pretty kick-ass, not gonna lie. Sorry I don't have a real post today because I MOVE IN TO COLLEGE TOMORROW! Exciting, I know. But enjoy these photos for now. 










Until next time, 
Keep Calm and Chiffon 

Sunday, August 19, 2012

gears

Hello all! 
I am in the homestretch of my time at home. It's so weird to think I'll be all packed up and headed to college in just 5 short days. The past few weeks have been filled with seeing friends, late nights, mosquito bites, dinners, parties, and just plain fun. I am so happy and thankful that I got this summer to just be free and have time to do things like sleep over at a different friend's house every night for a week or start a fashion blog initially just to see a different layout and suddenly have an international audience with readers everywhere from next door, to Russia, Italy, Hong Kong, Germany and the UK. Basically, it's been a wild couple of weeks and I'm so grateful for the memories made and the beginning of college! 












Outfit Details:
Top: Urban Outfitters
Pants: Forever 21
Necklace: So Good
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Bag: ASOS

As an extra part of today's post, I've gotten a request to break down exactly what it is I do all day. What kinds of things does  a blogger do on a day-to-day basis? Remember, this is during the summer when I have time to be running around thinking about fashion 24/7. But this is a day in the life of a summer fashion blogger. 

9:29am Roll out of bed and convince mom to go get iced coffee and a flagel from David's while I skim the fashion headlines on wwd.com

10:02am Get dressed!!

10:35am Blog photo shoot

11:25am I have a meeting with a designer who wants to review my sketches and turn one of them into a sample! If the sample turns out the way we want, we're going to make more and sell them in her store! More about this later.

12:00pm Off to work at the boutique!

5:00pm After work stop by Cat's house for a chat

6:45pm While mom's making omlets for dinner, I edit and post the photos from the shoot earlier today.

8:10pm Swing by the bookstore and pick up the September issues of Harpers Bazaar, Vogue,  and People Style Watch.

9:00pm Turn on pretty little liars and see what they're wearing!!!

10:30pm Go through my google reader feed. I am subscribed to all my favorite blogs and I flesh out my favorite pictures to add to my tumblr inspiration blog (keepcalmandchiffon.tumblr.com)

12:00pm Lights out!

And there you have it! Until next time,
Keep Calm and Chiffon 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

glittering oxfords

Today was an overall lazy, gloomy, meh kind of day. Wanna know why I know this? Because this morning was one of those mornings where I stared at my closet and thought to myself, "Oh my god. I have nothing to wear." 

Obviously, this is not the case. I have dozens of things to wear, but my creative juices, much like everyone else's can occasionally fail me. I'm going to share with you one of the best solutions to this problem. This solution comes from none other than legendary fashion consultant, Tim Gunn. His solution to the "nothing to wear" dilemma  is what he likes to call, "The Uniform." That one outfit that is your go-to no matter what the situation is. For him, it's a black suit. For you it may be a dress and tights or jeans and a t-shirt. Think about what you're most comfortable in and what is the most universal thing that you will be able to wear to work or out to dinner.  

You could also browse lookbook.nu or chictopia.com and see what others are wearing today, create an outfit (or two, or three) trying to remix the little black dress, or pick one standout piece like a sequin top or bright jeans and let the rest of the outfit be neutral and relaxed. I hope this helps shake some outfit anxiety out there and gives you the freedom to have fun with what you wear. 




















Outfit Details
Top: Forever 21
Bag: Free People
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Ring: So Good 
Necklace: Buffalo Exchange


Okay and on another note, I have absolutely no reason to have a fashion show. BUT if I did, here's a playlist of 10 songs that I would love to see be used in fashion shows. Some of them aren't exactly what you'd expect to hear, but that's the whole point of the fashion industry, right? To keep people on their toes? Yeah, thought so. 

Fashion Show Playlist:
10) Sail by AWOLNATION

Until next time,
Keep Calm and Chiffon

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

countdown

Howdy! (Sorry I know that's so cheesy but it's late and I'm tired and it was that or Aloha)

Apparently I move in to my dorm in two weeks! TWO. WEEKS. On one hand, I could not be more excited, and on the other it feels like wrong. I should be headed off to soccer preseason or those early student government meetings in August. I should be planning a look for picture day and start the never-ending search for a prom dress. But none of that is happening, which is weird in a good way.

Thanks to my neighbor, Taylor, for helping me with this shoot. I'm still waiting on a girl from my FIT class to send me the photos from our photo shoot in the city, but I wanted to get a post up for you guys!  Speaking of FIT, if you want to visit the blog of one of my classmates follow this link http://thefashionchica.com/2012/08/pre-college-program-part-2/ and see if you can spot me in the post! Also, in case you're wondering, yes, I dyed my hair blonde. Hey, it was time for a change. Besides, it's just hair.










Outfit Details
Top: Necessary Clothing
Bag: Free People
Shorts: Necessary Clothing
Little Bracelets: DIY
Cuff Bracelet: Forever 21
Shoes: Jeffery Campbell
Necklace: Topshop

So, as I'm sure you can guess, I have a lot of things to do, places to visit, people to see, before I go. And you're right. Which is why I'm cutting this one short. 

Until next post,

Keep Calm and Chiffon 

Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Essential Six

Hey everyone!

So, it seems impossible to believe, but summer is beginning to wind down and there is a huge buzz about back-to-school. And for me, and lots of my other friends, it starts to really sink in that we're headed off to college, fleeing the nest, leaving home, or whatever other euphemisms people come up with for completely abandoning everything you know and going some  place new. For me, the countdown stands at 19 days til move-in which means two things. One, I have a lot of good-byes and plans to make, and two I need to go shopping. Badly. And not just for clothes, for a comforter and for a dust buster and all of that other stuff you never think about needing but actually will. But since I brought it up, let's take a minute to talk about back-to-school shopping. Like, where does one even begin? It's a new year, and that means a new look for you! Which can be exciting and extremely intimidating at the same time. But, we've got to start somewhere. Here's how I break it down.

I love the Nordstrom anniversary sale. I am a huge proponent of the store. What I love best is the customer service. I have purchased things from there that I've never used (hey, we all do it!) and brought them back months later and they will give me a full refund.

Separately, the anniversary sale allows you to have access to the latest stuff for fall at a discounted price. And if you're in good with one of the sales associates, (for me it's Oneika from the BP department) you can even go to a presale and check out the stuff before everyone else sees it! So that makes you doubly awesome and ahead of everyone else.

So what, you ask, should you buy to fully take advantage of this amazing sale? Well, everyone is different, but for me it comes down to what is comfortable, what will keep me warm on chilly autumn days, and what updates my wardrobe to include pieces I don't have that can easily fit in with the rest of my closet. So here are my six essentials that I purchased with the anniversary sale discount:

1) Black, sheer t-shirt
This top is exactly what every girl should have in her closet. I know it seems kind of obvious but this t-shirt is made from a dressier polyester instead of the standard cotton. Wearing this with a necklace and a simple skirt will look much fancier, but it's also a nice option to pair with patterned jeans for a funkier look.


2) Tri-Blend Tee
I've been looking at expensive versions of this style at American Apparel for as long as I can remember and though I loved the idea of a tri-blend fabric, I wasn't too keen on the silhouettes they offered. This tee is a little more boxy but it also has the visible seams on each side which gives it character.


3) Black cotton blazer
I bought a heavier version of this from the sale last year and though I loved it, at times I felt a little fancier and stiff than I would have liked. The shape and the fabric of this one feels more relaxed and will even work for spring because of the lightweight fabric.


4) Green jeans
I really started building my denim wardrobe last year. I have moved on from the skinny dark blue and gone for cropped, patterned, colored, everything. Tops are still my weakness but I'm developing a new love for bottoms. With bright denim keep the rest of the outfit neutral so the pants can be in the spotlight.


5)Black coated jeans
Black skinnies are imperative. You can't deny it. They go with EVERYTHING. And the coated look is an update for fall. Those with a leather jacket and all you're missing is a Harley.


6) Cape-like coat
This piece goes with the blanket stripe trend as well as the new nomad trend that will be coming to stores for the fall. It's perfect for running around campus in the fall and is cozy and relaxed.


Now these are all good quality pieces that will last a long time. This doesn't mean you can't add trendier pieces to your wardrobe as the season progresses, but choose cheaper pieces for trendier items so you can stay on trend.

I hope this helped chase away any of the shopping fear clouds that may have been hanging over some of your heads. As always any questions, comments or feedback about posts can be directed to keepcalmandchiffon@gmail.com. Also, I wanted to point out the two new gadgets that appear in the right-hand column. The first is a share button so if you see something on here that you like you can automatically share it on Twitter or Facebook. The second is a follow by e-mail button so you can enter your e-mail address and you will be updated when there is a new post. Lastly, I launched my Facebook page this week so you can find more stuff at www.facebook.com/KeepCalmandChiffon. 

Always yours, 
Keep Calm and Chiffon

Thursday, August 2, 2012

roman holiday

Hello  beautiful readers!
Once again,sorry for the delay, I've been gathering a lot of great material and have just had a little trouble syncing photos from my phone to my computer #iphonenewbie. Anyway, this post was inspired by a DIY project. And  I love a good project. And Refinery29 hit me at the right time with their amazing DIY idea. All you need is a plain t-shirt you already own and a pair of fabric scissors. Here's the link to a step-by-step video that will help you achieve this look on your own! http://www.refinery29.com/diy-cut-out-t-shirt. These photos were taken in the eternal city, Roma. I'm going to be completely honest and admit that I hated Rome on the first day. It was too overwhelming; I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy myself at all. But it really grew on me and by the last night when we enjoyed dinner on a rooftop overlooking the Forum with the Colosseum in the distance, I really was sad to leave. But, my friends and I were sure to throw our coins in the Trevi Fountain to ensure our safe return to Rome. 







Outfit Details:
Tank dress: Free People
Cut-out top: Hanes oversize t-shirt cut up
Necklace: Aldo Accessories
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Rings: Florence street market
Bag: BP Nordstrom 






My friends and I got to walk around on Via del Corro and we found some thrift stores that were out of this world. I got a leather bag that I'll post in the near future that is absolutely gorgeous and a great buy. It's one of those throw all of your crap in there and forget about it but still look awesome kind of bags. And who doesn't need one of those in their wardrobe? In addition to great buys offered at the vintage stores, I went to this awesome store called Toko on Via del Corallo. They have some very cool clothes and amazing jewelry. I bought a crossword puzzle oversized tee and cut it into a tank top. 

We also went to the Vatican Museum and Saint Peter's Basilica and both were unreal. I loved seeing the evolution of the baroque style through a building, because I had really only seen paintings in that style. The dome and the keyhole shape of the plaza are both dramatic and exemplary works of baroque art. Here are some of my favorite parts of the Vatican and a few others scattered in:



Bernini's The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa 


Caravaggio's The Calling of Saint Matthew

The Pantheon 


Michelangelo's Pieta 


Saint Peter's Basilica Dome

Fun fact, I thought you guys might want to know that I tried lots of different foods in Italy that I've never had before including some not so crazy ones like apricot, plum and rabbit, and then including some I never thought I would try like zucchini flower, squid, octopus and (wait for it...) chicken liver!!! Weird, but true.

Until next time, 
Keep Calm and Chiffon