ALL BLACK EVERYTHING

Photos via. PINTEREST

Collage via. My Personal Polyvore

I'm sure everyone has those days where you have absolutely nothing to wear, or at least it seems as though you have nothing to wear. So, what do we do? More often than not, we put on one of our many black items, which we usually curse at during check-out as a vow to purchase more colorful things. But, why is it that black always works? How is it that you can put on an outfit that is solely black (maybe not including underwear), yet still manage to look perfect? 

Here are some of my sentiments as to why we often choose black as the go-to "I have nothing to wear" color:

1. Black is a good disguise

Don't you ever have those days where you just wish you could go unnoticed? Days where you don't really want to draw attention to yourself?  Days where you just want to slip into class, then slip out? I find that on these sort of days, black is my go-to camouflage, it really becomes synonymous with my mood. 

2. Black makes you a badass

...especially in the form of leather. When wearing an outfit completely comprising of black, I find a sort of weird attitude take over my body. It's not so much of a powerful attitude a red dress exerts, nor a sublime attitude white gives, but a cool, sophisticated vibe. It's simplicity makes you feel as though you can be anyone, you can be the real, underlying color. Moreover, if you're wearing a leather jacket, gloves, pants, or all of the above, you feel as though you can do anything. I mean, getting into leather pants on its own is quite remarkable.

3. Black is like plastic

It's moldable, versatile....it's in everywhere and everything. More often than not, you could find any single article of clothing in your wardrobe in this color, because of its simplicity and the notion that it "goes with everything." So, since this color is so abundant and most likely a great majority of your closet (I know it is for mine), let's play a game. I want you to pair all these black articles of clothing into a single outfit, and see the sort of magic simplicity it unleashes. Moreover, I want you to see how quickly it can change your mood or attitude!

Feel free to link any outfit posts of you wearing head-to-toe black. 

And also...feel free to write in the comments below how much you hate black and how your favorite color is actually red. 

DIY: PETER PAN COLLAR NECKLACES!

 

This DIY is something I've done in the past after getting inspired by none other than the popular Beauty/Fashion Youtube Guru, MissGlamorazzi. You can check out an earlier post I've made about this DIY, where I recreated my own Peter Pan Collar necklaces including some photographs here! But, for the time being, I'm bringing this DIY project back to you, FABBERS!

With most DIY projects, I tend to get so obsessive and absorbed into the execution where I spend countless hours trying to perfect what I'm doing, only until I end up giving up and maybe wearing the finished (and somewhat mediocre) product once. With this DIY however, I've found that these necklaces are not just festive and appropriate for the Autumn/Winter season (hence, their resurrection), but they're actually quite cute and wearable. Moreover, they are EXTREMELY EASY to make for even the least crafty Fabbers! 

So, let's get onto the DIY!

The Steps:

1. Get your supplies together. Scissors (should be sharp, so don't run with them), Tacky glue (so your embellishments last), Felt (which you can purchase at any craft store), Ribbon (as your necklace part), and any sort of embellishments that represent YOUR personal style. So, this could mean, studs, spikes, gems, buttons, or even fake pearls. Next, print out this pattern.

2. Fold your felt piece in half. Line up the pattern towards the folded edge, so that when you open it, there will be two sides!

3. Pin the pattern in place OR outline the pattern in a paint pen/chalk.

4. Cut around your pinned pattern/chalk outline.

5. You are now left with a felt collar! Glue on your designs/gems/embellishments to your personal taste! If you're working with poke-through studs, you won't even need glue.

6. For the necklace portion: put a small amount of tacky glue to the corners of the necklace and place the ribbon (with enough length to tie it) on the glued portion. Don't worry about the white glue because it will dry clear.

7. Let your creation dry overnight, and you're done!

For more visual learners: check out Missglamorazzi's video!

Also, feel free to show us your creations at the Fashion At Baruch Facebook Page!

Good Luck!

Fall Color Trend : COBALT!!

It's Electrifying, vibrant, bold. It's Cobalt!

No one can deny the fact that this color has been turning heads as it has been seen strutting down the runway and even brushing past us on our very own New York streets. 

For Fall 2013, ignore the cliche of warm colors only and turn up the color. Cobalt blue can turn any down outfit, up! As well as Cobalt on Cobalt for amplified minimalism.

Whether on your nails or in your home, this hue of blue isnt one to shy away. It's rich quality tends to captivate attention. (Even unwanted ones) 

Even the smallest hint of Cobalt blue will make a statement. Add it to black and white stripes and/or leather giving it an edgy and even bolder look. 

So accessorize and fashionize (doubt that's even a real word but..) your life this fall with something Cobalt Blue!!

What is a Hipster?

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary,

hip·ster

 noun \ˈhip-stər\

: a person who follows the latest styles, fashions, etc. : a hip person

I always found "hipsterism" to be an interesting concept because there are many positive and negative connotations associated with it. On one hand, we have these extremely trendy people who mix flannel and leather, listen to indie rock, wear loud-colored Doc Martens, and have glasses bigger than their own face! But on the other hand, we have these people who claim that they don't follow the mainstream in terms of dress, music, food, and even reading yet use their non-mainstream vibe as a way to act pretentious. So, which one is a hipster?

I think that "hipsterism" is actually not something very new. Rather, it is something that every generation experiences, even in the 18th, 17th, and 16th centuries, let alone now. I like to think of them as a group of people who stray away from the norm whether that be through their shoes, their favorite television show, eating habits, political views, or music they listen to. We have seen these "rebels" of style and culture throughout recent decades like the hippies of the 70s for example. What follows that, though, is also some people who "try a little to hard" to be like the rebels or "hipster," so we now have this whole new culture of fashion, food, and music that's normalized, but largely in the fashion sense, until the next set of "hipsters" come along and break the mold!

Here's my interpretation of a simple, back-to-school, hipster outfit that I would even wear:

What do you make of the word: "hipster?" How do you define it?

FALL Color Trend: Oxblood!

Oxblood, Maroon, Merlot, Bordeaux, Burgundy..whatever you call it: This color is one of Fall 2013's most popular colors. 

I always enjoyed Autumn because of the rich colors of forest green, mustard, pumpkin, and Oxblood that mimic the colors of trees at this time of year. The color is very luxurious when it comes to leather goods including heels, purses, wallets, and even gloves. Also, since it is similar to the color of wine it works well with satin and silken fabrics that catch the light. Think of it, as practically a new neutral color as it compliments every skin tone and goes well with all your basic pieces like dark wash denim or a nude heel. This new color is not just as a way to spice up current basics, but also a way to become a staple shade in your fall-winter wardrobe, whether it be a pair of maroon jeans, a bordeaux blazer, or a merlot nail varnish. 

What are your thoughts on this color? Any other favorite fall colors on your back-to-school checklist?

F.A.B. Back-to-School Countdown

Guess who's back? School. 

You wake up to rush to get to class on time, maybe try to sneak in a quick breakfast and your out the door. From building to building,running up and down floor to floor, from one class to the next, what does one throw on to tackle the day? 

When you're low on time, you can never go wrong with the basics. Easy to choose and always easy to pull off, keeping you comfy and still school chic. 

They say, you can pay for school but you can't buy class but buying these classic pieces are as close as you get to looking like you did.

Today's Style: Basic Prep

    River Island Grey Boxy Crop T-shirt

         Uniqlo Woman Color Mini Skirt

                Zara Platent Blucher 

              Herschel Settlement Plus

1. Crop tee- The simple, everyday t-shirt that can make any outfit look as if you never even tried. It pairs well with so many different styles and stays comfy and effortless everytime. You can never have enough crop tee's. 

2. Mini Skirt/ High Waisted Shorts- Who wears short shorts? We do. Mini skirts and shorts shows off your nice legs and pushes the limit for your basic fit. In the season's most trendiest colors and shades of denim in comparison to the crop top, the shorter the better. 

P.S: For chillier days add over the knee socks to the look and channel your ultimate school girl look. 

3.Oxfords- These shoes prep up the preppy look. Classic, uniformed yet unique as their designs vary. Socks or no socks, walk down the halls with a pair and be ready for anything. It's every students' business meets casual, regular shoe wear. 

4. Accessories/ Backpacks/Frames- Remember no girl is complete without some accessories. Spice up your basics and turn it into a outfit that completely embraces you. Make sure you have a good sturdy bag for all those books and supplies; it can be stylish too. Sun may come and go so opt for shades on sunny days and maybe nerdy frames for not so sunnier days. 

    What are some of your fav basics? 

F.A.B. Back-To-School Countdown

Ah, its that time of the year again; where backpacks are dusted off, notebook sales go up, and the term "no white after labor day" gets thrown around. Back to school. 

There is always this sigh of reluctance when people hear of school nearing, usually at the thought of coming back to reality. However, when it comes to fashion, the ending of summer marks a new wave of trends and styles. Yeah, you may not be able to throw on your floral sundress or wear your flip flops anymore, but you have a whole new fashion season, where you can wear your scarves, hats, gloves, boots, or practically anything that makes you excited about fall (I know those are what excite me.) Anyways, think of this back-to-school transitioning period as a time to transition your wardrobe, where you can still keep summer elements, but you can very well start bringing back Autumn. 

To ease the summer-sadness that some of you have about the upcoming school semester, we are bringing to you a week full of fall outfit inspiration. Each day until school begins, there will be a new outfit representing a completely different style. 

Today's Style: Business Casual

French Connection Peplum Top

Uniqlo Cropped Pants

Jildor Arlen Loafers

Zara Leather Shopper

Black Moleskine

Uniform Wares Steel Wrist-Watch

1. A Peplum Top

These are one of those versatile items that I think every woman should have in her wardrobe. Not only is it appropriate for every season and most occasions, but it is also figure-flattering for every body type. Peplum tops give the illusion of curves for those who don't have, while accentuating already-curvy girls, all while showing very little skin. Moreover, they work well for outfits for school, the office, or even dates.

2. Trousers

The trouser is another essential to anyone who is both working and going to school. But, that doesn't mean it can't be fun or fashion-forward! To liven up a work outfit, try going for a trouser with a stripe or a print that you love. If you have more of a classic style or work in a less-cooky workplace, then try a color other than the run-of-the-mill black pant. In the outfit above, I paired a solid peplum top with forrest-green pants, so don't be afraid to play with different colors!

3. Loafers or Flats

Loafers are another recent trendy item, with a menswear-inspired twist. The reason why they work so well for school and work is that they are comfortable yet still stylish. With a pair of loafers or even flats,  you don't have to suffer in a pair of high-heels all day or even have to change into them at your work. A flat shoe can be just as sophisticated, with the right styling of course. 

4. A Watch

I know that some people might say: "isn't my phone a good indicator of the time?" However, a watch isn't just a functional accessory. As a matter of fact, the watch is a timeless (no pun intended) fashion-item, which can represent one's personal style. Whether it be a modern number-less watch or a rose-gold chain watch, a watch can really add to an outfit and give you that accessory pop if you're a no-fuss fashionista. Also, there is something about a watch that just looks plain professional.

5. Leather Shopper/Tote

Something big enough to store your books and laptop, yet sophisticated enough to transition to work is exactly what a leather tote can do (faux or not). Just be on the lookout for one with a sturdy strap that will last for a long time and internal compartments to keep you organized.

What are some of your business-casual essentials?

Stay tuned for our next Back-to-School outfit!

Spotted: Baruch's Fashion Dos and Don'ts