Qs with Alexa Curtis

Today I'd like to do a post in honor of the lovely Ms. Alexa Curtis with a Q&A! Her fashion blog is"A Life in the Fashion Lane", which if you're not reading..what are you doing?
Follow her here 
She lives in New York City and Connecticut, she's is on the cutting edge of the fashion industry. She's super sweet, down to earth, and stylish!

So without further ado please virtually "meet" Alexa Curtis...

Q: For starters, what made you start your blog?

A: I started my blog coming from such a sheltered and small town, while being in public school and having no place where I fit in. I hoped that by starting my blog, I'd be able to reach out and connect with other young girls who were facing the same insecurities I was. 

Q:What was the biggest hurtle you had to overcome as a new and young fashion blogger? 
A: Getting taken seriously, especially because of my age. Regardless of whether I have more experience or not, a candidate who is 10+ years older than me and a college graduate will likely always get the job I apply, but that's something I have accepted, and instead focus on projects that suit my age so I'm not always competing with older people. 
Q: Any advice for new fashion bloggers like myself? 
A: In this day and age, starting a blog right now is going to be very difficult, since there are so many other bloggers out there trying to do the same thing. You have to find something that makes your blog worth reading, and something that makes you different from other bloggers out there. Once you find that, go with it, and push all that content out! 


Q: To you, why does fashion matter? 
A: Fashion was something I turned to when I had no one and nothing keeping me going, and that has been the motivation for every project I have worked on over the past few years. Fashion delves deeper than tall models and $2000 dresses- it can change and develop a person, if you allow it to benefit you in the right way. 

Q: How would you describe your personal style? Do you have a style role model? 
A: My personal style is definitely preppy mixed with a edgy vibe. I absolutely love Alexa Chung (as a person and her style!) so she constantly inspires me. 

Q: Is beauty really pain?
A: Depends on the situation! During New York Fashion Week, for sure. When I'm home, you'll catch me in sweatpants and my Converse every single day, so I guess it depends on how hard you are willing to try to look good...
Q: What is your essential accessory? 
A: My Rebecca Minkoff bag from probably 100 seasons ago. It's purple, totally worn out, and likely at the end of its life, but I adore it. 
Q: What are your other passions apart from fashion and writing about it?
A: I'm a huge foodie, so I love to cook and bake. I'm a huge workout fanatic too, so I'm definitely asking for a few SoulCycle classes for my birthday coming up (I know, so embarrassing). 

Q: What's your favorite new trend or style for Spring and Summer 2015? 
A: I'm digging the overall trend I'm seeing come back, especially leather overalls. Seriously SO cool. 

Q: What do you love most about your job? What do you hate? 
A: I love being a voice to give young girls a reason to be happy and love themselves, and especially show the public you don't have to be "rich" or popular to make it in any field, because I certainly wasn't. One of the downsides of my job is definitely working 24/7, but if you absolutely live and love what you do, it becomes worth it. I've definitely had to work with some not so nice people in the fashion industry too, so that's never a fun thing to deal with! 

Q: At one point in your career, you were working to be a model. I read your article Runway Model or Role Model and was thoroughly moved. What is your advice for young girls looking to model as a career? And, considering body image is such a central part of the media, what would you say to young girls who struggle with their appearance? 
A: Thank you! I continue to struggle with my appearance, even after stopping my modeling career, and it's something I'm realizing so many girls struggle with. My best advice is to give yourself credit for all the other positive things in your life (maybe you're a great runner, or a fantastic writer, head of student body etc..) and try and take the focus off your body as much as you can. It's not an easy or short process, but once you change your focus, learning to love your body will follow. 

Q: Lastly, what is your favorite thing that you did today? 
A: All I've done today was make breakfast and do school, so let's make it the latte I'm about to go treat myself to. ;) 

So why does fashion matter to you guys? Is beauty really pain? What's your essential fashion accessory? Let me know in the comments!

Thank you to Alexa for such amazing responses! 

Keep being style seekers!

Much love,

Aly

Drop that Beat

Yesterday, I went up to Carlsbad for the Carlasbad Music Festival to hear the lovely Opus Orange play. (Seriously check out their songs Balance and Fortress, they're a wonderful local group!) 

While I was there however, I stopped by The Beat Clothing. 

This store is an eclectic  mix of California casual and rock n' roll. 

There was some really fun stuff, everything from graphic tees to leather pants and flowing summer dresses. It's the kind of stuff you'd dream of flaunting. On top if it all, the staff will actually offer to pick out an outfit for you and style you; jewelry, purse, belt, every last detail.

Here's a sample of something they've put together: 

Unfortunately, I didn't anything. But, I always love peeking inside local boutiques. They often have so many unique finds. This one definitely left an impression.

Keep being style seekers!

Much love,

Aly

Sheena Trivedi S/S 2015: NYFW Show

Another, heritage inspired lines livens up Spring and Summer 2015! 

Sheena Trivdei's NYFW 2014 show, in the gorgeous Designer's Loft, featured a variety of looks pulling from her Indian heritage. While a lot of it was quite subtle, sometimes unable to be seen, it was felt in the use of bright color, prints and billowing fabrics as well as the bindis on all the girl's foreheads. That last bit was a nice touch I will say.

This collection was so lightweight, and to put it simply, pretty. I wanted to look at it. I wanted to wear it. 

    I mean come on, I'd die to put any one  

    of these gorgeous pieces on, take a 

    walk, go dancing, or just stand & stare    

    at it! Also that hat kills me. Can I have 

    it???

The color schemes were predictable but fun and totally perfect for days under the glaring sun and trees in full bloom.

A lot of the Indian culture's clothing centers around colors and patterns; this line focused on just that.

 Most of the pieces were those vibrant spring and summer time shades we're all so familiar with; orange, red, green, yellow, and blue. Often, these summery staples popped off white basics. Trivedi then incorporated print through a bold lighting stripe here or an interesting, geometric neck line there. The collection was youthful and often introduced fun details like feathers (as seen above), or draping fabric, into simple silhouettes.

     Classic looks with just the right

     amount of flare. Trivedi adds interest                

     with either a blue jacket or print on the  

     dresses' side.

The weather outside was warm and this collection was a nice, iced lemonade; classic, fresh and sweet. Can't wait to see more from Miss. Trivedi!  

Keep being style seekers!

Much love,

Aly

David Tlale S/S 2015: NYFW Show

David Tale's Spring and Summer line this year was bright and bold. Tlale pulled from his his African heritage this year, using bright colors and bold patterns on pieces like long flowing skirts, high waisted shorts, and pants as well as incorporating the wildness of feathers into and skirts and tops. The collection had such an allure, it was dynamic. 

I had a standing ticket but since I got their decently early (the fashion's world's version of early) I got to stand right by the center runway in the front. The view was awesome! I was so close to the models I could've leaved out and touched chiffon if I felt like it. 

I love love love this baby pink feathered skirt, I don't know when I'd wear it but I'd find a way. 

The shorts in the third pic had this great tribal-like pattern on the front which I liked but she turned and the back was covered in dark red feathers, so cool. 

He also played around with the iradeacent look, which in this first gown below worked flawlessly.                                         All the pieces had colors that we often place with the African planes; golds, oranges, pinks, reds, browns, etc. They were exciting to look at and they made each model wearing them look so confident (more than they already do) and light on their feet. 

I love when designers look to their heritage to create their collections, they often end up more personal, you feel connected with them somehow because you know the inspiration that drove their work is something central to their life. 

This collection had just the right amount of colors, prints, close fits, loose fits and beautiful flowing skirts and tops to make me fall in love. Gorgeous show! 

Keep being style seekers! 

Much love,

Aly

Chasing Runways and Fleeing from Humidity

Yesterday was amazing!

I started out the day at my favorite waffle place, Waffles and Dinges at Herald Square, and indulged in a waffle topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Yum. I mentally died it was so good. 

After lounging and watching the streets I headed over to the cute little boutique Pinkyoto on 23rd and 5th and snagged a cute new ensemble.

   Blouse: Pinkyoto, Shorts: Pinkyoto        

   Bandeau: BP by Nordstrom, 

   Bag: Fossil, Shoes: Steve Madden 

   Sunglasses: BP by Nordstrom 

After checking my watch I realized I had to bolt down to Lincoln Center for the Son Jung Wan show which was amazing! Her clothes are so beautiful. We lingered for a little while being dorks and taking pictures by the NYFW sign inside. Next, we headed over to Central Park where I hastily changed into sneakers. We took a long walk, listened to some musicians and just relaxed. Central Park is always gorgeous but with the music filtering through the trees and the green exploding everywhere it was magical.

 It got even more gorgeous when it started raining and we had to huddle under a tree for 10 minutes to wait it out. 

When it finally stopped we made our way to Strand Bookstore, browsed and then went to Bergdorf Goodman's for my first time ever where I bought Chanel lipstick next to Donatella Versace. 

She was just casually browsing and I was just casually browsing and busying myself with the wide variety of Chanel eye liners (while casually glancing her way of course). 

Later, we headed to the Highline and then I sprinted back to Lincoln Center for the Academy of Art University's S/S 2015 presentation, which was awesome as well! When that ended I found myself running frantically (yet again) to hail a cab and get over to 44th to see Mama Mia. Mama Mia was feel good fun. It made me grin like an idiot, especially when they closed with 3 consecutive songs and literally had the audience jumping out of their seats to dance.The night closed with soupy humidity, rainfall, and hiding in a little alcove on the street eating hot pizza straight out of the box. Prime.

Can I just stay in NYC forever? 

More shows and stories to come! Keep being style seekers!

Much love,

Aly 

Son Jung Wan S/S 2015: NYFW Show

Son Jung Wan's show today focused on the idea of dualism; it brought together rough edges and coarse fabrics like Hemp with more minimalist chiffon pieces in white and beige. 

There were of course, parts I liked and some parts I didn't. I liked the loose fits, once again blurring gender lines is always great, and I also liked the contrasting side of the collection. There were sequined peices like rompers and multi-colored jumpsuits as well as looks with iridescent details.

Much of the collection was unified by a gold stripe with colors in the red and blue families. 

Most of it is not what I would classify as "my style" some of it reminded me a little of gymnastics but I did really appreciate the risk.

However, I did like the pieces that were more minimalist and some of the iridescent looks were also definite standouts. 

Overall, it was a fun show. It was my first one at Lincoln Center for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and to top it all off I actually saw Kelly Rutherford! 

Still more shows to come! Keep being style seekers!

Much love,

Aly

Katie Gallagher S/S 2015: FANTASM Show

Katie Gallagher poses with her models

after the show.

       

                        FANTASM.

Set at the Highline Hotel against the blurs of chandeliers and a gothic cathedralesque room, Katie Gallagher's new collection felt eerie. 

Her show was my first one for NYFW S/S 2015, and it was interesting to say the least. I got into the city around 11 and after a little sightseeing I got lost on the subway and then literally ran to her show at the Highline.

The show was in a long wide room where the floor was split down the middle by white candels serving as the runway (you can see it above). A soft beat with a gentle voice broke the chatter and the first model walked out. 

Most of it was clean cut and cold but often contrasted with chiffon either to make a flowing skirt or to mask a model's face. The collection was very monochromactic, starting with a series of black outfits; button downs, mid-length skirts, sheer shirts, then fading to white, and later nude. The transition to each shade was seamless and all the outfits had the similar thread of sheer, clean cuts, and chunky platform shoes. 

Although none of it was very wearable, a lot of it was sometimes just underwear, tights, and completely see through shirts but it was definitely interesting to watch and was very carefully constructed. 

Will be back with more shows soon, keep being style seekers!

Much love,

Aly

Outfit of the Day: Street Styled

In the spirit of my New York City trip, today, I went city stylish with my Denim coat and striped crop top.

In other news...I dyed my hair dark brown! 

I hope everyone had a great day!

Much love,

Aly

Denim jacket: American Apparel, Shirt: Aqua, Necklace: Nordstrom, Skirt: Guess

NYFW 2014

New York City Fashion week officially begins tomorrow, September 4th. So it's time for all the old timers and newly blossomed or blossoming talent to showcase all their work and inspirations for their Spring/Summer 2015 collections. It's madness. Quite lovely madness. Tomorrow night I'm hopping on a plane and flying all the way to New York City to catch and cover some shows for four days. I'll be running all over the city like a mad woman writing about the shows, taking pictures, meeting as many people as possible, and hopefully having time for some hot tea (my weakness) and a stroll in Central Park. :)

It's my first time and I hardly know what to expect, I can't beilve I'm actually going! I'll be seeing designers like Katie Gallagher, Sheena Trivedi, David Tlale and many others. I can't wait to be able to see everyone's vision come to life on the runaway! 

I hope to post coverage of, if not all, then most, of the shows I attend here on my blog. So keep your eyes peeled for my daily posts and show coverage! 

Tomorrow night I'm New York City bound, until next time style seekers...

Much love,

Aly

Food for Thought: The Multi-Tasking Reader

The bookworm's ultimate dilemma: so many books to read so little time. However, we combat this age old problem by multi-tasking; two books, three books, four books at a time. But sometimes it simply gets to be too much. But I have a philosophy. 

I've been in a mood lately where I have a billion types of stories I want to read all at the same time. Currently, I'm reading two books; The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and I am about to add on a third, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. I started reading the gorgeous and bone chilling Bell Jar, but found that the character's story, falling into madness, was so immersive it became a tad too depressing. So I countered it with the light-hearted cuteness of Lizzie Bennet's Diary, the book counterpart of the Lizzie Bennet Diaries web series (which is too perfect for words). But then of course I watched the 2012 adaptation of Great Expectations, fell in love, and now I have to pick it up as well. And thus I descend into reading madness.

How much is too much?

Well, a lot of books can be hard to handle at one time. However, reading is meant to be a fun and intellectually satisfying  experience. So, why not have it all? The fun books, the sad books, the dramatic, the mysterious, the adventurous, the in between. I think the best way to be a multi-tasking reader is to:

-Read books that contrast so the stories and messages behind them don't blur together.

This way you can pick up different books according to your mood.

-Read what you want! 

Reading is meant to bring you joy and fullfulment, so go for it! :)

What do you think about reading multiple books at once? Is there a limit? Can you focus on many stories, plots, characters, and themes simultaneously? Let me know! 

Much love,

Aly

Outfit of the Day: Vintage Dream

The classy looks are in and my Audrey Hepburn heart is so statisfied! To me, style is looking wonderfully effortless and never being too uncomfortable. While some will argue beauty is pain I say it doesn't have to be. You can always find ways to feel comfortable and glamorous at the same time. Nothing better captures this idea than the simple vintage looks. They're sophisticated, chic, feminine and truly quite bold. Vintage styles always make me want to embrace being a girl, by feeling and looking confident and classy.

Today brought another day of school. (Woo senior year) and I went back to basics with a light boxy blouse, mid-length skirt, and pointed t-strap ballet flats along with my trusted faux leather messenger bag for all my lovely schools books and supplies (school yay?)  

Keep it classy!

Much love,

Aly 

Shirt: BP by Nordstrom, Skirt: Painted Threads by Nordstrom, Necklace: Nordstrom, Shoes: Aldo, Bag: H&M

                                                                                      

I'm loving pointed toes and t-straps right now! They've got a distinctly vintage look but they're also so  timeless and not to mention quite comfy. :)

Balmy Blitz: Go bare, get accessorized, make a hot day stylish!

Today was that unnerving kind of hot where you aren't dripping in sweat, it's not sweltering outside but there's just a sort of balminess in the breeze. Sticky. Gross.
Of course, I chose today of all days to clean out and re-organize my entire room, closet, dresser, desk, bathroom, you get the idea. The point is, it wasn't too fun. However, after all my work was accomplished I stepped out of the shower and felt like a new person. And what does every freshly organized girl need on such a day? A stylish ensemble of course!
On hot days I go barefaced, make-up is unnecessary. While this sometimes can make me, being the "hormone crazed" teen that I am, feel self-conscious it makes my face feel free and better equipped to deal with the heat. I highly encourage going bare faced from time to time. As a teen our pores are clogged enough as it is, freeing your skin of thick foundation and other products is a great way to calm down the pores and, on a hot day, fight those heat waves. Don't be afraid to show off your face, be bare and be you! Trust me it's way more liberating than you'd think!
I started off with my trusty pair of boyfriend jeans and a light weight cotton crop. The crop opens in the back, which I think is a must on a hot day like this one.    
                                                                                 

(Shirt: Urban Outfitters, Headband: Forever 21)

(Jeans: American Eagle, Shoes: Steve Madden)     

In the summertime I always end up bored with my shorts. I start to crave my jeans, leggings, and tights. Surprisingly enough boyfriend jeans are a great way to switch things up. I love how light they feel, with plenty of rips and tears to provide air circulation. These have a pretty loose fit which I also like. Boyfriend jeans are classic, simple and look good on virtually every body type. Plus, American Eagle is great on style minus the sticker shock. Seeing as I'm a 17-year-old high school senior, cash is often hard to come by. These jeans were $19.99 and my Steve Madden's were $30 on sale, so, pretty manageable.  

Personally, I've always loved outfits that blur the gender stereotypes. I like to mix things up and not confine myself to one style. In this case, the jeans are more "boyish" but I put a spin on that with the heels, and later, some jewelry and a fun bag. The heels class up the simple look of the jeans and the peep-toes have a very summery vibe. 

Add more to your basic balmy day look with accessories. A simple jean and cotton tee outfit can turn to a full fledged fashion forward ensemble in seconds just by adding a bag, bracelets, rings, and a belt. I always used to be so hesitant with accessories but I've become more willing to use them recently. What I've found is, while there is a line somewhere, basically, you can never have too many accessories. They make an outfit truly shine. Also make sure to give your outfit a pop of color. Brightly colored accessories can really kick an outfit into high gear, You can have a basic colored back drop but liven it up with a colorful piece of jewelry or a purse, anything you like really.  

(Purse: Jazzed, Lace sweater: ALEX Evenings, Rings and bracelet: Hand-crafted, from boutiques in San Francisco and Utah, Belt: Target) 

This balmy and sticky cleaning day turned fun the minute I changed, threw on some accessories but kept my face bare. Take charge of the heat in style. You can be glamorous any day, despite the weather! :)

Keep being style seekers!

Much love,

Aly