Guest Post: Fashion Wars- East Coast vs West Coast

*Today's guest post comes one of my former Lovelyish writers, Crystal. She lives in Los Angeles and I thought it would be interesting for her to write about the different styles in LA vs New York. Love this girl and she has great style so check her out on Chictopia. 

I grew up in Los Angeles, and it wasn't till a little thing called 'the internet' that's allowed me to venture out and explore other cultures. If you're ever wondering if all Americans think alike, think again. In fact, Los Angeles and New York cultures differ. We have 'California Pizza Kitchen' while New York has their traditional 'New York Pizza.'  We have our palm trees whereas New York has its... well, tall, tall buildings. This applies to our fashion sense as well - just because us  Los Angelians share the same country with New Yorkers doesn't mean we see fashion the same way.

Urban Outfitters and Zara

If you've been to both of these stores, then you'll know which store would describe which city. Urban Outfitters fits Los Angeles perfectly where cropped tops, high-waisted shorts, and simple embellished sandals/flip flops are summer staples. As for New Yorkers, they resemble the Zara persona where solid tones, classic pieces, and layers are preferred. Simply put, Los Angeles encompasses the Bohemian, carefree spirit whereas New York is geared towards timeless classic styles. Simply said, we have Nicole Richie while New York has Blake Lively.

Why the Difference? 

Depending on where we live, the environment and climate will affect the culture – and it definitely affects the way you dress. Los Angeles is near the equator so it tends to be hotter than say, New York it’s located up north. Since Los Angeles tends to be hotter throughout the year, many of the clothing you see here are more simplified and sheer. That’s why cut-outs, flashy colours, and bright floral prints are naturally found in LA-styled clothes to compensate the simple layering. As for New York, it’s colder up there, so layering is pretty much necessary. However, layering provides an opportunity to style your clothing with accessories (i.e., scarves, gloves, etc.). Since layering is pretty much optimal for New Yorkers, there is no need to pile flashy bold colours on top of the many layers! One to two essential colours are pretty much effective. I mean, can you imagine the train wreck?

Though both cities vary greatly in style (we love loose fitting sheers while New Yorkers love refined garments) that doesn’t mean one is better than the other! Think about it, a world without fashionistas like Nicole and Blake are surely a world without style. So, next time you’re ever in Los Angeles or New York, let me know how the pizzas differ and whether or not the fashion in the two cities varies!  

What differences have you spotted in East Coast vs West Coast styles?

Image References:
NastyGal.com
UrbanOutfitters.com
Zara Spring 2011 Catalog
Betsey Johnson

Every Woman Wants To Find A Guy With Marky Mark Syndrome

I am on a 90's fix! Now when I say "every woman" I'm simply implying a LARGE majority of women so go with me here. Men are always saying how women are searching for the "perfect" guy and he doesn't exist. This is true EXCEPT he does and he's in the form of Mark Wahlberg (formerly "Marky Mark"). Hear me out!

Every woman has some fatal attraction to the "bad boy." Not that we all want the white guy trying to rap about Sunkist. But when he was Marky Mark he had a bravado about him. He was cute, he had a good body, not that women are vain. However, if a guy with his looks and charm looked at you, it's hard not to melt. We want a guy who makes us weak in our knees but who can pay the bills.

He hustled hard, maybe had to take is pants off (we aren't complaining) but he turned that rapping career into a Oscar-nominated career. Who else can say that?! You may suggest Jamie Foxx but he didn't rap in his earlier career, he was a comedian. I also still think he acts like a 20 something year old bad boy because he's not married. Yes, he has the kid but he's not tied down like Mark yet. Nothing wrong with that! It just doesn't show us he can be serious for us.

Now he's a successful businessman, father, and looks damn good in a suit. No one could have predicted the success he would achieve (especially being a white rapper). He's married to a beautiful woman and has 4 beautiful kids. I'm sure she's thinking "I'm never letting him go!" He's still got the great looks and body. The man has it all and every woman wants it.

I'm sorry to tell the men, but since Mark Wahlberg exists women will still keep searching for that perfect combination. It's all Marky Mark's fault.

Can you think of another bad boy who cleaned up his act?

P.S. I totally enjoyed browsing shirtless pics of Mark- this guy aged so well!

Image Source
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5 90's Looks I Don't Want to Come Back

Their shoes look like Jeffrey Campbell

It's kind of scary to think that 90's are now "retro" (that means I'm old...). Fashion likes to recycle "retro" styles from past decades so I'm sure we have some fun 90's fashions to look forward to. I recently discussed iconic '90s looks I wanted to recreate. However, there are some looks that I think should remain in the '90s and hope I don't start seeing them pop up in H&M stores soon.

Spice Girls: Don't get me wrong... I loved them! I liked Scary Spice the best. I had their album, bought their lollipops and saw the movie. However, looking back at their fashion... it was all wrong! Posh rocked lingerie, Scary had camo, Baby wore pigtails with chunky shoes, oy vey. 

Destiny's Child "Bills, Bills, Bills": This video just made the cut being released in 1999. But oh man was it bad. They took a page out of the Spice Girls playbook with the streaky hair, wrap up heels. Just watch the video and enjoy.

Via

 
The "Ashley Banks": One of my favorite shows in the 90's was Fresh Prince of Bel Air! Tatyana Ali was gorgeous as Ashley Banks. Does anyone remember the episode where she wanted to be a singer? She wrote this baggy mommy jeans with a chunk belt. It was so awful!

Via

Boy bands: When Backstreet Boys burst onto the scene it was 1997 (crazy!). Looking back at what they wore, how did we find them attractive? The bowl hair cuts, the vests.

Aaliyah "Are You That Somebody Video": It's sad to think that this was in 1998 (RIP!). She was a beautiful girl and had a great career ahead of her. This was part of the Dr. Doolittle soundtrack. This video reminds me of all the bad fashions of the 90's. Unfortunately, I think that "sports bra" look is coming back with the Alexander Wang version for $72.

Via

Blossom: Another favorite 90's show for me was Blossom. Her whole outfit was horrible (I know that was supposed to be her charm), I don't know I dealt with it! I really hope I don't see some of those hats come back.

What were some of your least favorite looks from nineties?

Color Blocking Lips

Yesterday I attended the IFB "Blogger Closet Raid" where I browsed some fabulous blogger closets. Unfortunately, I have no money to be spending right now. But I did get to meet up with fellow bloggers, Nicole and Monroe. I decided to try color block lips!

I used Maybelline's "160- Fifth Ave Fuchsia" (a favorite) and Revlon's Moon Drops Lipstick Creme in "712- Hot Coral."

I also finally met one of my favorite people on Twitter, Sammy Davis of Sammy D Vintage! She was just as fun in person.

Would you give color block lips a try?

Great Reads of the Week

Last night New York passed gay marriage and it was such a feeling of victory! I'm so proud to live in New York during this historical occasion and so happy for my LGBT friends.

Now here are some great reads for your weekend:

- Style IT discusses why plus-sized bloggers don't have to sell out. LoveBrownSugar also discussed this post and relayed it to all bloggers.

- Cassie Logan explains on Role Reboot why she's not into marriage (these are all my reasons as well)- not to burst your bubble gays.

- Jen from A Little Bird Told Me... shares the embarrassment of taking daily outfit photos.

- the view from 5 ft. 2 breaks down how to balance proportions for petite girls.

What are your weekend plans? Today I'm headed to the IFB Blogger Closet Raid!

FBFF: How Bloggers Have Affected My Style

Oh Blair!

Today's FBFF questions were partly fueled by a suggestion from Suz of MissVinylAhoy and partly by Katy Roses's own realization that since she started blogging she has looked at things she never would have before.

1. Since you began blogging do you notice a change in the types of things you gravitate towards while shopping? 
Definitely! Bloggers make me so aware of what's in stores. I'll see a skirt at H&M and be like "oh this blogger wore it recently" and I can kind of envision how it would work for me. 

2. Do you find, as a fashion blogger, that you dress differently from your family and friends? Do they comment on that? 
I've always been the "black sheep" of the family. They knew I was creative from the start. Now that I'm "officially" a fashion blogger, my family likes to tease me (we are a bunch of ball busters) "Oh is that the new blogger thing" etc. I have a diverse group of friends, which is why I love them. I have a friend who is very into vintage which I always want to steal her things. I have a friend who shows off her Bangladesh heritage which inspires me. 

3. What’s the weirdest fashion that you secretly like, even if you aren’t bold enough to wear it? 
Well I secretly loved turbans for awhile but after lots of encouragement from bloggers, I went for it! So now it's not so much a secret.

Would love to pull a RiRi

4. Looking at current trends – what would you like to try but need to build up the courage to do? 
I've mentioned I've always admired girls with pixie cuts. I don't think I could ever cut my hair that short. However, this hot summer weather makes me want to shave it!

A recent favorite look

5. Toot someone’s horn – what fashion blogger out there inspires you with her bold fashion choices?
Oh there's so many!!! I know that Zarna from Zarna's Runway always makes my jaw drop. She's beautiful. She rocks so many different styles. I also appreciate the fact that she comments on my blog even though she gets hundreds of comments. I also enjoy Nubia's Nonsense's quirky style. She's her own unique person (and a sweetheart!).

How have fashion bloggers affected you and your personal style?

Don't forget to stop by ModlyChic to read all the other FBFF answers this week! 

Image via We Heart It

My Rainy Day Outfit

Rainy Day Outfit by KimberleeVDW

Today it is a crappy, rainy day in New York City. I thought I'd share with you what I'm wearing and give you an idea on how to keep your style when the weather is not your friend.




Pink blouse amazon.co.uk




Michael Kors Double-Breasted Hooded Trench $165 - bloomingdales.com



SOLD Design Lab black super skinny jeans $48 - revolveclothing.com





Skechers boots $75 - endless.com



Polka dot umbrella $19 - roomitup.com




SEPHORA by OPI Havana Nights Mini Collection $18 - sephora.com

A hooded trench is a great investment. It's so functional and trenches never go out of style. I am not a fan of rain boots... at all. I opt for my combat boots (I have those exact ones) for a more chic look. Skinny jeans with a flowy blouse are always chic. I like to wear something flowy to help me feel less sticky in the humid climate. Always go with a bright color on your nails, I'm wearing OPI's "Read My Palm."

What do you wear on rainy days?

I'm Getting Too Old For Dating

I really wanted the post title to be Danny Glover's line "I'm getting too old for this shit" because that's really how I've been feeling. I recently rejoined OkCupid, an online dating site. I had joined it about two years ago and it's where I met my ex. He was my third date (the first two weren't so great) but him and I clicked right away and we began hanging out almost every day. It was such a simple idea, "hey I like you let's see where this goes." I didn't have to wonder if he liked me because he'd call and say let's hang out. Done and done. Not saying that relationship was the best, but I definitely like how it started off. A few months ago I walked away from that relationship (refer to this post) and thought I was ready to get back into the dating world.

I have always been the monogamous type. I enjoy taking my time to get to know someone and get comfortable with one person rather than serial dating. My first relationship lasted a year and a half. My second one was two years (on and off). And my last one was a year and a half. I did some dating when I lived in LA. I lived out my crazy, young 20's phase where I dated some interesting men to say the least. Including a dude who was in a heavy metal band that had a mohawk (so hot!). I have a weakness for mohawks. I got that out of my system and my bad relationships definitely showed me what I was looking for in my next relationship.

However, during my recent return to OkCupid at 25 (almost 26!), I found myself tired of the stupid games. My friends encouraged me to go on to get out and have fun since I had drowned myself with work and classes. I thought, sure why not. I talked to a few people and one guy sparked my interest. We met up on a whim and had a really funny date (I tripped and fell to have him rescue me). On paper it was a great match, he had lots of things I would be looking for. I thought if he didn't want a relationship, then I'd definitely be friends with him because he's fun to hang out with. He texted me right after out date that he had a great time. Then silence......... 5 days pass. I text him Monday night I'm near his area at an event if he wants to meet up afterwards, he finally answers THAT text. Long story short, he never gets back to me about meeting up. Men make no sense.

Another potential is playing this bizarre postpone our date game. I was supposed to go out with him Friday but then it got postponed for tonight (Wednesday). Then the night before he says "can we reschedule for next Tuesday." WHAT? Who is so busy that they have to postpone a date another week? Even though he has my number, he doesn't text me except to postpone our dates. Once again, men make no sense.

So after having been on OkCupid for about a month I decided to delete my profile. I am fed up. I've never been one to play games and really don't appreciate when they are used on me. I definitely understand not hitting it off but usually that's agreed upon by both parties. Don't tell me you had a great time then never speak to me. I have several friends on OkCupid and they deal with the same shit as well (and I'm sure every girl has). They say you have to date multiple guys so you don't get hung up on one and wonder "is he going to call me?" I don't know about you, but that sounds exhausting (insert Charlotte Sex and the City reference here).

I'm a simple girl and perhaps dating isn't for me. I was watching the movie Multiple Sarcasms and Mira Sorvino's characters says she's moving in with a guy she's been on one date with. Her friends tell her she's crazy and she's says "dating sucks, why not just save the trouble and move in together." Now I wouldn't go to that extreme but I have a similar ideal. I don't want to play a guessing game, or any game for that matter. I just want a guy to be honest about what "this" is. Until I find one that does then I think I'll avoid the dating scene for awhile.

How do you feel about dating?

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Beauty Blitz's Fresh Ideas For Summer Bun Styles

Twisted chignon

I subscribe to to Beauty Blitz's emails. Today's newsletter featured 9 hairstyles to help you stay cool this summer. I really loved all the ideas and wanted to pass it along!

Get Diane Kruger's twisted bun with either air dried or blown out hair. For perfect frizz-free hold, try using Motions Extra Firm Hold Foaming Wrap Lotion ($3.99) before twisting hair back into a chignon.

Blake Lively's sleek ponytail. Smooth hair back with Redken Hardwear 16 Super Strong Gel ($16.45) for unruly types or Aveeno Soft Hold Gel-Creme ($6.99) for a more moderate hold.

Zoe Saldana's middle part bun. After blowing out your hair, use L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray ($14.99) to add texture and hold for the loose chignon at the nape of your neck. Use Shu Uemura Art of Hair Cotton Uzu ($33) on your fingertips to twist the strands around your face.

To achieve Catherine Malandrino's side bun use Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray ($23) for texture and then part the hair to the side and create a lose braid, which you can wrap to the side.

Jessica Alba's braids. Before you pull your hair back, spend an extra five minutes braiding each side for a touch that’s more modern than milkmaid. For texture and hold, use a working spray like Oribe Superfine Hairspray ($29) to create your plaits. I love doing this look especially when my bangs are growing out!

a.k.a the "blogger bun"

To achieve Olivia's bun add Shu Uemura Kaze Wave Foam ($33) to damp hair for texture and hold. After drying your hair, pull it back with your hands for a more casual look or use a brush if you want it a little more polished. Secure with an elastic at the crown and wrap the hair in a bun using Oribe Soft Lacquer Hairspray ($42) for shine and hold. Secure with bobby pins.

Hope these suggestions help! Do you have any to add?

Daytime Vs Evening Mascaras

For the longest time I just wore standard black mascara. It wasn't until last year that I thought to wear brown. A friend of mine is fair skinned and she said she wore brown mascara because black can look too harsh against her fair skin. I thought "I'm fair, maybe I should try that!" So I did and I really liked the results.

For the daytime I wear L'Oreal's Voluminous waterproof mascara in Dark Brown. It's not too dark of a color to look like I'm going to the club. The mascara color matches my hair so it keeps the look very natural.

For evening I wear a combo of Maybelline's Colossal Volum Express in Glam Black and MAC's Haute & Naughty Lash in Black. I don't really like the Colossal mascara by itself but MAC's isn't waterproof so I add the Colossal over it to make sure it doesn't sweat off during the evening. Haute & Naughty is the two brushes in one mascara- it's pretty cool!

Do you switch between a daytime and evening mascara? Or just use one mascara all the time?

Image via We Heart It

Best & Worst Dressed at the 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards

Bieber approves

Apparently the Canadians can party. Last night was the MuchMusic Awards on Fuse TV hosted by Selena Gomez. She hosted most of the show in these little hot pants. I'm definitely getting old because I didn't know most of the people... but Gaga was there!

Best Dressed: Selena Gomez. She was the host and changed 4 times throughout the evening.

Lady Gaga is always fun to watch. Very much a 90's Sinbad homage.

No idea who Shay Mitchell is but she looks super cute.

Worst Dressed: Kat Graham. No idea who she is but she looks like she's been admitted to the insane asylum.

Justin Bieber gets Worst Dressed because 1) he's wearing that awful white blazer again and 2) he probably has no idea who Kelly Kapowski is on his shirt.

I'm sorry but I disagree with most people on my Twitter feed who thought Nina Dobrev looked great. This dress is bad 80's prom with the metallic sheen to it. 

Oh Avril, when will you learn?

Tasha Schumann is a fine example of when ugly clothes happen to beautiful people. WHAT IS THIS?! Maybe for a stage outfit for Rihanna or Beyonce but not as a red carpet.

Who are your picks for Best and Worst Dressed?

Images via Spinner, AceShowbiz

Happy Father's Day!

Today is Father's Day so like I did for Mother's Day (it's only fair), I thought I'd share some family photos. Above is the only pic on my computer with me and my dad- shocking! My dad is holding my nephew Jacob so it's kind of crazy that there are three generations in one photo.

My dad with my sister and her new boy, Zachary.

My dad is to the far right and my brother is the young one

This is a recent photo that we took after my brother's graduation. My Dad graduated along with his brother and sister from Ramapo where my brother just graduated (did you follow that?). My mom thought it would be funny to get them all alumni shirts to wear.

Lounging in his pool

This is what my father does in his retirement.

Double denim!

My brother, sister and I all inherited freckles and blue eyes from my mom. However, we all seemed to inherit my dad's dry sense of humor and musical tastes. My family will call each other up to discuss the latest "South Park" episode (meanwhile my mother is horrified) or Colbert bit. My mom loves Barry Manilow and my dad likes Alice Cooper (or The Clash- above). However, we are all Bruce fans (it's a Jersey thing). R.I.P. Clarence Clemons!

We are headed to a Mets game (sorry Yankees) today because my father enjoys going to the baseball park. How are you celebrating Father's Day?

Great Reads of the Week

I haven't had much time to catch up on blogs this week, but here are some posts that stood out to me:

- Gorgeous in Grey asks is fashion ageist/sexist/fattist?

- Leia from Leia's Delights discusses her experience and acceptance of body image

- By Anika confesses "sexy is a state of mind" (this girl inspires me all the time!)

- Liberty London Girl shares what we really wore in the '80s and it ain't pretty

What are your weekend plans? It's my brother's birthday and Father's Day is Sunday so my parents are staying with me (oh joy!). Tonight we are going to Grimaldi's then Sunday is a Mets game (forgive me Yankees!).

P.S. I promise to get some blog reading done soon!

Dear Ex Boyfriends, Why I Don't Hate You

Dear ex boyfriends,

You may think I hate you after how our relationships ended but I don't. Sure, I may have walked out on you while you were in the shower when another girl texted you. Sure, you may have lied when I asked who was calling you to only later look at your phone and see flirtatious texts. Sure, you may have made every excuse in the book to not pay for any of our dates. Sure, you may have mooched off of me every way you could without being appreciative. Sure, I may have found a girl's hair on your sweater for you to say it was mine (I have brown hair by the way). Sure, you may have not bothered to call me for not just one day... one week... but ONE MONTH. Sure, I may have bailed you out of circumstances with large sums of money with you promising to pay me back (I'm still waiting...). Sure, you may have done all these things and more but I don't hate you.

Why? You aren't worth it. I know this is a hard concept for you to grasp. I know I can walk away from our relationships knowing that I did my best and was a loyal girlfriend. Can you say the same? I didn't think so. I have always lived by the mantra "don't regret anything." Sure, there are parts of my past (like you) that I wish I could do over or erase but they made me who I am. Every life experience we have shapes who we are as a person. And I like me. You only live once so I'm not going to waste it regretting you. I can exert my energy towards something else. Something positive.

I will never forget all the things you did to me and I'm sure guys in the future will have to work harder to earn my trust because you betrayed it. However, I didn't end up bitter because I'm not a pathetic person. It only took me a few short moments to realize that you aren't even worth thinking about let alone missing. So I went on with my life, moved to the city I love and will open my heart again to someone else. Hopefully this time he won't betray me. If he does, then he'll join the list with the rest of you but I'll carry on. I know I am worth loving so I will keep trying to find it until I find someone who appreciates me for all that I am. Something none of you could say you did.

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FBFF: Favorite Summer Recipe

I don't typically discuss food on my blog so this week's FBFF topic is a new one! Katy asked us to share the recipe to your favorite seasonal dish.. the one you love to make and love to eat this time of the year. We have this weird family recipe for something called "Jello mold." The name doesn't make it sound delicious nor does it look very appetizing but it's freaken' amazing- trust me!

Jello Mold:
One lime jello packet
- Make the jello like you typically would (hot water, then cool). Let harden over night.
Mix one container of Cool Whip into the jello mixture
Add walnuts and pineapples (or whatever else you want)

My family really just eyeballs how much cool whip. It's a flexible recipe (lol!).

Share some of your favorite recipes!

Don't forget to stop by ModlyChic to read all the other FBFF answers this week!

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