30 April 2011

fashion : a guest post by carlotta

Fashion. 

It's a word that can be interpreted in many different ways. It's a word that often conjures up images of costly pieces of clothing, glossy magazine pages, and models strutting down long runways. It evokes pictures of Vogue magazine, of sophisticated ladies briskly walking down the streets of Paris and New York.

bow: unknown // necklace: barberry and lace // top: old navy // skirt: target // heels (though they don't look like it): payless

 But don't let a small budget keep you from looking fabulous. Fashion is about using what you already have, building up the basics and then mixing and matching to create a multitude of outfits.

Think of fashion like baking. In nearly every recipe, the basic staples of eggs, flour, butter, and sugar are combined together to form a basic dough. Then comes the additional flavoring  maybe a little vanilla, some chocolate, or fruit.

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dress: target // belt: thrifted // wedges: thrifted (keds)

When it comes to fashion, my staples consist of well fitted tank tops, simple skirts, cardigans, good fitting jeans, versatile dresses, and a good waist belt. With these "ingredients" you can create so much.

Much of my clothing comes from places like Target and Old Navy – both very inexpensive stores. (Target is my favorite for their incredible clearance racks...I'm talking about getting a button down shirt for four dollars and seventy eight cents. That's my kind of shopping.)
I also love thrifting, though it's always a bit of a hit or miss. But regardless of that, I enjoy rifling through everything and the rewarding feeling of finding the perfect piece.

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necklace: a store in germany // cardigan: target // tank: target // jeans: old navy // boots: my mother's // bag: payless
When getting dressed, I first select a top and bottom (or a dress), then move on to accessories. Adding something seemingly little, like a scarf or bracelet, can make an outfit go from boring to gorgeous. Accessories add personality and character to an outfit. Don't be afraid to play around and try new things  some of my favorite outfits have resulted from doing so.


top, shorts, and shoes: target // bag: payless // belt: thrifted

Being fashionable doesn't have to be expensive by any means. It's the art of using what you have to create new things. And once you have your basics, it's so easy to mix and match.

What are some of your fashion basics?

-carlotta

 i'm carlotta. i write, i photograph, i design things. i blog at pastor's girl's ponderings. fashion is a great love of mine. while i love bright colors, i’m usually drawn to soft neutrals such as grey and white. i call the windy plains of oklahoma my home. rarely am i separated from my camera . it’s a pleasure to meet you.

16 comments:

  1. Such a clever metaphor! And beautiful outfits. Some fantastic jeans, plain tops and of course gorgeous dresses, along with cardigans and tights, are staples in my wardrobe and I love making my own accessories perfectly suited to whatever I may be wearing.

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  2. Scarves are my absolute FAVORITE accessory. I don't know why. Everyday I try to add a necklace to my outfit, or a hat.

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  3. i love your baking analogy! it's totally true!

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  4. My two favorite blogs collide! :)
    Awesome post. Thanks, Carlotta, and thanks Olivia, for throwing together these awesome guest posts!

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  5. What beautiful outfits!! I'm going to have to go shopping today :))
    -Jocee <3

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  6. Great post, Carlotta!!

    I, too, love fashion... And can always use a few tips!

    thanks soo much.

    acacia

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  7. One of my basics, is that I always have to be wearing my 'I am loud' and cowbell necklaces. Other than that, I like to go crazy! One of my favourite color combinations is yellow blue and red :) Great guest post carlotta!
    -charlotte

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  8. You're so right! I mean, that was the best way anyone ever put it. I love Target. I recently bought and adorable swimsuit for super cheap. I have some good basic clothes for now, but I'm trying to build in accessories to start with.

    So far my list of 'need to buys' consist of:

    Waist belts
    Hats
    Shoes

    I'm buying a really cute white beret today online. Can't wait!

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  9. I love the last and second outfit the best! So sweet and lovely. :)

    ~ Laura

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  10. Love the outfits, especially the dress & the last one. I really need to get a belt or two for myself. :)

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  11. The shirt with the anchor is COOL :)

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  12. That's so intersting Carlotta! You look great in all the outfits : )
    Thanks for sharing
    xoxo

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  13. My wardrobe staples are a good pair of jeans and a flattering top. Great post, Carlotta! (:

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  14. I like the 2nd and 3rd outfits best!!! I kinda dress like a boy so I don't know much about this stuff. (And I don't mean full blown boys clothes I mean, like, sometimes my clothes can look boyish!) :)

    Kelsey!

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  15. Great guest post! I need to start to spice up my outfits more often with accessories. Lovely, fashionable outfits Carlotta! :)

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