Stylespiration: Agyness Deyn

Agyness Deyn is a model who knows how to dress. I love her choices of bold colors and patterns, and her ability to wear crazy things but somehow make them look subdued and graceful. She's the epitome of quirky and colorful when it comes to the clothes she wears, and she has one of the most recognizable hairdos to boot. Her style is androgynous and strong as well. Check out some photos:

L to R from top:: 1//2//3//4.

Lovely and yet not too overdone! And now for my own collection (thank you Polyvore for existing!), inspired by her fashion:

Agyness Deyn Inspired Look

All choices, as always, are under $50 so that you can get the look for less. Click on this link for more details if you're interested in purchasing anything! For day looks, Agyness chooses a few pieces that are bold and bright while keeping others understated and basic. She has a penchant for strange bags, so I couldn't resist including this one! If you want to do makeup, keep the lips nude and stick to only mascara and eyebrow work for the top. If you want to dress it up, add a bit of colored eyeliner. Wear sneakers to highlight the tomboyish look. And there you have it!

<3 Linda

TiLT:: It's All Black and White

I've been saving a lot of black and white items in my favorites on Etsy, so I thought I'd share a few with you:

1. These tarot cards are awesome, the intricacy of this pack is amazing. I love tarot cards even though I don't believe in them and I have a deck as well. I like the idea of an artist creating their own, though.
2. Glass beads with black and white swirls! They're really mesmerizing, for some reason. My sister is a glassblower so she probably knows how to make these.
3. Check out this ring by MisanthropyCreations. This store is one of my favorites and I highly recommend that you go check out their stuff! I might do a TiLT specializing in this store soon, because so many of their items are my favorite!
4. This is a wedding gown and I do know that. However look at it! The black and white stand out so perfectly against each other.
5. I've been ogling this coat for a long time, but I don't think I'll ever be able to afford it. The lace underneath is so cute. You could probably wear this alone as a dress, even! High fashion but low effort, that's my style.
6. This is another store that often has cute things. This collar is awesome and can be thrown on top of anything! So much versatility.
7. More wedding things... I have no clue why I often find myself in the wedding section of Etsy. They're save the date invites in a comic style! Perfect use of black and white.
8. Finally, I present the number one favorite. This blazer is so cool, but not my size. How I wish it was! The black cuffs are really what make it for me. And you can wear it on top of practically anything and look effortlessly put together. Props to the person who modeled it for wearing a Jane Birkin shirt, too.

I haven't done this for a while! I forgot how much I loved to put together collections. Black and white looks great for an all neutral look, with other black and white patterns, or even with a couple of pops of color! I like it because it can be worn in 21908983 different ways. You could style the same black dress with sneakers and go to school, with flats and go to work, with heels and go out, with cowboy boots and go on a picnic... the possibilities are endless if you have a good set of accessories at hand!
<3 Linda

Christmas Party Dress Decisions

My friends and I are going to be cute this season and have a swanky Christmas party, complete with papercraft ornaments, Secret Santa, mocktails, carols, mistletoe, cakepops, and formalwear. The last part is where I'm slightly nervous. We want to have a party before everyone goes their separate ways for winter break, so this means that I have to get a dress in less than two weeks. After a whole night of searching online and eyeing up dresses, I've found a few options that cost less than $40 (It's really difficult for me to shell out more than that on one article of clothing) and I need your help!

Option 1:

This Asos dress is so pretty! It's still available in my size, and it's made for petite women, so there's a strong possibility that it'll actually fit. The front looks plain but I think that the back makes enough of a statement that it works. It's classy without trying too hard. Price: $26.96 for the black one, $44.93 for the red.

Option 2:

This dress from GoJane.com is so flattering for pencil shapes (like myself). The curvy lines and colorblocking add a nice touch, and the black and white scheme is perfect for wearing to a get-together. I also think that the sweetheart bust is cute because it reminds me of 1920s cigarette girls. It's always nice to have a hint of vintage in your wardrobe, no matter what! Price: $29.40 for plum/black or white/grey.

Option 3:

The final option is also from GoJane, because I love that site. I've been looking for a dress like this for ages-- One that has the flared sleeves and mini as a nod to the '60s and '70s. I found this dress on the site as well, and it's very similar to the dress posted above, except the bottom is loose and free-falling. I'm still on the hunt for a dress like these two, but with an empire waist baby-doll look to the bottom instead. In the meantime, I'm considering this one, because I'm thinking it's going to be a while till I find that dream dress. (Oh, and clearly I will be wearing something to cover the top on the inside! Haha.) Price: $31.70 for Plum, Navy, or Black.

It's quite difficult to choose one! I thought I might as well open it up to the general public, since so many of you have the same taste as I do. What's your favorite?
<3 Linda

Stylespiration: Jane Birkin

If you couldn't already tell, I am completely in love with the styles of the '60s and '70s. Anything from the past really captures me in a nostalgic way, despite the fact that I have never experienced that era. (I would have thought that was completely weird if I hadn't met so many people like me in the blogosphere!) But anyway, Jane Birkin is one of my major style inspirations. She was such a free-spirited muse, and I love the contrast she captures with her innocent eyes and not-so-innocent clothing choices. If I could dress like anyone, I would probably choose to raid her closet. I definitely had Ms. Birkin in mind when I got my hair cut!

Here's an idea of what to do if you'd like to take a Birkin-esque spin on your own style... Click here to find out the names and prices for everything! As always, everything is under $50 except for the main piece (in this case, the dress). I'm particularly smitten by those shoe-sock boots... I've never seen anything like it!

If anything is essential to this collection, it's the wicker basket. Never forget the wicker basket! ;)
Sources (top to bottom, L to R): 1,2,3,4,5


<3 Linda

Costume Time! Part 2: Famous Faces in Art

If you're still struggling to come up with a unique costume this Halloween, have no fear! One of the coolest things that you can be is a recognizable face from a piece of art.

Andy Warhol- "A Shot of Marilyn Monroe": Instead of going out as the usual Marilyn Monroe and running the risk of bumping into another girl with the same outfit, why not become a piece of pop art? I suggest the top middle version. Paint your face a slight pinkish color, wear garish makeup, and don a bright yellow wig instead of a believably blond one. Find a version of her dress in another color and you're good to go!

Botticelli- "The Birth of Venus": This one's a bit harder to do (for obvious reasons), but I think that it is possible. Find a bathing suit top and skirt or shorts for the bottom, and an extremely long wig. Create a "shell" out of pleated fabric or construction paper and fan it out to look like the shell in the painting. Tape it to the top of your skirt (think peacock-look) or around one of your ankles (I would imagine it would be hard to walk in, though!). You can get creative by putting mermaid-like details in your hair or outfit.

Vermeer- "Girl with a Pearl Earring": I had gotten the idea for this one after seeing a still of Scarlet Johansson from the movie of the same name. Use powder and foundation to make your eyebrows appear barely there. Don a brown gown or robe. Put on one pearl earring, and lastly tie your hair with a cream scarf with blue border. It would probably be easier to buy two scarves: One that's cream and blue, and another that's more of a headband (which will be only blue, to go over your head and secure the other scarf in place). Pretty!

Van Gogh- "Self-Portrait": If you or anyone you know is a ginger man, this is the costume for you! It's so brilliant. All you need is makeup and someone who is skilled in using it (or at least is willing to try!). I love the way painterly strokes look on this man's face.

Grant Wood- "American Gothic": A great couple piece, this is! Get a pitchfork and make both of you look like old people with makeup. Wear a collar, brooch, and dress (for the female) and spectacles, overalls, and a jacket (for the male). Done!

Frida Kahlo- "Self-Portrait (1940)": Now, Frida did a lot of self-portraits, but I think this one would look amazing as a costume. Get a long white peasant dress, put your hair up, create a neck piece with wire or paper mache, and you're good to go. Don't forget to add the animals and facial hair, that's what makes the outfit!

Shepard Fairey- "Barack Obama- Progress": This last one's quite recent and good for men who struggle to come up with a not-so-tacky outfit (it seems that male outfits are always horrible... or is that just me?) Just wear a button from the presidential election (or make your own), and go to town on your face with blue, white, black and red face paint. Then wear a suit and hold up a sign that says "Progress" (or "Hope", that was the more recognizable slogan!). It's quite easy and doesn't require too much fuss!


I think I may be too obsessed with art... not that that's a bad thing!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
<3 Linda

Stylespiration: Daisy Lowe

Daisy Lowe is a supermodel who has recently come under the radar for a lot of people, including myself. She's the daughter of Bush singer, Gavin Rossdale (he's also Gwen Stefani's husband, if you didn't know already). I really like her basic but defined style. I would never be able to dress like her everyday but I love the confidence that her look exudes: The bold bangs, the dark lips, the effortless style... swoon! Take a look for yourself!

Sources (clockwise from top): 1, 2, 3, 4. Here's a gallery if you'd like even more ideas!

And now for a Daisy Lowe inspired look:

It's a very youthful style, in my opinion! Every piece I included in the Polyvore set is under $50, except for the blazer. Cheapness for the win! On an unrelated note, I have two midterms today so I'm dying of lack of sleep right now. Wish me luck!

<3 Linda

Costume Time!

After a whole lot of pondering over what to wear, I've finally decided to be (possibly) two things: The Riddler and a Musketeer! They're both going to be part of a group set of costumes, though. Before I decided on what to be, I brainstormed a couple of ideas for dressing up on Polyvore. I like the idea of creating outfits out of actual clothes because they look less tacky and you can wear the pieces outside of Halloween.

I'm just excited because it's going to be the first time since... middle school? that I'm going to be participating in Halloween! How exciting!

<3 Linda

(Ps. If you couldn't tell, I made a Polyvore account... it's so addicting though!)

Vintage-Inspired Hair: My First Attempt

I will definitely be doing this hairstyle again. I worked with my natural hair type and it was so easy to do, in my very inexperienced opinion! I paired it with black flats, a gold heart earrings, and a bright blue summer dress with a black knit sweater and belt layered on top (which unfortunately cannot be seen since my dorm's too small to take a head-to-toe shot).

Also, minor update: I've decided to not post 6 out of 7 days of the week anymore, but instead maybe 3 to 4 times. One of the main reasons is that I'm slowly falling more and more behind in reading for school, but equally important is the fact that no one wants to read about someone who posts quantity over quality!

<3 Linda

Things I Love Thursday: Houndstooth

Houndstooth is a bold pattern that only the stylistically brave can wear. I've loved it for a long time, it's probably the first pattern that I desperately wanted but could never find. I dreamed of days when I could wear a cute houndstooth trench coat... maybe one day it'll happen! I have to say, I'm still in love with houndstooth, even though I have no idea about whether or not it's considered trendy by other people. Check out these ones from Etsy...

1. Multicolor Houndstooth iPhone by PencilShavingsPaper

2. Houndstooth Cowl Neck Warmer by levicp11

3. Ava Black and White Houndstooth Halter Bikini Top by FablesbyBarrie

4. Stuffed Animal Cat Upcycled by Sweetpoppycat

5. Bowtie Adjustable 2-Layer Gray and Red/ Black Houndstooth by AmandaJoHandmade 

6. Purple and Black Houndstooth Toddler Sundress by StellarCheri

7. Blythe- It's an Illusion Dress by Treizieme

8. Decorative Designer Pillow Cover by Nenavon

Middle: Houndstooth Mega Paper Pack by SheryKDesigns.

<3 Linda

Style Watch: Dita Von Teese

Whether she's on the red carpet or just taking a walk, Dita always provides fashion inspiration. I would love to have a dress collection like hers! Here are just a few of my many, many favorites:

And the styling? Don't even get me started. She's flawless from head-to-toe and I adore her vintage-inspired outfits!
<3 Linda
Sources From L to R, Top to Bottom: 1, x, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Own Artistic Style

I've been doing a lot of thinking about my own work, and I've come to the conclusion that I just haven't figured out what my "style" is yet. When I draw, I allow my idea to develop however it wants to, which isn't a bad thing, but has resulted in my work not looking cohesive. So fear no more! I have searched far and wide and come up with a definitive list for all of us who have been struggling with putting a piece of ourselves into our work.

Find a medium you love. Even for people who love experimenting with all mediums (like myself), it's important to find one or two hobbies that really get you excited. Once you are famililar with the medium, it'll be easier to dig down and do something innovative. However, if you have already found your "thang", stick to it but continue to push the bounds every so often. Who knows, you might stumble across something else that you really like to do! Try not to go too overboard, though, because that could result in feeling overwhelmed. Baby steps!

Gain inspiration, but stay away from imitation. Go to Etsy, Deviantart, Pinterest, or Tumblr to look for artistic inspiration. Are there any particular subjects or colors you like? Once you've looked through a whole lot of images, try to note which ones appeal more to you than others, or which ones inspire you to get creating straight away. When I'm done reading blogs everyday, I feel a renewed sense of motivation to begin working on my own projects. That's how I know what inspires me.

Experiment! Try new things. This is pretty much the key to most things in life. If you're looking for an answer, you've got to do something different than you've been doing before, or things will stay the same! Be the catalyst for change, and change will happen. It's as simple as that. It's a big step in developing your style, because you might come across something that sticks and is distinctive to you. Don't be afraid to fail, because there's nothing worse than being your own worst critic.

Consider what you want your portraits to say. What feelings do you want to invoke in a person when they look at your work? Do you want your pieces to be dark and conceptual, or light and fun? A touch of whimsy or a dose of reality? It's all lying on the table for you to decide. How can you convey your chosen qualities through your work? Once you have figured this out, try to create your desired look consistently.

Make it memorable. Creating a pretty design is nice, but won't set you apart. Gravitate towards things that will help you send a message or try to go for concepts that haven't been done before.

Ask for advice or look it up yourself. Let's face it, it's hard to get through this alone. Talk to friends, artists, entrepreneurs... practically anyone! Having a trademark style is important in most aspects of life, from fashion to business. If all else fails, seek the ever-so-wise Internet sages.

Helpful articles:

http://ask.metafilter.com/76657/How-do-you-find-your-artistic-style                           http://news.deviantart.com/article/42054/        http://www.finearttips.com/2010/01/finding-your-own-artistic-voice/

Be patient. I feel like reading all of these articles has helped, but I'm still at the beginning of a long road of development and transformation. And I'm completely okay with that. Elsie wrote a great post on how "It takes time (sometimes many years) to develop a vision and learn your "craft"...The more time you spend developing your skills and style, the better." And she's so right. 

It's all about learning and continuing to grow, right guys? :) Above all, do what you want to do, not what others want you to do.
<3 Linda