1st & 15th: DIY -Distressed Tees & Tanks
Multifarious Me: Connoisseur and Scavenger of the Contradicting, Dope, and Chic.
mul-ti-far-i-ous :adjective
selective. diverse. {Slang} dope.
Thoughts derived from the best of various styles, methods and ideas.
I am Ariel. I love. I live. I pop thrift store tags. Grab a pen and a pad…take notes.
DIY: Distressed Tee’s and Tanks
Hello all! First, I sincerely want to apologize for my absence as I got a bit caught up in life and my blessings…It happens. Well I’m back with the unadulterated dopeness you all have come to expect from The Artistic Insanity’s #FNF feature.
I wanted to kill a few birds with one stone in this article. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazingly dope entrepreneurs who have each decided to use basic logo tee’s to promote their individual business ventures. I thought it would be a great idea to utilize their tee’s in this DIY (Do It Yourself) project, creating distressed tee’s and tanks. Nothing pleases me more than witnessing and promoting the success of my family and close friends. So with that being said make sure to check out the websites of the entrepreneurs featured and follow them on Twitter as well. It was also my intention with this article to step outside of the box and try something new and creative while providing you with a cool, new summer wardrobe staple.
What you will need for this DIY:
1. Your favorite lightweight new or preferably vintage tee
2. A pair of sharp scissors
This DIY is best when viewed via tutorial versus reading so I have included the three online tutorials I used to make the three styles you’ll see below. I added a few other details to my take on the featured tee’s with instructions below each video along with pics of the tee’s I created. I hope you all enjoy and have as much fun as I did with this DIY! A special thanks to @RebelDiva19 for the idea! She’s great…follow her latest venture @DoubleDutchInc for amazing tutorials along with her twin sis (hence the double) @FaithfullySASHA. Until next time, Be Bold. Be Dope. Be You! Follow me @JustAriii
www.TheArtisticInsanity.Com
Follow the site creators @ArtisticInsaniT and @MrCollinZZ
www.TheDJView.com
Follow the site creator and the greatest guy ever!!! @DJView
eighty84clothing.bigcartel.com
Follow the designer, one of my closest friends @skyboxhouston
Extra Steps:
1. To create the fringed side effect, using your scissors poke 4-5 holes vertically on each side completely thru to the other side about an inch and a half apart.
2. Using one of the sleeves you cut off earlier, cut 4-5 strips of fabric following the longest length of the sleeve making them about half an inch wide.
3. Pull on the strips length wise until they begin to curl.
4. Insert the strips thru the holes tying them close to the body.
1st & 15th: The LBD (Little Black Dress)
The LBD (Little Black Dress)
Multifarious Me: Connoisseur and Scavenger of the Contradicting, Dope, and Chic.
mul-ti-far-i-ous :adjective
selective. diverse. {Slang} dope.
Thoughts derived from the best of various styles, methods and ideas.
I am Ariel. I love. I live. I pop thrift store tags. Grab a pen and a pad…take notes.
The LBD: A Styling Guide
Transcending over decades; circa Coco Chanel 1962, the little black dress has become the epitome
of timeless fashion. It is in many cases, the answer to every “What should I wear to…” question from
cocktail parties, to weddings, to date night, to a simple night out on the town.
As a concept, the little black dress represents an ideal of perfection, meant to be both simple and sexy
when styled accordingly. A fashion anomaly, the concept of the LBD does not change, much unlike
the trend-crazed industry. It remains the absolute height of chicness. It knows no social, style or size
boundaries. Whether it costs $1,000 or $5, is a size 2 or a size 22, it is still and will always be the
picture of perfection known as, you guessed it…the little black dress. Every woman should and wants to
own at least one, if not ten!
Through the years, the little black dress has undergone hemline, shoulder, strap and fabric variations.
The key is to find the perfect LBD to compliment your shape while providing you with an instant
boost of confidence. With every fashion conscious woman striving to be an individual in terms of
style and each of us honing our own shape, it is essential to take the time to find a dress that suits you
seamlessly.
I recently discussed this topic with my guy and his initial response was, “There is something about a
little black dress”. Men appreciate the simplicity of the LBD, especially when it fits to perfection. With
this article, I want to provide not only some tips on finding the best LBD to compliment your shape but
also to provide a few styling tips once you’ve added this essential wardrobe staple to your repertoire.
1. Slim, less curvy silhouette.
If you have a shape that lacks some curves, is very athletic built and have a long torso with no
definition in your waist, there are specific styles with you in mind. Look for a LBD that will give the
illusion that you have a cinched waist such as one that has a tie or a belt along the waist. An empire
waist or a dress with ruching can also give off the illusion of having more of an hourglass figure.
2. Heavier Bust line.
If you have a larger bust, you don’t want to mask it completely but you do want to leave something to
the imagination. Stay away from plunging necklines and instead stick with a box or high neckline to
create a very sophisticated look. To even things out a bit, you can wear a LBD that has a flowing or a-
line skirt. This will give the illusion that both your top and bottom are equally proportioned.
3. Heavier in the Hip Area.
A larger bottom is easy to disguise with the right LBD especially because black is so slimming. Stay
away from any dress that has a lot of emphasis on the bottom such as ruching or ruffles. Instead you
should stick with a straight skirt, shying away from materials that are too clingy. Make sure you are
able to have a little breathing room. The top of the dress should be billowy, so it will bring emphasis to
the bust instead of drawing attention solely to the bottom.
4. Curvy Silhouette
If you are a woman who is blessed with curves all over then you need a dress that is fitted with a v-
neck. This shouldn’t be overly tight, but fitted nicely so that the dress hugs your curves just right. You
can always stick with a dress that has a little bit of a flare at the bottom as well.
5. Heavier Mid-Section
If you’re looking to camouflage your tummy, then you need a dress that will give the illusion of a
flatter stomach. To get this look, pick a LBD with an empire waist as it will bring emphasis to the bust
and neckline and is not tightly fitted on the tummy. You can also wear a wrap dress that is fitted but
make sure that it does not fit too snug.
Now that you’ve discovered which silhouette fits best for you, it’s time to glam it up! The LBD carries
accessories extremely well. Trending the last few seasons has been the statement necklace. Keep it
classic with a cluster of pearls or add a pop of color with a bold chunky necklace. Remember to always
use the neckline of your dress as a guide. When it comes to earrings, focus on the event you plan
to attend. While a simple pearl or diamond stud may be more appropriate for a wedding, consider a
dangled or embellished pair for a night out on the town. Same general rules apply to wrist wear, with
stacking being a fabulous trend this season. Want to stand out amongst a sea of little black dresses?
There are three must have accessories that are sure to push you to the forefront; Pair the perfect heels,
with the perfect oversized clutch or over the shoulder bag, finishing the look with an eye catching lip
shade and you are ready to rip the runway!
I’ve included a few examples of my favorite LBD’s for your viewing pleasure along with a candid shot
of yours truly from my recent vacay in Vegas rocking my very own LBD. Until next time, Be Bold. Be
Dope. Be You! Follow me on Twitter @JustAriii
All images courtesy of http://www.asos.com
1st & 15th: Jumpsuits & Rompers
Multifarious Me: Connoisseur and Scavenger of the Contradicting, Dope, and Chic.
mul-ti-far-i-ous :adjective
selective. diverse. {Slang} dope.
Thoughts derived from the best of various styles, methods and ideas.
I am Ariel. I love. I live. I pop thrift store tags. Grab a pen and a pad…take notes.
A How-To Guide: Jumpsuits and Rompers:
Jumpsuits have been around for decades while rompers are more of a recent trend, yet both are staple pieces for any fashion conscious woman looking to go chic for Spring/Summer 2012. Today, the styles have changed, but the jumpsuit and romper is back and more glamorous than ever. This look flatters most figures by creating a slimming effect and can be either casual or sophisticated, depending on the accessories and shoes that are selected to compliment the fit. So how does a woman find a jumpsuit that suits her curves and individuality the best? There are a few things you should consider before purchasing your romper or jumpsuit.
Jumpsuit or Romper?
First, determine which type of suit aesthetically appeals to you most or would fit you the best. A romper is normally a jumper with shorts, while a jumpsuit usually has pants. Both types can either have short sleeves, sleeveless or strapless depending on your style choice. Both types can be worn as a casual fit or for an upscale feel, and can be paired with different accessories to achieve the desired look.
Try It On.
To find a good fit, you should try on all jumper/romper styles and sizes. Each fits completely differently than a dress, a pair of pants, or shorts. If you are looking for a jumpsuit with pants, make sure you check the length to ensure they are not too long or too short. Try them on with flats and heels to get a good idea of the length and if they will need to be hemmed. A tailor is easily accessible if need be so do not count pieces out solely based on length. You should also try to sit down and walk around in the jumper to see if it is too tight to sit or too long when standing. The wrong size jumpsuit can be extremely unflattering. You want to accentuate your shape, not hide or distort it!
Color and Texture.
Floral and prints can be overbearing at times, so depending on the design, it may be best to stick with solid colors as they tend to flatter the figure. Darker colors and jumpers without patterns can minimize anything you may be self conscious about and would prefer to conceal, such as a heavier bottom half or tummy. Choosing the appropriate hue for your shape is extremely important since a jumper can cling to certain areas of the body and each type of fabric—jersey, silk or satin—hugs a woman’s curves in different ways. Solid colors are also best to pair bold accessories with.
Casual and Chic VS. Sexy and Sophisticated
Both jumpsuits and rompers can be casual, depending on the fabric type and the accessories worn with it. To keep your solid print jersey romper cool and casual, wear flat sandals, such as gladiators and minimal jewelry. Throw on a fedora for added flair!
Satin is very sexy and upscale, also perfect for a hot summer night. You’re able to stay cool and still look sophisticated. In order to make this look work the best, pair the satin romper with fun bold accessories, such as a chunky necklace and clutch. Work some high-heeled sandals with this fit to really bring it up a notch!
For a slimming, go anywhere look, a jumpsuit will normally do just the trick. The style is lean and long because of the vertical lines the suit establishes on the body. So the next time you’re worried about what you are going to wear to a outdoor picnic or a nighttime get together, opt for a romper or jumpsuit for a fabulous and simple look. I’ve included a few of my favorite picks for your viewing pleasure. Until next time, Be Bold. Be Dope. Be You! Follow me @JustAriii
http://www.zappos.com/
http://www.shopakira.com/
http://www.zappos.com/
http://www.zappos.com/
http://www.asos.com/
http://www.asos.com/
1st & 15th: Maxi Dresses
Multifarious Me: Connoisseur and Scavenger of the Contradicting, Dope, and Chic.
mul-ti-far-i-ous :adjective
selective. diverse. {Slang} dope.
Thoughts derived from the best of various styles, methods and ideas.
I am Ariel. I love. I live. I pop thrift store tags. Grab a pen and a pad…take notes.
The Maxi Dress: An Effortless Sexy
On my radar this season is none other than the maxi dress. Chic, simple, yet the epitome of sexy. What more can a woman desire to be? Long, flowy silhouettes are striking a chord with the fashion crowd’s trend setters for Spring/Summer 2012. Get inspiration on how to wear a maxi dress and shop my picks here.
Throw these fits on with a couple of accessories and you’re guaranteed to turn heads! The right maxi dress is a quick and fashionable answer to a new summer wardrobe. It’s easy on the wallet and the most comfortable way to look gorgeous this season.
Whether you choose eye-catching prints or solid colors, pair it with a long necklace, chunky bracelets, or your favorite timepiece, top it with a fedora or oversized sunglasses, give it some lift with a heel or keep it down to earth with some strappy gladiator flats, your maxi dress is guaranteed to look fab. The elegant femininity of the maxi dress is what attracts so many women to it: it makes you feel comfortable, free and sexy— all at the same time. Also ladies, the fellas are guaranteed to take notice. Trust me on this one!
Added bonus? It covers up pretty much any part of you that you wish not to expose. A maxi dress will conceal every thigh lump and tummy bump. Add a cardigan or cropped blazer if you want to cover your arms or just to keep warm. However, don’t button it up! Instead, let the hanging line of the cardigan or blazer compliment the silhouette line of the dress.
This year’s summer fashion trends lean towards feminine and romantic styles and colours, with pastels, floral patterns and ruffles making the biggest impact. Your maxi dress can incorporate all of these trends. Or try to find a simple maxi dress with classic lines and solid colours that expresses timeless style.
One golden rule to remember when picking and wearing a maxi dress is to avoid looking like a tent. In order to do this, choose a maxi that cinches at the waist or under the bust. You can use a waist belt to create this silhouette, or simply find an empire cut dress. Remember, the dress is the statement piece, so don’t over-do it. The beauty of the maxi dress lies in the fact that it offers high impact eye candy for very little effort so let it be the center piece of your fit.
Below are a few of my favorites!
http://www.isabellaoliver.com/
Until next time…Be Bold. Be Dope. Be You. Follow me on Twitter @JustAriii
1st & 15th: Black Card Dreams on a Thrift Store Budget
Multifarious Me: Connoisseur and Scavenger of the Contradicting, Dope, and Chic.
mul-ti-far-i-ous :adjective
selective. diverse. {Slang} dope.
Thoughts derived from the best of various styles, methods and ideas.
I am Ariel. I love. I live. I pop thrift store tags. Grab a pen and a pad…take notes.
Rags To Riches: Black Card Dreams On a Thrift Store Budget.
This article was featured in one of the first issues of Vane Magazine (Vane-Mag.com). I received
some great feedback from it and decided it would be extremely dope to share it with my AI
friends as well!
Picture this…Silk lined blazers, Vintage Chanel, Purple Label, Audemars Piaget, Vintage Louis
Vuitton; items synonymous with retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and a
plethora of high end boutiques.
Now that you have finished foaming at the mouth from excitement, let’s get back to reality. I
believe I speak for the masses when I say I have been nothing more than a window shopper at
majority of the establishments who carry the aforementioned designers. Yes, my name is Ariel
and I too am a window shopper. Queue the track 50!
Unless you are Jay-Z and Beyonce, Diddy, or Rick Ross, a Titanium Amex is not readily at your
disposal. In the U.S. to be successful economically you must be a realist. Especially with over the
top gas prices, these designers are more of a dream than a realization for the majority. That is,
until I had the most amazing light bulb moment a while back. An overwhelming trend that has
become common place over the past few years, of which I have been out of the loop for far too
long, has completely revamped my shopping experience.
It takes vision, creativity, passion, a few dollars, and last but certainly not least, it takes patience.
This most genius gift from God is known simply, as “Thrifting”. It can be tedious, gritty, and
sometimes overwhelming but the end result will be life altering. Salvation Army or Goodwill ring a
bell anyone?
Doesn’t sound too upscale I must admit, but as the old adage goes, looks can be deceiving. For
my fashion conscientious buyers picture this; an Ebony, pillow padded, gold chain link strapped,
Vintage Chanel bag, retail $1200.00, her price $45.00. Or for the guys, a silk lined Prada colored
beige blazer courtesy of Ralph Lauren Retail $300.00, his price $5.00. Both treasures discovered
by friends on a quest for fashion dominance on a precise budget. Genius right?
I had no idea how mainstream thrift shops were until I solicited feedback from friends and family
who jumped at the opportunity to share the prized possessions discovered on their quests. I’ve
listed a few for your reading pleasure:
Louis Vuitton Sarah wallet Retail:$620.00 Price:$12.00
Swarovski Chanel studs Retail: $500.00 Price:$25.00
Ralph Lauren blazers, button down shirts, and polos
Retail:$65.00-$350.00 Price:$6.00-$20.00
Leather Sperry’s
Retail:$65.00 Price:$6.00
L.A.M.B peep toe pumps
Retail:$350.00 Price:$15.00
Also, I’ve included a few of my own thrift store finds for your viewing pleasure! (Featured
Fit: White Linen Blouse: Ralph Lauren @$3.00/Goodwill Red Linen Pants: Vintage Anne Klein
@$3.50/Goodwill modeled by yours truly.)
Fuschia Wool Blazer (SagHarbor) and White Linen Blazer (Anne Klein) @$5.00 each/Goodwill
Tan Cotton Blazer (Tahari) and Navy/White Trimmed Linen Blazer (LUX) @$5.00 each/Goodwill
Vintage Jean Vest (Guess) and Khaki/Leopard Mini Trench (SagHarbor) @$4.00 each/Goodwill
Vintage Jeans (Calvin Klein and Bill Blass designed by yours truly) @$5.00 each. Check out my
DIY article in the latest issue of Vane Magazine at Vane-Mag.com to learn how to create your
own distressed denim!
So, the next time you pass thru Saks and you see the most impeccable, hand crafted designer
bag, watch, or blazer, know that it can all be yours for the low price of $50.00 or less at a thrift
store near you. Remember me if you come across an Hermes Birkin bag, in Canary preferably!
Until next time, Be Bold. Be Dope. Be you! Follow me @JustAriii and make sure to check out the
latest issue of Vane Magazine
1st & 15th: Sites
Multifarious Me: Connoisseur and Scavenger of the Contradicting, Dope, and Chic.
mul-ti-far-i-ous :adjective
selective. diverse. {Slang} dope.
Thoughts derived from the best of various styles, methods and ideas.
I am Ariel. I love. I live. I pop thrift store tags. Grab a pen and a pad…take notes.
Retail Therapy 101
As an avid scavenger of fine apparel and a die hard online shopper, I’ve had the pleasure of coming across a wardrobe altering amount of amazing fashion sites over the years. For this article I simply wanted to share the wealth and spread the love by listing my Top Ten sites for apparel and of course my Top Ten picks for the all too familiar shoe connoisseur.
Without further adieu…
Whether shopping for the perfect blazer, night on the town piece, a new pair of jeans, the perfect maxi dress or a light tunic for Spring, these sites are sure to quench your retail thirst. Some sites are a bit more pricy than others but the quality is amaze. Always, ALWAYS check the sale items!
1. ASOS.COM
2. LULUS.COM
3. MODCLOTH.COM
4. SHOPBOP.COM
5. FREEPEOPLE.COM
6. MADEWELL.COM
7. MAXSTUDIO.COM
8. LORDANDTAYLOR.COM
9. LOFT.COM
10. TOPSHOP.COM
Ready to revamp your footwear collection for Spring? Check out these amazing sites for your viewing pleasure!
1. BLUEFLY.COM
2. PIPERLIME.COM
3. ZAPPOS.COM
4. JUSTFAB.COM
5. HEELS.COM
6. SPERRYTOPSIDER.COM
7. BESO.COM
8. ENDLESS.COM
9. VINCECAMUTO.COM
10. STEVEMADDEN.COM
I hope you all enjoy. Until next time Be Bold. Be Dope. Be You! Follow me @JustAriii
1st & 15th: DIY High Waisted Vintage Shorts
Multifarious Me: Connoisseur and Scavenger of the Contradicting, Dope, and Chic.
mul-ti-far-i-ous :adjective
selective. diverse. {Slang} dope.
Thoughts derived from the best of various styles, methods and ideas.
I am Ariel. I love. I live. I pop thrift store tags. Grab a pen and a pad…take notes.
Get YOUR #LovinTheView shirt HERE—> http://thedjview.bigcartel.com/product/they-lovin-the-view-t-shirt
DIY-High Waisted Vintage Shorts: Distressed Denim Goes Chic for Spring.
I am often approached with the question, “Are the topics you write about applicable to the
average person? Or do you have to be a celebrity to pull off these fits?”. There is no hierarchy
when it comes to fashion. Encompassing the confidence to pull off a fit is all it takes. I may not
spend $300.00 on a fit but the level of creativity and effort put into it makes it just as dope. This
was partly my motivation for this article. It combines items you already have at home with others
you can purchase at your local thrift shop. Your total out of pocket expense should be no more
than $5.00 for the entire project if done correctly. I am all about this life!
High-waisted mini-shorts have flooded the runways, infiltrating collections of even the most
sophisticated designers like Louis Vuitton and Jason Wu. Stars like Beyonce and Rihanna
embraced this effortless, sexy trend in 2011 with no-holds barred. Vintage has never looked so
good! I am absolutely in love with taking modern twists on an old fit. This Do It Yourself project
is sure to boost your Spring/Summer 2012 wardrobe with minimal effort.
What you will need:
1 pencil
1 pair of scissors. Preferably fabric/hair scissors
1 ruler
1 pair of vintage denim jeans
Before I get started, I would like to provide some parameters when it comes to selecting the
perfect denim for this project.
Although you may have jeans at home you don’t particularly wear, I encourage you to venture
out to your local thrift store. My shop of choice is Goodwill as they normally have a wide selection
and the cost is ridiculously low. As lame as it may sound, you are searching for the typical “mom
jean”. Nothing screams vintage more. The waist is high, the craftsmanship is exquisite, and the
detailing is perfection. I have found that Levi’s, Guess, and Calvin Klein brand work best, as you
want the material to fray to create the ideal vintage effect. Now, let’s get started!
1. Decide what length of shorts you desire. Simple. Try them on!
Short shorts have a hemline of 2-3 inches. Take into consideration where you will wear them
and with what type of shoe to avoid a cheek show!
2. Grab a pencil. Just one mark!
Measure using your own judgment for length, remembering that you can always take away
length but adding is impossible. Using your pencil, place a mark on one pant leg as a frame of
reference for cutting.
3. Lay your jeans on a flat surface. Grab your pencil and a ruler.
Take your ruler and draw a light pencil line straight across the pant leg marked in step 2. This
will help guide you in your cutting. Plus, pencil comes out in the washing machine in case you
don’t cut exactly on the line.
4. Grab your scissors. One cut to start.
Cut straight across following the guide line made in step 3. Make sure not to cut the pocket
underneath as it will add to the vintage appeal. Fold the leg you have just cut, on top of the
other. Use the already cut pant leg as your guide to cut straight across on the second pant leg.
This will ensure that both legs are even. At this point you can try on the shorts to ensure they
are the proper length or simply eyeball it.
5. Scissors are now your best friend. Let’s distress!
There are two options for this step. If you prefer just a frayed hem, your work is done! Simply
wash and dry the shorts, turning them inside out and voila! The washer and dryer does all of the
work. If you are interested in the distressed or frayed effect over the surface of the denim, it’s
just as simple.
Locate the area in which you want to be distressed. Using your scissors, cut slits into the denim
horizontally about three quarters of an inch in height and as wide as you prefer. Make several
slits above and below one another for best results. If the slits are too small, once washed and
dried there will just be a hole in it’s place which is ok if small but not for true distressed appeal.
Spacing is key! Make slits wherever your fashionable heart desires.
6. Lastly, Turn inside out, wash and dry. The slits will fray automatically!
I hope you all find success using this DIY. I have provided a few examples as a guide in getting
your creative juices flowing. Remember, Engineer this trend! Don’t pay for it! Until next time Be
Bold. Be Dope. Be You. Follow me @JustAriii
1st & 15th: Article #2
Multifarious Me: Connoisseur and Scavenger of the Contradicting, Dope, and Chic.
mul-ti-far-i-ous :adjective
selective. diverse. {Slang} dope.
Thoughts derived from the best of various styles, methods and ideas.
I am Ariel. I love. I live. I pop thrift store tags. Grab a pen and a pad…take notes.
Ok, so I am over the top elated about this article. This trend absolutely gives me LIFE!
For the über fashion junkie this year, the best idea wouldn’t be just picking up a fuchsia shirt, a
violet jacket and mandarin colored trousers; it would be teaming them together. Trust the Gods
of fashion; Gucci, Jil Sander, and Yves Saint Laurent to name a few. If you dare to pair, you’d be
flaunting the extreme dopeness known as Color Blocking.
Color block fashion is one of the most contradicting, not so new trends for this season that is
back with a vengeance; ergo, my love affair. It combines the use of two or more blocks of color
in an ensemble, utilizing the basic blazer, blouses, tailored bottoms, tunics, dresses and even
handbags, accessories and shoes. Simply it means – creating a fit by putting areas or blocks of
solid color next to one another. It can include monotone, bright colors, muted colors, contrasting
and complimentary colors.
Color blocking took center stage as the top trend at the most recent Milan Fashion Week and is
sure to be long lived. The whole point of color blocking is to sport chunks of colors you never
imagined rocking. Sarah Jessica-Parker, Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba and
Rihanna ditched the monotony of ‘matching’ colors this season and stepped out with blocks of
colors in smart cuts. Bold is now made simple with this amazing work of art.
There are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to pairing colors. If you want to stay safe, you
may pair pastel shades with each other or with black. Throw in a lilac or pink blazer with blue
pants, or a pastel green cardigan with black pants to add a pop of color. The rule in color blocking is
that there are no rules. So you can pair a coral skirt with a burgundy shirt, and royal blue pants
with orange shirts. I would still advise caution. Everyone can color block to an extent, but if
you’re going all out with neons and reds, give your personality some thought. Draw attention to
your quirkiness, but don’t try too hard by pairing every bright colour in your closet. My mantra:
Don’t do it if you aren’t sure of it. You don’t want to end up looking like a Rubik’s cube or a Lego
block! Start by color blocking with monochromatic colours. For instance, a rust color skirt paired
with an orange top that’s 2-3 shades lighter looks just as fabulous.
Give your accessories and shoes a lot of thought. Having blocks of four colors in your outfit and
three in your shoes will only make you look like a pack of crayons. If you pick up a color blocked
shoe in blue and mustard, go for a smartly-cut dress in one color only. Ditto if your handbag
is color blocked. Sport a chunky, glitzy neckpiece with two blocks of colors in your dress. It is
important to remember, trends are about common sense.
Here are a few not so classic pairings for your viewing pleasure! Whatever you do, keep the look
simple, not overly complicated. Remember that style is effortless! Until next time Be Bold. Be
Dope. Be You. Follow me @JustAriii
(All images via www.GettyImages.com)
1st & 15th: Multifarious
I (Pheno) write for the men’s fashion articles in VANE Magazine and Ariel (@JustAriii) writes for the women’s side. For awhile now, I’d been meaning to ask her to lend her services to The Artistic Insanity and she kindly obliged. Ariel will be giving you guys bi-weekly fashion post that will be on the site every 1st & 15th. So without further adieu, I present Ariel, your new women’s fashion expert.
Multifarious Me: Connoisseur and Scavenger of the Contradicting, Dope, and Chic.
mul-ti-far-i-ous: adjective
selective. diverse. {Slang} dope.
Thoughts derived from the best of various styles, methods and ideas.
I am Ariel. I love. I live. I pop thrift store tags. Grab a pen and a pad…take notes.
For my first article, I wanted to get back to basics as women tend to confuse noteworthy fashion with ever evolving trends. The two are not synonymous! The boldest statement most times, is an understated one.
On my radar for Winter and transcending into Spring 2012, is none other than the basic blazer. A tailored fit can transform lives! Trust me on this one.
I am a blazer fanatic. They have become a wardrobe staple, different colors, textures and lengths; you really cannot go wrong with this option. While perusing through photos and browsing around different sites, one style consistently popped up, the tuxedo style.
Pair it with your favorite denim for a relaxed, yet sophisticated vibe or wear it over a sleek dress for a cool downtown appeal. The most popular colors I’ve noticed are basic black, eggshell white, and white with black detail. A shocking red or even an electric blue is also sure to spice up any silhouette.
Shimmy into your favorite pair of denim; straight-leg, pencil-leg or slim boot-cut. Slip on a soft tee; vintage, basic or printed. My personal favorite is the v-neck to sex it up a bit without over complicating the fit. Then slide into an eye-catching pair of shoes; pumps, or boots. Thigh high boots are a must have for this season and a perfect compliment to this fit.
Complete your look with a unique blend of accessories; stacked bracelets, one-of-a-kind rings, or earrings and voila! Effortless, timeless, and chic. What more can a woman aspire to be?
The tailored fit not meant for your repertoire? Arm yourself with a swanky motorcycle jacket, perhaps even a chunky knit wrap or a thigh-length cardigan. Be mindful, structure is key.
Here are a few of my favorites.
Photo: www.stylebop.com
Photo: www.jmonae.com
Need more ideas on how to spruce up a basic blazer, jeans and tee? Electrify your look!
I am in love with neon colors and parting with them for the fall and winter seasons is something I have yet come to terms with. So what’s a girl to do? Find a way to work the hue into your winter lineup without having the spring and summer appeal. Be clever. Be bold. Be Dope. Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling. Enjoy!
Neon Cambridge Satchel (www.bloomingdales.com)
Neon Kicks (www.GiuseppeZanottiDesign.com)
Try a shocking lipstick like Dolce & Gabbana – Love (www.harrods.com)
Neon Nail Lacquer (www.illamasqua.com)
Until we meet again…Follow me @JustAriii