Magazine Round Up

Here are some of my favorite looks from the latest round of fashion mags.  Use them for inspiration next time you're out shopping.  You can find similar looks in your favorite stores - and on a budget.

Stores to shop for these looks: Target, Macy's, BCBG, DSW

Stores to shop for these looks: The Gap, Zara, Fossil, Urban Outfitters, J Crew

Stores to shop for these looks: H&M, Target, Forever 21, Zappos.com

Stores to shop for these looks: Express, Banana Republic, The Limited, Nine West 

Content from: InStyle, Glamour, V Magazine, W, and Marie Claire 

We Can Do It

We're almost 4 months into the new year. If you made goals for 2010, you're probably well on your way - right? Or maybe not? If your checklist is collecting dust, now is the time to brush it off and get moving.


Sometimes the best way to get started is to get a little encouragement and that's what this post is about. 


The first thing you should do is push aside any fears or doubts you may have.  There's always a reason to say, "I can't" and dismiss your goal. You may not know what lies ahead in your pursuit, but all you can do is try and stay as determined as possible.


A technique that works for many is to picture yourself achieving what you set out to do. How would you feel? Harness that emotion and use it as motivation.


I won't drag on too much, but I will leave you with these famous words:  We can do it!  There may never be a perfect time to make your dreams happen, so don't wait around. 


What have you achieved so far in 2010? Let me know -  post on my Facebook page or leave me a note on Twitter .




Outfit:  Scarf: H&M, Watch: Fossil, Bracelets: Hollywood Intuition (green studded) and my grandma's ID bracelet (silver), Pin: Gap, Shirt: Merona Men's, Earrings: Forever 21


Styling, Production, Modeling, Hair & Makeup, and Photography by Fauxshionable

Just Slippin' on by on LSD

I wanted to focus on color this week. Bright, eyepopping color to be exact. While much of spring 2010 pushes for neutrals and soft, pale colors, there's nothing better to bring on the warm weather than bold palates. Take the bright blue skirt and teal tights from my look or the colorful scarf I'm using as a belt as examples.  Mix colors, wear one bold color - whatever you're comfortable with.

The inspiration for this post came from the location it's set in. Behold the beautiful mosaic and mirror mural under Chicago's famed Lake Shore Drive on Foster Avenue.  The mural is a 3200 sqaure foot tribute to Native American culture called "Indian Land Dancing."  The symbolism and creation of the mural were directed by the Native American community.  The mirror tiles they chose were the reason I made the leg wraps and cuffs I'm wearing.

The road above the mural, Lake Shore Drive, is one of the most famous stretches of pavement in the country. It was originally built to be a lakefront street for the wealthy early Chicagoans and their carriages, but was rapidly transformed with the onslaught of automobiles.  LSD runs along the shoreline of the great Lake Michigan, boasting some of the best views of the skyline. 

The band Aliotta-Haynes-Jeremiah said it best in their 1971 hit "Lake Shore Drive" - There ain't no finer place to be than ridin' on Lake Shore Drive.  In these black and whites, I'm actually about 5 feet off the drive! 

Great and affordable stores to find brights right now:  Express, Forever 21, Target, American Apparel.

Outfit: Dress: Forever 21, Belt/scarf: Hollywood Intuition by Jaye Hersh, Necklaces: Forever 21, Tights: Exhilaration, Shoes: Nine West (pumps) and Mossimo (flats), Mask, Leg wraps, and cuffs: handmade by ME!


Styling, Production, Modeling, Hair by Fauxshionable

Photography by Krystle Ansari -Fly Vintage and Bradford Mayer

Inspired Fashion - Part 2

In case you missed part one, here's a link!  Now on to part 2...

 

My second source of inspiration is my Mom, Kimberly.  She's an interior designer and has always been a wiz at the sewing machine. She even made her own bridesmaid dresses!

 

My mom always told me that it's important to look your best, no matter what you're doing or where you're going.  "You never know when you might run into the President!"  That mantra has stuck with me and I feel it's an important part of life.  Mom also taught me about thrifty shopping and coupon clipping.  Her budgeting genius is where I get most of my financial planning knowledge (sorry U of I business school) and it's a major inspiration for this website and business.

 

Mom's style is classic with a hint of trendy, and she always looks appropriate and put together.  Although she values her own style, she always made sure my brother and I were dressed our best first. She's also sewn her fair share for us - from Easter dresses to Halloween costumes. It's those gestures of selflessness and love that make her such an inspiration to me today. 

Snow bunny

Grandma Jeanne and Mom

Wedding Belle

Mom and Dad - retro style 

USO and the Chicago

Military styling: this trend deserves attention - pun intended.  I found this army green micro-suede dress at a thrift store a couple of weeks ago and it had to get it's moment of glory here on Fauxshionable.  It's shape is slightly retro, and I played into that.  It could also be worn in a more modern way if I lost the cape and the little hat I made.  I feel like I'm honoring our troops when I wear military inspired clothes, and that makes me happy. 

My photographer was none other than Krystle from Fly Vintage!  (you all probably think we're dating or something. Really we just use each other for hot fashion.)  She did a most excellent job, yes?

One thing I vow to start doing is to site the location of shoots, and give you a little background on them.  You're looking at the Chicago River and a bridge which crosses over it and into the Ravenswood Manor neighborhood.  The Manor is a tiny hood on the Northwest side of Chicago, located here, which boasts a variety of historic single family homes along the riverfront. 

It is unique to find such large homes on over sized lots within city limits, and one feels like they might have taken a wrong turn and ended up in the burbs.  Recently, all of Ravenswood Manor was named on the National Register of Historic Places!   

Back to the clothes - the military trend is easily workable into any wardrobe.  The green color of my dress is an easy neutral to pair with khaki, black, navy, brown - or most any color!  Look for details like epaulets, brass buttons, and anything else that screams TEN-HUT! Be sure to pair your military piece with something feminine to offset the hard look.  For this look for men, check out my friend Adam in one of my older posts.

Outfit:  Dress: labeless, thrifted ($2.50), Fur Cape: Feuer Fur Co., also thrifted ($12), Tassel: swiped from some old window treatments my mom was getting rid of (free!), Shoes: Cynthia Vincent on amazon.com ($53 SALE!!), Hat: homemade from a page in V Magazine (mag cost $6.50).  Total cost: $74.00

 

Styling, Production, Modeling, Hair & Makeup by Fauxshionable

Photography by Krystle Ansari - Fly Vintage

Dump the Frump - A Collabo with The (Inner) Peace Project

I recently collaborated with Ashley of The (Inner) Peace Project to help compile a list of spring essentials for 2010. (Remember her from my Hot Mama post?) We focused on stylish and comfortable basics that will work well with her busy life of being a mom. Who doesn't love comfort and style? Check out our list and get inspired! 

Read it here!

Inspired Fashion - Part 1

One of my favorite parts of getting to know someone is learning what makes them tick. Why are they inspired to pursue a certain passion in life? What brought them to where they are today?

In this two part post, I'd like to show you two women who have given me my passion for clothing and style. It just so happens that I'm related to them! 

Meet my grandmother, Jeanne Rose Bell, or Grandma Jeanne to me. We spent hours playing with dolls and antique toys in my mom's old bedroom that served as a magical play place for me growing up. We always shared a special bond. She was a beautiful, caring soul and her classic taste still inspires me every day. 

Love this blouse!

Bathing beauty

This could easily pass as a photo of a movie star.

Grandpa and Grandma - she knit that sweater!

That little gal is my mom :) 

Part 2 coming soon....xoxo 

The Enemy of my Enemy is my Enemy

A very Dick Tracy -esque post from my favorite vintage blog.  Fly Vintage features an amazing vintage Christian Dior suit she found at a thrift store in this kitchy, retro photography feature. Oh, and I'm in it too. Thanks for letting me wear that little slice of heaven! 

Check it out!