Fashion's A Sketch: March 2015

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Street Meets the Runway....Say Hello to Sneakers

Sneakers, Really?! Yes, Sneakers!

During last Fall’s Chanel and Dior runways shows, I was blown away by the sneakers. Yes, that’s what I said…sneakers. You missed it? Okay, no judgments here! Take a quick look…

Chanel Fall 2014 RTW Show

Best 14 minutes spent this year? Okay, maybe not but it has to be at least one of the most fashionable! As usual, Karl Lagerfield out-did himself in spectacular fashion. And, Ms. Cara Delevingne made the show come alive. But as much as I adore Karl and Cara, I wasn't sold. Sneakers have been popular off the runway for eons. So, I chalked it up to a fun fashion moment.

Let me be the first to say..."I was W-R-O-N-G". As I have said before fashion gets a bit sketchy...LOL! Allow me to introduce you (and myself) to a few of today's designer sneakers...

Courtesy of theshoegame.com we have pics of Louis Vuitton's Jordan/Kanye West inspired Trailblazer sneaker. These kicks retails between $995 and $1995.

Yes, I know that is bit sketchy for a college budget. But, no worries...I have a suggestion

footlocker.com

Grab a pair of the original Jordan Flight 45s (louis' inspiration). These retail for $113. I think that is something I can squeeze into the budget.Vintage is better, right? I'm just saying...

Considering Chanel inspired this voyage into the world of sneakers, we must include a look...


chanel.com

Trainers by Chanel retail for $695 via Polyvore.com. While this particular style is sadly out of stock and out of my pricepoint, I would opt for an oldie but goody...


nike.com

The customizable Nike Air Max. This Nike retails between $110 and $150. There are a variety of sneakers that meet the aesthetics of Chanel without the shocking price tag.

Dior has also remained on the sneaker bandwagon...


dior.com

The Dior leather high-top sneaker reminds me of the cool kid in school. It isn't flashy but somehow you just know its special. Retail ranges from $695 to $995 depending on the retailer. Steep, right?

No worries...check out these high-top converse...

Stylish with a much more appropriate price tag. retailing for $99 to $130. While the design is not an exact replica, the cool kid feeling is still in effect.

So, as we have mentioned many times before fashion can get a bit sketchy for college students. Sadly, for better or worst that means some items will be out of reach. Oh well, let's take a look at the gorgeous designs....


lyst.com

These Christian Louboutin high top sneakers are priced firmly at $2795.

barneys.com

These Giuseppe sneakers are everything I aspire to be rough, rugged and glamorous all at once. Retail price $695.


barneys.com

The Giuseppe Zanotti fur trim wedge zip sneaker is amazing with no comparison necessary. Retail $1395. These are simply fierce and not for the faint of heart.

Fashion is often sketchy but rarely unattainable. Strut the street like you are Ms. Cara on the runway...no heels necessary! Until next time...

Monday, March 9, 2015

Style Fest: Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year is the most important holiday for Chinese, and is celebrated in many other countries in Asia. In China, not only do children and teens get money in red envelopes for the new year, everybody gets to buy new clothes, shoes, and accessories as well. For many low income families in China, this is the only time in the year for them to buy one or a few staple items for their wardrobes. Malls and shopping centers in the U.S. have started to decorate for Chinese New Year in recent years, in order to welcome more Asian shoppers coming to shop.

Decoration set up for Chinese New Year in South Coast Plaza; photo by Quenna Harvey

South Coast Plaza: Year of Ram display; photo by Quenna Harvey

Berluti window display celebrating Chinese New Year; photo by Quenna Harvey

Red color or bright color clothing is essential for Chinese New Year, as there is a saying that people can scare the evil spirits away by wearing red.My family and I went to Desert Hills Premium Outlets to shop for Chinese New Year, and I bought some red tops from Sandro.

New Year shopping at Desert Hills Premium Outlets

Sandro Leopard Print Rolled Sleeve T-shirt

Sandro Red Sweater Knit

According to some Chinese folktales, people encounter more challenges in the year of the same animal that they were born in, so if you are born in the year of the ram (born in 2005, 1991, 1979...), you need to wear some undergarment or accessory in red, in order to avoid the evil spirits.

I found a few accessories in red and pink that can possibly help me to get rid of the evil spirits for this year.

Traditional foot bracelet with a jewel

Traditional foot bracelet with a Chinese lock charm and bells

Traditional pink foot bracelet with a jewel

Traditional belly chain with jewels

I hope the Chinese New Year fashions inspire you to wear more red or bright color clothing and accessories, and may all your wishes be fulfilled in the year of ram.

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Sunday, March 8, 2015

Bargains "N" Me.....

The year 2008 is when I began to discover stores which are now being referred to as the new "Department Store". But for me they are places where I can get what I love at great discounted prices .

Stores such as Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, and Ross that carry designer wear, without the full retail designer prices. The reason I say that I discovered these places in 2008 because, not until the day I became a parent I was what some my family and friends called me label addict.
If it did not have a name brand I would not go near it! Along with paying the full price at some high end store such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, or Neiman Marcus.

In gaining more responsibility came, less $$$ and more bills. So like most college students and single parents I had to compromise certain aspects of my life starting with shopping. Therefore I discovered my new favorite shopping strategy at these various bargain spots. That way I can still shop how I love and ALMOST stay on budget being a full time single parent, a full time college student, and having a part time job wallet.

So here goes hunting!

My first stop of the day was TJ Maxx on Ventura Blvd in Tarzana.

Look! I found a whole rack of Michael Kors purses, any size any color that suits my needs. Loving the variety of style, shape, and size I can get at these places.

Giving a close up on the comparison in prices from the full retail price and the price you pay at TJ Maxx. Also I found some cut off shorts for men by True Religion on CLEARANCE between $20.00 -$29.00 great looks for the summer to come from original price of $198.00

What a bargain!!!

On to the next stop of me journey was Marshalls of Thousand Oaks! Where I found more Michael Kors, but in the form of pants and suits this time. First of full casual pant suit. Pants being only $39.99 in which the full retail price is $130.00.

A bit blurry, but you can see the point!

Last stop on my journey of hunting. I ended my day at Ross the self-proclaimed “dress for less”. Where I came home with a slew of Levi Jeans for men at such reasonable prices $19.99, then the actual Levi store with full price being $58.00

So many colors to choose from. Oh! How I love pure white levis, they are perfect for the summer that is quickly approaching!

Ending the day by relishing in my bargains, while also knowing that there is more “Smart Shopping” to be done tomorrow. Keeping an eye out!

CRW

Fashion Our Way

We all know being a student is a task. If we add fashion to the equation...things get a bit sketchy! So, I felt the need to show how the students of California State University, Long Beach balance the equation. Go Beach!

Welcome to the Beach! CSULB is located in Long Beach, California. More than 35,000 undergraduate students call CSULB home.

Monday thru Friday students have the opportunity to shop on campus! Yes, you read it right. Shopping after class? Yes! Shopping in between class? Definitely! And we are not talking merely sweats and t-shirts emblazoned with CSULB or GO BEACH (but we do wear our school name proudly ;)). We are talking real and affordable options.

Let's take a peek.....

Everything begins innocently, enough. There are plenty of California basics to choose from including maxi dresses, halters and over-sized tees.

Before you ask....we absolutely know it is the winter time! Southern California has entirely different seasonal rotation. 70-80 degree weather is no stranger.

As we continue...

The beautiful California sunshine highlights the abundance of options. Cute flirty rompers dominate the forefront. There are is no shortage of prints, floral or texture. Not to mention the sales! There are always plenty of racks of $20.00 and below. Honestly there is a true array of options.

But it’s not over yet…

Allow me to introduce you to Birdie - Fashion on the Fly! Birdie is fashion boutique on wheels. Luckily, CSULB students enjoy the truck at least twice a week.

So take a look into the CSULB fashion truck experience…

Initial impression…SCORE! Sales are always a welcoming sight.

Early in the day students begin to gravitate towards the coolest and most inviting truck on campus.

Birdie is owned and operated by renowned celebrity makeup artist Amy Sparks. As you can see Amy is very hands –on. She provides a boutique experience that is not normally available on college campuses. Every item within Birdie’s collection is hand-picked. Quite a treat for the CSULB campus.

As we step into the boutique the variety begins. There are not only affordable clothing options but accessories too! I was astonished by the options---scarves, clutches, and jewelry. The options are endless for a boutique on the go.

Yes, staying fly and studious can get a bit sketchy from time to time. But, with a little ingenuity and a fabulous campus it is more than possible.

See you soon! Q

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Style Trip: A Day in Big Sur

This road trip to the NorCal was truly a nice treat for my mom and me. It was a good bonding time for us, as well as taking loads of selfies! Here are some pictures of my outfit and beautiful scenes from Big Sur.

Me looking down at the tiny McWay Falls

Having a sip of tea at Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant

At Pfeiffer Beach

Writing on the sand

Buying guide (with a link on each picture)

My sweater is from Monki (old), similar thinner sweater from Forever 21 is good to wear in warmer spring weather.

Longline Crewneck Sweater

Necklace from Topshop, similar here:

Fatima Hand Ditsy Necklace

Pants from Zara, similar here:

Powerstretch Biker Trousers

Those rubber shoes are your best friend at the beach, since they'are sand-proof and somewhat water-proof.Mine is from Asos, similar from Ted Becker here: