Less is More

There seems to be the notion that more is more, that adding more layers and more accessories and more anything, if done correctly, creates impeccable fashion. I agree with this idea during some parts of the year -- that's what makes winter fashion so uncomplicated (I've been talking about this a lot lately). Sometimes more turns into too much, and this is one of the few cases where the more is more theory does not work. But usually the people who do too much know what they're doing, they pull it off, and it actually does end up working. More is more is completely fine, and actually 100% true most of the time.

But when more is more takes away from the opposite theory, that actually less is more, the idea of more is more loses some of its appeal.

Why can't two opposing theories work together? Well, not in the same outfit, of course (or maybe this is possible...). But during different times of the year, or just different days of the week? That's more than possible.

Step 1:

Buy (or find) a statement piece that requires no other clothing (besides shoes) to be deemed appropriate to go outside of your home. Like a dress, jumpsuit, etcetera. Only having to put one article of clothing on makes getting dressed in the morning way easier (and it works with my less is more theory). But instead of wearing any old dress, get one that's unique in some way. Maybe it has a really cool texture or silhouette that you have been dying to try out. Or maybe it's a piece that is enough to stand on its own, aka the entire point of less is more.

Jumpsuit here; middle dress here; right dress here

Anthropologie is really good at making dresses that are enough on its own, formal or casual, and Asos has a lot of eccentric jumpsuits online right now (I'm about to buy that denim jumpsuit when I get the money). I went with the last dress above because of its simple style yet complex structure, and my mom already owns it.

Step 2: 

Shoes are a step we can't miss because they save our feet from a number of things, like hot pavement or other people's stilettos (actually, that would hurt with or without shoes). The above piece of clothing should already stand out, but it won't hurt to get soles that also stand out, because guess what: there's only one more (optional) step after this one.

 

(click on the image to see the shoe source)

I think adding a tiny heel or a few studs, buckles, or extra straps makes a shoe this spring, and maybe they will make the outfit, too. I went for an option that's similar to the first choice, but the other two from Topshop and Anthropologie may work even better (they are in my saved for later list, after all).

Step 3:

Step three is actually optional, but recommended. An outfit would do just fine with that dress and pair of shoes, but adding an extra detail, no matter how minuscule, can transform a good outfit into a perfect one. I would achieve this task by adding something on your wrist, neck, or face.

 

                                          

 (click on image to see accessory source)

Any accessory will do, and the smaller, the better. This is just the finishing touch, the sugar on the strawberries, the whipped cream on the milkshake. It's not necessary, but it sure as hell makes the outfit more delicious (Alessandro Michele of Gucci would definitely agree with this philosophy). Here you can also experiment with these pieces, like by tying a neck scarf around your wrist (spoiler alert: that's what I did!).

So combine all three steps and you get...

Now do you understand my point?

Dress by Anthropologie. Scarf by Urban Outfitters. Shoes from a boutique in San Francisco.

Photos of me shot by me. Other photos were edited by me, coming from the websites of Anthropologie, Asos, Topshop, Madewell, and Urban Outfitters.

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Blue Velvet

Er, black velvet, actually, but my hair is blue. Does that count? 

Well, it's more of a gray-ish color with slight tints of periwinkle blue, but the blue is important in the whole color theme because of David Lynch's (Twin Peaks, anyone?) film titled Blue Velvet. 

Lynch likes to hide really disturbing content in his films with pretty aesthetics, like white picket fences, blue skies, and brightly colored flowers. The movie carries this perfect suburbia theme, kind of like a fantasy world, that covers the disturbing truth of what is really going on in the small town -- the abuse of a twisted woman by a psychopath (and that woman really likes to wear blue velvet). It plays with the contrast between surface and depth, that not everything is really as it seems, but the disturbing, kind of gross parts of the movie don't really relate to what I'm trying to say. All we need to see, as of now, is the beautiful surface of life, because that's what spring feels like to me. Maybe there's some kind of murderous case going on in the suburban town of Milton, but I hope not because the flowers are in full bloom.

Overalls by Urban Outfitters. Muscle tee by J. Crew (similar one here). Neck scarf by Kimchi Blue by Urban Outfitters. Shoes by Topshop (similar ones here).

Velvet seems like the perfect material to embrace this perfect season, and it's not just because of the one movie I referenced. It's soft texture and shiny appearance just makes me excited to get dressed in the morning, and that's something that all of us lacked in the colder months. I even posed in front of bright pink flowers and a (kind of) blue sky to reference Lynch, and those two things seem to make me actually want to get up in the morning. And knowing that yes, it is possible to wear velvet overalls in the spring makes me even more enthusiastic. I didn't think it was possible; velvet is reserved for fall and winter (did you guys see those FW16 collections?), but then I remembered that it's spring, and anything's possible. 

I made this piece work by trading my Stan Smiths for strappy Topshop sandals, my knit sweater for a muscle tee with metallic detail, and my overcoat for a floral neck scarf, which is so relevant because florals and spring are soulmates. Maybe switch the muscle tee with an over-the-shoulder blouse and the strappy sandals with suede clogs if you want more of a Stevie Nicks, free-spirited look. Either way works. I practically changed my top three times in the morning because wearing something that wasn't long-sleeved felt so strange with the overalls, but then Blue Velvet started to play in my head and I had to make the outfit work. For the sake of David Lynch.

Side note: Did you know that this velvet bib has a huge pouch to carry keys, a phone, maybe some snacks or an entire lunch? I felt like a well-dressed kangaroo, except I'd trade the baby kangaroo for some chocolate.

How do you like to style velvet in the spring? Put your thoughts in the comments below!

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Florals? In SPRING???

WHO KNEW???

This is also one of the spring fashion jokes I've been waiting to use ALL year, next to the title for my last post. I'm a sucker for obvious, not-even-funny sarcasm, and I think the new season makes me more excited about it (and more likely to use this type of humor).

Yes. Florals. In spring, of all seasons. I'm sure the Romans wore florals in spring; I even bet the Mesopotamian civilization was a fan of them. Because that's the first civilization I remember learning about in AP world history two years ago, it's proof that florals and spring have been soulmates forever. Obviously.

Dress by Brandy Melville. Tee by J. Crew. Boots by Sam Edelman. Socks by Madewell.

I'm wearing florals!! And posing next to flowers!! And have pastel hair!! I am the epitome of spring, basically. But wearing florals in a general sense is so, well, forever ago, so instead I layered a floral slip that I only reserve for a swim coverup over a jeweled tee. It's meant to be a dress but Brandy Melville has to make everything "one size fits all" so it really only fits 1% of the population that shop at said store. But this ill-fitting nature worked in my favor because I got to wear a top under it to a) hide the skin that this poorly-fit dress would not cover and b) make an eccentric spring outfit that still involves flowers. The fact that Man Repeller just posted an outfit that involves a slip AND that I just randomly opened a page in my new Nylon to a spread full of slips is a full blown sign that I should buy more slips in every color, fabric, and length.

That's the cool thing about spring fashion -- you can literally do whatever you want. I thought this was reserved for winter, but in winter, there was at least the excuse that you were too damn cold to not wear the turtleneck under the two dresses. But in this season, the only excuse is that it's spring. It's the season of love (I think?), the season of a care-free mentality. That's why wearing boots meant for the rain is completely acceptable to be paired with a floral slip on a sunny day. And that's also why it's okay to wear a barely-there "coverup" to school, of all places. 

I also love this season because it's really fun to experiment with florals (said everyone ever). You can even mix two contrasting floral prints, or do what I did and play with layers to combine two completely different items. Yes, I should be banned from using the word layers ever again (just search the term "layer" on my blog and you'll see why), but layers are reserved for more seasons than  just the freezing one. Instead of layering for warmth, we layer simply because we want to. It feels pretty liberating. Maybe florals can become something even greater than we ever expected.

Comment the way you like to wear florals in this season below!

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Spring Has Sprung

I've been waiting, like, six months to use the pun I call my title, and I have no regrets. Because spring is here!!

So I need to buy every type of clothing item in a floral print, maybe add some all-white basics, some overall-shorts and cropped tanks would be nice too... What about dying my hair a pastel color? That sounds very spring.

I look very sad in this picture, maybe a bit blue (and I don't wanna feel blue anymore). Yes, I just made the worst hair-color pun (even worse than the title) AND quoted Marina & the Diamonds lyrics... but yes, I am blue. Not just blue highlights, or maybe even dip-dyed blue, but my entire head is blue. It was very impulsive because my bleached hair is prime for picking up hair color and I'm unfortunately going back to natural blonde in a few weeks, so I wanted to make the most of my platinum blonde days. It's a typical teen thing, or whatever. Because dying your hair blue, of all colors, is very rebellious, especially when you have to deal with prepubescent middle schoolers in Hot Topic just to get your hair dye.

Or maybe it's just very in for fashion right now, except that was two years ago. So I guess I blame it on spring fever or my last few months of being a teen, or even better, that I just wanted to try something new with my look. So go ahead, dye your hair a fun color (it's super easy and semi-permanent!!), take some impromptu photos next to the really pretty flowers in your backyard, and even put your hands on your head while you're at it. Come Easter, you'll even match the pastel-painted eggs.

Photos shot by me. Also, if you were to dye your hair a fun color, what would it be? Comment below!

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In Limbo

I think it's safe to say that we're now in the "in limbo" period of seasonal fashion. A period of fashionable ambiguity, a transition between two things, and in this case, it's winter and spring trends. I was going to relate this idea to Radiohead's song off of Kid A titled "In Limbo", but the lyrics are not even similar to what I'm trying to say, unless this awkward period is "living in a fantasy world" (maybe, if you think really hard?).

Spring is so close, so close I can almost touch it, but it's still March. March is supposed to be winter-oriented, turtlenecks and cable knits and ankle boots galore. Except it's hot. The south didn't even get an in limbo period, we got a frozen tundra immediately followed by a sweltering summer day. I think it's proof that global warming is, in fact, real, but there's no fashion manual on how to dress in case global warming occurs. So I like to still think we're in limbo. We're still supposed to wear pants and layers, even if it's 76 degrees. Or maybe we can just skip the whole period and jump straight into our bikinis and frilly rompers and call it a day, but what's the fun of that? I actually enjoy this period. It makes getting dressed in the morning a challenge; it even forces me to wear items I used to deem unworthy. Call me a fashion nerd, but I love a fashion challenge.

Top by Urban Outfitters. Jeans by Mango. Jacket by Topshop. 

White pants, or really white anything, used to scare the hell out of me because I probably belong in the Guinness Book of World Records for spilling the most amount of coffee on my clothing, not my actual self, in a single week (and the fact that I really don't want to resemble Alex from A Clockwork Orange). And this is still true -- those pants that I actually put both of my legs into today made me anxious the entire day, but the pants (and I) survived the past eight hours. I decided that it was time to get some high-waisted and frayed and cropped and flared jeans, of course six months after everybody else did, so the tardiness instantaneously forced me to buy white ones, because Spring!! Also, these were on sale on Mango for only $14 (find a similar pair here), so I felt compelled to buy them. Going for white was spring, but going for pants was winter. I'm practically the in limbo queen. I'm probably going to wear these throughout the year, Labor Day Rule be damned.

Choker by Asos. Shoes are unknown, but find similar Asos ones here. Sunglasses by Madewell.

Then I also went for a top that I usually only wear over bathing suits or with shorts saved for July, but I decided that a floral cropped, barely-there tank could definitely work with white pants (something like this or this could work too). It's pretty self-explanatory here -- I paired a summer essential with an item that actually covers my legs. In limbo. The green jacket wrapped around my waist wasn't there until about an hour ago because a) I forgot it was St. Patrick's Day until 10 this morning and b) I spent about half an hour trying to find it in my mess of a room, so I gave up until I realized at around noon that it was hanging on my door. I rushed home after school to get the jacket only for the sake of a blog post because I have absolutely nowhere else to go today. BUT the jacket adds a layer (in limbo!!), some green for the holiday, and a method to stop my tiny shirt from creeping up and showing some skin (not that it would matter).

All of sudden I've been into accessories, so I linked a gold-chain choker around my neck that slightly resembles a dog collar, plus someone told me that Cosmo said that metallics were in this Spring and this was after I decided to wear the necklace (am I a fashion psychic?). Then, instead of wearing boots with heels or clogs or even pumps that are usually paired with flares I wore these gold sandal/flats-type-shoes that I bought at a boutique in Haight-Ashbury in SF last year (similar to these) because I decided it's time to give my white sneakers a break, and that metallic theme is so pulling my outfit together. The sunglasses on my face were only there when I was driving and when I was shooting photos for this post, so they weren't technically part of my in limbo look but I decided they'd look really cute with my bright pink+purple lips (also in limbo!).

So take spring trends like white and florals and metallics, and just cover your legs (maybe instead by wearing thigh highs) and add a layer that doesn't even have to touch your arms? Sounds pretty simple, if you ask me.

How do you dress for these awkward times between winter and spring? Comment below, in my newly updated Disqus widget (it makes discussions and recommendations so much easier).

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When Fashion and Art Collide

Shirt by Loo Gray. Jeans by Madewell. Belt by J. Crew.

Fashion is always art, correct? One could compare the tedious process of creating the frescos in the Sistine Chapel to the difficult task of creating a FW16 collection, and it's also quite clear that many people dress the way they do for self expression, which is basically the core of art. This is one of the thousands of reasons I love fashion, probably the main one, because art comes in so many different forms and it can even fall into the way one dresses. Usually, designers start with their fashion senses, then they incorporate the art into their creations later. But when it's the opposite, when an artist decides to put their artistic talent into clothing, that's a whole other story.

That's how the small online store of Loo Gray began -- an artist with talent who decided to expand his talent from paper to clothing. I couldn't get the chance to actually speak with him, but he's only about my age (17, if you forgot) and he created the store not solely for profit, but as a tribute to his mom, and I think that we should all start appreciating our mothers more often. I'm not sure if he wants to make it big, but he's simply doing what he loves, and I kind of see that same attitude in what I've been doing for the past year. But to get to the actual clothing -- all of his pieces are unique in some way because he does everything by hand (he screen-prints all of his shirts, but he individually paints his jackets). This individuality really shows through his work, and that's probably why I felt compelled to buy one of his shirts.

I'm not really sure why I'm squinting so much or why I'm in that terrible stance in the first photo (thigh gap??), but it's about the shirt in the outfit, because that's where the art is. I'm not one to wear t-shirts in a fashionable manner but I think the really cool art on it is enough to call it fashion, so I created the simplest look with it -- black jeans and black shoes, but also some fun accessories like my black bandana (the neck scarf trend is only just beginning) and gold belt to complement the top, not take away from it. I felt extremely comfortable today, almost too comfortable, but then I looked down at the print on my shirt and remembered how this is going to be on the blog, so I quickly added a layer of NARS to my lips. After wearing this shirt, I would like to buy every other article of clothing he sells on his website. I'll have one of each, please.

Jacket by Loo Gray. Shirt from Record Store Day at Criminal Records (I was there when she got it!). Shoes by Adidas.

Here we have another example of one of his products, worn by my very close friend who decided to move across the country (read about her here!) and actually be the one to tell me about Loo Gray. Instead of following a simple path like me and buying a tee, she ordered a camo jacket with an acrylic-paint face, and surprisingly it is one of the rare moments when camo pattern does not exude racism but instead exudes cool. This is the one I wanted to order but of course, it sold out, and the minute they restock (if they ever do), I'll get one for myself. Until now, I've never wanted to get near camo but that eccentric art attracts me to the military-esque print, and I'm anti-war. Here's evidence that literal art will make anything better than it already is, thanks to Loo Gray.

I have a slight feeling that he currently has two fans of his work, including me, that do not include the people he already knows, but that fan-count should, and will, start rising. Or maybe it won't, because it's obvious that his main goal is not fame, but it's to showcase his talent on a more commercial level. Plus, who wouldn't want to up their jean-jacket game by wearing one embellished with actual art?

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A Guide to Warm Weather (When You're Still Stuck in Winter)

Only a few days ago did I actually realize the weather had been 70 degrees for the past two weeks. The sun was shining, I could actually feel my face, finally, and there was no need for several layers; I probably could have walked around in a swimsuit and I'd feel perfect. I should be happy, satisfied, at least grateful for this sudden change in climate. For once, I don't have to wear a turtleneck! But I miss those turtlenecks. I never had time to buy a faux-fur coat or an oversized trench or a shearling-lined jean jacket or even a velvet jumpsuit or leather pants, and the cold seems like the only excuse to wear out-there items like those. The cold was so much easier, ironically, because I could layer practically anything together and it would be deemed the highest forms of fashion, while in the warmth I can only wear one layer of clothing and that's just boring. Yawn. Wait, here's an idea: follow the same guidelines for winter fashion, just wear way less of it. Will that work? Let's test it.

Top and jeans by Gap. Bomber by Brandy Melville. Shoes by Topshop.

I'm a self-proclaimed jeans-hater but the minute the temp rises I miss them dearly, but my legs need to breathe! So here's a trick: find an old pair of jeans (or steal them from your mom) and scissors and have some fun. Do some cutting, fraying, whatever it takes to let your legs get some air. I found these from my mom and I think she wore them in 1999, back when awkward-rise boot-cuts were in style. I found them ripped in the knees (half the job is already done! Thanks, mom!), but then I wanted my ankles to feel the sun so I cut three inches off at 7 a.m., half asleep, and I'm pretty sure the right leg is a bit shorter than the left but hey, that asymmetry gives it more of a DIY feel.

One of the trends I missed during the cold abyss of winter are tops suited for spring, whether they're floral ones, sheer blouses, or cropped tanks. Of course, I learned to layer these over turtlenecks during the winter and I wish I had more time to do this, but this weather has something against turtlenecks, so I guess I'll have to leave my arms and neck naked and vulnerable with my favorite printed tank from Gap.

But going from turtleneck to nothing is a bit fast and my body still has not adapted to this sudden change, so we have to take things slow and maybe add a light layer over that tank, like a denim jacket or, even better, an embroidered satin bomber from Brandy Melville. The truth behind this buy is that I was still suck in winter-mode and this would be so cute under my pea-coat!, but it also works for spring (or fall) -- a much-needed in-between layer. Also, bombers are really in right now, especially those of the varsity-striped and embroidered nature, so can I officially call myself a cool-girl?

The idea of showing my feet (and ugly dancer toes) is just bizarre, but the first step to accepting this warmth is wearing at least one article that is meant for the sun, maybe something as simple as shoes that aren't boots or something as wild as denim cut-offs. Since it's not festival season yet, I'll go for the shoe option. I haven't touched sandals since last August and I've been perfectly content without them, but maybe showing my feet in public isn't so bad, and the ones from Topshop that I've owned for almost two years make matters a bit better. Yes, jeans and sandals do work, even if I'd feel better wearing ankle boots. Rip the band-aid off, Natalie. Wear the sandals. 

By the end of all of this I somehow had a decent look for myself, maybe a look for someone who misses winter too much (who wears jackets in 70 degrees??), but at least I was trying. Sometime next week I'll probably accidentally throw on a turtleneck or a knit-sweater or even my parka reserved for below freezing temps, because even though it's March, it still feels like January. It's going to take some time.

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Adieu to Fall/Winter 2016

collage created by me, with photos from Vogue Runway

My favorite month of the entire year (yes, even greater than December that brings Christmas and New Year's Eve festivities) is over. I am miserable, jaded, devastated that I can't continue to refresh Vogue every hour to see the latest collection from fashion week or that I can no longer spend hours scrolling through street style photos from Paris and constantly ask myself, "How do they do it?". The not-so-fabulous life of my self-diagnosed Z-list blogger, maybe, but at least it was something. I miss being amazed at how designers are able to practically pull off magic through their shows, and then this magic makes me not as sad anymore. Yes, fashion month is over (insert multiple crying emojis)!! But then I think of how Paris Fashion Week ended such a beautiful month with the most inspiring and magnificent collections, even greater than NYFW's and LFW's and even MFW's, and I look back at the très bien fashion we saw in the French city, and I only see the opportunities for next season. Layering with delicate and masculine pieces. Oversized coats paired with patent leather. Accessories on everything (especially the neck), and sheer fabrics that create loose silhouettes. Puffer jackets, finally, and ballerina-inspired tulle gowns.  I always say how PFW is the perfect way to end fashion month, but this season, j'adore. I've never taken a single French lesson and I probably know only four terms, but this past week makes me want to learn the language (and definitely move to Paris). So grab your berets and croissants (that's how the French do it, right?) and take a stroll down PFW memory lane with me.

The oversized trend appears, once again, at Rochas, but instead of following a masculine, utilitarian path, this collection followed a playful, adolescent, wearing your mom's clothes kind of look. But this time, the kids picked out the most out-there pieces, filled with floral and shimmery frocks with sleeves too long for their arms, multi-colored stockings too baggy for their legs, and platforms too high for their youthful gaits. The kids grow up through the show, however, by showing some skin, adding sophisticated fabrics such as velvet and silk, and wearing sheer evening gowns. Themes of femininity and lightness play throughout the entire show with the repetition of ruffles and complex prints, and it made us realize that fashion is so much better when it's not taken too seriously.

The McCartneys are a talented bunch. My first favorite musician (and concert at the early age of 10) is the father figure in all of this, so it's not surprising that Stella McCartney would fall into her father's shoes, just with a fashion line instead of a '60s pop band. "Bitch, I'm a vegan" and "get yo tofu on" rang through our ears as we saw an animal friendly collection that stayed true to Stella's vegetarian ways and the fitting lyrics of the songs. A juxtaposition of sporty, feather-free puffer jackets and metallic pleated details strutted down the runway, and icons of swans graced just about every type of clothing, whether it was a practical cotton blouse or an oversized maxi. It's pretty obvious that the McCartney daughter supports animal rights, and I'm not even a vegetarian, but seeing the mix of feminine details and gowns with relaxed knits and boxy pants makes the idea seem a lot more appealing.

The '70s are gone, the '80s are back. That's what Isabel Marant is trying to tell us, and patent leather and edgy silhouettes never looked better. This is a collection fit for Heathers and the British punk scene of the '80s. Shiny minis paired with ankle-length trenches (J.D. would come back to life just for that coat), frilly tops tucked under skin-tight leather pants, and even those tacky hairpieces worn at prom circa 1983 finished looks with plaid/leopard print jackets and zebra-print shoes. Sounds like a nightmare, but looks like a dream, if your dreams have The Cure playing on repeat. Start wrapping your dresses with huge belts, adding pins to your oversized coats, and wearing fishnets non-ironically because the '80s are back, baby.

Now that the new Chloé girl is inspired by Anne-France Dautheville, the woman that traveled through Europe and the Middle East on a motorbike, I would like to become a traveling-biker-girl ASAP, especially if wearing flowing frocks with leather pants and neck scarves is part of the deal. When inspirations as unique as this are so clearly stated, it truly shows through the clothing. That free-spirited nature of Dautheville emanated off of the practical leather boots and the structure of those gorgeous multicolored dresses. Masculine pants and zip-up jumpsuits can totally be feminine, because #girlpower (plus yesterday was International Women's day. How fitting). Chloé definitely made a statement, and it may have been the empowering female version of Kerouac's On the Road or a request to immediately leave our jobs and travel the world. Next time I travel, layering my dad's oversized pullovers over ruffled dresses and buying bandanas in bulk will be on my fashion to-do list, if I even have enough responsibility to create a list like that. That's what Dautheville's philosophy was all about, right? Live in the moment, or something of that nature.

There's a unique beauty and grace that comes from the purest forms of fashion, and Valentino perfectly captured that essence, unlike their last distasteful collection that attempted to culturally appreciate but unfortunately culturally appropriated (with 90% white models, of course). I've been angry at the brand ever since, until this new collection, where the ballerina in me (you learn something new about me everyday) is fan girling, internally squealing, physically crying at the pieces Valentino brought this season. In ballet, there's a certain type of poise and artistry that cannot be recreated in any other form, but of course Valentino recreated it with an impressive collection of 81 pieces filled with tulle inspired from tutus and the looks of a dancer that go on before, during, and after a rehearsal or performance. Dreamy gowns that look like they were pulled out of Swan Lake or The Nutcracker blended with looks that incorporate the simplicities of layering when it comes to a dancer, whether it's layering a velvet wrap dress over a thin turtleneck or throwing on a sweater over ballet tights and flats. A live pianist played melodies that allowed the ballet-bun clad models to dance across the runway, and at times it was perfect for an adagio (slow, graceful movements) or even a petit allegro (a series of small, staccato jumps). These movements strangely correlated with the clothing because there was a combination of gentle, delicate pieces with opposing looks filled with layered, intricate details. Unfortunately for Alessandro Michele I think Valentino won fashion month with this collection. I could go on for hours about how wonderful the show was, just like I could go on for hours about my love for ballet, but PFW must end somewhere and it ends on this note:

Fashion may just be clothing, but when clear inspirations are shown through the looks, an extra dimension is added, a layer of reason and beauty that gives the designs meaning and truth. This is obvious through all the shows from Paris, whether I reviewed them or not, and I guess this is the reason this week was so, well, inspiring. Ask me why I love fashion, and I'll simply give you my top five shows from PFW Fall/Winter 2016. So here's my farewell, my adieu, to this season's fashion month. Au revoir, my dear friend. Until September.

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Oscars Fashion

(from left to right) Cate Blanchett, Olivia Wilde, Brie Larson, Saoirse Ronan, and Rooney Mara

collage made by me, with photos from Vogue

Why is there no such thing as the award for "best-dressed" at the Oscars? The media spends two hours discussing everyone's amazing (or poor) fashion choices, yet there is no ~official~ decided winner. It's one of the most elite award shows; there's even two separate awards for sound editing and sound mixing in a film. If the Academy can manage to fit several, largely irrelevant awards into four long hours (I watched the entire thing just to see Leo's face when he won his first Oscar), why can't they just squeeze in a five minute segment on who won best dressed? Someone important in the fashion industry, like Alexa Chung or Olivia Palermo, can judge. Since this dream of mine does not exist, I'll do the judging.


And the nominees for Best Dressed are...

Cate Blanchett, wearing an enchanting aquamarine gown by Armani Privé that's covered in delicate floral embellishments and silky fabric carries an amazing shape fit for someone like Blanchett -- a queen (who really likes flowers).

Olivia Wilde wears a revealing but classy dress by Valentino's Haute Couture collection that contains a simplicity in the pleating detail but a complexity with the open back, and this paradox provides for a dress that's simply beautiful, just like Olivia Wilde.

Brie Larson, a quirky-turned-serious actress wears a bold gown by Gucci (*swoons*) with a royal blue shade and a statement jeweled-belt to add an it-factor to a simple dress (It's Gucci -- there's always an it-factor). The textured ruffles create a level of eccentricity to the look, and eccentric is the perfect way to describe an actress like Brie (another plus: she shares a name with a very delicious cheese).

Saoirse Ronan, the up-and-coming young (and stunning) actress wears a sparkly dress by Calvin Klein. Sequins are in, based on shows from London Fashion Week, and Ronan is following this trend, but in a cooler, more stylistic way -- Calvin Klein creates a mermaid/ocean-esque texture with the sequins that lead our eyes to Ronan's green eyes (that perfectly match the dress), and we literally can't take our eyes off of the screen when she appears.

And finally, Rooney Mara shows off her strangely striking features with a remarkable Givenchy lace dress that includes sheer fabrics, various textures, unique cutouts, and an ivory color that weirdly works perfectly with her ghost-like skin. Mara continues the unique look with a slicked-back hairdo that involves multiple tiny buns, so I think we can agree that she wins on most unusual (but still drop-dead gorgeous) look.

I could give all of these nominees the best-dressed award (they're all so perfect!), but the winner, according to my completely biased opinion, is...

Brie Larson! Yes, she's currently my favorite actress right now and she only got #7 on Vogue's poll for best-dressed at the Oscars last night (see the poll here!), but Gucci does wonders for me and I'm loving the details on this gown. Now I'm about to watch Room (the movie in which Brie won best actress for), this better be good. If not, she's still got that beautiful Gucci gown.

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