Chicisimo: A fashion life-changer

A website about real fashion on real girls from around the world that breaks down clothes & accessories by type, brand, color, and country, complete with links to where you can even purchase each item? Umm YES please!!!

For the best fashion website EVERRR click here !

                                  Spain knows what's up

                                 So does the Netherlands

And Germany...

                                        And Australia...

                                           And China...

                    And the list goes on & on...Thanks, Chicisimo! 

ChicisiInspiration straight off the street!

Real fashion on real people

Ruehl'ed Out

I'm sure many others can relate to my experience(s) with Abercrombie and Fitch: "Man, their sweaters are soft but...HOW much are they?!"

A&F has always prided themselves in being "Casual Luxury" and have become nearly a staple in any teenager's wardrobe and popular for foreigners. I have to admit, it's impressive that they do not spend a dime on marketing; they don't do commercials or magazine ads and yet they've become a household name. They are so successful, that they have bragged about not having to lower their retail prices. Their stubbornness to change in any manner to the changing economy and consumer climate shows an obnoxiousness that turns me off as a consumer, but hey, maybe that's because I'm broke. However, Wall Street was definitely NOT pleased with their declining business and their CEO finally admitted to their decision to decrease initial prices slightly (and in time for the holiday season) in hopes of boosting sales again.

I know that Abercrombie is expensive ($30 for a graphic T? No spanks). I'd rather shop at their sister store, Hollister, which is more budget friendly (and who cares about the kids' store? Ok, maybe I've tried their jeans...), but perhaps an unsurprising event is that their failing line, Ruehl, is shutting down. For those who have not heard of Ruehl, it's an even more expensive Abercrombie that also sells leather bags on the side. Sadly (?), the line closed its doors on December 24, 2009. And, as far as the grapevine goes, NOTHING will go on sale. Dang.

As a young economist, retail therapist and fickle consumer, Ruehl was just too obnoxious to handle. It's prices were ridiculous for the same quality as A&F, and I felt a bit insulted that they would assume I wouldn't see through their plan. Yes, Abercrombie and Fitch has some some of the softest clothes I've ever touched, but I'd rather save my money, fly myself to Thailand, go on an adventure and buy a soft pile of legit A&F for $2 a piece. No joke, this is from personal experience. I think the workers stole it from the factory itself and sold it at the market because it had the paper price tags and everything on it.

Until then, goodbye Ruehl, you were too high maintenance for me. Also, I couldn't wear cute heels with you. =(

Gilly Hicks vs. Victoria's Secret

I don't know about you ladies, but I'm pretty tired of Victoria's Secret. I don't know what it is about their bras, but I feel like they're getting less refined and more...bulky. Or they just don't seem to fit as well on someone who is more on the petite side (barely a 34B here). Whereas old school VS is looking more matronly, their PINK line is starting to look too juvenile. It just doesn't seem to meet my needs as a young woman looking for a great fit and great comfort, while being both sexy and sensible.

Then came Gilly Hicks. I recently heard about the "cheeky cousin" of Abercrombie & Fitch that is supposed to have originated from Australia (their icon is the Koala). As with the usual brand of A&F, it has overtly sexy advertising. Their store has a greeter, is dimly lit, plays loud music and is scented with their signature perfume. However, it's beautifully designed and surely anyone can appreciate the effort put into the store. The layout is more similar to Ruehl where it's broken up into separate rooms, but with out all the confusing mirrors that Ruehl has.

All their bras, lingerie and clothing items are perfectly laid out and very well displayed. Also, their associates are very well trained in customer service and are super helpful. I'm sure they're being held to a very high standard as there are only a few Gilly stores in the States at the moment.

Their items are on the more expensive side (just take a look at their website) with their bras running from $40-$60. Their sale section is similar to that of A&F and Hollister prices so I tend to gravitate towards that section, but their clothing items and pajamas are super soft (much that is the A&F signature). Their fit is more similar to GAP Body, which is great for more petite women and come in a variety of styles. Also, if you go, you MUST see the fitting rooms! They are so cute and pretty with soft bench cushions and even a bureau that is filled with various bras and sizes so that you can try them on for fit without even going back outside.

How to wear ripped jeans

     From washed out, to baggy boyfriend, to super skinny- distressed denim is back, and we're loving every minute of it!

     What we don't love quite as much is when girls ruin this full-of-potential trend by wearing their ripped up jeans with baggy sweaters, flannels, or Ugg boots- making the look more hick as opposed to hot. How to pull it off right?

                                                    Here's how:


    1. Mix & match. Pulling off ripped up jeans this time around is all about mixing and matching. Pair feminine with masculine, casual with formal, and trendy with vintage.

    2. Day vs. night. Pair your distressed denim with pointy flats and either a flowy top or a fitted button-up shirt for a day look that is cute without trying too hard. You can dress up the same jeans at night by wearing them with a fancy top and sky-high stilettos.

   3. DIY. The awesome thing about this look is that while you can go out and buy pre-ripped jeans, it's also super easy to do yourself. Just get scissors and cut a few strategically-placed holes in an old pair, fray the edges, and voila! You're on point.

  4. Accessorize. Accessories can make an outfit. Additional accessories and pieces we love with ripped jeans: long necklaces, skinny belts, cropped fitted jackets, beanies, scarves, big sunglasses, big bags, chunky rings, and chunky platforms.

                                    
                            Check out the celebs who work the look:

Rip it up, girls.