Category: All Fashion
Finals Fashion Feature
Thank you for stumbling onto Vinyl and reading this article. Seriously, I’m in the midst of finals hell and writing this has given me SUCH an excuse to procrastinate just a little bit longer. Aside from all the studying, though, I’ve got one other worry on my mind: managing to stay fashionable and comfortable at the same time. I mean, who wants to squeeze into skinny jeans and stress over cleavage when you’re sitting in the library for hours on end? But if, like me, you refuse to go all-out frump, there’s no need to fret – just find inspiration from these cool-yet-cozy options below.
The Cool Crop Combo
Let the world know how you really feel about studying with this comfy crop top. Add easy cutoffs and fresh white sneaks for walking from final to final. Slip on a bright beanie to cover that bedhead – it’s cool, none of us had time to shower.
(Topshop shorts, Forever 21 top and beanie, and Converse sneakers)
The Bad Gal Combo
I’m constantly building fashionable outfits I can still relax in around my leather leggings. SO comfortable, and they look flawless with oversize tees. Add a printed flat for flair – I like cheetah – and a gold necklace, and you’re set.
(Helmut Lang leggings, True Decadence top, Isaac Mizrahi shoes, and First People necklace)
The Nature Girl Combo
May sound crazy to wear a dress to finals, but hey, I can’t argue with no wedgies. White cotton is so loose and breathable, and with a few key accessories, can look totally chic. Mix a few bright colors – I love the blue and orange mix here – and cinch your waist with a belt if you feel so inclined.
(Acne dress, H&M belt, Steve Madden shoes, and ABS by Allen Schwartz bangles)
Fashion Inspired by Famous Paintings
In a cosmic clash of paint, ink and fabric, all of my dreams are coming true. Why might that be, you ask? Because at this very moment, my three favorite things – writing, fashion and art history – are colliding in one story. Inspired by the fun I had creating fashion collages based off of trend-setting literary characters, I decided to do the same with some of history’s most renowned paintings. Just one word of caution: don’t be afraid. You might look like a walking Picasso, but, hey, how cool is that?
The Starry Night
“It often seems to me that night is still more richly colored than the day, having hues of the most intense violets, blues and greens. If only you pay attention to it you will see that certain stars are lemon yellow, others pink or a green, blue and forget-me-not brilliance.” – Vincent van Gogh
(Body Central dress, Max and Chloe necklace, Milly clutch, and Barbara Bui shoes)
Guernica
“What do you think an artist is? …He is a political being, constantly aware of the heartbreaking, passionate or delightful things that happen in the world, shaping himself completely in their image. Painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war.” – Pablo Picasso
(McQ Alexander McQueen sweater, Debenhams skirt, Ssense clutch, and Miu Miu shoes)
The Kiss
“All art is erotic.” – Gustav Klimt
(Dolce & Gabbana dress, ASOS floral crown, Fossil clutch wallet, and Kori shoes)
Water Lilies
“It took me time to understand my water lilies. I had planted them for the pleasure of it; I grew them without ever thinking of painting them.” – Claude Monet
(Ted Baker dress, Stella McCartney blazer, Charlotte Olympia clutch, and Jonak shoes)
The New Age of the Sneaker
In the wake of news that Sarah Jessica Parker has grown an extra bone in her foot from her many years of towering Manolos, sneakers have never looked better. And while, yes, I’m forever grateful for the fashion inspiration that Miss Carrie Bradshaw’s feet have provided, it’s time for me to move on. Thankfully, the fashion world seems to be in agreement. From sneaker wedges to snakeskin sneaks and even straight-up tennis shoes, the Spring and Fall 2014 runways were the stomping grounds of all kinds of comfy kicks. Best of all: you better believe this is one trend you can find at a reasonable price.
Classic High Tops
I spend a lot of time at my college’s art school, which is where I spy all kinds of below-the-radar trends about a month before they hit it big. Lately, it’s been white high top Converse. They’re so fresh and perfect for spring, and go with absolutely everything you own. If you’re feeling like going a little bolder, I’m loving rose gold and studded options. You can even DIY the latter.
(All shoes by Converse)
Vibrant Sneaker Wedges
It’s like the gods wanted us to go out in our favorite pair of gym tennies and still feel sexy, so they popped a comfy wedge heel on there for good measure. This style has been around for a season or two, but designers like Tommy Hilfiger revamped it with bright shades and color block patterns. I dare you to not steal the spotlight in these puppies.
(Shoes by Marc by Marc Jacobs, Puma, and Ash)
Tennies with a Twist
When Cara Delevigne walked the Fall 2014 Chanel catwalk – designed to look like a grocery store – in tweed athletic sneakers, I almost laughed. Ten years ago, designers would have thought it was the frumpiest thing ever. Today, we know that Karl just has our backs. Sport your Nikes, Adidas, or Reeboks with whatever. Just make sure they’re in crazy colors or in a thrilling new material.
(Shoes by Jeremy Scott for Adidas, Kenzo, and Nike)
Flatform Kicks
Alright, we’ve seen the flatform on everything now, especially sandals. But it’s so insanely punk rock on sneakers. You’ll give yourself some height and lengthen your legs, but won’t feel a smidge of aching. Here, take a break from the brights; this look is too cool to wear in anything but black or metallic.
(First two shoes by ASOS, third by Y.R.U.)
Street Style Profile: Maddie Zerkel
Maddie Zerkel is one member of the duo behind the fashion blog, Athens Street Style, and is also a budding artist studying textile design at The University of Georgia. She’s one of those girls who can channel her inner spirit outfit effortlessly – mixing and matching playfully and adding details that give her outfit special personality. We’ve found she also happens to be a great resource for inspiration, and we’re happy to share some of her favorite things with you! Also, don’t forget to scroll down to hear some of Maddie’s favorite tunes from her playlist, made especially for Vinyl Mag.
How do you approach dress (Is there a method to your madness)?
I look at getting dressed every morning as a way to make myself feel happy. I don’t really care for the current trends or how certain groups of people dress. I choose the clothes that make me feel the most excited and go from there. Generally, I try to throw together as many patterns as I can. I love me a good pattern.
Do you have an article of clothing or jewelry with a special story attached?
I treat all of my articles of clothing like they are my best friends, so naturally, each comes with special stories, memories, and food stains. The necklaces that I am wearing are some of my current favorites. My tiny heart pendant says “balls to the wall,” and I wear it every day as a self-help reminder to work as hard as I can and that I only live once. The other long, landscape-esque necklace is designed by one of my favorite jewelry grads at Lamar Dodd (His name is Cameron Lyden– dude makes some seriously beautiful enamel jewelry).
Who are some of your fashion icons?
Fashion is such a strange beast. I approach fashion as a very personal thing, and I rarely look at others and base my wardrobe off of them. Anybody that I do view as “iconic” is someone who has a very profound sense of self and that looks very comfortable and at one with what he or she wears. It sounds so corny, but I really just love weirdos and eccentrics.
How about other people who inspire you?
The amount of people that inspire me are innumerable. I look up to my friends and peers tremendously, and I learn and gain insight from every person that I interact with on a day to day basis. I have a wall in my apartment where I keep pictures of the people that inspire me the most (I call it my Inspirational People Wall– I highly recommend. Every day, my wall inspires me to be a better person). Kiki Smith, Ai Wei Wei, Sufjan Stevens, Tavi Gevinson, Tina Fey, Scott and Seth Avett, my Dad, Allison Shulnik, Cindy Sherman, Iris Apfel, my professor Junichi, Herb and Dorothy, Bri Emery, Steve Martin, Steve Harvey, Colbert, Peggy from Mad Men, Sonia “The Black Widow” Thomas (the competitive eater), Annie Clark, Jenna Lyons, my cat, etc. etc. I could list off hundreds of people, but these are all I can think of off the top of my head.
Street Style Profile Playlist: Maddie Zerkel
1. Do My Thang – Miley Cyrus
I cannot help it, you guys. I’m hopelessly attracted to the music of Miley Cyrus.
2. Rhythm of Devotion – Sisyphus
I fan girl hard over Sufjan Stevens. Sisyphus is his new very anxious and delightfully strange rap album.
3. Trust In Me – Etta James
Etta James is my go-to sad girl music. It will instantly make me feel better.
4. On and Ever Onward – Dirty Projectors and Bjork
My go-to “i’m feeling weird” music.
5. Anonanimal – Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird is my home music. Whenever I hear his voice, I immediately travel to a place of calm and comfort.
6. So Far Away – Carole King
Carole King’s tapestry is my favorite album of all time. My aunt gave it to me for my birthday when I was twelve, and I cannot find any flaws in Carole’s music
7. Sleeping Dogs – Madeline
I attended a Madeline Concert at the Caledonia Lounge in Athens last year. Her voice is magically pure, and her lyrics are beautifully sad. I am very excited because she is coming to the 40 Watt this spring!
Fashion as Art
I think it’ll be a long time, if ever, that I forget the day Alexander McQueen died. It was the winter of 2010, and I had only recently had a massive revelation: fashion is art. McQueen was the first designer to prove this to me, with his textural, chaotic, avant-garde creations, and I was excited to see the works he would create in the future. Though his suicide was tragic and cut that excitement short momentarily, it eventually forced me to look further, for other designers that were doing something a bit more creative than ready-to-wear.
Admittedly, my inspiration for this article occurred while I was scouring Pinterest. After typing “avant-garde fashion” into the search bar, I noticed two things. First, that seeing these wearable pieces of art all at once, in collage form, was almost too much for me. My fashion brain and art brain collided with enthusiasm, and my palms began to sweat while my breathing became shallower. Second, an atypical amount of users posting these pictures did so to make fun of the “outfits”, if you could call them that. “Who would ever wear something like this?” the posters would write. Well, I’m responding in defense of avant-garde designers.
Take one look at the fashion shows of some of my favorites, Alexander McQueen, Iris van Herpen, and Hussein Chalayan, and you’ll notice immediately that most of their pieces look quite… well, uncomfortable. All three have dressed Lady Gaga, an artist known for her fearless fashion at all costs, no matter the inconvenience. Watch as Gaga waddles around in sky-high McQueen heels, pokes herself constantly in a metallic van Herpen look, and attempts to remain somewhat clothed in a Chalayan bubble “dress”.
My point here? These looks aren’t intended to be worn by the everyday person. When you see a Commes des Garcons dress that’s quite reminiscent of bondage, refrain from laughing. Instead, eye it like you would a Pollock: it’s unconventional, revolutionary, and absolutely, undeniably, art.
Avant-garde fashion reminds me a lot of the art history courses I’ve taken. During my first class, many things I saw seemed ridiculous, even laughable, especially during modern sections. Today, several courses in, nothing fazes me. I’ve seen artists that paint with their menstrual blood, for God’s sake. The same is true here. The more of these daring fashion shows you watch, the less you’ll laugh. More and more, you’ll appreciate seeing what the human body can carry and the ways in which these designers can almost defy gravity. The aforementioned Iris van Herpen created looks in 2011 that appear as if the models are just a second from being soaked by water. Blink a few times, and you’ll see that van Herpen is truly a sculptor, molding plastic into water believably and flawlessly. At Commes des Garcons one season, several models walked out looking as if they were being groped. Instead, filled gloves were attached to their ensembles to create a stunning illusion.
Fashion isn’t just for Paris Hilton types. It’s for the dreamers, the believers, the artists. Avant-garde pieces make you think like a Jeff Koons or an Ai Weiwei work would, but they challenge the human form to walk, breathe, and live in them, if only for a few minutes on the runway. They’re not something you walk away from seeking to buy and wear; instead, you walk away inspired.
Style Steal: Lana Del Rey
“Likes to watch me in the glass room bathroom, Chateau Marmont
Slippin’ on my red dress, puttin’ on my makeup
Glass film, perfume, cognac, lilac
Fumes, says it feels like heaven to him.”
–“Off To The Races” by Lana Del Rey, Born To Die
Lana Del Rey’s lyrics ooze with old Hollywood glamour, overt sexuality, and a taste for all things that sparkle and shimmer. This week for Style Steal, we channeled our inner goddess and emulated the fashion icon that is Lana Del Rey.
Born Elizabeth Woodridge Grant, Lana Del Rey broke into the world spotlight with her album Born to Die in 2012. With it, she brought a sense of fashion that was both reminiscent and risk-taking. From classic red-carpet-ready gowns to daring statements, Del Rey is a self-described “gangster Nancy Sinatra” and in an interview with Vogue remarked, “Fashion is inspired by youth and nostalgia and draws inspiration from the best of the past.”
This first outfit was inspired by the music video for “Born to Die.” The long white dress we used was a slip that belonged to my grandmother, but one just like it can be found at any lingerie store. The flower crown here was made by Danielle, the model, but instructions for a DIY flower crown can be found at blog.birchbox.com.
In honor of summer being just around the next corner, we used this gorgeous one-piece leopard bathing suit from Victoria’s Secret for our next look. Paired with a black floppy hat and retro shades, both from American Threads, this look channels the fearless fashion of our lady Lana.
This outfit was inspired by the music video for “Ride.” We loved the way Lana canoodled with bikers and rocked the converse/white tee look. We paired an old cut-up Bruce Springsteen tee from Goodwill with high waisted jean shorts from NastyGal.com. The black converse and RayBan Clubmasters polished off the look. But our favorite part of this outfit was definitely the faux leather red fringe jacket I found at a vintage store in Baker City, Oregon. While you probably won’t be able to find this exact one, we found a bunch of awesome ones on eBay and Polyvore.com.
For this last look, Kate Welsh perfected the old Hollywood glamour look with dark eye makeup , but a messy middle part to keep it modern. The shirt is a classic Lana look—a Peter Pan collar button up shirt from a local Athens, Ga., clothing store, Fabrik. Against an American flag backdrop she looks, well, in the words of Lana herself, “never was there ever a girl so pretty.”
Literary Style Icons
I’m sick of drawing fashion inspiration from movies and TV. It’s just too easy! Watch your favorite show, choose a clothing item you like, look it up, and BAM! It’s in your closet in a few days, and suddenly you’re Hannah Horvath. As is probably obvious, I’m more into the written word and the imagination that accompanies it. So when I’m envisioning the style of some of my favorite characters from novels, I know their sense of fashion has a touch of mine in it as well. Be inspired by my three favorite fictional fashionistas below – trust me, their style definitely thickens the plot.
Lady Brett Ashley, The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
“Brett was damned good-looking. She wore a slipover jersey sweater and a tweed skirt, and her hair was brushed back like a boy’s. She started all that. She was built with curves like the hull of a roaring yacht, and you missed none of it with that wool jersey.”
(Missoni skirt, Chanel jacket, Brooks Brothers hat, Accessorize Necklace, and Iro Staccia boots)
Daisy Buchanan, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“For a moment the last sunshine fell with romantic affection upon her glowing face… then the glow faded, each light deserting her with lingering regret, like children leaving a pleasant street at dusk.”
(Proenza Schouler skirt, Tibi top, Cocktails in Celebration headband, Paul Andrew shoes)
Sybill Trelawney, Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
“…the doors of the Great Hall opened again. It was Professor Trelawney, gliding towards them as though on wheels. She had put on a green sequined dress in honor of the occasion, making her look more than ever like a glittering, oversize dragonfly.”
(Jean Paul Gaultier skirt, Oscar de la Renta top, Chesca shawl, Betsey Johnson boots, Dolce & Gabbana clutch)
All collages made through Polyvore.
Street Style Profile: Tucker Alford
This weeks Street Style Profile features UGA art student and musician Tucker Alford. Were always impressed by his unique ability to blend patterns and his interest in supporting sustainable clothing companies- like his shoes- made by Nisolo- a micro enterprise that provides consistent livelihood for workers in developing countries. Tucker is an-all around good soul with an interesting personality- so we were thrilled to hear about some of his inspirations and his favorite music. Don’t forget to scroll down for Tucker’s specially curated playlist.
Who or what inspires your personal style?
I don’t know if a certain person really influences my style, but I do like a lot of what I’ve seen musicians wear, and characters in Wes Anderson films. I always just try to wear what makes me happy. I really like hats, so I guess I have Beck Hansen to thank for that.
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been listening to a lot of things lately, but the things that I’ve been listening to most are Beck’s new album Morning Phase, Atlas Sound, Neutral Milk Hotel (always), Mac Demarco, Gauntlet Hair and Vampire Weekend to name a few. I’m also listening to a lot of Paul Simon’s stuff from the 80’s.
Are there any upcoming shows your looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to seeing Mac Demarco in Atlanta in a few weeks as well as Vampire Weekend in May. It’ll be my third time seeing Vampy Weeks, and I’m real jazzed about it, seeing as they are my favorite band. I’m also looking forward to Lollapalooza in early August in Chicago.
You are an art student- can you tell us a bit about your art work or what interests you within your discipline- what you aspire to do in the future?
I’d really consider myself a musician. I play my own stuff, and I play at churches and such, but as far as art comes, I’m pretty new to it. I really enjoy sculpting things and stuff like that, but I don’t have a certain plan for where art will take me in the future. I see myself playing music though.
Most importantly-boxers or briefs?
Ok, just kidding…
Any words of wisdom/favorite advice/quotes you want to end with?
Words of wisdom. I don’t do this often, but here it goes. Don’t take yourself too seriously (it’s fun to not care), but treat the life you’ve been given and the people in it very seriously.
Music Festival Fashion Guide
Turns out music festivals aren’t just for those searching out great tunes and maybe a little acid trip here and there – they’re also made for the world’s chicest fashion set. Models, actresses and musicians alike line up in front of the stage each year to catch their favorite bands and flaunt their best style. And why wouldn’t they? Festivals are the perfect excuse to test out that “I tried really hard to look like I didn’t try” look. Slip on a few of my favorite pieces below – but only if you’ll let me live vicariously through you while you’re listening to my favorite bands. Pinky promise?
Cutoff Shorts
I know what you’re thinking: “Seen those a million times. Boring!” But here’s the trick: they don’t have to be. I love searching Etsy high and low for some super cool, cheap, handmade options. Some of my favorite shops: DesignedByTwo, DIRTYEGO, and Moon Shine Apparel. If you consider yourself a craft master, try your hand at making some of your own with studs and fabric paint. There. I dare you to find a single other person wearing the same shorts as you.
Crop Tops
This one can really go two ways, depending on your personality. Are you more into pretty frills? Try a shop like Necessary Clothing, which has tops with fringe, florals, and lace. If you’re more in the mood to sass festival-goers around you, check out Gypsy Warrior, your one stop shop for crop tops featuring cheeky band slogans and cats. Yes, cats.
Comfy Sandals
My best friend once made the ill mistake of wearing leather gladiator sandals to Bonnaroo, and lets just say her blisters were out of this world. Never again. Go for Chacos instead; I swear they’re not just for granola girls anymore. They’ve got some with ultra-thin straps so you can have the comfort of sneakers with the style of a gladiator.
Fresh Accessories
Even though the sweltering weather forces you into a shorts-crop top-sandals uniform, there’s no reason your look has to be blah. Urban Outfitters has some insanely glamorous, floppy straw hats to keep your face shaded, and H&M is my favorite for enormous sunglasses. And, not to sound like your mom, but don’t forget the sunscreen, okay?
Style Steal: David Bowie
Years ago, in 1969, David Bowie’s single “Space Oddity” landed on earth. With it, Bowie brought a sense of style the world had never seen. From androgynous space suits and fascinating prints to sparkles and fur, Bowie never failed to completely blow away the rules of fashion as he did the same to the rules of music. We brought a few of his signature styles down to earth this week, while still reaching for the stars.
This first outfit is inspired by Bowie’s love for black and white stripes. We paired a basic black peplum top from an Athens, Georgia store, Pitaya, with some chevron parachute pants from American Threads and some far out jewelry. Shapes are very important, and lines and peplum make this outfit stand out.
This next outfit is straight from space. We built this outfit around the shoes, which I got off NastyGal.com as a part of their Shoe Cult collection. We paired them with wild space leggings and a faux fur coat, both from local Athens vintage stores Dynamite and Agora. The necklace is a Goodwill find, where unique jewelry is always abounding. David Bowie had a knack for weird leggings and fur, and we thought this outfit did his style justice without being as out-there as Major Tom himself. This outfit is perfect for a concert or a night out. Or the moon. Your call.
The leggings in this next outfit were also from Dynamite and were impossible to pass up in an article about David Bowie’s style. Not only are they tight, but they are incredibly bright with an exotic print. We added a faux leather top from American Threads to complement the leggings without taking too much away from them. We used Bowie’s love of blazers to finish off the outfit.
The last outfit is a one shoulder sparkly dress from Macy’s. We absolutely love the radiant vitality of the dress and the triangle shape pattern. It reminds us of the leotards that Bowie loved to wear on stage. But a little bit more suitable for those of us who aren’t from Mars.
David Bowie’s music set him apart from all the other pop musicians of his time. But he took it a step further with his style. Before there was Madonna or Lady Gaga or even Miley Cyrus with their shocking fashion statements, Bowie was breaking down the walls of the fashion world and blasting off into space. Now, especially coinciding with the rise of electronic music, that futuristic space style has become a modern trend. By updating and adapting David Bowie’s unique fashion sense, you can make a statement that will attract satellites and suitors alike.