How to keep it Classy and Cropped.

I've made some observations about the crop top trend, and as much as I love this style, I personally can't bring myself to reveal so much of my midsection- I think there are ways to pull it off that shows just a *sliver* of skin and it's just so much classier. The trick is to not make it look like you literally put on a bra and booty shorts. Make it show that every piece you wear is intentional!

 How you portray your body says a lot about what you think about yourself, so these are just a few crop top options that show just enough. 

OBSERVE!

1.Fitted crop top with a long flowy high waist maxi skirt 

I am a big proponent of outfits that are well-balanced. Something short and tight needs to be paired up with something relatively long and loose. Tight + tight should be restricted to nights out and loose + loose should be... lazy Sundays or Woodstock.

2. Crop top and high waist trousers/ harem pants.

Such accessories. Much wow. A classic white tee crop with some semi-fitted high waist trousers is such a versatile option- and not to mention the kickass accessories. This. I want all of this. 

3. Boxy crop top and high waist skirt

Now this option is a little riskier and probably intended for girls with an obviously smaller waist- or you risk the crop top giving the illusion that your waist is bigger than it is. However I really enjoy how the silhouettes offset each other- it gives it a little variety. 

4. Honorable mention: Bold crop top and skirt sets

I love, love, love this outfit. Like, so much you guys. It's a problem. The only reason I give it Honorable Mention is because it shows a little too much skin for a casual occasion in my opinion. You could consider getting a longer crop top, but with such a bold graphic print as this, a little break is definitely welcome visually. I'd consider this a perfect outfit for a day on the beach or maybe a music festival? This is a bold option, and I'm definitely going to try and make my fair share of sets for the shop this summer.

Some words of caution:

I'm over crop tops and high waist denim shorts... Maybe because I see so many girls on my campus that choose to sport this option. I feel like there are so many creative wears to sport this piece of apparel, don't limit yourself! Besides, in 20 years your kids are going to think those shorts are ridiculous. (It's okay I love wearing them, too.)

-SOY.

Why I Choose Blogs Over Magazines

Magazines. There are more than thousands of publications, hundreds of kinds of magazines, and individually more than you care to admit in your bookshelf or in that unnamed territory under your bed stained with various Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavors. I can say for myself that I have every cover of Seventeen and Teen Vogue from 2008-2010. I was an absolute fanatic and loved the idea of getting new, glossy magazines chock-full of cutting edge trends and fashion-related stories. But when my subscriptions ended a little more than a year ago, I saw the light. 


Why do I love blogs more than magazines? Simple. 


1. Blogs are unedited, unfiltered, and REAL. Especially fashion/style blogs. The individual's blog shows a very personal side of him/her and I feel that I get more ideas from one style blog than from one magazine packed with pricey advertisements and stories subtly hinting social pressures. The way one person decides how to pair a favorite skirt with a casual tee and flea market accessories, or where one prefers to shop for new clothing- all of it tells a unique story of personal style that you simply can't get in any magazine.

2. I love that you feel a real sense of connection with the blogger. One of my favorite bloggers is Keiko Lynn, and when she was featured in different ads, I wanted to tell everyone within an earshot that I KNEW this girl. Well, obviously I wasn't best friends with her, but we would reply to each others' comments back in the day and I had a sense that I was welcomed into this part of her life that she posted online. I swear that this wasn't meant to sound as crazy as I just realized it did. But the point is that bloggers have this weird connection- we bring our cameras everywhere, have an innate sense to write, and love to talk to other bloggers. With readers it's also similar, it's addicting I tell you!

 

3. There are no potentially harmful messages in blogs compared to magazines (usually). A blog is from a person to another person. It's a beautiful thing. Look at the magazine covers above. If you really look at it from an outsider's perspective, it just looks ridiculous! "Your Ultimate Sexy Hair Guide"? "The Shocking Way Celebs Lose 20 Lbs. Fast"? I just wanted to look at the shiny, pretty things, not grovel with the new knowledge that I'm not ripped in the ab department or have lackluster hair. If I wanted to feel sorry for myself I would have worn a muumuu into a frat house. Or something like that. Magazines are packed with news that never fail to remind you how imperfect your life is, and I'm not gonna take that sitting down. Or standing, for that matter. I like blogs because its like a fashion fingerprint. All of these different people and styles fascinate me, and bloggers are unapologetically them. 

So I hoped you got a little something out of this. Magazines are great, but I think that in fashion, there should be a more individualized approach. Long live the blog revolution :)

♥

-SOY.

let the seasons begin

Outfit details:

Dress-F21

Belt-Goodwill

Sandals-F21! Oh and my earrings :)

It's been straight up, beautiful goshdang weather! I feel so lucky to get the sun shining and the perfect breeze before it gets all too hot (which happens very, very quickly) so you can bet your bedazzled bums I'm taking advantage of it! 


My friend and I headed over to the Secret Garden on campus and took pictures, had a ukulele jam sesh and I took a mini nap while she sketched. It was such a beautiful day to do hipster things, I tell you. How's the weather where you've all been? 


-Soy.

awkwardity

 Outfit Details:

Tank-F21

Skirt- Thrift Shop in Portland

Leopard Loafer Flats- Urbanog.com

I love experimenting with my DSLR- different angles, hundreds of settings- best money I've spent! I got it on Craigslist with a ton of accessories for $350! Steeeeeal. Anyhow, I decided to change things up with a skirt today. 


Unfortunately I have labs twice a week where I HAVE to wear pants (ugh. pants.) which I'll get into a mini-rant about later. And the weather's been forgiving enough where I can wear it with a cowl neck scarf and I'm good to go!


But seriously, pants. Unless they're leggings with a tunic top the idea of pants kind of suck. They seriously restrict my leg movement and there are so many factors to the fit like hem, pant leg style, belt straps, low/high-rise, etc. That's why I love dresses, skirts, or shorts! Gives my legs room to breathe!


That may have been an awkward topic, I apologize. But please tell me I'm not crazy, do you have a favorite article of clothing?


-SOY.

76 degrees

Outfit Details:

Doctor Who shirt- Gift from my broquito. (Brother)

Jeans- Rue21

Woven belt- Savers

Leopard penny loafers- urbanog.com 

Winning smile and happy-go-lucky personality- ...jk.nobutseriously. :D

New Years is coming up quick! What are your plans? I'll be hanging with friends and family, playing Just Dance 3 and feasting on homemade pasta and truffles! I've become such an obnoxious photographer since the DSLR. I'm still learning, but gosh I freaking love having it around! 

Anyways, tell me your plans and what you're excited for in the upcoming year. Any resolutions??

-SOY.

Links A la Mode

Thank you to the lovely people at Shopbop & IFB who selected my blog for this week's Link a la Mode, I was so grateful to see Soychild on the list :) Please check out all of the other lovely folks who were selected as well!

Shorter Days of Winter

Edited by: Collette Osuna of Statements in Fashion

With shorter days of winter on their way, many of us will spend countless hours wrapped in a warm comfy robe, our hands nestled around a cup of hot cocoa, and stalking our favorite blogs and fashion sites. What could be better than online window shopping and thoughts of Santa’s arrival in our heads?

This weeks links showcase some awesome blog posts I’d love to read on a cold winter night.

Take some time to read about Eco friendly designers, tips for pursuing a career in fashion, jewelry tricks, DIY’s, fab bloggers over forty, and more.
Have a great weekend & stay warm!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: NOVEMBER 10th

• Being Zhenya: DIY: Elbow Patches
• Bows & Sparrows: Allison Bethurem, social media marketing & PR manager gives us a glimpse inside her closet.
• Elodie Bubble: Sunglasses trends on spring 2012 runway
• Ethical Fashion Blog: 10 eco fashion designers to watch
• Fashion Dynamite: How to create a bracelet stack
• Fashion is Evolution: The latest edition of "Color Theory" examines pink
• Good Morning Angel: GUCCI ♥ fur & jewels
• Grace Niu: My picks for fabulous cocktail rings, on any budget :)
• Ode to Awe: Designer Collaborations: A look at why Forever 21 fails where competitors succeed
• Over 50 Feeling 40: A different way to look at fashion blogging & why we should work together!!
• Scandalous Beauty: Network Your Butt Off: Creating the Perfect Business Cards for your Blog
• Searching for Style: 5 Things To Consider Before Pursuing a Career in Fashion
• Six Inch Walker: Getting down with leo love & this season's hottest baroques!
• Soy Chiild: The college girl's guide to looking fabulous without sacrificing comfort!
• Statements in Fashion: Channeling Woodstock: Beatles Style!
• Style Abuse: Trend: White for Spring is Groundbreaking
• Style by Mahlia: 7 tips on effective flea market shopping
• The Citizen Rosebud: The plus 40 fashion crowd is NOT invisible. We are growing in number, we are building community
• The Frugalista Diaries: Video Hair Tutorial - Sock "BUMP IT"
• The Style Confessions: The surprising nail polish brand that lasts a whole week without chipping.

SPONSOR:
Newly Arrived at Shopbop: Herve Leger, Nanette Lepore, Dion Lee, Twenty8Twelve, LeSportsac, Soft Joie, Gorjana, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Sonia Rykiel, Robert Rodriguez, Tory Burch, Ugg, & Halston Heritage.

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

the college girl's dilemma: sacrificing style for comfort?

Girls you know what I'm talking about. You don't have to be in college to understand that sometimes there are moments when practicality rules over fashion. Part of me wants to wear heels and dresses to class, but the other part of me remembers that I have to ride a bike or walk 15 minutes to get to class every day. 


Isn't there a happy middle that we can all compromise on?! Please God, tell me I can be fashionable AND comfortable! I don't believe in scrubbing in Uggs and sweats. (Uggs make me say 'Ugh'. Is that ironic? I think not!) 


So here are a few problems you may face and some proposed solutions. Let me be your guide, weary traveler. As you cram for your finals and debate over Subway or Top Ramen, I will make it my goal to help the most important problem! :)


Problem #1: Walking/Biking
*Let's be serious for a mo'. My feet are not used to walking all day in 3 inch heels, I mean I suppose I'll build a tolerance, but let's be reasonable and build it up, yeah? My solution: boots and wedges: (They both keep your feet secure and less likely to trip. Both provide a strong base so those evil cracks on the ground won't make you look like an idiot!)

Huarache Wedges, Forever 21 $27.80

Jumber Jill Booties, Charlotte Russe $40

                                                                                         

Problem #2: Laziness

*Sometimes I just feel like my closet is being uncooperative. There aren't any options and I don't feel like taking a long time wondering if this skirt goes together with that top as well as these jeans go with that shirt. So my ultimate solution to that is dresses with tights. Easy comfortable, and suitable for the colder temperatures!

Classique Era Dress, urbanog.com $29.90

Basic Opaque Tights, charlotte russe $6.50

Shift Dress, asos.com 14 pounds

Dot tights, target.com $10

Problem #3: Layers

Cuffed Sleeve Jacket, Papaya.com $26

*What if it's subzero temperatures outside and the classrooms are toasty warm? Or vice versa, it's freaking scalding outside and the classrooms are like icebergs? Layers, my friend. Layers are your best friend in the winter and at college! Try these coats and sweaters!

Double Breasted Jacket, F21 $27.50

Problem #4: Scrub Days

Banded Sweatpants, Delias.com $10

*Okay, so what if, after all of this, you have what I like to call "ugly days" where you just really want to wear something super comfy and warm and soft and wonderful in every way to just re-cooperate, and still look cute? Fleece lined clothes are the gift from above, and awesome screen-print shirts!

Square shirt, threadless.com $12

Sharkbite hoodie, Tilly's $15

There you go, the college girl's tips to overcome those evil scrub days and miraculously be cute and comfortable at the same time! If you came up with any other issues or hindrances, leave a comment below! Have a lovely day :)

-Soy. 

the new trend- couldn't resist!

Yes, I have no idea where it originated from, but the asymmetrical head shave has been gracing gossip and style blogs everywhere lately, and at this time (right in between fall and winter) I always have a craving to switch up my current hairstyle. Does that happen to any of you guys?


Not that I've been thinking about this specifically- I'm determined to grow my hair out but I have urges where I want to chop it all off again! I've been wanting to do something similar to Kelly Osbourne's hairdo (shown above) because it's still classy, and quite retro. Maintenance would be simple enough, and you can transform it from edgy to classy depending on the day. But what about the more extreme versions like the other pictures?


If you have an awkward head shape I wouldn't do it, seriously. I think if you have a round or square face it may look worse. I can get the whole androgynous vibe but in a few years we'll be laughing rather hysterically at all of this I think. Let's not be slaves to the trend!! Just find what works for your style and adapt!


My verdict: Just try cornrows for now, or possibly pin back your hair close to your scalp to mimic the look without the clippers and painfully long process of growing out your hair if you're iffy about it!


-SOY

Blogger Luxury Award?!

She looks like Anne Hathaway a la Audrey Hepburn! I'm quite excited for this- I got this lovely Luxury Blogger Award from Ashley over at Topography Toward a Parallel Universe and she is incredibly friendly and her blog posts are so entertaining :) If you haven't already, check out her lubberly piece of webspace!

Now for the rules!

The rules are:

1) Link back to the person who passed you the award.

2) Share 7 random things about yourself.

3) Award 7 blogs. (Originally it was 15 but I guess it varies?)

4) Drop them a line and tell them about it.

Here Goes:

1. I am hopelessly awkward in 99% of all social situations. You know, the girl who you feel embarassed for when she falls and trips or says something completely unrelated to a topic.. That's me.

2. In respect to the first confession, I am a total geek. Like for realsies. I play Maplestory, love my Kindle, and freak if I don't get A's on my report card!

3. I can't stand plain milk, coconuts, and whenever people hit their sternums- I know, I'm reeeally weird.

4. I'm a vegetarian! I made the switch in November after I read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. It definitely changed my whole perspective on how agriculture works. Please read if you need a few recommendations for the summer :)

5. I am going to Arizona State University this Fall. You've most likely heard that it's the "party" school, but I definitely will not fill that stereotype- I'm mostly likely transferring after two years anyway!

6. I'm going to a Bridal Convention this weekend and pretending my friend is the bride!

7. I love Robin Hood: Men in Tights. LET IT BE KNOWN! I get so much crap for that..

Alright, now onto naming the 7 blogs that I'll tag! This is definitely going to be tricky because I actually do not know a lot of blogs that I readily keep up with, ten tops, so a few blogs might be ones that I just found and like!

cheapfrills
luxe-rose
soapymermaid
Crimson Rosella
Food from Thought
Voodle
Bows and Brownies

act (&dress) your age, not your shoe size

Has anyone wondered what exactly being your age entails? I certainly don't do what my peers usually spend their time doing, and there are those times where I feel like I don't exactly relate to to others.

Case and point:

 That adorable green thing is Amir, my cuddly alien buddy.

We have fun times watching Nickelodeon and watching Collegehumor together.

Yeah, I definitely watch Spongebob Squarepants (to the disgust of my friends and parents), play Maplestory, order sprinkles on my ice cream because it's pretty, have bouts of hyperactivity, eat candy incessantly, and have an unhealthy obsession with rainbows AND unicorns. Sometimes I worry... Oh and I'm seventeen.

But I can only hope that my love of rainbow sprinkles and stuffed animals sticks with me until I'm very old, because life is no fun without the irrationality. But then again, there are some people who can't seem to accept their age. You know who I'm talking about- the 40-somethings who strut about in their Juicy flippy floppies, leapoard print minis or Hollister baby tees. Or worse:

Lady at our Wal Mart, pic stealthily taken by my creeper bestie Hil.

Age gracefully. Style evolves as one gets older, sure, but it's usually still pertinent to the individual at any age. Examples after the jump!

The Religion of Gaga: a Guide of Sorts!

Oh, Gaga. You may hate her, you may love her, but let's face it- she's doing something right. What makes her so appealing/popular, and more importantly:


how can I be like her?!

Alright, not exactly like her. Wearing latex and lingerie concoctions in freezing NYC weather hardly seems like something worthy of emulation, but you know, how can a girl be like the Gaga that her fans see? A fiercely independent and caring icon that uses her influence for things she believes in? Does the answer lie in her purple teacup or platinum blonde wigs? What about her armadillo heels or maybe... her-her-her-telephone?! Okay, I'll stop. But I have a few tips here that might help bring the inner Gaga that we all have, out into the world.


1. Don't be scared of changing things up a bit.
Think of her predecessors Madonna and maybe even Christina Aguilera. Their looks changed so many times they all looked like completely different people! Sometimes I give myself crap for not having a definable 'personal style' yet and that I'm all over the place, but that's a process that takes time and experimentation! Some days I feel like wearing a maxi dress and flats, and other days I just want to be all primped up in heels, skirt, and blouse. Deal with it.

 2. Stand up for your beliefs.
Gaga's all for the gays- and that's pretty much indisputable. It's in her songs, in her speeches, she even uses her fame to reach the goal! (Which makes me feel a little denied of my Gaga attention- let's not forget about the fabulous heterosexual fans who put you there...) So whatever moves you to take action, adopt it wholeheartedly. Not to the point where you argue with everyone you meet that might not completely agree because that's downright obnoxious. Here's a few things I believe in: Christianity, Vegetarianism, Nerdfightaria, and Superforest.

3. Sometimes, making sense just doesn't matter.
I don't need examples for you, do I? I mean, what the dookie is "Alejandro" even about? And who the heck is Roberto? Fernando? ... Cilantro? Forgo all of the things that were told to you about common sense (That's super easy for me!) and drive the super long route to work. Who knows, maybe the scenery will be nice. Wear heels while walking the dog just because it makes you feel pretty. I think we've all deserved our moments to be completely irrational.

4. Be upstanding & GRATEFUL!
Have you seen her Tweets or Twits or whatever they're called? Just about every one of them is for her "Little Monsters" or fans. I'd prefer to be called a Monster than a Lamb by Mariah Carey. Just sayin. She's never lost sight of how important the fans are to her which makes her such an amazing performer. I know that she goes around clubs doing things I never ever want to know about, but when it comes to other people, she will do anything. Here's a little trick I learned: instead of saying "I have to" just change it to "I get to". I get to go to school, I get to go to work, I get the opportunity to do so many things.

5. Don't doubt yourself for a minute.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that 99% of us doubt ourselves just about every day. We're never completely confident about something, but we can work towards it. If you're wearing your favorite maxi dress or heels to class and get some weird looks, brush it off. You're a G. :) Although I hate the slightly accusatory glances I get when wearing my favorite things from Goodwill, I secretly love it because it makes me stand out in a non-negative way. I'm wearing a vintage batwing dress that makes me look like a Chinese schoolgirl. So-freaking-what?! It could be so much worse, and you can't blame me for being myself.

picture creds: one two three four five six

There you have it. You just Gaga'd yourself. And if you didn't realize by now, I do like Lady Gaga. And if you don't, I hope that this post eased your hatred... I do realize that this has been pic overload but you have to agree that it's entertaining to see her outfits, no? :) Have a beautiful day, dear reader!

-SOY