Butterflies are exquisite, beautiful creatures and the butterfly motif is a perfect addition to the summer wardrobe. The butterfly is symbolic of many good things to various people such as love, freedom, rebirth, and good luck - all great things to feel and experience when summer comes around.
photo courtesy ces.ncsu.edu
When it comes to fashion, the butterfly motif can be interpreted in ways that caters either to those with extravagant tastes or those who prefer things a bit more subtle.
For me, the allure of the butterfly is in the subtlety of its thin delicate wings, the eye-catching designs and colours on its wings and the graceful, playful way it flies through the air. Any fashion piece that I wear which features the butterfly's likeness should reflect these qualities.
On the other hand, Mariah Carey, who is well known for her butterfly obsession, simply prefers her butterflies shiny and bedazzled.
photos courtesy nimony.com and eurweb.com
My feelings towards butterflies haven't ventured into obsession zone but I definitely have a love for them. When I was a child, there was an area behind my house where an abundance of gorgeous butterflies would gather and I would spend long hours observing and playing with them. Unfortunately, this area was cleared some time later and I haven't seen such a large group of butterflies since. In fact, I'm lucky if I even see one. Butterflies are much like rainbows for me. They are such amazing, lovely creations that I rarely get the chance to see, so I can't help but smile and feel a sense of happiness when I do.
The pretty and playful butterfly motif was featured in the Spring/Summer 09 collections of designers like Badgley Mischka, Collette Dinnigan and Diane von Furstenburg (below).
photos courtesy style.com
These two ladies (below) who attended this year's Royal Ascot races proudly displayed their love for butterflies where everyone could easily see it - on their heads.
photos courtesy dailymail.co.uk
Below are some cute, stylish butterfly options that will have you set for the summer.
The edgy styles of 2009 are a modern take on 80s rocker and 90s grunge looks. They're daring, striking and full of sexy attitude!
These edgy looks usually consists of things like leather, fringe, metal jewelry and embellishments, ripped fabric, faded denim, graphic patterns and both body conscious and loose-fitting clothing.
With looks this bold, particularly if it's not your usual style, doing too much at once may end up looking a little too contrived so it's important to do it in moderation.
If you want to do say, three pieces at once, one of them can be a major statement piece while making the other two more subtle.Or perhaps every piece can be somewhat subtle but they work together to make one attention-grabbing outfit.
When you have found a style that works for you, you can then try to experiment with some more adventurous looks.
If you're looking to edge up your wardrobe, here are some cool, affordable pieces I found:
I hope you're all doing well. Oh, how I've missed you and this blog.
I have finally completed my degree and it feels so good to be free. My final exhibition went well; I received great feedback from the people who viewed it. It was such a challenging experience trying to get everything finished in time because I had some major setbacks along the way, but I made it through.Thanks to everyone who offered their support and encouragement, I really appreciate it. My major project was a lifestyle brand for girls around ages five to ten, based on different aspects of my country Barbados. It was comprised of products, packaging and advertising. My minor project, on the other hand, was a weekly style inspiration magazine and shopping guide for young women around mid-teens to 20s. Unfortunately, I can't show any pictures of my major project at this time because of copyright issues (sorry!) but I've posted some photos below of some of the outfits I styled from the magazine.
I tried to create an interesting and diverse set of outfits that looked natural; I didn't want the photos or the outfits to look too 'perfect' or forced. Tell me what you think!
In the time I've been gone, I feel like the fashion world has moved on and left me behind. I have had little to no time to check up on what's been happening but I will do my best to get back on track now.
What fashion trends/news are you excited about at the moment?
While browsing through the numerous stylish outfits on Chictopia, I stumbled across Adela's blog and was instantly struck by her charming, eclectic style and envy-inducing thrift store finds.
I was so inspired by her style and knack for finding great bargains, that I decided to create this Fashion Lover & Bargain Hunter feature with Adela being my very first interviewee.
Keep reading to find out more about the personal style and shopping habits of this fearless fashionista!
1. How old are you and where do you live?
I am sixteen years old and hail from the small town of Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
2. What themes best describe your style?
My style can best be described as a mix of romantic, artistic looks, mixed in with hard-core high fashion; Alice in Wonderland meets Coco Chanel. I’ll sport everything from studded gladiator sandals and black blazers to more fantasy-esque alternatives like full floral skirts with pearl and crystal necklaces.
3. What does personal style mean to you?
Personal style goes far beyond the way you dress; it’s a form of outward expression, not being afraid to show the world who you truly are. It’s a thing that can’t quite be pinned down; something that changes with your mood and emotions. It’s the way you think and the way you live. So many girls nowadays obsess more about a label being plastered across their chest, rather than actually caring whether or not their clothes symbolize who and what they are.
4. What or who has been the most influential on your style?
While I greatly admire the style of modern-day celebrities like Mary-Kate Olsen and Keira Knightley, I think that true classic glamour lies in the bygone era of silver-screen Hollywood. There’s something fascinating about Audrey Hepburn’s graceful swan-like elegance, a mysterious allure to Clara Bow’s eclectic 1920’s flapper ensembles.
Vintage clothing is something I’ve always loved and appreciated, and has played a great part in the way I dress.No matter the outfit, I’ll always be wearing something that has previously been in vogue.
5. What was the first item of clothing you bought that is distinctive of your style today?
My first purchase reminiscent of my current style is my brown felt fedora. It’s the perfect touch to up the look of a high-end outfit, or it can balance out the girly factor of a lacy summer dress.
6. Where are your favourite places to shop?
Though I’ll occasionally stop by Forever21 or Target for basics, my wardrobe is predominately made up of thrifted and vintage finds. Fairey Godmother’s Vintage Clothier in Mechanicsburg and Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb in Carlisle are the perfect places to find unique, one-of-a-kind items at relatively low prices.
I love to scout out thrift stores and rummage sales for quality vintage items; you can find some wonderful pieces for only a couple of dollars.
7. What clothing or accessory items do you mostly shop for?
I’ve had this recent obsession with vintage hats; they’re so unique and different, even amongst creative fashionistas. They’re also a great way to express your personality. If I’m feeling quiet and moody, I’ll throw on my trusty fedora; sunnier days call for a flower-bedecked headband with a veil, or a flirty Lolita-esque bow.
I also can’t stop myself from collecting pairs and pairs of tights; I have this entire drawer filled to the brim with hosiery. From sparkly purple tights, to patterned fishnets, I can always count on an eye-catching pair of hosiery to dress up an outfit.
8. What is the least amount you have ever spent on a great item of clothing?
Out of all my numeral bargain buys, the best deal I’ve ever got on an item was my two dollar 1950’s party dress. I found it at a rummage sale, hanging up on a rack of little girl’s dresses. That sure was a day to remember!
9. What is your favourite bargain purchase and why?
I love how, if you walk into a high-end thrift store or consignment shop, you can find quality designer items for only a fraction of the original price. It’s great to be able to find an inexpensive pair of shoes or a bag that will last forever, especially if it’s in a classic style.I still remember the time I found my Louis Vuitton Messenger Bag at a thrift store for just under fifty dollars.
10. Which is your favourite season to shop for and why?
Fall is by far my most favorite season to buy clothes. I can still hang on to the dainty florals and bright colors of spring and summer, but gradually work them into a darker palate with the use of tights, cardigans and even fur. I love how you can totally change the look of a dress by simply switching your espadrilles for some lace-up boots and dark tights.It’s nice to be able to wear an outfit without having to bundle up in a coat, or shed fashionable layering to cope with the summer heat.
To see more of Adela's incredibly chic and creative style, check out her Chictopia profile or visit her new blog, Pink Champagne.
The time has come to announce the finalists for the Win Rachel Leigh's Sex and the City-inspired Belt contest.
Participants were asked to come up with the most creative outfit using only the Rachel Leigh Inspired Studded Belt (valued at US$150) and other items from Chickdowntown.
Here the five finalists below:
1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Vote by leaving a comment below with the corresponding number of your favourite entry. Voting begins today, March 18, 2009 and ends on March 25, 2009. The entry with the most votes will be deemed the winner of this fabulous studded belt. Chickdowntown carries a vast selection of fantastic women's clothing and accessories including lovely dresses from Tibi, which come in a wide variety of styles and colours - all perfect for the summer! Go check them out now!
photo courtesy ces.ncsu.edu
photos courtesy nimony.com and eurweb.com
photos courtesy style.com
photos courtesy dailymail.co.uk
