Fast Fashion

Currently, I'm reading Overdressed by Elizabeth L. Cline. In this book she discusses America's increasing demand for what is called "fast fashion" or the increasing demand of cheap clothes at cheap prices. Americans buy millions of items of clothing of cheap quality only to throw them out just a few wears later. Cline brings up the issue of textile waste and all the effects of this "fast fashion". How else can that $5 dress from Target or Forever 21 be made with high quality and cheap prices? The fact is, it can't. That dress is made from cheap fabric made of plastic (polyester and imitation cotton which pollutes the environment) and is made in sweatshop-like factories which pay less than or equal to minimum wage. The fact is, buying a ton of clothing as the weekly trends come out (Ever seen a YouTube Haul?) is not beneficial to you, the environment, or the fashion industry. How to combat this ever growing issue? Buy clothing that will last and won't grow out of style. Here are the wardrobe basics you must keep in your wardrobe;

• A good pair of jeans in a medium to dark wash
• A neutral* blazer
• A scoop neck t-shirt or long sleeved shirt in a neutral* color
• A pair of black non-denim pants
• A LBD (Little Black Dress)
• Black or Brown Boots
• A pencil skirt

When the newest trend comes along (Think lace, tie-dye, acid-wash, etc), feel free to buy a few pieces, but don't overload and buy 6 lace trim t-shirts just because everyone else is wearing them. Remember, accessories are your friend! Update your look without "haul"-ing.

Don't "Overdress"! XOXO
~ FashionistaGirl

*In this sense, I'm saying colors that match with many colors. This includes the regular neutrals (Black, White, Beige, etc.), but also light nude pinks, pale blue, pastels, use your judgement.

Message To Audience!

Greetings viewers of Aspiring Fashionista! Though so far my view count is 32 at this moment, it thrills me! I've written other blogs (long since deleted) that I've forgotten or became disinterested in. Hopefully I can keep this one active. To do that I need you though! Help me and give me feedback! Comment (Anyone can comment, I just have to moderate it.) and follow this blog! I've added a "Follow" bar on the side/bottom of the blog so you can. Give me suggestions! I'd love to hear from you guys.

Lots of Love! XOXO
~ FashionistaGirl

Youtube Beauty Gurus

I cannot thank Youtube enough for helping me to cultivate my style. Just within the last year or two, I've really grown into who I am as a person and as an aspiring fashionista. As long as I can remember, I've been sketching and sewing, but my concept of true style was just what everyone else was wearing. True, Youtube is full of that, but actually, it was my always trustworthy beauty gurus.  Even if you have a great wardrobe, it's not complete without the hair and makeup. This final edition which I'd been missing completed me. Go check them out! I'll bet they can help you too!

1. SuperBeautyNerd: She's my go-to British girl for makeup. Her tutorials are amazing and her collection is outrageous! She does give hair tutorials, but even she admits those aren't her thing! She does great baking tutorials as well! Yum!

2. LuxyHair: These two sisters have the best hair tutorials I've seen and they're so easy to accomplish. Though they are a brand, there are next to none advertisements. Most of my Hairstyles playlist are LuxyHair!

3. lalastar0002: She is the best of both worlds! Recently she was awarded Beauty Guru of the Month by Star Central Magazine and definitely deserved it! She's down-to-earth and has great, easy to follow hair and makeup tutorials.

4. bubzbeauty: This girl is super sweet and helpful. She has really simple yet stylish hair tutorials and also does many craft and health videos as well. Her upbeat and cheery personality will definitely cheer you up!

I watch all four of these gurus daily and subscribe. Their advice and style can't be beat! Want to check out my Hairstyles and Makeup playlists? Check out my Youtube: GirlWithABowTie. 

Cultivate Your Style! XOXO

~ FashionistaGirl

Pop-of-Color Semi-Formal Look

 Today I had to give a semi-formal speech. Our dress was to be polished and put-together. Specifically NO SWEATPANTS! So I came home and spent a while deciding what to wear (After rehearsing my speech of course!). This was crucial. Looking good and polished shows you care. It's just as important as your ideas and delivery! So, after much contemplation, I decided on this;

What I'm wearing:
- Paramore T-Shirt (Hot Topic)
- Pencil Skirt (Kohl's)
- Tights (Kohl's)

I created a twisted up do for my hair.
 I found the tutorial here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdM0EIGtBTQ&list=PLkBptisA7xco6GE3lih0EuIWj7dEAI0Vv

I decided on red  nail polish, a powerful color that emanates strength.
The color is 369 Ruby Red by Sinful Colors



I think the black pencil skirt adds the formal aspect, but the messy up do and graphic tee makes it more casual and more appropriate. I love the contrast, especially with the polish. Normally, this look is a little out there for me, but I took a risk and loved the result. Take a risk with your style. Even if it's simply adding a bright nail polish, or a statement accessory.

Be yourself and show your style! XOXO
~ FashionistaGirl

Tips and Tricks: Finding and Buying Jeans

We all have that one pair of jeans that are not the best fit. They sag in the rear, are a little too long or short, the wash is unwearable! Admit it, you know you got them or, if you're lucky, had them. I have a hard time finding jeans that really fit. Here are my tips for finding the best jeans for you.

First of all, you need to figure out what style flatters you. If you're long and lean, like me, go for a straight or boot cut style. This will help avoid the "twig" leg look ( super skinny jeans). If you're curvy, go for a boot cut or flare style. This helps to avoid the ice cream cone effect (skinny jeans). If you're petite, you can go with any style. Be cautious about skinny jeans though, if they're too skinny they will make your legs look toothpick-esq.

Now that you know your style, it's on to finding good fit.

•  The first rule of shopping is to TRY CLOTHES ON! Always, no matter what. Every pair of jeans, no matter if they're the same style and size, are a little to a lot different. One pair of 0s might be too long, but take another and you might find that they're just right. 
• Second, jeans should fit snugly in the bum and thigh area. If it pinches, then it's too tight, but if it's puckering when you sit (or stand), then they're too loose. As for length, jeans should come right below the bone that pokes out on the side of your foot.
• Choose a wash that fits your wardrobe. Dark wash is more professional and sleeker. Light wash is more casual and laid back. Think beach surfer. If you have a more casual/punk style, go with light washes. If you have a more preppy, mature style, go for darker washes. Medium washes can be dressed up or down, so they are a safe choice if you have a mix in your wardrobe.
• Lastly, don't give up and shop around. One brand of jeans might fit you better than others and remember, you may get discouraged (I know I get really frustrated), but the perfect pair might be around the corner.

One last tip. If you have jeans that fit in the hip and waist, but are a little short; roll them up to make capris! (See "Spring Forward" for pictures) This goes the same for it they are too long, roll them up! Cuffs look great with boots, flats, and heels.

Good luck! XOXO

~FashionistaGirl

Outfit of the Week

Today I was playing around with some outfits and then, eureka!, I came up with a totally unique pairing I am in love with! This is it;

Paris T-Shirt, Black Polka Dotted Skirt, Black Tights

Blue Flats

Lt. Pink Nails with Silver Glitter

I love the contrast of the polka dot skirt with the graphic tee. Add in the blue flats and the sparkle of the nails; how can you not fall in love?

Experiment! XOXO
~ FashionistaGirl

Everyday Neutral Makeup

 I wear makeup pretty much everyday. I can't stand the look of too much makeup, though. I cringe at those who pile on the eyeliner and end up looking like raccoons! Likewise, a ton of foundation makes me wince. My go-to look is a natural, put together look that everyone can rock!

Products I Use: 

- Maybelline BB Cream

- Maybelline Baby Lips in "Peach Kiss"

- Claire's 'Got You Covered' Makeup Kit

- e.l.f Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara

- e.l.f. Eye Widener Eyeliner

How To:

1. Apply BB cream to face (I use my fingers, but you can use a foundation brush if you have one.)

2. Apply a light or translucent powder to set (Optional but recommended)

3. Apply an eyeshadow one lighter than your skin tone to inner third of the eye.

4. Apply an eyeshadow one darker than your skin tone to the outer third of the eye.

5. Apply a light gold or nude brown color to the crease.

6. Apply a white or cream color to the center of the lid, under the brow bone, and in the inner corner.

7. Apply a white eyeliner to the waterline (The skin above your lower lash line)

8. Apply mascara. (Curl your lashes beforehand if you have a lash curler)

9. Swipe on a moisturizing lip balm/tint!

I highly recommend all of these products and all of them are relatively cheap, too. Have fun with this natural look. You don't need 10 layers of makeup to look gorgeous!

Be fashionable and confident! XOXO

~ FashionistaGirl

Spring Forward

Spring, slowly but surely, is arriving. It's that awkward time when the weather is too cold for skirts and dresses, but warm enough to be comfortable without a coat. Lately, I've been really fond of rolling up my jeans and wearing ankle boots.

I like the look of the peek of skin; It's warm, but still keeps you cool in the sun.

These are my go-to boots; I love the toughness of them. I pair them with my skirts and dresses to edge it up, or with a band tee and jeans for a rock inspired look.

I think this is a neat look that makes people stop and do a double-take. It's a little edgy and it's my twist on the jeans with boots look! Another thing I've been loving is statement jewelry. One of my favorites is these earrings;

They're clip-ons of course, I'm scared to death of getting my ears pierced!

They're little spiked washers. It's interesting and can really spice up any outfit. I got these at a craft fair and they're a totally unique piece. Just another way I'm adding my own twist to my everyday look. And guess what, I barely spent any money. It goes to show you don't need to be rich to be stylish.

Mix up your wardrobe and take some risks! XOXO
~ FashionistaGirl