Style Inspiration: Minnie Mouse

Ever since 1928, Mickey Mouse has been one of the most recognizable and iconic cartoon characters worldwide. But let's be real. If we're acknowledging fashionable cartoon characters, we're looking at Mickey's long-term lady friend, Minnie Mouse. Born "Minerva Mouse," she was originally styled as a flapper girl (appropriately so in the late 20s). Her look has transformed over the years, and she is now most commonly seen in a red polka dot dress, yellow shoes, and a big bow between her ears! Minnie Mouse is a fun-loving, sometimes-ditsy gal with a big heart. Now, isn't that something we can all relate to? I hope you can release your inner Minnie with some of these adorable and affordable additions to your wardrobe!

1 - Red Polka Dot Headscarf -- ASOS, $5.49

2 - Spot Fit and Flare Dress -- Oasis, $75

3 - Minnie Mouse Kisslock Wallet -- FredFlare.com, $36 

4 - Retro Minnie Pullover -- Forever 21, $19.80

5 - Roberta Bow Peep Toe Flats -- Ruche, $34.99

6 - So Animated Skirt -- ModCloth, $47.99

7 - Moscova Polka Dot Bow-Accent Flats -- YesStyle.com, $55

8 - Way to Bow Hair Clip -- ModCloth, $9.99

9 - August Rush Polka Dot Dress -- Ruche, $44.99

And if you're like me, you can always satisfy your desire for more Minnie and Disney things by visiting the Disney Store! :)

Flick Pick: Cry Baby

It's Saturday night! That means it's time for another Flick Pick!

Tonight, I'll be blogging, singing, and dancing about...

Cry Baby is a 1990 film by John Waters starring the one and only Johnny Depp. It also happens to be one of the most fun movies ever. The movie is a rockabilly musical set in the 1950s, focusing on two rival groups of teenagers: the Squares and the Drapes. It's an obvious parody of 50s-based musicals, like Grease, and will entertain you the whole time.

Johnny Depp plays the handsome but rebellious "Cry-Baby" Walker, a Drape, and trouble ensues when he strikes up a romance with Allison (played by Amy Locane), the typical all-American sweetheart (and an obvious Square).  The movie is so quirky and bizarre, in all of the best ways possible!

In addition to the awesome and silly music (favorite songs are "King Cry-Baby," "Please, Mr. Jailer," and "High School Hellcats"), my absolute favorite thing about the movie is the fashion.  Every since I was very young, I was fascinated with the 1950s.  I had a handmade poodle skirt and everything!  The fashion of the "Squares" reflects the very stereotypical clean-cut dresses and bow ties look, which I love.  But what I love even more is all of the Rockabilly fashion worn by the Drapes:

I sport Rockabilly-inspired looks almost every day.  Red lips, black winged eyeliner, and something in black, white, and red.  Animal print and leather (or faux leather, please!) are also huge staples in a rockabilly wardrobe.  

Rockabilly gals are all about showing off their curves and having a tough-but-feminine look and attitude.  In the film, Traci Lords' character, Wanda (pictured at the right with Depp), even says, "I wouldn't be caught dead in a full skirt." Wanda is probably my favorite character. She's gorgeous and sassy and pulls off the blunt bangs, arched eyebrows, and red lip effortlessly.

So, ladies, embrace your figure (no matter what it might happen to be), and slip into some curve-hugging wiggle skirts!  Here are some rockin' options for a look that's anything but square:

Stop Staring Sexy Safari Wiggle Dress (Unique Vintage, $170.00)

Black Zip Faux Leather Jacket (Windsor, $34.90)

Ellie Satin Peep Toe Mariane Platform Pump in Red/Black (Unique Vintage, $74.00)

Satin Bow Hair Clips in Black, for pinning those curls back! (Forever 21, $2.50)

Various Cry Baby T-Shirts in Black and Red (Hot Topic, $22.00 each)

Keep rockin', fashionistas!

A Birthday Post for a True Beauty

I told myself I wasn't going to make a post today. It's that time of year again where I'm buried in my books doing some last-minute cramming for final exams, so I told myself, "No, Megan. Not today!"

Then I realized that today is Audrey Hepburn's birthday. 

I won't say much. Everything that needs to has already been said about this woman.  She was so beautiful and classy and truly iconic. I couldn't let her birthday go by unrecognized.  Today, I'll just share some beautiful pictures of and quotes from Miss Hepburn.  If you have the time (and don't currently have to worry about Macroeconomics or anything of the sort), I suggest watching one of Audrey's films today.  Sabrina, Funny Face, Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany's, etc. Really, any of them will do.  And now, as promised...

"I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles."

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows."

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters."

Happy Birthday, Audrey! You are forever adored and loved.

***The last picture, and this post as a whole, is dedicated to my sister, Jennifer, and her love for "Moon River." Thank you for introducing me to Audrey and for being amazing in general. 

Photo Credits:

http://allaboutaudrey.tumblr.com/page/9

http://wutisit.wordpress.com/2011/01/22/inspirations-vol-1/

http://lisawallerrogers.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/266/

http://www.convogue.com/blog/post/studying-style-icons-audrey-hepburn-in-breakfast-at-tiffanys/

All quotes by Audrey Hepburn.

Show Your Patriotism in Style!

My American readers are most likely celebrating right now. Just a few hours ago, President Barack Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden.  Almost ten years after the 9/11 attacks on America, "Justice has been done."  I ask that we all keep the families of those killed on 9/11/01 in our thoughts and remember that we're celebrating justice, not a man's death.

That being said... My duty here is not to post my opinions on the subject matter. My duty is to provide you with fashion! So I've compiled a few items that will allow you to show off your American Pride in style! Throw out your old flag t-shirts and slip on some of these haute patriotic pieces!

1 - White Roll Back American Flag Print Tee -- Topshop, $45.00

2 - Redopin American Flag Print T-Shirt -- YesStyle.com, $15.40

3 - Rockin' in the USA Flag Oversized V-Neck Tee -- Urban Outfitters, $9.99

4 - Maurie and Eve American Flag Spectator Tank -- I Don't Like Mondays, $98.00

5 - America Unisex Crew -- Wildfox Couture, $77.00

6 - Moto Patched Flag Print High Waisted Hotpants -- Topshop, $66.00

7 - Flag Cropped T-Shirt by Illustrated People -- Topshop, $50.00

EDIT: Also a good (and more affordable) option:

Faded Old Glory Top -- Forever 21, $8.90

Keep it up, America. We have our justice... now let's work on peace.

Photo by Michael Appleton for the New York Times

Under $100: Springtime Special Occasion

For the second installment of "Under $100," I tackled a difficult task: finding an affordable outfit for a special occasion! Whether you're going to a wedding, graduation, prom, or just a nice dinner out, springtime provides many opportunities to get dressed up. Here's a way to get a complete spring-appropriate look for that special occasion... for less than $100!

The soft colors used in this outfit are perfectly appropriate for spring! Let out your feminine side with this blush-colored dress and costume pearl bracelets. Here's the outfit break-down:

Long Chiffon Dress in Pink (H&M, $59.95)

Anne Michelle Ignite 30 Platform Pumps in Taupe (Lulu's, $33.00)

Flower Hoop Earrings in Mint (Forever 21, $3.80)

Small Pearlescent Bead Bracelet Set in Cream (Forever 21, $2.80)

Grand Total = $99.55

Keep your hair and make-up soft with this look! If you choose to wear your hair up (to show off these beautiful and affordable mint-green earrings), keep everything loose and light.  It will keep you looking very fresh and spring-appropriate.  A warning if you wear this to a wedding: don't be offended if the bride gets mad... you just might steal the spotlight!

Flick Pick: Dazed and Confused

Welcome to the first weekly Flick Pick! Every Saturday, I will highlight one of my favorite movies! I'll also look at some of the fashion within the movie and prove to you that it's worth watching (if you for some reason haven't seen it yet). This week, I'll be talking about Dazed and Confused!

Dazed and Confused is my go-to beginning-of-summer movie. It follows a group of rising high school freshman and rising seniors on the last day of school in 1976.  Great music, great actors, great one-liners, and great wardrobe.  The cast of the 1993 Richard Linklater movie features a handful of unknowns and a handful of big stars: Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, Parker Posey, and Milla Jovovich to name a few.  Being a bit of a Broadway Baby, I also love seeing Anthony Rapp (original Mark in RENT) as the sort-of-dorky rising senior, Tony.

1970s fashion seems to make a comeback every summer around "summer music festival" time. You could easily get away with wearing just about any of the outfits worn by these ladies to an outdoor concert or festival this summer. What am I talking about? Throw on a maxi dress and sandals and head to the grocery store! 1970s fashion is here to stay.

Let's look at Milla Jovovich as Michelle Burroughs:

You can create an outfit inspired by Milla's look with pieces like these:

Lace Trim Bandeau Top in Electric Berry (Free People, $28.00)

Bell Bottom Super Flare Jeans in Pale Blue Whiskered (7 For All Mankind, $178.00)

Cord Fringe Vest in Mocha (Akira, $36.90)

Butterfly Perf Stretch Belt in Tan (Fossil, $38.00)

Cutout Cross Charm Necklace in Silver (Forever 21, $4.80)

Boho Braided Necklace in Turquoise/Red (Forever 21, $4.80)

GoMax Berdine 31 Be Strappy Flat Thong Sandals in Brown (Lulu's, $20.00)

Go grab your acoustic guitar and make your last day of school the best one ever.

("It'd be a lot cooler if you did!")

***This post is dedicated to my dad and his love for Milla Jovovich! Love you, Dad!

Photo Credits:

http://sweetfuzz.com/2009/02/12/fuzzy-favorite-dazed-and-confused/

http://www.millaj.com/film/dazed.shtml

Wardrobe Essentials: Nude Pumps

Sure, sure, everyone has at least one pair of black pumps. But do you own a pair of nude pumps?? If you don't, you need to! Now! 

Nude pumps are Heaven-sent for us girls that may be a little vertically challenged (and they're a great softer-looking alternative to bolder shoes)! Flesh-toned shoes create the illusion of your legs going on forever. With a short dress and dark-colored heels, the eye is drawn to the shoe. The shoe, in this case, emphasizes the end of the leg. So, with a good heel, a girl of 5'4" call pull off looking... maybe 5'7". But with a good heel that matches your skin tone... well, you might as well be 8 feet tall.

 Let's observe Amanda Seyfried. Beautiful, young, and talented. And 5'3".

In a short dress with black shoes:

In a short dress with nude shoes:

See what I mean? Thought so.

"So, Megan, where do we get said shoes??"

I'm so glad you asked! Here are some options for various budgets:

1 - The shoe of all shoes. Christian Louboutin. Mmm. But unless you have an extra $775 laying around, these probably aren't for you. (A girl can dream though, right?)

2 - Mossimo Pearce Pump in Camel Patent -- Target, $29.99

3- Nude Round Toe Pump with Ankle Strap -- Unique-Vintage.com, $28.00 (I own these shoes! They're super cute but not for girls who aren't super comfortable in heels. Start with something with a smaller and wider heel if you feel you need to!)

4 - Aldo Moos in Natural -- Aldo, $75.00

5 - Aldo Capecoral in Bone -- Aldo, $80.00

6 - Patent Leatherette Pumps in Tan -- Forever 21, $16.80

7 - Mossimo Black Versie Pumps in Natural Patent -- Target, $29.99

So go forth, my fashionistas, and get yourself some nude pumps!

Photo credits (Amanda Seyfried):

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1030634/Mama-Mia-Scarlet-woman-Meryl-Streep-turns-blue-carpet-red-film-premiere.html

http://urbanjunglefashion.wordpress.com/2011/03/09/hot-girl-of-the-week-amanda-seyfried/

Under $100: Classic Casual

What's better than fashion? Affordable fashion! 

I can't tell you how many times I've drooled over an outfit only to realize it costs thousands of dollars. I have been lucky enough to discover where some of the greatest deals are hiding! And now, it is my duty to share them with you. That's the basis of my segment, "Under $100." I'll post outfits that I've put together and let you know where you can snatch 'em up! And I promise that none of the outfits will drain your wallets.

For the first installment, I give you... "Classic Casual"

This is a great look for the warmer Spring days or the cooler Summer days. A great outfit can be made by sticking to the basics: black and white.  This outfit consists of:

Pleated Button Up Shirt in White (Forever 21, $18.90)

Classic Career Jacket in Black (Forever 21, $27.80)

BDG 5-Pocket Short in Dazed (Urban Outfitters, $39.00)

Missy Polka Dot Espadrille Wedge in Black (Payless, $16.99)

Chain Variety Necklace in Gold (Forever 21, $8.80)

Glasses Frame Necklace in Gold (Forever 21, $2.80)

Grand Total = $114.29

Okay, okay, so it's not under $100. But! If you're like me and lucky enough to get 25% off at Urban Outfitters (shout-out to my GBF), the total would be $104.54. 

In classic "Meganista" fashion, I would pair this outfit with a bold red lip. Pictured with the collection, I've included Cover Girl Outlast Lip Stain. It stays on your lips! I swear! Also, I own these BDG shorts in two colors. They are super comfy and great for lots of body types. It's time for the ladies to embrace a slightly higher waist! And it probably goes without saying that I would tuck this shirt into the shorts.

So, for (slightly above) $100, I give you an outfit that's easy to put together and wear that is guaranteed to turn some heads! Shop on, fashionistas! Shop on!