10 So-Cal Fashion Staples

This list below is  based on my own personal observations after having lived in Southern California for a year and a half. Much of this segment applies to a certain age group or sector of the population, such as college students.

Sweater/Cardigan

http://kellygolightly.com/cute-fall-sweaters/5

If you have spent any time in Southern California you know that the weather typically ranges from moderate to hot. In comparison to other parts of the US, So-Cal has very few cold days. However, it does occasionally cool down, especially along the coast, close to the beach. That is where sweaters and cardigans come in. Everyone and their mother has an array of fashionable sweaters/cardigans, or what I like to call makeshift jackets/coats. In Southern California most people don't own coats, let alone wear them. So when you get chilly you throw on a cute sweater or cardigan and you keep it moving with your shorts and sandals on.

Boots

http://everythingexclusivemag.com/2013/10/07/fall-is-here-2/

From my personal experience, people who don't necessarily need winter fashion, LOVE winter fashion. Many days of the year, you can get away with wearing sandals or lightweight shoes in Southern California. Yet and still, many Southern Californians have impressive Boot collections, collections that rival my own, as a Michigander. In other parts of the country you wear boots to keep the cold and wet out. Here, Boots are a fashion statement. People rejoice when the temperature drops below 75 degrees so that they comfortably wear their boots. But then again 60 degrees is cold here in Southern California.

Scarves

http://wheretoget.it/look/202786

 When some people think of scarves, they think of the big heavy duty things that beat back the freezing air that attempts to creep between the gap in the collar of your coat and your neck. Covering much skin as possible is the objective of this game. However, many Southern Californians have impressive scarf collections. However, these scarves tend to be very pretty, lightweight, and colorful. They don't provide warmth, they are an embellishment that complements your ensemble.
 
Brightly Colored Denim

http://www.be-mod.com/tag/denim/

Californian's are known for their laid back relaxed style. California is home of the Boho Chic and the hipsters. Thus, this often doesn't include too many bright colors. However, you can find every color of the rainbow in a Southern Californian's closet if you are looking at their denim. 

Prints/Patterns
 

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/floral-shirts/

You can definitely say that So-Cal has it's own unique style. This included some very wild and interesting prints and patterns. These prints and patterns can make a bold statement and they definitely give you a whole new perspective of print/pattern usage. It also seems that Southern Californians are not afraid to step outside the box and mix things up, especially when it comes to mixing and matching patterns and prints.

Leather/Vegan Leather

sweatshirtdressshirt.blogspot.com

I have seen an abundance of Leather/Vegan Leather since moving to Southern California. Whether it is full leather ensembles, full leather pieces, to leather accents on various parts of a piece such as the shoulders, elbows, pockets, or knees. Before moving here I didn't think that I was a leather kind of gal. However,  So-Cal has given me a change of heart. Also, please note that it is "Vegan Leather", not "Pleather".

Chuck Taylors

http://slamxhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/converse-2013-spring-summer-chuck-taylor-all-star-specialty-camo-pack-2.jpg

Whether you call them "Chuck Taylors", "Chucks", or "Converses", these shoes are definitely a So-Cal fashion staple. It is my firm belief that everyone who lives in Southern California has to own at least one pair of Chuck Taylors. I personally love "Chucks", so So-Cal is a blessing to me because they have such a wide variety of styles and colors. I currently have my eye on the all-black high-top leather "Chucks." My birthday is coming up so...

Muted Colors 
 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/503277327078540432/

Along the vein of showcasing a laid back style, Southern Californians like to rock muted colors. Bright flashy colors tend to be reserved for denim and pattern accents. In So-Cal, you are going to see a lot more of burnt orange as opposed to plain orange.

"Cool Kid" Backpacks

http://www.dqmnewyork.com/news/entry/herschel_supply_co/

Southern Californians are the quintessential cool beach skater kids. Anyone ever seen Rocket Power? So of course, if you are skate-boarding or just generally being cool, you can't carry your books in a regular old backpack. Nope, a "cool" backpack is the only option. The Herschel "Little America"  packs are really popular as of late.

Skin

http://tallahasseescene.com/2014/06/why-frat-bros-shouldnt-dictate-what-you-wear/

Of course, what would So-Cal fashion be without skin. When it is sunny and 75 degrees plus, skin is a must. It is nothing to see booty shorts in the middle of "Winter", and to see bare midriffs all year around. In Southern California, skin is in!!!

Southern Californians: What do you think of my Observations? Was I spot on? Or way off? Did I about sum it up? Or did I miss a few things? 

Leave a comment, start a conversation?

Solange Knowles’ Wedding: The story of a bike, a jumpsuit, and a cape!

http://www.people.com/article/solange-knowles-marries-alan-ferguson

Now usually I don’t do this, this is definitely not a celebrity gossip site. But you have to give credit when credit is due.

So I was surfing the internet when I came across the headline that Solange Knowles just got married. I decided to follow the link because who doesn’t love love and weddings? I more than likely always click on links to wedding photos or celebrations. I also like to get ideas about my big day. The wedding of Solange Knowles and Alan Ferguson, congratulations to the couple on their nuptials, gave me plenty of ideas.

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/solange-and-alan-ferguson-arrive-on-bikes-to-their-wedding/

First off, I love the quirkiness and playfulness of the ceremony. The fact they arrived riding white vintage bikes, and took party  pictures in an aging, borderline dilapidated, building with everyone wearing white, gave the photos in instant classic vibe. The wedding seemed very vintage and chic. Two things that I am all for. It also says to brides and grooms, “this is your special day, do it your way.” It was understated and absolutely wonderful. I am not going to be a traditional bride and it is nice to know that I am in good company.

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/image-by-rog-walker-6/

So let’s start by saying I love cream, I love gold, I love the combination of cream/white and gold, I love jumpsuits, and I LOVE capes! I was thinking about writing a piece on fall summer trends and I landed on capes. Capes are so wonderful! I tend to lean towards pieces that were popular in a time now past. Capes have that vintage feeling, but they are also very dramatic, luxurious, and regal. Let me just say this again, I LOVE CAPES! I can just imagine myself in New York City with knee-high boots, a thick beautiful cape, a muff for my hands or elbow length leather gloves. So classy, and so classic. So chic!

 http://www.thefashionspot.com/style-trends/449489-fall-fashion-trend-2014-capes/#/slide/15

Back to Solange’s particular ensemble. Everything is right about her outfit. It kind of feels like a throwback to the seventies, but the cream color, the material, and the plunging neckline, not to mention the cape of course, gives it a wonderful playfulness while remaining classy and gorgeous. And of course, nods to her red lip and afro, two of my staple looks.

P.S. She didn’t only wear a cape with her cream jumpsuit!

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/image-by-rog-walker-5/

Brava!

http://necolebitchie.com/2014/11/heres-a-look-at-solanges-official-wedding-portraits/image-by-rog-walker-4/

What are your thoughts on fashion found at Solange Knowles' Wedding? Do you love it? What are your thoughts on capes in general? 

Leave a comment, start a conversation!

Fringe Benefits!

I am not going to lie, I have for the most part not been a fan of fringe. It was cute in the 70's, but the 70's were long before my time. A few years ago fringe started making it's come-back and I was skeptical to say the least. I hated it on shoes and dresses. Fringe just wasn't me.

Than I saw this motor jacket and it made a believer out of me. I was looking for a little black jacket, but what I found was an appreciation for fringe.

 
Fringe done right is great for so many reasons. Fringe gives your ensemble such movement, such interest. Every time I walk around in this jacket I feel so funky and jazzy. I feel daring and bold, and believe me, it is certainly an eye-catcher.

However, we cannot ignore the other great attributes of this awesome jacket. First, I love black and gold. Black and gold is always a winning combination. Then there is the cheetah print lining. Who doesn't love cheetah print? Lastly, the zippers and the button detail. I saw this jacket and I had to have it, luckily for me it was on sale.

Accessories: I chose to pair the jacket with a short black dress with a full faux leather skirt. In addition, I paired it with sparkly gold cheetah print heels (Love these!!!). For jewelry I went with a bold statement necklace and some round medallion-esque earrings. I complimented everything with a sensuous red lip.

I am very glad that I ran across this jacket. It opened me up to different looks, and helped me step out of my fashion comfort zone. I would say that this a successful modern take on an old fashion favorite.

What do you think of my look? What are your opinions on fringe? If you like fringe, how do you wear it? 

Leave a comment, add to the conversation!

Not Your Average Denim Dress!

Finally back in action. Thanks Law School for kicking by butt.

I would like to celebrate the revival of my blog by discussing a piece that I absolutely love.

This bleached denim, multi-color, shift dress is not your average denim dress:

This piece includes different textures, styles, and colors of denim. The pink denim,the layering of the denim and denim arrangement are some of my favorite aspects of the dress.

In addition, the pockets and the light pink zipper that runs the length of the dress make this dress very visually interesting. 

The pockets on the dress give it a very comfortable and worn feeling. They also add a playful element to the dress that is in line with the whimsy of the entire design.

I love, love, love this dress!!! I love the loose fit. It is very comfortable, but still sexy. When I am wearing this dress I feel like a true fashionista.

Accessories: I choses to pair this dress with pale pinkish purple modified loafers with jeweled embellishments on the toes, and hot pink lipstick, and simple earrings. While the shoes are stylish in their own right, the dress is the true star of the show.

Unconventional Chicers, let me know what you think of my look? What do you think of denim dresses, or non-jean usage of denim? 

Leave a comment and start a conversation.