2013's Perfect Pairs

Shoes have been making a huge imprint in today's fashion. They can bee seen everywhere-- if that's at school, on the street, or in your closet!

The top 10 shoe styles of 2013 include:
1. Booties
2. Boots
3. Combat Boots
4. Flats
5. High Heels
6. Moccasins
7. Oxfords
8. Sandals
9. Wedge
10. Loafers

1. Booties: A shoe that resembles a boot in style but is not as high.

• These suede booties are showing to be extremely popular. I see them all the time, if that is at the mall, in school or out on the street. They give girls a chance to have a little more of a heal than normal boots provide but still give comfort! This pair of Steve Madden 'Panelope' Booties can be found at Nordstrom for $99.95. I suggest wearing these with a pair of skinny jeans and any kind of top if that be a blouse or tank top and blazer jacket-- if you're going for a more formal look. 

2. Boots: Footwear which covers the entire foot and extends to the height of the anklebone or up to the thigh.

• Boots were a Fall necessity. They are an easy go to pair of shoes that look great with leggings, skinny jeans, a skirt or a dress. Not only do the boots add to your outfit but you can add even more style by wearing a pair of boot socks with them! Boot socks are tall socks that stick out at the top of your boots and often come in interesting knit patterns. Boots help to provide a dressed up look that requires little effort-- making them great for school! This pair of Frye 'Philip Harness' Tall Boots can be found at Nordstrom for $347.95.

3. Combat Boots: Lace up multipurpose boots originally designed for the military. 

• Combat boots continue to present themselves in big ways. They are constantly being embellished with studs, gold, lace and camo. These boots similar to riding boots help to dress up an outfit without requiring a lot of effort! Combat boots like these Steve Madden 'Troopa' Boots can be bought at Nordstrom for $99.95. Boots such as these go great with leggings and a long shirt or sweater, or even jeans and a t-shirt! I highly suggest adding a pair of these to your wardrobe if you haven't already! 

4. Flats: Shoes that do not have any heel height.

• Flats provide a comfortable alternative to heals or boots. Not only do they help dress up an outfit but they also can help make a statement by proving a pop of color. These BP. 'Moveover' Pointed Toe Flats come in numerous colors: nude, silver and cheetah. They can be purchased at Nordstrom for a great deal of $49.95. Flats such as these can be paired with skinny jeans, a skirt or a dress!

5. High Heels:  Heel height is measured on a vertical line at the top of the heel, and goes from the bottom surface of the sole to the floor.

•  High heels are essential for a girls night out or a dance. They provide height and a finishing touch to an amazing outfit. Today women not only wear them to dances and fancy dinners, but also to casual lunches, work and everyday events. Simple heels such as these Steve Madden 'Clydee' Pumps can be bought at Nordstrom for $79.90. These Pumps would go great with a pair of skinny jeans or a short dress to go out to dinner in. Either way, these shoes provide a girl a few extra inches, style and the finishing touch to a perfect outfit. 

6. Moccasins: A slip-on shoe with visible stitching around the perimeter of the toe box, creating a gathered effect.

• Moccasins have become a high schoolers best friend. They allow both girls and guys to wear slippers to school but still look presentable. Not only are they comfortable but also go well with leggings, yoga pants, and sweats when you feel like dressing comfortably.For girls, UGG Australia 'Dakota' Slippers at Nordstrom for $99.95 are a big hit because they look like normal, presentable shoes. 

7. Oxfords: A low shoe with laces over the instep.

• Oxfords, once viewed as men's business shoes have transformed into more casual shoes. Now, women wear them in all sorts of different colors, varying from black, to tan to blue. Similar to flats, they also provide a pop of color to simple outfits to help dress them up.These 'Sammy' Oxfords can be found at Nordstrom for $69.95. I recommend pairing oxfords with skirts or dresses. 

8. Sandals: An open toe and open back shoe with leather or fabric straps across the foot.

• Sandals come in all different shapes and sizes. They can be worn in all kinds of situations, be that at the beach/pool, going to the mall, hanging out around the house or going out to dinner. Sandals can be very versatile based upon their design. For example, gladiator style sandals with straps are usually more formal while sandals such as these Rainbow Wide Strap Thong at Nordstrom ($50.95) are more casual and made more for the beach scene. 

9. Wedges:  A heel that lies flat to the ground and extends from the shank to the back of the shoe.

• Wedges are crucial for summer. They are not only comfortable, but really cool in design. They come in leathers, fabrics and velvet materials, as well as cool colors and patterns! Personally, I believe these shoes are best worn with sun dresses or maxi dresses and skirts. When I think of summer shoes I think of warm weather and wedges. Wedges are one of the many pairs of shoes that almost all girls have at least one pair of. A pair such as these TOMS 'Sierra' can be bought at Nordstrom for $68.95. 

10. Loafers: A low, step-in shoe without shoelaces or buckles.

• A final pair of shoes that has made great strides in the 2013 fashion world, are loafers. Loafers have transformed into a more modern shoe that both men and women wear to work, as well as at home and around town. They add character to an outfit by adding something old to something more modern. Loafers such as these 'Edlyn' Loafers at Nordstrom for $78.95, display a mix of old and new, where the structure itself is classic while the colors and holes add a more modern flair. Shoes like these, would go great with a skater skirt or a pair of skinny jeans.

Reflecting on 2013, shoes played a major role in the fashion world. Where outfits are often times modeled around shoes! These 10 pairs were extremely popular but, are only some of the many that people wore. 

~~FaShIoN 4 ThOuGhT~~

Fall Fashion

September 22nd marked the beginning of Fall 2013. So far everyone has been in school for about a month, football has gone back to being a Sunday tradition, the weather has begun getting cooler and the leaves have started to fall.

This Fall's fashion is focusing on four things:
1. Animal prints
2. Camouflage
3. Textures/ Patterns
4. Dark Florals

Animal prints are making a come-back in the fashion world after their popularity was at a high a couple years ago. Previously seen on Jersey Shore as being flashy and over the top, animal prints have been toned down. They have strayed away from loud and obnoxious colors (rainbow), and instead have been using blacks, whites, grays, browns and neutrals. Animal prints like these are great to pair with light or dark jeans and riding boots or combat boots!

Camouflage has also become extremely popular! Stores have begun selling camo jackets, shirts, vests, leggings, and more. I love this new trend! It is transforming old patterns once used in war into items that can be worn on the street in a fashionable way-- and not just in the woods for hunting. These articles of clothing can be paired with a variety of things, from jeans to riding boots as well as sweaters and Doc Martins.

Texture and Patterns are also showing to be more in vogue this season. As the temperatures have begun to drop, girls have started digging up leggings and sweaters from their closets. While stores have also started bringing out new sweaters, leggings, jackets, and flannels. Big sweaters are perfect to be worn at home, in school and on the street. They provide comfort and style through cool textures of cotton, yarn or wool as well as interesting patterns-- if that is a classic argyle pattern or an interesting arrangement of hombre. Leggings have also begun to get more interesting, where they now will be studded, patterned or even contain cut outs. Similar to how sweaters can provide comfort as well as style leggings are the same. With leggings you can throw on any long sweater or shirt and look great! Textures and patterns have presented themselves through sweaters and leggings of this season.

Dark florals are a final item that is currently prevalent in this season's fashion. Contradicting the spring and the bright colors, Fall has brought about an arrangement of dark colors and florals. These colors include, black, gray, maroon, purple, etc. Blouses and tank tops of these patterns looks casual as well as formal when paired with a blazer and dress pants-- if looking for something to wear to an important event, or even casual if you wear jeans or leggings with it! Dark florals appear to be very versatile this fall!

Along with all these trends this fall:
 -scarves
-ripped jeans
-riding boots
-combat boots
have become very popular.  

Keep in mind that all these trends this Fall show to not only be fashionable but COMFORTABLE! Therefore, these pieces can be worn at home, in town, and at school! As the leaves continue to fall remember to keep warm, keep in touch with the forever changing fashions, and stay fashionable!

**FASHION 4 THOUGHT**

First Day of School

The day has finally come, the first day of school. One of the most important questions-- next to who you have for teachers of course-- is what you plan on wearing.

This summer high waisted shorts were a big hit, which explains why so many girls wore them on the first day of school. High waisted clothing is a throwback to the mid 1900's when they were first introduced to fashion.

So whats everyone's obsession over these shorts? High waisted shorts give girls an opportunity to create their own clothing if they so choose. For example, many high school kids have taken their mom's old high waisted jeans (if they have held onto them) and cut them into shorts. Then on top of cutting them some people will bleach them different colors and add studs to make them unique and interesting. These shorts allow you to recycle and update your parents' clothes!

While high waisted shorts were a casual option for the first day of school, maxi skirts were also very popular. Although Maxi skirts are a little more formal than high waisted jean shorts, they can still be worn all the time! Maxi skirts offer a comfortable option for a bottom to pair with any kind of top: sweater, tank, or crop top. They come in all different prints, colors and textures and are very reasonable in price!

 I started off my junior year with a black maxi skirt ($22.00)and LUSH floral tank top ($20.00) from B.P. When i first went looking for an outfit at B.P. I had a difficult time deciding what I wanted because I loved everything I tried on! After thinking it through, I decided on the skirt and tank because I felt as though not many people would have either of these pieces and they both were extremely comfortable for the 6 hour school day i had ahead of me. I highly recommend shopping at B.P. next time you are looking for an outfit for the first day of school or just clothes in general! B.P. at Nordstrom offers all sorts of different clothes and advice from the great stylists they have working there!

While I returned to high school in more formal attire, my sister decided to start freshman year off more casual. She chose to wear a green shear tank top ($15.00) and pair it with a pair of ripped,dark wash high waisted shorts ($25.00)-- both from Hollister.

Although waking up for school these next few months will be hard, the chance to wear, buy, and see the seasons new clothing will be very exciting!

Hello Reality

There comes a time every year when your summer must come to an end. It marks the end to an amazing two months spent with family and friends, and the beginning to a new school year. With each new school year comes new classes, friends and opportunities.

Fashion opportunities become endless once school starts. You have the chance to change your style from the previous year, experiment with all types of clothing and jewelry and also get inspiration from classmates outfits.

Within the final few weeks of summer everyone begins to scramble as they try to assemble the legendary "first day of school outfit". This outfit has become a necessity over the past century. It gives you the opportunity to show everyone your style-- whatever that may be-- and make a great impression on those you are surrounded by.

When looking for your "first day of school outfit" it is important to keep these 3 things in mind:
1. Try shopping at a new store.
2.Go for the clothes you don't think anyone else will have.
3. Don't be afraid to mix it up and try something out of your comfort zone!
Follow these 3 suggestions and you will walk through the doors of your school wearing something everyone else will be dying to have!

Although Summer is coming to an end an exciting new year of fashion is beginning! So prepare yourself to leave those sweatpants and t shirts behind and come dressed in all sorts of patterned pants, colorful tops, and statement jewelry pieces to make this year a success.