Fashion Roundup :: Blake Von D

May 5, 2013

Not Your Average School Girl

On Monday I took the last exam of my 1L year. Woot woot!! The jury’s still out on how I did, but one thing is for sure, I finished the year out in style.

Nothing says “school girl” like this pleated skater skirt from GoJane and boyfriend blazer. My custom crop top isn’t school issued, but what good is there in being a school girl if you don’t break a few rules? Eat your heart out boys!

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IMG_6200Photo credit: Harlin Miller

What I’m Wearing:

Skater Skirt: (courtesy of) GoJane | Air Force Patch Crop Top: Custom made | Lita Style Booties: Lola Shoetique (sold out) | Blazer: H&M


May 1, 2013

Spotted Goddess

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Photo credit: Harlin Miller

Love this dress from GoJane! With the polka dots and sheer side panels, it’s the perfect blend of sex and sass. And these funky patterned earrings are the perfect compliment. I feel like such a woman when I’m wearing this dress.

What I’m Wearing:

Dress: GoJane | Earrings: Rashida Gurl


Apr 29, 2013

Model Citizen

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IMG_5202Photo credit: Harlin Miller

I played tourist recently and took a stroll through the city. (Yes, I take strolls in 6 inch heels. It’s the fabulous thing to do.) My new photographer snapped these gorgeous photos in the courthouse courtyard.

What I’m Wearing:

Shoes: MARTHA’s (courtesy of) Shoedazzle | Peplum Top: (courtesy of) Out of My Kloset Boutique | White Denim Jeans: Love Culture | “B” Bracelet: Bria Styles | Bag: Forever 21 (sold out)


Apr 25, 2013

What To Wear To Meet His Parents

“Justin and Blake sittin’ in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Blake with the baby carriage.”

Whoever wrote this popular children’s rhyme completely skipped the part where you have to meet his parents and work yourself into a frenzy hoping that they like you. Because we all know, it’s just easier if they do.

First impressions are key and what you wear can play a major role in just how far his parents see this thing going. Wear the wrong thing and mom will be planning your exit before you’ve even had a chance to introduce yourself.

Here are a few tips for how to be fashionable and mom approved.

If your guy’s parents live out of town, don’t be surprised if he invites you to dinner during one of his parents’ trips to town. He’s been talking about you for months, so it’s only natural that they would want to meet you.Meeting the 'Rents III

Retro style dress, $30 / NIC+ZOE ankle length pants / Kate Spade clutch / Lady Grey circle earrings / Pieces pearl jewelry, $43

You want to wear something that shows you understand the importance of meeting them without dressing like you’re heading to the prom.  Depending on where you’re having dinner, either pants or a dress is appropriate.

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The summers are packed full of outdoors event. Picnics, family reunions, cookouts, you name it. But just because you’re meeting in a casual setting it doesn’t mean you should show up in short shorts and a t-shirt. Take a page from Olivia Palermo’s book and opt for appropriately length tailored shorts paired with a mature twist on the t-shirt. A printed flat is the perfect way to add a little fun to your outfit.

Meet the 'Rents II
Lipsy button up shirt, $49 / John Lewis dress pants, $90 / Zara Heels, $80 / Betsey Johnson Handbag, $108 / Charlotte Russe jewelry, $6 / French Connection skinny belt, $20

 

Attending church is often is family tradition and sometimes your beau will ask you to tag along to see if you fit in with his family. Meeting his mom at church can be intimidating and it can be tough to know what to wear–especially if you’re not a regular churchgoer. The key is to be conservative and err on the side of caution. Stick to a neutral palette and stay away from trends.

It’s ok to show off your personal style and give them a glimpse of what attracted their son to you, just make sure to hide the parts that keep him up at night thinking of you.

Were these tips helpful? Feel ready to meet the parentals?!


Apr 24, 2013

Style Tips 101: “How To Wear Neon”

Neon has always been a fashion favorite for the warmer months so it serves as no surprise that the trend has arrived just in time for the warm weather. Hot pink, lime green and every shade of electric blue and orange seems to be everywhere this season, and I’ve searched for the perfect ways to incorporate this vibrant trend into your spring/summer wardrobe.

Here are 4 ways to stylishly wear neon:

1. Create Contrast

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 In the color world, black, white and neon are polar opposites, but when together they are perfectly in sync. Adding a bright neon with white or black clothing creates a contrast that makes for a bold look that’s sure to get you noticed.

2. Add Neon Accessories

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If you’re color shy and don’t want to travel too far out of your comfort zone, the easiest way to include neon is through accessories. A skinny belt, clutch, sunglasses and/or a scarf is a subtle way to ease your way into the trend that practically yells, “look at me now”.

3. Colorblocking

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To create an instant head turning look, combine two neon colors in one ensemble. Anything from red bottoms and a hot pink top or a lime green skirt and yellow jacket is fair game. Since the outfit is already bold in color, keep your silhouette very fitting and simple.

4. All Neon Everything

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If you’re a risk taker all neon is definitely your thing. It’s a fun and crazy way to introduce a playfully wild side into your wardrobe.

Have you tried the neon trend? What are your favorite ways to rock it? What is your go-to neon shade?


Apr 9, 2013

4 Ways To Define Your Personal Style

After years of struggling to find my own unique style, I’ve finally found my wardrobe identity. There was no epiphany or “a-ha” moment, I simply got to a point where I didn’t want to be a carbon copy of my closest friends, no matter how fly they were.

My inspiration stems from tons of research. I’m not delving into Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar because my wallet would laugh at me, but I do find little gems in everything from home décor magazines (I have an affinity for prints) to other fashion bloggers.

Here are 4 tips that may prove helpful to defining your personal style:

1. Create A Lookbook

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Photo credit: WhoWhatWear

Fill a large notebook with various sources of inspiration. The obvious would be cut outs of clothes that appeal to you, but don’t stop there. Include pictures that make you happy and colors that bring a smile to your face. Copy quotes from anyone whose style you admire. Research current/past trends and find ways to incorporate them into your daily wardrobe. If it doesn’t work with your personal truth, skip it and move on. Trends changes like the wind so don’t beat yourself (and your wallet) up trying to stay on the pulse of fashion.

2. Take Daily Photos

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Photo credit: Style Hive

 Don’t always rely on mirrors. We’ve all had those moments when the that was cute at home in the full length mirror just didn’t translate on camera. Even if it doesn’t work, make a mental note of what was good, what wasn’t and what you’d change if you wore it again. You’ll notice a huge difference in the way you dress yourself and learn a lot about your shape and proportions.

3. Come Up With A Style Concept

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Photo credit: WhoWhatWear

Come up with a rough concept of what you’re into at the moment. Right now I’m really into lace and leather. So I’m immediately drawn to anything that captures that lady-like, demure essence, but add leather to create a look that’s polar opposite. Whatever it is, allow your imagination to roam.

Take Your Time

Photo credit: Tiffany Pinero Style

Photo credit: Tiffany Pinero Style

Usually the most stylish people don’t just magically come up with their looks. Often times it’s a result of list-making, hunting and being inspired by different things, colors and patterns. It’s okay to make fashion mistakes so don’t be afraid to redefine your style concept to make it more wearable for you.

How do you define your personal style? 


Mar 14, 2013

Dressing For Your Body Type

One of the most beautiful things about women is that we have some crazy, incredible shapes. And yes crazy in an absolutely good way. While we may be wired the same genetically, the curves on our body all tell a different story.

We’re thin. We’re full figured. We’re shaped like bottles of Coke, Smart Water, Figi, Capri suns and milk cartons.

We’ve either seen or heard the whole define your body type by fruit thing. While it can prove useful, it’s something about a real life woman in everyday, normal clothes that prove to be a bit more realistic. So I scoured the web to find beautiful, natural looking women, who dress their amazingly gorgeous shapes in equally amazing threads and included a few tips on how to dress each particular body type.

Let’s dig in.

Tanesha Awasthi – “Curvy”

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We won’t spend tons of time talking about Tanesha’s gorgeous shape because we’d be here forever. Instead notice how she accentuates every curve on her body by wearing…her actual size. It seems like a no-brainer, but when you’re full-figured it’s important to avoid wearing clothes that are too big in an attempt to hide your problem areas. Shying away from color and/or prints is also a no go. And let’s face it, it’s kind of safe. And boring. Stripes, dots, zig- zags and plaids are just as appropriate on a size 18 as it is on a size two.

Tosha Eason – “Tall & Lean”

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Facts are fact. Tosha’s gams are heaven. She plays up her lean figure well with midriff-baring tops and asymmetrical skirts. Most women who are tall and thin tend not to have very big breasts and/or have a sort of boyish figure. To camouflage a small chest, add layers and go for an exaggerated neckline. Dresses and skirts with details create more girly curves. Try a tulle skirt or a Peplum top.

Nini Nguyen – “Petite”

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The average height of a woman is somewhere between 5’2 and 5’5 but there is absolutely nothing average about Nini. She dresses her small torso in high waisted bottoms to create a flattering illusion. Adding a crop top is an idealistic choice as well. A long dress with the right pattern is another option. Prints add dimension and depth and makes for a shapely silhouette. While not at all necessary, heels instantly give the impression of a longer leg.

Emma D. – “Hourglass”

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Women with an hourglass figure have to be especially careful that they don’t present themselves with too much sexy at the wrong moments (i.e. church, work, kids birthday parties). Emma from London does a great job flaunting her curves but she also provides balance. One of the biggest keys to appropriately dressing a coke bottle shape is to proportionally dress the top and bottom of your body while accentuating your waist.

Which body type are you? What tips can you offer to flatter your favorite body part?


Mar 5, 2013

Turban Tuesday: “Nubian Knot” [Video]

You guys know that I LOVE me a good turban’d look. So I decided to start a new segment called “Turban Tuesday” where I will be featuring different ways to tie a turban once a week. Today I tried out a new style for the first time and I can’t wait to show you guys a few more!

Check out this video of the first “Turban Tuesday”….

Will you be joining me for Turban Tuesday?!


Feb 25, 2013

DIY: Tulle Skirt

I’ve been wanting a tulle skirt (a la Carrie Bradshaw) for forever now! So consider my excitement when I came across this wonderful DIY for a tulle skirt (via ConsiderMeLovely‘s instagram) I couldn’t WAIT to give it a go.

Read More »


Aug 9, 2012

What I Wore Today ft. Out of My Kloset Boutique

K.I.S.S. = Keep it simple [for] summer! That’s today motto.

One thing I love about summer is the fact that putting together a cute outfit can involve minimal clothing and very few accessories. The wonderful ladies over at Out of My Kloset Boutique sent me this cute asymmetrical neon dress so I decided to take it out for a stroll.

Check it out…

Feather earrings, $15 – Aldo; Metallic sandals, $10 – Beacon’s Closet; Bangle set, $6.80 – Forever 21

Love this color on my skin!

Head over to Out of My Kloset’s website and check out what this online boutique has to offer. They have some great things in stock for summer!