Fashion :: Blake Von D

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?


Sep 14, 2012

What I Wore This Week

It’s been a while since I posted a “What I Wore”…mostly because law schools/law school professors are sadists who derive pleasure from watching 1L’s suffer. Ugh! But anyways, I figured I would stop being negligent (see, I’m even starting to blog like a lawyer) and update you guys on what’s shakin’ in my closet. Sidenote: I’ve added on some new writers to keep you guys entertained when I’m being a total slacker. Be looking out for them!

So here’s what I wore this week…

Monday

You guys know I love me some black. Monday was no exception. I wore a pair of black harem pants from Forever 21 over top a black shorts romper (also from Forever 21) and added some visual detail with a vintage beaded vest that I purchased from Goodwill a few years ago. I chose to play off my skin tone by completing the outfit with a pair of brown leather platform wedges.

Black romper – $24, Forever 21; Harem Pants, $8 – Forever 21; Beaded vest – $2, Goodwill; Leather Platform Wedges – $28, Buffalo Exchange

Read More »


Aug 1, 2012

GIVEAWAY: 1-Yr Harper’s Bazaar Subscription

It’s been a while since I’ve done a giveaway on here, so I figured it was time I did something about that.

And what better way to kick off my birthday month!

If you know me you know that I live for my Harper’s Bazaar subscription. I currently own every issue printed since 2009 and I’ve been known to verbally massacre anyone who even thinks about defacing my magazines in ANY way. Yes, it’s that serious. Lol. Well, now you too can get in on the seriousness. Say goodbye to non-subscriber covers from the supermarket!

Entering is easy…here’s how:

  • Follow me on Twitter at @BlakeVonD
  • Like my Facebook page (click here)
  • Leave me a comment here telling me your favorite thing about reading fashion magazines.
  • RT “I just entered @BlakeVonD’s Harper Bazaar subscription giveaway! http://wp.me/p2e3tm-1imkn”

Giveaway ends Monday, August 6th at 5PM. Winner will be chosen randomly. Good luck!


Jun 7, 2012

What I Wore Today

This past Saturday I made my first–and unfortunately, my last–trip to The Brooklyn Museum’s Target First Saturday. On the first Saturday of every month, The Brooklyn Museum opens it’s door to allow New Yorkers an opportunity to experience art and culture for free. Well, in true New York City fashion it has morphed into quite the fashion show. People pull out all the stops and leave no stone unturned.

Since this was my first time going, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as far as what other people would be wearing, but I figured I couldn’t go wrong with a simple play on the new color blocking trend. Taking full advantage of summer–and my new blonde hair *big smile*–I opted for a neon palette.

Satin Biker Jacket - Forever 21; Pop Squiggle Leggings – ASOS;
Platform Pumps – Cherry Bomb Atlanta; Neon Clutch – DIY.

I ended up having my picture taken by quite a few sites–one of which was Ebony.com, so there’s no telling how many places this outfit is floating around. But a special thank you to Claire from The Fashion Bomb for featuring me on her site again. Her readers always show me so much love!

What do you think of what I wore to First Saturday?


Mar 14, 2012

REAL STYLE: SoHo Strollers

One of the things I love about NYC is there are virtually no fashion don’ts. I’m about 99.9% comfortable saying…ANYTHING goes here! What’s not to love about that?!

The weather in NYC yesterday was incredible! What better way to spend a beautiful day than taking a stroll through SoHo to check out some of the awesome NYC fashion?  I grabbed my camera and headed out the door to see if I could find some dope street style. I ran into a couple of people yesterday that I thought were effortlessly chic.

Check them out…

I think she’s the first person I’ve EVER seen who looked cute in Timbs. I won’t be running out to buy any, any time soon (the Southerner in me forbids it), but I have to admit, she makes them look fab!

Her 80's style accessories rock!

Love his use of color. Color blocking w/ a masculine swag.

Super cute top! Her glasses matches the owl’s. hehe

All black everything…right down to her nail polish. Just the way I like it!

Now is this not THEE most adorable face you’ve ever seen?!  The combination of her blonde hair and red lip is just everything to me.

I loved the oversized, Urban Outfitters-ish look she’s rocking. The denim jacket and large bag are perfect touches.

What do you guys think of these SoHo strollers?


Feb 17, 2012

Relaunch Giveaway from GLITTERRINGS!!!

It’s been a long time coming. 3 years to be exact. But it’s finally here…BLAKEVOND.COM! Bookmark it and tell a friend! In celebration of my “baby” turning 3 years old and our new address, I’m doing a really awesome giveaway GLITTERRINGS.

I first found out about GLITTERRINGS back during Fashion’s Night Out and later took a trip to their awesome showroom in downtown Manhattan. Their pieces have been featured in People Style Watch and worn by members of the Real Housewives franchise like Cynthia Bailey and Jill Zarin. I absolutely love their collections and was honored when they gifted me a set of Chandra Stackable Rings.

You guys have been asking on Twitter, Facebook, and even Instagram where you can get these stackable rings. Where’s here your chance! You could win your very own set from GLITTERRINGS.

It’s easy, here’s how:

Follow @BlakeVonD and @GLITTERRINGS on Twitter.

Like the Blake Von D and GLITTERRINGS Fan Pages on Facebook. 

RT “I just entered to win a set of stackable rings from @GLITTERRINGS via @BlakeVonD http://t.co/Kf7Io8qt.”

Leave me a comment with your name and city.

The winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Wednesday, February 22nd.

GOOD LUCK!


Oct 10, 2011

5 Must Have Items for Fall: Blogger’s Style

Now that fall is here, it’s time to start layering up and pulling out the boots. Here’s my guide on what must-have items you should add to your wardrobe.

Check out some of my favorite bloggers (of course I had to include myself…lol) sporting some of my favorite fall fashions…

1. Riding Boots

If you don’t have a pair of these go-to boots in your closet, I have no idea what rock you’ve been living under. Drop what you’re doing and RUN…don’t walk…to your nearest shoe store!

Blogger Christina of LoveBrownSugar is chic to the 9′s in her riding boots! This is date “night” attire for Christina as she visits wine country with her boyfriend. Jealous!

Photo credit: LoveBrownSugar.com

2. Cute Head Gear

The always fabulous Gabi of GabiFresh.com rocks this floppy hat from H&M during Fashion Week. I’m lowkey obsessed with her. She’s flawless. That neckpiece is everythaaaang!

Photo credit: GABIFRESH.COM

3. A piece of fur

Faux fur scarf – $17.95 at H&M

PETA, put down the red paint! We’re talking faux fur here. I got this faux fur scarf at H&M a while back and I can’t WAIT to break it out. I think fur is a great way to glam up even the most casual of outfits.

Can we talk about my legs for one second? Do you see these calf muscles?! lol

4. The Trench Coat

Stylist and blogger Marley Simone almost never just wears a piece, she reinvents it. She’s taken the trench and turned it into a showstopping sundress. Ms. Marley is easily one of my favorite Jamaicans. lol

Photo credit: Marley Simone Facebook Page

5. Haute Handbags

I suppose you should really have haute handbags all year round, but as much as I try I just can’t seem to get with the program. I always feel bogged down. Karen of Where Did You Get That makes it look eee-Z!

Photo credit: wheredidyougetthat.com

What are some of your favorite fall fashion picks?


Aug 12, 2011

Polish Bar Brooklyn Celebrates 5 Years with Food, Fun & Fashion

Last night Polish Bar Brooklyn (@PolishBarBK) celebrated their 5th year of fabulosity. It was a great rooftop location with an amazing view of the city. The DJ (@DJCEO) was doin’ his thang! Man, I haven’t heard some of those 90′s jams in forever! The event was sponsored by X-Rated Fusion and featured some fabulous eats and treats. The cake pops were to DIE for.

Tricia Lee, owner of Polish Bar Brooklyn

I had a great time mixing and mingling with some of the fabulous people of New York City. Some of my favorite bloggers were in attendance.

There was Claire from The Fashion Bomb Daily

Christina from Love Brown Sugar

and Jessica from The Glamazons and Coco & Creme!

There were so many chic, cute chicks in the room it was hard to take it all in. This is one of my favorite looks from the night. She was just too adorable for words!

Marley Simone

More pics from the rest of the night and to see what I wore below:

Loved her shoes!

DJ CEO doin’ is thang!

Such a cutie right ladies?

Tricia Lee!

The always lively Kailee!

Jessica of The Glamazons Blog!

I’m gonna steal these earrings from her

Just cute as a freakin’ button!

 

Check out her shoes!

Yummmmmmmmy!

The cocktails were great!

The Fashion Bomb

Don’t fall in love there guy haha

What I wore…

Fitted crop top from American Apparel

Necklace from Forever21

Printed pant & shoes from Exstaza Boutique in Soho

My “cousin” Christina of Love Brown Sugar

Kailee strikes again! lmao