trend analysis: black and white color blocks

black asymmetrical tunic top :: zara (dying for this a. wang tank) | white jeans :: city streets (love this skinny moto pair) | leopard pumps :: express (sold out but similar here) | black feathered fedora :: maurice's | blue & gold beaded cuff :: pacsun | gold cuff :: charlotte russe (dig this set) | gold collar necklace :: forever 21 | black satchel :: ebay (in love with this one) | beagle :: Annie

This look might seem like a relatively simple take on color blocking, but the spark is in the details: the asymmetrical hem of the long tunic, the flashes of gold and teal in the bracelets, the feather in the fedora and the leopard print and red lining of the pumps make a seemingly basic look into something subtly chic.

Graphic black and white combos are something I suspect we'll be seeing more of throughout the remainder of the year, particularly as the months grow colder. The novelty of winter whites having not yet worn off, combined with the traditional winter black, this combo provides a starkly contrasted yet understatedly simple palette upon which one can layer anything from neon jewelry and textured scarves to wildly printed shoes and boldly colored coats. Zebra connotations aside, one can combat the animalistic implications through layers and accessories, or embrace it wholeheartedly as part of the overall trend. Whichever way you go, just remember that poaching is illegal - avoid overkill and always aim for depth and elegance, not shallow flash.

how to style it :: black & white

now...
Variations on my outfit pictured above abound for the last remnants of summer; think sleeveless tops with distressed skinny jeans or shorts with pockets protruding from the legs, combined with leg lengthening platform sandals for weekends, and rolled sleeve blouses atop white palazzo trousers for the office. A white pencil skirt with black buttoned blouse is always profesh, while a summery white crochet dress becomes oddly office approps when a black blazer and pumps are added. Nights out call for white tuxedo jackets over your most trusted LBD, with snazzy shoes and a neon clutch for a bit of spunk.

later...
Come winter, a few added layers will become necessary, but this understated palette provides a canvas upon which we can transport our favorite summer trends through the darker half of the year: neons, pastels and wild prints can all be added in the form of jewelry, bags, scarves and other accessories. I would advise caution, however, when attempting to add red into the mix: a bright, cherry red over white can lend a decidedly Mrs. Claus affect. When opting for red, think deep. Aside from that, keep your whites slightly off and your textures winter appropriate for a fashion forward look that doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.

research notes:

• Alexander McQueen
• Rick Owens
• Valentino
• Pinterest: In Black & White

Where do you stand on mixing black and white? And on winter whites in general? Share your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to leave a link to your fave black and white ensemble or inspiration.

Are you a fashion, beauty or lifestyle blogger in Utah? Interested in meeting your colleagues? Join the Stylish Beehive for drinks at the Coffee Connection next Saturday - get the deets  & RSVP here.

7

perspective

blue tunic tank :: forever 21 | charcoal shorts :: maurice's | blue & gold beaded cuff bracelet :: pacsun | black criss cross sandals :: kork-ease | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | the view :: the Tooele valley & Great Salt Lake

Today's outfit was nothing special. My closet has felt particularly uninspiring of late. Buying a car put a pretty serious dent in my shopping budget, which in turn has created a metaphorical gray cloud to form above my head. It did rain last week, which cheered me up slightly, but only momentarily.

Had kind of an odd weekend. In need of some perspective. Desperately in need of a change.

I had my dream handed to me on a silver fucking platter last week.... but it was nothing more than cheap paint. An easily discovered fake.

Heartbreak, I am finding, comes in more than one form.

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warning :: prepare for some epic shiz

white & orange striped tee :: H&M (love this version) | cutoff denim shorts :: L.E.I. (similar) | braided taupe sandals :: forever 21 (similar) | straw fedora :: maurice's (similar) | bangles :: my sister's | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | straw purse :: vintage (similar) | silver arrowhead necklace :: forever 21 (sold out, but I love this one) | dia de las muertos skull bead earrings :: Tooele Arts Festival vendor (similar coming soon to the shop) | yellow scarf :: wet seal (old, but similar here)

Celebrated Independence Day with a family BBQ and a very basic look; white tees and cutoff denim shorts define iconic American style.

Tonight's post started out as a lecture on flag etiquette, then moved into some lengthy, existential explanation as to why the blog has been so conspicuously silent over the last week, but upon revision of the finished text, I determined it was just too damn whiny. What it amounts to, friends, is that I've wasted the last two years under the guise of putting my life back together, and I'm ready to move on and bring it on. Enter:

26 before 27

Prepare for some epic shiz.

1. Buy a car.
2. Find my writing voice.
3. Top Secret. (This one will only be revealed upon completion. Intrigued? Stay tuned.)
4. Reach 300 blog followers.
5. Rock red lipstick (in public and in a style post).
6. Impress myself. Twice.
7. Meet some new people. Make some new friends.
8. Go for a walk...
     -In the rain
     -In the sunshine
     -In the snow
     -In the middle of the night
     -Somewhere I've never been
     -In the middle of nowhere
     -In the middle of somewhere
     -To clear my head
     -On the beach
     -With Annie
9. Write a book.
10. Write a letter (by hand) to someone I admire. Send it.
11. Go somewhere I've never been before... by myself.
12. Take a random road trip.
13. Learn to sew.
14. Design, create and wear five items of clothing.
15. Open an Etsy shop.
16. Move out of my parents' house.
17. Get healthy.
18. Try a new (nice) restaurant.
19. Have a glass of expensive (>$150) wine.
20. Go ice skating.
21. Start taking classes.
22. Go to the beach.
23. Challenge myself. Daily.
24. Make a difference.
25. Find and implement a new blogging vantage point.
26. Publish three articles.
27. Write, every day, every word, every dream, every feeling, however fleeting. Write like no one is reading. Write to remember. Write to forget. Write to let it go and write to keep it in. Write, until my heart bleeds all over the pages and the words run together and one moment becomes indistinguishable from the next. Write, because no one will ever be me again [and I'm damn well worth remembering].

I invite you to hate. To judge. To pass by. To join in. To become wrapped up in. To write your own list, and to accomplish it. We'll do it together. Leave a link to your list of epicness in the comments so I can check it out.

Also :: Tune in tomorrow night for the secret to applying tanning lotion + the scoop on how I achieved split end-less hair in less than three weeks - without giving up daily heat styling.

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androgynous, old school style

white button down blouse :: express (find it here) | cream tuxedo trousers :: forever 21 (get them here) | nude suede pumps :: maurice's (similar) | black suspenders :: hot topic (from last year, but still available here) | straw fedora :: maurice's (last year's, but similar here) | brown leather bowling bag purse :: twin falls leather (similar) | necklace :: maurice's (I think) | studded wrist wrap :: charlotte russe (similar) | sunglasses :: charlotte russe

This ensemble was inspired by the sleek androgynous style of the talented Kara Laricks and started out as a nod to the infamous and undeniably sexy Neal Caffrey, but turned into something more along the lines of the Rat Pack meets my grandpa on Sunday morning. Oddly... I'm okay with that.

The first half of today's photo shoot (taken in front of my favorite rock solid monument to something or other) was spent arguing with my hair as to whether it was allowed to blow in the wind. I spent a full 45 minutes on the subject before finally giving up and starting the treck home in my hot as an oven beater truck.

Best decision of the day? Stopping at the incredible Dairy Delight on my way down the street for an amazing burger and delish fries, particularly since by the time I left my restaurant of choice, the wind had (mostly) died down, and the light was perfect at the city park, where I promptly dropped my camera on the pavement as I was attempting to twist it onto the tripod. Cookie for me.

Luckily (and somewhat obviously), it still works, though this incident has hastened my desire to acquire another, more spiffular photo-operating device. First, a vehicle. Then, a DSLR.

Enter this last photo of today's excursion, wherein I am not thinking about my "lines" or fretting that my blouse might be rumpled; no, in this moment, my only thoughts were of the graying clouds, floating across the blaze of golden sunset in the deepening blue sky, wondering where they were going, and wishing they would take me with them, responsibilities and suede pumps be damned.

:style notes:
--Monochrome looks are very in this season, and top-of-head to tip-of-toe neutrals in similar shades (all light or all dark) make one look super model tall. Add one darker shade in for a bit of contrast and to avoid a washed out appearance.
--When rocking the menswear or androgynous style, the presentation is in the details - beyond the trousers and the button up, make sure you select some accessories that speak to your personal style, and make sure to add a few feminine touches to avoid looking like a straight up tom boy.
--Suspenders and fedoras automatically make anything (and everything) look way cooler. #justsayin

Check out more photos of today's look in this album on the Frayed Threads Facebook page.

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sheerifying

blush pink tank :: gnw (similar) | black lace skirt :: miss chievous (similar in black; in white) | black heels :: madden girl (similar) | necklace :: maurice's | starfish cuff :: c/o shopcalico (via chictopia; pictured in gold, also available in silver) | black cat :: lily, my sister's (adopt one here)

Please forgive the unintentional blog vacay; the dental issues + personal stuff I referred to in my last post have been occupying my mind of late, and I've been lacking any sort of motivation or inspiration. Was not originally planning on posting this outfit from last week, since it's kind of basic and my hair is kind of a hot mess, but at the behest of my gorgeous friend Ems -- photos of my pretty lace skirt.

Lace skirts are the perfect way to rock the maxi skirt trend come midsummer - find one with a lined top half to hide your nether regions, but keep the bottom half sheer and airy, so that things stay cool and you show just a hint of sexy leg. Come winter, you can layer some brightly colored tights underneath for an unexpectedly patterned pop of color. Plus, the shadows coming through the skirt look pretty neat come dusk.

This billowy pink tank is also nice for summer, but it was more of an I'm too exhausted and my face still hurts so I can't think of anything better option. Upon purchase of this skirt, I hunted and subsequently scored a vintage black satin blouse to sexify things up, a la this photo of MK and Ashley. Fashion reason says I should wait until fall/winter to rock said combination, but given my utter disregard for the rules of style, I'm sure you'll be seeing photos sooner rather than later.

Love how these two always dress to contrast each other. Trying to talk my sister into doing something similar with me, because it would pretty much be awesome. Maybe a little weird. But mostly awesome.

Those of you interested in trying out the sheer maxi skirt trend should check out my picture book on Pinterest, Sheerifying, for some super cool ideas and awesome tips.

Olsen Twins Photo: via Posh24.com

2

now entering :: broke city

now entering: 

Broke City

mayor: 

Orly Shani

population: 

Lots of Broke Ass Peeps

[pieces]

broke city tank :: tuc + wes by Orly Shani

70s flares :: almost famous (similar) | cropped military blazer :: forever 21 (similar) | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | black studded wedges :: kardashian kollection (similar) | red clutch :: unlisted (similar) | fedora :: maurice's | pewter cuff bracelet :: forever 21 | twisted rhinestone encrusted ring :: forever 21 | watch necklace :: maurice's

[inspiration]
Sometimes when things don't work out the way we want them to, they turn out beautifully.

Another training session today, which meant my sixth day of work in a row, directly after working another six day/sixty hour week. I wouldn't complain if I weren't on salary. Regardless, this also meant that I woke up late (again) and couldn't find any of the pieces that I had originally envisioned to pair with my new Broke City tank from tuc + wes, so I grabbed whatever my hand could find in the dark and yanked them on as I ran out the door. I must admit to being rather pleased with the results.

[a note to the designer]

Dear Orly,
Thank you for making a tank that simultaneously makes my waist look really skinny and my boobs amazing. You're incredible.
Love,
Jen

[review]
My co-workers are probably tired of listening to me sing the praises of Orly Shani and tuc + wes, so I'm thinking a change of venue for this chorus is in order. I've managed to keep the growing obsession to a minimum here on the blog until now, but the arrival of my Broke City tank yesterday has opened up the flood gates. I've been a huge fan of Orly's since day one of Fashion Star (in fact, her gorgeous convertible skirt design is what hooked me in the first episode and the only reason I watched the ones that came after), so naturally when she released her line of Broke City tees and tanks I picked one up immediately.

I was a bit hesitant at first - just viewing it on the website, I was a bit wary of the cut. The sides of the hem come up just a bit, it looked a bit on the short side and the shoulders are a bit wider than I typically like, but I ordered it anyway. I'm all about sartorial risks these days, especially in the name of supporting such a talented young designer as Orly.

I placed my order on Wednesday, and had it in my hands Friday morning - potentially the fastest non-rush delivery I've ever had, and for only $5 shipping I have to say that's a huge plus. It came with a note from Orly in her handwriting (though it's clearly been re-printed - I probably would have died of happiness if it had actually been signed by her). It seems like a little thing, but to me it shows a level of commitment to her following and a pride in her work that we don't see much of these days.

Just being able to look at the tank IRL allayed some of my fears, and any lingering doubts were immediately erased upon pulling it on this morning. It looks freaking incredible. This is not merely some simple black tank top - it's a work of art. In short:

The length is perfect; the tank is a bit loose and over size (perfectly so), but the cut of the hem somehow pulls in the waist and slims the torso; the shoulders are just wide enough to cover bra straps and the scoop neck shows just the right amount of cleavage. I love this top so much that I now desperately want to buy every single other tank and tee from the Broke City line - too bad I'm too broke...

I hope you guys like this tank as much as I do, because I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of it here on the blog. I've already got about a dozen ideas for styling it, and I'm secretly disappointed that rules of proper appearance and hygiene prohibit me from wearing it every day.

P.S. Orly - I think I do love wearing it as much as you enjoyed designing it.
P.P.S. On behalf of the residents of Broke City, I'd like to thank you for being so damn awesome.

what are you waiting for?

buy your own Broke City tee at www.tucandwes.com

To view the rest of the photos from the Broke City shoot, check out the Broke City album on Frayed Threads' Facebook page.

2

the kerosene's run out

[the pieces]

gray oversize tank :: zara (similar here) | pink lace cami :: maurice's | black maxi skirt :: lammix (get it here) | sandals :: kork-ease (similar here) | messenger bag :: ebay (try this hot pink version) | gold cuff :: charlotte russe (similar here) | bangles :: vintage | sunbeam necklace :: nasty gal (find it here) | wooden turtle necklace :: gift | feather earrings :: maurice's | sunglasses :: charlotte russe | mint nail polish :: green w/envy by maybelline (get a similar color here)

[the inspiration]

This outfit was somewhat inspired by a post from Saucy Glossie, but unfortunately I can't find the original post. Regardless, you should hop on over and take a gander at her lovely blog.

The wooden turtle necklace was a gift from one of my drivers at work; he just returned from vacation in Hawaii and brought it back for me, since he wouldn't have gone if I hadn't talked him into it. Traditional style wisdom would probably have dictated the removal of one of the necklaces, but we all know I'm anything but traditional when it comes to my style.

[the story]
Feeling a bit disenchanted with the blogging world recently; it seems as though we're all so caught up in publishing, promoting and perfecting our own blogs that we hardly have time to socialize on others. I can't remember the last time I actually made it all the way through my blog roll - or even just through my favorites. I've been a part of the blogging community since its inception (I had a blog in the eleventh grade, long before it was cool - back when we had to code everything by hand and there were no fancy post editors), and while I'm thrilled at its growth, I feel that this growth has turned into a double edged sword.

Blogging used to be a way to reach out, to connect with like minds and make connections that let us know that we weren't alone. Now it seems that there are so many voices crying out desperately for attention that we're even more alone than we ever were before.

Blogging started as a medium to express unique points of view and to represent different walks of life; it was a way to make life real, by showing how it was lived by real people. With the rise of commercialism in blogs, however, it seems to me that most of the exclusively successful blogs are just profiles in the same stereotypes and fantasies of perfect bodies and perfect lives that don't fucking exist, and that blogging was created to escape.

This is not to say that every single successful blog is utterly useless (though there are a fair amount that I feel that way about) or that every successful blog meets the criteria of perfect body/perfect life/perfect spouse/perfect hair; I am saying that many of the popular blogs that fall within this make-believe perfection are boring, overrated, and sado-masochistic.

perfection is a beautiful fairy tale that will always leave you hating yourself.

I feel like many blogs, particularly of the style/fashion nature, have a tendency to gloss over the grittier aspects of life in favor of the light and fluffy bunny approach that makes their lives look so damned perfect. Sometimes I wonder if even the blogger is an active participant in this techno-denial. It seems that few ever write with any emotion other than intense enthusiasm, and that to me is sickeningly fake.

Maybe I'm just frustrated because I'm having such a difficult time finding my "blogging voice". Sometimes I feel as though I nail it... other times I just feel like a watered down, over enthusiastic version of myself. I've always had trouble finding direction, and I feel like this blog is a prime example of that. I'm tired of researching how to be a successful blogger; I'm tired of words like niche and voice and following. I'm sick of being wary of public exposure of my personal life. I'm done adhering to a formula, just because it worked for someone else.

this is meant to be art, not science, 

and I'll reinvent the damn wheel if I want to.

Though I think I'll just go to bed for now.

0

it's in the details

Accessories are to me what certain scents are to others. They tell me stories; they captivate me, entice me, enthrall me, entertain me, intrigue me. The perfect accessory - be it a decadent cuff bracelet, a statement necklace, a gorgeous clutch, or anything else - can transform and define a look.

Big things are made up of little things; so are our daily outfits made up of various parts, pieced together to form one cohesive look. Little things, like jewelry and what bag you carry, may seem so insignificant when you're in a rush to get out the door, but they really do make a difference in how you look and feel and how you are perceived. It's attention to these details that will set us apart or confirm our status as member of the crowd. Where do you prefer to be?

Most mornings, I'm rushing out the door too, and don't have time to fuss over my accessories as much as I would like. As important as they are, they are not as important as my job, and I'm sure most of you are on the same page. So, the question becomes: How do we accessorize on the run?

I have a tendency to add and subtract my accessories sporadically throughout the day. I always carry my gold cuff, some friendship bracelets, my sunbeam necklace and a pair of earrings with me, because I know that any or all of them will match just about anything in my closet. Sometimes, it's not even about matching, but about balancing your look and anchoring it. For those of us who live life on the run, it's important to have a few key pieces (trendy, classic or both) like these that you can keep in your purse or on your make up counter for those days when you just don't have time to devote to details.

Some good investments:

• The gold goddess cuff. These are very in this season, and mine has hardly left my wrist, despite my former distate for bracelets. I've found that cuffs are the best wrist-wear for typing.
• The giant cocktail ring. These are great pieces for fidgety people like me - a big ring gives your fingers something to fiddle with without being too obvious about it.
• The statement necklace. Collars, tribal designs and Egyptian inspired pieces are very in this year.
• The metallic clutch. This piece will add instant glam and transform nearly any look from day to night with little to no effort.
• A leopard print skinny belt. Always classy and chic, leopard print has become a neutral - which means you can pair it with just about anything.
• And a stack of friendship and/or wrap bracelets. Perfect for adding to anything casual to give the look a summery, youthful vibe, or to anything glamorous when you're feeling contrary.

Some tips:

• One statement piece is enough. Don't overload on big jewelry.
• If you jingle when you move, take off at least one piece of jewelry.
• In fact, take off one piece before you leave the house anyway.
• Unless you're purposely mixing metals in the form of stacked bracelets or layered chain necklaces, stick to one metal/color family.
• Inspect jewelry before you purchase. I'm not opposed to buying inexpensive jewelry, but I am opposed to buying jewelry that looks cheap. Check for minor imperfections that could turn into big problems.
• Same goes for purses and shoes. If the item in question has any kind of hardware, embroidery or beading on it, check it for loose threads, missing beads or studs in danger of falling off.
• Your purse no longer has to match your belt and shoes, but it does need to not clash with your outfit. Pay attention to what you're wearing when you select your bag in the morning (or the night before).
• Speaking of belts - make sure yours fits in the right place, and that it's in good shape. A beat up or worn out belt just looks frumpy.

I'm not saying you should carry these items with you at all times (I do, but I'm OCD about things...), but I would suggest keeping them near the top of your jewelry box, and pull them out when you know you'll be heading to an event where you may need them. Without accessories, your little black dress is nothing more than some black fabric draped over your body, and your casual attire blends in a little too well. Accessories are what can make a t-shirt and jeans fabulous.

what we call little things are merely the causes of great things; they are the beginning, the embryo, and it is the point of departure which, generally speaking, decides the whole future of an existence.

-Henri Frederic Amiel

photo 1: vintage bangles (gift from my mom)
photo 2: gold cuff-charlotte russe (similar) / bangles-vintage
photo 3: blazer-forever 21 / purse-vintage / pumps-maurice's (similar) // the outfit post
photo 4: kardashian kollection studded wedges (similar)
photo 5: studded clutch via covet boutique (similar)
photo 6: twisted ring-forever 21 / mint nail polis-green w/envy by maybelline (similar) // the outfit post
photo 7: twisted ring-forever 21 / mint nail polis-green w/envy by maybelline (similar) // the outfit post
photo 8: wrist wrap-belt from threadsence.com
photo 9: gold cuff-charlotte russe (similar) / assorted friendship bracelets: maurice's, DIY // the outfit post

5