Punk Rock

One trend I have always been fond of since my days of wearing too much black has been adding a touch (or a ton) of punk to an outfit. I was pleasantly surprised when this Spring/Summer trend popped up. I've always been a big fan of Balmain since I found them. They've always been a little rock and roll, but this season they added a lot of punk to their collection, along with many other designers.

The best piece of punk that everyone can rock, in my opinion, is a leather studded jacket. These things are probably one of the best investments you can make. Personally leather is too expensive, but even leatherette can be just as good of an investment in your wardrobe. Studded jackets can last a very long time, and the nice thing is if they get roughed up, they still look good. It gives them character. Other great reasons to get one (or two!) of these jackets are that they're rain proof, and you can layer them to wear them in a lot of different weather; and, depending on the colour, they match pretty much anything. You can throw it on and rock it anytime!

Many of my favourite people in the fashion world have always embraced this trend, wearing it in so many different ways. Two of my favourite models (and icons), Freja Beha and Daisy Lowe, both know how to wear a studded jacket.

For Freja, it's almost an every day thing. She dresses simply, but shows how a leather jacket can add a bit of punk flare to a pair of jeans.

Photo: The Fashion Spot

Daisy wears her studded jacket quite often as well, but she loves to pair her's with a flowery dress.

Photo: The Fashion Spot

So enough about how everyone else wears these amazing jackets--the question is, how can you wear them? And the better question is, how can we afford them?

Leather jackets can be expensive, adding studs make them even more money. If you have the funds, my suggestion is to invest in one that is not overly expensive but more than what you might spend on a jacket. However, that's not why I'm here. I'm not here to tell you to spend a lot of money. To be honest, I might not even take that advice because I'm indecisive about what I wear. I would rather get a few different leatherette, suede or denim jackets for the same price as one and have more choices.

I was able to find a few cheap options for those of you who may not have the funds to afford something that's upwards of $200-300.

(From top left to bottom right) Studded Trench, Moto Jacket, Leatherette Jacket

Motorcycle Jacket, Copper Jacket, Grey Studded Jacket

All the jackets above are about $100 or less, which I think is pretty acceptable for leatherette jackets. Here are some tips from finding your perfect inexpensive leather jacket: 

1. Check thrift stores first.
   I know what you're thinking: Why is this first on the list? Well, I'm a HUGE believer in thrift stores and always have been. Once you get past the fast someone else has worn the clothing, you are left with some really amazing or interesting pieces you might not be able to find for ages. I say check here for leather jackets first because you will most likely be able to find a few interesting choices (colours, leather types, styles) without spending very much money. Another plus is leather jackets generally look better after being worn. By going straight to the used jackets, you get that worn character right away!
   
   
2. Shop around.
   Don't go with the first jacket you see just because it's a good price or looks good. Leather jackets go in and out of style (especially in the fall) so make sure to check many different stores so you can find your best fit and price.
   
   
3. Buy the right size.
   The right size for leather(ette) jackets is something that you will be able to fit a sweater under, or at least that's what I believe. Leather can be worn almost all year round if you can put a warm sweater underneath. Personally, I think something is a better bargain when I can get more use out of it. However, if you have to go a bit too big, or snug, go with snug. Leather, or faux leather, tends to stretch a little after a few wears, so too big might become way too big after a couple of times wearing it.
   
   
4. Buy one that fits your style
   I know, I know, this whole thing is about trying these out and I know these don't fit into everyone's style easily. All I mean is if you're going to try it, try to make it match your personal style as best as possible. For instance, if you're a more comfortable, relaxed person, stick with something neutral and perhaps without studs. On the other hand, if you're a wild child who will wear anything under the sun, go for something with more character (or buy a few in cool colours) so that it fits. I say this because if it matches your wardrobe, you get more use out of it.
   
   

That's it that's all--Let's get to the fun stuff.

Finally, here is a few ways I would wear these kick-ass studded jackets.

City Studs

Jeans, Leather Jacket, Tie-Front Shirt, Moto Boots, Knapsack, Gold Ring, Turquoise Ring

Leather & Lace

Lace Dress, Grey Leather Jacket, Leather Fringe Necklace, Bracelet, Boots, Postal Clutch, Diamond Ring, Black Ring

Wild Ride

Studded Trench, Denim Shirt, Wild Leggings, Sandals, Tassel Purse

(Both the ring and the earrings I believe are from Forever21, but no longer in stock)

So I've hope you've enjoyed my little detour through punk-rock village. I really hope this inspires you to rock a nice leather studded jacket on a cold summers night and then carry on the trend year round! It's a great way to bring a little edge to any outfit, so don't be afraid to give it a shot.

Rebekah Eden.

Tie Dye Time

Recently I've been noticing a less obvious trend this season that is especially happening in the less expensive places where I look on a daily basis. It's something that in the past I wasn't overly fond of, but the more I see it, the more I'm beginning to dig it.

If the title didn't give it away, the trend is: Tie Dye!

A few years ago, if you were to ask me about my take on tie dye, I would say the only thing that goes with it is a ripped up pair of converse, head bandanna and a lack of the desire to get a job. But more and more, I see tie dye in beautiful colours (other than rainbow) and designs that aren't the norm. The more I see of these new colours, designs on things that aren't necessarily on a $5 t-shirt, the more I really like it. So I thought I'd try and go out on a limb and make some outfits which focus on the fun of tie dye pieces.

Casual Vibes

Shirt, Shorts, Hat, Sandals, Necklace, Purse, Ring


C'est couleur.

Skirt, Shoes, T-Shirt, Hat, Purse, Belt


Feminine Splash

Dress, Purse, Shoes, Bracelet, Earrings, Ring

So there you have it: three different tie-dye pieces in three different styles. Everything from the more usual casual hippie style with big beaded necklaces, to a bright feminine touch. 

 

Tie dye is an interesting print, but like all prints it has it's misconceptions. Many people have this belief about a lot of prints, especially stripes, polka dots and other common patterns, that make it out into the public and everyone shies away from them. I admit that I've given into these more than once, but I'm trying to open my eyes to them. Although tie dye might still be seen as something that should have stayed in the 1960's, I think it's gone through a wonderful reinvention! The only thing true about tie dye is that you have to have fun with it. It's definitely not something you take seriously!

Rebekah Eden.

P.S. I apologize the specific links to Spring aren't working currently. I will update with the direct links as soon as the site is working again.

One Sunny Day

For the first time in over a week we have no rain. We have 27°C heat. We have sun.

I have been awaiting this day since the rain began. Well, really, I've been awaiting this day since I bought a sun hat. It's always my luck that when I buy a new item of clothing that is usually worn in a certain type of weather, that weather doesn't arise for a very long time. For instance, I'll buy a new winter coat and it'll be warm for the next 4 weeks. In this case, I bought a sunhat from H&M, and it rained for almost 2 weeks straight. A few days ago I got a new pair of cork wedge sandals from Spring. Still raining. And then this weekend I got a beautiful dress, again from H&M, that I intend to wear for my convocation, but it's still a sundress! Still. More. Rain.

So today I awoke to beams of light coming through my window, and I sat up wondering what this beautiful light might be. It was sun. Sun! I was instantly delighted and knew exactly what I wanted to wear today. I'd only been waiting forever for the chance to wear it.

 

Sunshine. Please stick around. I love you!

Rebekah Eden

Contrasting Palettes

Something I'm really enjoying about this summers trends is that people are becoming less afraid of bright colours. In the past, bright colours, especially a few at once, were worn by the bold. Now colour blocking and mixing a bright palette of colours is the new hip thing and I love it!

So I decided to take these colours one step further. Why not pair contrasting colours? They look fantastic together and can give any outfit a punch of artsy flare. The following outfits show these colours in a dramatic way, but pair contrasting colours with neutrals, and they look just as wonderful!

Orange & Blue

Dress, Heels, Clutch, Earrings, Ring, Bracelet


Coral &Aqua

Shirt, Shrug, Skirt, Sandals, Necklace, Purse


Purple & Yellow

Romper, Sandals, Purse, Headband, Necklace, Bracelet

Remember this summer to try and take some black out of your regular wear. In stead of matching a yellow shirt with a pair of jeans, try a purple skirt. Got a favourite blue dress? Pair it with orange! It's fun to try and mix colours without using neutrals. The summer is probably the best time to show your colours, so let the world see them!

Rebekah Eden.

Casting on to Summer Knits

I'm back from a short hiatus, and I thought that for a good first summer post I would cover something that I enjoy doing and wearing: knits and crochets! I'm not a very experienced knitter, even less so of a crocheter, but I enjoy what I can do. Most of all, I enjoy wearing knits. But the one thing about knitting is it has the connotation of being a winter weather choice. If you had asked me a year ago, I probably would've agreed with you. 

Although a lot of knitting is done with thick, comfortable wool yarn, there is cotton yarn that can be used to create pieces as well. Crochet is a little more summer friendly. Cotton yarn and crochet go great together and crochet has the chance to be breezy but fashionable. I decided that I would showcase a few outfits that have summer-friendly knit/crochet pieces in them. 

Playful Patterns

Skirt, Tank, Purse, Sunglasses, Ring, Watch, Earrings, Sandals

Daring & Dressy

Crochet Top, Bandeau Corset, Jeans, Purse, Necklace, Shoes, Rose Ring, Hammered Ring

Knitty Gritty

Crochet Dress, Long Tank, Sandals, Necklace, Purse, Filigree Ring, Cocktail Ring

So there are a few styles to inspire you to give summer knits a try! They are a great way to add some texture to an outfit without too much thought. There are many other ways to wear them so find a knit you love and introduce it to your wardrobe this summer!

Rebekah Eden.

The Fabric Store

Today my roommates and I went to a Fabric Store so one of them could get fabric samples for a final project. During the visit, my friend decided to snap a few pictures of my outfit for the day.

 

 

Today was a particularly nice day. Canada is starting to get warmer, so I was lucky enough to wear my H&M trench coat, which I love. It has a hood which has come in handy many times. The satchel was given to me by my roommate, Riley, after her trip to California. This was a Target find, so it wasn't overly expensive. I love when nice things are cheap!

I'm also wearing a pair of H&M jeans I picked up for 12.95! Sometimes they have these random skinny jeans on for cheap. Mind you, the last pair I picked up were defective (the in seam is twisted) these ones are perfect. I love them. Lastly, my wedges that will always be my favourite heels. They're insanely comfortable and fun to wear.

I never used to be much for wearing heels on a daily basis, out for any occasion, but those wedges make wearing pumps out a dream. I look forward to wearing them as many times as I can. I hope every girl gets a pair of heels like that, because wearing heels out in public always makes me feel a little more put together and little more feminine (even if I'm wearing a military style jacket.)

Anyways, that's my update for now, I hope you enjoy.

Rebekah Eden.

The Maxi Dress

There are many styles that I have grown to love over the last few months that I would have stayed away from in the past. The maxi dress is one of them. It's very curious to me how such beautiful dresses are always overlooked. Girls walk over to one, look at it, touch and feel it, but never take it off the rack because they think: I could never wear that. But what's the issue?

For me, it was always height. I'm a happy 5'6", which is pretty average for most of the female population. However, this puts me a few inches shorter than those tall, thin woman you often see looking fabulous in a maxi dress. I never tried them on because I thought that if I wore one, I would look considerably more short than I am. I may be happy with being 5'6", but I certainly didn't want to appear to be much shorter than that.

A while ago, I took a leap of faith and tried on a maxi dress, and, to my surprise, I loved it. The dress really did the opposite than I thought it would. I looked taller and thinner than I ever would have guessed. From the point on, I was in love.

Here are a few ways to wear a few different types of maxi dresses.

Casually Au Courant

Dress, Shirt, Sandals, Purse, Belt, Earrings

Flirtatious Lass

Dress, Necklace, Clutch, Shoes, Bracelet, Flower Hair Piece

Elegance & Sophistication

Dress, Shoes, Clutch, Earrings, Jacket, Ring, Bracelet

I hope some of these styles make you rethink a maxi dress and try one on at least. They look great on a lot of different body types, and choosing the right one can tailor perfectly to your needs. So give a few a chance, you may fall in love if you take the chance.

Rebekah Eden.