Shellshock

Studs rule our world. We can't deny it. Shiny, spiky, silver studs are some of our favorite fashion details and the more, the merrier, as far as we are concerned. Luckily, the designers behind The Ragged Priest feel the same way-this cult brand is famous for its reworked vintage pieces in amazing tie-dye prints with a healthy sprinkling of studs and spikes. By designing trend-focused collections using core vintage product, The Ragged Priest has quickly established itself in the UK and here in the states as one of the most popular new brands around. Their dedicated team of dreamers set the trend and continue to create unique pieces of clothing that will toughen up any wardrobe. From camo jackets to customized sweatshirts, jumpers and the coolest denim cut-offs around, the beauty of The Ragged Priest is that their clothes suit girls with different styles, because they can be worn so many unique ways.

Style Doppelgänger - "Clarissa Explains It All"

Whenever anyone mentions '90s fashion trends, Clarissa Explains It All comes to mind. Clarissa's eclectic, fearless style was a breath of fresh air — and much sought after. She was a total expert at layering, mixing patterns, and pushing the sartorial envelope while staying age-appropriate (she even wore printed leggings under her ripped jeans). Her oversize button-downs, funky accessories, and Doc Martens were the epitome of cool — and though it was never clear where Clarissa shopped, I like to think she was a Goodwill kind-of girl like myself. 

In the moment: Kitten Heels

Just over a month ago I was featured in "The New York Times" for street style! Kitten heels are like the ugly step-sister of the heel family; they don’t lengthen the legs and define the calf, or generally make you feel like a million dollar sex-bomb. Separate them from the ladylike elegance of the ’50s and ’60s and all you are left with is a stunted and somewhat unattractive piece of footwear. Whether you like it or not, you’ll be seeing plenty more of the kitten heel. Let's be honest, with the kitten heel being the perfect accompaniment to ladylike 60s dressing, you might even decide to jump on the bandwagon yourself. 

In the moment: Athletica

A new trend that we can call "athletica" started off as tomboy chic heavily inspired by football, gym gear, and masculine sports. Looks that are less masculine and more feminine or androgynous are the sporty elements that create structured cuts are specialized in luxurious fabrication such as leather, silk, chiffon, and jersey. Sportswear has been a fashion trend over the past few years but this spring there has been nothing but an Olympic burst of sporty chic inspiration in the air. Sleek, functional, with a minimalist leaning this season sportswear offers many new opportunities for wardrobe inspiration when recreating those runway looks. 

Pastel Belle

In the moment I've been obsessed with pairing pastels with a printed trousers, pleated skirts, and dip-dyed denim. From sky blue, mint green, lavender, and bubble-gum pink these Easter egg inspired colors are emerging as the front runner trend and have been seen on tastemakers wearing these pastel colors in a slightly edgier-refreshing way. This spring ushers in a new take on pretty pastels, though the pale colors exude a chic feminine and ladylike vibe; they're also fit for those with an edgier sensibility. 

NOW OPEN: Oona's Outpost

Oona's outpost is an exciting new vintage store located in historic Inman Square, often referred to as the "Little Williamsburg" of Cambridge. This location is a bohemian offshoot of their flagship store Oona's Experienced Clothing, which has been in Harvard Square since the heyday of funky dressing. Oona’s Experienced Clothing specializes in timeless vintage fashions from the 1930s to the 1980s, and has long been a local hot spot, beloved for its eccentric stock and low prices. One of the things I miss most about living in New York is spending hours and hours frolicking around all of the amazing thrift stores in Brooklyn and Manhattan in search of the most unique vintage pieces. I finally had the chance to check out Oona's Outpost a few weeks ago and I'm obsessed! There is a great variety of all-American day wear, with a huge wall of boots, a swath of dresses, accessories, and lots of men's and women's separates displayed amongst cool antique lamps and rugs, and furniture. It's definitely added to my list of favorite thrift stores in Boston for hidden gems.

Spirited Magazine "Noir Generation" at Yes. Oui. Si

Last Saturday I attended the Spirited Magazine "Noir Generation" Issue V live magazine installation by spirited creatives at Yes. Oui. Si. gallery in Boston. For those who aren't familiar Spirited Magazine is an independent Magazine started by visual artist and stylist Amanda Antunes. It's inspired by the art of collaboration, and combines the best of artistic acumen with the fundamentals of community. The magazine is highly conceptual and born from the necessity to create productive outlets for exploring textures and depths. Contributors, who include photographers, stylists, musicians, visual artists, filmmakers, graphic designers, and writers, are challenged to stretch this idea to its limits, explore its surfaces and crevices. The "Noir Generation" issue is available for sale online, Lorem Ipsum bookstore, Porter Square books, Grolier Poetry bookstore, and Oona's Experienced Clothing in Harvard Square.

Wearing:

Shredded Denim Jacket (LF)

Vintage Floral Dress (Thrifted)

UNIF Hellbound

Vintage Purse (Thrifted)

Bring On Spring

Every year, somehow, spring takes us by surprise. It is of course, a pleasant surprise-not only because of soaring temperatures, but mainly because we finally get to wear and try on all our new and exciting clothes. Now that the New York Fashion week hoopla is over I'm sure everyone is dying to recreate those runway looks and start shopping for spring. This upcoming season I can tell that I will be into being head-to-toe in prints, trousers, chiffon tops, blazers, neon colors, peplums, metallics, leather skirts, and kitten heels. There's nothing I enjoy more than stopping into Stel's to see my best friends Justin and Jon while drooling over the outfit that Tina who has an amazing sense of style is wearing. Every time I step foot into the shop I'm like a kid in the candy store, I instantly want everything! Now that spring is right around the corner the shop has been getting in so many amazing pieces thus far, I absolutely LOVE this Suno racerback maxi from Stel's and it's definitely a must have!

Wearing:

Suno Diamond Cardigan (Stel's)

Suno Maxi Dress (Stel's)

Rachel Comey Belt (Stel's)

LD Tuttle Wedges (Stel's)

Stel's

334 Newbury Street

Boston, MA 02115

(617) 262-3348

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Street Style: Touches of Fur

WDCWT: What Did Chloe Wear Today?

Wearing:

Silence & Noise Leather Jacket (UO)

Millau Lace Tie-Front Top (LF)

Sheer Velvet Maxi Skirt

Matisse Leather Bootie"Presley" (LF)

Felt Floppy (LF)

Louis Boston Presents Blogger Picks Fall 2011

Are you obsessed with this outfit? "LIKE" my photo on facebook! Fur is a must-have this season and looks great paired with everything! As one of Boston's favorite style bloggers, I was selected to pick my favorite look for fall from Louis Boston. The blogger with the most likes wins the chance to style a fashion campaign for the Louis Boston website! You have until Sunday November 6th to cast your vote and the winner will be announced on Monday November 7th.

VOTE HERE

Wearing:

L'Agence Fur Jacket (Louis Boston)

L'Agence Sheer Blouse (Louis Boston)

L'Agence Leather Trousers (Louis Boston)

Marni Platforms (Louis Boston)

WDCWT: What Did Chloe Wear Today?

Photo Credit: Caitlin Gury

Wearing:

Vintage Blazer W/ Shoulder Pads (Thrifted)

Furst Of A Kind Vintage T-Shirt (LF)

Carmar Jeggings (LF)

Deena & Ozzy Platforms (UO)

Turban (UO)

Warby Parker event at Stel's

Last Thursday I attended the Warby Parker popup showroom at Stel's. When I arrived the store was full of fashion bloggers covering the event, friends and clients of Stel's, and shoppers who just so happened to stumbled upon the party. There were treats and beer provided by the Harpoon Brewery, and many styles of Warby Parker shades to try on while mixing and mingling. Stel's being the leader and go to destination in Boston for the finest designer pieces just recently added Warby Parker to their list of great finds. I had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with the co-founder Neil Blumenthal in the midst of the craziness.

Neil received his BA from Tufts University in Boston and his MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Determined to change the eyewear industry, Neil and three Wharton classmates launched Warby Parker in hopes of bringing customer service back to retail. Warby Parker designs and sells vintage-inspired frames and prescription lenses for $95, whereas comparable quality glasses cost $500. For every pair sold, a pair is given to someone in need. Neil had been the Director of VisionSpring, a non-profit social enterprise that trains low-income women to start their own business selling affordable eyeglasses to individuals living on less than $4 per day in South Asia, Africa and Latin America. Warby Parker isn't like your ordinary online retailer. When customers purchase any frame, you're then sent five frames in the mail as a trial. They then take your favorite frame and customize to your liking. Of course we all live for instant gratification but the overall customer experience is what matters most; which is one of the many reasons why Warby Parker continues to do exceptionally well. Fashion matters everywhere, and that's what is always in mind during the design process. For Neil Boston felt like some sort of homecoming, and Stel's was the perfect place for Warby Parker. There are so many awesome designer collaborations in the works, first up will be Suno which will be launching the first week of October. There is a frame for everyone and how could one resist such an amazing deal?

FNO Boston

Last Thursday Boston kicked off the first annual Fashion's Night Out. I spent nearly four hours walking up and down Newbury Street, stopping into some of my favorite shops and salons for wine, treats, and shopping. This year thanks to Boston.com's Stylephile I was asked to cover the nights festivities and tweet live to their homepage. There was a carefree nature to the night as people bopped around the usually gridlocked street. I started off the evening in Copley at Elie Tahari, Tiffany's, and Saks. I met up with some of my favorite Boston fashion bloggers for a FNO crawl around the city. We headed to Newbury Street for events at LIT Boutique, Zara, Salon Acote, All Saints, MJ, and DVF. We ended the night off at the Liberty Hotel for the Fashion's Night Out after party for more drinks and to celebrate the surprisingly great turnout and success of the night.

ASOS Autumn/Winter 2011 Preview @ The Ames Boston

On Tuesday I was invited to attend the ASOS autumn/winter 2011 collection preview at the Ames hotel in Boston. I went to cover the event with my friend and fellow Boston fashion blogger Nicolle. ASOS is one of my favorite brands, when I worked in the fashion closet at Teen Vogue I can't recall how many times I nearly drooled over all the samples while secretly wishing each piece would magically appear in my own closet. When we arrived to the suite we were greeted by Austin the senior director of fashion PR from Starworks Group and Kevin the international senior PR manager. Known as more of a spring thing, there's no stopping the COLOR explosion this year. It's not about one color it is a small gang of colors. This upcoming season the 40's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's collide creating some of the most bright and bold vintage-inspired looks introducing new trends. From mod squad, color blocking, androgyny, to minimalism. Key prints consist of polka dots, snakeskin, and tribal. Retro reigns this fall, it's tailored and chic with sharper shapes. After leaving the Ames I strolled down Charles street and stopped into Artifaktori Vinatge to say hello to my other fellow Boston fashion blogger friend Amanda. I found the most amazing pair of sling-back kitten heels and printed blouse from the 80's.