What I love most about fashion is its evolutionary nature: what was "in" one moment is "out" the next, what is one person's inspiration is another's exasperation, etc. While some may argue that fashion has hard and fast rules, I however, argue that it's a little more fluid, and I hope to make a case for challenging some of the more antiquated beliefs we tend to hold about fashion.
1. No Mixing Prints
This one is a little tricky to pull off but, when well-executed, mixing patterns and textures is a bold way to spice up your look. It saddens me how many people shy away from the mixing of patterns because someone told them that it's wrong. Here's the secret: if you want to successfully mix prints try to stick to the same (or at least a complementary color family) to ease into this type of look. Do I advocate wearing a green plaid skirt and an orange and blue polka dot top? Of course not! That's disgusting and confusing; but there are ways to tastefully pull of a mixed-print outfit.
2. No Bold Lip Colors During the Day
Sorry mom, but we're just going to have to agree to disagree on this one. As a lipstick enthusiast a bold or bright lip is a staple in my beauty routine and an integral part of the overall package. It is possible to pull off a red or even wine colored lip in broad day light, depending on the look you're going for. I suggest if you're going for the bold lip look during the day to have a slightly more muted palette for the rest of your ensemble.
3. Remove At Least One Accessory Before Leaving the House
One of my fashion icons, the late, great Coco Chanel (whose real name by the way, is the same as mine!) once stated as a cardinal rule of fashion that a woman should always remove at least one accessory before leaving the house to avoid over-accessorizing. I'm fearful that the fashion Gods will frown upon me for disagreeing, but I do. Under certain circumstances it is perfectly acceptable to pile on mounds and mounds of jewelry and those circumstances are if your outfit is monochromatic very, very simple. I can think of nothing more glamorous than a simple black frock with black shoes and a black bag with layers upon layers of sparkling necklaces and a sparkling statement earring!
4. You Have to Wear a Dress to the Club or Dance
Look, I like a lycra sparkle dress as much as the next person, but I don't believe that women should be confined to dresses as going out attire. Whether you choose to wear sequined or leather leggings, a cute nighttime romper/pantsuit, or a smart pair of trousers it's okay to standout (in my opinion it makes you that much cooler!) just as long as you pair whatever you end up in with a bad ass pair of heels and a killer clutch you can never go wrong!
5. Formal Looks are Formal, Casual Looks are Casual
There's something appealing to me about the marriage between dressier elements and laid back ones. For instance one of my favorite go-to combos is to wear boyfriend jeans and a slouchy tee with a super structured blazer or a really frilly, girly dress with a leather jacket and matching booties. There's a delicate balance in doing this of course but I think certain combinations are just the right amount of fun and daring without going overboard.
