Prep In Ya Step

In reference to one of my fashion posts for 24hourhiphop.com, I blogged about the latest trend in mens' fashion that I absolutely adore. The "Ivy League" look. A look in which is taken from the early fashion that was seen at Ivy League schools. Men would wear rugby colors, fitted trousers, penny loafers, and pocket squares for example. Wow, the image of Carlton Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air just popped into my head when I was describing the attire. How funny, who would of thought his fashion sense would finally be accepted and embraced now. How I love fashion! Either way I appreciate where Hip Hop fashion seems to be going and this is one trend I hope never fades. Men wearing polished, more refined and paying attention to detail is the best. Here I styled my wonderful model (bf) in a Prep inspired ensemble....

This was a very simple look to throw together, he is known for dressing up to par daily so

working with the clothes in his closet was an easy process.

Hat: Red/Orange Accent Plaid Jacket: Thrifted Tweed Top: Burnt Orange

Pants: Thifted Striped with Navy Blue Belt: Thrifted Shoes: Suede Loafers

Sidenote: His pants are actually a little baggier than

I would have used but I tried to make them work ;)

For the link to my original Fashion Post

on 24HourHipHop.com Click Here

xoxo, Cali

Stripes Meet Leopard

This is a simple going out outfit I helped my sister Ricci create. She didn't think mixing stripes with leopard would mesh well but with my eagle eye, I knew it would be a hit! I don't know if some of you are like myself but I am a huge visual person. I can create looks in my mind that I know will work. For example, I love to redecorate my room I hate to have it look the same for too long but I like to stand in a corner and visually move furniture around to different places and from there, I go to work putting each piece in its place just as I envisioned. Its great, I love it! That's why I would really like to take up photography, my mind is constantly thinking creative thoughts and taking pictures of these thoughts would be amazing! Well anyway, here are a few pictures of my sister's Fit Of The Night...

Top: Miami Gift Shop Belt: Thrifted Skirt: Thrifted Shoes:F21

Bangle & Ring: Torrid or Lane Bryant :/ Earrings: F21

xoxo,Cali.

Q & A: Thrift Shopping

I appreciate all questions from followers my best friend Jay asked:

Q: You mention you like to thrift shop can you give us any pointers or tips on choosing key and correct pieces for our wardrobes?

A: Great Question! For one, a great tip would have to be that you have to be patient and actually go through many isles and piles and heaps of stuff to find the perfect pieces. Yes, this can be time consuming but it will be truly worth it once you get the hang of it. Secondly, you have to have a vision and an open mind for choosing  clothes, if you see something you like just place it in your cart and keep finding other items. Once you feel like you are done shopping, look through your finds and imagine how you could wear the pieces and if these pieces are versatile for your own wordrobe. The best thing to do when thrift shopping it to have a lookbook with you such as magazine looks you like, pictures you may have and then you will have things to look for when shopping. Lastly, thrift store clothing is the best for altering, cutting up, tearing up etc. If you see pieces that may fit bigger than you would like or longer there are ways around it adding belts or hems will help alter your peices with minimal alteration.

So in a nutshell, just remember...

1. Be patient, shop when you have lots of time to look through clothing.

2. Have an open mind, imagine how you could wear something or incorporate with clothing you already own. 

3. Bring inspiration, notes, pictures, magazine cutouts anything to help you zero in on pieces you already want or are interested in.

5. The more vintage the item is, the longer it will last throughout seasons, you don't want to go and buy items that are very trendy now and will probably be gone next season.

6. Neutrals, Prints, Leather, Fur, Belts, Berets, are great key items.

7. Have fun!

Here are some looks that are mainly thrifted:

Picture Source (culturecynic.blogspot.com)

xoxo,Cali.