The Nineties

URBAN OUTFITTERS vegan moto jacket

ARITZIA sweater

WOLF print scarf (similar here)

MICHAEL KORS faux leather and twill pant (similar here)

JUICY COUTURE chain-link bracelet

ALL SAINTS 'mom' leather boot (with calf hair here)

The nineties was the era of the slacker and group pop bands, grunge and chunky heels. Now, less than twenty years down the road we are seeing the styles of this time reemerge as inspiration for the winter wardrobes of both men and women alike. The true grunge style of the era consisted of tattered, wrinkled, layered and oversized pieces, and was a sartorial representation of nihilism that developed among members of a new fringe alternative rock scene.  

But the runways have been showing more of the decade than just the fashions associated with grunge. Have you noticed the resurgence of ‘JuJu’ Jelly shoes? Or that thick soled, almost orthopedic looking footwear are all the rage again? And what about those Dr. Martens? I know I will be kicking myself for letting my mom throw out my and my sister’s pairs back in the day. I still love those chunky lilac colored boots with the distinct yellow stitching. But not only are 90s inspired shoes taking a toll on our bank accounts this year, styles such as slinky Posh Spice-esque spaghetti-strap dresses, crop tops similar to Kelly’s from Saved by the Bell, and Johnny Depp type moto jackets worn during his time dating Kate Moss, are also taking up real-estate in our closets. 

To be honest, I could go on and on about all the fashions of the era making a comeback today, but who really wants to read it. I thought, instead, I would show how styles worn by some of the most iconic men and women of the time are perhaps even more relevant in your closest today. I have also styled my personal outfit around my 90s inspired ‘mom leather boot,’ as I call them, and a vegan biker jacket (similar to Drew Barrymore’s). These ‘mom’ boots are my favorite purchase in a long time. They can be worn anytime, whether it is casually during the day with a boyfriend jean or dressed up at night with tights and a high-waisted, flared mini. 

I will finish off this fashion blog post with a revelation for all those 90 kids out there. Did you know that Space Jam had a Pulp Fiction reference in it? During the movie, Yosemite Sam and Elmer Fudd, sporting black suits, shoot out the teeth of one of their opponents during a basketball game. As a kid, I naively assumed that they were emulating the scene in Men In Black (which didn’t come out until the next year). However, the black suits, white shirts, black ties and poses were in fact a tribute to the classic movie, and one of my personal favorites, Pulp Fiction, directed by Quentin Tarantino. To see the clip from Space Jam click here. 

Off the Wall

URBAN OUTFITTERS flannel

GOLD skinnies (similar here)

COLLAR (cool and reasonable option here)

VANS Chukka Low

DREGS longboard

Vans is more than just a shoe company; it’s a lifestyle. Since the mid 1960s the action sport brand has fueled the renegade skateboard culture and other adrenaline driven junkies. The bond between brand and consumer arrived from being the first skateboarding company to sponsor athletes, who had both talent and colorful personalities, and giving them the power to help design the products. This served to heighten the authenticity of the Vans brand by giving the culture that they are targeting, ownership in the creation of the brand. The shoe named ‘the Era,’ designed by professional skateboard Tony Alva and skateboarding figure Stacy Peralta, became the iconic shoe for riders due to its superior grip on the board.

Vans continued to strengthen their lifestyle brand by focusing on integrating the brand into the skater’s lifestyle rather than trying to push the lifestyle onto the skater. As Vans CEO Gary Schoenfeld told Inc. magazine, “Kids don’t relate to direct hard-sell advertising. They see through a company that’s just spending a lot of money to attract their attention. Our strategy is to integrate ourselves more into their lifestyle” through events and concerts with extreme sports. By sponsoring events such as the “Warped Tour,” an extreme sports and musical festival, and opening skateboard complexes with Vans stand-alone stores across America, Vans is intertwining their products into the regular activities of their customers.

Cult brands, such as Vans, achieve a unique connection with customers, and are able to create a consumer culture that people want to be a part of. Personally, I am motivated by an aesthetic like the style curated at Vans that is developed from the countercultures of the past and that supports the countercultures of the present. Vans footwear and apparel reference a culture of youth in our history who resisted the socially accepted norms of the time. But not only are Van’s unfailing designs celebrating times of liberation in our past, they are also encouraging youth to be ‘Off the Wall’ by releasing themselves from the social constraints of today.

During this shoot, my photographer brother, Matt, and I went downtown London, Ontario and found this amazing mural, done by a local artist, that captured the colors of my Vans inspired outfit. This outfit can be used as inspiration for both men and women since 2/3 of the outfit is purchased from menswear sections.  I have found some great menswear pieces lately, and although the pieces are rather large, this season, oversized is encouraged. So ladies, embrace the chance to expand your options. 

For the men reading, take note of the rich, autumn colors as seen in the shirt and shoes (both from the men’s section) for this season. Also, instead of wearing a graphic tee with these casual vans, try mixing it up with a buttoned up flannel shirt, un-tucked, and add a chunky watch from a company like Nixon.

Xo

cee.staf  

The Power of One

LEATHER pants (similar here)

KIMONO cardigan (similar here)

VINTAGE chiffon shirt

TOPSHOP suede messenger bag

FELT hat 

The 1960s saw a revolution in fashion that was born out of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. This movement gave credence to those, generally youth, who resisted the socially accepted norms of the time due to their dissatisfaction with the dominant culture.  Tensions grew globally regarding the war in Vietnam, race segregation, sexuality, women’s rights, modes of authority, and conflicting interpretations of the “American Dream.” By defying the dominant culture in the 1960s and 70s, the youth of the time spurred the creation of new and more ideal cultural forms.

The revival of hippie fashion in contemporary culture and, more broadly speaking, the growing popularity of what we call ‘hipsterism’ may actually be a sign that we as a society are noticing the discrepancies in dominant culture.  Individuals such as these, although technically conformists within their own subculture, are pioneers and leaders of the latest and most progressive cultural ideals. New cultural forms are emerging, and will only emerge, with the help of individuals like these, who value independent thinking and strive to eradicate the ego, redefine true happiness and establish equality for all. 

I recently watched an amazing documentary called ‘I am’ directed by Tom Shadyac, which has become to my surprise and happiness a widely seen film. “I am” is a non-fiction film “that poses two practical and provocative questions: what’s wrong with our world, and what will initiate change?”  The answer to these questions is “I am” and “I will”.  While we are all part of the problem, we are also part of the solution. We will initiate change by believing in the power of one. 

The hope is that this film along with other inspirational work will encourage others to question the conventions of dominant culture (ex. the way business is done, the way we treat others, and our understanding of true happiness) and see the power in individual actions.

I was given the chance to shoot with this adorable yellow Volkswagen bus, which inspired me to create a look that exhibits hippie fashion’s trippy, crafty and sometimes ethnic essence.  My outfit brings together contemporary fall styles including layering, a darker color palette and chunky wedges (essential for your fall shoes collection) with 60s and 70s style involving ethnic patterns, fringe and natural unkempt hair. The result is a fashion style that is relaxed and flirty, yet edgy. This look is a great way to carry the festival style into the fall fashion season. 

* Information about the counterculture of the 1960s and 70s gained from "The Rise and Fall of an International Counterculture, 1960-1975" by Jeremi Suri

A Summer to Fall Transition

ARITZIA decker hat

RAG & BONE ankle zip jeans

CONVERSE Chuck Taylor dainty sneaks

TOPSHOP necklace (similar here) 

The impactful 2013 trend of monochrome functions perfectly to make the difficult and sometimes sad transition from the summer months to the frigid fall.  This style is a beautiful combination of white, which mimics summer’s light and airy spirit, with black, which references fall and winter’s shorter and darker days. Not only does it serve as a transitional style, the trends boldness and modernity will make the wearer exude confidence and assertiveness during this time of change.

When wearing this trend it is important to remember that introducing another color would lessen the style’s essential impact. So if your ears, neckline, wrists or fingers beg for adornment, choose a piece that is black or white. Shoes can be black or white, or a mix of the two and make-up should be kept simple.

I realize that my style is rather androgynous on my fashion blog, but I do not want to ignore the ways in which the trends I bring to light can be transferred to other styles.  Therefore, with this blog post I have put together some images of how this look has been transformed to fit other personal styles. I hope this helps!

Reflective Brilliance

OBEY hat

ARITZIA wasaga dress

SNEAKS with cutouts (similar here)

URBAN OUTFITTER sunnies

Whatever your budget, trending ‘80s-inspired mirrored eyewear has the potential to reflect your style. Mirrored ‘sunnies’ can be found for as little as $10 (to as much as $500).  But not only is the price tag accessible, this trend has been transferred and transformed to fit limitless styles and moods.  Looking to channel your inner girly-girl? Go for ‘cat-eye’ frames with an ultra-reflective mirrored lens. Grasping for a classic style? Try a pair of aviator frames with a metallic neutral tint.  Want to make a surfer-style statement? Go for a large frame with a standout hue such as blue or orange. The chunky transparent frame is another trend popping up these days (see my Urban Outfitters ‘sunnies’ for inspiration); an alternative way to radiate a laidback surfer or street-style vibe.

The time to reflect is now…but don’t forget to encourage your friends to reflect too. So that when you look into the eyes of your closest friends you also get to see the reflected brilliance that is you. 

P.S. Is it just me or does the rock in my mirrored kaleidoscope picture look like the mighty duck mask? You know...Emilio Esteves....hehe

In the light of Day: The rise of the PJ’s

RAMONES tee (similar here)

FOREVER 21 pajama trousers

NEFF sunglasses

ALDO sunglasses

  

Stylists and bloggers continuously define day-to-night outfits; pieces that can be styled for the day and transformed for the night. But have you ever read about or heard of or seen an outfit that can go from night-to-day; an outfit that is comfortable enough to sleep in but can also be worn on the streets in style? Welcome the PJ trend.

The rise of pajama inspired shirts and pants for daywear has proven that anything is possible in fashion. I would love to meet the person that thought of the wonderful idea of pulling their pajamas from their daytime slumber and awaking this trend. 

Some people fully embrace this trend by wearing baggy pajama pants with a matching button up pajama shirt (just like cute little Grandpas wear J). Sandra from one of my favorite blogs 5 Inch and Up shows an example of this style, which she calls a pajama suit.  However, I wasn’t as daring with this trend so I opted solely for a pair of baggy and patterned pajama inspired trousers.

HINT: When styling around a pajama trouser such as these there are some things to keep in mind:

(1)I recommend a loose fitting top rather than a tighter one in order to balance the bagginess of the pant.

(2) The pants look best with a heel rather than a flat shoe.  This is because these pants generally have a lowered crotch, which makes your legs look shorter.  The heels serve to lengthen the leg line. 

(3) Balance the bagginess of the shirt and pants with structured and strong pieces. Think about sharp angles and more structured fabrics when choosing a garment to style with the pants.  Jewelry can also be used to balance the outfit instead of a piece of clothing.  Choose jewelry made of hard materials such as metal and stones. Also look for jewelry that has strong angles. 

For a night out I would choose to cover a loose silk top or t-shirt with a structured neutral-colored blazer (with sharp shoulders or with other strong angles). Pair this outfit with heels that match the blazer color. The sharp angles in the blazer and the femininity of the heels will contrast beautifully with the bagginess of the pants and shirt. 

For the streets you can look to my photos and the below collage for inspiration. I recommend wearing a loose fitting t-shirt (such as a blank, band, or graphic tee).  Tuck the front of the shirt into the pants so as to show the top of the pants.  Then finish the outfit with a fun pair of heeled ankle boots.