Simple Summer Fashion Modifications

Illustrations by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Sometimes you have pieces of clothing that you love soooooooo much, that you just can’t part with. No matter how ratty it can start to look like. These items we love so much vary from being extremely comfortable or perhaps just a classic design, but they might be not as fashionable as they used to be. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to throw them away or relegate them to the back of the wardrobe, with some patience and modifications you can turn them into a more contemporary style.

Give A Girl The Right Shirt

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with designer styles like Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, The Row, Diane Von Furstenberg to name a few. Contemporary womens designers have this element of design unlike others, theres always an attention to details and quality that a "minimalista" like myself crave. I yearn for a wardrobe that expresses a timeless aesthetic and a bold mix of blacks, whites, and neutrals but i'll admit the occasional trend will sneak itself into my wardrobe! Whenever I shop for pieces to add to my closet, I try to imagine myself wearing it for years on end, this process is how I determine if it's timeless, meaning it's something I can wear 10 years from now or even 20 years from now! For me it's important to have a wardrobe that isn't full of fluff but containing quality and capsule pieces which is why Barney's is one of my favorite stores to visit. Barney's is what I like to think of as a boutique department store with contemporary and premier designers for both men and women. I am an avid online shopper and would prefer to keep it that way but Barney's offers an awesome in store experience with helpful employees to answer your needs, snacks, drinks, great lighting for selfies, large fitting rooms and of course a more intimate feel with the products that online shopping yet does not offer. I recently visited my local Barney's here in Philadelphia and went in thinking I was going to pick something out that would be neutral and left with something totally left field!

Get Your Boho Style On For Spring

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

As spring marches on towards the promises and dreams of a glorious summer it’s a good time to make sure you have a wardrobe of clothes ready to go. The season of long evenings, busy weekends and (hopefully) lots of lovely sun to bask in; providing endless opportunities to get a lighter, more whimsical bohemian style on. Thaw off your winter style to welcome the abundance of Spring's new trend!

The Shrunken Sweater

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Everyone has that favorite piece of clothing that they wear all of the time. Whether it's a sweater, a blouse, a dress or a favorite pair of jeans, they all have to get washed sometime or another. Of course you dread the thought of the washer and dryer ruining the very fabric of those pieces and then it does!  The feeling of the realization of your once beloved garment, now shrunken and babydoll sized juts through your chest like a javelin throw. Alright maybe not that serious but it puts a damper on your day! And then you're left trying to find a replacement for that once loved piece or you can avoid it altogether by keeping Dryel by your side!

Dressy Winter

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

"Baby, it’s cold outside," but that doesn’t mean that you can’t wear all of those lovely little dresses that you like so much. Sure, winter might not be the optimal time to bare your skin, but if you know the rules of layering then you won’t have to worry about the chill. If you're the type who has a wide variety of sundresses in your wardrobe, and you want to wear them whatever the weather may be - layering is your best friend. With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks to ensure you can keep wearing your favorite dresses throughout the winter season.

Fashion Your Winter

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

The Halloween excitement is over and winter will inevitably be ensuing. We officially have less than a month left until Christmas- how crazy is that? Xmas mode is in full gear, every other commercial on Hulu is something to do with Christmas. It seems like only yesterday that cute playsuits and sundress were on full display. But alas, temperate climates are ever changing and one has to go with the flow every season.

Fashion throughout winter is fairly similar to autumn, with the classic tartan prints and pinafores seemingly here to stay, but what we're all about are the new different pieces!

To The Tailor

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Imagine this, you're at a very special event wearing your favorite silk dress while  you network with friends and business partners. Most likely this event will have some alcoholic beverages and finger food, which means in between conversations you're taking sips of red wine perhaps. While I like to fancy myself a glass of Merlot, I definitely do not like spilling it on my clothes, especially on delicate fabrics. I'm not perfect and accidents happen, but going to a tailor shouldn't be your first and only option, spending money to get rid of stubborn stains is not magic especially when you have Dryel by your side.

In Sneakers, We Trust

Illustration by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Here in Philadelphia, being on the move is a regular thing and part of your daily routine. Wearing heels doesn't always feel like the smartest choice, no matter how how convenient it might be! Then there's the other option, sneakers. I love wearing sneakers.... while i'm working out, any other time just feels weird. I always have a hard time finding sneakers that I can wear leisurely after a workout. Either the sneakers are too bulky or not minimalist enough to match with my outfits. Fortunately Famous Footwear has a great selection of sneakers for minimalistas like myself to choose from!

The Fall Necessities

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

With the start of a new season, means the start of a new look! During this time it feels like retailers are jumping at the seams to get you to come into their stores and take one last glance at those tie strap tank tops and seer sucker skirts at a discounted rate. But before you count them out entirely, why not consider how you can style it for the fall season? Fall and winter are predominantly known as the layering seasons, might as well start early and not feel like you can't wear your summer sales buys more than once. Put them to good use and embrace the last days of the season.

Future of Fashion

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

The fashion retail industry is always adapting to suit customer needs and preferences. Often, the changes are subtle and can even be difficult to notice. Sometimes they’re not even made with specific goals in mind, but rather just to keep things from getting stagnant. But in the next several years we’re going to see some more dramatic and intentional shifts in how stores operate both in person and online. This is largely because of some tantalizing advances in tech, and overall it is quite exciting to look ahead at. Here are some of the changes to look out for in the coming next five years—if not the next year or two....

A Shot of Confidence

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Nobody likes to feel a lack of confidence because that can really mess with a person’s way of life in many different ways. Conversations can be difficult to start because of a lack of confidence. Some people might also not progress in their careers because causing too much attention on oneself may be nerve racking. That truly is no way to live, anyone in that position should work on making some changes. For me, it could be a tiny tweak that could help me feel better about the day like new lingerie or a new color of lipstick! What works for me might not be enough for someone else, which is why i've outlined a few of my favorite ways to boost confidence. Try putting these tips to good use!

Top Shopping Destinations

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Do you ever get bored of shopping at your local main street? I certainly do, especially when you want something completely different than what the locals can offer. Whilst online shopping has opened up new opportunities, most shopaholics still like the adventure of walking into a retail store and touching the garments and trying on the pieces before you buy them of course. I myself, love strolling through the store and appreciate customer service. I read an article recently stating that brick and mortar retail stores may soon be a thing of the past because of how technology is advancing, for example the Amazon stores where you walk right in and grab exactly what you need without talking to a sales representative. Taking a vacation to go shopping can be one way of getting the fix. Whether you’re looking to splash the cash or simply enjoy the thrill of window shopping, here are a few top shopping destinations to check out as rated by Lonely Planet!

New Wardrobe

Illustrated By Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Now that the weather is getting much more seasonal, it's time to break out all of the lightweight layers. Soon the new summer collections will be what's hot and in season, but a lot of expenses will also be on the horizon. Of course, I'd rather spend money on new clothes and summer fun, but unfortunately, rent and bills must take priority. However, this doesn’t mean that anyone should miss out on new clothes altogether. If you’re smart, you know there are several ways to update your wardrobe and still save money. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions...

Dry Clean Only

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I love the feel of luxurious fabrics against my skin. Silks, velvets, satins, wools and some delicate cottons are meant to be cared for by hand, otherwise meaning dry clean only. You ever go shopping and find a piece that you love, just to check out the fabric tag and read "dry clean only" and resort to putting it back on the rack because having to go to the dry cleaners is quite inconvenient. Yes, I've had those moments and i've also worn fabulous silk pieces that got accidental wine spills or oil splatters. I could totally do without those moments! Fortunately,  i've found an alternative to going to the dry cleaners, Dryel!

Festival Style Refresh

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

With the beginnings of the warmer weather marks a brand new music festival scene! From Coachella to Electric Daisy and countless other festivals, there are many opportunities to look boho fresh! This year like the past is no different although the styles are better and bolder. And ofcourse before you grab last year's floral sundress, remember that in 2017 it's all in the details! This year, even if you don't have tickets, take the time to refresh your festival style with some new trends.

A Gentlewoman's Guide

When it comes to getting dressed and ready for special occasions one has to approach it as a "pregame!" Everyone has their own version of a morning routine, several cups of coffee, applications of concealer and mascara, selfie stick photos and some instagram stalking, no ones judging! After all, prepping yourself for the day at hand can come quite instinctively since it's like getting ready for a battle, one that includes meetings, rush hour, work, adulting. The best prepping is done after dark, when getting ready ahead of a night out, especially for Valentines Day. Vday, whether it is spent with that special someone or with your gal pals or even by yourself deserves a special prepping treatment, for an evening like none other, an evening of freedom and not a battle! 

For The Love of Shoes

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Every year, thousands of women everywhere, on this specific date dress up in the most seemingly obnoxious or very simplistic ensembles, never in between. Valentines day is just around the corner and many of you probably have already picked out your outfits for that day, figuring out what dress to wear is easy because it's most likely the first piece of item thought of for that event. I, myself have no problem trying to figure out what dress or flirty skirt I'm going to wear, but I challenged my self to think differently this time. It comes to no surprise that i'm obsessed with shoes, I want to make my footwear be the center of attention this year. I'm experimenting with nudes! 

Shades of Grey

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Everyone knows just how essential the black jeans are, and it doesn't even matter what style. Your black jeans can be skinny fit, flare legged, high waisted, wide leg and all are still quite important to building a well rounded wardrobe. Black jeans go with everything but sometimes you want to break free from that tradition and experiment with something a bit more interesting and perhaps a little bit challenging! I'm talking about grey jeans, or the super faded black jeans. Grey jeans have that lived in flair, from the lightest shade of grey to almost charcoal. It's a neutral, just like your black pairs but it adds more interest than by creating a mostly monochrome (similar color blocking) look. Honestly once you learn what works with grey jeans and mix and match several outfits, you will get the hang of it and add it to constant rotation! 

New Year, Same Me

Good riddens 2016 and hello 2017! I say that but I know that the last year was filled with lots of great things too. Sure you have to take the bad with the good and fortunately I can say it was mostly good! I can definitely say that I've learned a lot and grown a lot this past year, 2016 was a learning curve and rather than feeling like i've been set back, I'd rather take everything i've learned to good use. Those unconfident thoughts, they eat away at us and sometimes they even need a backbone to push back. 2016 felt like the equivalent to being the last kid picked at a stupid game of ball, but we're young and cushiony so we can get back up and stand tall for what we believe in. Being one's own enemy can be the easiest thing to accomplish at times, especially in your twenties. It takes time to learn exactly how to do the opposite, but I truly believe that this year, I can. Here's to 2017 and finally getting a hang on this thing called life. And while many are making resolutions to make themselves a better person by resolving to make drastic changes in their lives. I say be you and take all of the good things that you've learnt from the past year and put it to use this year. Let's be honest, it's quite rare to complete everything in your New Year's resolution list! Next to personal and professional goals, style resolutions are very important too, at least to us fashion obsessed. And thus, i've created a list of objectives that will elevate 2017 for a chic year ahead.

The Essential Black Pants

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I love my skirts and dresses, these pieces are the "defacto" feminine wardrobe pieces. While yes, it's quite predictable to find dresses and skirts in any woman's closet, pants are the unknown. Nowadays, most women wear pants but less than 60 years ago women were not allowed to wear pants, it was seen as great disrespect to husbands and men everywhere. Wearing pants said to the world that women could be just as independent and tough, and men were intimidated by it. Fortunately, the movement happened and now ladies everywhere enjoy wearing pants to work, to the park, to school, at home and everyplace in between. I don't know how I could survive without the use of my jeans, trousers, capris, and pants! It's just an absolute necessity to life in 2016 and beyond. What is even more needed to build the perfect wardrobe, are black pants. Even if you're not a self proclaimed pants girl, having a few essential black pant styles will ensure you'll be comfortable and stylish. Don't be so hard on the black pants, they're in everyone's closets and only need a bit of love!