Penny Sky

Head to the Beach

Last modified on 2010-02-12 20:54:25 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Mmm… Urbana… in February. Months of cold, followed by more cold, and Valentine’s Day. I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day and the cold weather is getting so monotonous. Which is why now would be such an incredible time to go to the Caribbean or Florida or anywhere else warm and beachy. This blog is like my fantasy suitcase for a fantasy vacation.

Inspiration: Elephants

Last modified on 2010-02-06 20:02:40 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Lately, I have been really interested in animal jewelery. It sprouted from a post I saw on the blog Sea of Shoes. Ever since, I have been on the hunt (yay for bad puns) for any animal jewelery. Even more recently (as in, last night), I have been wanting all things elephant. Not just jewelery anymore, from prints to pendants to pillowcases- everything must have an elephant.
Here are my top elephant picks:
Textured Elephant Necklace, Forever 21, $6.80 http://www.forever21.com/heritage1981/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=81Jewelry&product%5Fid=1083338783&showBACK=OK

I absolutely love the orange stones on this necklace paired with the gold. It would look good and add interest to many outfits, as well.

Elephant with Glasses Tee, Etsy.com, $24.00 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35255511&ref=sr_gallery_1&&ga_search_query=elephant+with+the+glasses&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=titlelors

The graphic on this tee is really fun and the colors work really well. Its loose, men’s wear fit would look great with skinny jeans.

Elephant Tank, Etsy.com, $22.00 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37949071&ref=sr_gallery_12&&ga_search_query=elephant+tank&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

This tank could be nicely paired with a blazer while it’s still chilly out, but in the summer could easily become a basic piece.

Elephant Ring, Forever 21, $2.80 http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=ACC&product%5Fid=1070330552&showBACK=OK

This elephant ring is really fun. It also seems like it would be a great extra touch to quite a few pieces.

Charm Bracelet, Etsy.com, $20.00

This charm bracelet is, in fact, quite charming. I love vintage charm bracelets, such as this. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39234361&ref=sr_gallery_1&&ga_search_query=elephant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=2&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Draw String Bag, Etsy.com, $3.95 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39128340&ref=sr_gallery_2&&ga_search_query=elephant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=4&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

This bag would be perfect for school to hold your pencils, or when traveling as a makeup bag.

Men’s V-neck With Elephant Detail, Etsy.com, $40.00  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25299250&ref=sr_gallery_14&&ga_search_query=elephant&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=5&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

This v-neck sweater is somewhat reminiscent of a prep school boys uniform. The white elephant detail is really adorable, as well.

A Guide to Layering

Last modified on 2009-12-16 20:08:27 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

When it’s cold outside, layering is a must, but just because it’s necessary doesn’t mean it can’t look good, as well. Check out these tips to see how to layer to the best of your advantage.

-The more layers you’re going to wear, the thinner each layer must be. You don’t want a lot of bulky layers because it would not only be unflattering, but would also be fairly uncomfortable.

-Use different necklines, textures and types patterns. This will create interest. Attempt to use different sized patterns and fabrics, but don’t go too overboard- you don’t want to look like you’re wearing your entire wardrobe. Also consider keeping a simpler color scheme when using multiple patterns.

-Add details. Buttons and pockets can also add small differences that will allow for that little extra something.

-Remember- layering isn’t only for your upper half. You can layer on your legs by wearing leggings with one or two pairs of socks with your boots.

http://lookbook.nu/look/342933-mmm-layers

http://lookbook.nu/look/347981-drowning-in-sweaters

http://lookbook.nu/look/342907-Knits-and-Layers

Coats!

Last modified on 2009-12-11 00:20:40 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

The biggest purchase to make for winter is probably a coat. It’s the one thing you wear continuously in and out of every day for the next couple winters. I am currently in search of a winter coat, and because of this, have been looking at designer takes for inspiration. Here are some of my favorite coats from F/W 09:

JASON WU

Jason Wu’s big break was designing First Lady Michelle Obama’s inauguration beautiful white gown for last January’s inauguration balls. His gowns are my favorite part of his collection, but this double breasted print jacket looks great with the sleek black pants it’s paired with. For most coats with such a busy print, going with sleeker, plainer fabrics will look best.
http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2009-RTW/JASON-WU/Jason-Wu/(imageIndex)/7

3.1 PHILLIP LIM

A double breasted black peacoat may seem unexciting, however it’s a classic that will look good with the majority of your wardrobe. The length, tailoring and buttons on this Phillip Lim are what make it so simple, but perfect.
http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2009-RTW/3.1-PHILLIP-LIM/3.1-PHILLIP-LIM/(imageIndex)/10

BURBERRY PRORSUM

Burberry is known for their trenches. This is a great coat that is a twist on the iconic image, since it is a grey tweedy fabric, opposed to the tan. Much like the Phillip Lim, it is a classic that will look good with most of your wardrobe and won’t go out of style.
http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2009-RTW/BURBERRY-PRORSUM/BURBERRY-PRORSUM/(imageIndex)/16

MARC JACOBS

The sea foam color and scrunched fabric of this coat make it interesting. This is definitely more of a statement coat than the ones above it. I love that it’s outlined with black, oversized and has a hood. The color scheme and fabric keep it tasteful.
http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2009-RTW/MARC-JACOBS/MARC-JACOBS/(imageIndex)/14

DIY Gifts

Last modified on 2009-12-11 00:19:06 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

If you’re anything like me, when it comes to holiday gifts for friends, you want to give them the best, but don’t always have a lot of money to spend. Here are some cute, fashionable DIY gift ideas that are sure to please your friends and family without breaking the bank.

HEADBAND

You can buy a plain headband at stores such as Forever 21 for very little money and spruce it up with buttons, ribbons or feathers (all of which can be found at fabric and craft stores). You can use a hot glue gun (but be careful!) or needle and thread to attach all of these items to you headband of choice.

Materials:

wide headband from Forever 21: $2.80

black satin ribbon (7/8″) from JoAnn Fabric: $2.79

colored buttons (50 count) from JoAnn Fabric: $1.49

sinthetic feathers (4 per pack) from JoAnn Fabric: $1.79

iPOD SOCK

For the music lover on your list, an iPod sock can protect their iPod anywhere they go. If you’re handy with a knitting needle, then the following directions will help you make an adorable iPod or phone sock (with a stripe!)

http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/wooly_jumpers_for_ipods_and_

INFINITY SCARF
The infinity scarf is a big trend at the moment, and that means they aren’t cheap. However, you can make your own with an old t-shirt. The directions follow.

http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/recycled_tee_circle_scarf

ZIPPER BRACELET
The bracelet (shown in the link below) is really adorable, and seems to be pretty simple to make. It’s also really unique, and would be difficult to buy at a store.

http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/zipper-bracelet

Inspiration: Old Films

Last modified on 2009-12-11 00:17:31 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

There is probably nothing more comforting to me than a hot cup of coffee, a blanket and an old movie on a chilly day. Old movies have some of the best vintage fashions as the were in their original hay-day. Here are just a couple movies that do this well, hopefully some that you might not expect.

The Wizard of Oz

Some of the most famous shoes in cinematic history are showcased in this film. But what is it that Dorthy wears with her ruby red slippers? Socks to match her blue checkered dress, of course! Heels are most adorable when worn with socks, and its no difference when you’re on a journey with a lion, a tinman and a scarecrow down the yellow brick road.

http://tfootitt.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/wizard-of-oz.jpg

An American in Paris

Leslie Caron’s dancing is not the only thing that dazzles me as I watch An American in Paris; her outfits do as well. Especially her outfit for the Costume Ball (seen below). It really seems to personify French chicness.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5p3lUJPGJZQ/StkIXZnqvfI/AAAAAAAAC6g/Y-a9R7jtPG4/s400/Annex+-+Caron,+Leslie+(An+American+in+Paris)_01.jpg

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Ok, this is certainly not the most original choice, but I had to do it. Audrey Heburn’s character coined the Little Black dress, that would go down in history as a wardrobe staple.

http://thepinklocket.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/breakfast-at-tiffanys.jpg

Annie Hall

Diane Keaton’s Annie Hall shows menswear for women at its best. Her laid back look of the 70s continues to inspire today.

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3296828928/tt0075686

These are just a few favorites of mine, what are a few of yours?

Three Ways to Wear a T-Shirt

Last modified on 2009-11-23 23:57:32 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

There are always day, especially for a high schooler, where time is of the essence and you need something to throw on. Well, when my alarm doesn’t go off I turn to my favorite tees. They’re a great staple for my wardrobe because they require very little thought to make several cute outfits. Here are my favorite ways to wear a t-shirt:

1. With jeans. So I started off with what is probably the least radical idea when thinking of what to wear with a t-shirt. However, paired with a menswear blazer, headband and flats, it can be rather cute and not too basic. Also, I like skinny jean cuts best- cuffed, of course.

2. With a black pencil skirt. This is a great way to dress up a t-shirt and to disguise the fact that you got dressed in two seconds. Try it with booties or oxfords.

3. With leggings. For an ultra comfortable look, an oversized tee and leggings are about as good as it gets. You can try to add interest with a scarf or necklace, depending on the placement of the grapic on the t-shirt.

My Furry Friends!

Last modified on 2009-11-23 23:54:23 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

I am currently in love with (faux) fur hats! They’re so fun and frivolous. But, please, keep it faux fur because it’s not cruel like real fur is. Another upside: you’ll be able to afford it on a high school budget.

Adorable outfits involving faux fur hats:
http://lookbook.nu/look/271009-I-ll-believe-in-anything

http://lookbook.nu/look/282803-freedom

http://lookbook.nu/look/266433-I-know-I-ll-never-see-your-face-again

http://lookbook.nu/look/271348-russian-girl

http://lookbook.nu/look/279141-cheeeeeese

So what do you think? Are fur hats too frivolous to be practical?

S/S 10

Last modified on 2009-11-14 20:58:46 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

I’ll willingly admit that I’m a little (or a lot) behind on posting some of my favorite S/S 10 looks. After all, fashion week was in September. But, better late than never, right?

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs has shown eighties references at a few of is last shows. Although the eighties aren’t nearly my favorite fashion decade, I still really enjoy some of the looks. This one included. I love the mix of bright geometric patterns and the big colorful bow to top it off.

Much like Marc Jacobs, Luella’s last runway (F/W 09) took heavy references from the eighties, but the designer’s S/S 10 runway seemed to have taken a lighter take on the trend. I love the fun silhouette and sunny pattern of this frock topped off by a bow (noticing a theme here?)

3.1 Phillip Lim

I love this dress done in a feminine style, but bleak in color. The v-neck sweater over it add a masculine touch and the color looks perfect with the dress, as it it very similar in color.

Do you agree? What other looks from the runways did you like?

On a side note, I deeply covet the hair from the Miu Miu runway.

Take a look-

The Wonderful World of…Scarves!

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:20:36 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Scarves are an absolutely essential part of my wardrobe. I wear one almost every day. So it only seems natural to tell you about some of my favorite current scarf trends, now that scarf wearing will be growing as the temperatures begin to drop.

Black and White.

Any scarf wearer will tell you that basic black scarves give an added chicness to an outfit. The black scarf is a great place to start, but what about black and white? Black and white patterns add interest and dimension to your outfits. There are tons of prints out there, and with the more basic colors, even the craziest of patterns can look good.

The Eternity Scarf.

This fall, the eternity scarf is a pretty big trend. For those of you who haven’t been reading up on the latest and greatest scarf trends of today, the eternity scarf is a scarf sewed in a circle that has no ends, and therefore goes on for eternity. I like eternity scarves in both chunky, knitted fabrics and thinner sleeker fabrics. Especially if you get an eternity scarf in a knitted fabric, I prefer solid colors.

A Striped Scarf.

I have seen tons of really cute striped scarves in stores recently. Both small stripes and bigger stripes are adorable.

Silky Grandmother Prints

Of all of the trends I’ve talked about in this post, this is probably my favorite. Dainty silky scarves may not be the warmest, but they are the most adorable. It is probably best to look for these at second hand shops.

So, readers, do you love scarves as much as I do? What is your personal favorite scarf?

My Rut Complex

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:16:42 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

It seems that during every season of every year, I get into some sort of rut. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I actually quite enjoy my seasonal ruts. Usually it’s an outfit accompanied by an album. This fall is no different. Although I’m not sure yet what the album is, I am certain of the outfit. Its more of a formula for an outfit, actually. The oversized sweater paired with leggings and booties. It’s simple and ungodly comfy. You can easily stock up on the big sweaters at Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. for very little money.  Try the men’s section for big, soft sweaters galore. Leggings are pretty basic, and I prefer black, but if you want to mix it up a bit I might try different fabrics for texture or quirky little details like buttons or zippers. As for the booties, I have a huge thing for the Secret Garden variety. As in, ankle length that lace up. But whatever boots float your boat will work. This is actually one of the few areas I would spend some money on. Boots are something that you will potentially wear everyday throughout fall and winter. Am I alone in this strange rut complex? If not, what are your favorite ruts of the season?

It’s That Time of Year Again…

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:16:19 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Buzz of homecoming is erupting all around UHS. My article for The Echo is even about homecoming and many of the conversations I’ve had with people in the last few days have been about dates, dinners and, of course, dresses. Although dates and dinners are all good fun, here we’ll be talking about the dresses. Shocking, I know.

Audrey Hepburn epitomized the Little Black Dress (yes, it deserves capitalization) in her 1961 film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The LBD is almost the essence of chic, and, therefore, makes a perfect homecoming dress possibility! My homecoming dress happens to be a Little Black Dress in every sense of the phrase. There are several great things about choosing one of these as your dress. The first of which is that it is potentially very cost effective. As this blog continues, I am almost positive that you will find me to be quite frugal, or just plain cheap. Either way, a perfect dress awaits you at low price. Since there are so many black dresses in so many different cuts, it is very easy to find a cute vintage one. If second hand isn’t your forte, stores such as H&M or Forever 21 usually carry several LBDs for under $30 at any given time, so you may want to check there. Accessorizing a black dress is incredibly fun, seeing as there are so many directions you can go. Pearls, gold, silver and more funky colorful jewelry can all look great with that fantastic black dress. An added thrifty bonus, jewelry can also be quite inexpensive, as well. If you’re, for some reason or another, not into the second hand thing, I beg of you, please at least consider vintage jewelry. Most of the truly unique pieces you can find are vintage, and most are under $5.  I know I’m really plugging the second hand thing tonight, but what can I say? I’m a fan.

I hope all of you reading find or have found the perfect dress, LBD or not. If you don’t plan on wearing a Little Black Dress, what are your favorite homecoming dress trends?

Make It Your Own

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:15:51 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Style. Defined in Merriam- Webster’s as a distinct quality, form or type of something. The key word here being distinct. Clothing is a form of expression, so make it your own. I take influence from all over the place. Indie, Ivy League preppy, 60s MOD, Woodstock, old Hollywood, business menswear and the list goes on. By mixing and match styles, I don’t define or constrain my self to one category. My school of thought is: if you like it, wear it.

Fall Fashion Outlook

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:15:21 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Fall not only happens to be my favorite season for weather, but for fashion as well. So its no wonder I’m quite excited for the season and what’s to come. Here a few of my favorite trends:

- Tweed: Something about tweed seems to scream fall. Although it is certainly not cutting edge for fall, the right tweed coat can make anyone want the leaves to change as soon as possible.
Marc By Marc Jacobs, Fall 2009 RTW

-Tights: Tights are great for fall because they allow you to wear some of your favorite summer dresses, skirts and even shorts well into the season. Think opaque and thick. My favorites are maroon or almost childish stripes.
3.1 Phillip Lim, Fall 2009 RTW
Marc By Marc Jacobs, Fall 2009 RTW

-Felt Hats: The perfect thing to go with wavy hair and tweed trenches.
Marc By Marc Jacobs, Fall 2009 RTW

-Black and White: In a bit of an unconventional way for fall, do black and white in an almost rock and roll sense. Along the lines of chic loose white tees and (faux) leather pencil skirts.
Balmain, Fall 2009 RTW

-Scarves: They’re a bit of a no-brainer for fall. I’m looking forward to wearing big, knitted ones in warm, rich colors.
Marc By Marc Jacobs, Fall 2009 RTW

Those are the trends I hope to be wearing this fall. What are your favorites for the season?

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things…

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:14:59 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Since it’s doubtful that at this point you know very much about me, we’re going to have a little introduction. I could give you my life story here, but I feel that it would be better, and more fun, to do a show-and-tell about some of my favorite things. Plus, a picture is worth a thousand words.

A small sampling of me…

Cuffed Jeans
I have been a bit obsessed about this lately. If I’m wearing jeans, they are most likely cuffed.

New York City
The city is magical.

Shoes
My collection is ever growing.

I Love NY Shirt
Mine is a bit worn, which makes it all the better. Plus, as seen above, I really do love New York.

Tie Dye
Do it yourself. Its fun and you get to wear it when your done!

France
I’m going on a long awaited trip next summer and absolutely cannot wait.

Iced Chai Tea Lattes
They are very tasty. My drink of choice at Starbuck’s and Cafe Paradiso.

Scarves
I love, love, love scarves, and wear them all year long!

and much, much more….
(you’ll just have to wait and read my blog to find out!)

Welcome!

Last modified on 2009-11-14 21:14:31 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Welcome to Penny Sky! This is a blog with tidbits from my life and, especially, style. Quirky, but chic. It’s what I hope for my “style” to be, and it’s what I hope for this blog to be, as well. Enjoy!