What Iris Apfel Taught Me

This year, I went as fashion icon Iris Apfel for Halloween. She is one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to personal style. I love how Iris isn't afraid to take risks and has created her own, unique identity using clothes and accessories. Big, round glasses, layered necklaces and bangles stacked up and down each arm are her trademarks. It's no surprise Iris' clothing and jewelry collection is recognized as one of the best in the world. If you haven't watched her documentary on Netflix, I highly recommend it.

I recreated Iris' look by pulling from my own closet, my mom's treasure trove of a jewelry box and thrifting at Savers. I removed the lenses from of a pair of sunglasses I found at Marshall's to complete the persona. Becoming Iris Apfel made me think about the way I see fashion. The base of my costume, a simple black turtleneck and jeans, were a blank canvas to color myself in statement-making jewelry. With each bangle and necklace, I was adding another element to the canvas. I made sure each component of my outfit served a creative purpose. Dressing up became an art form. 

I think the artistry to getting dressed has been somewhat lost. We're so focused on following the latest trends and trying to recreate celebrity looks, that we've lost sight of individuality. There's really no fun in wearing what everybody else is wearing all the time. I think everyone should try to channel their inner Iris Apfel and be more spontaneous with their style. I'd like to close this post with some of my favorite Iris quotes:

"Fashion you can buy, but style you possess."

"There's no how-to road map to style. It's about self-expression and, above all, attitude."

"If you make a mistake in what you put together, the fashion police are not going to haul you into jail."

"When you don't dress like everyone else, you don't have to think like everyone else."

"I say, dress for yourself. Listen to your inner muse and take a chance. Wear something that says, 'here I am' today." 

~Bitsy

1-800-HATLINEBLING

When hat season's in full swing, that can only mean one thing...wearing more hats. This was the caption to my latest Instagram post, which inspired me to write this blog post on how to style hats for fall. Hats are the accessory equivalent to Drake's hit single, "Hotline Bling," which has taken over the music world. I jam to it on Spotify 24/7 and it's the unofficial soundtrack to Boston's city streets. I can't count how many times I've heard the song blasting from someone's car stereo. Similarly, I have seen a lot of hats both on the street and on social media and blogs. It's safe to say stylish headwear is dominating the world of fashion right now and I say hats off to that! 

I am a hat lady. My hat collection keeps growing. Fedora, floppy, bowler, beret, beanie; nothing is off limits when it comes to my obsession. I buy most of mine from Forever 21 and H&M as I find they have the best selection for the best price. Why pay a lot for an expensive hat from Rag and Bone or Free People when you can find them for a fraction of the price at these fast-fashion superstar stores? H&M and Forever 21 know how to make quality headwear.

I've put together a few outfits to show you how I style my favorite hats this time of year. I hope this gives you a bit of inspiration.

Untitled #300 by bitsofstyle 

Untitled #301 by bitsofstyle 

Untitled #302 by bitsofstyle

For more information, dial 1-800-HATLINEBLING. 

~Bitsy

Invested

This spring, it's time to invest. No, I'm not talking about buying stocks; I'm talking about buying a great vest. Fringe, denim, down, leather, take your pick! You can do no wrong. Not sure where to shop or how to style this sleeveless staple? I've got you covered.

The denim vest 

You're never fully dressed without a denim vest! This one from H&M has a vintage vibe with distressed details and fraying. Wear it with anything from crop tops and high waisted shorts to a springtime sundress. 

*Shop the complete look here on Polyvore*

The lightweight down vest

For chilly spring days, a lightweight down vest is just what you need. This one from Uniqlo is great for transition dressing. Wear it with a thin knit sweater, jeans and sneakers for a cool, casual look. 

*Shop the complete look here on Polyvore*

The fringe vest

Fringe is in for spring 2015. Channel your inner Coachella goddess with a festival-esque vest like this one from Forever 21. Style it with your favorite sunnies, shorts, sandals, and vintage shirt and let the flower power flow. 

*Shop the complete look here on Polyvore*

The leather vest 

Wear a leather vest with your little black dress. This one from H&M has a biker style and cap sleeves. It's a standout. 

*Shop the complete look here on Polyvore*

Get invested this spring.

~Bitsy

Clothing Confidence

Clothes can be a huge confidence booster. Whether it's a concert tee that brings back memories with your best friends, or a shirt that looks like it was made just for you, clothing makes you feel good. Wearing your favorite outfit can make even the dreaded early wake-up seem stylish. Here are some tips for achieving clothing confidence.

1. Dress for yourself

Don't dress to please others. Let your clothes show who you are. Feel confident in your fashion choices and let your true self shine. 

2. Seek out style inspiration

Looking for a new look? Scroll through Pinterest, Instagram, and check out blogs to get a sense of what you like and don't like. The inner fashionista/o in you will be inspired in no time.

3. Pop some tags!

Channel your inner Macklemore and head to the thrift shop! One-of-a-kind pieces hide on those rows and rows of hangers and at a low price, too. Go forth and conquer the land of consignment! You'll be singing "I wear your granddad's clothes, I look incredible," faster than you can say "clothes by the pound." 

4. Plan outfits in advance

Overwhelmed by your wardrobe when you're getting ready for the day? Plan what you want to wear the night before. You'll save time in the morning and be able to get some extra sleep.

5. Get rid of clothes you don't want

Donate clothes you don't like and no longer wear to Goodwill, Salvation Army, sell them online, or give them away to friends. It will make more room in your closet for clothes you love.

6. Most importantly, wear what makes you happy. Let your style smile!

No one is as unique and awesome as you. Your clothes will show it. 

~Bitsy

Runway Roundup: NYFW

Today marks the last day of New York Fashion Week, and that means it is time for a runway roundup of my favorite looks. This NYFW was particularly on point and has given me some serious style inspiration. High fashion never fails. Check out the looks I'm lusting over below. 

Calvin Klein Collection

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

Oscar de la Renta

Rodarte

Diane von Furstenburg 

Diane von Furstenburg

Creatures of the Wind

Jason Wu

As you can probably tell, I was obsessed with the Marc Jacobs show. The outfits had an edgy and cool look that was juxtaposed by classic and vintage vibes. The mixed prints, mesh and fur made the looks dynamic and eye-catching. Marc Jacobs simply slayed it. Whose NYFW show was your favorite? Let me know down below.

~Bitsy