Spanish Style - Do's and Dont's

I just got back after a long plane ride from Spain, and after collapsing into my cozy bed and pulling out my laptop and turning up my iPod speakers (Norah Jones, of course - I needed to set a relaxing mood), I decided that I was way over due a blog!

So the beginning of my trip to Spain went as planned - rushed to the airport, bought the entire Magazine shop, stocked up on candy, and cuddled up with my cashmere sweater in my plane seat. Suddenly, I turned to the woman two seats down - she was covered in a humongous fur coat and a little fur hat - it was hysterical, and I had to take a picture of it for all of you! As I peered into my bag...my camera was not there!! I had forgotten it -- it devestated me. So here's some fashion do's and dont's that I witnessed firsthand in the marvelous, gorgeous, glamorous Spain! Enjoy!

Do wear evening-wear during the day, as teenagers in Spain sported. Jewel Tones, gowns, silk gloves - anything goes. Make sure to grunge it up a bit by adding sneakers, headbands, sweatshirts, and the fabulous color grey. Some evening looks:

What I loved about Spain was that no one seemed slighltly concerned with other's opinions - and that anything goes (for everything). I saw a girl strutting around town in a green-jewel-town evening gown with Converse hightops...and it reminded me of this spread in Spanish Elle.

Do step up your style with simple touches of grey - or a whole grey outfit (different shades of course). If there was one look that I had to say was most popular in Spain this would come second...literally every other girl I passed when I was shopping was completely layered out in GREY.

This little cropped jacket is so cute - and versatile. You can pair it with a tank for school, and high heels for going out at night!



A grey tweed skirt is a classic - and I saw many Spanish girls wearing super short ones (really cute). But they also had lots of layers - so it transformed the look to a bit edgy, incredibly cozy, and not slutty at all (though I'm a sucker for mini skirts).

Don't ever think that it is okay to walk around town in an obvious wig (unless its neutral and matches your complexion and you need it). How bad could your current hair be that you have to cover it up with plastic? The most shocking thing about Spain was that every street - no matter if it was a Fancy High Street in front of Gucci and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada - I would see a person wearing a very obvious wig (rainbow, spiked, green, you get the idea...)



Do wear different textured leggings - cut outs, wool, cheetah - under winter bermuda shorts. Before I went to Spain, I have to confess, I wasn't a fan of this look. But the Spanish teens I saw pulled it off - and convinced me to try it too. This was definitely the #1 popular look in Spain - especially with wool plaid shorts and purple wool tights.

Such adorable shorts from one of my favorite Spanish stores, Mango (available online too!)


I also adore these grey wool bermuda shorts.



Some funky leggings to wear too:







Do wear a little fur (faux's great too!) - a shawl, gloves, ear-muffs. But don't ever wear fur head to toe - hardly anyone can pull it off (sorry, your grandma can't either).

I love this look from Spanish elle - a gorgeous simple black evening gown and then a little fur shawl to spice the look up. It looks young and fresh and cool - even combining fur.



This look is absolutely awful. I like fur coats on older women - when they're shearling or truly in good taste (with the coat being the only fur element), but I hate fur head-to-toe on younger people - it automatically ages you 20 years!

Do strut your stuff in gorgeous suede boots. Whether they're pointy, flat, wedged - it doesn't matter. Preferably a chocolate, charcoal, or black, suede boots make any outfit look timeless and trendy at the same time. Invest in a great pair of boots!

These slouchy boots (a favorite Spanish look) are from Spain's most prized upscale department store - El Corte Ingles!



Or a more structured suede boot from Bloomy's!

Some Spanish Tips:

Although I spent a ridiculous time shopping in Spain (i'll post some of my purchases tomorrow!), my favorite store was Zara. I definitely recommend checking it out online - since I couldn't copy and paste or save the pics from the website. Their clothes are just so fabulous...and even though they have some in the States, it DOES NOT compete with Spain's version. Trust me.

The one thing that Spanish girls have that American girls don't is a huge amount of confidence. As corny as it sounds, tons of confidence automatically makes an outfit look glam and amazing.

Lastly, here are some amazing Spanish looks that I hope will inspire you:

The Spanish adore short things - and sparkly outfits (on New Years the whole room was glittering - women wore so many sequins!)

And another adorable short dress for daytime from the Spanish store Mango:



Here's a gorgeous photo at sea from a recent Spanish Elle photoshoot. I love the wintery layering.



And finally, I couldn't help it. This picture just epitomizes what I was talking about - Spanish Girl Confidence - this model won't let a boy stand in her way! And yes I know, the fur is ridiculous. But don't you think a model can pull of almost anything?



Stay Chic!

<3 Chic in the City

Bon Voyage!

Since I'm leaving for Espana Thursday, I'm getting pretty pumped - already thinking about packing (clothing, clothing, clothing), and more importantly, plane-wear. But before I go into full-throttle outfit mode, here is one fab beyond fab website to get you excited for vacation too (even if that means staying at home in your P.J.'s watching back-to-back episodes of Desperate Housewives, Style Network, and Emeril).

Daily Candy. Where do I even begin? This is basically the most entertaining, helpful website ever. I don't know how I'd live without it. It has a London, LA, New York, Chicago, Seattle (the list goes on and on) edition - and it tells you A-List places to hang out (whatever your budget may be). It also has amazing info like fashion tips, new beauty meccas, and the scoop on your favorite bookstores, bus stops, body shops, etc. ! And, don't fret my dears, Daily Candy has a new "Travel Section" so even if you don't live in one of the prescribed regions ... you can search where you live in the Travel Section in their archives and it will still give you info! And wait, I'm forgetting the best part... you can sign up to have a free email sent to you almost every day concerning all of this info!!



And some plane essentials:

A cozy cashmere dress to make your flight comfy - especially if it's a red-eye flight!



Some adorable leggings to match - if you're going from a cold climate to a warm one, pull them off just as you're landing and voila - your set for the weather!



And a cozy camel cashmere sweater to match - perfect for a long ride.



Now, I'm sorry to all of the Ugg-Haters out there, but I must say, Uggs are the pefect travel accesory - soo insanely comfy (at least you can't deny that) - and they're easy to run around in the airport in.



I don't think I'd be able to last a long plane ride without a little pot of gloss! This Benefit Benetint Jar is great - it can also be put on cheeks and gives just the warmest, lightest glow. I adore! (And yes, I checked, now you're allowed to take gloss on planes!)



Why not stash it away in an adorable carry-all chocolate brown tote?



And finally, I couldn't survive without my junky magazines. I adore lucky - they always have perfect chic outfits for every occasion! And why not have fun plastering there "yes", "no", "maybe" stickers on siblings? (well, maybe that's a don't...)




Remember to trvael in style and of course, to stay chic!,

Chic in the City <3

Agnes B - Les Vêtements de Mes Rêves

Tonight being the first night of Chanukah, all I have in mind is presents. Tonight I got a Juicy Couture Jacket, and some other little things (some stuff from Olive and Bette's and Agnes B). However, the little cardigan I got from Agnes B was just so cute I couldn't help remember my obsession with anything french. That's why I'm going to do a post on Agnes B/French Iconic Fashion.
Everything at Agnes B is just so chic and french - so put together and simplistic. (Everything from Agnes B is made in France and can be purchased online or at select stores around the country). Here are some of my favorite finds:

Doesn't this just scream french to you? It looks like one of those old sailor fishermen shirts but way cuter. I love the little buttons.

How cute is this little-mini skirt? It's made out of wool (very hip), but it's lined so it won't be itchy. I lovee the heart pockets.



Here's just a simple navy cami - an essential item for every wardrobe. This one is uber-soft and the cut is just oh-so chic.



I love this pale-pink sweater - it just seems so ballet-esque. It would look adorable with dark wash skinny jeans...

And finally, how could a girl go without accesories? Here's just a fun little aqua wallet to brighten up your purse.



To complete your "french" look, here are some musts. First of all, ballet flats. I cannot imagine France without them...or my own closet! They are my biggest wardrobe staple - I have them in every color, fabric, and size...you name it. Whether you go for trendy patent-leather or classic navy suede - keep on wearing 'em!

Here are some of my picks:

A little crazy, but the peeptoe is a fresh take on the ordinary flat. Gorgeous!



French Sole -- my favorite ballet flat brand, the originator of the ballet slipper. These are so adorable - I love the gold hue!



And some classic suede navy blue ballet flats - with a mod little rose on top!



And as for bottoms, dark-wash skinnies and straight leg jeans are the way to go, however, think retro Audrey Hepburn to get the look right - a little longer than usual.

Marc Jacobs Skinny Jeans and Citizens of Humanity Straight-Leg Jeans:



and



And finally, not too much red lipstick - always looks amazing with a white petit-bateau tee and dark-wash jeans!



Stay Chic (and French)!,

Chic in the City <3

School Outfits

I always obsess over what to wear to school, and instead of doing homework I end up trying to put together an outfit for an hour! Here's some easy outfits that you can wear to school in every weather (that you can recreate for cheaper versions).

This Little tank top is just so cute that I couldn't resist putting it on here (a little too impractical). But with the American Apparel sweatshirt below I'm sure you'll be cozy.



and



I am completely against Juicy Couture sweats, but this model looked so good in them I figured I'd give them a try. Also, for a long day at school don't you want to be comfy?



And finally adorable cheetah-print scoop ballet flats!



To sum up that outfit: A beautiful look-at-me top, a neutral sweater that matches, cute pants (if sweats, tailored and velvet), and little ballet flats (preferably patterened).

This second look is ideal for a day you're having a lot of tests. It is extremely comfortable and effortless, like you just rolled out of bed (stylishly, of course!)

Here's a beautiful long sweater with a neutral little cami underneath. The sweater is amazing because it's gorgeous but it's also a portable, wearable blanket!



Some black skinny jeans by the new uber-hip brand Nfy will give the look some polish.



And little velvet black ballet flats to complete the look! Black ballet flats can always make something look instantly chic!



To sum up this look: A little cami and long gorgeous sweater, chic black ballet flats, and black skinny jeans.

I love wearing dresses to school because they take little effort (just have to slip them on), and are a huge change from the basic jeans.

Here's a cute American Apparel white dress!, and make sure to wear it with brown leggings!



I'm obsessed with this chocolate leather bomber jacket. Although it's a splurge at almost $700, it's a wardrobe staple so it's definitely worth it.



And finally, brown boots.



And on an ending note, two adorable, adorable dresses!!!



The one below is a Marc Jacobs dress which is so cute - i love how it's a smock and it is a great raspberry color!



Now I'm off to make my own outfit for school! I have a test tomorrow, so I'm definitely thinking something twoards outfit #2! I hope I've made your lives a little easier!

Stay Chic!,

Chic in the City <3

Christmakah!

I've already made a winter wishlist, but there are many more adorable things that I feel as if I just need to have - and since I get presents on Hanukkah and Christmas, there will be plenty of time for presents!

I adore Audrey Hepburn. This book called, "Audrey Hepburn Treasures" has copies/remakes of letters she recieved, photos, birth certificates - that you can literally take out of the book.



I also love dark red nail polish. It always looks timeless and chic, and just a little bit edgy. Chanel's nail varnish manages to stay on for 2 weeks with no chips!



I just adore this little Chloe tote. The metallic/rough silver is such a versatile color.



There are going to be a ton of winter/new years parties this year, and what better to spread cheer with adorable, bright Marc Jacobs patent leather pumps? I love the little pink bow!



This Diane von Furstenberg top is also a great party-piece because it can easily be worn with jeans and little black ballet flats or even a little velvet skirt.



I'm always a last minute kind of gal - brushing hair while walking out the door, putting shoes on in the elevator... This Bobbi Brown shimmer brick and lip kit will allow me to put on all my makeup in the taxi - and since it's such a subtle, gorgeous glow there won't be any mess-ups!



I adore the store Scoop in NYC, however, you can also purchase their chic items on netaporter.com. These cute little tweed ballet flats will be perfect for a long day at school, and I'm sure this metallic belt would look amazing over an oversized sweater.



and



I just can't get over how chic this Miu Miu jersey dress is. Navy blue is my favorite color, and I adore scoop necks - how could this dress get any better?



And finally, a new pair of jeans. Earnest sewn jeans are soo comfortable and the washes are amazing - so deep and fresh. I love this take on the cigarette pant.



It looks like I'll have to suck-up to my parents a lot more than I thought...

Stay Chic!,

Chic in the City <3