BACK TO SCHOOL WITH 2DOTS

......YA CAN'T BUY CLASS!!!

It is that dreaded time of the year again folks, time to head back to the books. For some of us summer school has just ended & all summer jobs are coming to an end….. it got me thinking, why not go back to school in style ? Newstands , Ads and Magazine covers are loaded with images of trends and “perfect” looking models with clothes that don’t fit the budget of an average college student or styles that are just too risky to try. I mean, I don’t wanna go back to school looking like a zombie( all the girls on campus seem to shop at the same place every year !!) So this year, I wanted to try out something new..instead of just being part of the bunch, I think we should all try to invest in timeless pieces. Lets face it, no matter how much fashion evolves even with new architectural breakthroughs, there are always going to be those pieces that never go out of style.

1. Denim Jacket: A good fitting denim jacket is always in season, pair them up during spring with a maxi dress or throw it on a basic blouse/shirt during the fall season…depending on the weather, the denim jacket is always cool.

P.S – Do not Match it with denim bottom…denim on denim is not a good look!!!

2. TrenchCoat: … for those rainy and windy days.. a good trench will keep you warm and looking tasteful. It adds glam to whatever you wearing underneath …even if it is just a turtleneck with jeans (so long as it is not your birthday suit).

3. The button down dress shirt : Everyone should have one in their closet. You can play it up or down in many different ways . You could

a) Wear it with a pair of pants for the presentation/business look, or change it up with a good tailored pair of jeans and a nice blazer. That makes it more youthful and less “stiff”

b) Go feminine with the details such as ruffles, short collar, feminine colors, v neck sweater,

Cardigan.

c) Be casual and try it with boot cut or high waisted jeans or with a vest

d) Cinch and accentuate the waist line with a slim or wide belt.

e) Leave 2 or 3 holes from the top unbuttoned to create a softened and more pleasing look.

The list goes on and one but a quality chic dress shirt is a good investment for your pocket and a nice addition to your closet.

4. Cardigan: Besides the fact that Michelle Obama made them hot again, they come in handy most of the time. Making wearing camisoles and tanks more modest and classy. They come in different styles. …. from haute couture to the boho chic looking thigh grazing varieties.

5. Jeans: What more can I say about denim? cultural icon of cool in fashion. The trick is to find the right pair for your body type. Although they are timeless, they do have some washes that are more flattering than others …. Darker washes make you look slimmer and give you the sleek and tall look. Tattered jeans are more relaxed and give you the weekender kind of look and of course the skinny jeans for those days where you feel like turning the sidewalk into your own little runway!!

6. Leather Jacket: They are not just for motorcycle riders anymore neither do they all come in black in fact they are the IT thing this season on the runway and red carpet.. ….the perfect add on to a casual dress or to give an edge to a simple & plain outfit… best of all you don’t need to kill an animal to get your perfect fitting leather jacket!! Faux works just as well.

7. Blazer: An instant touch of sophistication especially when they come in the basic colors…

P.S they are going crazy with the cuts now with styles showing the Victorian era and the renaissance. that is cool for now remember we looking for timeless pieces.

8. Basic Tops (camis, tanks, blouses) : Look for tops that flatter your figure and come in earthy colors such as black, white, brown, grey .. these go with almost anything. You can also wear them underneath a cardigan, blazer or just on its own since it gives you enough space to accessorize it .

9. Pants/Skirts : Get them Tailored… not super tight or too loose. They are not just for job interviews or for the workplace anymore .depending on the type that you get ; either the skinny slim look or the high fashion wide leg they can go from boardroom to playroom to dinner dates.

10. LBD: yes I had to save the best for the last … The Little Black Dress is a versatile must have that completes every girl’s closet. For all those social functions that might pop up unexpectedly, the classic LBD will have you going from flab to fab in no time… It can be used as a canvas to show off some of your favorite accessories so next time duty calls, you’re covered!!