When You Have Ten Minutes. And That's It

Even us fashionistas have mornings when you just can't. For me that's generally every morning. I usually plan what I'm wearing for posts ahead of time. For today's post I decided to show what I usually wear when I'm not thinking about it. Let's face it, everyone has that kind of morning. Like I said, most likely every day. As students we don't have that time to try hard on our looks and any extra time is for sleep. Sleep has become my favorite activity, which is ultimately sad. Some times we don't even have a choice but to fall asleep or nothing gets done. So today I'm sharing my 10 minute look!

I usually grab all black. It always matches and looks clean. It takes the "does this match" element out of dressing yourself. Here I have a black sweater and black jogger style, cotton pants. A simple black bootie take care of the shoe problem as well. Something flat and easy to slip on. If you only have a few minutes you don't want to delay yourself with heels, buckles and straps. I always throw on a blanket scarf. It's easy to throw on, keeps you warm and it's usually solid colored to plaid making it easy to match. I'd prefer to have a black one, which I haven't had time to find yet. I usually go to Zara for these because their's are perfect and about $25. If you catch it at the end of the winter season you can some times catch them on sale! This one is from Urban Outfitters, $15 on the 50% off sale weekend.

As for beauty, I think it's important to have a basic, go-to beauty routine. Just an easy look you can replicate. I do my foundation, fill my eyebrows, then I use a cream/white colored eye shadow to neutralize the lid skin tone, then I fill the left corner of the crease with a light gray up to mid-browbone. This just gives your eyes a little depth and shape. Then I finish off with mascara. I do this look everyday unless I'm feeling fancy or actually got my ass out of bed when my alarm went off. As hair, I have a hair cut that's not hard to style, it only can look one way. But some times I wake up and it's greasy, I should've washed it, couldn't shower because life happened, etc. I just pull it back and stick my cute, chic hat on. I tend to look like a dude when I do this, but one, I don't really have a choice and two, I don't care that much.

And that's the look! Do I look particularly good? Not really. But I look totally acceptable and I'm happy with it. That's all that matters. I hope this is helpful for your mornings!

- Mik
Photos: Shahnee Naftali

Girl Power!

On Tuesday October 7th I went to see the girl behind the oh so popular chorus to Iggy Azalea's "Fancy," Charli XCX. Her tickets were $30 and I wasn't about to pass that up, even though I went alone. The whole had this vibe on Girl Power ( Charli said it much more obscenely, but this blog if definitely PG13). I left the venue with this awesome feeling of empowerment, confidence and " heck yea!" attitude. Let me explain:

First up was Femme, I wasn't too into music so let's skip her. Next was Elphnt, this mysterious, Swedish solo artist that literally kicked butt. Singled handedly she got a crowd of people who have never heard her pumped up. She even walked on stage with a beer in her hand. Elphnt had this rapping, deep and kind of Jamacian voice that was really cool. Definitely check her out!
Charli then came out. Her theme was prom, so the room was filled with banners and balloons. This is where it get really girl power oriented. Her all girl band, Charli included, came out in black cheerleading uniforms with the title of her new album, "Sucker" across the front. The whole thing was very "Clueless" and 90's. Big barrettes, Baby Spice buns and thin braids set in your face. Along with some platforms and tennis shoes. As Charli performed she went nuts, I'm talking Miley Cyrus without all the props. She flashed the crowd, I saw her butt more then I needed to and she danced so hard, yet her tiara never moved an inch. I was at a 1990's prom with so crazy people!

Leaving the concert I had this scary amount of confidence, like I could be dangerous and awesome. Long story short here's my outfit featuring my Charli XCX "Sucker" concert tee, H&M joggers and Urban Outfitter's army jacket. I felt I could dress however, be bold and be confident. Charli's music isn't everyone, but I think her open and shear confidence is something everyone can take from her. It's okay to crazy, fun and bold. Everyone deserves to be a little bit of a bad ass.

If you're looking for a tune to go all 90's dance party to, try Chari XCX's new single London Queen!

- Mik
Photos by Megan Madden

Getting Kind of Grunge

It's been over a week since I have posted and I have to say, I missed it. It was a tough week! After taking a long weekend Upstate I mistakenly got behind on work and that included the blog. Getting behind for the first time in forever taught me one thing, NEVER DO IT. There will be stress, frustration, tears (it was bad), etc. I had probably four major projects due this week and I was no prepared for the overload. It led me to feel like getting a little grunge!

Let's be real, 90's grunge was an amazing time for fashion and a huge inspiration for me. While I'm an outgoing and happy person, the whole style just draws my attention. The mood of grunge certainly went with my mood the whole week. That's what fashion does; lets you express yourself.

I wore a "rock & roll" Urban Outfitters tee, Hollister maxi skirt with black tights underneath, my acid wash jacket and quilted Doc Martens. Beauty wise I added Kat Von D "Homegirl" lipstick. I felt the part for sure.

Take it from this weeks breakdown, get head so you don't explode your head. Even though some sweet fashion came out of it.

- Mik
Photos: Megan Madden

Lights: Little Machines

While I love sharing my fashion and outfit ideas, sharing my other personal favorites I hope will be just as inspiring! Today, September 23, 2014, is the release of LIGHTS' new album; Little Machines. LIGHTS is like an electro-pop, singer songwriter from Canada. And she's one of the realest human beings I think I've ever seen.  I'm admittedly obsessed with her, but I like to call it "dedicated."
She's been my favorites artist since I was fifteen. She's ultimately inspiring and a great model.  She reminds me everyday to enjoy life, learn from life and to be yourself. LIGHTS is proof that you can build a brand just based on who you are. Her music captures who she is and what she's feeling. I could go on about LIGHTS, but I'll let you listen for yourself.

Click here to listen to her single "Up We Go"

On Monday,  I chose to wear her most recent shirt she made for the announcement countdown of Little Machines. With one day until the album release I felt it was super appropriate! I personally own five LIGHTS tee shirts that I've acquired of the five years of my obsession.  I also incorporated other pieces that LIGHTS has in her style, my cargo jacket and brown combat boots.

Boots from Target
Jacket from Urban Outfitters

You can see more of her merch at iamlights.com
And check out her instagram: @lightsy

- Mik
Photography: Megan Madden

The Ultimate Kimono

This summer kimonos have been a huge trend. And frankly I hope they stick around. Kimonos are comfortable, fun and can customize any casual day look. But I find there is a trick to finding the perfect kimono. When things are trending we tend to buy a lot of that item during that period of time. For kimonos I own two, one was gift, the other I wanted to be the one perfect one that matched all my styles. I found this floral skull patterned kimono in an unlikely place, Hot Topic. In my angsty teenage years I shopped there a ton. I haven't purchased buy one get one 1/2 off band tees in a long time, but on a whim decided to go in. I LOVED EVERYTHING (my unexpected reaction). And this kimono was just the beginning of a Hot Topic store raid. Everything in stores was buy one get one half off and I can't wait to go back. They've really stepped up their game! 

I paired my kimono with an urban outfitters cropped tank and forever21 destroyed shorts. 

Lastly I took some inspiration from my favorite singer, LIGHTS, and wore my combat boots with my shorts. She rocks her boots like no one else. Check her out! New album out September 23rd and two new singles "Up We Go" and "Portal" out now! 

- mik 

Lucy Hale Collection at Hollister

We know Lucy Hale as one the famous liars, Aria, on Pretty Little Liars. When she isn’t trying to cover up Alison’s lies and protect herself from A, Lucy is working on brand new projects outside of acting. Our first glimpse of Lucy’s other talent we see in “Another Cinderella Story,” done by ABC Family, where she’s a secretly awesome singer.  Now Lucy has a country album, which was released on June 3rd of this year. Hale’s first on screen performance was on So You Think You Can Dance and she sang “Lie a Little Better.” Her hit single “You Sound Good to Me” is on the recent playlist at Hollister stores, which is the location of her latest project, a fashion collection!  Lucy Hale now has a collection and contract with Hollister Co. that will be in stores on August 8th. How do I know this now? Employee perks, that’s how! Part of those perks allowed me to purchase one of her pieces at 50% off, a maroon, rose patterned romper. While a few things in the collection caught my eye, I was drawn to the romper because it’s super comfy! The collection is totally country chic with lots of pinks and florals. All the fabrics are light weight and airy, perfect for a summer day!  Lucy wore the same romper to her performance at the Hollister House in California today, the same day I wore it too! She styled it with a simple brown belt, necklace and tan booties. I wore it simply on its own and also with a mint tunic because the house was a tad chilly. I also paired it with black flats, my go to summer shoe.  Check out Lucy Hale’s Hollister Co. collection online and in stores for back to school!

- Mik