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

Fall Essentials For All Styles

Fall is the beginning of cozy sweaters, boots and those favorite jeans. There's a lot trending this fall: ponchos, wide legged trousers and big coats are just a few. But are they essentials for the season or just a trend? Not everyone can keep up with the latest fashions or even afford it. So I have compiled into one outfits the three things I think everyone, no matter the fashion interest, should have for this fall. Of course I wore it my own bold, edgy and confident way, but these pieces are so basic and versatile that they can accommodate any personal style.
The essentials for this fall are: big flannels, boyfriend jeans, combat boots and a dark lipstick. Two being classic items and one being the staple of the season.
Big flannels are an essential because they are cozy, colorful and easy to style. They can be worn unbuttoned, buttoned, tied around the waist or any creative way you can come up with. Any pattern of plaid is easy to style. Find one that fits your color palette and usual style.
Boyfriend jeans made their way into stores this past spring and faded into the summer. With a surprise come back these baggy, denim pants are everywhere. They are comfortable, loose and stylish in so many ways. You can style boyfriend jeans in literally ANY way. I do suggest being careful when purchasing a pair. Try them on! They are a completely different fit, your normal jean size might not the same in a looser fit. Also if your aren't overly adventurous with your style go for a regular pair as opposed to destroyed ones. Or if you want want options you can purchase both styles. Boyfriend jeans are definitely the hot item for this season.
Combat boots have been on trend for about fives years now, changes and molded into different kinds. They are a shoes we wear constantly and probably have in a few different neutral colors. We go through pairs until they are destroyed and get the next pair to continue the cycle. Combat boots go with anything as well. Jeans, legging, even sweatpants can go with them. The neutral colors allow them to be worn with a variety of colors, patterns and textures. If you don't have combat boots, consider investing in a good pair because they will become a favorite.
A dark lipstick really adds some contrast to your look. It's sultry, a little sexy and bold. A popular one is Train Bleu by Nars. I'm wearing Homegirl by Kat Von D, which is a similar color to Nars, but a couple dollars cheaper. This deep red, maroon color goes with a fall color palette and heads right into winter.
These are my fall 2014 essentials! Try them out and you can share them with me. Here's my look with all the basics.

- Mik
Photography: Megan Madden

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

Because it's Thursday

It's my day off from working that Hollister stock room. And because of that I dressed in this fashion. i.e this is me being lazy for the day. I woke up at 1:30, showered at 3, because I missed teen mom last night and SYTYCD, and here we are today!

The point of this post is not to tell you how lazy I am or how to dress when you're lazy. But because it's Thursday and my day off what else to do but post? I'm just hoping to inspire some pretty sweet lazy day off outfits. I think of my days off as a time to play with outfits and beauty. It gives me time to experiment with my style. I think it's a great use of a day off if you have nothing else planned. All passions need practice, including fashion!
 I'm all about being cool and comfortable. Cool because what if I have to leave the house for some reason? Gotta be ready. Comfortable because honestly we all know I'm not going anywhere (HA). 

This inspired a fun idea though! On your day off take a picture of your day off outfit , Instagram it and tag me mikmadigan and hashtag #cool&comfy! 

Mine is a brandy Melville moon crop top, pacsun flannel and H&M palazzo pants! 

Hope you try it and have fun! 

- mik