My New Project: Style Inspiration From Movie Characters

This idea has undoubtedly been done before, but I just wanted to take my own try at it.  Last month, I started making Instagram posts on style comparisons I've done with movie characters.  Granted, I've only done two posts so far, but I'm super picky about what I put up on my Instagram.  I've already got quite a few ideas though, a majority of them being inspiration from Katniss Everdeen.  In fact, she was my first style comparison post:

Okay, it was also an excuse to show off my jumpsuit that I had just purchased.  But still cool, huh?

It was after this post that I realized I could do a lot more with this idea.  I was still in a pickle though… I had no idea who to choose from.  It was only a few days later, when my sister gave me her old black knit dress that she had outgrown, that it occurred to me: the one and only Wednesday Addams.

It was just too good to pass up.

I am now keeping a list of movie characters for style inspiration posts.  Not gonna lie, I'm pretty excited about it.  New ideas include Morticia Addams, Trinity, Vesper Lynd, and so on (I already mentioned more Katniss, right?).  

I apologize for this being a shorter blog post than usual, but I just am excited to share the idea with my readers.  So yeah, stay tuned for more character inspiration on my Instagram (oh, and don't worry… there will be another blog update on it as well).

Maddy Thiers

The Beauty of Menswear

I'm just gonna splurt it out right now… I love menswear.  Seriously, whenever I look at a picture or blog post of something menswear related, I can't help but think, "Fashion shouldn't look this good."

And yet, it does.

I grew up mainly focusing on womenswear instead of men's fashion.  In fact, I didn't even think there was anything fashion related with the male gender at all (I blame my three brothers).  As I got older, however, I started to notice the beautiful clean, tailored lines of menswear, as well as the simple, yet profound statement it made.  And now, I just can't get enough of it.  It's just so beautiful when it's done right.

For instance:

This man pictured above is Adam Gallagher, who is also known by his blog/Instagram/Tumblr name iamgalla.  To many, he is also an idol in the world of menswear fashion.

How?  Just how can one look this good?

You have to admire how clean and simple the whole look is though.  It just proves that one does not have to go over the top for fashion; instead, a blazer, collared shirt, and pants can work wonders instead.  

Just one more picture of Adam, and then I can move on…

Ugh, my God, too perfect.

Anywho, you may have noticed that in the past few decades, menswear has become such a huge deal that several women have adopted the look as well.  Every time a woman struts the red carpet in a suit, the media can't help but be transfixed by the look.  For example, you've got Janelle Monae…

As well as the queen of pop, Madonna…

And finally, Ashley Olsen.

Now I know I talked about simplicity last week in my post about minimalism, but menswear delivers a huge form of simplicity on its own as well.  It's just something that no one, man or woman, can go wrong with.  That's why it's so common to grab a blazer when you don't know what else to wear with your jeans.  That's why many people make a big deal out of a white collared shirt.  Menswear is just the shining beacon of perfection that is so undermined, yet people can't help but be fascinated by it.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find a nice shirt to go with my white blazer.  

Maddy Thiers

We All Have Those Minimalist Days

If I had to describe my style, I would say that it's eclectic chic.  I fall very easily for many looks and styles, and whenever I see a look that I particularly love, I go through my hand-me-downs and thrift items to find an outfit that is similar to the look, but still me.  Whenever I have lazy days, I find myself falling back on a minimalist style: neutrals, basics, whatever I can find that's comfy yet chic.  Maybe it's the French side of me... who knows?  However, I can't help but feel like I'm not alone in this situation.

The minimalist style is particularly known for being effortless and comfy, yet quite fabulous.  Seen mainly on French girls and the Olsen twins, the minimalist look is thought to be reserved for women who are content on living a fabulous lifestyle but are too busy with… say, being the CEO of their very own lifestyle website.  And no one can deny that after the public got the chance to feast their eyes on minimalist fashionistas, the look became one of the most sought-after looks in the fashion world.

So how exactly do you nail the minimalist look?  Well, the key is to look for basic pieces that are definitely comfy, but when styled together, give off an effortless chic look.
For instance…

Simple and works every time.  I wore this ensemble out and about in Chicago the other day when I met up with my twin brother at Millennium Park.  My little secret?  Hand-me-downs from your older siblings can come in handy more than you think.

Seriously, whenever I wake up and don't know what to wear, I just go the je ne sais quoi route and grab basics.  When styled together the right way, they never fail.  Also, if you want to add a little touch of awesomeness to your minimalist outfit, feel free to throw in an unexpected item.  That's why I threw in the scarf as a belt around my denim shorts.  Unexpected, but undoubtedly cool.

And we can always take a leaf out of the Olsen twins' book.  Just look at some of these awesome minimalist ensembles…

Say what you will, but they're just too freakin' cool.

I guess the reason why I decided to write this particular post is because it is important for every fashionista to know that sometimes the best way to put together a great outfit is to not try so hard.  Minimalist fashion is great for that because its main focus is to barely try at all when it comes to putting together a great outfit.  However, no matter what your style is, it's okay if you can't find a great garment to pair your salmon colored jacket with.  It's okay if you're running out of outfits to wear that cool necklace with.  If you're stuck on something, it's fine!  Don't stress yourself out with your own sense of style.  After all, fashion is supposed to be fun.  

So have a blast with whatever you love wearing.  Whether you're all about 80s glam and big hair, or about throwing on a basic tee with shorts and a cardigan, it's good to know that we all have those basics that we can fall back on wearing during our lazy days.  I mean, yesterday I was wearing a jumpsuit!  Now, I'm in all neutrals, and I've never been comfier.  Over and out.

I could really go for another bag of M&Ms right now…

Maddy Thiers

You Can Stand Under My Umbrella

As a fashion blogger wandering the streets of Chicago, I can get very uneasy about the weather.  I bet that a lot of people walking around me think the same thing, even though they don't show it.  Nah, instead, you can usually see the sidewalks of Chicago prowling with very street-smart and stylish beings, whether they're jogging with their Great Dane in their Nike getup, or if they just got out of a busy day in the office with a crisp button up and patterned suit.

Oh, and let's not forget about the hipsters.

You see, after being in Chicago for quite some time, I have discovered another street-style staple that I simply cannot live without.  Every morning I get up to go to Wicker Park for work, I always make sure to snatch this item on the way, mainly in case of rain.  If you haven't figured out what I'm talking about already, I happen to be talking about an umbrella.

That's right.  You read correctly.  If you are intent on judging me, well, go right on ahead.  All I can say is that because Chicago is very bipolar with the weather, I always find it comforting to be prepared.  And not gonna lie, it's been raining in the Windy City almost every day this summer.

I happened to take a nice selfie with my umbrella the other day as well…

Isn't she lovely?  I still need to figure out a good name for her.  I got her at Target my freshman year of college.

I doubt that carrying an umbrella around with me every day will catch on with the other stylish Chicago folk.  In fact, I get a lot of weird looks on the street, and even questions.  I cannot tell you the amount of times a person has rushed up to me asking me, "Is it supposed to rain today?" worriedly, or a taxi driver asking me what the deal was with my umbrella taking up a majority of the backseat. "It's beautiful weather! Why worry?" they would exclaim.

Um, sir.  I appreciate the concern, I just like being prepared.  That's all.

Well if you happen to be like me (wanting to be stylish, yet prepared that is), I recommend going to consignment stores for a stylish umbrella.  If you don't happen to be near one, that's okay! Just go to Target.  As far I'm concerned, they haven't let me down in the umbrella department.

Anywho, it never hurts to bring along a trustworthy umbrella.  They're more like a good buddy if anything else: they're always there to keep you dry (take that whatever way you want).  So don't be afraid to open it up and start singing in the rain… or sunshine.  Over and out.

Maddy Thiers