Fashionista FAIL: Twinsies

I really didn't think I needed to address this, but I saw something recently and felt I should mention it- for every one's sake. You love your friends dearly, they love the same stores you do and you both have similar style- totally understandable and acceptable. What is NOT acceptable is wearing the EXACT same anything as them at the same time. Jeans is about the only thing you can get away with- as long as they don't have anything that makes them stand out- like the R's on Rock and Republic Jeans, distresses, or bright colour washes. So if you're going to wear the same jeans at the same time- make sure they are BASIC. Moving on, it's easy to own the same top- could have been on sale, you both love it...whatever. But what you should CALL as strictly YOUR own are coats. Let's face it, most people aren't going to switch from their fav winter coat to one from 2 seasons ago because their friend, who owns the EXACT SAME one wants to wear it. We are not talking tops here- no one makes those kind of sacrifices when it comes to outerwear- mainly because the selection just isn't available in the closet. So just a tip to those who think it's 'not that bad' to wear the same coat or anything..just find something else to buy and save the public embarrassment. It just doesn't look as cute as you think.

Stay Chic,

xoxo
Nixy K*

Fashionista FAIL: The TACKsuit

With the popularity of Lululemon, the tracksuit has made an unfortunate comeback as an outfit replacement. I thought it ended with the velour Juicy Couture suits but to my horror- it didn't. Unless you are ACTUALLY working out or doing Yoga, there is no excuse to wear a tracksuit. I don't know who's idea it was to start wearing them casually, but FAIL should be written all over them. Aside from the poncho- tracksuits has got to be in the top 3 worst 'trend-fads' of all time. Save it for the gym or the old folks home because it's not doing anything for you wearing it casually in public. Although if you are going to invest in either (for workout purposes only)- go with the lululemons because no one wants to see your ass as a billboard by having 'JUICY' all over it-let alone having it draped in velour. Tacky.

Stay Chic,

xoxo

Nixy K*

Chic Tip: A Lady's Man

One of the current looks that has been trendy for a while but has now started to seep to the greater public is the Men's Wear look. I love it because its powerful but super sexy. Try it with a pair of skinny dress pants, a Victorian style ruffle blouse and a fitted blazer. Don't forget the either Love 'em or Hate 'em, two-tone Oxford heels that just add that feminine but ultra-chic touch. As for accessories, keep it simple if the rest of the outfit is loud. Another alternative for the Victorian style blouse is a low cut V-neck top- in which case you can pump up the jewelry and wear the new stacked linked chain necklaces.

Stay Chic,

xoxo
Nixy K*

Fashionista FAIL: Le Faux Trois

Le Faux Trois- a.k.a 'The Fake Three' consist of these fake beauty 'additions': nails, eyelashes and hair extensions. A true fashionista works with what she's got and doesn't need cheap looking add-ons. Just to be clear- these things ALONE for SELECT occasions are fine. Here are the few exceptions..

Fake Eyelashes:
- Halloween/Costume event
- You have VERY VERY short eyelashes (in this case get ones that look natural..don't use Christina as an example)

Hair Extensions:
- You absolutely HATE your short hair
- Special occasion (wedding, party etc.- Clubs not included)
- To add a different colour highlight instead of frying your hair- be sure not to get those uber tacky bright colours. Think neutral, natural tones.

Fake Nails:
- No excuse. Just stop biting your nails. There are plenty of solutions to this: take more calcium, use anti-biting nail polish, use a nail strengthener. I don't care how much you spend on getting your fake nails done- the final product will never ever look natural- they are always half a cm above your natural nail and are disgustingly thick. No one is being fooled. Besides, now is the era of the short dark nails..so embrace them and stop spending your money on awful looking acrylic and gel overlay.

Stay Chic,

xoxo
Nixy K*

Chic Tip: French It

A true fashionista should never make it obvious the fact that she pre-concieved her outfit before going out the door. You should look like you were born with an incredible fashion sense and you don't know why you look this good because you just 'threw it on' last minute. This is what I call 'Frenching It'. It's the French way of living- always looking chic but never too-over done and pre-concieved. Unless you're attending some special event- never go too far by having an uber-trendy outfit and super done-up hair. If you want curls- don't use the curing iron or rollers- just twist you hair in a bun and spray wave maker then take it out before arriving to desination. Straightening your hair is fine, but flip it a couple times to make it NOT look like you obsessed about having your hair poker-stright like most girls do. If you're one of those girls that likes having your hair up- do a pony tail or a simple bun.
Guideline: If it takes more than 3 bobby pins- you've gone too far.

Stay Chic,

xoxo
Nixy K*

Fashionista FAIL: Shoulder Ghetto Bling

Designer bags are fantastic, we all know. But one of the responsibilities of owning one- real or fake is to dress the part. Let's be honest, whether you spend the $2000 for a real Louis Vuitton or just $60 for a faux one- most people can't tell the difference, it's sad- I know but that's the society we live. So whether you have the real or faux- DRESS like you have the money! Don't wear your campus college sweater while holding your designer bag- it just looks tacky. And whatever you do- DO NOT wear them with your track pants or bummy clothes you'll look like Britany Spears circa 'her breakdown' phase. And nobody wants that.

Another trend I have been noticing that's been making me ill as a fashionista, is the 'Ghetto' a.k.a Guess purses. I get the whole 'affordable designer' label but seriously, does anyone else notice the amount of hardware and bedazzled crap that gets thrown on that over-done croc pattern along with their over-sized tacky logo? Take the money you would normally spend on those things most girls call their 'purse' and spend it on an actual one. Think: leather, classic colours, over-sized but structured and don't even think about buying those stupid looking mini handbags in that banana shape that some girls feel the need to wedge on their shoulders and under their armpits. Leave those to the tweens..

Stay Chic,

xoxo
Nixy K*

Fashionista FAIL: Ugly UNDER-Uggs

You spent your $200 back when every celeb was sporting them and now Paris Hilton herself wouldn't be caught dead in them. For most of us- $200 isn't exactly pocket change and you don't want to feel like you wasted your money..so you've still been wearing your Uggs; post-trend season for the past two years..but to hide this you've decided to wear them UNDER your pant legs. Sorry to tell you, but..you're not exactly fooling anyone. They're the most obtrusive thing you could try to hide. Either tuck them in or find a better way to wear them.

Rules for wearing Uggs post-trend season:
1. Only wear in the winter
2. Only tuck them in- NEVER, ever have them under pant-legs
3. Try the cute layered look with them: tights, sweater dress and Tee with a fab scarf. This can also be successful with a short skirt, tights and a Tee (or nice sweater) and of course..a scarf ;)
Good Luck!

Stay Chic,

xoxo
Nixy K*

Chic Tip: The Pretty-Edgy Look

I personally LOVE the fab look I like to call 'The Pretty-Edgy". It's a mix of the pretty-girl fashionista- with the trendy outfit and accessories but with a touch of the edgy-girl feel.
A good outfit example of this is a pair of skinny pants topped with a long top (or dress) with a cropped leather jacket and 'badass' boots (preferably leather and just below the knee).

Remember: Dress trendy and ad rocker details like a leather jacket, boots and a funky pyramid bracelet (or big metal cuff) with a statement sized ring and fun earrings (wear to your discretion- make sure the earrings are not too loud compared to the rest of the outfit).

Stay Chic,

xoxo
Nixy K*

Fashionista FAIL: Debbie DOWNer

Winter is coming soon and the coats are starting to come out- the down coats & vests unfortunately...
Look, we all don't want to freeze to death in the name of fashion but there are better alternatives. Let's face it- you could have the body of a Victoria's Secret Angel and a down anything still won't look flattering or fashionable for that matter. Just to be clear, vests in general are fab but anything feather-filled in a quilted stitch... just stay away from all together. It's for the best. May I suggest a pea-coat instead?...and as for the warmth factor: trendy layers with a chic long sweater underneath and a great scarf to finish the look.

Stay Chic,

xoxo
Nixy K*

Chic Tip: The Disappearing Act of Hair Elastics AND The Comback of Feathers

Ponytails and simple up-dos are a chic way to get those gorgeous locks out of your face. When wearing a ponytail hide those bland and tacky hair elastics with a much sleeker alternative: your own hair. It's so simple- after putting your hair up and tying the elastic in, take a small piece of hair (about the width of your finger) from the bottom of your ponytail and begin wrapping it around the hair elastic until it is undetectable (preferably ending it closer to the bottom) then keep it in place with a bobby pin. Voila!

Another nice touch with up dos, that don't normally require hair elastics, are chic and funky hair accessories. One of my fav hair trends right now are the use of feathers. Loving the peacock and wispy feather accessories that have been starting to pop up in magazines and stores. But use wisely, make sure the accessory is a reasonable size- you never want your hair accessory to take away from you so don't over do it.

Stay Chic,

xoxo
Nixy K*

Fashionista FAIL: Track Pants + Blazer

Whether they are lululemons or just plain generic track pants, wearing them with blazer is a très très grand fashion faux-pas. I get that you want to look a little dressed up while wanting comfort, but just don't- it looks lazy and sloppy. Blazers are meant to be worn the classic way with dress pants or skirts OR may I suggest a pair of jeans next time- a much trendier fresh look with the comfyness added. As for the lululemons, wear them with a funky t-shirt and a scarf..and don't even think about the matching sweatsuit ensemble- unless your Madonna of course.

Stay Chic,

xoxo
Nixy K*

Welcome!

Hello My Chic Fashionistas!

Whether you're already a well established fashion follower or are just starting and need a little help- this is your go-to place for all your fashion obsessions, tips and fails of the current fashion world. I'll be looking at the well known fashionistas of the world and those who...let's just say 'lost their way' off the catwalk. In the meantime..

Stay Chic,

XOXO
Nixy K*