'Tis a Gift: Fashion I'm Thankful For

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Some things in the fashion world deserve extra appreciation.

Obviously, eternally thankful for “Gossip Girl” Thanksgiving episodes.  Photo credit: ELLE.

It’s almost Thanksgiving, folks. And mostly I’m excited because that means going home to see my family. And food. And taking time to be grateful for the things we often take for granted.

Let me state the obvious: I love fashion. I am so thankful that every day I can get up and get dressed in pieces that make me smile. I am so grateful for the freedom to wear what I want, and the endless possibilities and combos. I am grateful for cute stuff from Target and for high-end designer pieces. I am grateful for getting to wear them together. And I am grateful that I get to write about style for you guys every single week.

Basically, I have too many fashion faves to sing all their praises here. But I’ve picked seven of my favorite parts of the fashion world to gush about and give thanks for, just in time for Turkey Day.

1. Net-A-Porter, Polyvore, and the internet at large

Our generation cannot even imagine fashion pre-internet. I actually can’t imagine being obsessed with anything pre-internet, for that matter.  

Where would be the outlet for my love?  Just as it would be totally different to be a Harry Potter fan without being able to look at Tumblr posts or watch trailers, I can’t imagine being a fashion fan without being able to make outfits on Polyvore, imagine my fantasty wardrobe on Net-A-Porter, or get hella inspired on Man Repeller, Refinery 29, or, of course, College Fashion.  

And then, obviously, there’s online shopping. How would I have found the perfect pink pumps without ShopStyle? How would I procrastinate without all my favorite brands being shop-able with the click of a button? (Judge away, but I’m not ashamed that when I type “k” into my search bar it goes straight to Kate Spade.) I can’t answer these questions. And thankfully, I don’t have to.

2. Combat boots

Boots: Shoebuy.

It was hard to pick a wardrobe item to feature in this post, but I wanted to pick one I haven’t devoted a CF post to in the past. (I haven’t forgotten you, BF jeans and fit-and-flare-dresses!)

I love my combat boots. They’re as comfortable as they are stylish, and they go with everything from dresses to skirts to jeans. A girly dress paired with these cozy kicks is one of my signature looks, and I know I can count on my combat boots to be practical for any adventure, from a road trip to a day volunteering to a night out.

3. Magazines

Yes, I love the internet, and reading online mags like CF. But I will never stop loving the feel of a physical, ink-and-paper magazine. Seeing chic clothes, smart articles, and strong women on glossy pages gives me serious feels, and is what got me into the fashion writing biz in the first place. I still remember starting to read InStyle when I was 10, and how my love of fashion developed from there.  

As much time as I spend on the web, I never want to give up experiencing fashion media the old fashioned way.

4. Blake Lively

Photo credit: ELLE.

Just like I had trouble picking one wardrobe item to feature on this list, I had trouble selecting just one celeb style icon to give thanks for here. I know Blake is exactly what you expect a Hollywood starlet to look like, and I want to make sure I emphasize how thankful I am for the diversity we’ve seen this year with style stars like Leslie Jones, Danielle Brooks, and Melissa McCarthy. But I wanted to feature Blake here because I will always love that she does all her styling herself, unlike so many celebs.  

I am thankful for confident women who have fun and take bold risks with fashion (even when they’re pregnant). I’m thankful for seeing bold prints and statement accessories rule the red carpet, instead of just LBDs. I’m thankful for the eye candy and inspiration of all of Blake’s outfits, and I’m thankful that, based on her Instagram, she seems like an equally-stylish-yet-much-funnier-and-kinder Serena Van der Woodsen. 

5. Red lipstick

Right before I started college, my fashion icon great aunt — who was a Coca Cola model, once personal shopped for Oprah, and once told Michael Kors to listen to his mother — passed away. Before her memorial service, one of my aunts gave everyone a tube of lipstick because my Aunt Florence knew that lipstick made everything better. The shade I got that day is still my go-to hue, and that’s how I started wearing lipstick.

I don’t do a bold lip every day, but when I do, it puts an extra spring in my step. I love how a bright lip color makes my eyes pop and draws attention to my face and smile. I like hot pink, purple, and berry, but red lipstick will always be number one. It’s an outfit-maker and a day-maker.

6. Stella McCartney

Photo credit: ELLE.

Sending praise hands emojis to all designers who care about ethical, sustainable fashion. I’ve talked about the ins-and-outs of animal-friendly, vegetarian shopping before, and Stella is the queen of animal rights in fashion. You won’t find a stitch of leather or fur in her collections, and she’s very eco-conscious overall. Her clothes and accessories may be well beyond most of our typical budgets, but we can still be glad she exists. 

My black Stella McCartney Falabella bag that was a high school graduation gift is one of my most prized fashion possessions, and basically an extension of my body. I’d estimate that I have it with me about 75% of my life, and I’m so thankful for it.

7. A shopping buddy

Finally, being in college and going on shopping trips alone has made me realize that, although I usually love my alone time, shopping is something that’s way more fun with a friend.  

I’m so thankful for my girlfriends who are game for a Forever 21 trip whenever we’re home for break, and most of all, I’m thankful for my mom, my number one shopping partner. No one knows my style, my habits, or can match my high shopping stamina better than her.

What do you think?

What fashion faves or phenomena are you thankful for? How will you be celebrating Thanksgiving this year? And, more importantly, what will you be wearing? Let me know in the comments!

Source: #Fashionblogger #fashiontrends



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