T-T-Tia

In efforts to expand my following I've unofficially contracted my first muse (Brandie) as a street style freelance interviewer. Here's her first write-up.

Tia Ballinger

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Age: 19

Major: Communications

How would you describe your personal style?

"I would say that my style is edgy, but classy, but laid back (Tia says with a chuckle)"

What is your favorite outfit, or should I say, the outfit you feel most confident/comfortable in?

"On the weekends, sometimes during the week when it is time for a girl's night out on the town! I love when the time comes to kick off the flats, throw on a pair of heels, and slip into something snazzy!" I have this comical expression on my face as if I wanted to say, "Right on Tia!" She was making me excited

What is your favorite TV show?

"The Game, Fresh Prince, and The Hills." Lauren and Heidi's wardrobes are definitely something I would consider holding hostage. Just joking?

Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

"Bebe, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, and H&M."

Where do you get your inspiration and how do you keep up with the latest trends?

"Mostly magazines. The internet is also another source, which features and keeps me posted on all the new trends. As far as inspiration, most of the time I just put my imagination to work. I love coming up with my own stuff!"

What is one classic piece you think will never go out of style?

"Different prints" like the leopard print cardigan she is rocking today! I agree, leopard print is always in style (if used in moderation). Add a print to your outfit with small touches like leopard flats, a scarf or if you're brave try the fur coat! (Which is super hot this season. I've already got mine!)

What do you look forward to for Fall/Winter 2009?

"This Louis Vuitton bag I saw on "The Hills"! It is definitely on my Christmas List, so cross your fingers. Hopefully it does not have to make my birthday list, which is all the way in March!" Let's cross our fingers for the uniting of Tia and her dream bag. F-a-b-u-l-o-u-s!

mind control

Hey you! Yes, You! Look to the left of your screen. Now scroll down!

I've added three new blogs which I think are "follow" worthy. Check them out, each is unique and inspirational in their own way.

The "Sea of Shoes" blog is specifically noteworthy. The owner started off by blogging about her love/obsession with shoes. Now she is co-designing a shoe line for Urban Outfitters!

WHAT????!!!

Crazy right.

Dead serious.

Take a look at her blog.

http://seaofshoes.typepad.com/

I know I ought to be paying attention in class but I'm far to excited. We're watching Samuel Beckett's "Endgame" in my theater class, and the whole second act I've been window shopping at my new favorite site modcloth.com. (thanks Caitlin). They have a really cool feature which you can be the buyer and chose what clothes they should sell! Needless to say I've been clicking away for the past hour. Here are some of my favorite items for sale from Modcloth.com

I can't wait for my new camera to come in. I paid $30 for rush shipping so hopefully it will be here by Halloween. It has a dual LCD screen which will allow me to post more photos of my outfits. I bought the camera on eBay for $280, and in store it averages $330!

adventures

Had a really good time exploring VA with my mom this past weekend. I was in the mood for antique shopping so we headed to Historic Fredricksburg which is near the heart of Mary Washington University. Please disregard the crappy photography. My camera is at its wits end.

During our adventure I stumbled upon this unexpected treasure in an antique store. I've been looking for a leather bookbag for sometime now. I wanted a bag which would last forever, and I've found it!

Its a vintage all weather leather Dooney and Bourke back pack! Beautiful tan leather, deep pockets and brass attachments. Only $85! This is a $200+ bag!!!

Needless to say I'm very Happy. I wore it to classes this morning for the first time and got several positive comments!

Mom modeling a real raccoon skin hat.

Me working a vintage (1960s) mod cap. To bad it was to small, it was really cute.

Heaven on earth. Vintage shopping cellar.

Funny painting.

I love how this painting is displayed.

A purse made out of a book!

Going to try and create one of these for the spring Fashion show. I need to find an Alice in Wonderland book.

plaid

Wore this outfit on Tuesday, and got a ton of unexpected compliments. I bought this colorful plaid shirt for only $12 at H&M. I'm a t-shirt and jeans girl at heart. I love being comfortable, but one shouldn't sacrifice fashion for comfort. So I paired my new color block tee with my favorite cardigan. (Which is from UO, but I got at Plato's closet) This fall is all about combining textures like tweeds, knits and cottons to create depth. Charcoal skinny jeans, black pointed flats and a long costume jewelry necklace complete the outfit. (Necklace is also from H&M)

Brandie Taylor

Street Beat ODU

Full Name: Brandie Taylor

Nick Name: Beanie

Major: human services

From: Capron (aka the country) VA

When I first met Brandie Taylor I knew that this girl had style. Instead of the usual drab moving in boxes, Brandie had zebra print suitcases. I know I have several subscribers to my blog, but Brandie was the first to make a comment about any of my blogging. So I decided to use her as my guinea pig for the new street style section of Frockstar Threads. Here's what she has to say:

Where's your nick name Beanie come from?

"Well I wear beanies all the time. In fact I have this Jamaican beanie...well its kind of random...I guess I should just say that my brothers girl friend gave it to me."

How would you describe your style?

"I like clothes that are, what's the word? Interchangeable." (If I had to describe her look it would be eclectic) "Clothing and accessories should be versatile. The necklace I'm wearing today actually a belt!" (She has on a beautiful copper chain belt/necklace with large flower like metal faces.)

Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

"Thrift stores." (I have to make a thrifting date with her and my other thrift store lovers...Alyssa) "H & M" and every girls favorite "Forever-21."

How do you stay on top of the latest trends?

Brandie is hesitant to answer. Its a hard question. I don't think I could name just one thing. I'm inspired by magazines, music, and even just walking outside on a cool fall day. I try and give her examples like movies, blogs, TV. She laughs.

"I watch golden girls a lot."

"Golden girls? Really?" I reply. (I've never scene an episode, but I get the gist of it)

"It inspires the more vintage and antique-ish (made up word) part of my style."

In your opinion what is a classic piece that will never go out of style?

"The little black dress. Black clothes in general."

I certainly agree with her black is always chic. I love pairing black leggings with a black turtle neck for the ever classic Audrey in Funny Face look.

What is the one thing you can wait to wear this fall?

"A leather jacket, and I would love the new red Louie Vuitton bag. "

Have any trends caught your eye lately?

"The jean shorts with tights trend that you mentioned in your blog. I also love the look of cotton turtle neck dresses and peep-toe-boots!"

A look I love

A look that I'm loving right now is pairing denim shorts over black leggings. I'm going test the look out for myself and see if it transcends to all body types, but for now my hopes are high for this trend.

I also love that most of the outfits I've seen are pulled together with neutral tops and brown ankle boots.

Circle scarf!!!!!

Lily Allen looks fabulous with her sleek black hair and bombshell bangs. She rocks the jeans and tights look and makes her legs look endless by pulling her outfit together with black patent heals.

For the very brave I encourage embracing the patterned tight trend. Keeping colors muted keeps you from standing out in the wrong ways.

For a grunge look pair your tights with some trendy doc marten boots and a boyfriend sweater.

Some inspiring folks

Fashion Association

plans for the future

Here's what I've got in store for the future of Frockstar Threads:

1. I am going to tear my room apart to find my camera for this afternoon. The plan is to take pictures of local style icons. (Random people on the street that dress well or uniquely) It's going to be my first attempt at real journalism. Since I'll be interviewing people and taking their photos.

2.I need to get business cards made so I can give them to people who ask about my blog and business. Personally I think Frockstar is easy to remember, but have a business card to hand out would relieve some of the stress of trying to explain it to people. (Plus they'd make me seem extremely official and important)

3. Music Mondays. I'm borrowing this idea from another blog. I love music so much, and I really love sharing music. There are so many bands in this great big world that just need mainstream exposer. So every Monday I'll introduce and new song or band which I believe deserves recognition.

4. Stock up on my thrift store merchandise and restart my eBay store. I got sick of storing items that hadn't sold on EBay so I broke down and sold them at Plato's closet for a huge loss in profits. My new plan is to only buy things that really truly will sell. I'm so sick of people bidding on my items and then not paying! It's happened three times now.

5. Find a fabric store new ODU. I would rather it be a large chain store, because the prices are often cheaper then the mom and pop ones. (Isn't that terrible...I should be supporting local business.... But they charge so much more!) I've had a couple requests for the smaller circle scarves in patterned fabrics.

6. Begin taking pictures of myself. (Not in a narcastitic manner) Taking pictures of my outfits. I have to adopt a photographer friend who'd be willing to take pictures of me most everyday. It seems like all the fashion bloggers' have amazing photography skills and photographer friends. Where are all of mine??!? (Oh, they live in Richmond...that's right)

where the wild things are.

I'm very excited for the movie Where the Wild Things Are. I spoke to my mother this weekend about it. Apparently I wasn't to enamored by the book as a child. But, as am older and far more wiser, I now truly appreciate the story. Its a book about love, adventure and imagination. I bought the soundtrack and it is magical and entrancing. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs front woman Sharon O is fantastic and accompaniment by a child chorus.

looks I love

If you're not an elite member of Lookbook.nu (lolz) fear not here are some of hipster looks I love.

I'm a huge fan of mixing muted and natural tones. I adore this Parisian inspired look. Plus this girls hair is to die for.

This is a great example of mixing and matching. I love the stockings and opened toed shoes look. I couldn't pull off, but it's certainly worth admiring.

I love her use of menswear and layering. I wish she would post a full body picture, because you can kind of see lace leggings!

jaded

I've been searching all weekend for that jade/mint green nail polish which I mentioned in a previous blog.

I hate it when you want something, you can never find it. For example a few months ago when all I wanted was Gray nail polish. Not silver, but grey. The closest I could find was a gray/lavender color. I guess Nylon caught on to that trend.

In the Nylon magazine blog they tried to replicate the Chanel gray that's being released later this fall. Some one should tell them that their polish work looks like crap. (Fire the manicurist.)

I digress.

I'm wary of paying $25 + on nail polish. So for now I'll have to deal with shiny green that I've got on now.

equine beat

When walking a regal horse named "Uptown Girl" one can only wear the coolest riding and work gear.

the plan

I've got some pretty sweet stuff that I've tried to sell on Ebay and have failed epically with. Since I hate having the stuff sit lifeless in my closet I'm going to break down and bring it to Platos closet. I know I won't get money that the stuff is worth, but at least it'll be something. Afterwards I'm going to go to Target and buy more things that I'll end up selling at Platos. Its a wicked never ending cycle.

yeah boredumb