Sheer, Sporty, Lacy or Plain? Calling all Lolita's.

...Whichever you choose, knee-high and thigh-high socks are it.

From Alex Wang's s/s 2010 runway to East Village streets, tall socks are coming out of the woodwork and hotter than ever. Not only are they adorable, but they're also functional when bought in a thick knit and worn for warmth.

Knee-highs have a classic charm stemming from Catholic school-girl outfits, and give off a distinctly Lolita vibe. However, worn modernly knee socks can be grungey rather than only sexy. Whichever way you choose to style them, they're always a rad addition to your outfit.

Sarah Jessica Parker looking stunning in her thigh-highs paired with classic oxford heels and fun prints.

photo via le black book

Grungy sexy hybrid with lacy thigh highs and lace up combat boots.

photo via Nasty Gal

Ruched knee socks paired up with chunky Jeffrey Campbell wedges.

photo via Nasty Gal

Sporty knee-highs on Alexander Wang's s/s 2010 runway.

photo via fashionising

Agyness Deyn rocking quirky knee socks with metallic brogues.

Rumi Neely in sheer, polka dot thigh highs and wooden platforms.

photo via fashiontoast.com

Shop Nasty Gal accessories

Aurel Schmidt for Opening Ceremony

When I came across this unisex collection, I was blown away by the elegant grime of the t-shirts. When paired with polished yet tough pieces such as leather jackets, well-tailored pants and leather boots, these t-shirts make a perfectly sarcastic statement.

Toothpaste with various blood/dark substance splatters.

Half-eaten doughnut.

Bacon, blood, fly.

Cigarettes, splattered dark substance, blood marks.

Although this collection could be looked upon as typical hipster attire, I think it is very different from the typical lines you find at Opening Ceremony since it exposes trash as art, ultimately. The graphics are high quality and the concepts are definitely unique. Although the screen prints are somewhat grotesque, they maintain their elegance because they are printed simply on off-white, worn in in t-shirts. This makes the shirts very wearable and versatile, allowing both females and males to remix them in a million different ways.

SHOP AUREL SCHMIDT X OPENING CEREMONY

While drinking my morning coffee today and finishing up my latest homework assignment at my favorite lair, I was surprised when my sweet friend Summer stopped her work and pulled me outside to take some photos of my outfit. It made me realize that personal style shows most when you don't have much time and throw things together based off quick inspiration.

This morning, I put on grey knee socks first and based the rest of my look around them. This is a great way to start, taking one quirky piece and working around it.

photos: Summer Brown

My cropped t-shirt is a "Vespa" shirt I cut off, bought from a street vendor while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. This shirt has a lot of sentimental value for me, since my time in Florence was incredibly eye opening and inspirational. Sometimes I wish this shirt was not cropped so I could wear it in more ways, but c'est la vie. I am always cutting things.

My skirt is vintage Chloe that I found for an incredible deal at a shop in Nyack, the town that I waitressed in at a place called Temptations Cafe throughout my high school years. Although this skirt is too big for me, I snatched it up anyways and vowed to wear it with a belt or pin it. Eventually, I will get it altered.

My lace up wicker brogues were a purchase made at Steve Madden in the West Village, during a summer of staying at a semi-permanent apartment and doing a lot of yoga and self-reflection.

Surprisingly, I do not remember where these knee socks are from, as I have had them forever. But, they definitely represent the girlish side of me that will always be there.

To bring everything together, I threw on the leather jacket that I made myself purchase right before heading to Florence for that semester. If I was going to study in Italy, I would need a leather jacket. I have had it for over two years now and love it even more now that it is broken in and buttery-soft.

Although this outfit took about 3 minutes to put together, it is very representative of my journeys and personal style. For me, style is about expressing your mood, telling your story and being comfortable, regardless of trends.

Beneath the Surface

Often, we are so concerned about the clothes that other people see, that we do not pay nearly enough attention to the garments that we ourselves and perhaps another lucky person get to experience.

What I'm talking about is lingerie.

The layer that can take your look and your confidence from average to killer. From fit to pattern, lingerie makes all the difference in an ensemble. If you start with pieces that flatter your body and make you feel sexy and confident, your outfit will triple in effectiveness.

First of all, the fit of lingerie, although predominantly unseen, is crucial. Panties should not cut in at your sides and bras should support and flatter, depending on your chest size. If you are larger on top, look for a bra with wide straps and full coverage, but make sure it still has a fun print or lace edge to it. If you are smaller, you have more options, but you still want to go with something that gives you nice shape and is not too big or too tight. If you are wearing ill fitting undergarments, your look will not flow and be as cohesive as it could with the proper getup.

Beyond fit, lingerie should make you feel confident even if the outside world just sees your sweatpants and boots. Underpinnings do not necessarily have to be full on vixen, since cute looks like plaid and stripes can be sexy and comfortable as well.

Even super athletic, masculine looks have been showing up in the collections of designers like Alexander Wang. Although this look is predominantly masculine, the velour trim keeps it sexy and feminine.

ShopStyle for Alexander Wang bras

Bustiers and corsets are an ultra-feminine alternative to the regular bra, adding more support and shape as well.

Urban Outfitters for bustiers

Calvin Klein designs classic femme fatale looks.

Shop Calvin Klein for classic pieces

If you want to go all out for a special day or night, La Perla is always an indulgent option.

Shop La Perla

For comfy, flirty every day look try stripes, plaid or polka dots.

Shop cute basics at Free People

There are a million fun routes to take when applying the first layer of clothing, just make sure whatever you choose makes you feel sexy and comfortable before anyone else.

xx Lula

5 Perfect Winter Shoes

With snowy weather quickly approaching and memories of last year's cold feet giving me the shivers, I have been on the hunt for a handful of perfectly stylish and durable winter shoes.

When looking for winter shoes, there are three main factors on my mind: waterproofness, durability and appearance. I also appreciate a shoe that I can throw on with any silhouette, be it a long maxi dress layered with thick tights and an oversized leather bomber or sleek skinny jeans and a tailored wool coat.

Buy Frye Carson Oxfords

These Frye oxfords are the perfect flat shoe for cold weather since they boast durability and style. Frye is a go-to brand for me and their shoes truly last forever.

Buy Vintage Doc Martens

Doc Marten's have been around forever and are always the perfect boot for those impossible days when the snow and slush are inescapable but you still have to make that journey to school or work. The sheen polish on these boots make them somewhat elegant, rendering you stylish and saavy even on the worst of days.

Buy Removable Harness Nation Boots

These perfect little boots are the simply the best silhouette for any ensemble. The place that they hit on the ankle never disrupts the flow of a look, making them anyones go to boot for fall and winter. These boots will streamline a quirky outfit like shorts and tights, or dress down a flirty cocktail dress. They are a true chameleon, at your service.

Buy "Old English Boots"

I almost died when I saw these boots. They are the perfect combination of feminine, tough and practical. The only qualm about these boots is that you want to stick to a skinny pant when wearing them, since boyfriend style jeans would make the look too masculine. They would also be great with a dress and warm tights to toughen up a girly look.

Buy Pony Wedges

These super fashion forward boots are for the more daring fashionista, looking to add edge to an otherwise mundane winter outfit. These boots would liven up an all black ensemble, or act as a nice juxtaposition when thrown into a feminine get-up; perhaps a pale pink silk above the knee skirt skirt layered up with tights, a scarf and a fitted black leather jacket. Either way, these wedges are killer and practical.

Until next time...

xx Lula

Transitional Fashion

With no Indian Summer in the forecast and a week of rain ahead, fashionistas all over the city are experiencing a rough transition from Summer to Winter dressing. Enter ankle boots, thick tights, snug layers and waterproof motorcycle jackets. With the right combination of tailored outerwear, pops of color and cozy layers, it is easy to escape the banality of throwing on a misshaped coat and running out the door with your umbrella.

Photo: RYO

Try mixing up chic lumberjack-esque shorts with tights, flirty knee socks, rugged boots and a polished leather jacket. This outfit is perfect for a damp, chilly day when paired with an umbrella, just in case.

Photo: Lula Brown

Add a splash of color to any ensemble with a pair of brightly colored, sturdy suede lace ups. These yellow Miu Miu's were found at a vintage store on East 7th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue A.

Photo: Lula Brown

For a luxe nighttime look, pair a fun printed dress with black tights and a huge vintage black fur coat; don't forget some studded ankle boots to toughen up this lady-like look.

Photo: Lula Brown

Don't forget the guys! Add a fun pop of color to a simple getup of distressed jeans and a military jacket with a deep fuschia or purple v-neck.

Now go on your merry way and style up some fun fall outfits with the clothes you already have in your closet, just make sure to always include some bright color to combat this dreary weather!

MadeWell, for styling tips

RYO's blog, for fashion inspiration

Directory of East Village vintage/thrift shops

One of my favorite blogs for inspiration

Sea of Shoes, great styling inspiration

transit.

Skimming tracks like an

Angel skims clouds

Following flights and

The lights ahead

Transfers and trials

All resting on the rail

Weaving around the green

And away from the white

Always in reach but out of sight

Moving faster and faster

But slower within

Forced toward the future

In tune with the past

Travel by body

The most perilous,

At last.

4 September 2010

Lula Brown