The Graduate

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Victoria

Get your kids in school, so they can get an education, get a degree, and take a vacation.

It’s that time of year for the black caps and gowns. It’s time for the turning of the tassel, for inspiring commencement speeches, and for pomp and circumstance. I’m talking about graduation ceremonies. Congrats to those of you who have recently graduated or who will be graduating soon. This is a monumental accomplishment.

To the graduates: before you dance, skip, jump, or strut your way across the stage to shake hands with a strange man you have never met and are handed a rolled up piece of blank paper, think about what outfit you want to reveal when you disrobe your rented cap and gown.

To the friends and family: you will be showering your graduate in hugs, kisses, tears of joy, and flower leis. All the while, many pictures will be taken, and Kodak moments will be made. You too, must be dressed to impress for your graduate.

What to wear? With many ceremonies taking place outdoors, you should dress according to the warming trend: keep it playful with day dresses or stay springy in separates. Checkout my Keaton Row lookbook for outfit ideas.

You should be gettin’ it (an education), cause you don’t want to sell yourself Too $hort. Congratulations to the Class of 2014!

The Cool Chic

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Victoria

You’re hot then you’re cold.

I’m talking about the finicky weather lately. A heatwave one week, and a chance of rain the next week. Or, it can happen all in the same day: mild in the daytime, but winds pick up soon after sunset. Lightweight layering pieces are key to surviving these fast-changing temperatures.

For this weather driven style challenge, I reached for my leather jacket. I finally got my hands on one for a price that I can live with – $15 at Goodwill! A simple leather jacket is classic and timeless – you won’t have to worry about it going out of style. It’s the perfect mid-weight item for that in between weather, when it’s neither frosty nor too hot.

It’s black and it’s white. Still high off my previous outfit post, black and white seemed most appropriate for this leather jacket. Not one to be very edgy, I softened up the ensemble with feminine details: a polka dot bow, a strand of pearls, a sheer blouse, and a vintage beaded cardigan.

Between the jacket, the killer heels, and the graffiti in the background, I couldn’t help but feel too cool for school (while staying warm) in this outfit. I tried my best to give a mean mug, but to no avail. Instead of looking bad ass, I just look cool chic.

This cool chic chick needs a cigarette, a tatted up boy toy, and a motorcycle. Who da baddest chic?

thrifted Banana Republic jacket (similar pleather jacket) / vintage cardigan (similar cardigan) / Old Navy blouse (similar blouse and blouse) / Levi’s jeans (similar jeans) / Dollhouse booties (similar booties) / vintage Coach Willis handbag / thrifted headscarf (similar scarf)

Black and White

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Victoria

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” – Yves Saint Laurent

YSL couldn’t have said it any better. There is a lot of gray area (50 shades, to be exact) with regards to what is fashionable and what is not. But whether or not you have style is very black and white: you either have it or you don’t. Especially when it comes to wearing black and white.

If you’ve been a long time follower of mine, you will know that I am a huge fan of color and a lover of prints and rich textures. Not everyone can mix and match as I do, but even Chic Vic has her days. I can’t tell you how often I’ve wasted time staring into the depths of my closet just to pick out the right shoe or scarf to match my outfit.

So when I went to my friends at Lalakitty seeking an item to borrow for my next outfit post (readers: use code CHICVIC20 for 20% off your order!), I naturally wanted to pick a floral frock. Instead, one of the co-owners excitedly pulled this white number from the racks. “Try this! It’s much cuter when worn,” she said enthusiastically. I was skeptical, as it was outside the realm of my signature style. It wasn’t colorful or printed, and lacked the soft feminine element I usually preferred. For precisely these reasons: challenge accepted.

Occasionally I like to step out of my vintage bubble and join my friends in the 21st century of fashion, and this tee shirt in faux patent leather was the perfect fit. The cropped and boxy silhouette begs to be worn with something high waisted and slim on the bottom. Instead of wearing it with my usual pair of high-rise skinny jeans or vintage pencil skirt, I reached for my black jogger pants.

Naya Leather Box Top / Urban Outfitters joggers (similar jogger pant and jogger pant) / Enzo Angiolini pumps (similar pumps) / Giannini clutch (similar clutch)

The jogger pant trend has been around since last fall, and up until recently, I had paid it no mind. Remember when everyone and their mom started to wear yoga pants to the café, the mall, the bars – basically everywhere outside the yoga studio? The jogger pant now follows suit.

But these are far from the usual sweatpants you were forced to wear for P.E. classes in junior high. Jogger pants these days come in a plethora of fabrications to make them oh so lux – whether it’s faux leather, silk, denim, or plain old sweatshirt material, the jogger pant is the answer for the girl who wants to look stylish and relaxed, with a hint of urban cool.

To avoid looking like you’re actually going for a jog, try pairing the pants with heels. The result is a perfect juxtaposition of feminine dressy with relaxed comfy. Keep it simple on top with a cropped tank or even a soft cotton tee tucked in for a high waisted jogger pant look.

It don’t matter if you wear black or white, this is one look you won’t want to break a sweat in.

The Jogger Pant

Mom Jeanetics

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Victoria

I’m not planning to be a mom anytime soon, but that won’t stop me from wanting to sport the “mom jeans.”

If you’re lucky to get it from your momma – a pair of hand me down jeans – then you’re already one step ahead of the trend. I call it jeanetics. But what exactly are these so called “mom jeans”? They are characterized by a high waist, slight bagginess in the crotch area with optional pleats, and a tapered leg opening. In other words – they are quite unflattering in that they make your butt look bigger than it is, while simultaneously flattening it. Call it pancaking.

All of this sounds like bad news bears, but oddly enough, it is precisely the ill-fitting unflattering way of the mom jean that makes it so charming.

The tomboyish cut makes it a perfect candidate to juxtapose with feminine elements, such as high heels and a girly top.

Or, you can embrace the boyish look with a cropped tee and sneaker flats, with the hem of the jeans rolled up to show some ankle.

I may have gotten my single dimple from my momma, but mom jeans I did not. However, I did score this vintage Levis jeans upcycled into a pencil skirt. I imagine that they were a pair of mom jeans in their previous lifetime, and so I styled them accordingly: with a soft knit top, wedge heels, a fancy belt to accentuate the high waist, and a healthy dose of girly accessories.

To all you mothers out there: wear those mom jeans up high, loud and proud! Happy Mother’s Day!

vintage top (similar top) / upcycled vintage Levis (similar denim skirt) / Natural Comfort shoes (similar shoes) / vintage belt (similar belt)

M.I.L.F

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Victoria

I’m talking about Mothers In Lovely Fashion of course.

Oh, to be a celebrity mom, or rather, to be a celebrity kid! Whether it is designer outfits for toddlers who can barely utter Louis Vuitton, trendy Mohawk hairstyles on a five year old, or unconventional names like Apple, you’ve got to hand it to these hot mommas. Not only are their kids impeccably dressed, but they also make motherhood look glamorous in stilettos.

When I look back at old photos of my mom, I realize that she too, was once very fashionable – even sporting a very stylish short perm in her prime. In recent years however, she has opted more for comfort and practicality with regard to her outfit choices and appearance. This has made it harder to figure out what to give her on special occasions like Mother’s Day. Like many selfless mothers out there, she actually prefers not to receive any gifts. Beyond everything, all mommy dearest wants is just to spend time with her children, which is priceless and cannot be replaced with material things. But that shouldn’t stop you from getting her a little something special.

Whether you spend a couple of dollars or a few hundred, no matter a big fancy gift or a small token of love, you can be sure it will put a smile on her face because it came from you. Need some gift giving ideas? Here are my picks for Mother’s Day for all budgets.

Besides a hug and a kiss, how will you celebrate Mother’s Day?

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Victoria

This would be true if it were not for the drought that is plaguing my beautiful state of California. Oh rain, why does thou not have California love?

Despite the lack of rain, flowers are still a bloomin’. This means that spring is in full swing, as well as seasonal allergies. Gesundheit!

But before you reach for the Claritin, let me give you some clarity: you can still enjoy flowers without stuffy sinuses, itchy watery eyes, and sneezing. Just like allergies, floral prints return season after season.

Be it a floaty floral top, slacks with an allover floral print, or daisy studs in your ears, there are many ways to incorporate flora into your style repertoire, and Chic Vic is here to help.

How, you ask? Well, I’m excited to to announce that I’ve launched an online personal styling business with Keaton Row. This is a free online styling service for clients with free shipping and returns from your favorite retailers such as Nordstroms, ASOS, and ShopBop. Enough of the flowery speech, check my profile and floral lookbook.

Soon, instead of reciting “he loves me, he loves me not” while plucking flower petals, you’ll be asking yourself “should I buy, or should I not?”

Floral Fantasy

Fancy Pants

Floral Finishes

Polka Dot Peplum

Posted on April 24, 2014 by Victoria

You better get some (peplum).

Peplum is no spring chicken, for it has been around the block (and then some) with origins dating back to the 1800s. It became in vogue in the 1940s, and had resurgence again in the 1980s. With each decade, the peplum reinvented itself into different forms, but by definition, it has always stayed the same: a peplum is a short piece of fabric attached to the waist of a jacket, dress, or blouse, and is usually gathered or pleated to create some volume.

1800s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

2014

Only time will tell whether it falls off the fashion radar again. Nevertheless, I will always love peplum. It is one those style elements that seem to be universally flattering on all body types as long as the right length and volume is chosen. Peplum minimizes the waist and celebrates a woman’s curvy hips, making any outfit fun, flirty, and feminine.

What does one wear with peplum? Since it is nipped in at the natural waist, and flares with such flounce, the peplum is best balanced out with something high waisted and slim and trim for the bottom.

This top lent from my friends at Lalakitty hit all the right notes. The combination of polka dots, peplum, and low revealing back makes me feel demure and alluring at the same time. Lalakitty is offering Chic Vic readers 20% off your entire order – just use code CHICVIC20 and you too could be peplumming.

I paired the top with my sweetheart locket necklace, my favorite pair of high waisted jeans, and a pop of red in my belt and flower corsage. Add a headscarf knotted in the front and a sexy pair of peep-toe pumps and you can call me a bona fide pin up girl.

Watch them boys don’t know how to act cause this top puts the “back” into sexy back. But I ain’t no hollaback girl though.

Lalakitty peplum top / Levis jeans (similar jeans) / Vince Camuto pumps (similar pumps) / vintage clutch (similar clutch) / vintage locket (similar locket) / vintage earrings (similar earrings) / polka dot scarf (similar scarf)

Hella Coachella

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Victoria

My title doesn’t make sense, but it rhymes, yo.

Three days. Triple digit temps. Specialty food trucks. Sandstorm. Flower crowns and cutoff shorts. Over 180 music artists. Yes my friends, I’m talking about Coachella.

It was my first time at a multiple day music festival and needless to say, Coachella lived up to the hype and did not disappoint one bit.

On the music front, every single artist I came across sounded amazing live. If I wasn’t a fan before, I became one after I saw them. Coachella is proof that there can be too much of a good thing. There are so many bands that participate in the festival that there are bound to be schedule conflicts. I had to pick and choose, and I wasn’t able to catch everyone I wanted to see, but the ones I did watch put on an awesome show. From guest appearances to covers of oldies but goodies, every performance was a surprise that wowed the crowd.

I knew I would get a bit dirty, but nothing could prepare me for the sandstorm that dusted its way in the early evening and picked up with increasing wind speeds well into the night. Remember to pack a scarf or bandana to wrap around your nose and mouth, or else look like a coal miner by the end of the night like I did. I’m still finding sand in places where the sun don’t shine.

Although many celebrities were in attendance, there were no sightings on my end. With all the visual and auditory stimuli happening before me, it is no wonder I walked by Kendall and Kylie Jenner without even knowing it. Would you be able to recognize these famous faces?

The expansive green lawn was filled by throngs of music and festival lovers dressed to the nines. I was overwhelmed and inspired by everyone’s creative festival fashion: hats, boots, flower crowns, sheer kimono cardigans, fringe, body paint, and bare skin were some of the reoccurring trends. I was a sweaty mess and was dressed tame and lame in comparison. I didn’t feel my usual chic self, to say the least.

D&Y hat (similar hat) / Urban Outfitters romper (similar romper & romper)

In the midst of the hot weather, sandstorm, and pure excitement running from stage to stage, I seldom pulled out my camera. I tried to capture the essence of the festival with the few photos I managed to take – but they simply do not serve Coachella justice. You’ll just have save up the funds and go for yourself next year.

As the final weekend of Coachella starts tomorrow, I’ll be nursing my withdrawals by singing and dancing in the comfort of my living room. Couchella, if you will.

Eggcellent Blue Hue

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Victoria

Easter is around the corner, but I don’t fancy chocolate bunnies and plastic eggs much. However, I do love me some hard boiled eggs dyed in soft pastel colors. Eggs are the perfect protein – and the perfect inspiration for my next outfit.

Before this blue shade became synonymous with the famous jewelry retailer, Tiffany’s, and dubbed “Tiffany blue,” it was simply known as robin’s egg blue. This light medium toned blue is perfect for someone who wants to channel the Easter color palette without dabbling in traditional pastels.

No church service or egg hunt for me – I’d much rather be at brunch sipping on bottomless Bloody Marys come Easter Sunday. To give some edge to an otherwise prim and proper look, I opted to wear just a bra under this lacy blouse. The matching blue makes it subtly alluring without drawing undue attention as “racy lacy.” For the bottom, I needed something just as girly and feminine to rival the lacy business of the blouse.

This ballerina midi lent from my friends at Lalakitty was just what I was looking for: it’s ladylike, ethereal, and the midi length makes it so appropriate for church and Sunday brunch afterwards. The airy layer of tulle material makes me feel like a modern day ballerina without needing to go on my tippy toes.

I accented the outfit with pops of red. Sunday best wouldn’t be best without a hat – you may recognize this red basket pillbox from last Easter. A red leather belt cinches the waist and seamlessly fuses the blouse and skirt into one cohesive ensemble. The resulting look is one that appears to be a dress rather than separates. Red shoes are a definite must to complete this look, and these vintage peep toe pumps pay homage to my candy peeps without the added calories. With the exception of the Lalakitty ballerina skirt, the entire outfit is thrifted.

Like the skirt? Lalakitty is giving Chic Vic readers 20% off your next purchase with the code CHICVIC20. Get it now in time for Easter!

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Unless of course, you’re putting items in your shopping cart for checkout at Lalakitty cause you’re getting 20% off.

vintage hat (similar hat) / vintage blouse (similar blouse & blouse) / vintage belt (similar belt) / Lalakitty midi skirt / vintage Nina pumps (similar peep toe pumps)

Boho Chic Festival Chick

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Victoria

Oh boohoo, I don’t have spring break with all the kiddies during this time of year. But that doesn’t mean I can’t take a break from work for a mini-vacay. From boohoo to boho, it’s time for some festival fashion. Gimmie a break!

This will be my first time attending the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – or any huge, multi-day festival for that matter. I’m trading in my pumps, blouses, and pencil skirts for the festival essentials: a floppy hat, sunglasses, and flat shoes. Oh, but let’s not forget the clothes and the SPF.

It’s only right to dress the part, and boho chic is the way to go. Drawing from hippie and bohemian inspirations, the boho chic look quite broad and varied. Typical elements include lightweight floaty dresses, fringe, paisley and floral prints, denim and chambray fabrics, sandals, floppy hats, braided hair, feathers…and well, the list could go on. The overall look appears effortless, carefree, and natural – just perfect for lying out on the grass, soaking up the sun, while listening to amazing music – something that I don’t do often.

Whether it is a pair of denim shorts or a maxi dress, an edgy or an ethereal look, what kind of festival chick are you?

Festival Chic by chicvic featuring a sun hat