Thinking Outside the Box

It has been too long since I have been able to spend the much needed time on my own special blog here for Aesthetic Design Style. So hello - again!

We are all about the cliche of "thinking outside the box". That's what this is all about - independent fashion and creative people and unlimited talent - it's all about taking the unconventional to that next level.

This means taking a different perspective with all we do here at Aesthetic Design Style. Not only do we obsess about and love fashion but we believe in the independence of people, open minded ways of thinking, giving back in any way we can, and taking care of one another. I know you're thinking "oh kumbaya" but it's true. In these times of economic crisis and just plain uncertainty about what we are to do with our own lives and our world - we all need each other.

I just found out through one of my facebook friends that Bill Gates began Microsoft during a recession. Wow! Think about that for a minute - hearing people say that you can do whatever you set your mind to is great BUT to see the outcome of someone who did just that AND he is one of most giving, most intelligent, and most caring people on the planet - well, that just gives me even more hope and more confidence to make something more of my own life for my family too.

We've thrown out the old notion of "marketing" and "PR" and we're kind of going it alone here at Aesthetic Design Style. We are throwing caution to the wind and thinking outside the box. We are purely word of mouth, we are our word, we are participating in parades, find us on facebook, twitter, Linked In, Merchant Circle, and we are truly starting a grassroots movement of creative people, ideas, and fashion. Oh fashion. Just the word excites me and makes me realize what I am supposed to do with my life. Finding your passion is key and there is NOTHING like the feeling of actually finding it to send your life into an entirely new direction - one you may never have thought of before.

I usually close with a quote from someone in the fashion world but this one was just too good to pass up. So, until then: "I don't know the formula for success but the formula for failure is trying to please everyone" Bill Cosby

Loungewear, Cover Ups, and Gym Shorts?

Erin Braxton has it all and then some! The most amazing fabrics, styles, and ways to be cute AND comfortable can be found in her line. She has graciously decided to team up with Aesthetic Design Style in order to bring more attention to her vision and expand her brand into other areas of the country. We are honored to help and so excited to push her out in front of our independent fashion revolution.

The best sellers in Erin's line happen to be the Knotted Chemise, the Hoody Tunic, and the Gym Short (which are just ADORABLE!) Not only are these pieces great for around the house but you can run to the grocery in them and no one will look at you twice (only in a good way because you look so hot in them!) or even know it is "loungewear". Unlike your usual snowman pajama pants, fuzzy slippers, and grandmother's robe - please don't! Her cover ups are perfect for the beach or any resort and a few pieces can even be worn as ready-to-wear - The Kimono Wrap Robe is so fantastic I can't even tell you! There are never ending situations or occasions you can wear Erin Braxton. It is so versatile and beautiful that you feel good just hanging out on your very own patio.

I do have to warn you though - you may develop very high self confidence and perhaps a bit of arrogance wearing her designs so watch out for a lot of attention coming your way!

Until then: “The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress.” - Hubert de Givenchy

Independent Designers Putting "You" First

Being alloted the freedom to customize fashion lets you put your own special spin on the look you want to portray. Independent designers are taking that to heart and modeling their lines after this concept.

Chic Gems etc. has just launched a new line of "Design Your Own" gems just for you. YOU are the designer and YOU get exactly what YOU want! There is the Custom Pearl & Crystal Necklace Collection, the Custom Pearl & Chain Necklace Collection, the Custom Triple Floating Pearl Necklace Collection, and the Custom Pearl & Crystal Bracelet collection! This is a fun way to design something for yourself or for a gift for someone else - especially if you have a friend who is "so hard to buy for"!

Evlove Intimates is another fantastic line that you can design around what YOU really want. Intimate apparel is, well, intimate so it is nice to be able to choose the style, fabric, trim, and accessories that you are in love with and work with your body for the best fit. And, again, it is FUN! There are literally hundreds of combinations you can create using your own imagination.

I hosted a bachelorette party for one of my girlfriends and had Evlove Intimates there as well. We felt so important and had a blast designing our own "undies" and loungewear as well. Then two weeks later my own little creation showed up in the mail and it was like getting a special gift all over again.

So, you don't like to see yourself coming and going around town? THIS is the way to go! If there is that dress you have been searching all over to accessorize or if you have a big anniversary coming up and you want to put your husband's initials somewhere only he will see then you can do that! Visit Chic Gems etc. and Evlove Intimates today and bring out the inner designer in you.

Until Then: “All I want is the best of everything and there's very little of that left” - Cecil Beaton

Fashion and Security

A funny thing happened to me just the other day - I realized I finally really know who I am now and what I want out of life. I know it took about 33 years but better late than never. When I was younger I thought I knew who I was or at least thought that is what I projected to everyone else. I was wrong and it probably showed too. Three daughters, about seven jobs, and one big reality check later, I have found what it is all about. Security - being secure with yourself, your family, your style, and your insecurities. Yes, you have to be secure with your insecurities. Everyone has them so embrace them - don't dwell on them - we know they are there - but try and live with them. You'll find that the positive aspects of your life will far outweigh the negative. You have to be aware of all of the components that make you - you!

A large part of what helped me have my epiphany was fashion. May sound silly to some but it's true. I was in Broad Ripple Vintage (because it always comforts me and makes me feel good) and it came to me - fashion is the ONE constant thing that has always been a part of my life. No matter who has come and gone (family or friends), my parents divorce, the deaths of two of the most important women in my life - I could always depend on fashion.

My paternal grandmother would sit for hours and sketch beautiful women in fabulous dresses for me when I was little, my maternal grandmother had trunks FULL of my great and great great grandmother's clothes along with VOGUE from the 30's and other fashion magazines dating back to the turn of the century, my great great Aunt Rose was born in the early 1900's and refused to wear dresses so she made her own pants (wide leg, high-waisted, sailor style with the six buttons at the top-original -FANTASTIC) and wore them with never a regret, my mom used to make her own clothes and my dad's jumpsuits back in the 70's, and my dad is the one who would take me shopping when I was little because my mom hated it - she still avoids it like the plague (I find it ironic she's my mother).

I've often said before that fashion is just "clothes or accessories" to some people - and that is fine. To me it is a part of life - it is my life - it's my passion - it's my job - it's one of my loves. There is nothing like finding that one piece you have been searching for that just makes you feel good. Fashion isn't superficial as others may see it. It's culture, it's history, it's art, it's our future, and it's our present. So along with instilling in my girls a sense of security, intelligence, and self-confidence, I hope that I sub-consciously instill the gift of style as did my ancestors in me. It wasn't something that was passed down in some big ceremony - no it was something that was subtle and alluring and passionate and it glistened through their eyes, their pictures, and their legacies. I found that the most tenacious women in my family had the strongest sense of who they were as women along with the BEST PERSONAL STYLE. To me, fashion is security in who we are and who we want to become.

Until Then: “Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.” Coco Chanel

Template of Fashion - Vintage Fashion Library

I happened upon the most fascinating site one day as I was looking for different eras of fashion. Vintage Fashion Library. It then hit me that THIS is what fashion is all about. The nuts and bolts of the industry. The template upon which all things fabulous are made and are created. There are so many times when I have a very specific idea of an outfit I want in my head. It never completely translates to what I see in stores or online.

My wedding dress excursion is the perfect example. I love to mix modern with a vintage flair and sometimes there just isn't that one piece that completes the entire look. There are things that come close but never exact. I wanted a wedding dress with sleeves. I wanted either a bell sleeve or a large bishop sleeve such as was prominent in the 30's and 40's. NO wedding dresses even have sleeves anymore. Let alone a long sleeve. I saw so many strapless, spaghetti strap, or halter dresses I wanted to pass out! Apparently I was not part of the "norm" who loves strapless. Anyway, as I reviewed the wonderful period specific patterns at Vintage Fashion Library I found my dress! I could not believe it. Had I seen this site 5 years prior, I would have had the perfect dress for my perfect day. (My day was perfect and my dress turned out alright). Makes me want to set up a vow renewal - not just for the dress, of course!

Using patterns is a unique way to put your own spin on the current fashion trends or put your own personal style into a look. It will be truly your own. There are so many wonderful seamstresses and tailors that can create fabulous items just for you. If you can sew yourself, you are WAY ahead of the game and the cost goes down even further. Also you are in control of the color, fabric, fit, style, etc. You are the designer, ultimately.

Fashion is so much more than just something you throw on. It tells your mood, it tells others who you are and who you want to be, it exudes confidence or insecurity. Make it fun and make it your own. Be independent. Start with a template and create from there. Get back to the basics and start from scratch. I guarantee you'll have everyone asking "Where did you get that?"

Vintage Fashion Library - Catch them on Facebook too!

Until then: “In difficult times fashion is always outrageous.” Elsa Schiaparelli