Even I have been found guilty of being stuck in a style box.  I used to have a signature look that consisted of fitted crewneck t-shirts in solid colors from Target.  I wore them with jeans, skirts, or black pants (capri’s, gaucho’s, palazzo pants…whatever was in style at the time).  Until one day I looked in my closet and thought to myself “this is not the closet of a girl with a distinct sense of style”.

I decided it was time to incorporate more prints and dresses into my wardrobe…and I haven’t looked back since.  From my vintage dashiki to my embroidered floral JWLA dress, I not only stepped out of my style box, there is no longer a box in sight!

I brought about this change through my approach to shopping.  When I enter a store now I ask myself the following questions when I gravitate toward a piece of apparel or an accessory:

• Do have something like this already?
• Would this piece stand out or blend into my closet?
• Is this a color or print that I already have plenty of in my closet?

That last question is actually one that I reference often.  I own so much black, white, and gray that I literally slap myself on the wrist when I try to grab something in one of those colors.  I now skim across racks and if there is a particular block of pieces in a color or style (ahem…empire dresses) that I don’t need, I just move on.  There’s a reason why I don’t even step into a White House, Black Market…I’m not buyin’ what they’re sellin’!

Guys, the same goes for you.  Are you stuck in a polo and jeans/shorts look?  Maybe consider trying a cool screen-printed tee or some bermuda/board shorts.  I have several girlfriends that complain that their husbands are in a style rut.  This is a fact.  Consider changing up your look and I bet the lady in your life will notice…

So go ahead.  Take the plunge into a whole new world by breaking out of your style box.  Whether it’s going from solids to prints (or vice versa) or from a hipster to a preppy style (Kristine…holla!), try something new.  Maybe you’ll end up like me…without a box!

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I was skimming through Gilt Groupe today and came across the sweetest kicks I’ve ever seen in my life. These studded converse high tops make me feel like becoming a street bike riding, leather jacket wearing, flip-my-hair-in-the-wind-after-I-take-my-helmet-off fierce female. They were originally $100 and are now $65 on Gilt. Additionally, just about every size is sold out except for the golden 6.5, which are of course my size. It’s a sign, right? These street sneaks remind me of Balmain a few collections ago and I love them! However, as I look up from behind my laptop screen I see all of my clothes in my closet are girly sundresses and frilly skip-in-the-meadow garments. So what’s a girl to do? Buy something that could potentially sit in my closet alone, sad, and unworn, or could this be the beginning piece of a collection of clothing items that speak to my bad ass chic side? Hmm…the Gilt sale is open for just a few more hours. Let me know what you would do!

LINK LOVE:RemChic needs YOUR help. Should I buy studded high top Converse?

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LINK LOVE:Collarless Leather Jacket

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LINK LOVE:Why do People Want to Win Worst Dressed?

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Flag lips and eye shadow? Genius! This Mexican fan supported her team with a Rihanna-riffic makeover.

Funky frames are way in for sunglasses this summer. Love how this supporter brought some fash-on into her fan gear. I think Iris Apfel and Alexis Bittar would approve.

Would not want to be sitting behind her in the stands, but love the oversized patriotic striping.

Check this link throughout the course of the Cup to see who we spot in the stands next.

More…
>Check out Nicky Hilton’s Shoe Collection!
>Show Us Your Closet–You Could Win $500!!
>What’s the Fly-est thing in your closet?

photos courtesy of Getty Images

LINK LOVE:2010 World Cup Watch: Coolest Spectator Style

Samantha Pleet’s Closet coming soon to StylelikeU!

In the meantime take a look at her A/W 2010 Collection Video

LINK LOVE:Samantha Pleet

 Ricky Martin tells the world that he is proud to be a homosexual man.

For years Ricky Martin’s sexuality has come into question and now he has set the record straight. (No pun intended) He went public on his blog saying:

A few months ago I decided to write my memoirs, a project I knew was going to bring me closer to an amazing turning point in my life. From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time. Things that were too heavy for me to keep inside. Writing this account of my life, I got very close to my truth. And thisis something worth celebrating.

For many years, there has been only one place where I am in touch with my emotions fearlessly and that’s the stage. Being on stage fills my soul in many ways, almost completely. It’s my vice. The music, the lights and the roar of the audience are elements that make me feel capable of anything. This rush of adrenaline is incredibly addictive. I don’t ever want to stop feeling these emotions. But it is serenity that brings me to where I’m at right now. An amazing emotional place of comprehension, reflection and enlightenment. At this moment I’m feeling the same freedom I usually feel only on stage, without a doubt, I need to share.

Many people told me: “Ricky it’s not important”, “it’s not worth it”, “all the years you’ve worked and everything you’ve built will collapse”, “many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature”. Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth. Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage. Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions.

If someone asked me today, “Ricky, what are you afraid of?” I would answer “the blood that runs through the streets of countries at war…child slavery, terrorism…the cynicism of some people in positions of power, the misinterpretation of faith.” But fear of my truth? Not at all! On the contrary, It fills me with strength and courage. This is just what I need especially now that I am the father of two beautiful boys that are so full of light and who with their outlook teach me new things every day. To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids where born with. Enough is enough. This has to change. This was not supposed to happen 5 or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment.

These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn’t even know existed.

What will happen from now on? It doesn’t matter. I can only focus on what’s happening to me in this moment. The word “happiness” takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution.

I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.
I am glad that he has finally decided to let the public in on his life but let’s be honest who hasn’t seen this coming from a million miles away.

Yesterday evening  Annabelle Cheesecake and I ended our night at Josie Natori’s house, where we previewed the Natori Essentials Collection.  Here’s a video of us being interviewed at the event.

Fashionair has a video of Julia Restoin Roitfeld going through her closet and playing dress up. After watching the video and being envious of her shoe collection, my only concern is her lack of furniture…why spend money on a Balenciaga tee when you don’t have a bookshelf?

LINK LOVE: Fashionista

Thanks US Magazine!

Buy them at ShopBop

Anzevino & Florence designs have always been original and innovative; these leggings are no exception with a fun tie at shins and ankles. Made from 92% modal 8% spandex.

Buy them at 80sPurple

Thanks Highsnobette