Style Crush

Rihanna

This week I'm crushing on the style of the notorious Rihanna. Considered a fashion genius by some, Rihanna's style is characterized by constant evolution and envelope-pushing. Just when you think you've got her figured out, she goes and shaves half her head. She never does anything small. For this Barbados-born diva, it's all about breaking the fashion rules in a big way.

Defying the traditional fashion rule of not mixing prints, Rihanna is rocking her oversized tribal cropped tee and black and white abstract patterned pants. It's important, however, to note that both pieces are black and white. She balances the boldness of the prints with an absence of color.

Here we have another excellent example of Rihanna's balanced rule-breaking. Even some of the most daring ladies out there would look at that pearl necklace and think it would just be too much pearl for any outfit. But not Princess Ri Ri. She knocks them dead, draping the necklace over her solid black jumpsuit's plunging neckline. This balanced rule-breaking that Rihanna routinely practices is what defines her style and keeps her from being boring, while at the same time preventing her from looking like a mess.

A lot of people think Rihanna's style is hard to copy, since she outfits herself almost entirely in designer. And it's true that if you want to wear the same things she does, you'd better have a deep, deep pocket. But the beauty of high fashion is that designers often draw influence from the past, which is where it comes in handy to be a vintage-lover. Usually, if you see something you love on the runway, you can find something similar to it in a vintage clothing store. Below are pictures of Rihanna in some vintage/vintage-inspired getups.

High-waisted ruffle shorts and top are both either vintage or vintage-inspired. Her cat-eye sunnies are also either vintage or vintage-inspired.

Again, both shorts and top are either vintage or vintage-inspired.

Here, Rihanna channels 80s fashion daredevil Madonna in her tulle skirt and corset.

Key Points:

-Balanced rule-breaking

-Fearless experimentation

-Look for vintage inspiration

in designer lines

Get inspired by more Rihanna pictures, then get shopping!

Look Cute Quick!

There seems to be a misconception among my fellow college students that in order to look good, you need to spend ridiculous amounts of time getting ready every morning. That is so not the case! Looking stylish is much easier than you might think. It’s all in the details…

With this dress, I’d add a big belt, a couple of long necklaces, and since it’s getting cold where I’m from, fun boots and a jacket.

Sometimes, just adding a jacket is enough to pull your whole look together. This jacket looks super cute over this little dress. It would look just as cute paired with your favorite jeans and a t shirt.

The “rocker” look is so much fun and it’s so easy to pull off! Just grab a cool vintage tee like this one, and pair with destroyed denim shorts, fun tights (I’d opt for sheer black ones, ripped) and a pair of black ankle boots. If it’s cold, add leather jacket and you’re good to go!

Skirts are great for looking cute in any type of weather because you can pair them with anything. If it’s hot out, a tank and flip flops will do just fine. If it’s cold, add tights and a jacket. Accessories are a breeze. Belts and jewelry are all you need to finish the look.

And there you go! Quick, easy ways to look stylish and pulled together in 5 minutes! Shop the cuteness here!