The Sperry Theory

Sperry Topsiders!




My new obsession. Maybe it's that casual leather. Maybe it's the adorable laces. Or, maybe it's the fact that these shoes are so connected to summer, when I see them, I think of the hot sun and the ocean.
I just love the fact that no socks are required, and I get that summer tan on the top of my feet.

For those who aren't familiar with the original use of Sperry's: They were and still are "Boat Shoes". Yep, used on the decks of boats by sailors.

Due to my family's ownership of a sailboat, I was born and raised watching these shoes pad across the wooden deck.

The history: After researching, I have found that Sperry's (and topsiders in general) were pretty popular in the 1980's but declined around 1990. And now, they are cool again! I'm very excited about that fact, if you can't tell.

But, your probably thinking, "Okay, I get it. They were boat shoes, were in style, out and now back in. But how exactly am I supposed to wear these?"

Simple, I'll show you.


The most popular is defiantly with cuffs. Cuffs.Cuffs.Cuffs. As you all know (from my "Cuffed Jeans:Casually Fabulous" post) I'm a die hard fan of cuffs. Just roll up your jeans a little, and roll them a second time to your desired length. For topsiders, I suggest within an inch of your ankle bone.




I see a lot of topsiders with shorts also. I mean, come on. They are a summer shoe! I advise buying a dullish color of topsiders  such as navy blue and cream stripe and pairing them with a vibrant short color. Because well, if you buy green ones, you may not get to wear them as often, which is unfortunate (And real Sperry's can get a bit expensive,so you'll get your money's worth of wears!).



Of course, wearing a skirt is possible. I mean, I do it all the time. However, this is where I see a lot of mistakes being made, fashion rule wise. Just be cognizant of the rules when wearing this, but if you do it correctly, it can be super cute!


Dresses, mmhmm. You got it, sister.



Hey, not everyone is into cuffs as much as I am. Just pair your topsiders with a pair of your favorite skinny jeans.


Well, there's the basic five of what you should wear with your topsiders. There are probably a couple more, but I think that sums it up. However, I have a little something special for you!
What not to do.
I see tons of mistakes and wrong doing with topsiders, and they are pretty understandable. So, here's a couple guidelines of what not to do with your Sperry Topsiders!

1. DO NOT (please) WEAR SOCKS WITH SPERRY TOPSIDERS!
I'm saying this one to save you! If you are ever lucky enough to go out on a sail or boat ride, the sailors will, no doubt, make fun of you. It sounds really stupid, I know. But sailors do get the credit for these amazing shoes, and can tell people how to wear them. Anyways, socks look a little..like you don't know what you are doing.

I"m not kidding. 

2. Don't wear them with winter clothes. They are a summer shoe, I think people look a little clueless wearing their Sperry's with a cardigan sweater.

Girl, you'd die going to the beach like that.

3. No dress pants, or dressy outfits. 

Still not kidding.

4.Do not wear with flared or loose pants. Topsiders look the best with fitted pants, no doubt!

Where did her shoes go?

5.I was going to say to obviously not wear athletic stuff with them. but, I think that the just "DO NOT FORGET TO HAVE FUN!" Is better. Yeah? Sperry Topsiders (for me at least) represent a good time with a cute touch.

Thanks for reading!

All of the reads, shares, comments and +1's mean the world to me!

I just made my own Facebook page, so if you could, give it a like, check it out, follow and/or chat me! I love to talk clothes with my girls: my fans.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mata-Dream/767894386578921?ref=hl

(Though you can't simply click the link and have it work [issue with my website] you can highlight it with your curser and click, so select it basically, and it will have the option that says "Go To..." and that, my lovely girls, is where you'll find me! Thank you so very much.)

Thanks again.

Stay Fabulous.

The Blazer Blueprint

Hey ladies!

So for those of you who follow what I do, and actually read what I write (besides the fact that I love you and appreciate you!)  I am sorry.  For a while, this  blog was doing well, and suddenly, it hit rock bottom. So, I must admit I was a bit discouraged and gave up for a week or so. I have decided to try to create a schedule for posts, so that you all won't feel like I am pushing my blogs in your face, but still enjoy it. So, thank-you and please enjoy the following post about blazers.

The other day, one of my naive-to-fashion friends asked me "What do I wear with a white blazer?" And me, being far too educated on the subject, quizzed her on the length, fabric, type of sleeve on it.That lead me to the idea of blazers in general, and what to wear with them.

I wish I could be one of those bloggers who can get away with just saying "Blazers are the bomb-diggity. Just wear them!" But, I feel my need to write about my ideas, so you're stuck with them, loves.

So, as usual, I'll give you some examples and looks that you can read to educate yourself, or give a try! I will, of course, have my commentary and tips about each one! Thank you.

This is ''totally cute and totally profesh"
On a more serious note, it really is adorable! Pairing a short sleeved/lengthed blazer looks cute and fashion forward, but is professional enough to wear to work or an interview. I'm defiantly prepared to try this one for myself!

(Sorry for the watermark, by the way. I don't take pictures of myself just yet, and I really don't have the money to buy myself as many clothes as I advertise! Thanks for understanding!)
"Casual Toss"
The colors on this one I usually wouldn't put together, but the cuffs of her sleeves look clean and cut with them, so fair enough, looks great. To achieve this look, just pick a crisp shirt and "toss" a blazer over it and there you are, ordinary day to fashionable, in a snap! (Or if you like puns, a toss)

"Pattern=Interest"
Pick a pattern to spice up your ordinary outfit!

"Hoodie style"
I've never been able to pull this one off (Yet!) but it is perfect if you want to dress it down. Got a super cute blazer but it's just too fancy to wear? Slide on a thin hoodie underneath. It's almost a secret formula for looking good, without looking like you're trying.

"Accent!"
I love the colors in this piece! If you feel like making that statement (or your LBD looks a little dull) add a crisp, colorful blazer for that special touch you were looking for.

"Dress it up"
Add a little something to a pair of jeans and tie it all together. Suddenly go from the compliment "cute" to "how did you do that?!"

"With a little dress"
"This dress is so cute, but so short. It's not even summer yet. Hmm, just looks cheap with the socks, but oh, this blazer should work.."
Been there, sister! Although I would admit she is over accessorizing, I think that the blazer pulls this together. Too short? No problem.

"Shorts"
Still a little chilly? Just throw a blazer (keep it unbuttoned, obviously!) over some high  waisted shorts for a crisp look.

"With skirts!"
This one you can probably figure out on your own. However, I advise:
If the blazer is long and bulky, go short and tight skirt.
If the skirt is belled or loose (like a skater skirt, for example) go short and tight!
Too much of a good thing (With either short or loose) isn't a good thing, right?

"Color blocking"
Good luck to you is all I have to say about attempting this look. It scares me to death (Will I look like a box of LEGOS?) but it's defiantly on runways everywhere and is a trend, so we are going to see a lot of it.

Well, there was 10 ways to wear a blazer! There are tons more that I didn't include (Like wearing a belt over the waist.. See my "10 ways to 'Belt-it" post!) But I've seen these often.
Thank you so much for reading!
I appreciate you all more than you will ever know!

I just made my own Facebook page, so if you could, give it a like, check it out, follow and/or chat me! I love to talk clothes with my girls: my fans.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mata-Dream/767894386578921?ref=hl

(Though you can't simply click the link and have it work [issue with my website] you can highlight it with your curser and click, so select it basically, and it will have the option that says "Go To..." and that, my lovely girls, is where you'll find me! Thank you so very much.)

+1, comment and do what you do.
And again, I thank you.

Cuffed Skinny Jeans: Casually Fabulous

Cuffed Skinnies can be worn in multiple ways, for of course, multiple looks. When it's too cold outside for skirts and shorts, but it's a little too warm for jeans, these cuffed skinnies make the perfect outfit.

Being a tall girl, I wear this look religiously. So, here are some ways you can rock it too!

Tip: My biggest pet peeve with this look is that girls only roll the bottoms once, so that the hem is showing. Please, don't. Roll it at least twice so it's all cuff and no hems!

"With Heels"

This one doesn't even get a catchy name, since everyone already knows what I'm talking about. On the streets, this one is really popular. Cuff a little to show off those great shoes (and keep yourself from tripping). You can do this with your favorite little pair of heels or even some great wedges  in the spring time. Hello, spring casual!

"The Tomboy Twist"

So she is wearing her cuffs long enough to wear a normal pair of skinny jeans would be, with very casual shoes. I wear this all the time. Cus hey, for a busy girl who still wants to look good, it's surprisingly a lot more stylish to add a little cuff than to just be wearing jeans. This look is great for a busy day or going back to school.

"Fearless Flats"

With the jeans rolled to just above your ankle bone, you can create an easy, chic and feminine look by adding your fav flats. I like, like the pic, a pair of statement flats to make your outfit go from "cute" to "oh my god, she looks fabulous. And where did she get those shoes?!"

"Capri Cuff"

Some girls prefer to cuff their jeans closer to their knees than their ankles, which gives it more of a capri look. I like to wear something modern and fashion forward with this, like pretty flats or a blazer, to keep it from looking like the common "mom jean capris".

"The Fat Cuff"

This girl's cuffs are huge! This is simply done by not double rolling her cuffs, and wearing long jeans. I advise that when wearing cuffs like these, roll a tiny bit and then make the cuff big. The edges look unfinished if they are not double rolled, as I previously mentioned with the whole showing hem thing. Since you're already going for a big look with your jean, I'd opt for some petite shoes with this so you keep the attention in all the right places. Save those gorg cork wedges for another kind of cuff!

"Classic Conserved"

The suit jacket, those 'Splat' shoes, she had to roll up her skinnies a little to pull this one together. If you want to pull this one off, all you need is a sharp jacket, a simple shirt, some kick-ass shoes (I suggest 'splats' and Sperry's, or any type of shiny leather shoe) and Ray bans. I usually go for a leather jacket or blazer, my black skinnies cuffed and my cutest Sperry's.

"Big Shoes"

As for 2015, the clunky shoe look is in! Roll up your jeans just a bit to make room for your newest big shoes! This can go for clogs, combat boots, or big heels like the ones in the picture! Go crazy!

"Booties"

Yes, now you have seen these cuffs with booties, flats and heels, we're at booties! For booties, I just suggest wearing a jean color that works with them. For example, don't wear black/ black tinted jeans with brown booties.. You feel me? Good!

"Girly it up"

When wearing a masculine look, such as this woman's shirt, roll up the jeans just a tad for a little something extra. This goes great with plaid, any button up shirt or big sweaters... And pretty much anything!

Thank you for reading!

Please, Comment, +1, Share, do what you do!

Thank you again, I really hope this was helpful.

10 Ways to "Belt-it"

Belts. 

Outfit maker or outfit breaker. Belts are the accessory that with the closing of a buckle can pull everything together (no pun intended!) and make you slimmer at the same time! Grab one to put in your belt loops of your pants, or find a different outlook. 

After watching an unusually good episode of "Suburgatory" with my favorite character "Dailia" using the phrase "Belt-it." I fell back in love with the idea. But, as I was thinking of how many more belts I need to purchase, I couldn't help but think of how many times belts go wrong.

So, here is a little help on how to wear this fun accessory!

1) Use a belt to help you match, or just plain add a little somthen somethen. 

2) Put it over a coat! Cinch that baby over a bulky sweater  (or tailored coat) and there you are.

3) For a feminine hourglass figure, pinch it on your natural waist. (Which is located where an ordinary pair of pants falls) 

4) Sling it around your hips for a casual, yet put together look.

5) Cinch it on your high waist for a girly twist. (When I say high waist, I, at this point, mean the smallest part of your waist)

6) Try the pop of color effect.

7) Use your belt to sport your glitz of the day!

8) Girly up any outfit.

8) Separate your skirt or dress by adding in a skinny (or fat, ir it works!) belt.

 9) Close it over a cardigan!

10) Use it to put a classic twist on a new, trendy look.

Thanks for reading! I'm trying to write as much as possible, and I really appreciate all of your support.

Please, comment, share, +1.. Do what you do! 

Thank you.

The Girl Next Door.. Could Be You!

The girl next door may not be a common outfit choice you see in magazines but..

 But for sure, it is a look.

I'm tired of reading on how to achieve the perfect "Boho" or "Chic" or "Girly". Whatever, I'm just over the same five looks. So there.

I just want to bring back a little classic. a little modest. a little cute confidence. Now girls are trying to find themselves in clothes that make them look sexy, or too old for their true age. And honestly, us ladies have the rest of our life to wear "grown up clothes". Yet, you can be 40 and be this innocent girl next door.
So, hey, just for kicks, keep reading and check it out. It's something a little different, a little old fashioned.

But I like it. Why?

The girl next door is just a classic, casual, cute look that anyone can pull off. Especially those of you who are still dreamers in high school. You got this. Now, let's begin.


What is the girl next door anyway?

When looking at the fashion, it's a secretly sexy, casual, modestly gorgeous look.







WHAT TO WEAR:

Wearing ordinary clothes such as jean shorts, tight (but not slutty) fitted tee shirts, short skirts, skater skirts, simple blouses, half tied shirts, crop tops, high waisted shorts..

You get it. 

INNOCENTLY SEXY.CONFIDENTLY CUTE. Key words.

Things like having a low (or neutral) amount of make up make a big difference.
Personality can be a big part too, but appearance is also significant.


Like the rest of my posts, I'm going to have that paragraph of key information above, and some examples. And of course, my commentary.



Sneakers, jean shirts and an ordinary shirt just make her look perfect. The first thing I think when I see her picture is simply "Well, isn't she just as cute as a button?" because look at her, she is! Maybe it's that slight confidence in her own skin that makes her so likable.


Again, with the jean shorts and slightly cropped shirt. Also, the all her own sunglasses... And that look on her face, my goodness. She looks like she knows something we all don't, lovely. *tip: if you were shorts that are faded like these, please wear dark shirts with them. and visa versa*


Fashionable, yet kicked back. Pretty close to a girl next door, though I would trade in those plastic looking sandals for some good time sneakers.




Cropped tee, skater skirts, matching glasses, cool bracelets, natural make up, and most importantly... A smile. She just looks like she is having a good time, a good day. She appears  happy and approachable. And I have that entire outfit!

Goofy shirts, defiantly add to your GND list. And Ray Bans.


This one is pretty old fashioned.. But, it has the cut of of a tee shirt, a sporty one, which is genius for this look. Also, the high waisted jeans were a good choice. But look at her face, naturally gorgeous. And her hair also appears to be untouched by product.



You know the style by now, but man, this girl nailed it. I would have a higher cut top, but the look on her face and just the style that the photo was taken in the pic on the right is just perfect! I really love that pose.



Are those ducks on her skirt? Quirky is cute.

Awe, look at her. There is no doubt that if she dropped her pen and gave that look, that every boy in school wouldn't be diving to the floor to retrieve it for her.




And lastly, this dollface. The sneakers, glasses, skirt and tee. The bun, the lack of make up. And the laugh. Love her.

Thanks for reading this far, I really appreciate it!
Comment, +1, do what you do.
Thanks again!