Army/ Military Fashion; Green is a Go!

Hey, Girls!

I'm here to introduce the cutting edge trend of the army/military style and how exactly to rock it on the streets. Though the many shades of olive green, big jackets and kick-butt boots may be intimidating; Do not fear.. For you, yes, YOU have got this.

First of all, let's talk about the basics... Military is often masculine, or associated with men, and nothing is wrong with that. However, you must know that this trend goes both ways, and when mixed with a little girly, can become impeccably cute and chic.

Now that you know that, let's move onto some do's and don'ts.... I'll start with the do's!

DO: Show some skin! Since jackets are the obviously most popular military piece, you'll be seeing them alot. So, match your shorts with the hem of the jacket, or make them a little longer. I suggest no shorter than the hem of the jacket; that often results in unwanted frumpiness... If that's even a word.

DO: Keep everything else fitted! Keep all surrounding your army piece tight to really grasp that balanced look.

DO: Keep it feminine! Opt for the right balance of girly pieces (skirts/dresses with a mil. top are perfect!) to really rock it.

DO:  Keep the colors subtle! Out of everyone, I'm always the one to say pair bright colors with nuetrals.. But, here's the thing; Army colors aren't really nuetral, so that neon pink top you were going to wear under your jacket will have to wait. Keep the tones close, for example, brown and olive green were made to be together!


DO:  Accessorize!  Personally,  I am in love with the low hip belt (as seen as the 2nd "do" talking about the tightness of your clothes) that have some glitz and dog tags. I love keeping the accessories related to the original masculine look, but keeping them girly with just a twist of glitter or metallic shine.

Now, let's talk about some Don'ts.


DON'T: Opt for baggy; it often looks frumpy. Though I love getting lost in the sweet confids of warm fabric when it gets chilly outside, even I have to resist this little "don't". You can get loose clothes, just make sure they are balanced, okay? Check out my Autumn Trend post for that, speicifcally under "chunky sweaters"...



DON'T: Over do it... If you're looking for the street style and not actually at war, keep just a few pieces in there and your hair not looking.. Like this!

Extra Tips:

Shoes: The best for shoes will be some strappy sandals or boots, honestly. If you want a girly look, go for booties. If you're going all out, try some high black boots. And, if you're just going for a nice casual outfit, try some strappy (brown) sandals... You'll look great in all of the above!

Hair: Curls. Curls. Curls.Every model nearly, has them. You want to kick-butt like a man, not look like one! Add some curls or volume into your locks, and you've got it.

And lastly, confidence is key (as always!) and that includes a smile. You're beautiful, own it.

Please comment, share, read more of my posts, do what you do!
Thank you.
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.


xx
Mata.

How to Wear a Pleated Skirt:The Pleat Cheat Sheet

As this schoolgirl signature makes a high fashion debut, we are left with the question: what to wear with it? Well, ladies, that's where I was too. And after a bit of research and trails, I've got an answer, or, well, answers. So, let's talk pleated skirts, ladies.



1. Colored! As pleated skirts love all the attention, buy a colored one and frame it with neutral colors.



2. High waisted: Really highlight your waist AND flatter your bum with this simple look. Just tuck in a tight shirt, maybe tie a thin belt around your waist and you're golden!

3. Let's talk shoes: Heels, booties, a sleek pair of pumps... All would look fabulous.AVOID: Boots and flats. Boots don't at all go with the style of the pleat, and flats often look..Just too much. Heels are the very best choice in my opinion. But, some edgy booties are perfect as well.

4.Stripes: Since the pleats are going vertically a horizontal stripe is the perfect choice! Especially like in the picture with such a beautiful color combo.

5. Keep everything around it nice and tight! Achieve chic and  avoid frump with a nice tucked in blouse.

6: Belts! A thin belt is the best to really highlight your waist and bring your outfit together.

7. Scarf it out. Loop around your fav infinity scarf just so it touches the top of your skirt and you've got a chic, cute and gathered look perfect for going to school, work, the mall, or wherever you may need to rock it.

8. Graphic tee! Pair a fun (or nuetral) colored pleat with the (expressive)graphic tee of your choice and there you are, holy chic.

9.Crop top...Since we all would like to avoid looking like old Brittney Spears, I suggest a higher waisted skirt or a longer top to show just that peek of skin.

10. (patterned but mostly) polka dot pantyhose! Add a little fun and risk to your wardrobe by wearing these babes under your pleated skirt with a nice blouse tucked in... Defiantly added to my list!

Well, girls, I hope this helped! If you have any more questions, feel free to message me or comment..

Please, comment, +1, read more posts, do what you do.

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.)

Thank you

Stay Fabulous

xx

Mata.

Back to School Fashion; 15 Ways to Rule Your Campus!

For those of us (Sigh.) who have to return to the monstrosity known as school, at least we have a reason to dress well! Just follow these trends for that look that will surely turn heads in your direction (as you make your way to bio.)



I've written about most of these already (Sorry, no completly new trends coming out that I can see) so if you ever need them more explained, just check out the other posts on my blog and you'll find all you need!

1. Colored Vans/Converse/Keds! Want to make a statement, casually? You got it, sister. Just pair with my fav, cuffed (or regular) jeans and a nice blouse for just the right cocktail of casual and chic.

2. Summer Dresses! (Is she at the beach? I'll trade right now). If it's hot, feel free to slide on this pretty item with some cute flats and a smile.If it's cold, slide on a leather jacket is my personal favorite.

3. Pastels! These are so outrageously on trend, odds are, you already own a pastel item. Don't be afraid to put them together, as they actually look better that way than with white or black. My favorite, like the pic, is a nice mint and pastel pink.

4. Graphic Tees! Pair with a simple pair of jeans or shorts, and if it's cut off, a skater skirt is usually flattering. However, beware: If your tee is loose, don't put it with other loose items! You want balance, always. So. if it's a loose tee going full length, wear a pair of tight shorts or jeans.

5. Rompers! After making sure you get the right fit (I have a post about that, check it out!) and want to fancy it up, a pair of pumps is always a lovely option. Otherwise, a girly romper with a nice pair of sneakers
(Vans, converse, etc.) will look cute as well.

6. Statement shorts! And yes, those are shorts, look at the legs... So with these, just make sure to have a neutral collection of colors around them to keep the attention in all the right places!

7. Leather jackets! Surprisingly, these can be girly as well, and if you want that, go for a flowing (lace, if possible) shirt and skinny jeans. If you want the BA look, go for a ordinary (graphic!) tee and a cool pair of leather pants or black skinnies. Wearing this look I always feel bad ass and am ready to kick some as well!

8. Combat boots! On the subject of being BA, these babies were designed for the job. You can tuck in your favorite pair of (dark washed) skinny's OR wear alone with a skirt or even shorts. So many possibilities! 

9. Skater Skirts! Crop tops. Tee shirts. Tights. Thigh socks. Combat boots.Leather Jackets. There are endless possibilities! My favorite is to tuck a nice shirt into the skirt, buckling a thick belt over the hem, wearing a pair of classic sneakers and my go-to black leather jacket.

10. Cuffed Jeans! (Girls who've read all my posts know I haven't shut up about these, and I know for a fact this will be the third time I've used this picture.. But they are still in, okay?) Pair with heels, sneakers, flats, girly tops, tee shirts, leather jackets, sweaters... Everything. Just like jeans, but better. I personally love wearing girly flats and a flowy shirt to balance out the boyish look.

11. PLEATED SKIRTS! I've yet to mention these on my blog, so that's why they're in all caps! I am in love, in love, in love with this trend. Just make sure your shirt is tight and tucked in! Super cute and super easy. 

Shout out to my best friend, Sam, for wearing and knowing these were cool before I did. You go, girl. Thank you for all your help finding what exactly to wear with mine:)

12. High waisted shorts! Though these babes come in all sizes, shapes and patterns, I, of course, have my preference. I  like denim ones the best (with the exception of my black cloth ones that Taylor Swift also owns!) especially with floral. And, I like the flowy, girly top tucked in just the front. So cute, so chic, so easy, and SO ready for school.

13. Belts! I've always  been a believer in belts (ask anyone I know, I'm always buckled in some piece of leather!) so these are in nearly all my outfits. The best belts are around skater skirts like so. I usually cover the hem with a thick belt, but I've found that a skinny, shiny one works really well to flatter! Since there are just so many ways, check out my "10 ways to "Belt-It" " for more info. And yeah, it's inspired by Dahlia from "Awkward."

14. FRINGE! Also never before mentioned in my blog, and I also love it but don't own this one. Soon. All I suggest is making the rest of your outfit modest and neutral to keep the attention where it belongs: the fringe!

15. Chunky Sweaters! See my "FALL in love with Autumn Trends (and learn how to rock them)" post, but basically, keep everything around it tight! And, please, please, please, don't wear a scarf of any kind unless you've given up for the day because it actually is cold. You want to look cute, not like you just came from Alaska, right?

Well, that's it, girls! My other posts have tons of ideas for BTS as well, so please, check those out too! It really means the world to me. Also, feel free, no, please comment or message me for any questions. Share, +1, read more posts, do what you do.

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. ) 

Thank you.

xx

Mata.

FALL in Love with Autumn Trends (and Learn How to Rock Them!)

Alright girls, here we are again.Summer is at it's end and unfortunately, we are left with the bittersweet remains: Fall.So, I've too often heard something along the lines of "Yes! Fall! I can finally wear loose sweaters and leggings and uggs!"
Girl, no. Just because it's fall, doesn't mean you get an excuse to look bad, to give up. So, Here's a post about how to look fantastic in fall and avoid my least favorite thing about the season (besides the lovely allergies): Frumpy Fall Fashion.

1. Knit Sweaters. I'm Knit kidding. These babies are trending, and super easy to pull off. I'm going into chunky sweaters later, but for the knit, since it has a pattern usually, try not to pair it with another one. One of my most basic rules of fashion is to have just one pattern per outfit (or at least three, if you want that mixed and matched chic) so just keep the attention on that sweater! If your sweater isn't loose (if it IS, see chunky sweaters) just pair it with a nice(pair of rolled up)jeans and a pair of sneakers, or, if it's chilly out, some boots and even leg warmers.I honestly like tight sweaters that are feminine to outline your shape.

2. Exaggerated bagginess. I mean, we all love that heavinly, comfortable, loose sweater tucked into our closets, but who knew that lazy day could suddenly be *gasp* fashionable? Well, girls, As Jenna Marbles (Youtube "comidian, " definatly gets girls like us.) would say Boo Boo, I got you. Since I'l be, again, covering chunky sweaters, this one doesn't need much explanation. Just keep it cute by sliding it over your shoulder and keeping it in good shape (Otherwise you'll look like you've been "What, What" Thriftshopping.) and you'll be golden.

3. Fur. Fur real? I know. For fur  (Try saying that three times fast!) just make sure to remember that less is more. Fur, on it's own, is a statement! So, maybe that pink fur coat to your knees really does look like cotton candy, and you should really get the chic black mini jacket... Also made of fur. Personally, I like just a touch such as a vest or scarf.

4. Turtle Neck. The exaggerated turtle neck is also in, but most of us will end up with just this simple classic. For this one, I'd say, like the model, get it cut around the top of your jeans. Since the neckline is already loose, you're going to want just that peak of skin to balance it out. Baggy turtle necks are in as well, so again, see the chunky. I personally prefer the hip cuts though! You're, like I've said before, are going to want to keep that feminine cut.



5. Sneakers. The ultimate casual shoe that has somehow crossed to the fashionista side! Pair these loves with something feminine, bottom line. If it's those lacy flares, cute skirt (like in the pic) or some tight skinnies, anything like that will work. I suggest girly because shoes like converse are co-ed, and just a little touch will make a difference!


6. Cuffed Jeans. All of you who have been reading my posts (thank you!) know that I am a big fan of this look. It's easy, casual, and super cute! Just pair your cuffed jeans with a (girly) shirt and some sneakers, heels, booties, or flats!

7. Cardigans. If you want the maximum chicness (did I really just say that?) go with a nuetral colored cardigan with a pop of color somewhere! For example, one of my favorites is a black cardigan, black cuffed skinnies, a black tank and a  bright pink (like the pic) belt with sneakers. All the neutral with just one pop.


8. Skirts with.. I don't know what you girls call it, but I call it pantyhose or nylons. If you really want to wear that cute spring outfit, but it's a tad too chilly, slide on a pair of these babes! Also, a life saver for that morning you forget to shave. Just go with plain for everything else if you are going with the polka dots, which, I am now inspired to buy a pair of!

9. Fashion scarves. These sweets are just made of a light material (Polyester) that will keep you looking hot, but not so hot as in temp. I love to pair mine (I have at least twenty in my closet at this moment.) with a plain shirt so they can soak up all the attention! If it's neutral , you can go with a fellow neutral that matches (white and black usually work well!) like this girl with an eye catching jacket (I own all the items in this pic! Woah.) or if it's colored, go with a plain background and a chic jacket, such as the black leather.


10. Leather jackets! Speaking of the devils...Leather is always a chic, dressy casual, I'm-trying-but-not-too-hard, go -to fabric that has been my trademark since the sixth grade! So, if you wanna rock this rocking look, the most important thing (besides your smile of course) is too wear a great pair of skinny's!  You can wear a sweater under neath as well, a fashion scarf, with combat boots, with  a skirt, cuffed jeans, nearly anything.

My personal go to outfit is a black leather jacket, a feminine top with flow, a belt around my high waist (thinnest part of my body), cuffed black skinny's, and a cute pair of flats. Perfect for fall!



11. MOST IMPORTANTLY: THE CHUNKY SWEATER! I know, I had to put that in all caps to make sure everyone saw the high light of this post, not that they aren't all important...

Anyways, the sweater. I'll give you some rules and statements, since there is just so much:
1. Keep it tight! Not the sweater, but everything surrounding it should be fitted to keep you looking like you did  it on purpose, not just went thrift-shopping or forgot to do your laundry.

2.Keep the sweater of a light color (cream is my favorite) and all around it dark!

3. Take care of it! You don't want your chunky sweater looking like, again, the thrift shop or laundry situation.

4. Keep it girly! Nothing looks better (I'm sorry if I offend anyone here: girls should dress masculine if they please, I get that..It's just my opinion.) than a girl looking girly and great in her shape. So if you want to keep your shape, belt the middle around the thinnest part of your body.

5.Keep the surrounding fabrics really shiny and chic. Leather is your best option! This should balance everything out for you!

Well girls, that's it! I hope this gives you a bit of help while trying to dress cute for fall. You've got this!

Please comment, share, +1, read more of my posts, do what you do!
Thank you!
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.)
Stay Fabulous
xoxo
mata.

P.S. I recently was given the option of making money from putting ads on this blog, which I turned down. So please enjoy the sweet freedom of no ads and fashion together! Could it get any better? No.