Blog Love: Grease, Glamour and Girliness

You know how your mother always said not to talk back? It’s not the polite thing to do in real life, but in fashion, it’s the opposite. We watch Fashion Week street style even more closely than we do the runways because while the official word is great, we enjoy the word on the street a bit more. And the streets talk back! This month we discovered a few more bloggers we think are worth watching, and what kind of friends would we be if we didn’t share?

A Truly Intriguing Subject. Speaking of Fashion Week, you’ve probably happened upon a photo or two of Anne-Catherine Frey if you follow street style blogs or simply have a Tumblog. Hailing from Luxembourg, Anne-Catherine’s blog is effortlessly whimsical  – the photos of her life are almost as lighthearted and interesting as the outfits of her everyday. Her style is easy but still unique.

Grease and Glamour. This blog really does have a split personality, just as its name suggests. Prepare yourself for a jaw-dropping splash page and mish mash of outfits so eclectic you’ll question whether or not this is one person (Are they twins?). Regardless, she claims to be more, sometimes up to five. Wha? I can’t even wrap my head  around this madness. But I still like it, and you might too.

M Loves M. So with all this talk about grease, glamour and split personalities, how did we miss the girly-girl personality? Well you see, I have her right here. Mara’s a sweet little brunette with an equally sweet smile and a nice girl style. Her style can’t rub anyone the wrong way, and her attention to fine detail is apparent in her outfits and the rest of her posts – be sure to check out the recipes and wedding sections of her blog for some serious visual stimulation.

Blame it on Fashion. LA-Based blogger Marie may live in the Land of Everlasting Sunshine, but she is originally from Scandinavia…and we all know good things come from Scandinavia (think H&M and Ikea). Her sleek, simple, slightly edgy style is extremely eyes-on without screaming for attention. Think Acne, not Susie.

What We’re Reading

The blogosphere is crazy right now. Much like a high school in the midst of homecoming week, Fashion Month is full swing and festivities are happening in all corners of Campus 2.0. Many a blog reside in my Google Reader and let me tell you it is blowing up like whoa. To help you sift through the madness that is the fashion scene in its peak hour, here are my top four favorite blogs I’ve been following for this month. All of them are awesome, with or without Fashion Week, so that means these are real keepers.

1. Shine by Three. Seeing the neon Cambridge Satchel over and over again in the last few months has blown my mind, and not in a good way. Margaret is refreshing – her style is simple but experimental, and while she does not shun trends she clearly defined her style, and it happens to be one we likie. You may want to bookmark this one.

2. FrouFrouu. Nadia is a thrift queen, and in a fashion world where “Putting your best face forward” means having a pair of overpriced sunglasses, we admire that. Obviously, Nadia isn’t afraid of the dig, and she manages to pull together looks that must be as affordable as they are inherently stylish. Like Margaret, she’s a lady who knows what she likes – a lady with a distinct personal style, not to mention an amazing photographer.

3. Like Fresh Laundry. Did you miss our interview with Natalie? You can find it and my incessant raving right here. Needless to say, we’re fans.

4. I Am Galla. It’s not often that we find male fashion bloggers, so Adam, we have to admit we think you’re pretty cool just for crossing that bridge, as well as for rocking those jeans and that plaid shirt. And I mean rocking - Adam’s style is completely wearable by any dude on any given day. Girls, you may want to sneak this one into your boyfriend’s reading list. Is that too strong a hint?

Blog Love: Feminine Flirtiness + Redhead Megacutie

1. Going West. This native San Franciscan pulls at our home-based heartstrings with simple-chic ensembles we can all aspire to…especially when she wears hats and even more so when she wears Crossroads!

2. Keiko Lynn. A blog that features hair and makeup up how-tos is so much more useful than just some outfit posts – not that we don’t lust over Keiko’s feminine-flirty-with-a-touch-of-unexpected outfits.

3. Blonde Bedhead. Can a girl with a head of hair like that do any wrong? No. But with such a covetable, chic yet comfortable look, we’re glad she does us right and blogs her outfits on the (almost) daily.

4. The Clothes Horse. Rebecca is a redheaded megacutie (did I just repeat myself?) with a style that is completely wearable and girlish, but also utilitarian. Interludes between outfit posts include street style photos of men in scarves, old-fashioned photos and more. Feel free to enjoy the beautiful Virginia scenery in the background of her outfit posts as well, because the it looks like a ride to Green Gables. And I don’t mean that as a bad thing.

Blog Love: Detail Oriented + Mixology

1. Cocorosa. A long time favorite of mine, the lovely Chantal is a lover of neutral tones. Nearly every outfit consists of a simple black, cream, or pastel pink. Chantal’s specialty is attention to fine details. Who needs colors when you can have a bow, lace, embellished tights, delicate fringe, and top it off with a pair of over-the-top shoes?

2. Inspirafashion. This mega-cutie-slash-Berkeley-nerd is our neighbor and a lady of many looks. Her penchants include midi skirts and Chanel bags.  We do not object.

3. Snakes Nest. Bethany masters the California winter in a breezy cardigan and some textured shorts. Always on point, never over the top.

4. A Bevy Of. Courtney is my kinda girl. An aggressive mixologist and talented pattern pairer, I always look forward to see what concoction she comes up with next, even if I may be too meek to try it myself.

Blog Love: Sequined Skirts and Furry Bags

I’ve got an extensive Google Reader with an entire category dedicated to fashion bloggers I dig. Here are a few girls who not only made me wonder where did she get that, but also how did she do that??


1. Christine from My Style Pill has a way with chic. Her style is slick and always put together, but in a fascinating way – see that sequined skirt with that preppy top? See what I mean? She’s golden.

2. Whitney and Mallory are the two uber-cuties behind the blog Whit Wat Wear. The fact that they’re based in Berkeley means they’re practically locals, and I love how they manage to always look so stylish while staying on solid ground: being chic and comfortable is no easy feat, especially in Berkeley, where we walk everywhere and layers are mandatory.

3. If you’ve followed this here blog for a while you’d know we’re fans of Liz from Late Afternoon, but I’ve actually been following her blog since it’s fledgling days. That means I’m a true fan girl! She has a knack for outfitting herself in a manner that is always stylish but never formulaic. Yellow top, sweater, burgundy pants, and furry bag? Liz, please teach me your ways!

4. La Catrina is the blog of LA-based blogger Ariana, and it’s currently jam-packed with LA Fashion Week extravaganzas as well as Ariana’s dazzling outfits. Dressed for the weather but with maximum impact, I love how Ariana manages a little bit of flashiness in shiny pieces or leather, without ever going over the top. Also, she and Christine sort of look like twins, no?

Blog Love: Cut-Outs and Pleats

Fashion magazines? They’re all good and dandy, but I like to turn to the real folks on the streets (or in the blogs) for a genuine taste of today’s style. These four ladies are on my reading list and I find them incredibly inspiring. Blog on, girls!

1. Marcella from Fashion Distraction is all about mixing edgy with feminine pieces, and she does it with effortless class. Ever wonder how to wear a leather skirt without looking like a biker chick? Check out Ms. Marcella’s blog for the answer.

2. From Peter Pan collars to floral prints, K is for Kani is all about feminine dressing. But with a bit of eclecticism, boyfriend cardigans and clever color mixes, she manages to pull off a look that can only be described as girl-gone-wow!

3. What’s refined yet slouchy and LA all over? Olivia from Lust for Life. Enough said.

4. It’s all about the details! Just Another Fashion Blog keeps her outfits understated but stylish with pretty details and dainty jewelry. I love the cut-out details on this button up she has buttoned all the way to the top, lightly cuffed, and only half tucked in.

 

Did I miss you? I’m always looking for new style mavens to follow, so if you think you should be here, just leave us a comment and you might be featured here next time!

Also, don’t forget our comment contest is going strong! Any comment on any blog post is an entry to win a lovely necklace on Monday.

Blog Love: Beach Chic and Sequins

Thanks to your lovely suggestions, my blog reading list is ever-growing. In our second edition of Blog Love, I highlight some of the most daring, creative, and flat out chic bloggers around. And there’s room for more! If you think you should’ve been on this list, or want to suggest who to feature next, leave your recommended reading links in the comments!

1. A tweet pointed me in the direction of Manrepeller, and I’m so glad I found her (thanks, Anna!). Besides being ridiculously stylish and sometimes  a tiny bit off-the-wall (in a good way), Manrepeller is also absolutely hilarious. Just read her definition of a Manrepeller. You can thank me later.

2. Thank you, Chictopia, for showing me Brooklyn Blonde. Helena manages to always look put-together in a totally I-can-actually-walk-in-these-shoes sort of way. Comfortable and cute – love you, girl!

3.  Extremely street chic, The Golden Diamonds has this insane ability to spice up any elegant outfit. Crisp white blazer? Not a problem with some eclectic jewels and a pair of pants that just look like a maxi. Clever.

4. A total California cutie, Photographs & Memories keeps it California casual while keeping it fresh. I like the use of daytime sequins here. And the floppy hat is a nice touch!

5. A Crossroads favorite, by now you should know Ms. Britney of Disarming Darling. Besides being ridiculously pretty, Brit’s  got beach chic down to an art, but the kind of effortless art that looks like she threw it all together in a minute before running out the door and almost missing the bus. #Loveee.

6. A la Ladywolf is a chameleon that continues to dazzle me with her style. A lover of vintage and hippie-chic, I love how she can just take a day off from the whole thing to pull together an all-black ensemble.

Blog Love: Shorts, Nudes and Novelty Prints

You’d be surprised (or not) if you knew how many fashion blogs I read and follow for inspiration. As a nod to some of my favorites, today I’m dedicating some Crossroads blog love to some of my favorite fashion reads.

1. Nude cues from blogger Atlantic Pacific, we love how fun her monotone outfit is thanks to a play on textures and print.

2. Love how Madeline from Jean Greige tones down her novelty jeans with a neutral, light top but plays up her look with statement jewelry and some gold flats.

3. Camille Tries to Blog takes to burnt orange and a striped skirt for a summer’s-in-full-swing getup.

4. Lace accents or full-on lace, we love how Song of Style blogs her shorts!

5. Patterned pumps, a wrap dress, and a twirl from Jaglever. Honestly what else do you need?

6. Embellishing a simple outfit with a sparkly necklace, we love That’s Chic’s ability to dress down a dress or dress up a grandpa sweater.

 

Did I miss someone you like or your own blog? Give us suggestions for our next Crossroads Blog Love post and you could be  featured here!

P.S. Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate! The winner will be announced on Monday.