Welcome to online-astoria.com

By Emily Farra

Despite the ageless appeal of crazy floral prints, ridiculous silhouettes, and the ever-present cheetah-print bootie, sometimes you just want something simple.  I often remind myself of this when I toy with my closet too much and end up looking … well, not like me.  I then resort to my go-to outftit consisting of Genetic skinnies, a loose tee, and a wrist stacked with bracelets — but this spring, I want to branch out more.

The new simplicity I’m going for includes simple shapes (like I talked about in this previous post) plus the newest mod inspiration: color-blocking.

Color-blocking adds a sharp, geometric edge to your outfit with literally no effort; when paired with streamlined pieces like dark skinny jeans and solid flats, color-blocking helps you make a bold statement that isn’t fussy or overly-trendy.

Designer Phillip Lim featured color-blocked neutrals in angular shapes for his Spring 2011 RTW show; beige, white, and black combine with sharp contrast for the utmost minimalist effect.

On the other hand, Issa showed a looser interpretation of the trend –  soft and fluid shapes with bright jewel-tone colors.

While complete opposites, both Lim’s and Issa’s executions are perfect examples of this minimalist-mod color block trend – but there are much cheaper (and more realistic) lookalikes for your everyday life.

The Forever 21 top below is perfect for the color-blocking rookie: it’s loose and comfy, and the colors are soft and complementary.  This tee looks easy and stylish paired with your skinniest jeans and a pair of flat sandals!  Bold jewelry elevates the casual look, so try this oversized gold cuff.

If you would rather control which colors you use, try combining solids, like the citron tank and mushroom skirt below, both from Nasty Gal. The neutral gray anchors the electric yellow shade so that the overall effect is both bold and subtle.

Add this multimedia wedge for even more color-blocking!  In neutral tan and black, they’re the perfect shoe to anchor your colorful spring wardrobe — and at $100, they’re hard to pass up!

By Emily Farra

As I’m sure you are fully aware, the annual Coachella music festival in Indio, California is fast approaching – and aside from delivering three days of amazing music (like The Strokes, Cut Copy, and The Black Keys), the festival is always a setting for some inspiring fashions!  Celebrities like Nicole Richie and Kate Bosworth frequent the sizzling festival every year, and their summery outfits never disappoint.

From my own experience at Chicago festivals like Pitchfork and Lollapalooza, I know spending 72 hours under the scorching sun is no easy feat.  And when you factor in looking stylish, it becomes nearly impossible.  Luckily I’ve learned a thing or two about looking cute and staying comfortable in the sweltering heat — even if you can’t attend Coachella, these adorable trends and foolproof tips will prepare you for the oncoming summer.

The floaty dress below has the two essential elements of your perfect Coachella get-up: a bohemian vibe + a lightweight fabric. Just like Kate proves in her blue tye-dye dress, keeping layers to a minimum and choosing loose fabrics are both vital to staying cool and comfortable.  Choosing a simple gauzy cotton or linen is your best bet.  It also helps to pair your dress with a simple bandeau (rather than a regular bra) if you can — the lack of wires and constricting straps will make your outfit unbelievably more comfortable.

Or, try a take on Nicole Richie’s look: denim cut-offs and a loose, billowy shirt. The blouse below has a great tribal print, and the wide sleeves, easy shape, and lightweight fabric won’t weight you down. Plus, the dark color makes it perfect for wearing with distressed denim shorts like Nicole’s:

Wearing jewelry isn’t the greatest idea — but if you’re like me and feel naked without it, aim for cute earrings or a big cuff rather than flimsy necklaces or bracelets, which will bother you in the heat.  The large earrings below are the perfect piece — they make a major bohemian-chic statement, but they’re literally light as a feather!

Last but not least, wearing flats is a must!  Whether you choose gladiator sandals or soft moccasins, your body will thank you after three whole days of running around the festival.

Image sources: urbanoutfitters.com, instyle.com, goldsaturn.com, freepeople.com, forever21.com

by Emily Farra

When I think of the 90’s, the first thing I visualize is a young and “innocent” Britney Spears. Let me paint you a picture: She’s sporting a disastrous pink crop top that exposes her belly-button and ill-fitting, light-wash denim shorts. With the waistband rolled down.  And did I mention the crop top was a long-sleeved “henley”?

Who ever thought that was a good look?  Even as a middle-school student in an itchy plaid skirt, I knew there was something terribly wrong with that wacky outfit.  And thankfully, those midriff-glorifying days are over – along with the worst of the 90s fads – but playing with proportions is an age-old idea that’s here to stay!

I’ve always been one for oversize tops with skinny jeans and leggings in the winter; it’s the perfect way to be stylish and comfy when you’re studying at the library!  But in quite the opposite manner, spring and summer are presenting some interesting combinations as well…  and don’t say I didn’t warn you.  They’re totally addicting (and flattering).

I just bad-mouthed the crop tops of the 90s, but let’s be honest – we all know they’re back and better than ever.  The new generation of the “crop top” is loose and boxy, sometimes printed or patterned, and hits well below your belly button.  Similarly, these tops aren’t meant to be worn with low-rise cheerleader shorts that expose inches of bare skin; instead, the shorter length of the shirt calls for another unexpected fashion do: the high-waisted skinny jean.

And no, I don’t mean mom jeans! The new, retro version of the classic skinny jean we all know and love is the perfect counter to flimsy crop tops.  The jeans’ higher rise helps keep the bare-midriff dilemma at bay, and by drawing the attention in to your small waist (as opposed to your wider hips) the look is surprisingly slimming! You can get the same effect by simply tucking in a regular shirt into high-waist skinnies, or wearing a tiny corset with a full, high-waisted skirt (see below).  Add a skinny belt  for more definition, or throw on some heels to make your legs look miles long!  Whatever your preference, there’s no going wrong with these proportional basics, which will keep you going through next fall!

image source: UrbanOutfitters.com