fashion says, "me too," style says, "only me"

Espadrilles: Marc Jacobs; Black Jorts: Madewell; Cardigan: Kimchi Blue; Necklace: J.Crew

Photo Location: Napa Valley, CA

All photos by: Kira Wyckoff

For apparent reasons, or none at all, people get continually hung up on the "Rules of Fashion". Which I find inconsequential, my only rule is that there are no rules. Wear what you like, wear it where you want. It's obvious when something is worn as a trend and not a form of self expression. That's not to say self expression cannot correlate with trends, but trends should never be a pillar of personal style (unless you're LADY GAGA). My style pillars:

1. HEELS: I'm 5'9", most would gawk and say how ridiculous that I wear height enhancing shoes, to those people: I like to highlight my best assets, not hide them. Chunky heels, wedges, really any sort of platform elevating footwear. The edgier the better, my current favorite are these studded espadrilles by Marc Jacobs. Patent leather and studs? Does life get any better? Maybe, but only by a small margin.
2. STUDS
3. SKULLS

EDGY PROFESSIONAL OR PROFESSIONALLY EDGY?

Blazer: Theory; Heather V-Neck, Gold Necklace & White Jeans: J.Crew; Rock Necklace: Urban Outfitters; Purse: Hermes Birkin Bag 25cm; Patent Leather Oxfords: Nicholas Kirkwood; All photos by: Kristine Constantino

Jobs. Something most of us 20-somethings devote the best years of our life to. So why should something important equate to a stuffy sense of style? It shouldn't. Silicon Valley is a place where folks dress to the antithesis of what most would describe as professional. In fact, other geographical locations around the nation are taking note and following suit (no pun intended!)

My mother always told me, "Only boring people get bored" I adopted that into only boring people change their personal style entirely to appease fopaux office standards. Be you. Don't be that person that buys things because, "I'd never where this but don't you think it'd be really great for work?" No. Unless it's a Roberto Cavalli gown that's perfect for the reddest of carpets please do not purchase things that you plan to only wear to sequestered areas in life. That's how you end up wasting money and with a closet full of, "I never wear this, why did I buy this again? Oh well I'm too busy to return it so I guess I'll just let it sit here for 4 more years."

(6) TIPS ON DRESSING PROFESSIONALLY EDGY:

1. Subtle nuances enmeshed with basics. Notice: My patent leather Nicholas Kirkwood's with pink laces and pin stripe toes? Pretty out there, however footwear allows you to do such things without appearing over the top. Footwear is also the most subtle since it covers the least amount of surface area on your body. Go buck wild! Don't wait for the next #shoesdaytuesday
2. COLOR! Unless you have a mandated uniform squelching all creativity I highly suggest bursts of color. Notice the Birkin and how it pops against the basic-ness of the contrasting colors? A MUST. Too much color can be seen as Floridian or trying too hard. Stick to one crazy color and keep the rest neutral.
3. DO: Buy structured architectural pieces. The blazer is arguably the only 'professional' thing about this outfit and truly pulls it together. With one piece that meets this requirement you can make the rest of the outfit pretty casual, T-shirt and jeans! Not a fan of blazers? Try a button up chambray shirt (personal favorite) or a nice pair of slacks, fitted of course.
4. Buy clothing that actually fits. I'm piggy-backing off of #3 a tad but this is a biggy. I know the baggy clothing, boyfriend pants, sleeve-less t-shirts that show off your entire ribcage and and so on are totally in right now but let's leave those out of the office. Exceptions include: wearing one of these and making the rest of the outfit fairly upscale.
5. Dem Jewels. Come on ladies, you're all gems so why not wear some? Statement necklaces are my personal favorite but you can really have a lot of fun with all kinds jewelery at the office. Snake/Octopus rings, cluster bracelets, that jewelry box is an oyster to any edgy professional.
6. Easy on the Maybelline. It isn't a social outing at a bar or a party, it's work! However, if you love your job and your co-workers like myself that's pretty easy to forget. You should be caring more about what's in your mind rather than what's on your face - keep them both clear! Make up is a nice to have and I'm not saying to abolish it entirely, just don't go Kylie Jenner on us. Fake lashes and extra long nails don't exactly scream, "I'm SUPER smart and entirely focused on my job!" Know your audience.

I fully endorse the edgy professional, but as for being professionally edgy? Let's leave that to someone else..

Why Whyte Linen Blazers Are IT

Glasses: Dolce & Gabbana

Blazer: J.Crew

Tank: Urban Outfitters

Jeans: Adriana Goldschmiedt

Booties: Dolce Vita

Necklace: Tiffany

Nothing says spring time quite like linen blazers and florals, in the words of rap legend biggie, "if ya don't know, now ya know!" My love affair with linen blazers, most specifically of the white pigment, started the day some drunk girl left hers at my place. After repeatedly trying to figure out the rightful owner of the gorgeous piece, I tried it on (oh whatever, like I am the only one that's ever done that..) To my pleasure it fit perfectly. Which is saying something since I'm a bit on the lanky side and have an annoyingly long torso, I call it fate.

Top 3 Reasons WhyILoveWhyte:

1) It goes with everything, for us ladies that like to rock the denim: ROCK ON

2) Linen is much lighter than the average blazer fabric, obviously making it a springtime essential, guys is pimps too (buy a linen blazer boys if you have yet to do so, the time is now!)

3) It makes me look tan.

Since it's been the epitome of vacation weather lately, I sometimes remove my linen lovely and show off my awesome farmer's tan (still trying to figure out how I obtained that one!)

For those like myself, everyday might as well be SHOESDAYTUESDAY. Let's just say my predilection for adorning my feet is nearing the triple digits and showing no signs of slowing down #embarrassing #sorrydadbutimreallynotallthatsorry.