what's wrong with being basic?

Henley: Nordstrom, Blazer, Cut-Off Jean Shorts, Suede Black Heels: J.Crew; All Photos by: Kristine Constantino

So what is wrong with being basic? Normally I would say A LOT OF THINGS. According to UrbanDictionary.com and other "reliable," internet sources being basic is a homogenous personality devoid of anything characterizing or interesting. Who wants to be that? However lately I've heard, basic bishes have more fun! Apparently they have their life together, whatever that means. Some people say J.Crew is basic, given it is 40% of my wardrobe, I used to take offense to it -- until I realized, damn it really is pretty basic isn't it?

Perhaps J.Crew is basic, but why? Because it's popular? I don't think I am lame for liking a brand that has a well recognized design aesthetic and following. Not to say I don't go ga-ga for boutiques or unheard of brands (have you ever met me?) I am just not the kind to shun something just because it is "popular," if it works - it works! To hell with the fact that others have came to the same conclusion. All in all, there are basic brands but no basic people. "Things," yes I'm even talking clothing, do not define you. Be you, you're colorful and you know it!

precociously peplum

Cardigan & Flats: J.Crew, Peplum Top: BCBG, Shorts: Marc Jacobs, Rocco Bag: Alexander Wang; All photos by: Kristine Constantino

In rare form I chose to wear flats. J.Crew makes them best; out of the very few pairs of flats I own J.Crew has it's brand on each of them. What's life without brand loyalty? I dare you to say differently. Juxtaposed to my flat wearing rarity, I am donning a peplum top on a uncharacteristically frigid day.. Someone didn't check the weather before they got dressed.. Regardless of weather-woes, who doesn't love a peplum top? The whole idea behind it is ingenious, not to mention flattering for quite literally any figure. As you can see this is my second post in a row of the well revered peplum. The way it cinches in at the smallest part of the waist, and flounces out in a pleated/ruffled sort of way that hides any part of yourself that you want to keep hidden. Not only that, practically any woman wearing a peplum top receives an overload of attention, whether it is the kind of attention you want is another story. Exercise use of the peplum top carefully ;)

Always someone looking to push the envelope, I chose a peplum with a rather exposed back. Backs are pretty sexy, and if you can find a top/dress/whatever that can elegantly reveal yours- hats off to you. The older I get the more inappropriate it is to expose skin, however an exposed back if worn correctly can be decorous!

Audio Block

Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more

Falling for Florals (Part I)

Scuba Top: Aqua; Bracelets; J.Crew; Pants: J.Brand; Photos: Kristine Constantino & Alyssa Leong www.linkedin.com/in/kristineconstantino

Ha! Ha! Ha! I got the wind roaring through my petals like sea men incur the wind in their sails, ladi-dadi-da life is but a d.r.e.a.m! Seriously though, florals are an epidemic and they are taking over the world (or maybe just your favorite boutique.) I've been avidly following LFW (London Fashion Week) and I must say the most "brilliant," usage of color and florals award goes to Peter Pillotto. If only they gave out trophies for that sort of accomplishment, oh well there is a first time for everything (last time for everything.)

I fell for my fluttery floral friends (nice alliteration), right around the time I started frequenting the phrase, "look back @ it!" Which is I would say.. 2009? When my hair was as black as it was long and my thoughts short and fleeting; teenagers man. I've come along way since those blacked out (hair) days, but at least I was on the right track with one element:  f l o r a l s. Now, 5 years later dem flowers are still rockin' that boat. I suppose finding a classic/timeless piece is much like finding, "the one," when you know, you know.

Go on, fall in love with florals, I dare you. In the delicate words of UrbanDictionary.com, "Give 'Em Hell Ladies!"

CapableCashmere

Cashmere Cardigan: J.Crew; Dress: Forever 21; Sandals: Steve Madden; Photos: Kristine Constantino www.linkedin.com/in/kristineconstantino

Who says you can't wear cashmere in the summer? SUCKERS. That's who, and what do they know anyway? Reminiscent of those Sucker MC's that Run D.M.C. is always referencing, they hop into a Cadillac with a chauffeur and never come back. If we are getting technical about it, cashmere is an autumnal/winterish fabric, but that's not the point. Why quarantine certain articles of clothing only to have them emerge for specific seasons? Nobody ever liked being trapped in the closet, just ask R.Kelly. Especially if you live anywhere in c-a-l-i-f-o-r-n-i-a.

Looking pretentious doesn't necessarily mean acting the part, defy stereotypes!

I understand that my "wearing," of cashmere looks very similar to simply tying it around my neck and perhaps strutting around like my name is on a building or a yacht somewhere in the north east. #jk #gotyou I am all west coast baby (thanks Lana!) Due to the progressiveness of my geographical region I wear my cashmere in the summer, while instagramming and sipping rose. I also channel 90s grunge, allblackattacks, high top converse and wide brimmed hats. Be young, be dope be proud.

**stairway to heaven in my 911**

With that I conclude that cashmere is indeed a very capable fabric, and most reading this post are capable individuals so please, do not restrict your fabrics to Roman calendar seasons. I know, I know, the sun once never set on the Roman empire and therefore eager humans look to them as all knowing. My advice on this one: just don't, leave the Romans out of it. #GetYourCashmereCreepOn