“Buy multiples” is one of the best pieces of style advice I can share. And as we wrap up a fantastic month of Personal Style posts, it’s fitting that we reflect on personal style, what it means to each one of us, and what signature pieces in our closets help us define our very own personal style. Are you reflecting? Do you have a mental picture of your favorite jeans? Shoes? Sweater? T-shirt?

Oh, but wait: your favorite jeans got a hole in the back by the pocket last fall and have been stuffed into the bottom of the hamper ever since and when you went to ____________ to find a new pair, you discovered they no longer make them. Sure, you can try and get them fixed, but don’t you really wish you had another pair? Or two? No more regrets. Next time you find the perfect, most comfortable ballet flats in the world, the world’s most flattering chinos, or the softest, curve-hugging tee, buy another.

Because you know what? The stupid manufacturers change the designs every season and you’ll never find them again and you’ll be pissed. I’m looking at you, Banana Republic. However, if you pick up three pair of those fabulous jeans, you triple the time they’ll last. Sure, it’ll cost you now, but ask yourself, how much money have you wasted buying a blazer that you think is going to be like the other one that you love but it never fits quite right and you don’t even wear anymore?

So stock up and you’ll love what you wear everyday.

Personal style… what does it mean? Well in my case, it’s way less about fashion and way more about dressing for myself. My personal style happens to be centered around the age-old idea of “dressing to flatter”. I don’t care what the latest rage is (short, long, tight, baggy, what have you) I always dress in semi-classic pieces that accent what I’ve got and camouflage what I got too much of. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen a pretty gal with a splendid figure wearing too-tight, too-low skinny jeans, a too-tight bra and too-tight shirt all converging to give her the look of muffin-top with sausage rolls. And it’s such a pity. With a flattering top and properly-fitting jeans she would just look dyno-mite. This is where fashion fails us. Or as I prefer to see it, where we fail ourselves, by reading too many fashion magazines. So I’ve come up with a top 10 checklist for you, to keep you feeling good and your dance card full.

1. Mirror. Do you have a full-length mirror? Seriously, if you don’t, go out and buy one stat. And don’t go leaning it too much so it’s a skinny mirror. Suck it up and regard yourself as you are.

2. Jersey. Jersey is no one’s friend. Stretchy cotton jersey is comfy as balls. It feels like you’re wearing yoga pants…and well you should be…at yoga. Jersey shows EVERYTHING! So unless that shit has some couture master tailor’s name on it, leave it be. I have seen a person’s control top and the bunched up panties underneath it, thanks to cotton jersey. When in doubt, don’t.

3. Accentuate. What are your assets? Got a rack that just won’t quit? Are you booty-licious? Got stems that go for miles? Figure out what your best features are and learn to accentuate them. Those daisy dukes, flip-flops and tissue tee may look the bomb on miss 90lb tween down the road, but if you’re sporting a beer gut and thunder thighs…think about how you can translate that look to showcase your stunning ta-tas. Find some sexy, properly-fitting, medium rise, dark jeans, flops and a tissue tee (deep v-neck to show off your unbeatable décolletage). If your gut spilleth over, accentuate with a grand pashmina around the neck, allowing the ends to graze past your belt line. The fraying ends will cause a visual distraction to mask your blub. Voila, you’re still a hot sexy hipster.

4. Accessorize. You can be any shape and size and pull off fab shoes, bags, scarves, and jewelry. I prefer to wear simple staples and jazz them up with accessories galore. I use my small silk scarves for anything from my hair (as a headband or in a knot at the base of a ponytail), to wrapping around my wrist for a bracelet, to tying in a fashionable ascot around my neck. A jaunty hat is always a crowd-pleaser. And don’t underestimate the power of a statement necklace.

5. Hair. Big Forehead? Bangs! Round face? Have your hair cut so it falls below the chin adding length and slimming the visage. Petite? Make sure your long locks don’t overwhelm you. A good haircut can really make or break your look. Stop looking at celebrities and instead look at your face and your hair. Don’t fight your hair’s natural instincts. If it’s curly let it go! A good, properly shaped cut can make curly hair look fabulous. If it’s straight, stop trying to perm it and get it cut in one of those enviable precision cuts that only the straight gals can do.

6. Quality. It’s all about quality not quantity. You don’t need a closet filled with cheap crap. One or two properly tailored pairs of pants and some flattering blouses will get you turning heads in record time. And I don’t mean Dries VanNoten (ok, secretly I do) but even Banana Republic and J.Crew have some excellent, lined, tailored pants that could really take you around the world. Cheap stretchy unlined H&M or forever 21 will only get you to the dartboard and back.

7. Dress for the occasion. Strappy stilettos in January. Yeah, you! You know who I’m talking to. Don’t look like a turd out there. Dress for the weather – a trench in the rain. The occasion – that means no goddamn jeans at the opera. And the time of day – full blown foundation and shadow during office hours be gross.

8. Once-over. Before you leave, look in the full-length and do a 360 turn. Now bend over. Seeing panty lines? Grab a thong. Your underwear? That skirt may be too short. Camel toe? Those pants are too damn tight for you. Back fat bunched around the bra? Buy a properly fitting bra, but in the meantime, don a shirt with a little pucker and ruffle. A sheerish tunic over a sexy tank goes miles for showing your shape without sharing your bumps and bubbles.

9. Swagger. Oh man, you gotta have it in spades no matter how tall, short, skinny, or fat you are. When I’m out and in the zone, really feeling myself, adding an extra wiggle to my walk, I have to beat ‘em off with a stick, boys and girls. When I’m out feeling crummy, frumpy, sad, blue…turns out company doesn’t love misery. And it’s fine if you don’t really have it. You can fake it. Practice switchin’ your hips, holdin’ that head high and lookin’ ‘em right in the eye. They’ll be putty in your hands.

10. Know thyself. Feeling comfortable and happy in what you’re wearing is the biggest key to number 9 (see above). Just because it’s fabulous, expensive, or someone recommended it, does not mean it’s for you. Take time to look around in stores and such, alone. I hate shopping with people. The only perspective I need is my own. And you should too! Trust your gut. And if that gut protrudes, hide it with a well placed hobo bag!

When I found out September was going to be personal style month here at OMFG, I was very excited to read everyone’s articles on what contributes to their style.

Style is subjective and objective. Our parents had first dibs on selecting our style while we were infants. Then inevitably somewhere in our toddler stage comes the day when we tell Mom: “I can dress myself!”. That day is momentous! Our first personal style statement. Style is influenced. Style evolves (hopefully). Our friends, hobbies, travels, books we read, the movies we watch – all this influences our style.

Winning “Most Fashionable” in my yearbook was as important to me as winning an Oscar was for Julia Roberts – seriously. I just always had a love of style and fashion. My mother was a big influence on me. We would take trips to New York City and spend the entire day at Bergdorf Goodman. The goal – to get some “essentials”. My mother was a big believer in quality over quantity. She taught me the importance of investing in classic pieces (the classic little black dress, a divinely tailored black pant, a crisp white shirt) and then mixing it with the trendy stuff. To this day I still spend the big bucks on the best jeans and dresses and then have fun in H&M blending in the fun trends that will not last a season, i.e. Ikat prints.

Accessories. If I had to do it over again, I would have loved to been an accessories editor as I LIVE for accessories.

Jewelry. From Cartier to Costume, jewelry is very powerful. Firstly, jewelry is emotional….we remember when and where we got each piece. Whether it was a graduation gift from mom and dad or a fab flea market find. Secondly, jewelry becomes sacred and one’s collection can be passed through the generations. Lastly, a statement piece can do just that….. just make sure when accessorizing with jewelry not to overdo it… If you think you have too much on, you probably do, so remove a piece.

Shoes. Ladies, I’m sure I don’t have to go on and on about the importance of good shoes, but it is important to have at least a few really good “go-to” stilettos/flats. I know that some brands are as much as a car payment, so keep a eye on those sales racks. At the end of the season try buying staple pieces for the next year, they wind up lasting much longer. Just as essential – find a great shoe repair spot to keep those big investments going.

Scarves. Probably one of the most versatile pieces one can own. Scarves can quietly grace your neckline. They can be used as a belt. Tied a certain way they work as a sarong or even a top! Folded over a few time as a headband or knotted on the handle of a bag; scarves are a fashionista’s secret weapon.

Handbags. Having lived in many different places from the country to the city… I can say that women in cities are definitely more handbag-conscious. It is the one piece that can really sum up and define your style and at the same time needs to be functional enough to carry all those “essentials”.

Style does not just reside in fashion does it?! The car we drive, the way we decorate our abodes is also a further reflection of our style and sensibilities.

I think the most important thing to remember, as cliché as it sounds, is to feel confident and have fun in whatever your rockin’. Don’t be so quick to judge! That gal with the nose-ring and Manolos or the headband and Babour coat may have more in common that we think!

In the words of Yves Saint Laurent; “Fashions fade, style is eternal”.

A couple of months ago, I had to renew my passport. On the form they ask for hair color. Without hesitation, I checked the box for blonde.

When I was 15 or 16, my mother, a hair stylist, had some extra color left over from a family friend whose highlights she had just finished and on what I’m sure was a whim, asked if I’d like her to put a few foils in my hair. I nodded enthusiastically and the rest is history. Or, rather, hairstory.

Except for a year and a half between spring semester senior year in high school and freshman year in college when I reverted not quite to my natural chestnut, but more of an almost-black espresso, I’ve had blonde hair. It’s been pixied, it’s been shagged. It’s been long, it’s been bobbed. It’s had bangs, it’s had layers. And it’s been bleached within an inch of its life.

What does it take to maintain bleached blonde hair? A lot of work and a lot of money. Here’s how it breaks down:

• My hair grows faster than average, so I need to have my regrowth (fancy word for roots) touched up every 6 weeks. At $140 to $220 a pop, that’s about $1500 a year. Luckily my mom’s still a hair stylist, so when I can make it up to Massachusetts for a touch up, that saves me a bit of dough.
• Bleached hair is damaged hair, so is much more susceptible to split, damaged ends.  Which means it needs to be trimmed much more often than healthy hair. Add another $700 to the blonde bill.
• Wet hair is weaker hair, so I have to limit the number of times a week I wash my hair to avoid damage. When I do wash it, it requires ultra-rich, ultra-moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that I comb through and leave in for five minutes. After the shower, I am careful not to rub my hair for fear of damaging the cuticles and I put it up to dry in an ultra-absorbent turban for accelerated drying.
• And it better help the drying, because god forbid I have to spend too much time blow drying it, as that’s no good for damaged hair either.
• In addition to the special shampoo and conditioner I use, once a week I deep condition.
• After my shower, once the turban comes off, I use a wide-toothed comb to get out all the tangles, then apply an ultra-nourishing leave-in conditioner and then an anti-frizz, moisturizing oil to the ends to smooth it out as it dries.
• When out in the sun, I wear a hat to avoid the sun further bleaching my hair and damaging the color. When I go swimming in the ocean or pool, I have to first drench my hair with fresh water and comb through conditioner before submerging to ensure that my hair soaks that up rather than the damaging chlorinated or salty water.

Like I said, it’s a lot of work. So why do I do it? Why not just go brunette and save myself time, energy, money, and a whole lot of trouble? I know it sounds idiotic, but I’m not a brunette—it’s just not me. I’m a blonde. Just check my passport.

Looking through my childhood photo albums I was shocked to realize that my wardrobe hasn’t changed much since I was a young’un. Since I wear jeans and t-shirts every day I don’t know why that was so surprising, but I guess I thought I would have made more progress. After all, I did stop wearing sweatpants! I also made a few other wise decisions:

I decided never to wear tie-dye again. Or match my shoes to my shirt.

Most importantly – all my elastic waist shorts were thrown away. They are not a good thing. I don’t care what you think American Apparel. (Mello Yello, however, is the perfect accessory for this outfit. Why don’t you pose with it for the camera, fatso?)

Headbands… these also had to go. I understand the power of accessories, however I wore the I wore them so far back on my head they were practically falling off. I just don’t know why.

If I didn’t have a headband, I had earrings. Huge, enormous, dangly earrings. The bigger the better. Or – the weirder the better. Plastic fruit, christmas trees, etc… anything I could find at Claire’s.

Sadly I can’t say that I’ve abandoned this. I still love big weird earrings. I am trying to keep it a little more tasteful and adult-appropriate (silver is a little nicer than plastic) but I it’s true what they say – habits are hard to break!

And now, for a fun break, enjoy some kick ass looks, set to good music:

So it’s mid-August and it’s safe to say that I will successfully make it to fall without  owning or purchasing a pair of flip-flops all summer. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a flop. They’re easy, cute, and casual, but unfortunately, Burger also loves them. In his mouth. And after that happened earlier this year, I just never brought myself to buy another pair for this season.  See, I refuse to spend more than like, $5 on flip flops, I’m sorry. All those $18+ Havaianas can find another foot to fashion cause mama’s not havin’ it. I also don’t buy costly pens, umbrellas, or sunglasses, because a) I lose things like that and b) I rather not sweat it too much when I do.  It pretty much comes down to an embarrassing level of laziness, as opposed to personal style, that led me sandal-astray this year. I straight-up did not want to trek to an Old Navy. Bottom line.

Instead, I’ve been rocking shoes. Three pairs of slip-ons, to be exact. These shoes have been my sole-sisters on vacation to Miami, a cruise, trips home to the pool, being at bars, a million degree dog walks, and general out-of-houseness, and honestly, I haven’t really missed slipping my piggies into some thongs at all. If flip flops are g-strings, my feet prefer boyshorts.

Let me introduce you!

The boat-shoes. I bought these Sperry Top-Siders at Shoegasm on 23rd st. for $80.  I hesitated over the price for about 3 minutes before following through because I knew in my heart that I’d wear the shit out of these bad boys on the daily. And boy have I. They are super comfortable, have cute little silver accent piping, and the color goes great with almost anything. I usually rock them with denim cut-off shorts and a baggy t-shirt, a casual mini, or even a few light dresses. Despite their fancy-pant nature, they’re the most casual of my summer shoes; sorta preppy and classic, but also totally backyard bbq and obviously, yacht-fucking-rock.

Next up, the Keds. A step up on the casual ladder, I bought these for $40. The newest Ked collection is pretty awesome. Tons of patterns and colors and materials. I rock these with shorts and skinny jeans. They’re loud, but not obnoxious. A nice little accent to an all-black or mostly black outfit, as well as complementing red and white really well. My feet are pretty wide and these run pretty narrow so it took a few dates to really start feeling comfortable with each other. Even still, they tend to hurt me from time to time, but god love ‘em! Story of my life.

Lastly, meet my Melissa’s. Rubber babies from Brazil. Plastic, I guess, technically, but whatever. I bought these for $50 at a little boutique in Jersey City. I went into the store looking for a beach bag and fell in love with these little guys. They’re like jellies, but not. So fucking comfortable, it’s stupid. Fit like a glove and go with everything. They add a little dress-up to most things casual, but are also easy enough to slip on for a trip to the beach or to the store for some milk. ‘Cause dontcha just wanna skip to the store for some milk in a little checkered dress wearing these? I do. And do. I feel pretty in them. Lady-like. Dainty. Demure. And easy to kick off when ya gots to chase a bitch! They come in lots of colors and patterns, too. I mostly wear them with a nicer pair of shorts and dress-tanks, skirts, and summer dresses. They’re my flat high heels, have you. Also, I can clean them in the sink with the dishes. Not that that I do. Cough.

So there you have it, guys! You can live flip-flop free, too! It’s easy! And chic! So get those hogs out of my face and cover yourself up! Hussy.

It’s difficult to talk about personal style without mentioning the C word: Comfort. Unfortunately, for many comfortable clothing brings to mind sweatpants and gym shoes, but many of us savvy comfortable-style seekers have a few secrets to staying comfy without sacrificing style. My latest secret weapon: TOM’S Shoes.

I have hyper-sensitive feet and very few shoes fit me comfortably without rubbing/cutting/blistering somehow and very painfully. Even fewer are cute enough that I even want to wear them. So how happy am I that I finally broke down (once I decided that flip-flops are probably not the best idea for three weeks walking around Europe) and tried these babies on? Pure comfort. No pinching, no cutting, and there’s even a little padding and—gasp—support!

The guy that sold them to me insisted that I must be the last girl in the City to not already have a pair, but I know that’s not true… I bet you don’t either. So that’s why I’m sharing the love.

There are lots of reasons to love TOM’S, and their One-for-One program is no exception:

TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we’re all about. The TOMS One for One business model transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support.

The only reason to not like them is the fact that the vegan versions of the shoes are all patterned within an inch of their lives; us vegans want a simple, solid shoe too!

For more information, or to get your own pair, visit TOM’S Shoes online.

No, I don’t work for Essie. I just love their polishes. In all of my many nail polishing years, I have not found a line with better staying-power and better colors. So I stick with what I know and what I like. The same goes for the colors I wear. I’m somewhat of a nail color purist, staying away from the unflattering yellows, sparkly grapes, or glittery silvers that come in and out of favor and sticking to the classics: reds, pinks, nudes, and, for fun, some dark vampy colors. Like Diana, I don’t generally paint my fingernails, as I can’t stand the sight of a chip and therefore usually have to remove all ten fingers with 48 hours of painting them (hmm, in that case, maybe I should go Laura’s route and try the gel…). Anyway, this means that nail color for me means toenail color.  That said, here are my favorites. And if you ask me, they make the perfect stable of nail colors for every mood and occasion!

Reds

Essie 5th Avenue (a vibrant, slightly orange red)

Essie Really Red (a more traditional bluish red, but not too deep)

Pinks

Essie My Place Or Yours? (a creamy, ever-so-slightly mauve-ish pink)

Essie Watermelon (the absolute perfect hot pink for summer)

Neutrals

Essie Jazz (a lovely beigey grey that looks good on anyone)

Essie Au Natural (a nude that’s completely opaque to cover any nail discoloration, but simultaneously completely clean and natural looking)

Vamp Time

Essie Wicked (an almost-black red that will have you channeling the ’90s, your inner-vampire, or a sultry sex-goddes depending on your mood and the day)

The Necessary Extras

Essie Good To Go! (a quick-drying, fairly shiny top coat for you gals on the go)

Essie Top Coat (an extra-shiny top coat if you have some time to let it dry properly)

The vintage clothing world is a fascinating niche in the fashion industry. It revives what was once old and discarded, what has traveled from place to place, or person to person. It brings the story full circle: from a time and place where things were conceptualized and created with more involvement and skill, to a modern time where consumers yearn for items of unique design and superior quality.

For an expert take on the subject, I weigh in with two NYC-area vintage dealers: Meika Franz who, along with her husband, owns Another Man’s Treasure vintage shop in Jersey City, NJ, and the proprietor of Jellyroll Vintage, a regular vendor at the Brooklyn Flea.

Although so many people are fans of vintage clothing, there are also many people who don’t understand it at all. So, my first question to the two gals is:  What makes vintage so special? Both dealers agree that with vintage clothing each piece is unique, and the quality is vastly superior when compared to modern fashions.

AMT: For one, you know no one else will have the same item, and when it fits, it’s like it was made for you. Its also an affordable way to get high-quality or even designer items.  Also, there is a true history to the piece.

JRV: With vintage, each piece is unique, and the quality superior.  You’re not going to get the same quality that was put out only 20 years ago, even with modern mass-produced clothing.  I can simply look at a rack and pull out items that are vintage because when you work with vintage long enough you can see the quality at a glance, even if it’s just a pattern in a 70’s polyester shirt. Its pretty stunning.

What are your main fashion influences, and what looks do you try to consistently bring to your customer?

AMT: Barbara Hulunki from BIBA has been a great inspiration to me, as well as Coco Chanel, Vivenne Westwook, and Debbie Harry.  I love various vintage styles though, and try to always keep a diverse selection with a high level of quality. We’ve had a big demand for early vintage, 1920’s-40’s, as well as 90’s.

JRV: In my booth, you  never know what you’ll find. My collection ranges from 1940’s to 90’s, and I focus on colorful items, paying attention to cool patterns and interesting textures.

What trends do you see your customers purchasing right now?

JRV: The 90’s have come roaring back with little floral dresses, oxford shoes, and folded socks (think Elaine on Seinfeld).  It’s all circular; Every decade comes back in style eventually. Trends in vintage mirror the trends in modern fashion, and sometimes getting the same request from everyone for the items seen everywhere can be difficult. Vintage is about not looking like everyone else.

Both dealers also agree that AMC’s Mad Men has had a huge influence on the vintage as well as modern fashion industry, something this shopper is personally grateful for!

AMT: I think Mad Men’s influence has been quite positive. I’ve definately seen it inspire people to dress up more, including men.  More interest in men’s accessories (tie bars, pocket squares, hats, etc.). I think it’s also influenced the comback of curves, which we’re now seeing on the runways for Fall.

JRV: I love Mad Men’s effect on the trends.  Its keeping it all alive with really attractive shape that flatters everyone.

While there are many people actively seeking great vintage clothing, there are still those people who don’t understand the value of it. However, a vintage dealer can’t just order these items from a factory, they have to find these items, make sure they’re clean, mended, and in selling condition. They also have to put the work into operating an independent business!

Could you share a specific tale of what a day-in-the-life might be like for you as a vintage clothing dealer?

AMT: We source our pieces in many different ways. Sometimes it’s as easy as a customer bringing something in to sell, but most of the time it’s us going out, traveling far and wide to find things… and sometimes not finding anything! On one occasion we travelled 2 hours to a barn in the middle of nowhere on rainy, gloomy day. We sorted through 30 bags of clothing in that dingy barn with only the very little natural light available. The decent pieces we found all had to be hand-washed or mended before being sold. That was 3 years ago; I think I might still have some items from that lot!

JRV: I just got about 20 garbage bags of a collection from one couple who apparently never threw anything away. Half of it was stained and destroyed. My  job was to go through, separate it by season, clean it all, steam some of it, and price it. Then I schlep it to the market in hopes of selling it. It’s hard work, but it was fun to go through. I put together these people’s lives through what they wore. It’s taxing, but pretty interesting and rewarding as well.

What is it that you like so much about vintage clothing, in comparison to the modern clothing industry?

AMT: I find the lack of craftsmanship and quality in modern clothing to be most disappointing. Most likely, what you can buy at high-end department stores is truly no different than what you can buy at inexpensive stores like H&M or Forever 21.  Most of the items are likely made in the very same factories overseas. The lack of a textile industry in America means we can no longer make clothing the way we used to.

JRV: I have a hard time buying new clothing after being inundated in vintage clothing for so many years.  Ours society is wasteful, and buying clothing that you know is too cheap to be true has consequences that go beyond not getting a good deal.

Both dealers also agree that buying vintage is a great way to be green and to feel good about your purchases!

JRV: When you buy vintage you can feel good about recycling and receiving a unique and quality garment to boot.  This is why vintage matters!

Check out Another Man’s Treasure and visit Jellyroll Vintage at the Brooklyn Flea every weekend, or at JellyrollVintage@blogspot.com.

Image provided by Another Man’s Treasure.