Summer Music Playlist

 1) When the Sun Goes Down - Arctic Monkeys 

2) Bone Dry - A B & The Sea 

3) Wetsuit - The Vaccines 

4) Future Starts Slow - The Kills 

5) Down By the Water - The Drums 

6) Myriad Harbour - The New Pornographers 

7) Bye Bye Baby - Ok Go

8) Surfer Girl - The SHE'S

9) I Was Wrong - The Morning Benders 

10) Dance Away - Smith Westerns 

Music + Fashion

What is expression? It's different to a lot of people, but it usually revolves around some art form. Whether it be dance, theatre, fashion, or anything else, everyone finds their own way of expressing themselves. But the thing about expression is that it leads to inspiration of something similar or entirely different. For example, one painter may paint roses. That piece may inspire a fashion designer to create a dress based off that painting. That is the beauty of expression, that it creates a long chain of inspiration. Two art forms that do this constantly in daily life are music and fashion. 

I personally love fashion, but I am also in love with music. Music is something that I have always loved playing, as well as listening to. In my life, I have found that the music I listen to has inspired the way I express myself through fashion. Lyrics, transitional riffs, and melodies sometimes inspire what I put together in the morning. This may seem strange, but that is how I express myself. In the music industry, this is seen through major icons such as Florence Welch (seen above on the Nylon Music Issue 2011), Karen O, Allison Mosshart, and even Lady Gaga. Their music inspires their fashion sense, giving them a personal identity. 

To express your fashion taste through music, the first and main thing you need to do is find your favourite music artists and the main genre you enjoy listening to. For example, if you liked lo-fi surf music, you would look for beachy, laid back pieces to express that sound and you could find a fashion idol in Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino. 

However, that is just a guideline. Fashion inspired by music is something that must come from personal expression and feelings. Have fun with it, and it can even help you find a personal style and find your true fashion self! 

The Summer Uniform

Summer fashion is a time of simplicity. Whether it be just throwing on a sundress and sandals or wearing a bathing suit with an easy cover-up, style seems to be much more single minded. One easy outfit that most girls consider a "summer uniform" is shorts and a tee. Whatever colour, fabric, or length, shorts are always a go to summer outfit, and can be simply paired with an easy t-shirt. 

How to get this style:  

1) Shorts 

The best and easiest shorts in my personal opinion are denim cut-offs. They match everything and have a slight edge to them. To find the perfect pair, you must try on a vary of styles to see what best works for you. You can choose what wash, length, and level of distressing, and see what you look the best in and love on. My store recommendations for shorts are Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Forever 21. 

2) Tee

The perfect t-shirt is something that every girl strives for. It needs to be the perfect balance of softness and structure, and it needs to be something that you can simply throw on in the morning, free of anything  high maintenance. To find the perfect t-shirt, find something that's extremely soft and slightly slouchy, but structured enough to show your figure. Another option, however, is a boxy crop top, which glides right over your figure and can be a cute and easy summer tee. These tops are showing up everywhere right now and are extremely easy to find. Try to find one that's cropped right at the bottom of your hips, or if prefer have a shorter one, layer it with a tank for every day. The best brands for basic tees are James Perce, Soft by Joie, Brandy Melville, and Style Mint, as well as the always easy Gap. For boxy tops, try Nordstrom BP, Forever 21, as well as the options listed above. 

3) Accessories

The thing that makes this girl next door look super chic is the accessories paired with it. Whether it be  fun jewellery, a great bag, or a printed wedge, anything trendy and different really brings out the style in the basic shorts and a t-shirt. Some fun options are a colourful stack of bracelets paired with cute sandals, one or two cocktail rings paired with a neutral cross body bag, printed platform wedges, or a floral hair accessory. The great thing about accessories complimenting a basic outfit is what you choose to pair it with shows and brings out your personal style. 

Whatever your style, whether it's boho, edgy, feminine, or casual, this look can be a great and simple summer basic that can be worn in many different ways. Next time your looking for the perfect outfit, turn to a pair of cut-offs, a tee, and some great accessories for a chic and comfy summer day.