NYFW Struttin'

 My only regret with these pictures is that I didn't get a shot of my beautiful rings (normals, midi, etc, all stacked all over my hands= love). Honestly though, this is definitely my favorite outfits that I've ever worn to fashion week. The top is from H&M, the skirt is Topshop Petite, the shoes are Audrey Brooke from DSW, the bag is Karl Lagerfeld, and the face is my own. 

Backpack, Backpack

It's hard to find backpacks these days that fit all my needs. Style, lightweight, big enough (but not too big) and of course, not insanely expensive. As a high school student, my backpacks take a lot of wear and tear throughout the year, with the heavy books they carry and being dropped on the ground before every class. I scoured the web for bags that I think are both stylish and could actually fit real books, and here are the results.

Forever 21 Striped Canvas Backpack

$19.80

H: 16"

W: 15"

D: 5"

Forever 21 Faux Leather Backpack

$32.80

H: 15.25"

W: 13.25"

D: 6.25"

H&M Shopper Bag

$34.95

H: 11.75"

W: 15.75"

Jansport SuperBreak

$35

H: 16.7"

W: 13"

D: 8.5"

Topshop Krazy Kaleidoscope Backpack

$68.00

H: 42cm

W: 33cm

Topshop Cuzco Backpack 

$72.00

H- 44cm

W- 33cm

Topshop Grainy Faux-Leather Pocket Backpack

$68.00

H: 31cm

W: 26cm

Erickson Beamon x LeSportsac

$128/$148

H: 11"

W: 10"

D: 5"

This Erickson Beamon x LeSportsac collaboration hasn't dropped in stores yet and won't until sometime in October. This might be helpful if you're trying to hold on to that old backpack but you know it's not going to make it the whole year. Maybe put it on your Christmas list?

All these backpacks are fantastic in my opinion, and I tried to represent a lot of different styles to match up good backpack ideas for everyone. Hopefully, each of you found one you love (even if you have to wait a few months to get it!).

The View from the Forest

Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Website

"The Inquisitive" necklace

Hunter Green Summer Dress

"The Evolution" tee

"A Bird's Slumber" tee

"The Corsage Dance" necklace

Anchor Watches

"Arrowhead" necklace

Most of the merchandise that was photographed was brand new, so it is not yet on the website. That being said, it's all over in the store, so if you happen to be down in South Street make sure to stop by. A lot of the jewelry and the dresses have been posted on Instagram as well, so check that out and follow Lee Lee's Forest if you like it (which I'm sure you do because all this stuff is AMAZING). Check out behind the scenes and extra photos on the Teen Fashion From Suburbia facebook page :)

Photography by Daniel Merat

Clothes and Jewelry by Lee Lee's Forest

Evolution of Personal Style

Personal style develops as you grow and change.  In the years we are in elementary school, middle school, and even high school, our style is influenced by society, by our surroundings, and by our friends. At some point, individuals find a style that suits them, and that they feel comfortable in. It doesn’t matter when that happens, it only matters that it does. Naturally, as we grow and develop and move closer to discovering what our personal style really is, we look back on past phases and can be quite shocked by what we used to wear. (Change “shocked” for “horrified” or “amused” if either fits better.)

Trends make the whole personal style thing a whole lot harder. It's expected that you keep up with trends, but it's also expected that you concurrently maintain your own style. How is that stylistically possible? By adapting to every trend that waltzes down the runway, you are, undoubtedly, compromising your style.  So I guess, in my opinion, doing both is impossible. Or rather, doing both fully and to the utmost extent is impossible. My advice would be to use the trends to find your style- what you like, what you feel comfortable in, what makes you feel like you- and then once you find that style, only follow the trends that fit those three W's. 

The people around you as well as your life situation will always affect your style in some way, but don't let them change it completely. Remember, your style is an outward expression of who you are as a person. Own it.

What You Need to Know- Fall 2014 Trends

Fall 2014 is all about contrast. Opposites. Dichotomies. Call them what you will, but the meaning behind the words stays the same. Trends this upcoming fall land on both sides of the spectrum in practically every way, on every field. Which will you choose?

Structured vs. Unstructured

Fitted vs. Flowy

Bright vs. Dark

Patterned vs. Monochromatic

Sporty vs. Feminine

Organic vs. Manufactured

The possibilities are endless this season, and the choices are up to you. Take a look at some of the major trends displayed below for Fall 2014. 

Summer 2014 Bikini Trends

Summer Bikini Styles by emmathedesigner featuring a swim bikini

For bikini tops, we are consistently seeing bandeaus in the stores. That's not to say that the triangle top is out, but the trends have swayed towards the strapless varieties. The styles of strapless tops have been quite diverse, ranging from bustier-like tops to loose, flowy tops to true bandeaus. Any way you choose, it's sure to be right on trend.

Bottoms are a bit more diverse this year, and luckily for my mom, more covering than in years past. Of course, you have the basic bottom, either solid or patterned. Then, this season, we are seeing more ties and ruching on the sides of the typical bikini bottoms to add some more flair. In addition, the high waisted bikini bottom is at the height of it's popularity this year, and that is a trend I am most definitely on board with.

Finally, patterns and colors. In my personal opinion, I think the two biggest things this season are color blocking, and loud patterns. Either pick one color for you top and another for the bottom, or sgo all out with loud, colorful, possibly neon patterns.

Next Big Thing: Eleven Paris

Eleven Paris is an upcoming brand focused on an urban, sportswear, aesthetic. Nearly every piece has either hip graphics or unmissable pop culture references. A collaboration with Disney, (which can be found on their website for kids, for women and for men) was just released at a pop up shop at the Galeries Lafayette on May 14.

Top Left: Fix Hamby SW 65.00 Euros

Top Right: Sundambijump W 59.00 Euros

I first discovered this brand whilst shopping in Paris, and I spent about an hour in the store freaking out about the insanely awesome graphics and how much I wanted everything. The same is still completely true, especially in the new Spring/Summer collection. I think what I love most about the designs is that they are insanely cool I'm both silhouette and graphics, yet most of the pieces are still fairly minimalistic. There is never too much going on with the graphics, and if the graphics are more involved, the silhouette is simpler. They have achieved the ultimate balance to create excellent garments with an intensely urban feel.

If you want to see more, check out their website!
Also, the Spring Summer look book, it has a whole story that goes along with each photo and it's one of the coolest ones I've seen in a long time.