Glam-Aholic Of The Week: Aalona

Fashion vs. Style, what’s the difference between the two? Do you
feel that people get these meanings confused?  Fashion is the clothes we wear. Literally the clothes being sold in stores. Style is how we wear those fashions. People absolutely get fashion and style confused. That is why too often we see what I like to call “empty outfits”. This is when a stylist, or even a regular person puts together a look that is ALL fashion, but ZERO style. Yes, Olivia Pope wore this white coat. Yes, this is the same blouse as Solange, but an outfit worn fresh off the page of Cosmo is of course PERCEIVED as “style” perfection, but it’s merely fashion until you make it yours. Anyone can be a fashionista, that’s easy. Being a style icon is much more impressive.

What are some of your favorite trends that are happening right now? I love love love the repetitious themed looks that are happening right now. I’m enjoying the monochromatic look, but with a lot of emphasis on different textures. Sort of similar to that visual candy, is the full body print look. I love printed pants and blouses, especially in luxurious chiffon and silks. It’s so feminine and powerful, excessive and simple. Staying with that theme is the jean on jean look. Jean skirt or pants with a jean top, gives an urban and sassy look that can be styled on any budget differently for every day of the year. Outside of those looks though, I ADORE the tea length skirt and dress wave. Victoria Beckham started that trend years ago, and who doesn’t love her style? The silhouette of that shape on ANY woman is agelessly empowering and feminine royalty.

Have your ever committed a fashion crime? Do tell the details! Of course! Well, no… Well… Yes! lol! We all have honestly, but I will say that nothing, as far as style and fashion even counts until your mid 20s, in my opinion. You have all the permission to find what works for you, and try EVERYTHING up until then. But since then, I must say I’ve been pretty good except for my ONE fashion/style flaw which is being insanely matchy matchy sometimes. That is something that I inherited from my Grandmother Joella. She is very matchy matchy with shoes and bags. It can’t even be a half of a shade off! I’m slowly tricking myself out of that by trying the monochromatic looks. It’s impossible to find the same exact shade when you’re putting together different textures, but I love it.

What are your 3 favorite hot spots to hit and find great pieces? Forever 21. Ebay. New York City. I’m all about highs, lows, and bargains. People are ALWAYS surprised when I tell them something I’m wearing came from Forever 21. I am truly addicted to online shopping. Ebay is such a gem, there are bargains galore! Ebay teaches me patience and the value of time, to be ready for opportunities in life because you never know what’s going to be uploaded next, and feed your impulses wisely. Some things I think I NEED right away in retail stores I have later found on ebay for 50% off or more. And don’t be 3 seconds late for an auction! Those are heart breaks you will tell your grandkids about. I love New York City. Soho, 5th Avenue, Meatpacking District are all my favorite spots to find fashion perfection for special events. I’m a firm believer of “Don’t cheat yourself, treat yourself.” Indulging sometimes is what makes life worth living. The experience is worth everything. So give yourself permission sometimes! Eat that cupcake, buy those pumps, take that trip, wear that dress! Live life for experiences.

What are 3 things that every Glam-Aholic should have in her closet? Louboutins. A Brooch. A full length mirror. Christian Louboutins are here to stay. Hate them or love them, they are a staple. A brooch is the epitome of grown woman status. A brooch can glam up a cardigan, jean jacket, wool coat, a suit, a dress, and so much more. They can be playful or serious. A thousand women can have on the same coat and you’ll have a brooch on yours and make that coat exceptionally stylish and chic. Lastly, a full length mirror should be in every Glam-Aholic’s closet because that mirror will show YOU. Your style, your confidence, your pride, your individuality, your self security. That’s essential with any outfit or day.

If you could trade closets with any celeb, who would it be? Kim Kardashian. Well… Pre Kanye, Kim K. lol When I’m looking to be inspired I always hashtag search #KimK on Instagram. Not only her fashion, but her style is so impeccable. Every SINGLE time. She is undeniably the most consistent trendsetter the past 5 years. Thankfully she has an ebay store where she sells some of her clothes so I can dip in her closet regularly.

What tips can you give our Confessions Of A Glam-Aholic readers on how to achieve stylish looks? Make it yours. Unfortunately we all don’t have a Kardashian body or bank account, so sometimes at best all we can do is be inspired by stylish looks. I had to learn to compliment, and not copy stylish looks to avoid “empty outfits”. Invest in staples that can glam up any outfit from denim to a dress such as a brooch or Louboutins. Be sure to stay on top of your eBay searches so you don’t miss those once in a lifetime opportunities. But most of all, in whatever stylish look you put together, be confident!

Follow this Glam-Aholic on Instagram @Aalona!