Style 101 Special Edition: Secrets and Style



After reading all the best-selling books by Sara Shepard and watching the show on ABC Family religiously, I've decided to dedicate Special Edition blog post to Pretty Little Liars. Take the quiz on Alloy. com to find out which PLL you are and then I'll help you figure out how to best "steal" their style. So which will you be, upstanding and classic like Spencer, sporty yet stylish like Emily, fashion forward and trendsetting like Hannah, or unique and individual like Aria? Take the quiz to find out: http://www.alloy.com/quizzes/take/789/0/2/0/

So You're Aria:



You're smart, quirky, and gorgeous...oh and you've probably have a hottie constantly on your arm. GO YOU!!! But as everyone who watches the show knows Aria's style is all her own. She mixes vintage inspired pieces with trends that are ahead of the time. She rarely cares about what people might say about her outfit and she can amp up the sexy when she needs too. In order to make Aria's style you own stock up on vintage pieces. Thrift stores are often the best place to find one-of-a-kind vintage clothes and accessories. Mix and match your vintage with clothes that are edgy and tap into your creative side. Aria is also known for pairing contrasting pieces of clothing like a flowy babydoll style dress with a pair of Frye boots. When it comes to emulating Aria's unique sense of style the world is your playground so get out there and have fun!!!

Congratulations!!! You're Spencer:



You're an ambitious, leader and often overachiever. You work hard and you ALWAYS get what you want. Spencer's sense of style is classic and chic. Spencer loves high end designers, but how do you get her style if you can't afford the newest Kate Spade messenger bag? Look for classic pieces by less expensive designers of course. Make sure your closet is full of cardigans, skinny jeans, blazers and button down shirts for fall. Jackets are often the finishing touch to any outfit Spencer wears. Be sure to shop for tweed jackets, wool peacoats (always in neutral colors, like navy or black) and the ever classic trench coat. Stores like Forever21 have the perfect styles that you may be looking for at a low price point. Also be sure to check out stores like Banana Republic and Jcrew.

Hello, Hanna:



You're a Diva with a capital "D". You always have to have the best of the best and popular is your middle name. You're fashion forward and STYLISH!!! You know where to buy the latest designer duds and how to make any outfit look flawless. Okay so maybe you wish you're style was as effortless as this Pretty Little Liar's but don't worry you'll get there. Hanna is all about the latest trend and the perfect outfit. She reads magazines like Vogue, Teen Vogue and Vanity Fair like they're The Bible. In order to recreate Hanna's style you're going to have to be just as fashion forward. Check out websites like Vogue.com for inspiration. The good news is that you don't have own designer labels to get this Queen Bee's style. Shopping at stores like Bebe, Express and Guess will put you on the right track. Pick pieces that are similar to what you see in fashion magazines and on websites. Just don't become a fashion victim and try to wear too many trendy pieces at once. Oh and best of all you get to focus most on shoes and accessories. Shoes are the crown jewel of Hanna's outfits so find a trendy shoe and pair it with some classic skinny jeans and a simple but cute top.

Sporty Chic Emily:



You're more likely to be found afterschool at sports practice than hanging at the mall with your friends. You work hard to please the people who mean most to you especially your family. You like your style to be laid back and you don't necessarily feel the need to stand out in a crowd. Emily's style is cute and athletic. Though she doesn't always show off her shapely swimmers' body she knows exactly how to blend her girly side with her athletic side. This doesn't mean you need to only live your life in sports related t-shirts or track suites. When dressing like Emily choose items that are simple and girly. Pair you pumas with a cute pink shirt. Or rock and oversized t-shirt or sweatshirt with an asymmetrical neckline (think JLo in her Flashdance sweatshirt, only more updated) and some skinny jeans or leggings. If you want to dress up for a fun night out with the girls go more girly. Ruffles and frills are a must as well as pretty pastels for summer or deep greens and blues for the fall. In episodes where Emily is shown in dresses, her dresses are often short and show off her toned legs. Emily also brings out her girly side by wear lots of different colored nail polish. In more recent episodes she's been wearing mint green polish (a personal favorite). For fall pick colors that are neutral or even nude tones. Navy and deep red are always safe bets and will keep you in touch with your feminine side whether you're swimming laps in the pool or running from A's dirty secrets.

Ali, the Queen Bee:



You're the leader of your group of friends and you let nothing and no one stand in the way of you getting what you want. You're outspoken and may be no strange to secrets and scandal. Though not much is known about Ali in the show you are often given a peek into her sense of style. Her sense of style is the kind that every guy admires and every girl adores. So how do you become a Queen Bee like Ali? Start by taking on pieces from each of the other Liars. Ali's style is often mimicked by her friends. Her classic style is taken on by Spencer, her love of fashion and the hottest trends can be seen in Hanna. Ali's daring attitude can be seen in the outfits Aria often wears and her girly and competitive side can be seen most in Emily. When recreating Ali's style pick and choose pieces from all the Liars. The key to capturing Ali's style is confidence. Being the Queen Bee Ali exudes confidence in everything she does.With Ali you have the ability to create a unique style that's all your own just be sure to be confident in your choices.

For more information on Pretty Little Liars visit the follow websites:

http://www.prettylittleliars.com/

http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/pretty-little-liars

You can also follow your favorite Liar on twitter:

Shay Mitchell (Emily): twitter.com/shaymitch
Lucy Hale (Aria): twitter.com/LUCYYHALE
Ashley Benson (Hanna): twitter.com/ashbenzo
Sasha Pieterse (Alison): twitter.com/SashaaPieterse

Unfortunately Troian Bellisario (Spencer) doesn't have a verified twitter account but you can keep up with her on her website: http://www.troian-bellisario.com/

Til next time Pretty Little Liars, stay stylish:
Lena B
P.S. To see the rest of my Pretty Little Liar polyvore styles follow this link. http://elenabh.polyvore.com/

Pretty Little Liars: Hanna

Pretty Little Liars: Hanna by elenabh featuring steve madden shoes

Juicy Couture short sleeve t shirt
$48 - juicycouture.com

Polo Ralph Lauren cotton jacket
£599 - harrods.com

Goth skirt
£16 - chaoticclothing.co.uk

Steve madden shoes
$130 - zappos.com

Juicy Couture heart jewelry
$48 - couture.zappos.com

Pretty Little Liars: Spencer

Pretty Little Liars: Spencer by elenabh featuring a corduroy jacket

Rag Bone corduroy jacket
$450 - amrag.com

Vince slimming pants
$165 - stylebop.com

Leather wedge
£320 - notjustalabel.com

Kate Spade leather satchel bag
$425 - nordstrom.com

Beanie hat
£39 - black.co.uk

Pretty Little Liars: Emily

Pretty Little Liars: Emily by elenabh featuring creased jeans

Planet cap sleeve top
£15 - johnlewis.com

White jacket
€70 - zalando.de

All Saints creased jeans
$120 - allsaints.com

Jimmy Choo buckle boots
$375 - mytheresa.com

Marc Jacobs locking bag
$1,150 - net-a-porter.com

1928 Jewelry layered necklace
$24 - 1928.com

Style 101 Do's and Don'ts

When it comes to fashion its often harder to do wrong than do right. Here are my top ten do's and don'ts of fashion.

Top 10 Style 101 Do's:

10. Wear shoes that you can walk in: Everyone has at some point has bought a new pair of shoes thinking they were just perfect and come to find out they hurt your feet. Make sure that when you buy a pair of shoes that they will be comfortable and that you will be able to walk in them. Its never fashionable to stumble and fall.

9. Wear white after Labor Day: I'm not sure when this rule started but I think it is one of the few fashion rules to DISREGARD. White button down shirts, coats and certain shoes are and will always be appropriate after Labor Day.

8. Use accessories to jazz up an otherwise boring outfit: Can't figure out how to make that boring old blaze and black pants pop? Try adding a bright colored bag or shoe!!! Or why not try a bold necklace or earrings? Just the simplest touches can make an otherwise boring outfit fun and exciting.

7. Try a trend you wouldn't normally wear: Spot a new trend in a fashion magazine but don't think you're brave enough to pull it off? I say GO FOR IT!!! If its too bold for every day try the look for a night out or tone it down for an everyday appeal.

6. Pick a famous fashion role model: Love a certain celebrity? Want to rock a sequined bodysuit like Beyonce or a little black dress like Audrey Hepburn? This is one time when stealing the look of another person is A-Okay. Flattery is the sincerest form of flattery, after all.

5. Mix and match your favorite colors: Contrary to popular belief it is okay to mix and match colors. Some of this seasons colors to mix and match are navy blue and charcoal grey, tangerine orange and Barbie pink (sounds crazy, right? Guess again) Pick your favorite colors and mix and match.

4. Dress ahead of the times: Be innovative. Try something that you haven't seen anyone try yet. You might find out that its a trend in the making.

3. Wear the right colors for your skin tone: No one likes looking washed out or fake tanned because they wore the wrong color. Find out what's right for your skin tone and use those colors to build your wardrobe. Not sure what colors you should wear check out this website: http://www.thechicfashionista.com/your-best-perfect-colors.html

2. Dress your age: As a woman I understand the draw to want to look young and hold on to my youth, this is not an excuse however to dress like a child. By wearing clothes that are age appropriate you can conceal your true age. Wearing clothes that are too young can actually make you look older. If you like a trend geared toward a younger crowd find a way to make it age appropriate for you. The same goes for wear clothes that make you look too old. If your in high school there is no reason for you to dress the same way your mother does when she goes into the office. If you like a trend that is focused more on an older crowd then find a way to make it younger.

1. WEAR CLOTHES THAT FIT: I can NOT stress this rule enough. ALWAYS  wear clothes that fit your body type. Wearing clothes that are too large and particularly if they're too small will NEVER be flattering. If you have a part of your body that you're not too proud of find a way to camouflage it. Don't hide it in over sized clothes. If you're not your ideal size then don't try to fit into clothes that are too small. This only accentuates the "flaws" that you hope to hide.

Now that we've covered the Do's of fashion, lets make sure you know how to avoid common fashion mistakes.

Top 10 Style 101 Don'ts:

10. Don't get caught up in too many trends: One sure fire way to become a fashion victim is by trying to wear too many trends at once. According to www.fashiontrendsetter.com (One of my favorite fashion websites) one of the hottest trends for fall is bright day glo neon colors. Think the bright colors that were seen on aerobics outfits circa 1980. Also being shown on may of the fall/winter runways this year is fur. These two trends alone can be very stylish and chic. Together however....not so much. Don't try to wear neon pink fur legwarmers. And the bright neon yellow fur vest that will probably be shown at some store this season, its probably best to avoid that too.

9. Don't wear too many labels: A second sign of a fashion victim is wearing too many labels at once. I love labels just as much as the next girl or fashion conscious guy, some times a little too much. I would not however wear all the labels in my closet at once. Wearing a coach logo bag , a shirt with DKNY written across the front and your signature true religion jeans is a LABEL OVERLOAD. Choose one logo or label at a time and let it be the focus of your outfit.

8. Don't go too Gaga: I LOVE LOVE LOVE the mother monster herself, Lady Gaga!!! I would not however fool myself into thinking that I can pull off the crazy outfits she wears (Can we say meat dress? No thanks). Stealing bits and pieces of Gaga's most legendary looks is fine but don't go too far. A Lady Gaga OD can look costumey and slightly ridiculous. I know this rule may seem a little unnecessary but I've seen people try to imitate some of her signature looks and fail miserably. P.S. The same goes for dressing like Nicki Minaj: Barbie chains and rainbow hair don't work for everyone.



7. Keep Victoria's Secret a secret: We've all seen it, a woman walking around with her bra straps falling down her shoulders, her brightly colored bra showing through her light colored top, or the worst of the worst her thong hanging over the top of her jeans. Please ladies DON'T show off your undies in public. Its called UNDERWEAR  for a reason. Make sure when you buy a bra that it fits. This helps from the constant sliding strap dilemma. Make sure when you're wearing that hot pink bra that you don't wear it under your white t-shirt. To avoided the dreaded peeking thong when you try on pants or a skirt make sure that they not only fit but that you can sit down in them without exposing your secret to the world.

6. Don't give away your "Golden Ticket": Remember when you couldn't open your People Magazine without seeing a picture of Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, or pop princess Britney Spears getting out of a limo and flashing the world. The crotch shot was a popular publicity stunt for Hollywood starlets a few years ago. Though it was common no one thought it was cute. Quite frankly it was trashy. When maneuvering in a skirt or a dress be sure to hide your goodies, or as I like to call it, your "Golden Ticket". The same goes for your "Golden Globes", no one wants a Tara Reid or Janet Jackson style nip slip.

5. Don't wear dirty clothes: I know that this rule seems just as unnecessary as rule number 8, but trust me I've seen it happen. If your clothes are dirty don't think that other people won't notice. Take pride in your appearance and wear clean clothes. Plain and simple.

4. Don't dress like a giant crayon: We all want to match when we put on an outfit, this does NOT mean that every, single part of your outfit has to match. Wearing a yellow shirt, pants, shoes, hat and bag makes you look like you stepped out of a Crayola box. Instead of wearing all one color find colors that compliment each other. If you're feeling brave try wearing colors that contrast each other, just make sure they don't clash.

3. Don't wear too many accessories: There are some fashion rules that always should be followed. In my opinion, the rule "remove one accessory before you leave the house" is a good rule to follow. Wearing too many accessories is like why too many patterns at once. It can distract from the overall look that you're going for. If you want to wear more than one accessory, GO FOR IT. Just make sure that you're not drowning the outfit in accessories.

2. Don't dress like your daughter (or your mother): This may seem repetitive since it goes along with Style 101 Do number 2, but I'm repeating it because its SO important. Mothers dressing like their daughters is the most common problem I've seen recently. In an attempt to look younger by wearing younger clothing some women have managed to age themselves ten years. Wear clothes that are appropriate for your age group. The same goes for young girls dressing like their mothers. Enjoy your youth while you can. Plus no one wants to leave the house looking like they've been playing dress-up in the mom's closet.

1. Don't Battle the Bulge: This for me is the most important Style 101 don't. The most common fashion mistake I've seen made is women who are wearing clothes that are too small. Muffin tops, jelly rolls, and looking like a sausage stuffed in a casing is never attractive. A lot of women struggle with their weight and wish they were a size or two smaller than they actually are. But ladies, by wearing clothes that are too small you only make yourselves look bigger. By wearing clothes that fit your body you can hide the part of your body you wish to change and you can't actually look smaller. Plus no one wants to walk around pulling up their too small pants or pulling down their too small tops to cover themselves up.

These are the basic style tips to start building your ideal style. Next post will be a special edition. We'll be talking about the fashions seen on the ABC Family hit Pretty Little Liars and how to make them your own.

Til next time, stay stylish:
Lena B