CHECK IT OUT

Check out the new page on the FashBar International Project. It's a list of blogs I frequent, often known as a blogroll; this is a great reference for you to find more blogs you may be interested in, to understand where some of my inspiration comes from and to just explore the blog world.

 

Have a great night ladies and gents-

be back soon,

Elisa

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OH, EVE.

 What I love most about this outfit are the little unexpected additions, things like periwinkle nail polish and leopard print flats. These little details speak to your personality and style.

You guys need to weigh in! Now that FashBar has officially changed to the FashBar International Project, we've gotta decide exactly how we want that to effect posts. Do you want all posts to be directly related to something global or do you like the peak into everything, even topics not internationally-related? Though most of my posts could be tied into some sort of foreign influence, I don't want to have it seem like I'm making something out of nothing. So, I've put together an example for you; let me know if you prefer the way posts have been, with some international smattering, or if you'd like this new approach.

"This little slip-dress reminds me of dresses from the Edwardian Era, one of my favorite eras in fashion based out of the UK around the late 1890s-early 1900s. You can see the influence, or similarities, in the lace detailing, flutter sleeves-reminiscent of Edwardian drop collars-and a high, detailed neckline. I find that this combination of accessories reminds me of the French: the leopard flats with gold accents, black tights, chunky pearl bracelet and simple Cartier ring, which actually happens to be a French jeweler. Something about the way the outfit comes together says the Cherry Blossom Girl {which is an amazing fashion blogger from France} to me. Feel free to click the links to get some more info on any of the things I brought up or leave me any questions in the comments. Have a Merry Christmas to you all. Be back soon!"

Alright guys, so this is where you let me know what YOU want. If you were ever to comment, now would be the time. If you are a FashBar frequenter, let me know how you would like to see this blog evolve. I appreciate all your opinions in advance. Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

{let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...thanks to my not so little bro for taking most of these shots}

Be honest, let me know what you'd prefer-

educated conversation on fashion influence or
light chatter about all and everything,

Elisa

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STRAIGHT FROM LONDONTOWN

Since the start of September, I have had the opportunity to live and study in the foggy city of London, England. For the first two weeks or so, it didn’t seem real. It almost felt as though I was just living in a big city in the States. It wasn’t until I caught myself searching for the time in front of Big Ben {at the Houses of Parliament}, riding the London Eye {the largest ferris wheel in the world} and watching the changing of the guards {at the queen of England’s home of Buckingham Palace}, that I finally realized I wasn’t just in any normal American city anymore; I was in London!

One of my favorite weekly London-life-activities was sitting on the lion statues or on the side of the fountain at Trafalgar Square in front of the National Gallery. I enjoyed people watching for hours upon hours as I wrote entries in my journal, or worked on my latest writing assignment for class at uni. Brits rush by from every direction, dressed in the latest fashions and trends; denim shorts with ripped black tights, paired with a raggedy old pair of worn in military boots for the young women. As for the men, tight acid wash jeans with a long-sleeved flannel button down and a pair of Converse high-tops. The fashion in London is simple: make a statement by wearing anything. Matching does not exist in London street wear.

For me, it is hard to really think out of the box when it comes to street wear. I enjoy matching somewhat, and mixing different patterns certainly isn’t my thing. In order to try out London fashion for myself, I choose to wear my black dress shorts with patterned, or brightly colored, tights and loose fitting tops and sweaters {my signature style}. I accessorized with studded motorcycle boots, and of course, the one treasure I can not leave my apartment without, my vintage Chanel bag {I found it years ago at a thrift store}.

To those of you who are afraid of trying new trends,
give it a whirl, but stay true to yourself.

Amanda

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DIY: ONCE UPON A HALF MOON

  To recreate the look I used China Glaze Liquid Leather ($6) and So Easy Stripe Rite White on White ($3); you can get both for much cheaper on Amazon. This was my first experience with China Glaze; it goes on smooth and though it took three coats to get a completely opaque look, the final result was of great quality. What I like best about the Stripe Rite was the long thin brush, perfect for detailing. This allowed me great control, with enough paint, to finish concise, quality lines. HEED THIS WARNING: Be sure to let each step dry before you move on to the next. It will save you a lot of heartache; I made the mistake of smudging white polish all over the place when I tried to do the finishing clear coat...just because I didn't wait long enough in between. I've modified an illustration by Illustrate Harvey Lane to show you the step-by-step process of how I did this chic look.

Step 1: Be sure to start with sparkly clean nails. Remove any previous polish, file your nail to the desired shape, buff to create an clean, even surface.

Step  2: Paint the entirety of the nail black. For smoothest results, use a quality polish and move the brush in a steady motion starting from cuticle to nail tip.

 Step 3: Now lets start on the half moon shape, using a "C"-like swooping motion, take your brush from the top left of the nail (at the cuticle) and curve down to the center of the nail, as shown below.

Step 4: Finish off your moon shape by repeating your half "C" movement, start at top right of nail and swoop down to meet your previous line in the middle.

Step 5: Fill in your half moon shape, I found it looks best when I used the brush from side to side.

Final Step: Swoon at the look of your new nails!

Though we have a new internationally-inspired policy, I just loved the result too much not pass it on. Therefore, we're currently going off said programming until Monday. Stop back the 20th to get a little Londontown love. :) Happy Friday!

Until next time,

Elisa

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ONCE UPON A HALF MOON

  The half moon manicure is something that started in the early 1900's and was quite a trend during the 20's, 30's and 40's. It is rumored to have been created by the MGM studio's manicurist. What glam looks haven't come for Old Hollywood? 

 

Though this look has a vintage background, it was most recently seen on the 2009 Fall Thakoon runway shows. Stop back later today to see a DIY on how to recreate this finger-lickin'-good look. Sorry for the terrible pun. ;)

Until next time,

Elisa

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MEET THE NEW FASHBAR AND IT'S GUEST BLOGGER

As you guys have seen over the past year, Fashionista Barista is a lover of all things international. I find tons of inspiration from overseas living, from delicious food to fanciful fashions to the leisurely lifestyle. So after some serious thinking, drafting and hard work(-ing), FashBar is going global...and thus the FashBar International Project!

We will be making globally-inspired dishes, fashions and lifestyles accessible to the everyday American girl. And what better way to start the party then with lovely guest writer Miss Cowan! Amanda Cowan has been studying over seas in London this semester; she's had the chance to experience, first hand, what international living is all about. She's jet-set from London to Dublin to Barcelona and even Morocco (and more). The best part, she'll be here, on FBIP, to exclusively divulge all the dirty little secrets!

So here's a little interview with Amanda, so you can better get to know her:

If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be (okay you can use a few more)?
If I could describe myself in three words, I would choose open-minded, adventurous and stylish.

Alright, now get a bit more in depth. What do you think the readers should know about you?

I am an English Writing Intensive and Communications double major with a concentration in Journalism at John Carroll University. I am a lover, a writer, a dancer and a traveler who has a passion for fashion, different cultures and faraway destinations. I live my life by the saying 'keep calm and carry on'. I love writing, whether about daily happenings in my life, the latest fashion trends I have encountered while traveling, or about the adventures of my excursions, and wish to continue on with my writing as a career.

What is it about Europe, or international travel, that makes you swoon?

Europe, Europe, Europe. Where to start? I fell in love with everything the cultures of Europe have to offer: the language, the cuisine, the unique architecture, the history, the fashions, and of course, the boys. Everything about Europe makes me swoon, and there are certain aspects of each destination that I fell in love with.

How would you describe your style?

European street-wear is phenomenal and so unique. I have gotten a great deal of inspiration for my own personal style from observing what everyday Europeans wear, rather than what's hot on the runway. I mix what's 'in' on the street with my own feminine comfort clothes and my favorite signature items, such as my pile of bracelets on my left arm and my vintage Chanel purse, and end up with my own personal style.

Paint me a picture of your ideal future (dream house/job/location/hubby)?
The future is the one thing that I think about 8 out of 7 days a week. I have so many goals set, and hope to achieve them, all within a matter of time. I plan on moving into a small and quaint apartment in New York City, Chicago or LA directly after graduating college and scoring a writing or editing career for a fashion, travel or entertainment magazine. A handsome businessman on the side would be nice to accompany me, but I am still waiting for him to come along and find me. He's out there somewhere :)

Check back Friday, as we'll be starting our internationally influenced posts!

Au revoir ;)

Elisa

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THE NEW LOOK, FASHBAR STYLE

There's gonna be some pretty sweet stuff happening on here this week. I apologize for it being slow the past few weeks. Check back on Wednesday! Let me know what you think of the new look in the comments. :)

{visit elisaalexis.tumblr.com for credits}

And here's an inspiration board, compiled of images I've been updating my tumblr with. It really is addicting and an awful ton of fun!

'Til Wednesday,

Elisa

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ELISA ALEXIS

This is gonna be a problem. Something like crack. I now have a tumblr! A time filler for classes like this {we watch The Apprentice}. My computer gets so slow from me saving picture after picture. This way I can keep my inspiration in a neat little package out in cyberspace {and not kill my laptop}. I try to keep Fashionista Barista full of my images; it bugs me to go to blogs full of copy and pasted images, that's what Google images is for. So if you'd like to see what's inspiring me, and probably affecting my work, then check it out; think of it like going backstage. ;)

I always think about names I'd call my business or my clothing line. I kinda like what I used for my tumblr, Elisa Alexis. It is actually my first and middle name. I wonder if it would prevent me from getting bored with it, psh, who am I kidding. What do you think? Would you wear or read something from Elisa Alexis?

P.S. We cut down and decorated our Christmas tree this weekend. If you came along, this is what you would've gotten to experience.

 {What I wore to the tree farm, functional was supposed to come first that day}

{my handsome man manning the tree}

{The tree before the Christmas gifts}

To always staying inspired,

Elisa

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WARDROBING A DREAM

Here are stills from my latest styling/wardrobing project. It is a video for the band Lohio, we filmed over the weekend. It follows a little girl through something similar to a dream sequence. The imagination of a child is beautiful! Scroll down to follow the story.

{Credit Thom Glunt} 

It was a great experience, sans standing in the 30 degree weather for 8 hrs. My body was so sore the next day from shivering! Everyone I worked with was so welcoming and so professional (I'll be sure to post the video when it's done). This was a great reminder that there are creative and driven people out there. Follow your dreams and work really hard and you'll attract similar people.

Dream. Believe. Acheive,

Elisa

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