Lana

Dark Alternative Clothing with a Conscience by Helvak

Not all black clothes are alike..at least, if the designers really know what they are doing and have a strong creative license. Just like with jeans, I like seeing all the amazing creative things you can do with something that most people see as “bland” or “simple.” As someone who isn’t a fan of bright colorful clothing (just on myself, I love watching other people be as colorful as they desire), I appreciate all the amazing independent apparel brands I’ve discovered that know how to make dark clothing anything but basic. It can be tough to run across these, so I get pretty excited every time I find one. From Marigold Shadows to Marcellamoda to Siskatank and even styles from Carbon38, these are some of my favorite types of shops on the internet. Most are overseas in Europe, but when I find one here in the states, it’s a special treat to me. This time, I’ve run into Helvak, a vegan brand self-labeled as “stealthwear with a conscious.”

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Lana

Modern and Casual New Spring Denim from Madewell

One perk of being a style blogger is getting the chance to try (and collect) a wide range of denim. You kind of have to be a little obsessed, and because of that, there are very few brands I have not tried (or don’t yet have a pair from). It’s definitely fun to see how your body shape works with different brands, so when you do choose to purchase a pair later, it’s such a convenience to know which brand and size to go for. One brand I actually can’t believe I have not gotten my hands on yet is Madewell, especially considering all the crazy accolades I’ve heard come from their devoted fans. Many of these premium denim brands promise the perfect fit, and many of those are correct…but since bodies come in so many different shapes, this can still be tricky. Madewell is a brand that I’ve heard amazingly positive things about in the fitting department, and I can’t wait to try them (FINALLY…it’s been what, just about 5 years since I started reviewing denim)!

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Lana

Edgy and Flirty Night Out Looks by LPA at Revolve

I love dressing up to go out. Honestly though, I haven’t been out much lately, due in part to being so exhausted from the work week. When I do go out nowadays, it’s because I have a DJ gig, am supporting a friend’s gig or I’m somewhere seeing a favorite musician or band perform. In any circumstance where I find an opportunity to hit the town, I always like dressing on the darker side. Black is my taste, along with other dark colors: olive green, burgundy, and other earthy tones. Actually, this is pretty much me all the time, but I like to have a little extra fun when I go out with edgier and more unique pieces that I don’t often see just anywhere else. I also love to see how other people with similar tastes adorn themselves, especially at rock or metal shows, or clubs that cater mostly to the alternative crowd.

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Lana

Affordable Modern Style for Dark Tastes by Marigold Shadows

As a blogger, or any creative for that matter, it’s normal to run into writing blocks. If you’ve noticed, I’ve even switched up my writing schedule to fit more of a twice-per-week plan, and sometimes I don’t write at all, if I don’t find anything that inspires me. Brands or styles that spark my fancy ebb and flow, so I feel it’s better for my blog to reflect that, rather than forcing articles that I’m not really feeling. But I never really have to fear, it seems…as every time I feel like I may finally have seen it all, another brand pops up that makes me go “oooOOOOoohh!”

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Lana

New Environmentally Conscious Activewear from H&M

New Environmentally Conscious Activewear from H&M

Image: H&M

I know, you’re probably all sick and tired of hearing about activewear. After all, it’s proven to be a fairly trendy—and thus lucrative—business, so it seems there are new companies popping up every day trying to cash in on the trend. However, H&M isn’t quite new to activewear. I bought some of theirs way back in 2006 once on a trip to London, when I realized that yes, I still had the urge to go on jogs even though I was on sort of a vacation…so I went shopping for the cheapest workout clothes I could find. I still wear those items today, and am surprised how long they’ve held up. Over the years I’ve moved to purchasing from tried and true active brands like Puma, Lolé, and Under Armor, but I’m still always curious what brands that don’t cater primarily to the activewear market come up with in that department. H&M isn’t completely new to sustainability, so it’s no surprise that on December 28th of last year, they released a collection of eco-friendly activewear!

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Lana

Earth Friendly Swimwear by Free Bella

Earth Friendly Swimwear by Free Bella

Image: Free Bella. Pictured: The Raquel Top

I know it’s still cold out there…but just wait, summer will be here before you know it! If you’ve been hitting the gym or pavement with new resolutions in mind for the new year, you’re probably already anticipating it. One of the best ways to keep yourself accountable is to start your shopping early for your new favorite swimsuit! Either way, it’s always fun to stock up on new swimwear every year, but sometimes it’s hard to know just which brand to shop for. Swimwear can be expensive, and if you’re me, you’d prefer those dollars to run the extra mile in the sustainability department. Introducing: Earth friendly swimwear by Free Bella.

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Lana

Stylish New Activewear for your 2018 Resolutions

Stylish New Activewear for your 2018 Resolutions

Image: Revolve

Hello again! I hope everyone had a nice holiday season and some great time with family and friends. I am quite blessed during this time of the year to receive paid time off from my 9-5, and although I could spend that time writing more posts for all of you, I always choose it to relax and take a break from everything. It truly is needed as soon as it comes around! It’s also a great time to reflect on the past year and think about how to start fresh after New Years Day. Many people come up with resolutions, whereas I prefer to keep good habits year round. However, I do like to think about what goals and fun events I plan to reach and attend throughout the next twelve months.

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