Down on the West Coast..

            Over the summer I spent my days on the beaches of the west coast. I traveled all over from San Diego to San Francisco. Coming from Florida, and living in Alabama I ran into a little culture shock. Everything is different in the west coast. From the food to the attitude to the fashion, everything almost juxtaposes the day-to-day casual wear we see in Tuscaloosa. I compiled a few of my favorite west coast trends and how you can incorporate them into your style as fall approaches. 

1.                 1. Flannels

In California, even in the middle of the summer, the beaches still can get a bit chilly so its convenient to just wrap a flannel around your waist. When it gets cold you just throw it on. Plus you look dope wearing a flannel around your waist. 

--Forever 21--

Me in Malibu

Sweater – Urban Outfitters

Flannel – Saks Fifth Avenue (RED Label)

Jeans – Zara 

2.     Rings!

 Everyone in LA is trying to keep up with the jonses, people don’t go outside unless they are dressed to impress. This includes accessorizing. Load up on rings, make it an arm party. 

All rings - Urban Outfitters 

Affordable ring set from amazon.com

3.     The floppy hat

Wide brim hats were all over northern California paired with cute dresses or rompers. Or just a casual tee. 

Hat - Forever 21

Button Down - Saks Fifth Ave (Blue Label) 

Hat - Amazon.com 

4.     Nifty and Thrifty

California is all about being earth friendly. A lot of California street wear is thrifted or up-cycled. Go rummage through the thrift stores and find some cute pieces to add to your modern wardrobe. Plus, who doesn’t love getting multiple bags of clothes for under $20?!

5.     Be Diverse

California is full of different people. The most exciting thing about fashion trends in California is that it is so diverse. During the day you could be wearing a flannel and some thrifted cut off high-waist jeans and then by night you slip on a little black dress and some heels without anyone thinking twice. You can be whomever you want and wear whatever you want. Experiment with new looks. Try some classic looks, maybe add some radical scrunches or work in some cute jellies or a vintage bomber jacket. There is no limit to what you can do with clothes. Stand out for a chance, embrace the California style.

-- Bradley Parks