1. Dress to fit your Personality.
When you wake up in the morning and decide what to wear, it tells the world what you think of yourself, what you're going to do that day, and what impression you want to make on the world. Clothes are a way to express yourself, a way to say a million things without speaking a word. What do you want to say about yourself today? Are you confident? Urban? Boho?
2. Mesh day and night favorites.
To make your wardrobe go a little farther, try to make your favorite day pieces filter into night looks. Take our favorite linen summer pants, for example. Never thought they could be worn at night? Pair them with a bright solid top, statement necklace, wedges and a clutch. Viola! Summer night outfit ready for salsa dancing and drinks.
3. Use color
Using color stylistically portrays confidence and energy. Try incorporating at least 3 colors in every outfit. Black and white and red; blue yellow and green; pink, gray and white; there are endless possibilities people. The color incorporation can be in your lipstick, purse, belt, boat, pants, top or even socks! You'd be surprised how much a little color can change how you look at your clothes
4. A word on "Statements"
We have all seen ads with a yellow cobra wrapped luxuriously around a model's neck, Lady Gaga's meat dress worn in confidence and confusion, and most recently Singer Sasha Gradiva's bionic arm meant to be a bracelet? Well, we have come accustomed to the term "statement piece." But we need to be careful with what it encompasses. I'd avoid the living, dead, tacky or weird and stick to the sparkly, colored, unique, one of a kind, hand made, organic, understated, overstated, or special pieces. Buy these sparingly- a closet full of pieces that only work with one outfit won't do you any good, but a wardrobe stocked with smart pieces will increase the outcome of outfits- a big necklace with a basic design, a patterned clutch without outrageous colors, a classic pump in a bright hue. Next time you put together an outfit, see what kind of statements you are making with your statement pieces
5. Confidence is key
Today at the checkout of grocery store, I saw a red suede cowboy hat on a relatively tall person. As I walked past towards the exit, i saw the rest of the outfit: reed suede hat, black suede jacket with fringe, high waisted black leather pants with silver rivets down the side of the leg, and to top it off (or bottom it off?) black leather 5 inch high heeled boots. The thing is, this outfit wasn't a total disaster, because the roughly 40 year old woman was so confident! She had a killer body and gorgeous jet black hair, which was to her advantage, but still, she managed to pull together the all out western theme quite well. And this made me think of what I say to my sister whenever we are in a dressing room-"Wear it like you like it!" By holding you head high, shoulders back, and smiling, any outfit will look better, I'm not saying that it will make any outfit acceptable, or any outfit look good, but it will help make it look better. In the words of Tim Gunn, "Make it work!"
6. The White Rule
We've all heard "Don't wear white after Labor Day or before Memorial Day" But fashion has been breaking those boundaries recently with skinny white, sheer and lace popping up all over every season since last summer. It's the latest and greatest consistent fashion, so take advantage of it! White is crisp, clean, and flattering. White pants with nude heels and a colorful top is a perfect day/night outfit on anyone. I suggest taking another look at those white jeans from summer...
7. Quick Changes
Sometimes, in our ever busy lives, we get stuck with a mixed up mash up of places to go in one night, and end up staring at our closets while getting ready, thinking, "What the check am I going to wear?" I have one of those nights. Out to a nice dinner with Dad, then bowling with girlfriends, then a party. Ummm.....
So after a few minutes of sifting through my closet, I had a plan. A Navy Satin Blazer (Akira), dark washed jeans (Delias), a white scoop neck tee (Pink), a red patent leather belt (sidewalk sale), and black pointed toe flats with a ruffle accent (American Eagle). I accessorized with a red Michael Kors satchel, swarovski crystal earrings, and an over-sized silver ring. So that was dinner. In the car, I changed into converse and a cotton gray jacket (one of a kind from some random resale shop in the middle of nowhere Illinois). For the party, I put on a pair of black and white zebra pumps with a red heel. In one night, an extra jacket and two extra pairs of shoes equals three different outings. Moral of the story: Utilize the quick change!
8. OverDressed
Another mixed up mash up of many things to do on a Saturday. High tea with a family friend, mom and sister, then a quick visit to the store manager at Macy's, a lap around a few stores for Prom dress ideas, dinner with a girlfriend at Noodles, and a small get together with some more friends. Well, today I decided to avoid the quick change, and just keep it classy. At tea, my outfit was perfect, and as the night drew on and my activities changed, as I expected, I slowly became more overdressed. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed! So what I wore: The Navy satin blazer from yesterday, a white tee, a gold and white pashmina scarf, a tweed purple, black and gray skirt from Loft, gray tights made of bamboo (an eco friendly alternative to cotton or spandex), and brown leather boots. I'd rather look good and feel good about what I'm wearing than be looked down upon for lack of taste. Am I right??
9. Going easy on your wallet
How many times do I look through a magazine and see a sunning blouse for $100 and the magazine makes that seem like a small sum for such a necessary article of clothing? Much too often, i say. As much as I would like to say I can afford blowing a few hundred dollars in one store on a weekend afternoon, I just can't. So, for those of you that are like me, who love quality clothing but at a reasonable price, I suggest you hit up Plato's Closet, thrift stores, consignment stores, outlet malls or even the clearance rack! and sign up for email lists or rewards clubs for your favorite brands; getting the inside scoop on sales is well worth the weekly emails. No one other than you will know how much you paid for your items, and when you find a pristine white Ralph Lauren oxford with the tags still on (like I did this weekend) there is nothing more satisfying, for me at least, than finding a killer piece at a killer price. So go easy on you wallet, because when things cost less, you can buy more!
10. Diving head first into Headbands
Today, I woke up late. I was not in any way, shape, or form prepared to figure out a way to put my uniform on with a bit of taste, so i grabbed a pair of gray straight -legged school pants, a white polo and a fleece. But, because i was consciously slacking in the clothing department, I added a black and gold headband with sheen, beading, and lace to spruce up an otherwise dull uniform. By drawing the attention upward with a pretty headband, people focus on facial features rather than bodily aspects. So, headbands. there are thin, thick, colored, neutral, sparkly, beaded, you name it, its been made into a headband. Some of you might say, "I don't look good in headbands." Well, I beg to differ. you just need to find the right one! 1. There are your everyday, plain fabric, typically workout, headbands. 2. There are metal ones with a ribbon over the band and some sort of applique. 3. There are some on a stretchy band that fit more comfortably on the 4. Head scarfs count too, and there are a million more options with them. I've found that the metal headbands with a flower, or bow, or what ever on them, tend to look best when it is left down and natural. The more strechy headbands tend to look good with braids or hair pulled up and away from the face. Next time you want to spruce up an outfit, add a headband!
11. Back to Back Black
Too often I see all black outfits. Black dress, black tights, black boots, black bag, black black black. I've been guilty of this too, because its easy. Sure, some careers require a uniform of the familiar dark color, but let's be aware of how we wear a monotone outfit, whether it is black, white or red all over. You can accentuate a part of your body or highlight your favorite feature by going monotone, then adding a pop of color, sparkle, or texture. This can be done with bright lipstick, a patterned clutch, a flamboyant scarf, a luxurious necklace, or a bright shoe. For example, I have a black mac and jack baby doll dress, that looks fabulous with patterned lace tights and black heels, but I wear the reddest red lipstick I have to change the look. By adding something special, you can easily change the all black look from 'trying to blend in' to 'trying to stand out." Go ahead, wear black, but have fun with it. After all, Black goes with everything.
12. When it rains, it pours
When the weather outside is everything but Sunny, there's a chance to bring brightness to all the gloom. As Spring approaches those rubber, waterproof wonders will need to come out. Hunter, Tommy Hilfiger, Sperry, whatever your preference, rain boots have a lot of personality to them! Going bright yellow if fun, patterned is confident, slick black is mature, and everything in between is whatever you make of it! So, rain boots, they are the cute, quick, and rational style that dresses you for the weather while looking fabulous. Now, moving upwards, a rain coat is even more fun. Trenches, ponchos, cropped, or sporty, they are functional and say a lot about you. I have a beige trench with Purple plaid lapels and a purple plaid belt, a lime green trench with over-sized buttons, and a sporty yellow coat-each has its own personality and function. Rain boots and rain coats have become quite trendy, and everyone can take advantage of that. Hunter makes sizes for those of us who have wider calves, as do other brands, but they are usually online only. For those you like me, with eternally cold toes, many boots come lined with warm insulation and are very useful for both cold and warm seasons. Trenches with a belt accentuate the waist and flatter any figure, or there is always the poncho style coming back that can loosely hang over the figure. Even if the weather is glum, bring out the glam.
13. Nailed it!
When I need a quick pick me up, I get my nails done. When I want to look nice for a special event, I get my nails done. When I go on vacation, yes, I get my nails done. I think too often nail polish is overlooked as part of accessories and makeup. Once its on, you are decorated for a week with a color that is saying something about you: Reds and pinks are classic, Bright colors are adventurous, Pastels are fun, and darker colors are cool. Just finishing winter, we went through the muted purple, light gray, and brown phase. But now, we are entering Spring...finally! Mint, cornflower blue, yellow, coral-all wonderful options. And for future reference, there is no rule that says your fingers must match your toes, its just personal preference!
14. No chip?
The last mani/pedi I got was "no chip." Its a new kind of polish that through alternating layers of polish, a top coat, and UV light, stays attached to the nail and will grow out with it. So, you can't remove it yourself and have to go back to the salon, except I found out how. Wrap each toe individually with a paper towel soaked in the highest percent Acetone you can find, then wrap a piece of foil over that to keep the paper towel on. Then put a plastic baggie over the whole hand or foot, and lay a thin towel on top. Heat will speed the process, so if you have hot mittens (which I doubt because only salons have them), or a blow dryer, or a heating pad, stick the nails in heat for about 15 minutes. Then remove all the layers of foil and acetone, and take a cuticle stick and just start peeling back the polish. Now, as my no chip was being removed, I had an idea! What if instead of removing the no chip, I got another color when the nail started to grow out. If I had a deep blueish gray, after a while then put a maroonish red on the bottom half of my nail, that would look unique and edgy. Obviously, you can do that with any polish, by just doing the bottom half of your nail in one color,and the top half in another, but I can't wait to try it! Just another way to wear your nail polish.
15. What to Wear When You Have No Where to go
Hopefully, this was implied and no one does the opposite, but I think it should be addressed regardless. Obviously, there are days when you don't leave your house, and no one will see you besides the mirror. On those lazy days, give your feet that are molding to your heels a little break, take off the makeup and cleanse your skin, and wear that ugly cat sweatshirt your grandma gave you for Christmas so you can tell her you've worn it before. Taking a break from the style stress will give you a clean slate to work from for the next day! I always put together my best outfits when I'm not trying, so let the absence enlighten you to create future fashion.
16. Highs and Lows
Skirts and dresses are popping up that are higher in the front that in the back. These flirty styles show off your legs in a new way. But you can make a simple hi/low skirt into an edgier bottom by simply turning the waist. Have the low be on your left, and the high on your right. The asymmetrical lines now draw attention to your legs and confident sense of style!
17. Impulse
When shopping, you have to be wary of whether you want or need an item. That hot pink pair of shoes or that fur hat may be your most favorite thing in the store or the hottest fashion trend, but you've got to be aware of what is the best for your wardrobe (and you wallet!). Last weekend, I bought a blouse on final sale for $40 form a little boutique called Hazel in Chicago. With bows on the sleeves and back in a beautiful olive/coffee color, I had to weigh my want vs need. I decided I needed it, because it was something I had never seen before, it was a color I didn't have, and it was well made and $80 less that originally. Also, I found a seafoam green satin skirt with pockets and little white sail boats. I adored it and at $24 dollars it was worth it. However, I couldn't bring my self to purchase it because I didn't need it, although my sailing team would have loved it, too. It would have been an impulse buy, which are the most dangerous. Be aware of the impulse to buy buy buy, and take a second to think about what your wardrobe needs before you head to the register!
18. Volume
To look your best, you need to be aware of the proportions of your outfit. A complete outfit of oversized menswear or an all over skintight look both are too far to one end. Balance is key with any outfit that you style. Fit is the key to balance. So lets take the menswear look, it can be worn a million ways. First, the jacket should still fall correctly-the shoulder seams should be at your shoulder, it should not pass your butt, and the buttons should accentuate your waist. After all, the point of a blazer is to look put together! With the pants, whether they are boyfriend style, paperbag waist, trousers, or straight leg, make sure they do not overwhelm you, or give you a muffin top. If your blazer is bigger, go with straight leg pants. If you want to wear trousers, wear a more fitted jacket. Then you must choose a top, a button down oxford to a colored silk blouse to a chiffon tank, depending on your desired look. Keep your body type in mind, what do you want to show off with fit, or what do you want to camouflage with more volume?
19. If the Price is Right
I believe that that brand names can charge higher prices just because they are a brand name.However, in many cases, the price reflects the quality of the clothing. I have a RUGBY seersucker blazer that has the most beautiful stitching hat it could be worn inside out. But if I picked up a jacket from Forever 21, with in a few washes the stitching would fray. If you are going to invest $150 in a new blazer, make it one that will last through the years by checking and trusting the manufacturer. If the price is right, its worth it.
20. When is Sparkle too much
Who doesn't love a little sparkle or shine? But there is a different between very pretty and very tacky. Oversized plastic sequins, for example, do not exactly attract attention in the positive sense. More often than not, the bright colored sparkles look cheap and immature. Diane von Furstenburg's Resort 2010 collection had a dress I would put on the "don't buy list." But, an all over outfit of sequins can be chic if you keep the rest of your outfit understated, and the color scheme restrained. A black, gold, or white sparkling number will look chic, and an expensive looking color will have more spirit. To complete a look, a pop of color (but only one!) can be used, or stick with neutrals or blacks-keep in mind that when sequins catch light, they reflect color! A red clutch with black peep toe heels and a black sequin dress is perfect. Lauren Conrad rocks it below, she sparkles.
Diane von Furstenburg Resort 2010
21. Faking It
Whether its false eyelashes, acrylic nails, penciled eyebrows, or color changing contacts, we ladies can change or appearance in a million ways. But in order for the fakeness to look real, it has to be done minimally and with constraint. First, False eyelashes should rarely be worn without cutting some of the strip off before application. Second, Acrylic nails should not go past a normal nail length. Half an inch from your nail bed is the absolute maximum length any persons nails should be. Third, eyebrows should have hair, obviously. If you want them to look fuller, use a eyebrow pencil or even use an eye shadow that is the same color or one minimal shade darker than your natural hue. Pure pencil brows look like a wanna be Barbie Doll, do your best to avoid over plucking and over penciling. Last, are the contacts. Every once in a while, these pop up. I've seen deep ocean blue that can pass for natural eye color, but the yellow, red, and black are just creepy. Don't do it, just don't. With every wish and desire to look different, try to look as much like yourself as possible. Very paradoxical, but very true.
22. Holidays
St. Patrick's day is just around the corner, and who doesn't love a green and white Dr. Seuss hat? Parades are a chance to be outrageous with clothes, and holidays give you a chance to let out your festive side. Its ok to have a little fun with your outfits on these days. But if you want to keep it on the classy side, try this simple outfit- an Irish knit wool sweater, dark jeans, brown boots, and a scarf tied into a bow as a headband. I've picked up nice, cheap scarves at Walgreen's, Meijer, Party City, etc... or you can use any green, silk scarf already in your possession! Or you could go for the preppier, Irish boy kind of look. Rolled up pants, loafers, newsboy cap, vest and so forth. (Sometimes I feel a bit bad for guys-us ladies can wear their styel of clothes, but they can't realy wear ours.) Anywas, have a little fun, but remember your sense of style this weekend!
23. Bag Lady
I'm in love with bags. They are so useful and good looking and just awesome. Who ever got tired of using pockets and started using bags is my hero. There are some key purses to have in the back of your closet to cover most purposes. 1) A casual, large, cross body bag for longer day excursions. Something that goes with everything, like a brown or beige or black would be best. 2) A nicer, medium/small cross body bag to dress up a bit more. I suggest leather in a red-it actually goes with everything. 3) A smaller bags, for nights out. A bag with a removable chain strap is essential to go from a purse to a clutch-it can completely change the look and makes the bag more versatile. I have a square orange leather bag that covers this area perfectly. The bag can be a hipster, a shoulder bag, or a clutch. But I also get a lot of use out of a black, quilted leather Calvin Klein that is just dainty enough to hold the essentials. 4) Clutches. One casual, one fun. I have this Beautiful Vera Bradley satin, pink patterned clutch that was one sold for less than a season. It is unique and just special enough. I've been looking for the perfect black evening clutch, but haven't gotten very far with that, but it's on my list of things to do. For summer, my go to casual clutch is straw with purple and beige stripes; its wonderful.
I have found that the best place to get a great bag, for the best price is T.J. Max, each store has a different variety and pretty high end options. Online, Rue La La is a great site, and so is Rent the Runway for those one time outfit needs. Where are you going, what are you bringing, and do you have a bag for that?
24. Sheer
The see through, lace, sheer, mesh, and thin tops are all over the place. The style exudes confidence and sex appeal, but it can be slutty if it is pushed too far-it has to be worn with careful consideration. Bottoms should never be sheer, dresses can be sometimes, and tops are the best option. If you are on the beach, no one cares what you wear over your suit, so sheer is fine, go for it. If you are at work, you should never, I repeat, never, wear a sheer top. If you are out on a weekend night, that would be more appropriate to break out those tops. A sheer patterned blouse can be worn with a nude bra and look great. A sheer solid color can be worn with a nude bra, or black if you want to stand out. Casually, Lace or eyelet can be worn with a bright bandeau or go neutral. It's personal preference when it comes to sheer, but remember that in 10 years, no matter what, you will probably look back at pictures of yourself and say, "What was I wearing!?"
25. Color and Colored Lace
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| American Apparel |
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Target |
possibilities. First, a nude bra close to your skin tone, a yellow cardigan, a patterned scarf with warm colors, and wedges. Second, put a white cami underneath, or try a top with a structured and strapless sweet heart neckline, and nude pumps. Third, a black bra, a leather jacket, and ankle booties. One dress, three different ways-its definitely a spring necessity. The same ideas can be applied to the target top on the left. Flirty, sophisticated, and edgy with color and lace!
26. To Top it Off Sun can give you energy, Vitamin D, a tan, freckles, and sun burn-its affects range from good to bad, and from that, we made hats. Fedora's and floppy straw hats are appropriate for the season and for the sunshine. Target and H&M are perfect places to find a variety of options for the summer season. A Fedora looks fabulous with a light blue button down tucked into white pants, a belt and flats or sandals. A floppy can be for the beach with a tunic and bathing suit, or lounging by the pool, but they also look great with a maxi dress for a more boho look. To the right, Gucci makes the Fedora resort look feel easy, expensive, and put together. Above, Blake, Vanessa, and Khloe sport the floppy hats with style.
27. Instead of rolling the sleeves up, just take them off
A few years ago, vests were everywhere. Now, a version of that has re-entered the fashion world- Blazers without sleeves. Going from brisk winters and blazers, to light springs and hot summers, most structured jackets are going to fit into the seasonal category because of fabric or fit. But now, you can put those blazers aside and find something fresh-a sleeveless blazer. A white tuxedo jacket with red pants and heels is a luxe night look or try a black blazer without sleeves with a long gold chain necklace, shorts and a white tank with lace or embellishment.
28. Jumpsuits
Rompers are still very popular, but for the warmer seasons, jumpsuits, are the way to go. Typically, they look good easily on a long lean figure, but they can be easily worn n other body types too, so don't shy away from them! First, a jumpsuit with a pair of heels will elongate the body, so bank on wearing a pair with the jumpsuit. A solid color looks more refined, and a print is for the more adventurous. You can be a hippie with bell bottoms or fierce with a more fitted version; It all about finding the right one for your body. Focus on accentuating your best feature: a tiny waist, strong legs, or great boobs. So pick you favorite part of you, and then lets go shopping! For a tiny waist, find a jumpsuit that has a tie, belt, or cinch at the waist. For nice legs, go for more of a straight leg bottom. For the boobs, go for an interesting neckline. If you want to make your legs, look longer and waist look smaller, go for an empire waist or cinch waist and wider leg bottoms. Even though the jumpsuit seems like a tough piece to work, its much easier than you think. It just like dressing your self any other day, accentuating your best qualities and camouflaging the others.
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