Set Me Up
May 8, 2013
Set me up! I’m falling in love with sets. They are the fashion purchase that just keeps on giving. I think Stylementor on yesstyle.com does it best, too. Their sets are so creative and range from classic to the latest fashion trends. I get inspired by their styling. Each set is wonderful on its own, but then the fun begins… you get to mix and match on your own!
Sets make note of two (or more) individual pieces that create a look when worn together. Since they are individual, you can mix and match to your heart’s content within your own wardrobe. Cropped jackets are a big set staple and can most certainly be worn with any outfit and are the easiest to style. The challenge becomes much more interesting when you start mixing up the various tops, skirts, pants, and shorts. The first set below is a Handkerchief-Hem Tunic + Tulle Layered Skirt from Stylementor.
Very cute and simple on its own. It’s darling and I love it. The skirt is a classic one that is easy to style, however it is the top that has my attention here. I love the angles and the length- long enough to cover any funny waist lines from leggings or funky skirts, but short enough to reveal shorter skirts and shorts. Black is a great color to work with as you can keep things neutral or bring in a bold pop of color. I like the material, too- not shiny, just very simple and what you want in a set piece. Here I’ve decided to give this top a new life with a pair of old beige and black leggings. This top has a way of changing when worn with leggings or long skirts. It’s a dramatic difference from the short skirt styling.
Whereas before you had the top almost become one piece with the skirt (more of a solid over all shape), here the top shows a clear divide and flows more freely away from the body. The leggings have a nice shine in the black which also helps to contrast against the top. With a heavy long skirt, you can go for a connected heavy fabric fashion look and change the feel of the top again. One looks connected, the other shows a clear disconnect.
The next look is a soft beige lace peplum top from Stylementor that was originally set with a simple black pencil skirt. Black and Beige has been a popular color scheme as we can see from above and again here. It holds the contrast of black and white but the beige brings a more feminine softness. With pastels being popular in spring, beige works in beautifully.
Here, however, I’ve decided to add in a pop of color. I have this metallic skirt which I wore during the winter, mostly with black. It was dark and rich. But now, suddenly when paired against a soft nude color and texture, it transforms into something new. The skirt is from 59seconds and has a beautiful medley of gold, red, and black.
Black and beige make such a great foundation for colors and prints. Bring a new life to your winter pieces by reviving them into the springtime fashion. One thing to take note here is the peplum top. I love peplum tops because they hold a secret.
Fashion Tip: Peplum tops are a great way to cover the top portion of skirts, shorts, or leggings – in particular any with a funky line.
This skirt for example has an embellished waist which looks lovely with a fitted top, but otherwise if I just want to show the print and not focus on that design, Voila I can cover it up with the peplum. Love it!
This is a great technique to use with shorts or skirts that have a drawstring or other element you may want covered up. Are you ready to be set up this season?
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A Dark Wonderland: Alice Go Home
April 17, 2013
Grey, dreary skies accompanied with cooling rains. My calendar tells me it’s April but the weather has been rather fickle. Even Wonderland, as bright and animated as it may be, has it’s darker regions. I’ve become inspired to embrace this theme and introduce a new favorite brand.
Theme: A Dark Wonderland
Styles: A-Line structured dresses, lace, stockings, irregular shaped hems and mixed textures. The classic and the twisted modern.
First, let’s look at the jacket. The jacket is from Alice Go Home, a brand I’ve found on yesstyle.com that I am absolutely in love with! Everything they do is so creative and the fabrics have a nice weighty quality about them that I also like. This jacket is so unique. You have the texture of the corduroy in gray against the shine of the black satin collar and belt. Then you have this lovely irregular shaped hem that makes the jacket feel like a dress when closed or adds more animation in your movements as you walk and the fabric flows.
Next up is this beautiful black and white lace dress from TokyoFashion.
The apron like design of the white lace on this a-line structured black dress makes me think of something a modern Alice would be wearing. The sleeves are raised and shirred while the remainder of the dress is traditional. It’s reminiscent of childhood while maintaining an adult quality. The built in jewelry-like neckline is a nice touch as well.
I’m excited for sunny days and pastel colors, but fortunately until then black and white is a classic that lives throughout the seasons. Which side of wonderland are you in?
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Spring Inspired: Retro Chic Hair Tutorial
March 23, 2013
Mmm… the sun is out and it’s finally starting to get warm outside! Spring is here, and this season I have noticed a lot of muted tones with organized pops of color. Nudes with orangy reds, for example, are being seen in the wardrobe and on the nails. For me, floral patterns are my earliest spring inspirations, but I am liking the muted and natural tones. I’ve been keeping my make up simple and natural and am gently warming into the colors as we transition into spring.
I’m wearing my black, burgundy, gold, and navy blue colors from winter and slowly graduating them into nudes, pastels, prints, and eventually bright colors of spring and summer. One of my favorite transitioning inspirations has been with hair. A clean and retro inspired updo is just the thing to keep our looks elegant and fun and ready for any season!
With product, this updo can be made very clean and smooth. I’ve decided to show you the steps without any product, leaving natural texture in the hair for what I feel works for a fun day look. Once you see the method, you’ll see how you can customize it to your own style needs.
What You Need:
hair pins, three hair ties, a comb, and a hair clip
Step One: Brush through hair to remove any tangles. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just smooth enough to work with. Divide hair into two parts by taking a section from top top. Depending on how large you want each “bump” you can decide to take more or less from the top.
Step Two: Use a hair clip to secure the top half of the hair. This will keep it out of the way while we work on the bottom half. Take the bottom half of your hair (the remaining section) and make a pony tail. Make sure the pony tail is at the highest part of the bottom half of the hair. This is where the bottom “bump” will be starting from.
Step Three: Pull the base of the pony tail a small distance from your head, make a hole in the middle of this new space between the pony tail hair tie and your head. Flip the entire pony tail through this hole- making the flip come through the hole from under and then out the hole and over the hair tie. This “hair flip” will cover the hair tie and and make the hair smooth and clean for our bump. You can pull the remaining pony tail to tighten it so it is secure.
Step Four: With the remaining hair of your flipped pony tail, add a new pony tail about half way past or two thirds the way down. Depending on the size of your bump will vary how much of a “tail” or the area beyond the hair tie you will want to have remain. My hair is pretty long so I don’t need to go too far down. The area between my head and the new pony tail is going to be the outer shell of the bump.
Step Five: Take the newly created tail and tease. You’ll end up with a ball of teased hair like this (and it now actually looks like a tail, ha).
Step Six: Take the teased ball and tuck it under the “shell” or smooth pony tail section. The teased ball will be against your head and wrapped inside the smooth pony tail section. Secure with pins. For me, I like to cross two pins in opposite directions on top of the now hidden pony tail tie located at the bottom of the bump and nape of the neck.
Spread the shell evenly to cover the teased ball. You can also add a pin to each side to secure the shell wrapping in place. Voila! You have your bottom bump.
Step 7: Remove the clip and smooth out the top hair section. Make a pony tail about two thirds the way down, leaving just enough hair beyond the hair tie for a tail.
(We are not going to flip this one because we want the sides to drape down and blend into the bottom bump). Tease the tail just like before, then tuck the teased ball of hair under the smooth portion of hair and against your head. Pin to secure just like the previous step. Smooth out any hairs that may be out of place and you are done!
That’s it! I’ve left mind a little messy with loose strands for texture. I think it makes the look playful for spring. If you want a more sleek evening look, just add some hair spray and smooth out both the finished bottom and top bumps for a clean and flawless look!
It’s easy and it takes only a few minutes. I get compliments on this look whenever I wear it and wanted to share the how-to with you. It’s too simple and elegant of a look to keep to myself. Plus, when you wake up late and are limited on time, this style makes it your little secret. It’s a nice boost of confidence knowing your hair looks great when you have to be out and have little time to get ready.
Make it your own by changing the size of the bumps or by adding accessories- headbands, ribbons, hair pins. Be as creative as you wish and let the season inspire you!
Speaking of being spring inspired, for those who are curious- this feminine floral top is a new one I just got! It’s from TOKYOFASHION, a Crochet-Collar Patterned Top in Floral Coffee from yesstyle.com. I’m in love with the collar! It meets my obsessions with collars, floral patterns, lace and crochet- brilliant!
Those who know me can be prepared for some collar and floral fashion updates coming next.
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An Elegant Monster
March 6, 2013
My calendar states that is March and when I look out the window, the sun is shining beautifully. But then I open the windows and the chill tells me otherwise! Looks like I cannot put away the furs just yet, and as ready as I am to bring out the colorful dresses- I’ve decided to embrace the chills with style for as long as I can.
Before color rules the scene, I’m going to embrace the dark navy, burgundy, and black colors of winter while the season allows me. As I was going through my wardrobe, a couple select pieces from Dodostyle stood out. Whenever I think of Dodostyle I think “adorable” every time. So, alright, I’ll make an adorable, but elegant, little monster out of my look today!
GET THE LOOK
Dress: A-Line Lace Dress from DODOSTYLE, available on yesstyle.com
Jacket: Furry Jacket from DODOSTYLE, available on yesstyle.com
Texture, t e x t u r e, TEXTURE! We have a delicate and feminine lace dress, a furry cute little jacket, and loose big curls of hair to bring all the textures together. It’s a lot and just enough going on, so I kept everything else very simple and clean. Matte black tights and a solid black wedge shoe completed the look for me.
Now, because I am rather tall, this dress is just a bit short on me. This is never really a worry though because I always have plenty of lace shorts in black and white to embellish and complete a look (and to remain modest). It worked out in my favor today because I could tie in the black lace of my shorts under the dress with the black of the jacket. It all balanced out very nicely. Balance is important, especially when mixing navy and black. It must look intentional and must be worn confidently. In this instance, the navy is just the deep rich color we needed to make the lace stand out and balance the weight of the different textures.
If I must go out and brave the wintery chills, I’ll do so as an elegant style monster! How about you? Are you an adorable fashion monster?
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D.I.Y. Jeweled Headband
February 5, 2013
Ever find yourself with broken necklaces- often all tangled together just to make things more interesting? Fear not, now those necklaces can revive with a new life of their own. At first, I was going to break my necklaces down into even more pieces so that I could glue them onto an otherwise boring and inexpensive headband. Easy enough, right? Of course that means getting the glue out and trying not to make an even bigger mess as the creative juices flow.
Then it occurred to me. Ribbon! If I break off the pieces that are ready to fall off anyway, then tie the remaining portion of the necklace together with some ribbon- voila! I have a beautiful new headband 
Because the ribbon is hidden under my hair, it doesn’t have to match the jewelry. This is some extra ribbon I had on hand. It wasn’t long enough for a present and I didn’t know what else to do with it until now. Not a bad use of leftovers if I do say so myself.
This necklace had a fitted section on top with lots of loose chains scooped underneath. The chains had broken off half way, so I went ahead and removed them completely. I then tied the two sections together with ribbon. It’s so easy!
This technique will work with your necklaces that aren’t broken, too. Instead of using the clasp, bring a thin strand of string or ribbon through the metal loops and you have an instant hair piece. Depending on the style of necklace, you can be as creative as you want. You can even use a string that compliments the necklace and wear the string long to show it off. Again, it’s as creative as you want to be.
Now when I shop for necklaces, I keep thinking of how I can get more use out of them!
After getting this idea I began hunting for more and came across this beautiful necklace from VIVIDRESS on yesstyle.com. It’s already a necklace and a headband- no work necessary. How beautiful would this be in your hair?
I’m so excited. I have many new hair bands to play with!
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Classic + Fringe
January 31, 2013
With my inspiration to return to the classics, I cannot resist a little extra flare in my styling. First, let’s visit my most recent obsession, the classic A-line dress:
GET THE LOOK
Dress: Dodostyle Floral Print Elbow-Length Sleeve A-Line Dress, available on yesstyle.com
Shoes: Nude shoes from Bakers
I love this clean structured piece. It’s your classic A-line shaped dress with three quartered sleeves and a simple yet elegant black and white print design. The texture of the fabric has an overall matte finish that adds to the structure of the dress. The neckline is modest and classic, and the length is just short enough to keep the look cute and girly. I sometimes like to add some lace shorts to peak through under the dress for that extra girly element, but the clean hem line is beautiful on its own, too.
I brought out my classic patent nude heels to keep the look polished and neutral. I love wearing black, white, and nudes together. I think this color palate is wonderful for transitioning from the dark colors of winter into the pastel colors of spring, especially as the weather is still slightly cool. If it’s chilly out then you can add tights and a classic but heavy coat and look ready for any party.
I love this shape. I cannot have enough dresses in this shape. I want one in every color, pattern, material, and length. It’s a classic feminine must for the season and the wardrobe.
GET THE LOOK
Fringed Cape from 1313 available on yesstyle.com
You know I love texture. My next obsession is fringe. From fringed bags, tops, dresses, to capes like this lovely piece from 1313 I discovered on yesstyle.com. I’ve had so many compliments on this one! Everyone wants their own fringed cape. The texture and color adds so much to any look. I look for excuses to wear it as often as I can.
The white from the pattern of my dress is a slightly off white that compliments the tone of the light gray of this cape. It adds more depth to the dress and transforms it into a more whimsical style. This is how you modernize a classic piece.
I kept it simple with this look, but when it comes to capes that drape over with an open area on the front (no buttons or details) then I like to wear a long necklace, if not multiple ones, to add a bit more balance to the look. With all these soft fabrics, a smooth metal necklace adds more dimension.
The beauty of a cape like this one is that it is warm while not being too hot. As the weather remains refreshingly cool, now is the time for a piece such as this. Bring out those light scarves and shawls. A beautiful print chiffon or silk scarf looks oh so elegant with a classic A-line dress! Style it to match your personality and fashion inspirations.
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New Year, New Fashion Statement
January 2, 2013
A new year brings us a new start with many personal goals to conquer. One of my favorite starts to a new year is to challenge myself with a fashion statement. What is my inspiration? What clutter can I move away? Do I have or want as a statement piece?
There are many questions you can ask to get ideas growing. And you don’t have to limit yourself to a single look or style. I like to focus on one overall style as a structure, and then incorporate my own twists to make it more personalized.
For example, after a year of brilliant colors and messy do’s, my personal inspiration this year is to go back to the classic clean lines. I’m thinking smoother, cleaner lines for hair, makeup, and clothing. I want my look to be a rich femininity meets girl next door combination.
I’m loving natural muted makeup with the only emphases being on big, bold eyes or rich colored lips. There’s only just a touch of color or contour on the cheekbones to give the face shape and balance, but it’s very soft and natural. I love the messiness of a quick updo, and I still want to incorporate a slight messy touch to some, but overall I’m leaning more towards smoother styles of hair. I also want to challenge myself to do more looks with my hair. This means playing with my part and bangs, especially!
Balance is everything. If you hair is super clean and polished, sometimes a messy bun can keep the look chic without trying too hard. The more colorful or avant garde the make up is, the more polished and clean I like the hair to be. The contrast works well, and it also works with your clothes. Exotic and creative shoes pair nicely with a classic shaped neutral or black dress. Bright or pastel colors with flowy layering shapes look nice with nude and polished shoes. Find your own mix for your style, and be creative with your looks.
FEATURED BAGS
Croc-Embossed Patent Shoulder Bag, available on yesstyle.com
Faux-Leather HorseHair Clutch, available on yesstyle.com
A statement handbag is also a great way to reinvent your style. Years ago, I would change my purse on a daily basis to go with my outfit. Sadly, this habit has almost completely dissipated from my routine. This year I want to challenge myself to change my bag more often. Maybe not everyday, but perhaps every week or every other week for starters. It keeps me more organized since I’m forced to transfer things from purse to purse. And of course, it adds serious style to my overall look.
These are my 2013 fashion statements and inspirations. I’m excited and ready to embrace the challenge. In fact, another great way to get the year off to a good start is to clean out your closet and make room for the new. Take out items you’ve never worn- yes, we all have them and chances are you aren’t going to wear them. Donate them so that those without can have something special of their own. You weren’t using them anyway and now you have space for items you will be able to use. It’s a win-win.
Get rid of the clutter and organize your fashion statements. What will your style be saying this year?
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5 Ways to Style for the New Year!
December 26, 2012
After all those wonderful and fashionable nights of Christmas parties spent with family, co workers, and friends, it’s time to change gears as we prepare for the new year. Get the champagne ready and style up for the new year with these 5 style enhancing tips.
1. Nails
One of the easiest ways to enhance your style this year is to dress up your nails. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate art project, just something to add that extra sparkle as you hold your glass of champagne. My favorite trick has been to add just a touch of glitter on top of a coat of colored nails. For my Christmas parties, I went with dark colors like burgundy or a dark blue to give the illusion of a starry night. But for the new year I want a brighter splash of color, so I have opted for a fushia color, dipped in golden glitter nail polish!
I like to have the glitter either all on the tips or just on various different parts of the nail. That way you have a contrast from the smooth color into the sparkles. Think of it like a gradient, it catches the light in a more elegant way that just a heavy dose of all over glitter.
2. Hair
The next best way to enhance your style is to wear a fun and new updo. This is especially useful in the winter months when our outfits can get lost within heavy coats. Keep your style unique by playing around with a fun new and elegant updo. It doesn’t have to be perfect, messy buns and twists have been quite popular this year. This is also a great way to work in a scarf or a large collar from a dress or jacket.
3. Lengths and layers
Those who know me know I adore playing with different textures and lengths. The chilly weather makes it the perfect time of year for layers. Make otherwise short and layered skirts come alive in the winter months by pairing them with tights or leggings and boots. You can keep it soft and feminine by adding sweaters, cardigans, and scarfs or you can add a little attitude by wearing it with a leather jacket. I like the contrast of the shiny, smooth, and sharp angled jacket with the soft and matte flowy skirt. Be warm and fashionable!
Mixing up textures from different fabrics is also a great way to break up the layers. You want to be layered and still show off your figure and outfit, you don’t want to be bulky. Experiment with different silhouettes and styles until you find a combination that works just right for you.
GET THIS LOOK:
Handkerchief Hem Chiffon Skirt available on yesstyle.com
Faux-Leather Biker Jacket available on yesstyle.com
It can also be something more subtle, like a large textured and heavy sweater with a skirt or shorts over tights. When your mixing black with black, texture goes a long way. If you have a top heavy outfit, keep the length of the bottom shorter to keep everything in balance. You want the lengths of each garment to compliment each other, not take over.
This skirt below is the same tennis skirt I’ve worn in a past post. The sweater is one I’ve had for as long as I can remember. In fact, I think it was my friend’s mother’s sweater gifted to me many years ago. As I stated, I’m mixing the old with the new in my closet this year.
4. Studs
Speaking of textures and leather jackets, another great way to to enhance your style is to bring in the studs! You can find them decorating the collars of your shirts, jackets, and skirts, but most especially in your accessories. I’m talking about clutches, big bags, shoes, and bracelets!
5. Moderation, finish what you begin
And Finally, practice moderation by finishing what you begin. I know I’ve seen many fashionable girls spend all this time getting ready to go out, only to return home with their heels in their hand and their heads spinning as they head home with a swagger and not the confident walk they had earlier in the evening.
Plan ahead and enjoy your evening. Imbibe well by having great drinks you can savor, but also keep hydrated and in control. If you know you will be on your feet all night then wear shoes that you can survive in. If you are concerned your shoes aren’t interesting enough then make the rest of your outfit the focus point over your shoes.
If you must wear those gorgeous but painful shoes, then plan on fining a seat to rest your feet. Keep polished and return home in the same strong style you began your night in. Be a professional, not an amateur!
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Merry Christmas!
December 26, 2012
I hope you are all having a happy and holy Christmas season and are all preparing for a grand new year! I know I’ve been silent for the past few weeks and I wanted to stop in to say hello, send warm wishes, and update you all with news.
12.12.12 is now a date I will always remember as it is the day I officially became engaged! Timothy proposed and we are excited to move forward with our lives together ♥ yay!
Be prepared for more style updates! I’ve been experimenting with hairstyles and layered styling techniques that I am anxious to share more consistently with you. I’m embracing the old with the new in my closet in order to give everything a new style life of its own. Get ready because 2013 is going to be a busy and lively year, my loves! Speak with you all soon.
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