Styling tip Archives - Page 13 of 14

Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe

February 18, 2016

Most people don’t have the luxury of wearing a new outfit everyday. This is why I love the idea of doing more with less. It is much easier to come up with great outfit combination when your wardrobe consist of good quality pieces that are easily interchangeable.

I have never considered wearing these two pieces (vest and sweater) together. Since they are both pretty neutral it just kinda works. I managed to create 5 different outfits (if changing your hair counts as a different look). I thought it would be fun to share some tips on making the most out of your wardrobe.

Purge unnecessary items Having too many items in your closet (especially those that you don’t ever wear) only makes it more challenging when you’re getting ready. You don’t need to have a massive wardrobe to look good, just a smart one that works with your lifestyle.
Invest in versatile pieces If the majority of your closet consists of unique items that can only be worn for only one occasion, you may need to reassess your strategy. When you make a new purchase, bring that piece home and work on creating several outfits. If you’re not able to accomplish this task, then you may want to return that item.
Stick with neutrals This will ensure that most of the items in your closet can be worn together, making them easier to style.
Accessorize! A new handbag, shoe, or piece of jewelry can make the most basic of outfits look instantly chic. Invest in quality items and you will get more bang for your buck.
Change your hair or makeup This can really up your game and is an inexpensive way to change things up. Try a new hairstyle or lipstick. Both of these can make a difference and take the focus away from your clothing.
Choose quality over quantity When you’re building your wardrobe it should only consist of the things you love. Having nice things (investment pieces) will prevent you from coveting unnecessary items, satisfying you and your wallet.

I hope that you have found this helpful and it inspires you to get creative with the items that you already have. Thanks for reading!

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Thrift Store Fashion – A Beginner’s Guide

February 16, 2016

I have recently gotten into thrifting. I love the hunt and the excitement of finding something unique that can’t be bought in-store. My good friend Megan of Diary of This Girl is a champ at finding the best thrift store fashion items. If you haven’t been to her blog, I encourage you to check it out.

My style is super girly and classic, so when I found this cardigan at Classic Consignment I was in hog heaven. I love the color (I’m a big fan of neutrals), and if you know me, I couldn’t resist the ruffles.

Whenever I go thrifting, I primarily buy whatever catches my eye. I know that this strategy doesn’t work for everyone, so I thought it would be helpful to put together a list of thrift store fashion tips.

Thrift Store Fashion – A Beginner’s Guide

Prep Tips

Location location location If you shop in a nice area you can expect to find better things then if you shop elsewhere. Do your research and utilize Yelp, Google, and The Thrift Shopper to find cool stores in your city.
Create a wishlist Just because you are getting a good deal doesn’t mean that you want to have buyer’s remorse. To keep things in perspective, I suggest doing a closet assessment to identify any gaps and make a note of other fun items that you hope to find.
Carry a reusable shopping bag or two You’re already helping the environment when you thrift, so keep the momentum going and bring your reusable shopping bags. They can be easily stored in your purse.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes Thrifting can be an all day event, so you’ll want to wear your most comfortable pair of shoes. There is nothing worse than getting your shop on and having your feet hurt. Be sure to also wear comfortable clothes. This is not the time to wear a bunch of layers and lace up shoes. After your second round in the dressing room, you will regret not wearing something simpler.
Brings snacks Shopping is exhausting and sometimes emotionally draining, even when you’re having fun. Be sure to stay hydrated and well-fueled during your shopping extravaganza. Definitely bring water, fruit, almonds, and anything else you think you might need.

General Tips

Shop at the start of the season People tend to clean out their homes at the end of a season. January is another good time to shop.
Talk to the employees Find out the best days to shop and when new shipments are delivered.
Don’t just buy something because it’s a good deal Keep things in perspective and refer back to your wishlist that you created prior to your trip. If you’re on the fence about a purchase think about how useful the item is and how much wear you’ll get from it. If you can only wear it for one occasion (unless you’re shopping for an event), or only 25 % of the time, you should probably hold off.
You can always repair it If a piece you find is damaged or not the perfect fit, you can always have it repaired or altered depending on the condition. Keep an open mind.
Shop Often Thrifting is like any other type of shopping; sometimes you have good days and other times you don’t. Be sure to visit your favorite hunts often to find the best deals. Just like regular retail, the good stuff moves quick.

Thrifting Benefits

There are a lot of benefits to thrifting, but most importantly thrifting creates jobs and reduces our carbon footprint. Donating your items keeps them out of the landfill. Bigger organizations have large recycling programs and fund charitable organizations through the donations that they receive.

Places to Shop Online

Thrift often and have fun! If you have additional tips please share them in the comments.

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Styling Texture

January 7, 2016

Photos by Michelle Dorman Photography

Today I am sharing a couple tips on incorporating texture into your look. If you stick to picking colors in the same family you should have no problem applying these tips.

Color

First you need to choose your color palette. I went with pretty pastels and light blue hues.

Clothing

Since the weather has been on the cooler side lately, I added a striped blouse. Choosing a printed blouse instead of a solid added a subtle contrast to the lace front sweater. The blue pant ties this look together.

To incorporate texture try these:

Choose your textured item (dress, skirt, sweater)
Add a second layer in a print or solid
Bonus tip – when wearing a skirt or dress, add a textured tight

Accessories

You can also add texture with a handbag, a belt, shoes, or a scarf. Since this outfit is super girly, I chose a light brown bootie with floral cutouts. I added a pale pink bag with a snakeskin print. The final touch was a pearl bobby pin and statement necklace.

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Outfit Remix: How to Dress Preppy

December 3, 2015

Photos by Michelle Dorman Photography

This might be my favorite shoot to date. I know I’ve said that before, but our city’s skyline is hard to beat. Although it was overcast and cold, that didn’t take away from the picturesque setting.

I feel most comfortable in a button down shirt and a pull over sweater. I love the preppy aesthetic and fail proof formula. The last time I wore this sweater, it was during the warmer months and didn’t call for any layers. This time around, I added an oxford shirt, navy cords, and tall brown boots. I swapped out the bag, changed up the hair and added some different accessories. I’m a big fan of this necklace. It resembles a classic locket. The bright red lips were an absolute must! I can’t believe I am just now getting hip to wearing red lippies. I feel so sophisticated and polished. If only everything in life was that simple. This look reminds me of the 1970s tragic film Love Story. Have you seen that movie? It is known as one of the most romantic films of all time. The collegiate setting and east coast fashion is perfect.

Prep Style 101

The key to dressing preppy is buying classic and or investment pieces. Think timeless and chic. Before buying a piece, ask yourself: would I wear this in five years? If the answer is no, then put it back.

Preppy Staples

Pearls Be sure to pick up a pair of earrings, necklace, bracelet, or any other pearl item.
Jewelry I would recommend a classic monogram pendant, locket, or both.
Shirts The classic oxford cloth button down shirt and pussy bow blouse are timeless pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways.
Sweaters Great investments and fun to style. For extra prep, get a shaggy dog sweater.
Coats I would go for a classic peacoat, wool toggle coat, and a trench for the warmer months.
Skirt and dresses Purchase these in neutral colors so they can be easily intermixed with others items in your closet.
Pants Definitely invest in a couple pairs of tailored pants and some denim.

Where to Shop

I would definitely take advantage of second hand shops and other thrift stores for timeless pieces. Get items dry cleaned or hand wash.

If you prefer to buy new, I would check out:

Want more prep inspirations? Check out the archives.

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How to Wear a Shirt Dress

December 1, 2015

Photos by Michelle Dorman Photography

This weekend was our first year hosting Thanksgiving. My husband was very ambitious and prepared a turkey and rib roast. Both turned out great, but the roast stole the show. We had family in from out of town and ended up with 11 guest total. It was a lot of fun.

Did anyone venture out for Black Friday? I prefer to stay in and surf the web for the best deals. I’m excited to say that I did find a couple of fun items that I will be sharing soon.

Let’s talk about today’s look. I have wanted a shirt dress for as long as I can remember. On my frame (5’4″, broad shoulders, and large chest) the task can be nearly impossible. All the dresses in this variety are too long, and resemble a pajama shirt. Here are a couple of tips for finding the perfect one.

Size down. This will give you a slimmer and more flattering silhouette. Shirt dresses tend to be over-sized and boxy.

Buy petite. Getting this dress in petite was a big win. Not only is the length great but the overall fit has less fabric.

Add a belt. Define your waist by adding this accessory.

Add a layer. Adding a jacket or a cozy top layer will also provide your frame with more definition.

My favorite part of getting dressed is the accessories. I love timeless jewelry. When I spotted this monogram disc pendant it was love at first sight. This one is Stella & Dot and adds a little something special to any outfit. The ring’s black pave stones add an elegant but tough feel.

Thanks so much for reading see you Thursday!

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Outfit Remix: Easy Ways to Maximize Your Wardrobe

Thrift Store Fashion – A Beginner’s Guide