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Posts Tagged ‘Accessories’

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10 Ways To Breathe New Life Into Your Wardrobe

In fashion on October 30, 2023 at 12:00 pm

Falling into a style rut is almost always inevitable – even if you are quite stylish. It’s easy to get bored with your clothes and to become uninspired. Your first thought might be to go shopping and while that is usually fun, sometimes that is not the answer. You might not have the time or budget to do an overhaul. You might not even like what’s online and in the stores. And chances are you might have a closet full of clothes that you haven’t worn in a while.

Many times when you get into a style rut, it’s not that you don’t have anything to wear. It might be that you need to re-imagine what you already have in your closet. Whether it is seeing your clothes styled in ways you haven’t thought of, examining your mindset around what is appropriate, or that you are missing wardrobe staples to complete your look, there are ways to make getting dressed exciting again. Continue reading to discover 10 ways to breathe new life into your wardrobe.

Change your mindset around what is considered casual and dressy. The rules around getting dressed as well as ideas around personal style have evolved. For instance, where sequins may have been reserved for special occasions like parties or galas, people now wear sequin shirts with jeans and sneakers and sequin bottoms with t shirts and denim jackets – during the day at that. Lace camis and bodysuits are no longer reserved for silk suits or undergarments. They are now worn with leggings, jeans, motorcycle jackets, oversized blazers and combat boots. The options are without limit.

Do you have a busy day of running errands? You don’t have to wear sweats and raggedy t-shirts to do so. Consider wearing a cute flowy dress and a pair of slides. If sweats are your preference, pair them with a tube top and sweater with a pair of sneakers or even combat boots. Everyday is an opportunity to get dressed and look cute.

When you go clothes shopping, think about how to maximize the wardrobe pieces that you purchase. Ask yourself questions such as how can you wear one piece of clothing 5 different ways (like a t-shirt) or how many different places/occasions you can wear a particular item.

Change your underwear. Of course change your underwear daily but in addition to that, purchase underwear that fits and that looks good under your clothes. In many instances, poorly fitting undergarments don’t help with posture and shaping/smoothing of the figure, thus making your clothes not look as good as they could.

Experiment with mixing patterns and textures. Many times it gets boring pairing solid colors with each other. Instead, try mixing patterns and textures. For instance, mix stripes and polka dots with the same color scheme or are complementary colors. Pair stripes with leopard print (which is neutral). Consider mixing various size prints and patterns like flowers in similar colors. Mix opposite (inverted) color schemes or mix your prints with neutral colored patterns.

Look at athletic wear differently. Those track pants and joggers can be worn with a nice blouse or camisole and coordinating blazer/jacket. Add strappy sandals, a great purse and accessories.

Always wear accessories. Sometimes all an outfit needs is a few accessories to go from boring to exciting. Add bow ties, belts, hats, hosiery and scarves to your collection. When you get dressed, build your outfit around your shoes, a purse or even a belt.

Shop somewhere you usually don’t shop – even online. Different stores style various articles of clothing in different ways and can provide you with style inspiration in ways that you haven’t thought of. You don’t have to purchase anything to see how the items are being styled and to see what the suggested pieces are. Chances are you own similar pieces that can be use to create new looks. Create mood boards to get inspired. Pinterest, magazines, and other social media platforms have plenty of styles to inspire you.

Image Courtesy of Artem Beliaikin via Pexels

Organize your closet. When things are hung and shoved haphazardly in your closet, it doesn’t allow you to see what you actually have to wear. Seeing (or remembering) what you have can inspire you and help you to see your clothes differently. Hang like items together in similar colors, fabrics and lengths from left to right. Fold/roll items neatly in drawers/ storage bins. Find creative ways to display jewelry, purses, scarves and shoes.

Plan ahead. Sometimes when you have to rush to get dressed, it doesn’t give you enough time to put any thought into how you really want to look. Planning ahead will give you time to coordinate and level up your look.

Have you been in a style rut? What are some of the ways you have revived your wardrobe?

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7 Bag Trends To Consider This Season

In fashion, style on January 18, 2021 at 8:30 am
Image Courtesy of Godisable Jacob via Pexels

Many of our bags and accessories have sat in our closets for the last year or so but that hasn’t stopped all of the wonderful new trends from piquing our interest. From interesting fabrics, structures and other embellishments, the it handbags of this season will leave you wanting to create and flaunt your best looks. Keep in mind that some of these are repeat or updated trends and might already be in your closet. If not, try your favorite thrift or vintage store for styles to add to your collection.

Chains/Hardware. Chains that resemble jewelry will take a bag from basic to beautiful. chains of varying lengths, widths, colors and designs can be seen on many types of bags from the runway to the realway.

Kurt Geiger London Leather Kensington in Multi/Other

Nu Women Zoe Braided Chain Strap Clear Purse

Large Totebags. One bag is all you need especially if you carry a lot of items with you. This season’s bags come in sizes large enough to put your entire life in – laptop, shoes, water bottle and a novel. Keep in mind the proportions of the bag and your stature. If you are on the shorter side, this type off bag can be overwhelming to your smaller frame.

Tory Burch Gemini Link Canvas Tote

Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote

Longchamp Extra Large Pliage Club Travel Tote

Padded/Quilted Bags. This pattern, particularly the chevron pattern, has continued into this winter/spring season. Paired with beautiful hardware, this style of bag is an instant upgrade to any outfit.

Michael Kors Suri Small Quilted Crossbody Bag

Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Bag

Charles & Keith Rose Quilted Push Lock Shoulder Bag

Clutches. Since you can’t do much with your hands these days, you might as well hold a nice clutch. They are always chic and can go with anything.

Kurt Geiger Eye Party Envelope

Off-White Diagonal Set of 2 Leather Pouches

Chicastic Suede Envelope Clutch

Structured and Bucket Bags. In different sizes with varying handle lengths will always elevate a casual look.

Max Mara Logo Small Bucket Bag

Topshop Small Leather Bucket Bag

Belt Bags/Fanny Packs/Crossbody Bags. These bags have become more mainstream, have become even more stylish and serve looks as the focal point of an outfit as well as convenience.

Fossil Women’s Serna Belt Bag

Mz Wallace Metro Belt Bag

Rubber/Jelly Bags. This is an unconventional yet durable material for a bag that comes in a variety of styles and colors.

Shopakira The Little Things Mini Rubber Purse

Rainbow Jelly Bag Mini Satchel Crossbody

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14 Shoe and Bag Trends To Add To Your Fall/Winter Wardrobe

In style on December 9, 2019 at 7:31 pm

Sure it’s the end of 2019 but the cold weather is still in full effect and you may still need to shop for the perfect accessories for your fall/winter wardrobe.

We stil have a few months left in the fall and winter season and there are still items you may still be looking to complete some of your winter looks or to fill in your wardrobe in general. This season’s accessories (shoes, bags, and jewelry) are not only reminicent of decades passed (hello 90’s) but are bold in shape, color and texture.  Shapes exhibit geometric and architectural elements.  Colors are vibrant. Textures are rich, fuzzy, furry and smooth. You can get the season’s hottest trends anywhere- from your favorite online retailers, brick and mortar stores and even the thrift and consignment stores.

Footwear.  This season’s footwear can be worn with pretty much anything.  All you need is a little imagination and inspiration.

Chunky Heels and Square Toe Shoes.  Chunky heels and square toe shoes were the dominating look for footwear in the 90’s. Regardless of how you feel about this particular look, style elements of the 90’s and have made their way back into our lives and onto the timelines of 2019.  Although I have an affinity for pointy heels and toes, chunky heels (square toes) look great paired with cozy sweaters,  wide leg pants and full skirts.

Animal Prints and Skins.  Although these prints never go out of style, have definitely taken center stage this season.  Level up your footwear game of various prints and textures with varying animal prints and skins found on shoes, boots, sneakers and sandals.

Unconventional Heels.  More than ever, shoes are getting an upgrade with unconventional heels that mimic art sculptures like circles and dollar signs.  While this look may not be for everyone, it is definitely a look to consider when shopping for what innovative and different in footwear.

Over The Knee Boots/Slouchy Boots.  Definitely a sexy option for the season.  These boots can be worn with anything, including an oversized belted Blazers a dress or a sweater and leggings.

Mules. When you literally need to slip on a shoe and go and still be stylish, mules are definitely a stylish option.  This seasons options come in different colors, textures, embellishments and heel height and be worn right into the cooler months with fun socks and hoisery.

Purses and Bags.  This seasons’ it bags will do more than hold your stuff.  Ranging in price, style and size, these bags can take take center stage as the focal point of any outfit.

Furry Bags And Purses.  The furry bags of the season will make you want to get cozy and snuggle up.  Talk about having all the feels. Like footwear, the colors and textures are rich and vibrant and will complement many of your favorite looks of th  e season from casual to dressy.

Croc And Embossed Elements.  These textures are super luxe and glossy and have all the sophistication one can take.  croc and embossed elements show up on purses, clutches, totes and even wallets.

Jewelry-Like Details.  Keep it cute and fancy with chains and embellishments that look like jewelry.

Waist Bags.  Do double duty with waist bags that do double duty as your purse.  They are not only good for storing your belongings while you are out and about but can also cinch the waist of any outfit that you are wearing.

Oversized Clutches And Purses.  First off, who said a clutch has to be small?  Not I.  Pillow sized clutches not only hold all of your things but look great tucked under your arm while wearing a casual or sporty outfit.  Sure it may look like you are literally carrying your luggage but that’s your business.

Micro Sized Purses.  If you aren’t one to carry much at all this particular trend might be just right for you.

Bucket Bags.  This style of bag has been around for some time but they continue to make their mark as necessity in many purse collections and this season is no different.

Double Bagged.  Are two purses better than one?  Many designers seem to think so.  Great thing about this trend is that for some you can wear opt to wear just one or both.  

Geometric and Architectural.  These elements show up in the handles and or the bag itself. Juxtapose against complementary colors or as a bold pop against a monochromatic color scheme these bags are sure to up the ante of any look.