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Posts Tagged ‘shoes’

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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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3 Ways To Make Your Shoes Fit Better

In fashion, style on July 1, 2021 at 12:00 pm

Shoes are a many splendid thing. They can make or break an entire outfit and nice looking shoes always elicit “ooohhs”, “aaahs” and sheer delight from onlookers and admirers. There is one thing however that matters more than the look of a shoe and that’s how the shoe fits. Now some people may not necessarily care about shoe size – they will sacrifice a baby toe for an amazing shoe – no matter how ill-fitting it is.

But what good is a nice looking pair of shoes when they don’t fit, cause pain and affect the way you walk? I’m not talking about shoes that you bought that were too big or too small and you had to have them anyway because they were a sale shoe by your favorite shoe designer. I’m talking about shoes that fit for the most part but the size or fit is “off a bit”.

What do I mean by “off a bit”? I’m referring to when that pair of shoes are a bit too tight or slip up and down off of your feet a little because you are “in between sizes”? You know how you are usually a 6.5 in a particular brand/style but the 6.5 is too snug and the 7 is a little bigger than you would like? Or what about the pair of shoes you own where the soles are too slippery and you fear for your life when you wear them so you walk around with a stiff walk, hoping you don’t fall? In any of these cases, what do you do? Do you take the shoes back? Thrown them away? Sell them on Poshmark? Give up on life? Not necessarily. There are solutions to these 3 commonplace shoe concerns which are usually inexpensive and easy to use.

If your shoes are too tight:

-Use liquid shoe stretch which can be purchased from a drug store, shoe repair shop or even Amazon. While wearing the shoes, spray or squeeze the solution onto the shoe where you need the stretch and walk around for a few minutes. Repeat if necessary. Be sure the solution you use is safe for the color and material of the shoes you are stretching. You can also opt to use a one way stretcher for width or a 4 way shoe expander as well.

-Use a hair dryer with thick socks.  It may be a bit uncomfortable at first to stuff your feet into your shoes with thick socks on but this is an inexpensive way to stretch your shoes and you most likely have all of the materials on hand to get the job done. Start with your hair dryer on a medium setting and put the nozzle where you need the stretch for a few minutes until you feel your shoes become less tight.

-Freeze your shoes with 1/4 water filled sandwich bags. While the thought of putting shoes in a space where you store your food might be off-putting, this can be a good idea if you haven’t worn the shoes outside yet. Take two sandwich bags and place your shoes. Fill the bags a quarter of the way with water and be sure to zip all of the way. Wrap your shoes up in a plastic bag for safety and put in the freezer.  As the bags freeze they will stretch the shoes out. After the bags freeze, let them thaw then take the bags out and try the shoes on. Repeat if necessary.

-Take your shoes to a cobbler.  If you are concerned about destroying your shoes, take them to a professional. Cobblers perform repair all kinds of shoes with specialized equipment. If your shoes are too wide or narrow, if the straps are too long or too short or even if the heel of your shoe is too tight, a cobbler can make the proper adjustments while maintaining the integrity of the shoe.

If your shoes slip up and down off of your foot:

–Shoe inserts/ball of foot cushions. These come in various styles as some are more like full inserts and others are half the size and fit primarily under the ball of the foot to provide comfort and to take up space to make the shoe fit more snug.

–Heel grippers. These fit on the inside heel of the shoe and come in a variety of materials including gel and rubber with an adhesive to stick to the inside heel of the shoe. Heel grippers provide comfort to the back of the foot as well as prevent the shoe from slipping up and down off of your foot.

–Shoe tongue pads. These pads, which usually have an adhesive backing, fit on the built in tongue of the shoe and rests across the instep of the foot. These help the shoe to fit more snug and can help prevent toe nail injuries and are also great for runners.

If the sole is too slippery:

-Use super grit sand paper to rub along the sole of the shoe until the sole is not so smooth anymore, thus creating traction.

-Purchase non slip grip pads (from your local drug store or shoe repair shop) that adhere to the bottom of the shoe. Beware that eventually the grip pad may come off and may need to be replaced.

-Take them outside and scuff them on the pavement. This may sound crazy or absurd but it works.

-Use a strip of masking tape on the soles.

-Take them to the cobbler to get ribbed nylon bottoms put on the soles.

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Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

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5 Shoe Trends To Add To Your Collection Now

In fashion, style on January 22, 2021 at 8:30 am
Image Courtesy of Ralph Rabago via Pexels

Comfort has been the name of the game since lockdown. While spending more time at home, loungewear and slippers have been the clothing of choice. Other variations of slip on and go footwear are also the go to when stepping out to run errands. While a good stiletto will never go out of style and has it’s place in creating fabulous looks, many of this season’s shoe styles capitalizes on maximum comfort with style. Continue reading to find out what shoes to add to your collection.

Fur Slides. There was a time when one would not be caught outside of the house with slippers on. Times are different now. Today’s slippers are carefully and purposefully constructed in various materials, heels and embellishments. Worn with jeans or dresses, these slippers are updated with soles that allow for wear outside of the house.

UGG Fuzzette

Steve Madden Retreat

Sneakers. Always a staple in countless shoe wardrobes, this season’s sneakers have a few different silhouettes including color block, retro (think new balance) and canvas. In addition, because sneakers have become acceptable footwear for places other than the gym, these styles can be dressed up or down for most ocassions.

Merrell Women’s Alpine Sneaker

New Balance 574 Core

Cariuma Red Canvas

Platforms. Sky high platforms are all the rage and also leave you wondering how to walk safely. Pair these platforms with flowy silhouettes for boho chic appeal or with cleaner lines for a more tailored look.

Vince Camuto Celosia Platform Sandal

Jeffrey Campbell Moody

Loafers/Oxfords. Whether flat or with a stacked heel, loafers are reminiscent of both elementary school days and your grandpa’s footwear. Today’s iterations are created with materials and embellishments such as animal print, fur and gems.

Wanted Babe Metallic Wingtip Oxford

Tory Burch Ruby Mid Heel Loafer

Chains. These days, chains are not only for the jewelry we wear around our necks and wrist but also for our shoes. This style of shoe is great to partner with a minimalist/monochromatic outfit to add a shiny pop to your look.

Jimmy Choo Sae Ankle Chain Leather Sandles

Zara Mesh Heels With Chain Strap

Clear/Perspex Heels. Clear heels show no signs of slowing down. These can be considered the perfect nude making them easy to wear with anything. Pair these shoes with leggings, skinny jeans or a mini skirt for a look that is sexy and on trend. Make sure you get a pedicure as your entire foot is on display.

Miss Lola Essex Nude

Steve Madden Vava-S Clear

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Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

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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.