Posts Tagged: ideas

How to break out of your fashion comfort zone

By IN How-To Tuesdays

How to break out of your style rut

Whenever I talk to women about style and fashion, one of the most common frustrations I hear is this: “I feel like I’m stuck in a style rut. I keep buying the same things over and over again because I don’t know what else to get.”

How-To Tuesdays: Style advice and answers for working momsSound familiar, ladies? Even if you don’t love what you’re wearing, at least it’s the devil you know, right?

It doesn’t have to be that way. Even better, it’s not quite as difficult (or even scary) as you might think.

Here are a few you-can-do-this ways to break out of your fashion comfort zone:

  • Do the opposite. Remember that episode of Seinfeld when hapless George discovered that things finally went right for him whenever he did the opposite of what he usually did? (“The Opposite”; it’s a classic.) Try the fashion version. Always dress in black or dark tones? Bust out the color-blocking. Closet full of trousers? (Closet full of 6 versions of the same exact pair of trousers?) Slip on a skirt. Trade the solid tights for patterned ones. Trade a T-shirt for a tie-front blouse. It doesn’t have to be forever; try it for a day or two here and there.
  • Ease into it with accessories. If committing to a wardrobe evolution seems too daunting, start on a smaller scale with accessories: jewelry, belt, handbag, shoes. Something as simple as wearing pumps instead of flats or adding a belt on top of a cardigan can make a familiar outfit feel new again.
  • Follow your instinct. When you go shopping or look online or surf Pinterest, what grabs your eye? You know, before you have time to mentally talk yourself out of it? If it’s off the beaten style path for you, trust your instinct–and follow it. Risky can be rewarding.

Remember: even the unsuccessful experiments are just that–experiments. No-one’s going to force you to wear that again, whatever it was, and now you have more information about what you like and what you don’t.

And if you want even more ways to try new things with your style life, my Try This Thursdays series may be just what you need. (This week, for example, we’ll be talking about accessories; it’ll be right up your alley if tip #2 today resonated with you.)

What to buy

 

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How to buy a black blazer for the pear shape

By IN Advice, Style Q&A

A reader writes to ask where she can find a good, all-purpose black blazer. You know the kind: you can wear it with jeans, to work, or on a date night.

My reader has a silhouette with narrow shoulders, so she especially needs a blazer that will balance out the widest part of her body, through the hips.

Blazer silhouettes that flatter the pear shape

So let’s start with that garment shape. First we want to add definition to the shoulders. The easiest way is with shoulder pads. Really. (Don’t worry, we’re not going to get all Alexis Carrington here–we’re talking light padding.)

And make sure the jacket fits here perfectly. The end of the shoulder seam should align with the end of your shoulder bone. In fact, a wardrobe staple like this one is worth tailoring to fit if needed.

Draw the eye upward with detailing around the collar. Or try a statement necklace or sassy scarf!

The jacket should also taper in at the waist, to emphasize your narrowest area and further create an hourglass shape balancing top and bottom. A boxy cut will just make you look bigger.

And watch out for pockets on the hips; square ones can add bulk while angled ones can be more flattering.

Finally, make sure the length is right: you don’t want the bottom of the jacket to end at the widest part of your body, which is most likely your bottom or your thighs. Look for one of two lengths: at or just above your hipbones (best if you are petite), or fingertip length.

7 black blazers for the pear shape

Here are 7 options for an all-purpose black blazer, in price points from Target to Platinum Card.

  • Target Mossimo Women’s Fitted Blazer. A good, basic blazer in cotton. At this price, it’s good as a starter item or a backup. (Target.com, $30)
  • LOFT Cetta Jacket. A better quality item, with peplum gathering in the back hem for a little more definition in the waist. (LOFT, $89.50, on sale for $59.99)
  • The Limited Seam Pocket Jacket. In a polyester blend, this jacket should drape nicely and the front pockets are tucked into a seam. (The Limited, $138)
  • Alice + Olivia Structured Leather Panel Blazer. I love the leather detailing and the unusual hemline. This is not your mama’s black blazer. (Alice + Olivia at Neiman Marcus Last Call, $173, marked down from $495)
  • Ann Taylor Tropical Wool Stand Collar Jacket. Here’s a sleek equestrian-inspired silhouette with flattering seaming and a stand collar in wool. (Ann Taylor, $228)
  • Ralph Lauren Devinne Wool Jacket. I like the subtle pinstriping in this jacket; it’s as versatile as a solid black blazer but with a little more visual interest. With a 30” hem length, this is best for taller women. (Ralph Lauren, $270)
  • Reiss Ameris Jacket. This military-inspired jacket draws the eye upward with epaulets at the shoulder. It does have hip pockets, so you’ll want to try it on to see if it works on your body. (Reiss, $325, on sale for $162)

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Friend Friday: What inspires a fashion blogger?

By IN Fashion Beauty Friend Fridays

Book cover of Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style

Tim Gunn: An inspiration for many fashion bloggers!

This week for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday we’re talking about outside influences, the things that inspire us as fashion bloggers, from other fashion bloggers to magazines, ads, TV, books and more.

1. What magazines do you subscribe to?
I like to read a lot of different fashion and beauty magazines; I was a subscriber to Elle for years and years. Currently I have two subscriptions, both purchased with points (yay, points programs!): Allure and Lucky. I was a charter subscriber to Lucky, then let it lapse after I had my daughter, but now we’re reunited and it feels so good. Although it’s a dangerous magazine for the shopping budget ;)

2. Do you watch any fashion TV shows?
I used to be a religious watcher of “Project Runway” but I broke up with it after the weird L.A. season and the switch to Lifetime. They had tinkered with it too much and lost some of what I loved about it. You don’t go cutting my Tim’s airtime down, dammit! The show I still watch is “What Not To Wear.” Love me some Stacey and Clinton!

3. Beyond blogs, what websites do you frequent for fashion inspiration?
I’m not really a huge visitor to the mainstream fashion sites; it’s enough just keeping up with blogs I subscribe to, magazines I subscribe to and writing/researching my own blog posts.

4. Advertisements play a huge role in forming public opinion about a product or brand; what ads do you like and why?
I only give ads a cursory glance most of the time so I honestly couldn’t name a single ad I’ve seen that made a particular impact. I’m more likely to try a new product because I read about it online or in a magazine.

(more…)

Step out in style this spring: 11 pairs of kitten heels you can wear right now

By IN Advice, Fashion

Kitten Heels for Spring 2011

For their combination of classic style and walkability, nothing beats a cute pair of kitten heels. Working moms on the go can especially appreciate their ability to take you from home to office.

Here are 11 fabulous pairs of kitten heels you can wear right now.

(Price tags a little scary? Use these styles as inspiration and look for their cousins at Zappos, Bluefly, DSW or other retailers.)

Let’s dish

  • Do you like to rock some kitten heels?
  • What’s your favorite pair and where did you get them?

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What to wear to a spring wedding

By IN Advice, Style Q&A

What to wear to a spring wedding

The leaves are budding, the bulbs are blooming and invitations are in the mail for weddings this spring. So let’s talk about what to wear to a spring wedding.

This is a fun time and occasion to wear florals and prints, in palettes from bright to pastel. Flatter your silhouette with a skirt that’s flowing and nips in a bit at the waist, or is even highlighted with a belt.

Concerned about unpredictable weather for an outside ceremony? Try a long-sleeved dress. And in all instances, carry a coordinating wrap or wear a dress coat in a neutral shade. You can always take them off at the reception.

Keep the springtime feel in your outfit with delicate, nature-inspired jewelry. On your feet, try a “nude” pump for more formal feeling dresses–especially at an indoor evening ceremony–or an embellished sandal for outdoor afternoon wear.

What to wear to a spring wedding idea list:

Let’s talk wedding wear

  • Have you been invited to a spring wedding? What are you planning to wear?
  • If you don’t know, what are your major concerns?
  • Super bright colors at a wedding: yes or no? Discuss!

Thanks for reading. Did you like this post? If so, please leave a comment or share it with someone else; just use the handy sharing widget below! (And don’t forget to sign up for my email newsletter, The Style List.)

Stylish, comfortable alternatives to flip flops

By IN Advice, Style Q&A

Amanda, aka Dumb Mom, of Parenting by Dummies was wondering the other day about alternatives to flip flops.

Since I can never resist an opportunity to talk about shoes, today’s Style Q&A is inspired by her post. Let’s talk about sandals that are as comfortable as flip flops, but don’t look like they belong on the beach (or, worse, in the shower at the pool).

As I’ve said before, the key is to find a sandal in the shape and style of a flip flop, but constructed in material other than rubber, preferably leather. In other words, a thong sandal. Embellishments also go a long way to making a sandal look more chic, and less cheap.

Here are a few to try:

Alternatives to flip flops

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Thanks for reading. Did you like this post? If so, please leave a comment or share it with someone else; just use the handy sharing widget below! (And don’t forget to sign up for my email newsletter, The Style List.)

Beyond black: How to dress in living color

By IN Style

Rebecca & Drew Red Sash Dress

I felt like a million bucks in a red H&M shirt dress--a lot like this one from Rebecca & Drew

We all know that black is the favorite color of fashionistas–and wannabe’s–everywhere. Lord knows I have a closet full of it. After all, it’s easy to wear, easy to find and never goes out of style.

But lately I’ve begun to embrace color–reds, greens, purples, aquas–and not just the darker, richer hues but the brighter, more intense tones. You know, the ones fashion writers and stylists mean when they talk about a “pop of color.” (In fact, you could say I’m rewriting my color story.)

Color feels especially welcome now at the cusp of spring, as if one is wearing the freshness that is bursting out of the ground.

The other day I wore a bright red shirtdress, newly acquired from H&M, and paired it with a deep plum colored long-sleeved shirt, bright red bag and brilliant turquoise wool coat. You could spot me from 100 yards away. And let me tell you, I felt like a million bucks. Something about the energy of those bright colors was infectious.

(I wish I could link to it, but the H&M site’s online catalog is woefully limited. This Rebecca & Drew shirtdress is very similar.)

So the next time I go shopping, I won’t restrict myself to the black and neutrals I’ve long favored. Instead I’ll take a walk on the colorful side and expand my palette to more vivid hues.

Living in color

Want to start living the rainbow? Here are a few places to get ideas and get inspired:

Are you colorful, too?

 

  • What colors are you wearing this spring?
  • Have you broken your black wardrobe habit?