Search Results for: fashion style

MY PERSONAL FASHION STYLE { REVISITED}

October 22, 2010

Apparently I have fashion on my mind this week, because all my blog post have been about fashion.

It’s no surprise, since last weekend I began giving my closet a complete overhaul, which led to a complete overhaul of my wardrobe, which led to a complete overhaul of my accessories, which led to a complete overhaul of my budget, which led me to this point…

I can’t stop thinking about fashion and the personal fashion statement I make every day.

As a person who majored in fashion merchandising, and has spent many years working in the fashion industry, I know a lot about fashion, but am constantly re-defining my personal style.

As I cleaned out my closet last weekend, and sorted through my clothes, footwear and accessories, I realized I needed to go “back to school”, and re-teach myself some of the principles of fashion and how they apply to my personal style. Here’s what I learned…

#1 I Know Myself

Because I have a love for fashion, I tend to give just about every trend and fad a try. What I sometimes fail to realize (or realize too late), is that not every trend is right for me. What works for me is clothing with classic undertones, but with a bit of style, flair and personality!

#2 I Know What Works On My Body

Like most women, I have struggled to find clothing that flatters every aspect of my body. I am best in scoop necks, wider leg pant and tailored silhouettes.

#3 Less Is More

Ok, I’ll admit it…I love to shop. Besides spending hours in the book store, clothes shopping is my vice. I tend to buy things because they are on sale or because I feel like having one more pair of black pants in my wardrobe is necessary. What I know is that having too many options is not always good, and that i need to love every piece of clothing in my wardrobe.

#4 Color Makes Me Happy

Early on in my career, I worked for Eddie Bauer. Most everyone in the company wore solid colors, primarily white, black, grey and tan. Upon joining the company, I jumped on the neutral bandwagon, not because I love those colors, but because I fit in. What I know for sure is that I love color. Colorful clothes make me feel better, express my personality and lift my attitude.

#5 Accessories Give Me An Edge

Without accessories, I feel naked. Accessories are liking frosting on a cake–it’s what brings an outfit to life. I know that accessories help me to turn an outfit from ordinary into extraordinary.

And lastly, my closet exploration made me realize that what I wear does say a lot about who I am, and who I am evolving to be.

If you’re re-evaluating your personal style, check out a few of my favorite style books for a little inspiration…

If you ever get the opportunity to see Clinton in person at one of his Macy’s fashion events, do. His style advise is so wonderful.

This is a great book for anyone that loves saving money when the shop.

There’s not much to say about Coco Chanel’s, except fabulous!

And any style advice from Tim Gunn is great.

Do you love fashion as much as I do? And, what’s your personal style statement?

Fashion Focus: Creating a Signature Style

July 8, 2014

I like to think that over the years I’ve developed somewhat of a signature fashion style–a fashion sense that speaks to who I am and what I’m about. My signature style revolves around the silhouettes, style details and colors that I like to wear and that make me feel good, comfortable and my best self. My signature style conveys a lot about my personality and influences the way that I carry myself and interact to others.

…

Read the Post

32 Fashion Tips That Will Never Go Out of Style

June 24, 2014

Build your wardrobe to break down like this–70% classics, 20% novelty and 10% trend. The classic pieces in your wardrobe should include items like solid colored cardigans, pencil skirts, black pants, dark denim and white shirts. These classics will serve as your fashion foundation and easily allow you to mix and match with the other items in your wardrobe. The 20% novelty should be represented by items like patterned blouses, print skirts and fashion blazers. And the 10% trend are styles, silhouettes and colors that are hot for the season–items like patterned pants, novelty sweaters and print dresses.

Know what styles look best on you. Try on the things you have at home to get a feel for the styles and silhouettes that look best on you and accentuate the parts of your body you like most. Then head to the store and try on more clothes. The more time you spend getting comfortable with your personal style the more confident you’ll feel when shopping and wearing the pieces you buy.

Buy quality fibers and materials and AVOID ACRYLIC. Cotton, wool, cashmere, linen, silk and flannel are always good fabric choices and will stand up to long-term wear and care. Fabrics like acrylic and polyester usually show their wear within a season through pilling and surface shine. When buying cashmere, buy the best quality you can (if you pull the fabric and is doesn’t spring back its a lesser quality).

When buying novelty or trend pieces, buy complete outfits. Novelty and trend clothing is usually designed to represent a hot color or pattern of the season, so it’s important to buy different pieces in that color family so that you have items that work together long term.

Buy key pieces at the end of each season to build your fashion foundation and save money. The end of the spring and summer season is a great time to buy tanks, cami’s and layering tees. At the end of the fall and winter season look for light weight cardigans, blazers and denim. One of your best sources for clothing pre-season is outlet malls which typically have items 3 months before the season begins.

Organize the clothes in your closet by category and then by color within each category. This will help you see what you have, identify core items you need to purchase and help you stay organized.

If you are wearing a loose fitting top pair it with a slimmer fitting pant. Likewise, if you are wearing a wide leg pant, pair it with a slimmer top. Wear clothing that gives you a balanced appearance and avoid an all-over baggy look.

Don’t buy over-sized clothing thinking it will make you look smaller. The area just under the bust is a woman’s smallest torso measurement, so emphasizing it with a structured waistband that hits higher than your natural waist will make you look a size smaller.

The most slimming fashion statement you can create is wearing one color head to toe.

Know your neckline. The neck and decolletage area can make or break how you look in a top. Figure out if you look best in a v-neck, crew-neck or other neckline. You want to accent this area to draw the eye to the face and help give you an overall leaner look.

Invest in an accessory wardrobe so you can add personality to your wardrobe. Scarves, belts, necklaces and earrings can turn a classic fashion piece into a fashion statement. When buying necklaces, buy pieces in different lengths so that you have pieces to work with a variety of neckline styles.

Save money on footwear by creating your own fancy flats. Buy flats in basic colors and then use inexpensive but stylish clip-on earrings to Up-Style them. Yard sales and thrift stores are a great source for cheap clip-on earrings.

To make your legs appear longer, wear shoes in the same color family as your skin-tone. Your legs and foot will create a seamless line and your legs will appear longer.

When buying denim, buy a pair that has a snug fit. Denim always stretches and buying a relaxed fit from the start will result in a baggy fit when the jeans stretch.

Wear jeans at least two times before washing. I’ve heard fashion experts say jeans should be worn 3 to 4 times between washes to maintain the fit and the color. To help with fading, turn jeans inside out when washing.

Never dry your bras in the dryer. Dryers will breakdown the elastic and underwire quickly and result in ill fitting bras. Wash bras on delicate in cold water and then hang them to dry.

If you spill something on your clothes, don’t rub the stain instead blot the stain. Rubbing can break down the fibers and actually embed the stain further into the fibers. p.s. this also goes for carpet stains–blot, don’t rub!

Alterations can be your best friend when it comes to fashion. Always buy clothing to fit the largest part of your body and then have the garment altered to fit where it is too big. Well fitting clothes actually make your clothes look more expensive and higher quality.

When packing for a trip, roll your clothing pieces instead of folding which will help cut down on wrinkles. It will also save space in your luggage.

A basic white tee is one the best fashion buys you can make. A white tee can be dressed up or down, worn with any color and can be layered under just about anything. When you find a tee that fits, buy 3 to 4 so you’ll have a fresh one when one wears out. Same goes for a well fitting pair of jeans.

Wear a t-shirt bra when you wear a t-shirts to keep your bust area smooth. It’s not a flattering look to see lace details or bra seams under a tee.

Wear the right color lingerie. Don’t wear a black bra if you are wearing a white blouse or top. Wear nude or natural lingerie with white, cream and lighter colors and wear black with darker tones.

Have several black pairs of pants in your closet that work with different heel heights. Hem a pair to work with flats and a pair to work with heels. An ‘all-purpose’ length will end up looking OK with some shoes and bad with others.

Always look at yourself in a black tee under light to make sure the fibers aren’t see-through. In many cases light-weight black fabrics have a see-through nature to them which may show up under light. If you are attending an event where photos will be taken, try on your outfit at home and have a couple of pictures taken of you. Check the photos to make sure you’re not exposing something you weren’t aware of.

Always check your rear view before leaving the house. Most of the time people look in the mirror before they leave the house to see how they look from the front but don’t always check the back. Make sure your clothes fit from all angles.

An inexpensive way to Up-Style an inexpensive blouse or blazer is by changing out the buttons. Pearlized, tone-on-tone and leather buttons are always a good option.

Wider belts are typically more flattering then thin belts. Wider belts pull your waist in and help define it.

Always keep an emergency kit in your handbag or car. The kits should include safety pins, double stick tape, a lint brush and a stain remover stick.

When in doubt, Overdress. In today’s world, jeans can be worn to just about any occasion but there’s nothing worse than showing up at an event under-dressed. If you don’t know what the dress code is, overdress. There’s no harm in looking too pulled together, but you’ll feel uncomfortable if you think you look out of place.

If you feel uncomfortable, you probably look uncomfortable! Your confidence is affected by what you’re wearing, as sad of a thought as that might be. So if you’re feeling self-conscious about your outfit, you’re likely to be tugging at it or double-checking that everything is in place all day and night. For instant confidence and a feel-good attitude, always opt to wear your favorite color…mine is red or something bright!

Take care of your footwear. I don’t know how many times I’ve been somewhere are seen someone dressed to the nines only to look down and see scuffed shoes or even worse, a heel with a missing cap.

Take photos of your favorite outfits (including jewelry) and hang them in your closet for easy reference. It’s always good to remember outfits that made you feel like a million bucks, especially if you’re trying to get dressed in a hurry.

Dress you age! Enough said.

Weekend Wrap-Up: Inspiring Style-Vol. 28

February 17, 2019

Happy Sunday friends! I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I spent yesterday in my office working on a variety of projects and didn’t get out to enjoy the sunshine. And unfortunately there’s no sun in the forecast today–only rain. I picked the wrong day to spend behind my computer. Anyway, before the rain starts, the hubs and I are headed out to run a few errands and take a quick walk. Then I’m planning on spending the rest of the day working on some new projects for The Ribbon Roll blog. When you get a little down time this weekend, sit back and enjoy my weekend links.

*****

Design Inspiration

Looking through Maine House Interiors design portfolio was pure joy. So much blue & white goodness!

I’m really loving this floor to ceiling photo wall. This is an easy and budget-friendly way to fill a wall and create a focal point in a room. (image source unknown)

p.s. These and these are my favorite frames for this type of wallscape.

My friend Erika shared some great advice for Decorating With Your Spouse.

*****

Home Decor Finds

Have you seen the new MoDRN collection from Wal-Mart? It’s pretty amazing. The collection is a mix of modern and retro designs that are classic enough to work with any style of decor. This white end table is one of my favorite pieces in the collection.

I’ve been sourcing mirrors for a client and came across this brass notched mirror. This is perfect to hang over a powder room vanity or smaller accent table. The the price is great too–on sale for just $128.

Solid pillows with lots of texture are one of the easiest ways to add dimension to your decor. I love the criss-cross weave on this velvet pillow. It’s under $80 and available in navy, ivory and grey.

I love the soft colors and bold design of this floral artwork (it also has a coordinating mate). Just imagine how great this would look in bedroom decorated in neutral colors.

This velvet quilt and sham collection from Grandin Road is just gorgeous and it comes in so many beautiful colors.

p.s. Grandin Road has a 20% off site-wide sale going on right now.

*****

Fashion Finds

I love the shape and texture of these drop earrings. They are only $2.00 and are available in red, black, yellow and gold.

Loft has become one of my favorite stores to shop for fashionable and budget-friendly clothing. I just purchased this mixed media sweater–it’s a great piece to transition between winter and spring.

p.s. Loft is having a great sale–40% off sale full-price styles and an extra 50% off sale styles.

I just read about this coat called the Amazon Coat, and apparently it’s getting rave reviews. Under $140 and comes in 5 colors.

Interesting Reads

Do you know the meaning behind different flower varieties?

I’ve been reading lots of blog post lately on the state of blogging and how it has changed over the years. If you’re a blogger or thinking about starting a blog, here are some interesting facts on blogging today.

Six Ways To Find Your Passion

Decor Trends for 2019–my recap from the Atlanta Market

What your favorite color says about your personality.

JORD Watch Review ( plus Giveaway): A Personal Style Statement

February 1, 2019

I have over 18 years of experience as a fashion and accessories buyer, so I am undoubtedly attracted to beautiful accessories, especially unique and stylish watches. While many people have stopped wearing watches, a watch remains one of the fashion staples in my wardrobe. I own a variety of watch styles to suit every outfit each one fits style statement perfectly. When the kind folks at JORD Watches reached out and invited me to review one of their timepieces, I was excited about the opportunity.

After looking through their selection of watches, I selected the Hyde watch in walnut and black. What attracted me was the rich tone of the wood watch band and the sleek watch face. The Hyde watch is actually a men’s style but I like an oversized timepiece, so it’s perfect for me.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with JORD watches, let me share a little about the company. JORD is an US-based company that designs, handcrafts and manufactures watches for both men and women. Their timepieces are made from a variety of woods sourced from around the world including ebony, maple, sandalwood and walnut. Their family of watches feature precision quartz movements, durable natural woods and are water-resistant. At JORD, the focus is on creating timepieces that are modeled after a modern lifestyle.

Distinctive Designs

Every JORD watch has its own design details that make it unique and distinctive. The styles are a sophisticated mix of natural, and largely re-claimed materials, combined with quality movements and components. Prior to being made into watch bands, the wood goes through a propriety resin and infused process that increases the overall durability and finish. The glass on each timepiece is Sapphire glass which is crystal clear and second only to diamonds as the hardest and most scratch resistant materials on earth. Design is in the details and JORD goes to great lengths to ensure that each of their watches is crafted to perfection.

Watch Care

JORD watches are designed to last for years with proper care. When you’re not wearing your timepiece, keep it stored and protected in its original packaging OR in a jewelry box. Do not expose your watch to overly wet or dry temperatures which could cause swelling of cracking of the wood. It’s also recommended that you properly condition the wood periodically using Tung Oil or Lemon Oil to further protect the wood from the elements. You can also buy JORD’s exclusive cleaning products here.

Other benefits of purchasing a JORD Watch:

Quality + Craftsmanship + Style
Free world-wide standard shipping on all purchases
Every watch comes with a one-year warranty with options for return or exchange
Most watches have additional options for customization — mixing and matching faces and woods
Custom band sizing prior to shipping
Personalized engraving available on most watches (a special touch when giving a JORD watch as a gift)

The value of a watch is not in being able to tell how much time has passed, but in being aware of the need to make that time count. ~ JORD

*****

I am thrilled with a new JORD watch and look forward to wearing it on many occasions. I also have my eye on a men’s watch as a birthday gift for my brother who is a bona fide watch aficionado.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s the perfect time to purchase a JORD watch for yourself or someone special. Here are a few of my favorite styles for men and women…

To make gifting even sweeter, I’m partnering with JORD to give you an opportunity to win a $100 credit towards the purchase of any watch in their collection. Along with one lucky winner who will receive the $100 gift, every person who enters the giveaway will receive a coupon code for 10% off the purchase of a watch. This giveaway will close on March 1st, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.

Click here to enter the JORD Watch Giveaway

Disclaimer: This post was written in partnership with JORD Watches. After reviewing and wearing my new watch, I am enthusiastically sharing the company and its products with you. All photos, comments and opinions are my own.

Wooden Wrist Watch

Weekend Wrap Up: Vol. 5–Style Inspiration

April 28, 2018

Hi friends and happy weekend. I’m so excited because the weather here in Atlanta is going to be glorious this weekend. I’ve got lots to do around the house but I’m hoping to get outside to enjoy the sunshine.

Here are a few of my favorite links from the week. Enjoy!

Sit back and be inspired by the style of this beautiful home designed by interior designer Amy Storm of Designstorms. I just love the family room and all the lighting Amy selected.

This just might be the cutest fashion DIY I’ve seen in a long time.

If you love tassels and pillows then you’ve just hit the jackpot.

Mother’s Day in Sunday, May 13th. If you’re looking for that special gift for mom be sure to check out my Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

Looking for a budget friendly way to fill your home with beautiful flower arrangements? On the blog this week I shared my NEW Favorite Way To Create Flower Arrangements.

Holiday Gift Guide: For The Fashionista

November 14, 2017

I love shopping and during the holidays I’m can spend hours online and in stores searching for the perfect gift. And more times than not I’ll find a few things for myself too. That’s the case with today’s Holiday Gift Guide which includes many items I’d love to find under my tree on Christmas morning. But, it’s not about me so here’s my gift guide for the fashionista in your life with prices starting at just $12. Happy shopping friends!

I’m always cold so I know I would get lots of use out of this Faux Fur Wrap. It’s perfect for layering under a coat or wearing with a chunky sweater. And its long enough to drape around the shoulders and wear it like a stole. This cutie is available in black, blush, dark navy (such a pretty color) and lt. brown. $69.95

Zara is my go-to shopping source when I’m looking for a budget-friendly fashion handbags. They have so many cute styles right now but the The City Bag with Faux Fur caught my attention. Its perfect the for winter and when spring rolls around the faux fur liner can be removed making it a year-round bag. $55.90

Cute earrings are my kryptonite especially when they’re under $20. These 3-drop Fabric Lined Earrings are just $15.90 and would look just as great with jeans and a sweater or with a black party dress.

I love giving personalized gifts and this Flowering Monogram Pouch from Anthroplogie is definitely on my personal gift giving list. It’s an ideal size to hold coins, credit cards or a few beauty essentials. $38.00

Pom Poms + slides…sounds like match made in heaven. These adorable Pom Pom Slides are a fun party shoe and an easy way to add a pop of fun to an everyday outfit. I think these are going to sell out pretty quick so don’t hesitate. $68.00

Along with earrings, stylish handbags always stop me in my tracks. I love the plush texture and patchwork design of this Fabric Tote which perfect for fall and winter. $59.90

Ok friends, this really is the Ultimate Tassel Earring Set! What makes this set so amazing is that the tassels are interchangeable. You can mix and match the colors however you like to create over 100 color combinations. $72.00 (orig. price $248)

You know these Fleece Lined Sock with Pom Pom from UGG are going to be warm and cozy. They are available in 4 colors. $49.50

I use a lot of Clinique products and they have the best holiday gift sets. For just $12.00 this Party Pops Lipstick Set will make a great gift for a girlfriend, co-worker or as a stocking stuffer.

Cozy and cute is how I’d describe these Faux Fur Earmuffs with Headphones. Definitely a gift for the girl who has everything. Also Available in olive. $88.00

Tassel necklaces are one of my favorite jewelry trends and this Long Tassel Necklace is my new fave. Perfect for causal and dressy wear. $44.00

Favorites Of The Week {Design Style}

August 5, 2017

Three cheers for Friday! It’s been a loooong week and even though my weekend project list is long, I’m excited to at least sleep in a bit before I hit the ground running. On the list is more packing, purging and buying new toilets.

Here’s my round-up of Favorites Of The Week which are definitely more interesting than my weekend to-do list. Enjoy!

************

FAVORITE POSTS

I love the charm and style of this townhouse.

This simple and easy DIY Hat Rack resulted in a stunning wall decor statement.

You won’t believe all the style packed into this 365 square foot apartment. Wow!

********

Just three words to describe this Palm Beach home…chic, pretty and glam.

***************

FAVORITE PINS

How stunning is this bathroom sink? #gold #fretwork #marble

I’m loving these thick rope placemats on this nautical themed tablescape. Could be a fun DIY project.

*************

FAVORITE PRODUCTS

This is the perfect chinoiserie planter for a fiddle leaf fig tree and the price is great.

I broke cardinal rule of thrifting–when you see it and like it, buy it! Last week I spotted the perfect faux bamboo bar cart at one of my favorite thrift stores. It has a bunch of pottery and plates on top of it so I was reluctant to pull it out from under the rubble and look at it. Once I got home I couldn’t get off my mind so a few days later I went back only to find it had been sold. NOW I’m on the hunt for a faux bamboo bar cart. I spotted this black bar cart and at World Market and even though it’s not exactly what I’m looking for, I wanted to share it with you because it’s on sale for just $99.

This chinoiserie temple jar is a fun twist on the traditional blue and white.

And if you’re still looking to make one last minute Nordstrom Anniversary sale purchase, this set of 3 Mango Wood Serving Boards is a great price. Sale ends Monday!

Enjoy the weekend!