S T Y L E E S S E N T I A L S

                Style enables people to express themselves in ways that may not otherwise be possible. Style is unique to the individual, and that’s why it has captured the interest of so many people. That being said, I do believe while style is completely distinctive to every person, there are certain essentials that myself and many others would consider absolutely necessary to having a successful wardrobe. Here’s the list of the top 20 essentials that I believe everyone should own!

#1 White or Striped Button Down Shirt

Simply put, THIS MATCHES WITH EVERYTHING. It also elevates your style, and dresses up a simple outfit a bit more than a plain t-shirt would.

#2 Chambray top

Also matches with everything, it’s a way to look put together, but a bit more casual. I find that it pairs nicely with a pair of patterned trousers.

#3 Neutral Sweaters

I really love layering and pullover sweaters with collared shirts underneath are my favorite look. I often try to choose neutral sweaters so that I can wear statement jewelry, and also so it’s easier to match the layering shirt underneath.

#4 Cardigan Sweaters

A cardigan is necessary when you aren’t quite ready to put away you sleeveless summer blouses.

#5 Layering tops

Long sleeve button down shirts, as well as plain t-shirts are necessary in the winter when it’s really cold out. Also, if you choose the right ones they can add a bit of interest to your outfits!

#6 Cigarette Pants

I find these to be the most flattering style on myself, and also on most others. I normally find that these pants lend themselves to being dressed up or down, and you can wear boots or flats with them and they still look great.

#7 Dark Wash Skinny Jeans

Dark wash is fantastic, you can dress it up or down. Pairing dark wash with a chic black blouse and nice shoes makes it a bit more formal, while a t-shirt and dark wash jeans is a nice casual outfit.

#8 Patterned Pants

These are great because you can buy one pair and have a bunch of different options because they’ll more than likely have more color in them, and will be able to be paired with many different tops.

#9 Black or Navy Dress

Something that can be dressed up or down, depending on your accessories. A denim jacket for a casual outfit and a blazer jacket for a formal one.

#10 Loafers

I LOVE loafers. I have so so many pairs of them, in neutral colors, as well as some that are on the more outrageous side. They make an outfit look more polished than normal ballet flats, I think anyway.

#11 Leather boots

These just make sense, they are stylish and keep your feet warm and dry during the winter. I prefer riding boots, but there are hundreds of options.

#12 Neutral Jewelry

Jewelry that matches with everything (although you know I’m not a huge fan) gives your wardrobe a little extra sparkle without being too outrageous.

#13 Silver and Gold Tone Watch

Ever find that your watch doesn’t match the rest of your jewelry? Problem solved.

#14 Scarves

I really like scarves, they add personality and color to an outfit. My favorite are square silk scarves with lots of colors, because then you can make a bunch of outfits with that one scarf.

#15 Small Cross body Bag

The ideal travel bag, it holds only what is necessary and wont weigh you down.

#16 Leather or Canvas Tote

This is versatile, will carry everything you need, and even things you don’t!

#17 Black Blazer Jacket

The black blazer is chic, and adds a professional touch to any outfit.

#18 Denim Jacket

Perfect for casual outfits, it isn’t going to necessarily make you any warmer, but you’ll look good!

#19 Trench Coat

A trench coat is a stylish solution for the rain.

#20 Wool Pea Coat

A pea coat is a stylish solution for the snow.

Hope you've enjoyed!!

Cheers!! xoxo

M I N I M A L I S M

Yes, yes, yes, I know I said that Iris Apfel is the queen, and that “More is more, and less is a bore” is the golden rule in a previous post, BUT minimalism is a trend that I find quite chic, and would really dare to explore a bit more.

                While minimalism can be defined as impersonal austerity… aka extreme plainness, coming up with a minimalistic outfit worthy of the streets of a fashion capital, i.e. Paris, London, NYC, Milan is a challenge that most wouldn’t understand. “Well, how hard is it to put on a black top and black pants?” HA! While color is a big part of fashion, a minimal monochromatic outfit becomes all about texture, and shape. Fashion is still about visual interest, and varying textures make things just interesting enough. Things like slight patterns also help create visual interest, like pin stripes, or polka dots.

                Color palette in a minimalist wardrobe is also an important factor. A neutral color palette is what really helps defines the style. Often black, white, navy, beige or camel are often base colors to build outfits. Typical essentials for include black skinny jeans, or cigarette pants, black leather pants, shorts or skirts, navy and white, or black and white pin stripe menswear shirts, white menswear shirts, black, white and gray basic t-shirts, small dainty accessories.

                So what exactly does this trend achieve? It’s actually much more economical, minimalism allows you to buy far less, buying a few quality pieces, by spending a bit more; and pairing those with inexpensive basics, allows you to mix and match without needing a huge closet full of items. Each of these items should be able to be paired with almost every other item in your wardrobe, and this way it will be easier to maintain your closet without having to replace your items every season.

Here are some minimalist looks I really enjoy!!

That’s all for now, I hope you’ve enjoyed!!

                                                                                                                                                                                Cheers!! xoxo

P A T T E R N M I X I N G

Ah the art of pattern mixing. Some people get it, and some people, well… they just don’t. If done correctly it can be stunningly chic, however if done incorrectly, you end up looking like you don’t own a mirror, and you could be blind in one eye. Pattern mixing may seem difficult but with my tips and ONE HUGE SECRET, you can master it in no time.

                Ok, secret time… Pattern mixing is a science, THERE IS A FORMULA! This is how you make it work!! You cannot just throw a bunch of random fabrics together and hope, that’s not how the world works, and fashion is no exception. So effectively, if you follow this formula you will almost always have a successful time mixing together your patterns. So here it is:

Ok now that you’ve had a good look over that, I’d like to give you three of my top tips for pattern mixing…

#1 Color palate matters, but not as much as you’d think.

There are certain instances where yes, you should have like colors in your mix; however, do not feel the need to make sure that all your colors are analogous every single time. I often find that the most interesting outfits are a top and bottom that share one like color, but also both include different tones, and hues to add a little curiosity. I also think that it is ok if the two patterned pieces you’re sporting DO NOT share a color, just a similar tone, this creates visual interest, leaving you looking put together, but not monochromatic. Here are some examples!

                #2 Although it’s about creating a visually stimulating look, you can’t go wrong with the classics.

The “Classic” pattern mixes include

·         Leopard and black and white stripes

·         Floral and black and white stripes

·         Tartan and leopard

·         Stripes and plaid

·         Gingham and floral

These are all classic pattern mixes that have yet to go out of style. These are seen everywhere, and while variations can be bold they can also easily be muted down to suit even the shyest of wallflowers.

                #3 Sometimes accessories are key.

It’s easy to start pattern mixing with accessories before you jump into a top and bottom with completely different patterns. Be it a leopard scarf, or bright floral shoes. These pieces are a great way to test the waters without diving right in. Try out a classic pattern mix like a plaid shirt and a leopard scarf with neutral pants and accessories, this will give you time to test out your new skills without completely overwhelming yourself. Another tip, wear a neutral sweater or jacket over your patterned top if you’re afraid that it is too much at first!

Here are some combinations straight out of my own closet, and if you’ve seen me in person, you’ve probably seen one of these outfits before!

If you can't tell, those bad boys are paisley.

I try my best to save this sweater for valentines day, so no one gets the wrong idea... 

JUST KIDDING.



**PLEASE NOTE: I do wear cropped pants 98% of the time, so no, it's not your eyes, they really are short.

So those are my tips for pattern mixing, and it’s really that simple! I hope you try it out, and I wish you the utmost success. And if you’re feeling like you’ve gotten the hang of it, look elsewhere for new inspiration, magazines, store windows and outfits of mannequins, or really you could people watch if you live in a fashionable place! I hope you’ve enjoyed!!

                                                                                                                                                                Cheers!! xoxo