Posts with tag 'Women\'s Accessories'

September 22, 2011
- Bootie-licious

We couldn't imagine having just one shoe...but if we did, this fall it would be a bootie! They are the must-have boot of the season. While most trends to fade out, this trend keeps getting hotter. If you already have a bootie from last year, remember: you can never have too many shoes!

This season's booties are funked out with details. Almost all the booties we've spotted have a platform, but that's wear the similarities stop. Embellishments like buckles, laces and grommets add personality. Materials range from suede to leather to fur. And you'll be able to choose the heal that gives you the right attitude from a sexy spike to a comfy wedge.

Wear your booties with leggings, skinny jeans or dresses and tights. They work with your classic boot cuts too, although you'll lose some of the edgy detail.

September 7, 2011
- Use Belts to Enhance Your Shape

Belts can be used to flatter your figure, add texture to an outfit and even disguise problem areas. Most women tend to avoid belts in fear of drawing attention to extra tummy weight. The truth is, when worn the right way, belts can make you appear thinner and more styled.

Metallic. Opt for a thin metallic belt to enhance your fall sweaters. A long cardigan tends to look boxy on its own, but adding a belt at the narrowest point between your shoulders and hips will offer a more flattering shape. Remember that metallics are neutral so you can wear them with any other color.

Woven. Add some texture to a printed dress or skirt by wearing a woven belt. A wider woven belt can help break up an all over print while enhancing your waistline. This is a great way to achieve balance between dressy and casual.

Thin vs. Wide. There are no set rules on how wide your belt can or cannot be. However, as a general guideline, girls with a larger bust will look best with thinner belts. If you have a straight tom-boy figure, go ahead and try a wider belt to give the illusion of curves.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

August 30, 2011
- Summer Must-haves Transition to Fall!

Colored Jeans

The transition from summer to fall can be difficult. However this year many of summer's top trends will smoothly transition into fall. Here's our favorites and how to make them work for you!

Colored Jeans. These bright hues are perfect in any style of pant or denim. Pair your hot summer pants with an equally bright top for a color blocked effect.

Maxi Dresses. Keep your Maxi dresses and skirts in fall inspired florals and neutrals within reach. Layer them with light jackets, sweaters and scarves to protect you from fall breezes.

70's Inspiration. From bellbottoms to peasant blouses, you'll see these are just as on trend now as they were six months ago. Adjust to the season by leaving your hair down and adding darker toned accessories like a scarf or a poncho.

Milena

milena@milenaconsulting.com

August 23, 2011
- Classics vs. Trends

Fashion changes quickly and it is easy to built a great wardrobe only to realize the next season that your favorite pieces are no longer in style! Instead of having to replace an entire closet, mix trendy items with classic pieces to create a wardrobe that is always up to date!

90% of your wardrobe should be classic! Classic pieces stay in style through the years. Every women needs classics such as a little black dress, a tailored jacket or a great pair of jeans as go to staples. One Dress, Different Looks

Classics should be high quality items that flatter your body and will survive over time. Higher quality clothing will be more expensive however are worth the investment because they will not need to be replaced as often as those that are a lower quality.

10% should be trendy! Trendy pieces are important because they keep your look up to date. Mix in trendy items, such as accessories, with classics to create fashion forward look. This will keep your wardrobe exciting by creating multiple outfits. Trends change quickly so spend the least amount of money on them. With less money spent you can easily update your look as trends come and go.

Phoebe

phoebe@milenaconsulting.com

August 2, 2011
- Spice up your Business Wardrobe: Add a Pop of Color

Looking professional plays a large part in becoming successful in business. Most professions and business’ require its employees to look and dress a certain way, this however does not mean one has to sacrifice their individual style. There are many fashionable options for professional women on the market today, but lets face it, wearing the same monotone suit day in and day out gets boring fast!

The easiest and most effective way to add a special touch to your current wardrobe is to add splashes of color! Don’t be afraid to pair a colorful blouse, sweater or trench coat with your work basics.

Accessories can be a great way to add both interest and fun to any outfit! One of my favorite fashion tricks is pairing a black or neutral outfit with an unexpected pair of heels or a colorful handbag! This instantly changes any look from boring to bold while also showing off your personal style.

Another easy way to add color and excitement to professional dress is with a bold statement necklace, a colorful yet classy scarf or a unique belt.

The possibilities are endless and the key to remember is that small touches can make a huge impact! Adding interesting pieces with items that are already in your closet is a great way to expand a wardrobe and make getting dressed for work fun again!

Phoebe

phoebe@milenaconsulting.com

November 27, 2010
- Amp Up Your Winter Wardrobe

Bored with your winter wardrobe already? Add some style to your winter basics with just a few key pieces. Don’t forget to add them to your wish list as you may not see them in stores long after the holiday.

Knee High Boots. I can’t remember a time when knee high boots were not in, so get some now if you’ve been out of the loop for the last decade. You’ll spend more than a shiny penny or two on the perfect pair, but don’t settle for less. If you only have one pair of boots, veer away from rugged styles as they only work with casual clothing. Smooth styles with minimal buckles and detail will be easier to dress up or down.

The LBSD. That’s the Little Black Sweater Dress. Yes, with the revival of the 80’s, the sweater dress is back. Not only does the sweater dress amp your trend factor, it’s also very comfy. As with all dresses, you eliminate the worry of what to mix and match it with. Just throw on some tights and tall boots and you are stylishly warm in no time.

Faux Fur Something. Faux fur is more affordable and humane than the real thing and anything with a little fur is right on trend. I chose a black faux fur jacket. It’s a statement piece with jeans or luxurious with a cocktail dress. Fur boots are also fun and flirty while a fur vest paired with skinny jeans and boots is comfy and easy. Both are picture perfect options for a holiday get together or sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace.

Ponte Knit Pants. If you are still wearing velour pants, let me introduce you to your much more stylish and sophisticated replacement. They have the softness of a sweat pant but the look of a chic riding pant. The thickness of the material is greater than a legging for added comfort. I own three pairs as they are my go-to pant right now. They pair perfectly with everything from an oversized sweater to a perfectly fit blazer to a sexy long top. Wear them with flats, boots or heals depending on the occasion.

November 10, 2010
- Make a Statement with your Scarf

scarf Scarves are becoming not only a cold weather essential but a fashion statement. You can wear one in place of a jacket on warm days or you can change the look of your winter coat by swapping out your scarves. They are a quick and cost effective way to update your style. When shopping for a scarf, take into account the size, color/pattern, and material.

Size. Sizes can range from very small to blanket-size. Choosing what size is all a personal preference so try the scarf on before you purchase it. If you are petite, avoid getting swallowed by a very large scarf. If you want to wear your scarves with your winter coat, try them on together. If you are looking for a scarf that can double as a shawl, a large cable-knit option might be what you are looking for.

Color/Pattern. There are so many unique colors and patterns in stores this season. But with so many decisions it can get overwhelming. I suggest, pulling 3 or 4 scarves that catch your eye. Standing in front of the mirror, compare how each scarf compliments your face and hair. If you have it narrowed down to two and you can’t decide, get both of them! You can never have too many scarves.

Fabric. Choose a fabric that not only keeps you warm but is comfortable. They are coming out with a lot of softer scarves that are still very warm. So, don’t feel like you have to get the thickest warmest scarf on the market. The only type of fabric I would suggest staying away from is a sheer fabric. These styles are usually associated with evening or with warm weather.

November 5, 2010
- Style Your LBD Three Ways

Style is not about having a closet full of desinger clothes . With a little mixing and matching, you can get more out of your pieces and put together outfits that are appropriate for any occasion. For instance, take a knee-length black dress. It’s a staple for evening, but change your accessories and you create multiple outfit options for any day of the week. Let me show you how I would style it for work, weekend, and evening.

Work. Keep your look professional while fighting off office chill with a printed cardigan. We are loving leopard print because it is classy but still very trendy. Cardigans that hits mid-hip will lay better than cropped versions and will keep your look from being too sexy. A thin leather belt will draw the eye up and complete the overall look. Add conservative heels and accessories and you are ready to take on the world.

Weekend. For a casual weekend look, pair your black dress with a classic jean jacket. Take the look one step further by adding a rugged leather belt. You can find great options in the boys' section at practically any thrift store. Throw on your favorite casual flats or riding boots and you’ve got a look that doesn’t sacrifice style for ease. Avoid this look if you LBD is silk or has sequins or shimmer on it.

Evening. This look is as simple as adding one bold statement piece and amping up your makeup. This season we are loving collar necklaces (shown), chandelier earrings, and over-sized cocktails rings. Pair with your sexiest heels and you’re ready for any event. If you will be dancing or walking a lot, stow a pair of bejeweled flats in your purse.

October 7, 2010
- Pull your Look Together with Tights!

Whether its leather, fur, suede, or velvet fall is all about mixing texture. One quick and easy way to add more texture and dimension to your look is with a pair of tights. Not only are tights a great way to stay warm on breezy fall days, they will up your style factor as you mix and match your way in this fall's easiest trend!

Black tights. If you still aren’t sold on skinny jeans and leggings, don’t worry. Wearing black tights is an easy way to get a similar streamlined look. We love black tights because they are so versatile. You can pair them with a printed dress, a tunic, or even a pair of menswear shorts.

Patterned Tights. So much fun and dangerous at the same time. Patterned tights can add a touch of style to any simple dress but can go disasterously bad if you don't chose the right pattern. Creative types can pair them with a patterned dress as long as the patterns don't compete. Smaller, tightly woven patterns look best on most bodies. Larger patterns will make your legs look large too. Look for a pair that has a verticle line weaved in to give your leg some added visual length.

Colored tights. If you are feeling adventurous try a pair of colored tights. We’re not talking about the tights you daughter wears with her tu tu. Deep and rich colors like burgundy and plum will keep your look grown up. We love pairing them with luxe neutrals like grey and camel.

Clash of the Tight-tans. Before you’re convinced that all tights are created equal, let’s talk about trends that don’t measure up. You may have seen white or light colored tights on runways and in magazines. But because light colors expand light, white tights will only make your legs look larger. Not to mention they come off as very young-looking.

Another tight trend to avoid is loud patterned or brightly colored tights. Stripes, plaid, and houndstooth are great to line your trench, but don’t do your legs justice. Any stretching or change in the pattern will draw unwanted attention. Bright colors work best on young girls with slim legs, if at all. They tend to look a bit costume and aren't appropriate for the office.

September 28, 2010
- 6 Style Myths Revealed

Matching Purse & Shoes Rules are meant to be broken, and fashion rules are no different. Everyone wants definite rules of what are fashion “do’s” and “don’ts”. Fashion rules are not black and white. Think of them more as general guidelines that will get you in the right direction, but which require a little interpretation. Not all rules apply to everyone, so it is important that you are able to figure out what works or doesn’t work for your body, budget and lifestyle.

Here are 6 myths that may be holding you back from your true style potential:

1. Purse and Shoes Must Match. This is too matchy-matchy! Not to mention how limiting it is. As long as your shoes and purse “go” together, it works. Try and match either the purse or the shoes to your outfit and let the other piece compliment. The only exception to this is formal black tie type events. Having a matching shoe and bag can be quite elegant and polished looking.

2. Horizontal Stripes Make You Look Fat. Stripes were all the rage this summer and if you fell for this style myth, you missed out on a fun and classic summer piece. Everything from nautical tanks to slim, sexy dresses were bearing stripes. Stripes will draw attention to whatever area you are wearing them, so use them to show off your most flattering areas.

3. Sequins Are for After Hours Only. Sequins definitely say glam and glitz, but when you pair a sequin top with jeans and a great heel, you look perfectly styled and sophisticated day or night. The trick to wearing sequins during the day is keeping it minimal. A top with sequin trim or a sequin skirt paired with a simple top works for the day. Keep the sequin mini dress for evening.

4. It’s Either Gold Or Silver. Most people chose one or the other, but why not have both? Wearing gold and silver can make your accessories pop even more. When wearing the metals together, make sure that it looks intentional. Wear a couple pieces of each. Try a cluster of chunky bracelets or long chain necklaces in combinations of gold and silver.

5. Neutrals Don’t Mix. On the contrary. Mixing grey and brown, black and brown, navy and black…any of these combos is chic! Pull the look together by making it look intentional not accidental. Repeating colors and having balance in the opposing colors is important.

6. Never Combine Prints. Men have been doing this for years with their fun tie and shirt combinations. Why shouldn’t we? Prints add dimension and excitement to your clothes. Chose patterns that are different scales (large vs. small prints). Keep the rest of your accessories minimal to keep the look from getting too busy.