How to do the Layered Knit Trend

Click HERE to read a great article I found online about how to wear the Layered Knit Trend for Fall 2011 - no matter what body type you have.

Style Flare: How to wear the wide leg trend

With 70`s style remaining a strong focus of the Fall 2011 season, wide leg pants are sure to become of staple of many wardrobes this year. Check out this posting I found on the Refinery 29 site that includes some great tips on how to wear this style.

Look like a Celeb for Less

The Look: Jessica Biel looking sexy and sweet in ones of the seasons hot trends...a long cardi over a strapless feminine dress. 

Here, where you can find the pieces to create the same look for less.

Summer 2010 Sportswear

The Sportswear trend.

It was all over the runway this year as a hot Spring/Summer 2010 trend. But no, we are not talking baggy sweats or Lululemon loungewear. Think more Tomboy Chic or Dancing Diva.

Some tips from the Practical Fashionista on how to take it from the Runway to Real Life...

- cut off t-shirts
- jersey and mesh fabrics
- sporty looking high heels like the ones pictured above
- and if you are really brave, a one piece body suit with a pleated tunic over top

 Come on, be a sport and try at least one of them out!

Urban Cowboy Style

From the athletic jock to the metro sexual...just like women, guys have their own unique style personalities. Today, some tips on how to do the urban cowboy look in a modern way.

1) Ditch the flannel shirt. For a more fashionable look, go for a vintage looking Western style button down shirt. Use your shirt as your statement piece and get one with details like pearl buttons or some embroidered details.


2) When it comes to your jeans, a distressed and/or faded style is best. It just ups the "cool" factor of your look, without making it look like you are trying to hard. Also, make sure they are not too tight or you'll risk looking "dated". You want a nice boot cut and somewhat fitted, but never tight! For dressier occasions, go for a darker wash.

3) For some extra fashion flair, a cool belt buckle will do the trick. Think chunky silver or if you're really daring (and it works with the rest or your outfit), turquoise.

4) And lastly, but most importantly, you can't be an Urban Cowboy without the cowboy boots. Some may say you should get creative with snakeskin or two toned boots, but I say the when it comes to the footwear, the simpler the better. A classic brown, black, or even grey pair will always look the best, and provide more versatilty within your wardrobe. YEE HAW!

DIY Fashion

Eco Chic Fashion and Style isn't just about hemp fabrics and shopping thrift stores...it's also about creating your own funky and trendy pieces. And one of my favourite sources for that is at www.lovemaegan.com.

Check out her DIY fashion section for some great tips and tricks...

Eccentric Style

It's a definite "look" that was all over the runways for Spring/Summer 2010. From crazy layering, to unique hats, to wild embellishments and off beat styles.

But how do you do eccentric style without loking crazy or like you are running away to join the circus? The best rule is to pick one statement, own it, and keep everything else simple. Some examples...

1) Mix your prints. Pair a floral skirt with a pin striped dress shirt. Just make sure they are both in the same tone and colour family.

2) Use accessories. Pair a simple and solid coloured shift dress with a funky statement shoe and lots of bold jewellery.

For guys...The long and short of the Short

Some guys love them, some don't. But for the former, the time of year is fast approaching when you can pull out those shorts and let your legs feel the sun again. Just remember guys...shorts are great for leisurely activities (like exercising, doing yardwork, or even casual weekend wear). And though it may be H-O-T outside, please remember, they are NOT appropropriate for the workplace or a wedding...no matter how "dressy" you think they are or how expensive they were.

The Romper

It's not a Spring 2010 trend anyone can wear...but should you decide to don the Romper (aka, a short jumpsuit)...a couple of tips.

1) To avoid looking childish or costume like, look for a Romper in a grown up neutral colour like black, navy, khaki, or grey. You can add colour later with your accessories.

2) Continuing with the whole "avoiding a childish look" theme...keep the style simple.So no ruffles, lace, or embellishments.

3) When it comes to fabric, something with some hold is best. Think built in bustiers, and stiffer fabrics. In other words, no terry, velvet, or jersey.

Mens Pants 101

Unless you want to be arrested (or you want to wear a skirt), for guys, pants are a non negotiable. And in my opinion...the item that can really make or break a guys look. Too tight, too baggy, too short, or too long...the list of mistakes is endless. Here, some Practical Fashionista's tips for making sure you stay in the "Do" category as opposed to the "Don't".

 

Denim - When it comes to jeans, choose a cut that is complimentary to your body type. Guys, you may have thought this was a rule only for women, but it applies to you too. Boot cut or straight cut is the most universally flattering, but if your "style' is a bit more edgy (and your body can handle it), you can do a slim cut as well. As for tapered jeans, these don't work for ANYONE!

Khakis - What I call the lazy mans pant (especially when always paired with a blue shirt...URGH!), I would ban these if I could. But I know some of you would still find them in some sort of obscure chinos black market, so, here are some tips if you must wear them. Keep them simple, which means no cargo styles (especially if you are over 18 years old and not in the army). Second, keep them for casual weekend wear only. They are not meant for business meetings or first dates.

Slacks - Pay attention to your personal style, but most importantly, FIT is key! Not too baggy (droopy crotch anyone?!) and not too tight (too much information). So, somewhere in between is best...where they are close-ish to your "bits and part" and derriere, but by no means, tight. Got it?! Okay, that was kind of awkward but I think you got my point...

Your Suit...from Serious to Sassy

For those days when you are heading out for a night on the town straight from work...some substitutions to take your look from Serious to Sassy.

The Skirt Suit -Ditch the blouse and classic pumps, and put on a funky halter, some sassy ankle strap heels, and chunky statement jewellery and you are good to go.

The Classic Suit - Skip the crewneck and ditch the blazer and neutral coloured heels, and go for a cool sequined tank top, metallic heels, and a cute and colourful clutch.

The Jegging

They've been in style for a little while now, but they are sticking around for Spring 2010. For some of you, this may be great news, others may be wishing it was long gone. I'm talking about the "Jegging". The jean-legging. Here, some notes on how to wear them...

1) Treat them as you would leggings...That means worn under long tops and jackets that cover your bottom. No short tops allowed!

2) For the most flattering/safe look, get a pair in a dark wash. If you wouldn't wear white pants, you're not going to like white/light coloured leggings. Plus, the darker they are, the more sophisticated looking.

3) If you want to go all out and be the "fashionista", go for a distressed, tie-dyed, or acid wash jegging.

Your Mans Wear

So, we know the menswear trend is still hot...but did you ever think about literally wearing menswear? As in, stealing some of your guys clothes? Here's how to do it...

His button down shirt - If it's too big, wear it untucked with something smaller like a miniskirt, some cute flats, and a belt. If it's too small, wear it with some wide legged jeans or dress pants and a cute blazer or vest overtop.

Speaking of vests - You could always steal his and wear it over a long tank with some leggings and flats, or wear it over a fitted summer dress and heels. You could create these same looks using your man's blazer too...a REAL "boyfriend" blazer!

His V-Neck - Wear it baggy with some skinny jeans, a scarf, and long dangly necklaces. Or, belt it and wear it with a pencil skirt and heels.

Boudoir Style

It was all over the runway this year, and a big trend this season...boudoir style (AKA lingerie inspired looks). Now, not that you are going to go out of the house dressed like one of the models above, but when done properly, boudoir style can look gorgeous. Make one mistake though and you risk looking trashy. Here, how to do it with class...

1) Do only one lingerie inspired look at a time. Go with the bustier, the lace tights, or a fitted silk/satin skirt...just don't do it all at once.

2) Pair the sexier pieces with more toned down masculine and neutral pieces. For example, (a) wear a bustier or camisole with a pantsuit, or (b) a fitted silky skirt with a simple button down shirt and flats.

3) If you want to do lace, think accent pieces like lace leggings with a covered up style dress, lace details on a top, shoes with lace on them, or a lace embellished purse. Remember, a little lace goes a long way!

Three Way Style

One of the best ways to stretch your wardrobe and keep your fashion juices flowing is by getting creative with your clothes and making the most out of every piece. I call it the "three way" rule. Which means, when buying something, think about whether you can think of three different ways you can to make use of your new item.

Today we'll be looking at how to wear one of my favourite items, the menswear inspired vest, three different ways.

1) Date night- pair it with some dark washed jeans, a neutral coloured tank top (or other sleeveless top), a pair of fun heels, a simple clutch, and some statement jewellery.

2) Weekend casual - dress it down with a cute sundress or some skinny jeans and a t-shirt, a casual scarf, and some flats.

3) At work - go with some wide legged pants, a silk blouse in a fun colour, and a complementary chunky ring.

Not for the wall flower!

Bold jeans...they are a hot trend this season. From tie-die to really bright colours, they are not the easiest look to pull off. But if you are dying to get in on the trend, here's how.

1) Choose a skinny to straight leg. A tie-dye or bright jean in any other style will just look dated instead of daring.

2) Because the jeans are such a stand out item, when it comes to your top, less is more. Pair these eye catching jeans with a simple neutral coloured top, add some fun accessories (necklaces, bag, shoes) to complement the jeans, and you are set!

Dad Style

Okay so we all know about Mom jeans. but what about Dad jeans? You know the Dad look...tapered, faded, (are I say it ) sometimes pleated jeans? As if that isn't bad enough, then they pair those jeans with an old sweatshirt or unflattering sweater in some sort of neutral colour, tuck it in (ICK!), and throw on some old running shoes...maybe even a baseball hat? You know the look! Now, I'm not going to propose Dad should go all out "metro sexual", (the following info is for the more "mature" Dad) but there is a way to go from Drab Dad to Dazzling Dad without going over the top.

1) Replace the tapered/faded/baggy/pleated/highwaisted/old jeans with a more modern cut and colour. Think lower waisted (we're not talking hip huggers here, just not hiked up to your belly button) in a nice dark wash.

2) Guys, you know women always check them out, so why are you still wearing old sneakers and scuffed up shoes? You don't have to go all out with some pointy toed "metro" shoes to looks fashionable. A masculine but cool pair of desert boots, boat shoes (very popular this season by the way), or nice leather flip flops.

3) Ditch the dull and worn out t-shirts and sweaters and lighten up with a simple button down shirt, or t-shirt and sweater combo in some fun colours. Again, we're not talking all out "metro" and trading in the brown sweater for a lime green golf shirt. Start small. Why not try a green and white pin striped button down, or a camel sweater with a deep purple or blue t-shirt underneath? Have a bit of fun with fashion, that's what it's there for.

"Springing" for some new clothes

With Spring just around the corner, no doubt, you're going to want to spring (get it? Spring? Okay, maybe it's not that clever...HA HA) for some new clothes. But rathar than heading out to the stores where you'll be tempted by all of the new and shiny items, and risking some serious debt because you "have to have it all"...let me offer you a tip for budget friendly shopping. It's called a Wardrobe Audit. Now, of course it's best to hire a professional (like myself) to help you with this, but if that is too much to invest right now, you can do your own version.

1) Set aside a few hours to give your wardrobe a quick once over and grab a pen and paper
2) Grab some of your favorite pieces (items that fit well, and are still in good condition)
3) Put together outfits using those items
4) While putting the outfits together, makes notes of what you need to complete each outfit and add it to your "shopping list"
For example, maybe you have a few cute tops in a multitude of colours, and some fun shoes to match them all, but need some bottoms. So, make a note to get some skirts and pants in neutral colours that will go with all of those tops and shoes...making a variety of outfits. Or maybe you have a bunch of dresses, but no shoes to go with them. Try to find a common colour theme in those dresses or go with a neutral to match them all. I'll use myself as an example...

I have a solid royal blue dress, a solid soft purple dress, and a multi coloured (purple, blue, yellow) geometric print dress. So, because I have a Creative Personality Style, I plan on looking for a pair of yellow heels to go with all of them. But for someone not as flashy, they could go with a metallic shoe.

5) Lastly, if you want to add some "fashion forward" to your look...think accessories

When it comes to trends, the least expensive way to follow them is with accessories. For example, "Future Warrior" is a big trend for Spring 2010 (see post below), so maybe look for a fun belt or shoes to pair with your new outfits.

Happy Spring Shopping!

Spring into Style!

The official start of a new season is almost here! Which means it’s time to put some “Spring” in your step, and your wardrobe. So, what is the “look” for Spring 2010? Think classic with lots edge and a bit of sex appeal. Which of course is fine for the runways…but what about real life? Here, some of the top trends for Spring 2010 and the Practical Fashionista’s suggestions on how to make them work for you.


1. The Merging of Military and Tribal fashion
What it is: It’s being referred to as “Future Warrior”. On the runway it was metal plating accents on jackets and leggings, studded straps on tops, and skirts that look like loincloths.
How to do it: Kick the metal plating to the curb in a pair of gladiator sandals. They are back in style and have been given an update with embellishments and bright new colours…the perfect “real life” way to get in on the Future Warrior trend.
2. Printed and Patterned Pants
What it is: Exactly as it sounds. From stripes to abstact patterns and florals, printed and patterned pants were everywhere on the runways.
How to do it: First of all, if you are trying to detract attention from your lower half, avoid this look. If you don’t have a problem with it though, just make sure to stick to a tailored cut in order to avoid a costume like look. For a clean look, pair with a simple, solid coloured top. Still too much? Save the flashy prints and patterns (which are H-O-T this season) for a dress.
3. The Trench
What it is: Not quite a “trend” since it is such a classic, the trench coat is still a “go to” for classic Fashionista’s everywhere. But this year, designers are encouraging you to take it up a notch when it comes to your trench.
How to do it: Ditch the classic trench and go for a cropped version, one in a bright colour, or one with super feminine details like ruffles.

Denim Do's

For most of us, jeans are a wardrobe staple. For many, they are an everyday item. So, how do you dress up an everyday item? Here, three of my favourite denim looks...

Go girly: Pair them with ultra feminine pieces. Like a lacy or ruffled blouse and some fun heels.

Cinch it: Grab a long dress shirt or sweater and belt it with a funky wide belt.

Rock it: Keep the top simple, like a plain fitted tank or t-shirt, add a cool cropped jack, and knee high boots.