This is very random, but I have one question in mind today: are tidbits some kind of candy? I’m not sure myself, and to be honest I really don’t know what the latest and greatest candy and costumes are these days for kids. But I do know a few ‘fashion tidbits’ for you ladies out there for this year’s spooky Halloween parties with friends and family. If you want to dress comfortably and still be fashion forward, there are a few chic costumes besides the classic idea of dressing like a “clown” or wearing an extremely short dress. 

First up to mention is Catwoman; a classic costume that has been around for many years. Here is what you need: a little black mask for the eyes, leather leggings and jacket, tall black boots, and black ears. Comfortable and sleek! Add a belt around the waist for “weapons” if you want to add more to the look.

If you’re going out with your group of friends, give Hollywood a try by dressing up as a group of girls from a movie or show. A couple ideas are Sex and the City, Girls, and Mean Girls. All of these groups, especially Sex and the City, dress pretty stylish and that’s all you guys will have to do. Make sure you stick together!

As we’re on the subject of celebs, TMZ.com has an article on Victoria Beckham as a ‘Corpse Bride’ because of her dark, smoky makeup. Her look overall is as if her face in sunken in, looking a bit scary. Poor Victoria, but good news for you as you can make this a quick and easy costume this Halloween. All you need besides the makeup is a black dress! 

www.pinterest.com/explore/cat-woman-costumes/

www.justjared.com/photo-gallery/605741/sex-and-the-city-movie-all-girls-01/fullsize/

www.sydnestyle.com/tag/dg/

www.tmz.com/2015/03/13/victoria-beckham-makeup-scary-photo/

There’s a time and a place for everything, especially turtlenecks, one of the most versatile styles of the season. From morning till night, we all want that look that fits everything we want to do in one day, so try a turtleneck on for size and see for yourself.

The first occasion to mention is a relaxing brunch with a cropped turtleneck and some comfy high-rise pants. At the end of the day, pair a bright-colored turtleneck tucked into a mini skirt with a pair of wedges for a dinner party or night on the town.

Not staying in town with friends and family this week? Well, when traveling, comfort is essential especially since you expect to be sitting for a long time. For this occasion, pair a light cotton turtleneck with a long vest and dark denim jeans. Pair this outfit with a trendy bag and you’re good to go. At work, printed dress pants and a high-neck blouse go great together. You’ll easily be the best dressed one at the office meeting!

On the 2nd of October my very best friend got married, which has inspired me to write my next blog on tips to finding your perfect wedding dress. After doing some research I have read that it’s important to figure out what your budget is, first thing, so that you don’t waste time trying on dresses that you would never wear on your wedding day. You will save not only time but give yourself the chance to look at amazing dresses that you could fall in love and have a chance with!

Time is of the essence, give yourself plenty of it! You need at least six to eight months  to get your dress; you don’t want to miss out on the specific style you’re looking for, especially if you’re a picky shopper. Custom gowns can take up to a year for alternations, especially ones that are heavily embellished. Think about the season and time of day you’re getting married. If it’s summer time, a bulky ballgown style wouldn’t be a good fit. Figure out which style is best for your body shape too, you want something flattering because when you know you look good, you feel good and it’s important feel confident on your special day.

Certain dress shops may be able to order in a specific brand or style that you’re looking at, so call ahead to give them some ideas. Some shops will require appointments to come in too, so keep that in mind. Consultants have a fresher mind early in the day so they’re more likely to give you more of their attention during that time span. Appointments on weekdays make it easier to shop because the weekends will be swamped with those who work Monday through Friday. If you do too, take vacation days to shop, it’s completely worth it, and almost like having the whole store to yourself.

When you think you’ve found the dress, read the dress contract carefully to be sure that you’ll have to correct style, color, delivery date, brand, and more. You don’t want to end up with the wrong dress! While trying on, bring the accessories you plan to wear on your special day to see if they mesh well with the dress. If you have to try to convince yourself that you like the dress, its probably not the one for you. You’ll know when you find it! That’s exactly how my best friend felt when she found her dress, and everyone agreed it was absolutely perfect for her. I hope these tips will help you find yours too if you’re a bride-to-be!

Picture One: My best friend Amanda and her new husband Chris. Mr. and Mrs. DiStaolo!

Picture Two: www.bridalstopshoppe.com/bridal-alterations.html

Picture Three: www.porcheweddings.com

I absolutely adore wearing scarves, boots, hats, and watching the beautiful foliage, who else is with me? If you are, keep reading to find out how you can turn over your new leaf and join the fashion fun this fall 2015 season. To start, one of the main points in this blog is the over-sized, extra pointy collars, whether worn under a sweater or as a necklace. If you’re going to a dressy event this season, dresses with big collars are in too!

While dressing up this season, don’t forget to keep yourself warm! Pants worn under dresses are OK, you can contrast the colors or match perfectly. Either way, this is a unique trend that leaves room for many options; bring a shirt with you if you want to change towards the end of the day. Flats and boots with varying lengths of fur are here to help keep you warm too. 

Keep an eye out for some extraordinary boots that are perfect for cropped pants and skirts; mid-calf boots with chunky heels. Chunky, giant pockets have been seen on the runways on pencil skirts. They’re great for a brand new look and a way to carry more essential items with you when needed. These trends are emerging as fast as the leaves are turning so stayed tuned for more!

Pictures:

www.etsy.com/market/pointy_collar

www.refinery29.com/chanel-is-still-trying-to-make-pants-under-skirts-happen-tries-different-approach

Ever since Audrey Hepburn made the trench coat a staple item back in ‘the day’, it has become a must-have within the working wardrobe. On those busy mornings before work, just throw it on for an instant pizzazz that sends you out the door in style.

It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing underneath, as it makes a great first impression with you looking classy and put together. A cute addition is a dress hanging out from the bottom! It shows a sneak-peak of the fabulous outfit worn beneath. Or wear it open for a unique yet easygoing look.

Whether it’s worn with strong leather shoes, known as brogues or tall boots, your outfit will be complete. An easy addition is a belt, and there are many that already come with one. An exciting look, actually my favorite, is a thin scarf tucked underneath the belt with matching shoes. Jeans, dress pants, heels, matching hats or purses are also some great additions to think about.

No matter what coat length you prefer, from down-to-the-floor, right up to the hips, you’ll always feel warm on those chilly fall days. Just don’t forget that umbrella so the rain doesn’t drench that trench!

Picture 1: www.self.com

Picture 2: www.fashionbashon.com

Carrying around a purse is like second nature. But what about carrying a second purse? The two-purse trend is really a thing now! This consists of your regular everyday purse and a small one in hand, on your shoulder or across your body. This adds a nice layering effect to your outfit and you can put together two different color purses that compliment one another. 

Now, here’s the thing; the smaller purse is barely big enough to fit a cell phone. So what gives? Well, if you’re running from the job to a night out, the smaller one can help make your night easier by just carrying around a few essentials such as lipstick, your car key, and money. And maybe that phone can fit right in your  pocket! Leave that big purse in the car and take the small one to have some fun!

Sources for Pictures:

1. Spottedfashion.com

2. Elle.com

We all have those old faded jeans and tee’s laying around, so why not make something fun out of them? All you need is a pair of scissors to turn a tee-shirt into, say, an infinity scarf! How, you might ask, just go by the following easy steps.First cut the seem off the bottom of the tee shirt. Second, at the underarm, cut straight across. Take the cut off part of the shirt and stretch it out as much as possible.

If you want to add some pizzazz to your scarf, slice the bottom for a fringe look or the entire thing and tie at the end. You can twist in different colors, add lace, flower pins, and even braided strands in the mix. Enjoy and let them compliment your fall and winter outfits.

Now to change those old jeans into something useful such as a new bag, all you’ll need is scissors, a sewing needle, thread, and another old shirt. First cut the pants legs off your jeans and turn the new piece inside out. Next sew the edge of the denim together then flip it inside out once again. Take one of the pant legs and cut out a rectangle that is a little longer or shorter than you want your bag handle to be. Or if you have one, use an old belt as the handle.

For the last step, fold the cut piece from your pant leg so that the edges of it meet in the middle, one overlapping the other. Now sew the ends shut. Lastly, sew the edges of the handle to the inside sides of the bag and you’re finished. With your tee-shirt add some color inside of it to make it unique with a pattern or bright color! So there you have it, a free infinity scarf made from your old tee-shirt with a dainty denim bag to carry all your new favorite items in!

This Summer, a trend that was through to be extinct has come back to life again! The cropped top paired with high waist pants is what I’m talking about, along with many others. This beloved look is seen with not only pants, but shorts as well. The top can be long sleeves, short sleeves, off the shoulder, or even a tank top. Some women are spotted wearing the tanks for this look a little more cropped than usual with lower waist pants.

Depending on your own personal style, sneakers, flip flops, or tennis shoes can be worn with this look. Go for the heels with a night out on the town and that little black skirt! Dressing up with this look is so much fun. Mix and match high waisted skirts with a tighter, dressy cropped top for an eye catching outfit that only takes minutes to put together. For more causal days, try a flowy skirt or maxi skirt with flats or sandals.

So whether you are going casual Cathy or dressy Debbie, always accessorize! At night, go for the silver or gold jewelry to add some shine to your outfit. During the day go with a long necklace with more charms than diamonds as well as a fabric headband to complete the look.

When it comes to the work wardrobe, summer is not the best time for black pants and jackets! Lifeguards have it so easy, but what about the rest of us? Here is some advice for those who have to dress up for work and need a way to dress cool but still be in dress code. Don’t ever wear a dress to work that you would go to a club in, even if you have a jacket or nylons underneath. Some great words of advice; “look at the environment you’re working in, and stay within the boundaries of that.”

An obvious piece of advice; never wear anything to work that you would wear to the beach or the gym. That’s for those who really may not know their boundaries. Which I’m sure you lovely ladies most certainly do! This means eliminate cut off shorts, flip flops, tank tops, leggings, and sports bras. There is a way to keep cool without wearing those no-no summer pieces.

However, there is good news! You CAN wear shorts. Just be sure they are length and material appropriate with structure. Nothing above the knee; if you can feel your legs skin touching the chair, it is too short. A button up Oxford shirt with a pencil skirt or loose pants is absolutely perfect for beating the heat. Dress it up a little more with some gold or silver jewelry, whichever you prefer.

One thing we all know, light colors feel cooler, so wearing them instead of black will help you keep your cool all day long. White colors near the face are extremely flattering. Pair white with blues for a nautical look or try some other blue shades, reds, yellow, and beiges.

One item all the rage right now and perfect for work is a 60’s sleeveless trench dress. Be sure to layer when wearing sleeveless if you are in air conditioner all day, too cold isn’t good. For shoes, don’t go bare, go for flats, they are comfortable and don’t show your entire foot. Dressing appropriately on the job is not only more professional, but it gives the message that you care about yourself. Hopefully with these tidbits of advice you’ll be feeling better in the heat and your boss is keeping their cool!

This Summer 2015 brings to us shoes with comfort and style, two amazing things at once! Slip on shoes are the most versatile choice. They come in many materials including canvas and suede. Some even come with memory foam or pillars on the bottom that are good for your knees and back.

Clogs, a more traditional style, are popular this season with easy slide on ability and a look that is perfect for the work wardrobe. Sandals with thick straps across the feet have the ability to not only protect your feet more than thinner straps, they won’t easily slip off if they tend to get sweaty, which will be great in the summer heat. There are even strappy sandals with arch support too, fancy and casual!

How about a light-weight sneaker? Heavier sneakers tend to weigh you down with loud noises and don’t let you move as fast. Wear these light weights for walking, the gym, and any summer function that has you out and about in that heavy humidity.

The stretch weave is a basic sandal or wedge with straps that have flexibility, comfort, and a plastic weave fabric. They come in many different colors and even black for those nights out on the town. And wouldn’t you know, flip flops are in style as they have been for years. You can find them with cushions and memory foam for support during those beach days that turn into sunsets.