Showing posts with label Accessories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Accessories. Show all posts

Fashion in a Box

January 30, 2014

The evolution of the World Wide Web has allowed humans the ability to find anything by simply typing in a word or phrase into that little rectangular search box and browsing around until something strikes our fancy and **click** there it is – right in front of us. The answer to a burning question, the solution to a nagging problem, the perfect gift for someone you love, an image, a song, a video to make you smile or weep – it’s all out there in the massive interwebs of our digitized world. 

And the breadth of the Internet’s abilities to help us, aid us and support us in all that we do keeps expanding and evolving into all sorts of services, products, and experiences that basically make living a little easier (or, at least, so it seems).

One new trend that I’ve noticed recently is the stylist-based subscription clothing websites. These time saving and fashion-saving e-commerce companies are all the rage now as they take the pain out of shopping for clothing, accessories, and shoes and trying to figure out what’s in style and what looks good on you.
Here are some of the sites I’ve investigated a little more, some that I’ve recently been introduced to, and others that I found after doing some research on – you, guessed it – the Internet. 

Stitch Fix
My cousin introduced me to this cool subscription-based clothing site. It offers affordable clothing and a whole range of style options to pursue. You fill out a somewhat extensive questionnaire that asks you all sorts of questions about your fashion dislikes and likes as well as questions about your physical characteristics to better hone in on what kind of clothes will work the best on you. I just recently signed up to receive my first delivery – which won’t arrive until the end of February (bummer!) – and am so excited to see what the stylists have picked out for me.  My only fear is that I will love it all and not want to return any (which my wallet may not be too pleased about).

Stitch Fix
Similar websites: Pop Basics, Style Mint

Frank & Oak
Another subscription-based clothing site introduced to me by another. This website is very similar to Stitch Fix, but specifically geared towards men (as is Stitch Fix for women). You answer a bunch of questions about your style and their stylists put together a package of clothes that they ship off to you to try on and buy if you so desire. And, again, like Stitch Fix, the clothing is relatively affordable, they ship you clothes to try and you pick what you like and send back what you don’t like. 

Frank & Oak

Similar websites: Trunk Club, Bombfell

Rivet & Sway
This eye wear company caught my attention on Facebook (Wow! Their ads actually work!) and since I was in the market for some new frames, I figured I’d give them a try. I signed-up, answered a few questions about my face shape, even entered in some cryptic numbers I didn’t know existed on my current frames, and viola – one of their stylists recommended four pairs of glasses. Some of the recommendations were good, while others were less than desirable. Nevertheless, you have the option to go with the stylist’s recommendations or just pick your own four frames and have them shipped to you. It took a while for me to get them because the frames I chose where quite popular and they didn’t have any more samples in stock. But, once I did get them, I had fun trying them on and deciding if any of them worked for me. Unfortunately, none of them worked, but the return process was painless and super easy. 

Rivet & Sway

Similar websites: Warby Parker, Tortoise & Blonde

These are just a small sampling of the various subscription-based clothing and accessories websites that cater to those of us who are either too busy, too fashion-challenged, or just want to feel like every month it is their birthday. There are many more out there – and not just in the fashion arena. There’s also websites like Birch Box – you get samples of makeup and skincare sent to you each month for a monthly fee – and a new food one called Plated, which allows you to pick various chef-created recipes and get the ingredients mailed to you.

It looks like these types of personalized service e-commerce sites are the wave of the future, providing people with yet one more resource and time-saving tool to help them navigate their lives a little more easily and…well…fashionably.

Neon to the Nines

July 10, 2013

It was 1986. I was nine. Neon was king. It was on everything -- clothes, accessories, Trapper Keepers, cars. It was a symbol of the excesses of the time. Loud. Obnoxious. Visually assaulting. I loved it. Wore it with abandon. My little fashion-maven self wanted to keep up with the style, and, oh boy, did I ever. And, I have evidence too -- a photo of me trying out my contemplative model pose in a plaid neon jumper and the other a loud fuchsia and canary yellow fantastical dance outfit with my just as enthusiastic dance hands.


And, of course, since fashion styles are cyclical, neon has found its way back into my style storybook a quarter of my life later. Its style is more subtle now and the fabrics and constructions it colors are much more suitable to our modern times. Although I thought I had left neon back in the 80s, I still definitely have an interest in its timeless audaciousness.

Here is a sampling of what I've found to be respectable neon looks that can be pulled off by a 35 year old wishing to be nine again.

Neon Fashion
Bright Tweed Shift, Pim + Larkin, Piperlime, $44.99; Embroidered A-Line Tank, Anthropologie, $58; Sunkissed Shorts, Gap, $20; Blue Skinny Jeans, J.Crew, $34.99

 Neon Accessories

One Dress. Three Styles.

July 6, 2013

One of the best ways to create a bargain chic wardrobe is to utilize a few pieces in mutliple ways. The key is to accessorize. And a lot of the Michael Kors' style rules I've been offering the last few weeks touch on the necessity of accessories -- belts, shoes, jewelry, etc. -- and how they play a vital role in developing one's style. What better way is there to express that than to enhance a simple dress with different accoutrements. You save money, while also looking fabulous chic!

And here's an example. Take a simple affordable dress -- a good length, a good shape, and a fabulous color -- and then change up the accessories. Add a jacket, a necklace, a cute clutch and some great shoes. And viola! Three distinct outfits for all three seasons, and all for a minimal amount of money.

Oh, and by the way, I featured this dress a few weeks back that highlighted another of Michael Kors' rules about dressing for your shape (LINK)

The Dress
 Cue the Compliments dress, ModCloth. $64.99

Three Styles
    

Embrace Your Style

June 8, 2013


Style is an essence. It’s a feeling. It’s a catch-your-eye-can't-look-away look. To have a style is to have a presence.  A presence that is remarkable. Strange. Decidedly normal. Consistent. Style is a person’s wearable calling-card – their visual nomenclature. 

You can have cyclical style. Wear navy blue on Monday and Wednesday; black every other day – except on the weekends. Or, there is also uniform style: Khakis and polo shirts. Every day. How about brand style? Only The Gap jeans. Only Hanes t-shirts. Only black Converse.    

Audrey Hepburn
in Breakfast at Tiffany's
My favorite style, though, is YOU style.  Clothes that make YOU feel good about yourself. Clothes that define YOU, enhance YOU, compliment YOU. That is the kind of style that is perpetual and memorable. It’s the style of Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy, Madonna. These women found a look, a designer, a silhouette that enhanced themselves. Their fashion choices didn’t dictate who they were – their clothing was merely a means of expressing who they already were. 

That is what style is all about. Finding what makes you happy, what makes you sparkle, and what exudes the essence that makes you YOU. 

So, when you are deciding what to wear tomorrow, think about who you are and what your clothes say about you. Maybe you like your khaki pants and converse shoes – they define exactly who you are. Or, maybe you’ll think…hmmm…that bright orange top hidden in the back of my closet needs a fresh start with a new pair of Wednesday-only black pants. 

For some inspiration at some great prices, here are some calling-card style staples that can help anyone start chiseling away at their own masterpiece style.


1. Tricolor Dress, Zara, $89.90. 2. A Whole Neutral Outlook Dress, ModCloth, $77.99. 3. Camille Dress, J.Crew, $99.99. 4. Striped Unstructured Blazer, Gap, $69.95. 5. Good as Goldfinch, ModCloth, $58.99. 6. Floral Lace Henley, The Limited, $39.90. 7. Convertible Cruise Top, ModCloth, $32.99. 8. Rivington Trousers, Madewell, $54.50. 9. Palette Trousers, Madewell, $79.99. 10. Ivory Dragonfly, BaubleBar, $36. 11. Ocean Bauble Bib Necklace, Anthropologie, $68. 12. Nomad by Mia, Piperlime, $39.99.

My name is Teekay, and I'm an Accessory-phobe.

August 30, 2008

I'm a minimalist when it comes to fashion and decor. I don't like to adorn my house or myself with anything that doesn't have some functionality. It is the same with my fashion sense. I guess when it comes to accessorizing, I lack any sense. I have a hard time finding the right jewelry to go with the right outfit. I'll put on a necklace, take it off, put another one on, and take it off. I keep this routine going until I finally succumb to my indecision and conclude the outfit never needed it anyways.

So, to help myself with my accessory phobia, I've started to pay more attention to jewelry -- necklaces, earrings and bracelets -- and forcing myself to view these pieces as compliments to my clothes. Here are a few inspirations to get myself and anyone else who shares this "condition" to see the potential in the possibilities of jewelery.

Necklaces

Left: Banana Republic Mixed Media Necklace, $55.30. Right: LuLu's So Charming Necklace.

Earrings

Left: Liz Claiborne Post Earrings, $22. Right: Elsewares Demeter Earrings, $28.

Bracelets

Left: Banana Republic Elegant Stone-hinged Bangle, $27.30. Right: Liz Claiborne "Wonderland" Flex Bracelet, $22.

Jewelery Set

World Market Shell & Wood Necklace and Earrings, $9.99.

Happy Fourth of July!

June 29, 2008

In honor of the day we celebrate our great nation, I thought I would offer a tribute to the colors that epitomize America -- red, white and blue. Enjoy the day and remember the men and women that are serving, and have served, our wonderful country near and far. God Bless America!

Luxe for Less

April 29, 2008

It is sometimes easy to tell clothing that is bargain-basement cheap -- the quality of the fabric feels stingy and it looks as though it is held together by a single, thin thread. And I'll admit it -- I often buy on the cheap, knowing it will only last a season and being okay with that.

Beyond clothes, however, seeing cheap is more elusive. More often than not, quirky and unique accessories usually are admired for just that, and any question to their value or longevity is ignored. Here are a few finds that are distinctive but whose price is deceivingly discounted.

Thanks for the Accessories!

November 21, 2007

It's Thanksgiving and what better way to show my appreciation for the little things in life than to dedicate this post to the little things that make our wardrobes special -- our accessories. Here are a few that are quirky yet functional, and all at great prices.


Rampage Deco Patent Trimmed Frame Satchel, $57.89



Banana Republic Chunky Wool Scarf, $34.65


La Fiorentina Long Leopard Print Gloves, $49


Lord & Taylor Cashmere Bucket Cloche, $29.99

 

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Words to Inspire

"One cannot consent to creep when one has an impulse to soar." ~Helen Keller