Are you stuck in a style rut?

It's easily done don't you think?  We're in a rush (again), we're too busy with the kids, work, life, and it's easy to just throw on what we're comfortable with and what we know suits us.  Whatever it's caused by, too often we get too comfortable with our favorite pieces, and it can have a serious effect on our style confidence.  Enter the style rut!  We've all been guilty of it at some point.  So today I want to talk about some ways to stop grabbing the look you know 'works' and start trying something new and different.  It's not hard ladies, just read on to find out how.

Assess the situation...It's time to get real with yourself!  Have you been wearing the same pair of pants or sundress lately?  If you've stopped getting excited over your outfits, or you have stopped putting any thought into what you're going to wear and play it safe every day, then it's time for a  change!  Figure out what style you are - classic, boho, edgy, retro, sporty?  Once you can label your go-to aesthetic, you can start thinking about some alternative options.


Find your style inspiration... this is where getting out of your style rut can be fun.  Who are the women giving you style envy?  What is it about their look you love?  Create a mood board or a list of stylish women from past, present and future you wish you could emulate.  Make a list of some of your favorite pieces they rock. This step can take up as much or as little time as you want it to.  Thanks to the internet, the choice is yours.


Experiment with pieces...you don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe to get out of your style rut. Sometimes all it takes is a few additional pieces to pep up your look.  Spend an afternoon window shopping,, try on those inspirational pieces you have your mind on.  Think small, as in a belt, hat, shoes or a statement necklace, all of which are affordable items.


Sometimes old can be new again...if you're on a budget, consider "vintage" (i.e. used clothing) shopping. A throwback piece can be just the thing to freshen up your style.  Think small and unique!


Mix it up...if shopping is just out of the question, consider shopping your closet.  Chances are you'll rediscover clothing you haven't even thought about in ages (or worn!).  We all have items stuck in the back of our closets that we've just forgotten about, or we think have gone 'out of style'.  But remember ladies, what goes out of style usually comes back in again.  And anyway, I've always been of the mindset that it's not about what's fashionable, but about what suits you.  Put together pieces you never have before.  Be creative! Put that spiked choker with a shift dress, or put that worn cardigan over your sequined tunic! Opposing pieces can often be a fashionistas' secret to keeping style interesting and individual!

Now you have the tools, there's no excuse for you to stay in that style rut!!

Here are some popular women that ladies like to emulate...

How to Travel in Style...

As someone who has travelled a lot over the years, I know that it's really important to be comfortable (and stylish of course!) while travelling.  Not only do I put a lot of thought into the outfits I take on my trips, but I also consider what I'll be wearing while I travel, something a lot of people never think about.

More often than not there'a a lot of walking involved at airports, going from checkpoints to terminals, so comfy footwear is a necessity (especially if you're carrying heavy hand-luggage as well), because you don't want to be seen trying to juggle your hand-luggage and how to walk in your heels! However, comfort does NOT mean throwing on a pair of sweats and sneakers ladies!  More often than not I have seen people travelling in these American staples and it makes me grimace!  So, read on for some of my tips of how to travel in comfort AND style....


Layer Up...You're likely to be cold either at the airport or on the plane, so make sure you bring a cardigan or wrap.  It's also great to have one of these items with you if (like me on many occasions), you're travelling to a different climate, and once you arrive at your destination and you step outside in the chillier climes, you have your cardi or wrap to put on.  Unlike sweaters which can be a pain to pull on and off and can mess up your look, the cardi is a much better option as a layering piece and can be removed easily.


Forget the belt...While I don't condone pants or anything else that holds up with a strong (looking at you, sweatpants!), you should never wear a belt to the airport.  It's just a huge pain to unbuckle and put it through the scanner, not to mention the people you will annoy as you'll be holding up the security line!  Give it a miss!


Wear a Maxi...one of my favorite items has always been the maxi dress or skirt for a number of reasons, but for travelling it's a must in my book.  You don't want to feel constricted or uncomfortable when you're rushing to your flight or waiting for your luggage, and this item of clothing allows the freedom to look and feel stylish while travelling.


Don't wear complicated shoes....this is just common sense, right?  Wrong!  The amount of times I've seen women wear the most complicated (think gladiator sandals) shoes or heels while travelling. Again, don't be the one holding up the security line while smiling apologetically & attempting to unbuckle the hundred buckles on your shoe!  Keep it simple with comfortable flats that slip on and off - you never know when you might have to run to catch a flight!


Wear Socks...not only will they keep your tootsies warm on the plane, they'll also keep your toes germ-free when you remove your shoes at security.  If you really don't want to wear them, keep a pair handy in your hand luggage just in case.


Don't overload on Jewelry...I love a bit of sparkle as many of you know, and it will always add something to an outfit, but travelling isn't the time to show off your jewelry collection!  You don't want to be unclasping and removing, so stick to a simple piece like a pendant that can slip on and off if you really have to wear something.


Bring a Pashmina...this is probably one of the more important pieces to remember ladies, because not only will it keep you looking stylish, but it doubles as a blanket when you get cold on your flight! It's easy to store and pull out, and available in every color imaginable!  Doesn't get more practical than that!


Don't wear an Underwire Bra...What's worse than having to go through security?  Having to go through a pat-down inspection because you're lovely bra triggered the airport's metal detector!  Avoid this embarrassment by opting for a metal-free bra that still offers plenty of support.


Now you know all you need to know for your travels.....enjoy your trip!

Racer front fashions...

This Summer, while everyone is roaming around in sleeveless tops and dresses, you could embrace an all new summer trend - racer front fashions!  Racer back styles have been around forever, but are traditionally associated with athletic and sports wear.  However recently, this style with the cutaway sleeves has been showing up as a fashion staple.

A great silhouette can be achieved by wearing a racer front dress which has the sleeves cut into spaghetti straps for best effect, and a nipped in waist, with the material clinging to the hips and flowing to the knees. Flattering materials for this cut is usually cotton, lycra and soft silk as these materials fall nicely.

However, do keep in mind ladies that this look is not for everyone.  Racer fronts are a perfect choice for women who have slim shoulders and no extra fat on their neck and chest.  If you do have the extra pounds in these areas then this style will only enhance the fact and it will not be flattering on you.  Top-heavy women should also avoid this look.  So be realistic when picking your trends this season ladies - not every trend is right for everyone, so just be honest with yourself before trying something new.  If you're not sure about whether a trend is right for you, then chances are it's not!  Trust your instincts, they're usually right!

Here are some of the racer-front fashions sported this season.....

Why your wardrobe needs Orange now...

Colors tend to come and go every season, but rarely do they come in as strong as this, in all its glory...and that color is - orange crush!  Even the name makes me smile!  Whether it was bright or light, an accent or head-to-toe, it made every look a true standout on the runways.  In honor of this lovely hue, I've chosen some runway inspiration looks as well as some pretty orange things that can be had on virtually any budget. Whether you're ready to go for a dress, a top or just a nail polish accent, all you need to know about orange right now is below.


Here's a perfect example of orange's ability to add warmth whether it's layered underneath a cardi, jacket or vest, or part of a pattern that includes other shades.






If you're at all hesitant to include orange into your wardrobe, start slow and easy with a tee.  J. Mendel certainly wasn't afraid to go all out here, but any of these pieces on their own can start an orange collection off right.





I love the cut and color of these orange pants.  And double love that they're paired with coral, nude, and white hues.  All of which help to create a totally feminine look.





This top is a start piece that's totally affordable ($33 at Bluefly), and seasonless.  Again, the pairing of white and orange is simply lovely!





This is your top for all of your cocktail hours, dates and parties throughout the rest of summer and fall. Why? Because it looks equally gorgeous on its own, with black, with white and with statement jewlry.


 


So adorable, so on-trend, so perfect for day.  Put aside your yellow and pink pops of color, orange has it!




When you're ready to go all the way, this is what you should be considering.  The edgy, leather-like accents keep it grown up, the cut, shape, and length couldn't be more 2013/14 if they tried!  Love this!



Calvin Klein knows how to stay mega relevant, and does so with a pair of heels that gives you height, a trendy ankle strap and the hottest color around.  I have to have these shoes!





Take a look at some other ways to wear this great color this season and next...