02Nov

What’s in Your Handbag Collection

November 2, 2021 Lots of Luxe

If you want to update or improve your handbag collection, you’ve landed in the right place! Every handbag collection should have something for each of your needs; even the minimalists have several bags, one (or more) for each occasion.

Let’s explore the different kinds of bags you’ll need in your wardrobe — everything from functional and practical to luxurious … and maybe a tad over-the-top.

The “Everyday” Bag

You’ll definitely need that go-to bag that you love to carry for its functionality and neutrality. The elements of a great everyday bag vary because you’ll need to tailor it to exactly what you need! Some women like to carry a small bag with essentials that effortlessly match their typical outfits, and other women need a large bag that can hold a laptop and whatever you’ll need for a busy day.

So, consider your daily needs when choosing an everyday bag. In any case, I have some recommendations.

Choose a durable bag — this bag needs to stand the test of time! As the handbag you’ll carry most often, choose quality. Personally, I look for handbags with feet on the bottom for added protection.

Find the right size — find a size that will allow you to bring what you need but will also be proportional to your size. You want the width, height, and depth of your handbag to be relative to your height, bone structure, and body shape. You don’t want a bag that overwhelms you or one so small it goes into hiding.

Shoulder straps or Not – if you like shoulder bags, make sure the straps are adjustable or the straps are a length that allows the bag to hit you at the right location on your side. Once again, it is about proportions. Not only do you want your sleeve length and hems to be proportional to your body, you want your handbag to also follow the rules of proportion.

Keep it versatile — this bag needs to match most of your day-to-day outfits.

Finding that “Everyday” bag keeps you from having to “change it out” frequently; therefore, keeping panic attics from occurring. Have you ever changed purses only to find out when you arrived at work or a meeting, you forgot to transfer your wallet, or lipstick?

The Little Black Bag

Just like its counterpart — the little black dress — the little black bag is reliable, timeless, chic, and oh so necessary. Finding a little black bag is adding a classic to your wardrobe that never goes out of style. You’ll likely have this bag (or multiple versions of a LBB) for years to come. Make sure it’s versatile and the right size for your needs.

The Tote

Everyone needs at least one tote! These bags are not only utilitarian, but they can look absolutely polished and professional, too. It’s wonderful to have a super roomy bag that can handle anything. If you are going to work, running errands, hopping on an airplane, or just heading to yoga, you’ll love having a practical bag that looks great too. Usually, totes are open tops, but you might prefer zip tops, which you can also find.

The Wristlet/Wallet on a Chain

When you want to carry as little as possible, grab a wristlet or a wallet on a chain. Having both of these options in your wardrobe is ideal! A wallet on a chain is just enough to carry cards and other wallet essentials, with a chain for a bit more pizazz if you want a more elegant look. Or, for something less dressy, a wristlet is the perfect little carrying case for essentials. Wristlets come in all shapes and sizes, from casual to professional.

The Crossbody

Hands-free all day? Crossbody bags are convenient, stylish, and carefree. While out shopping or running errands, one less thing to carry is just what we need! Crossbody bags can also be your everyday bag, depending on what you need. This bag should be versatile and durable.

The Belt Bag

Hands-free, but make it super trendy! Belt bags have been big in the last couple of years, and they’re on the 2022 runways. Belt bags are usually pretty small, just enough to carry a few essentials – ie. Phone, lipstick, credit card/license. Perfect for commuting or running errands, belt bags allow you to carry what you need while looking put together and having both hands free.

The Structured Bag

No accessory says “polished,” quite like a structured bag. A structured bag can instantly transform your look if you dress up, making it even chicer and put-together. Structured top handles are sophisticated and pull together a professional outfit or transform a casual outfit into a more ladylike and refined look.

The Clutch/Evening Bag

An evening bag is a wardrobe essential, although it’s probably the least used out of the bunch. There will always come a time when you need an evening bag for vacation, a wedding, or any event where you will be inclined to dress up, so it’s nice to have a few on hand. It’s a good idea to choose evening bags that will be neutral and paired with multiple outfits. Although most evening bags come in colors like black, champagne, or cream, you can always find a flashy one if that’s what dazzles you! If the clutch has a chain that you can convert to a shoulder bag, then you’ve got two for one

Personal Styling — More Than Just Purses

When was the last time you did something entirely for yourself? Sometimes, we all need a pick-me-up. Personal styling is a treat to give yourself when you want a fresh new look, trending clothing options, a personal shopper, or a wardrobe overhaul.

Whether you’ve just started a new job, you’re entering a new phase in life, or you just plain want to treat yourself, Lots of Luxe offers several options for busy women to get the wardrobe they love. If you’re shopping for a special occasion or just upgrading your look, contact us anytime to schedule a consultation.

11Apr

5 Ways to Wear a Scarf on a Warmer Day

April 11, 2019 Melrose Fisher

As the warmer months are upon us, just like you do with the rest of your wardrobe, you will want to change out your drawer of winter scarves and replace them with your lighter-weight scarves. For warm weather you’ll be more comfortable wearing scarves in airy fabrics such as cotton and linen or thinner, sheerer gauzy fabrics.

Think you’ll still feel stuffy and overheated bundled up in a scarf while the sun is shining? Think again! Here are 5 innovative ways you can wear this stylish accessory well into the summer months:

1. Keep It Loose

Casually drape a scarf over your shoulders instead of tying it up close to your neck. You can also wear it loosely around your neck and allow it to drape or hang further down from you neck. Worn in this way, your scarf can replace a necklace and it can add a pop of color or eye-catching print to a basic blouse.

2. Hair Flair

Try wearing a scarf to elevate your summer hairstyles. There are many ways to wear a scarf as a hair accessory, some examples are: Wrap the scarf around your head, tying it in the back, to create a headband look; Wear a ponytail tied in place by a scarf instead of using a regular hairband; Or, try a ‘messy bun’ with the scarf tied into a bow or a twist knot at the top.

3. Belted

Wearing a scarf as a belt is more about style than function. While you won’t be able to rely on a scarf to hold your pants in place, you can be sure it will make a statement as a standout accessory. Thread a scarf through the belt loops of your jeans or slacks or wear it as a sash over a tunic to pull off this chic look.

4. Accessorize Your Accessories

Tying a scarf onto the handle of your handbag is a fun way to add a pop of color or to add a print to tie colors together to complete your look. Bonus: If the wind picks up during the day or if it gets chilly into the evening, you can pull your scarf off your handbag and use it as a warming layer!

5. Wrap It Up

Although they make beautiful accessories, scarves can still be functional through the warmer months. Wear it as a wrap over your sleeveless dress or blouse for arm coverage at those special occasions you’ll be attending, such as spring graduations or summer weddings.

Remember these tips as you’re transitioning your wardrobe from the cooler months to the warmer days that are upon us. Scarves no longer need to be associated solely with keeping us warm throughout the winter. Used as an accessory or as a functional piece that’s practical for a warmer day, a scarf can add a lot of style to your overall look.

23Jan

How to Get More Enjoyment from Your Wardrobe

January 23, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Do you look at your wardrobe, shrug, and want to walk away? Are you uninspired? Do you wear the same basic uniform every day? Have you thought about calling it quits with fashion?

Everyone goes through slumps over their wardrobe. It often takes months, and sometimes even years, to realize we’re in a slump. That’s the bad news. The good news is that you can get out of that slump and have fun with clothes again!

Let me show you where I’m headed with this.

Clothing yourself is one thing – That is, simply, getting dressed.

Then there’s getting dressed with intention.

And then there’s getting dressed and leaving a pleasurable impression.

It’s your choice and there’s help available if you need it. (More about that later.)

We’ve all been left with pleasurable impressions by how someone looks. It could be a stranger in the grocery store, someone at work, a sales associate at a store, or someone in your book club. When you see them, your eyes want to linger and take in their look.

Perhaps her look is creative and clever, and it makes you smile. Maybe it’s a friend who consistently wears color in her outfits in ways you haven’t and it pleases you.

Let’s say you’re ready to leave the fashion slump and dress in a way that puts smiles on the faces of strangers. One strategy is to find something that’s already pleasing to you and then go for it with a little more gusto than you have so far.

Here are some ideas for you:

Leave a pleasurable impression with your use of color.

This could be as simple as introducing some pleasing colors into your wardrobe. Every fashion season there seems to be an emphasis on a few specific colors. One excellent color resource is Pantone, a company that does color forecasting. If you want inspiration, start there. Or simply go to
a retail store where you can pull items from the rack, walk over to a full-length mirror and hold them up to your face. Which colors make you happy? Choose a few colors to play within clothes, coats, shoes, handbags, or scarves.

Take the time to find the colors that flatter your skin tone, eyes, and hair color. It’s important that we wear colors that brighten and compliment us. Bringing the right colors into your life will inspire you and make you feel refreshed.

Leave a pleasurable impression by adding one more accessory.

Coco Chanel is famous for telling people to add accessories to their outfit, take a look in the mirror, take one thing off, and then step out into life. But Coco was an icon during a time when men and women dressed elegantly and much more formally. As people, in general, are looking more and more casual in their dress, this is a rule that typically no longer applies.

If you like rings, add one more to your fingers than you have. If you like bangles, create a cluster of them for your wrist. If you like finer, more delicate jewelry wear two or three necklaces at once. Make accessory additions to your outfit, not subtractions.

Leave a pleasurable impression by wearing one standout piece.

Even if your lifestyle is casual or your workplace is more relaxed, you can always walk out the door wearing one standout piece.

One way to picture this is to think about how you’d dress a table for dinner guests. You may use your everyday dishes and cutlery, but you have fresh flowers at the center of the table in your favorite vase. The centerpiece brings the eye in and then leads you to the other accents you’ve used. So think of the standout piece as being on par with the centerpiece of that dinner table.

Your choices are many. Let me suggest a few:

A blazer in a pattern when you’d have customarily worn them in solid colors.
Carrying an oversized handbag. The exaggerated shape draws someone in, and they desire to see the rest of the outfit.
Instead of wearing a black or tan trench coat, wear one in an icy tone or one in an autumnal shade.
Wear an oxford shoe in burgundy, blush, or blue and give your black or brown shoes a break.
Wear a bulkier scarf than usual. That little bit of extra volume adds drama.

Lastly, organizing your closet can make a big impact.

If your closet is filled with outdated clothing or is generally unorganized, it wouldn’t be surprising that you don’t feel inspired by it.

Get rid of anything that doesn’t make you feel fabulous and donate it. This includes your shoes and accessories. Organizing everything will make it so much easier to see what you already have and what you might need.

Make your wardrobe clearer by sorting it by color. This makes it easier to see what the possibilities are for creating a fun, exciting outfit.

It doesn’t take a lot of change to feel a big lift. Clothes and accessories are here to be enjoyed. When you wear them in a pleasing fashion, you are making someone else’s day brighter as well as your own.

I’d love to help you make some adjustments to your wardrobe, one’s you’ll find pleasing. It’s all possible! Give me a call or send me an email and we’ll get an appointment on the books. You’ll love the results!

08Jan

How to Build a Dream Wardrobe in 7 Easy Steps

January 8, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Building a wardrobe is a truly daunting task. How many of us can devote the time to create a flawless, versatile wardrobe that never leaves us wondering what to wear?

Most of us buy more and more clothing without consciously building a wardrobe that allows for easy access to outfits for every occasion. If we don’t build a functional wardrobe, then we are likely to end up with a closet filled with clothing to mix and match at random. Of course, it ends in wearing the same outfits repeatedly or obsessing over what to wear.

It’s worth it to create a wardrobe that suits your needs, but you may be wondering where to start. It takes some time and strategy to build a wardrobe, so how is it done?

Starting with your own personal wardrobe stylist; I can help you do each of the following steps in order to build a cohesive, varied wardrobe. The end result will be a wardrobe that suits your lifestyle, flatters your body, and expresses your personal style. Here’s the run-down of the steps to create a dream wardrobe easily and quickly.

Establish Your Body Type

You must know what body type you have before building a wardrobe. We are all unique in shape and size and knowing the types of clothing that suits your body type is crucial to looking flawless all of the time. Finding clothes that flatter your body can boost your confidence and ensure you have a closet full of clothes that make you feel great.

Determine Your Color Palette

Just like with body types, we all have a unique skin tone. Skin tones range from not only light to dark but also cool to warm. Knowing your skin tone is key to knowing which colors enhance your look and which colors don’t. Wearing colors that don’t compliment your skin tone can make you look tired, washed out, or simply not your best. Conversely, choosing the perfect colors for your skin tone can enrich your look automatically.

Shop to Fit Your Lifestyle

It’s important that the clothes in your closet suit your daily needs. We can easily buy clothing that is momentarily trendy on impulse, but does it really suit our lifestyle? For example, a wardrobe filled with 40% career-minded outfits, 30% clothing for social events and outings, 20% leisure, and 10% formal special event attire could be suited for your lifestyle.

Detox and De-Clutter

If you’re going to build a wardrobe you love, you will have to get rid of all of the items that you don’t love. Sort through your closet and remove any ill-fitting, unflattering, out of style clothing. Make room for pieces you’ll love and wear frequently.

Create a Foundation of Basics

Building a wardrobe around classic basics makes dressing simple. Choosing neutral-colored tank tops, black pants, pencil skirts, white button-ups, and cardigans are good basics to build from. Most of your outfits will begin with these basics, so having many on hand will create the foundation you need to build a wardrobe.

Add Statement Pieces

You’ll need to let your personal style shine with statement pieces in the colors and fabrics that you love. These statement pieces can be added to your wardrobe basics for easy pairings. Tailored investment pieces can be added here as well.

Maintain your Wardrobe

You’ll need to add to your wardrobe to keep things fresh. This will ensure you’ll always have something new to wear and new outfits to create. The easiest way to maintain your dream wardrobe is Box of Luxe, a time-saving home delivery box of 4-6 hand-selected pieces of clothing.

If you don’t have time to shop and maintain a wardrobe, this is the answer for you! It’s as easy as completing a quick style profile and your Box of Luxe will be delivered to you filled with pieces that suit your style needs. You’ll have five days to try on the clothing and if you decide something isn’t for you, simply return it hassle-free.

Another option is to schedule a consultation call or to meet me for a cup of coffee. In 30 minutes I can help you determine your wardrobe needs and guide you through the services provided by Lots of Luxe. A Personal Stylist could be your answer to a wardrobe that works.

10Oct

Add These Accessories to Your Fall/Winter Wardrobe

October 10, 2018 Melrose Fisher

When it comes to a new fashion season, the thought of shopping for a new wardrobe might be overwhelming. A great alternative is to choose a few new accessories to make your existing wardrobe feel brand new.

Here are some ways you can do that.

Scarves

The newest style in scarves is long, long, long. Don’t be surprised if you wrap a scarf around your neck and the tails come to your thighs. In addition to long, cozy scarves are blanket scarves. These scarves come in fabrics that are rich, lush and voluminous. Even more than an addition to your wardrobe, they can become the main attraction of your outfit.

Fingerless Gloves

You know we need our fingertips free for on-demand texting. This accessory is functional and beautiful when it’s in velvet or suede. Choose gloves that come close to the elbow for glamorous flair. Have fun with all the colors available to you.

Tights

Black tights or bare legs are so last years. Branch out into tights of many hues. Wear them with your skirts and dresses for pure fun. If colorful tights are too bold for you a lace tight will update your look.

Hats

Hats add so much personality and punctuation to your outfit. Maybe start by identifying your favorite historical period. Styles include the sombrero, the cowboy hat, the matador, the fedora, and other wide-brimmed styles. Do you prefer caps? Try one in plaid. Use hats to express your personal style. This could be the accessory you wear all season.

Statement Earrings

Are you ready to make a statement? “Ears” how to do it (wink, wink). Big on the earring scene are oversized double and triple hoops. Feathers flock the ear whether they’re real feathers or silver ones. Large jeweled crosses bring lots of bling. Tassels continue to adorn the ear.

Statement Necklaces

Or should we say necklaces! Whether you layer multiple necklaces from your collection or buy one that does all the layering for you, this look could cover your whole décolleté area. This look may not be best on a larger chested person. You decide if you’re a good candidate for this trend. Other choices are chokers high on the neck or necklaces layered over turtlenecks.

Statement Bracelets

Bracelets aren’t just for summer over bare arms. Wear bracelets of different widths and stack them on your wrist or on top of your sweater sleeve. A very pretty look is to wear large cuffs full of lustrous colors. A cardigan, jacket, or coat with three-quarter sleeves is just begging for a statement bracelet or two or three.

Belts

Belts ruled the runway. Looks included buckle belts, leather belts, tie belts, corset belts, bustier belts, and the doubling up of belts. Use any of these on coats, dresses, or skirts of any length. Consider wearing belts that contrast with your outfit colors or choose one in animal print.

Purses

Logo purses are big for fall. Enter the fanny pack, the belt purse or the backpack. For ladylike looks, go for a framed handbag. If you have a busy running-around lifestyle, a tote may be best for you. A new purse adds so very much to your look. Getting a new one could be your number one fashion priority.

To ease into the season, consider starting with accessories. I can help you find the right ones or help you begin to incorporate them into your transition wardrobe before all the woolens come out. The great thing about accessories is that you can start wearing them right away! Let’s get a date on the calendar, okay?

03Oct

Here’s What’s on the Menu for Fall Fashion

October 3, 2018 Melrose Fisher

Are you ready to try some new things from the fall/winter fashion offerings? Whether you sample one item or several, there are some tantalizing treats to choose from. Here’s a sample menu of what’s available to you.

1. I want to draw your attention to the different shades of green. Are there fifty shades? I want to say yes! Whether you like your greens light, dark, deep, intense or muted, this is the right time to explore your options. Green is not just for garnish anymore. It can be the main course of an outfit.

2. For people who’ve been wondering where brown went, it’s back! It comes in all shades of chocolate and on into burnt caramel. Time to stock your shoe and handbag shelves with this rich color or choose a few separates to blend into your existing wardrobe.

3. Velvet has been spanning the seasons. People even wore velvet this past spring/summer. It seems best for cooler weather. Look for it this season in dresses, blouses, and jackets.

4. Prairie dresses look romantic and innocent with high necklines, roomie sleeves, and a floor-length hemline. This is a great option for those looking for something new in the dress department.

5. Floral prints just keep coming. Plan to wear floral print dresses with dark backgrounds. They’re great paired with a colored tight and a boot.

6. There’s an array of plaids just waiting for you to enjoy. Classic plaids of different colorations are being combined in the same outfit. For instance, you can wear a blue plaid pant with a red plaid jacket. Or wear red plaid boots with a blue plaid dress. It may sound less than appetizing but you won’t know until you try it!

7. Don’t know what scarf to wear with your outfit? It’s an easy decision this season. Designers are creating matching sweater and scarf sets. And if you’re just going for the scarf alone, make it long, long, long, like spaghetti-noodle long.

8. Cable knit, smooth knit, or textured knit sweaters all have something in common, they are voluminous and cozy. Make your knits jumbo size this year.

9. Mixing day and nightwear for both day and night keeps us on our toes. This can be a little confusing but if done right, it makes a lot of sense. Wear dressy tops with casual bottoms or dressy bottoms with casual tops and go out on the town.

10. Pants of any length or width are available. Wide, pleat front, flairs, cigarette, printed pants, and painted pants. If you wear pants well, get ready for a smorgasbord.

11. Skirts shimmy up and down the leg. Enjoy a mini, a pencil skirt, something calf-length, or go for the 50’s full skirt. For an easy garnish, add a thick belt to the waist.

12. Train your eye to see sized up jackets as the new normal. Many of them have broad shoulders. Hello, ‘80s! Get used to this new silhouette, it might be here for a while.

13. Blankets are now acceptable as fashion outerwear. It’s a no-size piece of outerwear that covers all. Whether it’s a western print or a solid color, this can beautifully drape over everything and be the centerpiece for your entire outfit.

14. Bring color to your fashion plate outfits with red lipsticks. Red lips go with everything!

Are you salivating over any of these fall/winter fashion picks? Pick your preferences from the fashion menu and let’s have fun exploring them together on a shopping trip. Give me a call. I’ll bring snacks.

19Sep

How to Easily Transition Your Wardrobe from Summer to Fall

September 19, 2018 Melrose Fisher

As one season comes to a close and we embrace another, we experience that in-between weather and dressing for the day can be a bit of a challenge. It’s too hot to wear fall attire and chilly mornings and evenings make it too cold for summer clothes. The best way to combat the awkward uncertainty of the seasons changing is to prepare your closet for a smooth transition into autumn with these tips.

Don’t put away your maxi dresses yet

Maxi dresses are great for the season change because they offer enough fabric to keep you covered if it gets a little chilly and during the day you’ll be cool enough. A shawl or cardigan will work to cover your arms if needed.

Just add tights to summer dresses and skirts

You can keep your summer dresses in your closet for a couple more months, as long as you pair them with some fall accessories. Autumn is perfect for tights, especially cable-knit and textured tights. They are cozy enough to keep you warm if you aren’t quite ready to wear heavy pants yet. Leggings are another great option too. If you still want to wear some of your summery tunics, wear them with a pair of leggings.

Layering was made for autumn weather

Layering is your best friend during the unpredictable fall weather transition. Leave home in the chilly morning hours and by noon, it feels like summer again. You can keep out your summer tank tops and pair them with light sweaters or boyfriend cardigans. Scarves are also a perfect option for layering. Be sure to add no more than three layers, e.g. tank top, cardigan, and scarf. And if you go heavy on top, wear slim fitting bottoms to balance out the look. You still want to keep layers long and lean and not too bulky, so avoid layering while wearing wide-leg pants.

Add rich fall colors and textures

Adding a few pieces of fall clothing to your summer wardrobe is a good way to ease into the next season. You can still wear summer colors but just add a few fall touches. Imagine pairing lavender with plum, sky blue with navy blue, and light yellow with mustard. You can add deeper autumn colors to complement your summer wardrobe with sweaters, scarves, and jackets.

Add a statement jacket and boots

Perhaps the easiest way to transition any outfit to fall is to add a military-style jacket, a trench coat, or moto jacket. A fall jacket can tone down an outfit and make it more suitable for autumn. Autumn is boot season! Adding boots to an outfit also adds some autumn vibes. Boots can be worn with most outfits too; wear boots with leggings, jeans, dresses, etc.

Looking to Transition?

Need some inspiration for transitioning your wardrobe? Check out some of Etcetera and Carlisle transition pieces, they may just be perfect for you. If your looking for some extra help you can alway contact us!

15Aug

Fall Transition: How to Wear Ankle Boots

August 15, 2018 Melrose Fisher

The seasons are soon to be changing, and there is one versatile piece of footwear that is perfect for the transition into autumn. Ankle boots work perfectly for the in-between weather because they can be worn with dresses, pants and more. Ankle boots make the summer-to-fall wardrobe changeover stylishly seamless.

Ankle boots come in all different styles from block heels to wedges, to suede, snakeskin and more. You’ll find ankle boots that either fit tightly around your ankle or ones that have a wider opening. Some are stiletto or peep-toe. The length of ankle boots can vary too, from low on the ankle to higher up. Here’s a quick guide on how to wear your ankle boots.

First things first. What are the best styles to wear for your body type?

This is important because even though ankle boots are versatile, not every style looks great on every body.

Wide ankle, heeled ankle boots:

These look good on everyone! We all have different sized ankles, calves, and legs, but wide-ankle booties are best for everyone. Plus, heels elongate the body. Wear these with dresses, skirts, leggings, and so on.

Flat-heeled ankle boots:

Proceed with caution if you are short or have short legs. Flat heels offer no chance of elongating the legs and they also “cut-off” your legs wherever they sit on the ankle. Flat-heeled ankle boots look best with jeans (cuffed or not) on most people, but if you are tall, you can probably pull off wearing these with a dress or skirt.

High or low on the ankle?

Some booties sit below the ankle, and some rise above it. Lower ankle boots are a flattering choice because they sit low on the leg, creating an elongated look. Higher styles might not be the best choice if you are short, but choose the style that makes you feel your best!

Ankle boots with jeans

Any kind of ankle boots can be worn with a casual pair of blue jeans. There are a number of ways to wear ankle boots with jeans. The best fit for this look is a pair of jeans that fit mid-way down the ankle. This way, your jeans will sit either on top of or inside your boots, which is just a matter of personal choice. Jeans that are cropped too high or too long aren’t the most fabulous choice for ankle boots.

If you choose to wear skinny jeans, you can choose to roll up your jeans a bit at the ankle, or not. Roll up your jeans to create a small cuff right above your boots.

Pairing cowboy-inspired ankle boots with jeans is an ultra-casual look, or dress up your jeans with leather stiletto ankle boots.

Ankle boots with block heels

Any shoe with some height is just automatically dressier! The height of the ankle shaft and the height of the heel doesn’t matter here. Wearing high block-heeled booties with swing dresses, skirts, or shorts is an excellent choice to create the appearance of slimmer, longer legs. Lower block heels are much more of an everyday look with jeans or leggings.

Wedge ankle boots

These are a good choice while it’s still summertime. Wedges are perfect for dresses and shorts. As the temperature drops, pair wedge ankle boots with a skirt and tights or jeans.

Dressy options

The dressiest style of ankle boots is the pointed-toe stiletto. Leather or suede stiletto ankle boots can be worn for a more polished work or night-out look. Pair pointed-toe stiletto boots with a dress, skirt, or pants.

07Jun

How to Style New Outfits with Old Clothes

June 7, 2018 Melrose Fisher

A closet full of clothes and nothing to wear…if this sounds familiar, it may be that you’re in a clothing rut. Instead of shopping for an entirely new wardrobe, get inspired to shop your closet in a few simple steps. It’s super easy to incorporate fresh, new looks with the clothes you already have.

First things first, toss ill-fitting clothes. Get rid of anything in your closet that no longer looks great, is faded, or just no longer suits your style. And, when we say “get rid of” we mean, if it’s suitable to pass along, then, by all means, donate it. With what’s left in your closet, we can pair up some new styles!

Let me give you a few ideas about how you can restyle what you already own.

First, catalog what you have. Make a list or a brief rundown in your head of what you have to work with. Now, it’s time to mix it up. Take outfits you have worn over and over again and rework them. Take matching outfits apart and pair them with another piece of clothing you have never thought about pairing it with. If you always wear your skinny navy jeans with a black top, try putting navy jeans or blue pants together with a red top instead.

Another simple example would be to break apart a matched suit. Decide to wear the pants with a soft pink V-neck sweater and sneakers. Take the jacket and team it with a simple white cotton shirt and add distressed jeans. The formal suit you’ve worn out is now two refreshing casual outfits.

If you’d really like to challenge yourself to shop your closet, try it for a week. All you need to do is pull out a few outfits that you wear regularly and spice them up with different pieces from your closet. Choose those comfortable outfits that you look and feel good in, but maybe they’re becoming a bit boring after several wears. Wouldn’t it be interesting if for a week straight you stuck with this exercise and created seven “new” outfits out of your “old” clothes? Match the same old clothes with pieces you’ve never thought to try wearing together. New colors, fabrics, or unique accessories will add some excitement to your wardrobe.

A big trend right now is the graphic t-shirt. Do you think in that stack of t-shirts you already own that you have one that’s in great shape? It could be a t-shirt from a band or a musical icon or a cartoon character. It could have a message on it. If the color is great on you, try creating an outfit that mixes that cotton tee with a pencil skirt, jeans, or a black trouser. Tuck it into the bottom of your choice, add a belt and you’re good to go.

Graphic Tee Trends

With more and more casual workplace environments, you may find you’re not wearing your finer-fabric items like silk blouses. Make a new casual chic outfit by pulling out a pretty silk blouse and wearing it with a frayed denim cropped pant. Add dressy sandals or festive flats, and you’ve got a new girl’s night out outfit.

Take a closer look at your jewelry. Do you have earrings that you’ve deemed too precious to wear? I challenge you to turn them into wear-now items. Maybe you have pearls you haven’t worn in years. Create a mix of your pearls and costume jewelry. By mixing two necklaces (or more) together, they’ll fit right into a stylish, modern look.

Take another look at your special occasion pieces. Do you have a kimono or fancy jacket that you love and never wear? Take advantage of the relaxed rules about mixing dressy and casual things together. Wear one of those jackets with jeans or a simple black, gray, or taupe dress. You may surprise yourself with how great it looks!

I hope this has you looking at the items in your closet in a new way. Sometimes it’s still hard to see pieces in a different context because you’ve seen it that way for so long. But what’s hard for you is easy for me. How about I help you create ten new outfits out of things you already own? I’m here to help. Give me a call!

31May

Don’t Sweat Summer Fashion

May 31, 2018 Melrose Fisher

In hot or humid weather, it’s tricky pulling an outfit together that has the same panache that your transition from Winter to Spring outfits had. We want to look great while feeling as comfortable as we can. I’ve got some ideas to help you look stylish even when it’s hot.

Friendly fabrics to keep you cool

Fabrics that come crinkled are a good choice for hot weather. You won’t be worried about your garments wrinkling because they’re meant to. Buy these items in sizes that will grace your body instead of hug it.
Linen items come in different weights. Handkerchief linen is generally very fine. On the other scale is heavy/rustic linen with lots of texture. The hotter the weather, the lighter weight your linen should be.
When purchasing your summer wardrobe, look at the fabric content labels and choose cotton, silk, linen or blends of any of these natural fabrics. These garments won’t trap heat against your body. Avoid wearing jackets lined in polyester.
Loose knits in linen or cotton are great teamed with summer pants or maxi skirts. If the knit top is too revealing, layer the lightest weight tank underneath it.

Lean on lightweight accessories to finish your look

Featherweight scarves or shawls can add a nice light layer and bring interest to your outfits. Don’t be nervous about mixing prints. Add a light layered floral print scarf to a loose dress in horizontal stripes. Neither layer will be clingy.
Wear long, no-fuss necklaces that skim your clothing without adding any weight. Wear long lightweight chains or a lightweight pendant hanging off a leather cord.
Thin bangles in silver or gold can add shimmer and polish to your dresses, skirts, and tops, or Capris and tees. If you can tolerate it, wear Lucite or Bakelite bracelets in varied colors.
Swap out your black handbags and look for summer bags in raffia, straw, fabric, or a leather-trimmed canvas bag. Nothing kills the look of a summer outfit like a heavy looking bag.

Fashionable footwear solutions

Sneakers are still all the rage. Look for sneakers in perforated leather or canvas to create more airflow.
Peep toe sandals with sling backs will work in many casual work settings while keeping the foot cool. Avoid synthetic materials that will trap heat. If you wear leather, splurge on genuine leather and avoid faux leather. Or look for leather alternatives.
Thin, no-show socks are a must when wearing flats and slip-ons. Thin socks with shoes or even heels are also a fashionable choice. You can find socks that are mostly sheer but add interest to the feet. It’s well worth the small investment to keep your feet from getting clammy.
Try on lots of different sandals before you settle on your choices. Many strappy sandals look great but don’t offer enough support for your feet. Avoid wearing anything that makes you feel unstable. This is not the summer to get an injury.

We’re happy to help you get your summer wardrobe in order. Give your personal stylist a call and we’ll get started! Don’t have a personal stylist with Lots of Luxe, get in touch here.

Want an insider’s look at the new Fall Carlisle Collection? Showing now at the Lots of Luxe studio in Chapel Hill. Contact Melrose for a private appointment.

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