15Oct

6 Tips for Putting Together a Super Stylish Outfit

October 15, 2019 Melrose Fisher

1. Let’s Get Practical

First things first: Deciding what to wear requires a few logistical considerations. You need to think of the weather, your schedule, and activities for the day. When we dress, we want to start with practicality; so begin by asking yourself a few questions:

Is the weather predicted to be consistent all day or will you be needing to put on/take off layers? Should you wear pants and a sweater, or will pants combined with a sleeveless blouse and a cardigan be a wiser choice?

Will you have to walk long distances or stand for long periods of time? Will you be more comfortable in heels or flats?

Does your schedule call for dressy or casual clothes? Are you dressing for your workday, the weekend, or a special event?

Do any of your activities throughout the day require, or limit, particular items of clothing? Are you doing anything that could, for example, dirty your clothes, like gardening, painting, or hiking? Will you be doing any activities that would make it impractical to wear, for example, a dress or skirt?

Women who are confident and look polished all day think about these things. Don’t worry – This doesn’t have to be daunting, just remember that you want to feel comfortable, dress appropriately, and look your best!

2. Choose Comfort

Myth: Dressing for comfort means that clothing will lack style and personality and will be rather dull.

Fact: Dressing for comfort does not mean you need to walk around in something drab. Clothing should be comfortable in the sense that you feel your absolute best in what you’re wearing.

Comfort does not mean boring! Quality fabrics and proper fit should be the top criteria when considering comfort. If you don’t feel comfortable in clothing that you have to wear all day, chances are you won’t wear it. Or, even worse, you’ll get stuck wearing something that doesn’t feel quite right, which can affect your mood and really throw off your entire day.

When choosing comfort, consider your signature style. If you’re dressing true to your authentic self, then you will feel comfortable and confident in anything you put on!

3. Start With The Basics

Now that you’ve considered the external factors, start building your outfit with the basics. Your basics will be the clothing items that make up the foundation of your outfit. These are your solid starting pieces to getting dressed.

Imagine, your ‘body’ is your blank canvas and your ‘basics’ are the first layers of paint. You want to start with a good foundation, then adorn and style.

Your basics for any outfit can be examples like the following:

A casual day? T-shirt and jeans.

A day with clients? Pencil skirt and blouse.

A night out? A dressy top and black pants.

4. Jazz Up Your Basics

Now that you’ve laid the foundation of your outfit, add some flair in the way that you style the pieces that you’re wearing. Play with textures, lengths, patterns, and colors with whatever you choose to add to your outfit. Keep it functional, with your choice of layering pieces or accessories, or choose self-expression through the creativity of the pieces you select.

This might mean swapping a classic silk blouse for one that features smocked sleeves. Or, elevating a standard sweater by donning one that features a knit texture or an embellishment, like beading or embroidery. Add some flair to your typical solid-colored pants by trying a unique wrap overlay or cropped style pant, or simply opt for a printed pant.

5. Choose Your Shoes

Shoes can make or break an outfit. They can also drastically change the tone of an outfit. Think, jeans with sneakers or jeans with heels – very different vibes, right? Choose shoes that fit the practicality of your day, but also consider your mood and the style of your outfit. Some days a skirt goes better with flats and, other days, heels are needed to add that extra oomph to the same skirt.

6. Pick A Conversation Starter

You’ve created an awesome outfit! Now, to accessorize. Want to add some fun to your outfit? Choose a piece that will start a conversation. A beautiful headband, a bright necklace, or a fabulous fur scarf will surely do the trick. Some other examples are to incorporate a statement-making belt or an eye-catching handbag. Dressing to start a conversation can be a fun way to experiment with your style. Find the WOW piece that will take your ensemble to next-level style.

There you have it – Six steps to creating a stylish outfit every day.

What about the other fashion fundamentals?

If you have questions about tips for figure flattery, the best color palettes for you, or dressing to express your unique personality, I can help with that. Outfit creation is not always one–size–fits–all, pardon the pun. Every woman is unique and therefore her style is too. I am always available to help you to feel your best, and only an email away – melrose@luxenc.com.

23Sep

The Continuity of Classics: How to Build a Functional Forever Wardrobe

September 23, 2019 Melrose Fisher

“I feel like I’m constantly buying new clothes and I still feel like I have nothing to wear.”

“I typically wear the same outfits week after week.”

“I feel overwhelmed when shopping for new clothes.”

“I have so much trouble creating new, fresh outfits from what I have to choose from.”

Sound familiar?

The conundrum: a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. It’s all too common. So, how can we fix a problem like this and have plenty of clothes to choose from, shop smarter (without the dread) and always feel like we have a fresh mix of classics and on-trend clothes?

If we focus on keeping classics and adding in a few new trends each season then we can accomplish putting together a functional wardrobe that will last – timeless yet different each season.

HERE’S HOW TO GET IT DONE:

1. START WITH THE CLASSICS

Build the Basics

Classics in neutral colors will never go out of style. The bulk of your wardrobe should come from classics. This way, you always have a solid foundation of clothing to wear, no matter the trends nor the season. Pieces like button-down cotton shirts, solid-colored tank tops, little black dresses, cashmere sweaters, black slacks, and blue jeans are classics that never go out of style.

Choose a few of each of these basic pieces in neutral colors. A neutral color palette will give you the option of building a variety of outfits from just the basics. You can mix-and-match separates, layer additional pieces, and add accessories to create a variety of different outfits.

Layers on Layers

Next, focus on layers. Keep these classic and neutral too. Denim jackets, camel trenches, leather jackets, and cardigans are some good layers to add. Again, these can be added to neutral outfit basics when the weather gets cool or simply to make outfits more interesting.

Functional Shoes

Shoes can change the whole look of an outfit. Be sure to choose shoes in neutral colors that will be a functional part of your wardrobe… and lifestyle. Some basics to consider include neutral-colored pumps, casual sneakers, tall boots, flats, and sandals. Having timeless shoes on-hand will always lead to a perfect match for your classic outfit choices.

Add Accessories

Curating a collection of timeless accessories will allow you to easily match your accentuating pieces to any outfit. Accessories like classic-printed scarves, neutral-colored handbags, leather belts, and simple jewelry will add a timeless finishing touch to any look.

2. ADD IN SOME TRENDS

A wardrobe without some trends can become a tad boring. Trends elevate our outfits, giving our classic pieces that little bit of extra umph to turn them into new and interesting outfits each season.

But don’t start your shopping trip seeking out the hottest trends. If you start buying trends first, things get messy. You buy too much, you will end up with too many outdated pieces, and not everything will match. This is where wardrobe trouble starts and it is quite literally a closet full of (trendy) clothes and nothing to wear. This is why it’s important to build up a wardrobe of classics first. Once you build the foundation for your wardrobe, adding trends is simple and easy.

Trends are fun and allow you to experiment with your unique style, but they aren’t the building blocks of a functional wardrobe. So, add them as individual pieces to your classic looks, like through the use of an in-style print, a statement-making accessory, or on-trend pops of color.

If you have a closet full of basics in neutral colors that you can layer, you will always have enough to wear. Adding on-trend pieces will boost your personal style and help you to mix-and-match, creating unique looks with each new season.

Need more help?

If you aren’t sure where to start, I completely get it. You aren’t alone! Strategically building a wardrobe is some work and it can be overwhelming. This is what I do – I can help you build a working wardrobe of basics, sprinkled with season trends that fit your style. Our Carlisle and ETCETERA collections make this easy; each include both basics and seasonal trend pieces. Call or email me and we can set up an appointment that works for your schedule.

15Jul

What to Do When You Have a Closet Full of Clothes and Nothing to Wear

July 15, 2019 Melrose Fisher

A closet full of clothes and nothing to wear is something that every woman can relate to. This is a popular conundrum to have, but why? This is one of the most frustrating situations to be in when dressing for work, special occasions, or just everyday events. You know you can relate!

Typically, when we have a full closet and feel like there is nothing to put together it’s because we haven’t actually made a functional wardrobe. Making poor judgements in the fitting room or hasty decisions at checkout are a couple of reasons for a wardrobe that doesn’t work well for you.

Why isn’t your current wardrobe working for you?

You refuse to let go of old clothing
Out with the old, in with the new! If you are holding onto ill–fitting or outdated clothing, then it’s merely taking up space in your closet. If you haven’t worn a garment sometime over the last year, odds are you won’t wear it again; so, let it go.

Your clothes don’t fit properly
Don’t keep clothing that doesn’t fit, it’s not good for your wardrobe or your psyche! If the fit isn’t right, then you won’t feel comfortable in that garment and you won’t want to wear it anyway, so don’t keep it. Make way for new clothes that fit your body and make you feel comfortable and confident.

You buy things you don’t absolutely love
Sometimes we shop and buy things just so our efforts aren’t squandered. Shopping can be time-consuming, so in order to feel like it wasn’t a waste, we go home with a purchase, regardless of whether we absolutely love it or not. Clothes are meant to be loved; if you don’t love it, don’t buy it!

How can we can fix a less than desirable wardrobe?

Everything fits
When consciously building a wardrobe, instead of aimlessly buying clothes, make sure that everything fits and that everything fits well. All of the clothing in your closet should make you feel good, if it doesn’t you aren’t likely to wear it! Choose clothes that make you feel fabulous.

Define your personal style
When building your wardrobe, choose a cohesive selection of clothing that represents your individuality. Instead of choosing clothing at random every time you shop, create a wardrobe that showcases your unique style, and keep building on it.

Create your color palette
We tend to choose similar colors all of the time, so you may relate to this. Always grabbing the black clothing on the rack? Well, it’s important to know what colors suit your skin tone and hair color. There are certain colors that you may not be considering (or even avoiding) when you shop. It’s important to know what colors suit you and to start integrating them into your wardrobe.

Everything complements your lifestyle
Do you tend to buy things on trend? Sometimes we buy trendy pieces of clothing or clothing that looks great on a friend only to find ourselves scarcely wearing it. Buy clothing that fits your body type and lifestyle, or else your closet will be filled with rarely worn clothing. Define what fits your daily needs – whether it be comfort, function, or style – and build your wardrobe based on those criteria. Your aim is to have a functioning wardrobe that you love, so embrace the kind of clothing you need for everyday wear.

Create easy outfit combinations
When you have created a wardrobe of items that look great and feel great, creating outfits will be much easier. If you’ve chosen the colors that flatter you, everything fits as it should, and all of the garments reflect your personal fashion and lifestyle, dressing is easy.

Need some help building your new wardrobe?

Creating a wardrobe that works for you can be a bit intimidating or even overwhelming. Maybe you aren’t even sure where to start! That’s where I come in – I’m here to help you with donation decisions (see: wardrobe auditing), understanding your personal color palette, and determining which garments will fit your lifestyle. Together we can work on perfecting your wardrobe!

12Jun

5 Items You Need In Your Closet

June 12, 2019 Melrose Fisher

There are certain items every woman should have in her closet to make getting dressed and looking stylish effortless. We’re not talking about the essential wardrobe pieces or fashion basics (you can read more about that here) but, the items that you wish you had when there’s a last minute issue when dressing.

These are the items that are going to help fix an unexpected fashion blooper. These simple tools will help save the day when you’re needing to rush out the door or quickly find the ‘right’ outfit in your closet. When you don’t have time to perfect your look, having these resources on hand will make it quick and easy to do so.

Review these 5 items and you’ll agree that you most definitely need to have them in your closet.

1. Steamer

Many of us own an iron and an ironing board but many of us also view ironing as one of our most dreaded chores. It’s a bulky setup and it’s time-consuming. We also have the option to use a dry-cleaning service but that can get costly and also adds a stop on our never-ending list of errands to run. Yet no one wants to be walking around in wrinkled clothing! A steamer is the perfect solution – it’s fast, easy, and effective! A steamer heats up quickly and is ready to go to work as soon as you put your garment on the hanger. Using this wrinkle-freeing process also makes it easier to get those hard-to-reach spots and can be used on virtually any fabric. By the time it takes to set up your ironing board and heat up your iron you could already be done steaming your garment. Save yourself time and energy by investing in a steamer; prices start as low as $20 for a portable travel-size steamer and can also be very affordable for a full-size model.

2. Fashion Tape

Also known as wardrobe, lingerie, or dress tape, double-stick fashion tape is a small, affordable fashion “must have”. You may even be surprised to learn of its many uses. Fashion tape allows you to quickly secure an unraveling hem or a floppy jacket lapel. It can be used to keep clothing items in place, such as preventing a plunging neckline or gaps between blouse buttons from revealing ‘too much’. And it can also be used to keep finicky bra straps from slipping off your shoulders. This little fashion accessory is a miracle worker and a true lifesaver when you’re in a sticky situation as you’re on your way out the door or into a power meeting! For around the same price as a glass of wine, you’ll be glad you purchased this handy fashion saver.

3. Snag Repair Tool

A proper snag repair tool will have you believing in magic! How many items of clothing have become ruined due to snags and pilling? A snag repair tool is simply a precision tool that repairs knitted and woven garments quickly and easily. This teeny tiny useful tool will bring new life to garments new and old that have had a bad run in with a snag! As the cheapest and smallest fashion necessity you’ll have in your closet, you may even want to keep one in your purse, car, or office desk.

4. Foam Deodorant Remover

A major fashion faux pas that many of us deal with often is deodorant stains. There’s nothing more annoying than being dressed and ready to walk out the door only to notice white marks smeared across your outfit. This frustrating occurrence can easily be fixed by briskly rubbing the sponge over the smudge, no water needed! When you’re in the car on the way to work or an event and you’ve just realized you have a deodorant stain, this tool comes in handy to keep nearby when a washcloth and water aren’t available. These fashion savers are also great for removing makeup residue from your clothing.

5. Sewing Kit

The most basic essential item for clothing repair is a simple sewing kit. Some of us own sewing machines, which can be a great thing to have! But many of us need to rely on the quick, old-school method of hand sewing. We’ve all found ourselves with at least one of these common problems: a loose or missing button; an unraveling hem; a pair of pants in need of a hemming; a blouse strap that needs to be shortened; a waistband that needs to be tightened. These minor fashion fixes probably occur more often than you put in the time to repair them. Keeping a small sewing kit on hand provides you with all the items needed to conveniently fix these issues.

Are you familiar with any of these items? You may already own one or two of them. Are there any that you haven’t thought of or didn’t even know existed? Trust us, these fashion-saving items will make your life so much easier! You can practically purchase all these items for less than you’re likely to spend on lunch today and they’re all available at many popular retailers and online for easy ordering. They’ll help you time and time again and they’re convenient for keeping at home, in the car, or when you’re traveling. Be sure to add these items to your closet and you’ll find that they’ll save you time, energy, and headaches in the future. Tell us – What’s in your closet that you can’t live without??

29May

Why You Should Establish Your Own Signature Style

May 29, 2019 Melrose Fisher

What do some of the most powerful people in the world have in common? From the founders of tech companies, to celebrities, to political figures, some of the most influential people in the world define and maintain their own signature style.

Johnny Cash wore black. His signature style was summed up in his words as, “rebellion against the status quo.”

Steve Jobs is well-known for wearing his standard uniform consisting simply of a black turtleneck and jeans.

Albert Einstein wore gray suits. He didn’t want to waste “brain power” on deciding what to wear each day.

A pioneer of androgynous style, Marlene Dietrich is famously known for her penchant for menswear.

When you hear the name Jackie O, you immediately picture the chicly dressed former First Lady, most notably seen in her signature pillbox hats and boxy Chanel suits.

No matter your profession or lifestyle, creating and maintaining a signature style can make a lasting impact, from basic functionality to self–expression.

Developing a signature style can be the hallmark of your individuality.

What you wear can become your personal brand. A signature style can be an empowering way to step into your authentic truth. Almost every fashion icon in history has created a recognizable signature style, from Audrey Hepburn to Madonna. But, you don’t have to be a style icon to have a signature style. You can set yourself apart from others. You can be a memorable person in the industry you work in. Clothing should be a way to express yourself, first and foremost. Creating a signature style makes you appear more confident in the eyes of others, too.

Your reputation comes from repetition.

Creating a signature style doesn’t have to mean wearing the same thing every day, nor does it mean always wearing a bold, over the top outfit. The key is consistency. It can be a certain color, style of clothing, or signature accessory. Not only does this consistency create your signature style, but it also has many practical applications. Consistency in your wardrobe makes shopping and dressing easier! How wonderful would it be to have a clear idea of what you need to buy and always know that you can effortlessly create stunning outfits?

You can shop smarter.

Have you heard of the 80/20 rule? We typically wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time. Not only does this mean we buy things we rarely wear, but it also means that our daily outfit choices get stagnant. If you choose to create and maintain a signature style, you will likely wear more of the clothes in your closet, and you will be able to match more outfits together in an aesthetically pleasing way. You will choose the best quality every time, because you know you can invest in pieces that you will wear long term. There will be no room for poorly fitting clothes. When you shop with your personal style in mind, you will only choose pieces that fit your lifestyle, flatter your body, and make you feel confident.

The Final Word on Creating a Signature Style

Need some assistance? If creating a signature look sounds fantastic but seems like a daunting task, then I can help. Together we can refine your personal style into something that will work for you. We can work on keeping everything that fits your personal style and getting rid of anything that dilutes it. Set yourself apart from the rest, simplify your life, and step into your authentic self. Call or email me to set up an appointment at your convenience.

03May

Building a Closet with a Sturdy Base

May 3, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Figuratively speaking, of course. Although we love a good DIY project, we’re here to help you renovate your wardrobe, not your house! While trends come and go, there are some wardrobe essentials that could last a lifetime. Having a few neutral staples in your closet sets the foundation for a classic wardrobe.

Here are 5 pieces we recommend to make getting dressed easy and effortless:

1. Fitted Camisole

A camisole in a neutral color can serve many purposes. It can be the base piece in a layered look, under an embellished jacket or cardigan. It can be a modesty layer under a sheer blouse. And, done in a fabric with some stretch, it can also double as shapewear to help smooth things out under a fitted dress or tunic, for example.

2. Your Favorite White Blouse

This should be the piece that, when you ‘have nothing to wear,’ you can always turn to your favorite white blouse. Classic, yet chic, a crisp white blouse can be worn sleeves-rolled and paired with jeans for a casual look, dressed up with a skirt and heels for cocktails, or ready for a board meeting with slacks and a blazer.

3. Light Cardigan

A light cardigan can help you transition from the summer heat to the blasting a/c indoors, or from heated rooms to the lower temps brought in by the colder months. You know- that ‘chill’ that you get from being in the cold; it’s hard to shake and often lingers throughout the day. A light cardigan is easy to throw in your bag or have handy in your car so you can pull it out and put it on whenever you feel that chill coming on.

4. LKD – “Little Knit Dress”

We’ve all heard of the “Little Black Dress” but a “Little Knit Dress” can be just as valuable, if not more so! A knit dress is perfect for virtually any occasion. Worn with flats and a ponytail, your little knit dress will take you out for a day of shopping, running errands around town, or brunch with the girls. And, paired with heels and fabulous jewelry, a little knit dress can be made appropriate for the office, after-work drinks, or your weekend dinner date.

5. White Denim

You may already have a pair of classic blue jeans in your closet, but have you considered what white denim can do for you? White denim jeans are classic, yet chic. They can be dressed up or dressed down when paired with the right blouse, shoe, and jewelry. And, remember your mom’s rule, “No white until Memorial Day” – Consider that old-fashioned because the runways have loved seeing white denim worn all year round!

If you’re unsure of where to begin when putting together the ‘essentials’ for your closet, the pieces above are a good starting point. And, you should notice a theme when looking at the pieces we’ve shown here. The key to building a ‘sturdy’ foundation for your closet is to choose pieces in neutral colors. Keeping your basics ‘basic’ will ensure you get a longer life out of each piece. If you need further help or would like our suggestions, send us a message and we’ll make sure you have everything you need to create a wardrobe with a timeless foundation.

17Apr

5 Reasons Why You Need to Understand Your Unique Body Type

April 17, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Clothing trends change rapidly and it can be tempting to wear a new trend. The question you need to ask yourself is, “How will it look on me?” Perhaps one of the reasons why trends come and go so easily is because not everyone benefits from wearing them.

We’ve all had that moment when we see a new clothing trend in a magazine or on another woman and think how fantastic it looks. Admiring a trend and trying it for ourselves is a huge hit or miss and, inevitably, not all trends flatter everyone. Finding something that you love on the clothing rack but then loathe on yourself is disappointing. So, what can we do to totally avoid that disheartening dressing room moment?

The answer is: Know your body.

Bodies come in all shapes and sizes; every woman is unique. You can find the shape that closely matches your own with “The Foolproof Way to Find Out Your Real Body Type”. By identifying your body type, you can then read on to learn what types of clothing to choose and what styles to leave behind.

Here are the 5 Reasons Why You Need to Understand your Unique Body Type:

1. You will always look your absolute best

Knowing how to make your body look horizontally and vertically proportioned will flatter your body type. Each outfit will be balanced, perfectly fitting, and virtually made for you. You can forget about feeling uncomfortable, looking bad in photos, or worrying that you don’t look fabulous.

2. Play up your assets

Certain clothing can emphasize the body parts you love. By simply knowing which styles match your body shape, you can highlight the curves you feel good about. Examples include hourglass–shaped women wearing waist–cinching styles to emphasize their curves, or apple-shaped women showing off their legs.

3. Minimize your flaws

We spend a lot of time trying to hide our flaws, but it gets much easier when we buy clothes that automatically flatter us. One extra perk is that you won’t be creating flaws by wearing the wrong things. Wearing the right pieces can balance out your body by highlighting the good and minimizing the bad.

4. Create outfits with ease

You will be able to easily decipher lengths, cuts, and styles that fit you best. Shopping will be much easier and, if you hate online shopping, it will become less stressful. You’ll save time and money by knowing what’s right for you and leaving all of the rest. Shop by style when you know the go-to pieces that make your body look great.

5. You can build a killer wardrobe

Out with the old and in with the new and flattering! Much of our wardrobe typically can go neglected while we stick with the pieces we’re comfortable with. If you create a wardrobe based on your body type, you can never go wrong.

Still need some help?

If this is all too complicated and you still feel like you need some help with dressing for your body type, that is what I am here for. The most effective way to understand your body type is to take measurements and help from a Personal Stylist. As always, I am available when you have questions or you want to make an appointment.

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.

12Mar

10 Ideas to Easily Transition Your Wardrobe From Winter to Spring

March 12, 2019 Melrose Fisher

It’s that time of year again – those few weeks between the chilly winter weather and the soon–to–be budding springtime. Dressing for this time of year, or in between any of the seasons for that matter, can be tough.

I’ve created 10 tips to help you transition from winter to spring with ease! The weather might not be predictable, but I can show you how you can work around it while looking flawless no matter the weather.

1. Wear Scarves

There’s still a chill in the air and scarves are great accessory for 2 reasons: they’re fashionable and they’re functional. All you have to do to make your outfit more spring–forward is to add an eye–catching scarf. Try stripes, floral prints, or checked prints in lightweight wool.

2. Choose White

It’s time to add lightness to traditionally dark winter clothing! Adding a pop of white to any outfit brings light to it and it’s super easy to incorporate into your winter wardrobe. Pull out your white blouses and start wearing them more often. Add a necklace with some luster or sparkle and you’ve pulled together a perfect winter to spring look.

3. Show Some Ankle

Jeans are a favorite for any season. When the weather is still cool but slowly warming up, roll up your jeans or choose a cropped length to show some skin. Pair jeans with sandals, sneakers, or pumps.

4. Add Colorful Accessories

It’s time to add a pop of color to your winter wardrobe. A colorful accessory like a bright moto jacket or anorak or a bold bag can instantly transform dark clothing.

5. Denim Jackets

Ditch your heavy coat for a lighter jean jacket for an added spring vibe. Denim is versatile, looks great, and adds a layer for warmth.

6. Lighter Knits

When it’s chilly but you still want to look season-appropriate in spring, reach into your stash of lighter-colored, finer-weight wool sweaters. You can also swap out pants for skirts to wear with light–weight sweaters.

7. Transitional Footwear

Booties and mules are great for winter–spring transition. Show a bit of skin or pair them with nude fishnets or lighter colored tights. Perforated, lighter-colored booties are a great fashion catch if you can find them.

8. Wear Layers

Layering is multi–functional because it looks great and it will help keep you warm when the temperature is still low. When wearing loose knits, layer a tank underneath in silk or polyester. The tank will cut the winter chill that could still be lingering in the air.

9. Put on a Poncho

Ponchos, capes, wraps, or shawls are transitional must-haves. They’re warm, stylish, and they are made for in–between weather. Heading into spring, choose a wrap in a pastel color – baby blue, blush pink, or mint green. Or if you prefer neutrals, look for one in sand or dove gray.

10. Trench Coats

Trench coats are a perfect transitional piece since they are more lightweight than heavy winter coats, yet still provide protection from the elements. Instead of black, go for classic tan or white, or introduce trenches in fresh, unexpected colors or patterns. Checked or striped trenches are also perfect for spring.

Transitional seasons can hang on longer than we’d like. Call me at (919) 819-9054 for a styling session. I’ll pull pieces from your closet to make outfits that look like spring but feel warm enough to wear if winter is lingering. We could also do some shopping to get your wardrobe working all year round. I’m eager to help!

20Feb

Spring 2019 Fashion Trends

February 20, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Spring is an especially celebrated season for many reasons, including in the fashion industry. Spring is a time for new beginnings and for warming up after a long winter. So, in the spirit of spring, here are the trends from Carlisle and ETCETERA for this year’s upcoming season.

Natural Neutrals

In the spring of 2009, Vogue said, “Fashion’s strength this season comes from its quiet authority; dress softly and carry a leopard-spot purse.” Neutrals were big that year and, although neutrals have never left us, they are big again this spring. Neutrals come in all shades of beige: camel, cinnamon, coffee, and chestnut. Earthly neutrals are the perfect basics for building your spring wardrobe. Head-to-toe neutrals are a trendy way to wear a luxe monochrome look. Feel free to add pops of color to neutrals if that’s your thing. Neutrals provide us with plenty of options. Natural colors are graceful and elegant, and they can be easily styled.

Bold Brights

On the flip side of spring’s neutrals, comes spring’s brightest colors. Vibrant shades can enliven your wardrobe whether you choose brights for the office or casual wear. The shades of this season’s brightest colors include taffy, persimmon and all shades in between. Office style gets more than a pop of color this spring. Don’t be afraid to mix spring’s brightest shades for a fun, fabulous look. Color blocking is in style this spring season, and many styles of color blocking are using either bold brights or sandy neutrals–or both for a fresh look.

Fresh Florals

Florals are an absolute spring classic! Florals are far from new, but they are feminine, whimsical, and flirty. Nothing lightens up a wardrobe quite like fun florals. Wearing florals can be casual and light or even dressed up for the office. This year, spring’s blooms come in prints, lace, appliques, and embroidery. If florals aren’t typically your style, try black florals for a more demure look. Edgy black florals are a glamorous way to add flowers to your wardrobe.

Beyond Beige

The season’s new neutrals come in a plethora of earthy shades in a spectrum that flirts with yellow, grey and brown. Neutrals are incredibly easy to work with, especially when adding to your wardrobe. Neutrals can be easily added to build a number of different outfits to choose from.

Think Pink

This spring delivers exciting shades of pink ranging from pale blush to hot fuchsia. Blush is one of the universally flattering colors because, regardless of your skin tone, blush flatters everyone! Wear your favorite shades of pink as solids, stripes, ombre, color blocks, and more. Spring has never looked so bright!

Neutral Ground

Black and white is a classic combination that always delivers. Go graphic this season with a myriad of ways to mix black and white. The elegant and dramatic opposite shades provide a canvas to add to. Black and white clothing comes in color blocks, stripes, solids, and even stunning python. Add a bright scarf or blazer to black and white to automatically upgrade the look.

Bright Lines

This season’s lines go beyond simple stripes, playing with texture and tones for modern twists on a classic. A new take on pinstripes is chic for the office and is a great way to add texture and something new to your wardrobe. Stripes are an easy way to make any outfit a little bolder.

Need A Fresh Spring Makeover?

I’m here to help! If you need a styling consultation to renew and refresh your wardrobe for spring or are in a dilemma with what to wear for a special occasion, it would be my pleasure to help you decipher what you need. Wardrobe styling and shopping when you aren’t sure what exactly you need can be overwhelming and frustrating, but I can take the confusion out of it.

If you’re ready to take your wardrobe to the next level, organize, fill–in, and revitalize your closet, give me a call! Or, get in touch here.

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