Time to Accessorize
November 2, 2009
Now that we are firmly within the Fall season and soon to be in Holiday times, it is important to think about accessories. With the tough economic times, we need to reinvent some of the wardrobe, and when black is so fashionable… accessories are the easiest way to take last years look and turn it to this years trend.
The accessories of choice this season are unquestionably jewelry. Most often a necklace and second place goes to the bracelet, most often a bangle. Earrings are taking a back seat to larger necklaces and pins takes their usual far behind favor to bracelets, although it is hard to lose if choose any of the options.
A pointer on how to achieve a memorable look will be one question, ”Is it too much ?” If you have to ask, start subtracting immediately. If you wear an important necklace, there is no need to wear “important” earrings and an arm load of bangles. Choose one and then reduce or eliminate the other components. My choice is to keep the necklace as it is the one “thing” that can transform a look from finished to fabulous with the “closing of a clasp.”
Keep in mind that there were accessories of all categories during the Fall and next Spring collections which included gloves and belts as well, neither of which is an accessory for everyone, so it is your choice to pull together your look. And please don’t forget LEOPARD, you even saw the first lady wear albeit for Halloween, but rest assured that was no cheapy set.
I spent a great deal of time researching “the accessory of choice” and here thanks to Shopbop, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Miriam Haskell, Henri Bendel, Net a Porter, and D&G is what I found. Always keep in mind “it’s a look!”
Dear Oligo Editor: How Do I Layer Without Looking Crazy?
November 20, 2008
Dear Oligo Editor,
Every time I try to layer my clothes I end up looking like a crack-head. I pair my hippie skirts with my work blazers or my plaid flannel under my polka-dot dress. I resemble Cheerios mixed with cream of mushroom soup—not cute. How can I pull off this layering trend without looking like a nut-job?—Cracked-Out in Colorado
Dear Cracked-Out,
Put down the pipe—and you’re footless lace tights—down, help is here!
The best thing about learning to layer is that you can click refresh on your wardrobe’s browser without spending any dough. Another fabulous benefit of becoming a layering-queen (or king) is that your clothes are no longer season specific. (Personally, I’m a layering empress!) First of all, you must understand that layering does not mean wearing two trends at the same time—that’s just unacceptable. When layering your clothes, stick to one trend, look, and concept. Also beware of a tendency to go overboard and end up looking over-clothed.
A great place to start is to take a long sleeve shirt and wear it under a tank top or t-shirt. Stick to the same color scheme, or wear complementary colors. Feel free to mix and match prints with solids. Then, throw a sweater or cardigan over your tops. Wrap a brightly colored scarf or shawl around your neck. Stick to some neutral bottoms like jeans or cords and you’re look is complete. Also, let your layers peek out a bit by pulling the long-sleeves of your shirt out under your cardigan.
I also love wearing collared or long sleeved shirts and blouses under dresses. They make a summer dress fall friendly. Create a layered look on the bottom half by wearing tights, leggings, or stockings in boots. It’s also fun to stick some skinny jeans in your boots for a euro-chic take on a layered look. Lastly, remember to never wear something baggy under something tight, a novice-layering faux pas.
Essential Items:
- Basic T-shirts and long sleeved shirts
- Blouses
- Solid color sweaters
- Cardigans
- Printed, colorful scarves
- Shawls
- Knee-length dresses
- Tights and stockings
- Knee-hitting socks
- Leggings
- Denim (jeans, skirts, shorts, jackets)
- Classic boots
- Casual flats
Once you open your mind to layering, you will open your wardrobe to infinite possibilities.
Photos courtesy of our Flickr Trendsters
Closet Remix: Fabulous Fall Finds Under $50
October 23, 2008
With Fall’s arrival, life as we knew it has been fall-ing down. We’re unemployed, broke, without a 401K, and stuck trying to make our summer wardrobe Fall-friendly. Enough is enough! (I adamantly declare.) I’m going to wipe my fall-ing tears, not think about my fall-ing stocks, and hit the stores. I’m boycotting high-priced boutiques and costly designers. I’m only purchasing recession-friendly, yet extraordinary fall items. Take that one-two punch Uncle Sam, all the trendsters are going shopping!
$29.95
Anya Hindmarch for Target Medium Satchel in Black, Chocolate, and Gold
$44.99
Gabrielle Rocha Graffiti-Z Wellies from Zappos.com
$45.00
Forever Twenty-One’s Rita Crochet Cardigan
$32.80
Gap Cascading Ruffle Polka Dot Shirt
$48.00
Nordstrom Placed Cable Cashmere Gloves
$48.00
Vertical Jagged Striped Tights
$15.00
New York & Company City Style Leopard Dress
$21.90
Urban Outfitters V Pointelle Beret
$24.00
Anthropologie Leafy Barrettes
$4.95
