Words of Style

Break out, get going experiment! Style is not a rut, it's a constant evolving flow of artistic expression & invention, jump in...and bring as much jewelry as you can.

Back to Basics

Let's talk basics, shall we? If I told you there was a magic little number of pieces to keep in your wardrobe would you believe me? If I said that having these specific items in your closet would solve all your morning hassle of getting ready would you listen? If I told you keeping 14 pairs of underwear and throwing out the rest of them could solve your clutter problems would you laugh? I would.


This amazing Economy fall, yes that's right I said amazing, has really brought back a perspective of living without. An understanding of what living on 'basics' truly means, and has re-taught quite a lot of us to regroup and refocus on what is important in life.


Although you probably weren't expecting to hear that on a STYLE blog, none the less it is true, that said, it hasn't stopped us from craving self-expression, but only redirected it. It hasn't stopped women from shopping on lunch breaks or while meeting up with their girlfriends; it's only made us aware of price tags. It hasn't stopped us from wanting more just more understanding of what more should look like, and teaching us self control (well some of us).

Truth is WOMEN are WOMEN, the magic number you carry in your wardrobe depends on you as an individual, who you are, what you do, where you live, how you spend your time. There are some specific items that if kept in the closet, and utilized well CAN solve some morning hassle, and well sure if you kept 14 pairs of underwear that drawer would probably close easier, but for some I can imagine you’d run out of clean underwear pretty often. (Disgusted? The truth is disgusting at times.)

So let me offer some help to some of you who have what you need, but don't use it, and others who can't figure out what you need and keep losing. Losing your money, mind, and patience in front of the mirror ever day.

 Let me introduce to you, the basic white tee! GASP! Okay I know you've already been introduced, but seriously how many times a week do the two of you have an encounter, not enough. I understand if you want to tell me you're not a 'white' kind of girl, I do have breaking news there is a cousin yes, a cousin the basic black tee, YIPPIE! Often we get so caught up with trying to wear fashion we let fashion wear us. Style is what should be the day to day goal, personal style while we're at it, nothing says, "I've got Style", more then someone who can confidently wear a white tee and look good doing it. White is in, but when did it really ever leave? If I only had two choices of items to have in my closet, it would be a great fitting white tee, and then a toss-up between my black stilettos and favorite jeans. White tees can be integrated into any wardrobe, style or trend. So take a deep breath and be excited! You probably have a gazillion outfits in your wardrobe right now that you are probably not making good use of, but hey you will be soon.

 

Designs & Logos are a little dated, no more walking around like a human billboard or searching for something to match the t-shirt design for 20 minutes. The time has come to embrace basics and the freedom that comes with it. Classic Clothing is what our closets are being restored with.


The white tee is something hopefully every girl has in her closet, and personally I can't get enough basics and classic staples. As I mentioned earlier, the 'white tee' has a cousin and now I'd like to introduce you to her sister, the white collared tee. White collared tee is often looked at as something you only wear to the office or boardroom meeting, but this casual little pleasure can take any outfit from plain to casual and beautiful with ease. When looking for basic white tees, collared or not, look for great details like pockets, buttons, and stitching, as all these add up for extra style points. Check out some of these casual great outfits with the 'basic tee'.

And here are a couple recipes for Insta Style to show you all how it's done….

 Gorgeously done…And all while keeping it ultra simple.

And for my girls who are all about embracing basics and just can't quite bring themselves to diving into white, yet.

For many of you this might have been just what was needed to reinvent your wardrobe with key pieces you already have, I know it was for me. For others this may have been a way to figure out just how to put together some key looks you've been dishing on. Whatever the outcome, we can all agree the trends of the basics are awesome! Time saving and money saving, yippie! Most importantly have fun and spice it up to be your own, don't forget accessories!




Peace & Love,

Melinda Kristine

Ps. This week I'll be updating with 7 days of the White Tee, showing how classic and timeless pieces are never outdated.

Take Winter to Spring in 2011

This time of year I always itch to bring out my brighter colors and spring dresses. The sun comes out to play little by little teasing and taunting. I catch that glimpse of sunlight and hold onto dear hope that I can get out there and declare SPRING through my wardrobe, but a last it is still winter and the daylight runs short, clouds still hug to the sun, and even with the short glimpses of sunlight the days still feel stiff and often chill. I often make the mistake of grabbing my sandals to soon, bearing those ghostly snow white feet, bringing discomfort upon myself. I weigh the options of dresses and shorts, do I dare. Why should the weather decide for me, I constantly ask myself staring out at the sky, who cares what it looks like, I declare to myself, feeling liberated I boast to myself; I am a girl who does not play by the rules, I'll wear whatever I gosh darn want! Sheesh, haven’t I already worn these dreary winter clothes long enough! 10 weeks into this California winter and I’m ready to embrace change and all the NEW 2011 Spring Trends! And then that's when I catch myself thinking of how uncomfortable one can become when it's 55 degrees out and your wearing a spring dress and cute little sandals with nothing but sunglasses on your head to keep you warm, it's then I sigh, take a deep breath and yell out, "Dad! What's the weather look like out there?" "I wanna make sure I dress right?" ....oomph, do I hear myself, I wanna dress 'right', what kinda term is that? As I over analyze myself for a moment, I take this to mean, I don't wanna run around in shorts and wedges having people look at me like I'm crazy, or I guess I'll settle for warm clothes because I'm becoming dull and just want to be comfortable. You can see how a girl who is ready for spring, would have quite the time preparing myself for the world as I get ready to leave the house. Well I'm not a girl who settles (not when it comes to compromising over outfits and style anyway) so this is the time of year I like to get real creative in putting myself and others together. As a friend once shared, to be great you don't think out of the box, you think as though there is no box! So with that said I began to throw open my drawers, closet doors, boxed up spring clothing, and my wallet, to dive in and get working on my Sprinter or Winning 2011 look, and to share with all the other Spring & Summer hopefuls you too can have your cake and eat it too!

This spring Rag N' Bone hit NY's fashion week with a stir. Layering jeans and pants with dresses, coats, and scarves. Score! This is definitely a Winning look for 2011. We all don't have the cash to throw down on a new wardrobe, so this is an exciting way to reinvent what you already own.





News Flash: This layering effect of dress and pant can be done in such a way that it's flattering on just about all figures.



If your short and curvy, try a tunic rather than a dress which should hit right below the back bottom pockets of your pants, try a skinny jean and tuck into a heeled boot.

For all heights layer with Everyday Cardigans and coats, experiment with lengths and layers and always remember to accessories, these are what we use to express personal style. The watch, hat, or size rings you wear are what people identify your personal style by, so don't leave home without  them.

This example brings me to my next crossover season trend, OTK!!! Translation: Over The Knee Boots (Insert Squeal here) I love the OTK trend, and how much you can do with them. Take your ordinary mundane outfits and PRESTO live in them up. These babies can be worn with dresses and tights to go from winter to spring, layer with thick coats for chilly days and lighter worn sweaters for higher temps. Pair them up with a matching jacket same shade and fabric and it's an excuse not to have to match everything that sits in between, just grab clothing that fits well, and it's like instant Style, Whaa-Bam!

I personally prefer my OTKs to sit on a 5 inch Stiletto heel, but your girl’s 5'3" and has been rocking the heels since 15 so my stiletto skills are polished. You'll find what works for you. If you’re looking to invest, which I encourage, grab a pair with a wedge or heel, they are slightly dressier and you will feel more comfortable wearing them in other seasons than just winter & fall. In case you don't already know BE SURE to try them on & walk around. OTKs are a little tricky, the whole leg has to fit, not just the shoe size.



Here is Kim Kardashian in her OTKs, wearing them by day.



And now taking this trend by night.

Lastly for this ‘Sprinter’ Update, what is style without some true kick and punch? My fav look from Summer to Fall and now from Winter to Spring is drum roll please....dunta dunta duhhh... leggings and shorts, what's not to love? It's off beat, a little hipster sure, a little scene maybe? But all in all I love this look because the only ones BOLD enough to rock it, get it right, my newest eye catching variation of this look is shorts with knee highs & oxfords, or knee high sox over leggings and combat boots for colder days. This style carries a one-two like no other trend I've spotted this ‘Sprinter’, and I love how soft and hard you can make it, which means it's yours to play with, if you've got what it takes: creativity and a whole lot of courage.

Well that about wraps it up...keep your style soulful and polished.

Peace & Love,

Melinda Kristine