Tagged: Fashion Tips

Thrifty Fashion: Where’s the Lining?

I love thrifting. There are essentials when it comes to finding great fashion on the thrift store run.

The presence or absence of lining makes a world of difference when it comes to skirts, dresses, jackets and blazers. I have a habit of looking inside the garment to check for lining.

Lining offers quality, smoothness and convenience. When given a choice, I go for the piece with the lining versus the one without.

Purpose of Lining

1. Built-in Slip

When it comes to skirts and dresses, lining functions as a built-in slip. This is definitely a convenience and the most obvious purpose of lining. If the skirt or dress is a bit see-through or you want a smoother fit, you don’t have to run around for the appropriate color and length of slip.

2. Protects the Fabric & Body

Lining—even in children’s clothes—provides a layer between the fabric and body, creating durability. Lining protects the fabric against friction and moisture from the body.

Some fabrics irritate the skin. Lining protects the body from irritation from fabric, such as wool.

3. Adds Warmth

Interlining and removable lining in jackets, coats and rain coats add warmth.

4. Polishes the Finished Product

Lining is great for hiding unsightly seams and thread. Lining polishes the finished product and adds a wow factor. It takes additional time to add lining.

6. Lining is Fashionable

Have you seen a jacket or blazer with an awesome patterned lining? This creates contrast and makes the piece more fashionable. I even dare to say, luxurious.

Thrifty Fashion Finds

I found two nice skirts with lining on my most recent thrifting run. The wool-nylon blend Brooks Brothers skirt and khaki Banana Republic skirt was $3.99 each.

I took pics of the skirts to show the lining.

thrifty-fashion_wheres-the-lining

‘Get Glammed’ With Brooches

These are not your grandmother’s brooches. Okay, maybe they are. Vintage is nice. Whether timeless treasures, hot off the costume jewelry display, from your craft corner or high–end jewelry boutique, you can get glammed with brooches.

 

I’m a fan of denim jackets and vests. (Can you tell by the sets I design?) I like to go glam with a nice brooch every now and then. It adds great contrast—the casualness of the denim adorned with an elegant statement piece—the brooch. There are so many designs to choose from, although I’m more of the sparkle type.

Hold the Sparkle

Maybe you don’t like rhinestones or diamonds. If you’re not a fan of the glitz and glam, you can always opt for a resin brooch, go geek chic, err on the side of “artsy couture” or pick up a classic piece like this vintage Chanel stag brooch.

 

 

Set of three resin brooches
Set of three resin brooches

A Wee Bit of Sparkle

Some ladies want a little sparkle without feeling overpowered by it. A wee bit of sparkle is for you.

Shirt and Tie Brooch

More Style Ideas

Trust me when I say brooches are not limited to jackets and tops. Pin one on a sash, your boots, or go all out and make a brooch bouquet.

Source: lavenderandash.blogspot.co.uk via Model Me Girl on Pinterest

Are you inspired to get glammed with brooches?

 

 

Boots to Wear: It’s Time to Choose Yours

With the official first day of winter just four days away, many of us have an important fashion question in mind—What kind of boots to wear? I love wearing boots but sometimes I even skip buying them, and think that winter is here for a short time. Why invest in boots when I already have a pair with me? But I have changed the way I think and I feel. Wearing boots is a must in winter and it will be unfair to your wardrobe, style and yourself if you don’t invest in at least one pair of great boots for this season. There is a variety of boots available in stores—from casual to formal, to leather and warm woolen boots.

 

When it comes to winter boots for women, there are thousands of different boots. Women  can choose among many styles, fabrics and type of heel they prefer. There are no limits.

Long Boots

Carlos by Carlos Santana at ShopStyle

 

You can choose long boots, which are the most popular. Long winter boots are easy to wear and the perfect winter footwear. You don’t get snow in them and they keep you warm from the freezing cold. Long boots are made of fur, leather, suede and man-made materials. Long boots often go up to and over your knees. Although high heels are not the most functional winter boots, you can get winter boots with different heels to match your style and personality.

Flat Winter Boots

I personally think flat winter boots are the most versatile ones to go with any outfit. They look super chic. Suede boots for women can suit casual wear, as well as formal wear. They can be a comfortable and easy fit. Suede boots are available for different dresses in different designs and patterns like ankle-length suede boots, knee-length suede boots and thigh-high suede boots. You can also get variations in size and style of toes—square, pointy, round—and heel of suede boots for women.

 

Knee-High Boots

The knee-high boots for women can be worn with dresses and skirts, such as with a short or mid-length skirt worn with stockings or leggings. They come in many colors as well as designs and patterns. They can be made of materials like synthetic rubber, polyvinyl carbonate or from pure leather. These boots can also be given a party look by making them glossy, shiny or sparkly.

I am definitely going to buy some cool and designer boots for myself. What about you? I am also buying some woolen and warm boots for my casual and chilly winter.

Coldwater Creek at ShopStyle

 

Author’s Bio: Suzy Walsh is a fashion blogger and style expert with ‘The House of Elegance Fashion’. She is one of the most prominent and active online fashion bloggers and has a huge fan following in varied parts of the globe that believe in her style statements and stick to her for advice.

Modest Style Ideas: Denim Jackets/Shirts With Dresses & Skirts

What’s not to love about a great denim jacket or shirt? Both are wonderful additions to any outfit. Full, pleated, or glitter skirt; Bohemian or Maxi style dress—your options are endless.

There are so many denim jacket, shirts, and one of my favorites—vests—to suit you. Your denim piece can come in many styles and cuts. Cropped, fitted, studs, rhinestones, elbow length, frayed, light, dark, ruched sleeves, and a multitude of embellishments and stitching add personality.

 

 

Source: kristinakh.com via ModelMeGirl on Pinterest

 

Farfetch Guest Post: The Party Dress Guide

With parties, banquets and galas looming ever closer, we’re faced with the ultimate dilemma of what to wear—Formal? Informal? Black tie? Who knows?! Luckily we’re on hand to help. We’ve put together a little guide of what to wear to any festive soiree—from casual canapés in the office to a sit down dinner affair. From brilliant seasonal colors to fun prints, and the classic little black dress, you will have it all together.

Let’s face it, you simply can’t go wrong with the classic little black dress. It’s an ultimate wardrobe essential. Completely timeless, the little black dress is an absolute must have. If your budget’s a bit tight this month and you can’t afford to fork out for a new outfit, you can always turn to your trusty little black dress. Don’t worry about it being dull. There are a few clever tricks you can do to make your threads really stand out. Add a bright pop of color by wearing a nice lipstick, or use your accessories to add color. A bright pair of heels or a sparkly clutch really adds something special to any outfit.

Pear

Firstly, it’s important to make sure you choose a style that suits and flatters your body type. There’s nothing worse than a dress that’s a size too big, or not being able to fit in delicious festive food because you’re squeezed into a dress that’s a size too small. If you’ve got a bit of a pear shape with bigger hips, A-line dresses are an ideal fit for you, cleverly skimming over your lower body. A good idea is to pick a dress with a broad neckline or embellishment to draw attention away from problem areas and balance out your body. The above A-line dress from Mango is a perfect choice and the lace panel top is pretty as well as practical!

Apple

If you happen to have more of an apple shape with a bit of weight around your mid-section, then an empire line dress will be perfect for you. Avoid dresses with a clinched waist or embellishment around the middle. Featured above, the River Island Chelsea Girl skater dress would be a great choice and on trend in cool silver velvet, too!

Hour Glass

For those who are rocking an hour glass shape with a big bust and hips and a slimmer waist, be confident and highlight your fantastic curves in a cute waist cinching dress. A nice fitting body-con dress will also suit your body type, and looks fantastic teamed with a pair of chunky heels and some great accessories.  This lace body-con dress looks superb and comes in a great cheerful red color!

Athletic

Finally, for those of you sporting athletic figures (excuse the pun), you can wear pretty much whatever you like. If you want to create the illusion of a slightly more feminine shape, your best bet is to find yourself a cool puffball dress or go for an incredibly stylish peplum dress to create more shape around your hips like this cool, mid-length peplum dress from Next.

What Party Dress to Wear?

So you’ve got a good idea of how to dress for your shape. Now comes the difficult part of actually choosing the perfect party dress. Pick a classic little black dress or why not go for something on trend for a fashionable outfit that won’t let you down. This year’s autumn/winter trends offer a great opportunity to really look great. Whether you choose leather, baroque, Eastern or oxblood; you’ll be the center of attention for all of the right reasons!

1. Oriental Jacquard Dress – Oasis – £95

Opt for oriental style like this amazing jacquard dress from Oasis. Embrace the east with sumptuous fabrics, vivid colours, oriental motifs and brilliant patterns. Team this dress with a pair of heeled boots and a great up-do!

2. Block Leather Dress – French Connection – £295

One of the most popular trends of the season is the leather trend. To work this trend, add a touch of leather to your outfit like a leather skirt or top, or be bold and try all leather. Avoid looking like Cat Woman and opt for a more fashion forward dress like this sheath dress from French Connection. Just add a cool statement necklace for a fantastic finished look.

3. Military Style Dress – Zara – £49.99

For the fashion nod of approval, the military style is spot on. Work cool military colors like black, red and khaki. Or for a cool interpretation of the trend, this cool teal dress has great military style button detailing along the sleeve and neckline.

4. Reagan Dress – All Saints – £175

Finally, one of the most wearable of this year’s autumn/winter trends is oxblood. Wear it head to toe for a really dramatic look or add touches of this on-trend color like an oxblood scarf or belt. This Reagan dress is definitely on the top of our winter wish list.

Modest Fashion Tips

Don’t forget there’s no harm in modest-fy-ing your dress. Found the perfect strapless dress but don’t want to show off too much skin? A faux fur stole will help cover you up.  Dress a little too short? Get out the sewing kit and let down the hem, and don’t underestimate the benefits of a thick pair of tights!

Investment Pieces

So there you have it—a hopefully useful guide to make the decision of what to wear a little more bearable this winter. Choose a beautiful dress and cross your fingers that no one else is wearing the same one.

If you’re feeling a bit more flushed than usual and want to get your hands on one of those breath-taking “investment” pieces, then look no further than the incredible collection of high-end designer party dresses that are available online at farfetch.com. A couple of our favorites include this beautiful pink Stella McCartney dress, stunning white Alexander McQueen dress, and for something really special and sparkly, this mid-length graphic printed Gareth Pugh dress is really fun!

This blog post was written by Lucinda Bounsall from farfetch.com who specializes in designer dresses.

About Farfetch.com

farfetch.com forms the hub of a global fashion community that unites independent boutiques around the world with fashion lovers, so you can buy from the most interesting designer fashion brands globally in one easy-to-shop website.

How to Modest-fy Formal Dresses

Model Me Girl

Model Me Girl™ is delighted to feature our first guest post from Misses Dressy™. Check out great tips from Misses Dressy on how to turn that less than modest dress into a stylish modest statement.

© 2012 ModelMeGirl.com

Misses Dressy Guest Post: Turn Formal Dresses into Modest Statements

Model Me Girl

Contributor: Allison Summers @ Misses Dressy

With the winter season closely approaching, you’ve probably already begun your search for that perfect office party or New Years Eve dress that will wow your friends and put all eyes on you. Every woman wants to look stylish and up-to-date with the latest fashion trends at parties and formal events, but this can be difficult for those who aren’t keen on showing a lot of skin. As you’ve probably noticed while out and about in department stores, many designer dresses seem to get shorter, tighter and more revealing every year.

If you’re having trouble finding a fashionable, cute yet modest-looking dress for your upcoming special event, have no fear! This doesn’t mean you have to settle for that frumpy-looking frock in the back of the rack that has you looking like your grandmother. With the following tips, you can turn virtually any not-so-modest dress into a cute outfit that will turn heads for all the right reasons!

Problem: Your dress is too short.
Solution: Wear black tights underneath. During the winter season, dark colors like red, black, royal blue and burgundy are all the rage at parties, and black tights are the perfect solution if you feel uncomfortable showing too much leg. Not only will they keep you warm, but they’re also good for making your legs look slimmer!

Problem: Your dress is strapless or shows too much cleavage.
Solution: Wear a bolero shrug or shawl over your shoulders. These are perfect if you can’t find a dress with sleeves or if you feel your dress is too low cut in your chest area. If you don’t want to be bothered with having to look for a piece that matches your dress and want actual sleeves, it may be a good idea to check out the selections of some of the more reputable designers. Many Sherri Hill dresses, for example, have some sort of sleeve, whether long or short.

Problem: Your dress has too long of a slit up your thigh.
Solution: Take the dress to a tailor and have it partially sewn up. Tailors are a great solution not only for this problem, but they can also let your dress out if you feel it’s too tight, add extra layers or beading if you want to spruce up an already modest dress that looks a bit bland.

Problem: Your dress seems too tight or form fitting.
Solution:  Buy the next size up. If you’d prefer not to have every curve and crease on your body shown off, getting the next size up is a great way to give you a bit more room and keep the parts that you’d prefer not to flaunt covered. However, be careful not to go up too many sizes; after all, you don’t want to look like you have no shape whatsoever! If you find later that you may have made this mistake, you can fix it with a nice statement belt at your waist, which can even out a seemingly flat figure.

If you’re having trouble finding a suitable formal dress, the most important thing to remember is not to settle. Despite what many think, you don’t have to sacrifice dressing fashionably to dress modestly! Keep these tips in mind, broaden your search and try to think bit more creatively. You may surprise yourself with the end result!

 

About Misses Dressy

www.missesdressy.com is your one stop shop for prom, bridal and formal wear! We have over 8000 dresses and one for every occasion, every size and everyone! We want you to feel good about what you are wearing while looking fabulous. Check out the Misses Dressy blog for tips on accessorizing, dress styles, sizing, and for the latest trends in formal evening wear.

Fall/Winter Fashion Must-Have: Fleece-Lined Tights

Model Me Girl

Hello lovelies! This fall/winter fashion must-have is definitely for the skirt and dress lovers. Purely by accident, I came across affordable fleece-lined tights—in Walgreens, of all places. West Loop™ is a Walgreens brand, and for $4.99, these full foot tights are top-notch. Warmth, smooth fit and texture.

There are footless fleece-lined tights, also know as leggings, on the market. Prices vary.

Ellen Tracy Women’s Fleece Lined Footless Tight

© 2012 ModelMeGirl.com

Fall/Winter Fashion Tips: Keeping Warm in Skirts & Dresses

Model Me Girl

One of Model Me Girl’s lovely readers sent in a question, which I think is a great topic for discussion:

Do you have any tips for normal skirts that I could wear in 15–30 degree weather?

I will share my response because I believe many ladies may have this question, or see cold weather as a barrier to wearing skirts and dresses. Guess what? I know some lovely Alaskan lady friends who make it in skirts and dresses! We’re talking about many inches of snow and below freezing temperatures. Brr…!

Stores, as my dear reader mentioned, like Forever 21, sell thin dresses. I know this can be discouraging for ladies because we think people will assume we’re crazy for stepping out in cold weather in a skirt or dress.

Model Me Girl Tips

First of all, whatever you wear, do so with confidence. If you are stepping out with the mindset that people will laugh you to scorn because of what you’re wearing, you are setting yourself up for ridicule. Insecurity will be reflected in your face, posture and walk. Love yourself, love your style…and SHINE on!

Moving on…

Fall/winter are my favorite seasons. I personally wear denim skirts of various modest lengths, tweed, corduroy, wool, and cashmere knits in the winter time. There are also some fashionable ski/snow skirts out there.

Woven tights and leggings worn underneath your skirt/dress come in handy; as do cute leg warmers. The key is to layer. I don’t know about you, but I’m a boot girl, so a few nice pairs that are more than fashionable—but functional—in cold weather will suffice. Jackets and coats of various fabrics and lengths are a must. A nice, long wool or leather coat, or with down are also great.

It’s All About Perspective

If you frequent this site, you’ll notice I only feature skirts and dresses because it is all I wear—reflecting my style and the way I glorify God. Now I wasn’t always a solo skirt and dress kind of girl.

After I transitioned from wearing jeans and pants to only skirts and dresses, I realized something: If you don’t wear thermals/leggings/tights under jeans, they’re not much warmer than a skirt. I distinctly remember my backside freezing while wearing jeans!!

What am I saying? This is all about perspective. Some jeans are not made of heavy denim and don’t keep you as warm as a nice wool skirt with tights and boots will. You can keep warm in a “normal” skirt or dress.

Recap

Let’s recap on tips to keeping warm in skirts and dresses:

  • Fabric is king – Choose fabrics that are cold weather friendly, such as wool, fleece, tweed, (cashmere) knits, corduroy, denim and leather. These fabrics are insulators.
  • Weight of fabric is essential– How heavy is your fabric? For example, light-weight denim is suitable for warm weather. Choose heavier denims for colder weather.
  • Layering is key – Don’t forget knit tights, leggings (cotton, denim, knit), leg warmers, thermals (depending on length of skirt/dress and if you’ll be wearing boots); gloves, scarves, hats and other essential fall/winter gear. Also, don’t forget foundation garments to create smoothness underneath knit fabrics.

If you have any questions or would like a topic to be discussed, be inspired to contact me.

Enjoy!

© 2012 ModelMeGirl.com