personal style

the difference between matching and coordinating

6 March 2012 fashion

You hear it all the time – don’t be too matchy-matchy. Magazines and style bloggers and Nina Garcia and everyone and their mother (and me, too) are always telling you to mix it up. So what’s the big deal? Matching is boring, for one thing. It takes all the joy out of fashion. Matching is [...]

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how to wear a purple envelope clutch

25 January 2012 fashion

What does the word “versatile” mean to you? I’m willing to bet when you think “versatile” in terms of clothing or accessories, you think neutral colors and plain styling. It doesn’t have to be that way! Something does not have to be plain and black to get lots of wear out of it. The most [...]

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tragic brown cardigan refashioned into something wearable

19 January 2012 personal style

My new year’s resolution is to finally have the wardrobe of my dreams in 2012. I don’t plan on doing much shopping though…I’m going to refashion what I’ve got into fabulousness, and sew the rest from scratch! This chocolate brown cardigan is a perfect candidate. How unspeakably dull is this thing? Why would I want [...]

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the most practical bag in your closet

26 September 2011 fashion

I’m sure you agree that an envelope clutch is a perfect evening accessory. But have you ever thought about using one every day? I can hear your gasps of outrage from here…But Valerie! You exclaim. I could never fit all my stuff in a clutch! They’re just too impractical! Settle down, my loves, and let [...]

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on being trendy and stylish at once

20 September 2011 fashion

All she meant was that the truly stylish woman is no slave to fashion. I believe this to be true, and therefore have never spent much time being “trendy.” When I do follow trends, they are looks that already fit into my ideal personal style…garments, accessories, and embellishments that I would like anyway. There are [...]

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how to get the most out of your trendy accessories

12 September 2011 fashion

So, you’ve caved to the latest trend. You fell in love and just couldn’t say no. You’ve worn it three times already and have loved every minute of it! You have no regrets! Sadly, you’ve worn it exactly the same way all three times. It’s time to branch out, love! Time for a restyling. To [...]

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the labor day rule, and other lies you’ve been told

6 September 2011 fashion

You’ve heard them all before, I’m sure. Hopefully you know that some of them are complete lies. But I’m betting that there are a few you think are true. I’m talking about archaic and arbitrary fashion “rules,” like the famous one about not wearing white after Labor Day. (left: Elie Tahari; right: Catherine Malandrino, both [...]

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this top would be perfect, if only…

finished top with refashioned neckline 4 September 2011 personal style

You know those garments you have that you like, but that you could LOVE if only…that one thing about it could be changed? Those little pretties are ripe for refashion. Here’s my latest. before: cute top, dull tie. When I still had an office job, this sleeveless top spent most of its time underneath jackets [...]

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how to wear the zaria envelope clutch

30 August 2011 fashion

Sometimes people tell me they love Holland Cox handbags, but don’t know how to wear them. Here’s two takes on styling the zaria envelope clutch: the zaria envelope clutch by hollandcox   The zaria clutch is adorned with handmade flowers on the flap, so it lends itself easily to a pretty, feminine look like the [...]

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how to wear your summer clothes this fall

25 August 2011 how to wear it

Not only can you wear your favorite spring and summer colors all year, but you can wear (most of) your summer clothes well into the fall and winter as well! The key to making the colors work year-round is fabric choice. The key to turning warm weather garments into fall fashion, is of course layering. [...]

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