Dressing for that Baby Bump

March 17, 2012 By

Yes, I have had three daughters and yes, I have suffered through the agony of maternity clothes so I understand your strife! I’ve never experienced a “baby bump” but more of a “baby MOUNTAIN” with each of my girls. The bright side is that even since I had my youngest daughter (age 5) maternity styles have gotten way better.

One thing I did learn was how to streamline my closet. I had to realize that I wasn’t going to be pregnant forever (though it felt like it) so I had to make the most of the pieces I added to my wardrobe for these times in my life. It’s fun for a while to borrow your husband’s shirts but then it’s not so cute toward the end. You need your own stuff to keep your personal style even during the time of a growing belly.

Let’s start with with the MUST HAVE’s – these are the pieces that you will NEED during pregnancy and the basics for your new body. They will take you from the office to the park. These are staples that can be built upon with the “fun” and “trendy” items.

  • Maternity Jeans – if you buy a pair of “extended size” jeans they will last in every phase of pregnancy so that saves on cost.

  •  White T
  • Black T
  • Black Pants

  •  Maxi Dress of any color
  •  Black Skirt (long or short – up to you)
  • Maternity Undies (I know they seem huge but at the end you will THANK ME!)
  • Bathing Suit

So now you’re thinking “that’s it”? Yes. The rest you can go wild with like awesome statement jewelry, scarves, bright bold T’s that are so inexpensive, and, of course, awesome shoes!!! As much as I, personally, don’t care for flats I must admit there are some really cute ones out there and they are a MUST for swollen ankles and feet J A wedge can be your friend during this time as well. My fave motto is that “accessories always fit” so go crazy!

In addition to the basics remember to add color to your look. Now I’m not one to talk as I wore black all the time but I did that for work purposes mostly and I thought it was more slimming – LOL. Knowing what I know now I could have had more fun with color. Doing all of one color is slimming no matter what the color so be bold and have fun this Spring. Then you are able to add those fun pieces that stand out – maybe even more than your adorable belly.

Remember you don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot. Some stores have gotten smart and have begun offering “maternity bundles”!!! Here are some suggestions on making this the best time of your life without breaking the bank.

Live life well and ENJOY!

 

Julia Rutland is the Founder and Owner of Aesthetic Design Style House located in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information about Julia, her company and the services she has to offer, please visit her website at: www.aestheticdesignstyle.com.

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“Doing” Vintage

February 22, 2012 By

There has been a change of tide lately with the economy the way it is and people wanting to find comfort in the simple things again.  This is why, I believe, shopping for vintage anything (but especially clothing) has made a rather large resurgence.

Along with yearning for the nostalgia of yesteryear finding vintage pieces is like finding hidden treasure.  Finding beautiful pieces with tags still attached – oh I just felt my blood pressure rise – such a rush!!  Even if I don’t buy it for myself there is no way I’m leaving an incredible vintage find behind – I know someone who would look awesome in it or I will use it for a photo shoot before I walk away from something so fantastic!

For one, things were just made better in certain eras than they are now.  The material may not have been wonderful (polyester I’m talking to you) but the craftsmanship was impeccable.  Things that were less expensive and not considered couture at the time were even made better than today.

 I have searched through many definitions of “vintage clothing” and the most common theme seems to be as About.com defines it:  “The term vintage is used to describe clothing between 20 and 100* years old which is clearly representative of the era in which it was produced. Vintage clothing can be used, new (from dead stock), manufactured, and handmade. It is important to understand that the definition of vintage is fluid, so every decade brings forth new items as “vintage”. It is also important to understand that all vintage will eventually become antique.  *Clothing 100 years old or more is classified as antique” Something to think about when consciously going out to search for a vintage piece or pieces.

Doing vintage is fun and adds to your own personal style.  I talk a lot about personal style but it is important to express yourself through what you wear and how you wear it.  It is an outward expression of what’s going on inside – some days that’s good and some days not so good – but nevertheless it’s the truth.

I view vintage as I do a trend.  Meaning that I wouldn’t do a trend from head to toe – I strategically mix and match it and several pieces throughout my wardrobe or outfit.  If you find an awesome vintage dress then mix it with some sky high platforms to make it modern.  If you layer yourself in vintage jewelry like pearls and rhinestones, then wear it with a white tank top and denim and, again, a hot shoe, to offset the fanciness of the jewelry.  The trick to “doing vintage” is to do a piece here and do a piece there.  If done all at once it can look as though your grandmother’s (or great-grandmother’s) closet imploded all on one person and we don’t want that (unless you are doing a period piece in the theaterJ.)

 It is also important to do your research.  In the age of smart phones and tablets it makes it easier to find out on the spot if the deal you think you’re getting at the thrift store is truly a bargain.  If I come across a label I am unfamiliar with I will do a search right there in the store – sometimes it’s good and sometimes not but it is important to be informed.  If there is a dress that isn’t a popular name but I really love it and it’s $5.00 then I go for it and tweak it to my own personal taste.  That’s the beauty of it – you buy something for $5.00 and make it look like $500 and no one is the wiser.  It’s all in how you carry yourself and the confidence you exude in anything you wear.

Let’s recap:

  • Do vintage in moderation – a piece here and a piece there
  • Make vintage modern by pairing it with classic pieces of today (denim, platform shoes, blazers, that little black dress, or the classic white oxford)
  • Have fun when picking out pieces.  It’s easier to try something if it costs $5.00 than if it costs $100.00 so go for it!
  • There are no rules when it comes to your personal style.
  • Do your research – look up unknown labels or fashion houses just so you know what you are buying – especially when it comes to high end couture vintage pieces (e.g. Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, etc.)

Vintage pieces can be found just about anywhere:  Goodwill , Salvation Army, your local thrift shop, your family’s closets, your friends’ family’s closets, and garage and estate sales.  There are also some companies who have made upscale vintage their livelihood and only sell high end designers and fashion houses for a pretty penny but they are worth every cent! 

I’ll leave you with a few of my favorite links:

DECADES

Shrimpton Couture

Vintage Vogue by Goodwill

ERAS by ADSH

FabSugar:  Guest Blogger Rachel Zoe – How To:  Shop AND Wear Vintage

Live life well and ENJOY!!

 

Julia Rutland is the Founder and Owner of Aesthetic Design Style House located in Indianapolis, Indiana.  For more information about Julia, her company and the services she has to offer, please visit her website at: www.aestheticdesignstyle.com.

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Begin 2012 In Style!

January 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Let’s start the New Year off right when it comes to preparing you to be “on trend” with your style. Color is always important but it is even more important to wear what looks best on you (always trumps a trend – always!) but it is also good to know what is going on around you when it comes to trends and how to adapt them to fit you and your own personal style.

PANTONE (here comes the legal jargon directly quoted from their web site) is the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries. The PANTONE® name is known worldwide as the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer. They have chosen “the it” color of 2012 – drum roll please . . . 17-1463 Tangerine Tango!!! For most, this means a subsidiary of orange. For the fashion community we wait with baited breath like we are waiting to hear the award for best picture at the Oscars each and every year – then cheer with glee when it is finally revealed. After that the race is on to find things in our own closets (and those close to us) that are in this hot new shade. If none prevail then it’s a shopping we must go.

I know you are thinking “oh goodness I don’t look good in anything orange”. I did too! What I did cheerfully find was that I did like this Tangerine Tango color and that I didn’t look half bad in it either. There are so many ways to incorporate this latest “it” color into your wardrobe without having to wear it from head to toe. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!

1.   Skinny belt – the perfect way to add a splash of color to the LBD (Little Black Dress) or to any neutral without going overboard. Plus a skinny belt is “in” right now in itself.

2.   Statement Jewelry.  Adding statement jewelry in the latest color to spruce up any outfit and, again, look like you have known for days what the hottest color of the year is.

3.   Scarves.  There are endless ways to wear scarves – which leads me to my next point. Find a scarf with the color incorporated in it and pair it (in your hair, around your waist, in a feminine bow around your neck) with a white T, jeans, and a hot hot shoe. Or find a scarf that is entirely one color and add it around the strap of your handbag for a “pop” of color with any ensemble.

4.   Shoes.  My very favorite piece of fashion fame is the shoe. Oh how I adore shoes —but I must digress. Grab a shoe with the “it” color in it or go bold and get a shoe that IS the “it” color and use it to jazz up a monochromatic look – all black, all white, all grey, all beige, – you get the point. My preference is a 6” platform but flats are a great way to stay comfy and in style at the same time.

5.   Handbags.  Don’t forget the clutch! Pick up an adorable clutch handbag and you will find out fast that not only are you so chic but you don’t need as much in your purse as you thought – new year new outlook.

6.   Cosmetics.  Go crazy and try this shade in a new lip gloss or lip stick. Make-Up is one of the greatest accessories and it comes off if you don’t like it – no harm no foul right?

Fashion and personal style is all about having fun above all. Remember to go with what feels right and what makes you happy. You are the one who has to wear it and you want items that make you feel amazing every time you put them on.

Julia Rutland
Aesthetic Design Style House

Julia Rutland is the Founder and Owner of Aesthetic Design Style House located in Indianapolis, Indiana.  For more information about Julia, her company and the services she has to offer, please visit her website at: www.aestheticdesignstyle.com.

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Easily Transition Your Summer Wear to Fall

August 16, 2010 By 3 Comments

It’s almost September and time to start switching your closets from summer to fall. If you’re a fashionista on a budget like me then you’ll be happy to know that a lot of your summer items can make an easy transition into your fall wear. How so? Glad you asked!  You can take those cute skirts you loved during the summer, pair them with cute tights, a blazer and boots or pumps then presto change, you’ve got yourself a new outfit. 

skirtdress

 

 Have a favorite t-shirt? Try pairing it with a cute blazer, jeans and heels and you’ve got an easy outfit that you can wear to the store, dinner or anywhere else. 

 

 tankjeans3

 

A simple sweater or cardigan with heels or flats will allow you to continue wearing your summer dresses. Some dresses you’ll need to leave in the summer like those halters but even your long maxi dress will be cute to wear this fall.

maxidress1

 

If you feel the need to buy something new this fall but don’t have a lot of money to spend, try updating your look with new accessories or buy a few staple pieces that you can mix and match with other items in your closet. Never be afraid to venture into a store like forever 21 or Charlotte Russe,  you may not like their clothes but you’ll be surprised at what you can find on the accessories table. Both stores have great accessories for even better prices. I believe you’re never too old to be fashionable. Play around with look until you love until you find something that works for you. It’s all about you and YOUR personal style! Check out these reasonable priced pieces (all under $100) that will instantly take your outfit from drab to fab!

Baker's necklace $14.00

Baker's necklace $14.00

 

Old Navy Blazer $29.50

Old Navy Blazer $29.50

 

Forever 21 Bracelet $8.80

Forever 21 Bracelet $8.80

 

Simple Black Dress from Target $24.99

Simple Black Dress from Target $24.99

 

Baker's Shoes $79.95

Baker's Shoes $79.95

 

Pants from Newport News $19.00

Pants from Newport News $19.00

 tviolet-ryan1                                                    

Ta’Keisha Violet Ryan is currently the Assistant Director of Midwest Fashion Week and works side by side with some of the best designers in the Midwest. A love of fashion is what led her to create her blog Violet Meets Fashion where she encourages her readers to live life fabulously. Ta’Keisha is inspired by Kimora Lee Simmons but she attributes her sense of style to Sarah Jessica Parker/Carrie Bradshaw.

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Something for Everyone – Spring 2010 Fashion Trends

April 27, 2010 By 1 Comment

romanticfashion

By Guest Blogger: Karen Boggs

Something for everyone! is not just a cliché’ in describing fashion trends for Spring 2010.  Styles will be based on romantic, nautical, tribal and military themes.  A variety of colors will enhance these themes – subdued pastels in the romantic pieces will provide the essence of elegance and femininity, whereas, bright yellows with green undertones will be popular with the military and tribal offerings.

Turquoise, a favorite of many women, will make a come back this summer. Shade of pinks, from cotton candy to hot pink will be popular in clothes as well as jewelry and purses. The combination of white and black always provides a classic, timeless look that works for everyone.

Soft ruffles, lace, and draping fabric will be seen in the romantic pieces. Strategically placed see through material will add hints of sexiness to dresses and tops.  Prints, including patterned, floral and stripes will be prevalent in skirts and pants this spring.

“Boyfriend” blazers will continue to be popular through the warmer months. These are slightly oversized jackets with rolled up sleeves. Bright blazers, in colors such as turquoise and tangerine, can add punch to an existing outfit.  One-piece jumpsuits will provide a fun, playful alternative to a traditional pant/top outfit.  Pants, shorts, skirts and jeans will be offered with higher waists this season. Ripped, shredded and patched jeans will be making a comeback, whether a welcomed one, remains to be seen.

boyfriendblazerIf you want to add several pieces of jewelry to update your look, think in terms of chunky chains, bangles and long, layered necklaces.  Metallics continue to play a big part in accessories this year. Brightly colored, bold bags will be major components in completing an outfit this spring. Quilted classics and tailored clutches will remain favorite styles for many.

Light and neutral colored shoes in tans and beiges will abound this season. If you prefer color, greens and blues will be good alternatives for you. Cork and rope covered heels will provide interesting accents to the popular wedge shoes. Heavier sandals, often including a thick ankle strap collar, will be the rage. However, keep in mind, these styles do not elongate the leg line and can make calves and ankles appear heavier. As you know, all trends are not for everyone. Real style is about finding clothes that fit and flatter your shape-stamping them with your individual flair and wearing them with confidence.

Happy Spring!

About Karen Boggs

Helping women determine the best styles for their shape and size is the goal of style consultant, Karen Boggs.  Founder of Renew You, LLC, Boggs works with clients through one-on-one shopping sessions and closet consultations. Along with corporate training on professional dress in  the workplace, she enjoys speaking to various women’s groups. Boggs has contributed to a variety of publications including Indianapolis Woman and Enjoy! For more information please visit www.renewyoustyle.com.

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Creating the Illusion of an Hourglass Shape by Karen Boggs

February 9, 2010 By 1 Comment

fashionmomCreating the illusion of an hourglass shape is the biggest step you can take in obtaining your most attractive look. This is achieved by keeping your top and bottom in proportion and having clothes cinched in, at least slightly, at the waist. Rather than wearing loose, shapeless clothes, look for tops and blouses with seams, darts or pin tucks that will provide you with some shape. Do not assume these styles will be uncomfortable. As long as they are not too tight, they should work well even for the most active woman.  An easy suggestion – hold your top or blouse up on the hanger – if it is perfectly square, it is not going to provide your most flattering look. However, a top with some shape built in, will be a great choice!  A small amount of lycra or spandex in the material provides structure, which can be a plus. Avoid thin material, as it tends to be clingy and can emphasize those places you don’t want noticed.

If you want to appear thinner, consider wearing clothes which will elongate the neckline.  These include tops and dresses that show some skin at the neck; for instance, V-necks, scooped out necklines and blouses with several of the top buttons left open. Avoid turtlenecks and tops that come up close to the neckline -these tend to cut the neck in half and can make you appear heavier than you are. Also, to elongate the neckline, avoid short and choker style necklaces -opt for ones with a little more length.

When putting together an outfit, concentrate on creating ONE focal point. Whatever the eye is drawn to will be a focal point – such as shiny material, bright colors, large print and even bold pieces of jewelry.  You do not want to put one of these focal points on your least favorite feature, for obvious reasons. Since a color change anywhere on your body will draw attention, do not have these changes meet at your largest area. A different colored top and bottom should meet either slightly above or below that point.

Too many focal points create a distraction and end up competing against one another. Keep this in mind when it comes to your accessories as well. If you are wearing a striking piece of jewelry, it is best to downplay the other pieces you are wearing.  Be sure and keep your accessories like belts, purses and jewelry in proportion with your size. A larger woman can carry off larger bags and bolder jewelry, whereas, a small framed, petite woman may look overwhelmed with accessories that are too large for her.

Remember, the lines, colors, textures and patterns of all your clothes create an illusion.  Strive to use these illusions to your best interest…sending out the impressions YOU choose to send!

About Karen Boggs

Helping women determine the best styles for their shape and size is the goal of style consultant, Karen Boggs.  Founder of Renew You, LLC, Boggs works with clients through one-on-one shopping sessions and closet consultations. Along with corporate training on professional dress in  the workplace, she enjoys speaking to various women’s groups. Boggs has contributed to a variety of publications including Indianapolis Woman and Enjoy! For more information please visit www.renewyoustyle.com.

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