For quite some time now, I have been compiling a list of my own style tips. Things my mother has told me, things I have read, things I have learned by trial and error. It has been my intention for quite some time now, to share them with the world. So, here they are. They have finally arrived!
My top 10 style tips. In no particular order (except for number one.. it's most important!).
Case in point.. Kristin Stewart. Sorry to all you Twilight devotees out there. Every time I have seen her on the red carpet, she has been wearing a fierce outfit, and looked awkward as hell. Why Kristin? WHY!?
No one wants to look awkward. It makes you look like you're trying to hard. Don't do it! Fashionistas around the world swear K. Stew has finally grown in to her chic red carpet looks - but I disagree. Remember... "The fashionable woman wears clothes. The clothes don't wear her." -Mary Quant
This brings me to my next point...
9. Confidence is key.
Confidence is the sexiest accessory. If you're feeling confident, you can wear anything, and no one will notice. I promise. A confident woman shows that she respects and loves herself, and that she dresses up for herself and no one else.
"Confidence has nothing to do with aesthetics, and everything to do with attitude." -Unknown
Remember, many of the great beauties of the world were not stunningly beautiful, but they have drawn from a huge amount of self-confidence (The Little Black Book of Style) AKA, wear what makes you feel comfortable, and do so confidently. One follows the other.
8. Do you.
Let's be honest, you don't like every single trend that hits the runway. It's impossible. If you don't like it, or it doesn't fit your personal style..don't buy it! You'll wear it once, if that, and it will hang in your closet forever. Also, you won't feel confident in it, because it's not you - so just don't do it!
If you think you're going to wear something and your friends are going to say, "I never thought I would see you in that.." Then take a different approach. Don't get me wrong, I'm not telling you not to wear something you wouldn't normally wear just because of someone else's reaction. But start small. For example, if you found a sequined dress that you just love, but you've never worn glitter in your life, maybe do a T-shirt with sequin, and work your way up to the dress. That way, you will feel less awkward and more confident!
My personal dislike of this years fashion trends? Fake glasses. Don't get me wrong, I get it, kind of. If you feel that it adds a new flavor to your look then by all means - but it's just not ME, so I don't even try. I would look capital W-E-I-R-D!
"Know first, who you are and then adorn yourself accordingly." -Epictetus
7. Only buy a couple of "in" pieces. Stick with classics.
jeans, trench coach, LBD, stilettos, blazer, jean jacket, leather bag, ballet flats, pearls, white T-shirts, cardigans. These are my basic essentials. Things I've purchased this year that are in? Jean shorts, high waisted skirts, racer-back tanks. Will these be crucial to my wardrobe next season? Probably not. When you wear these "in" pieces, wear them with classic pieces, not more current items. If you do, this will make you look like you're trying to hard, and again, nobody wants that.
Don't buy according to the trends. Classics will always be classics. This is where you want to spend your money.
6. Heels are your best friend.
This tip reminds me of Imelda Marcos. When she died, she owned 1,060 pairs of stilettos. My father has affectionately nicknamed me after her namesake. But don't get me wrong, this tip has purpose: Heels make your legs look longer and leaner, while offering height and confidence. How can you tell me they aren't Gods gift to woman?
"A woman in the right stiletto is a true force to be reckoned with." -Nina Garcia
5. There is no excuse to have bad-looking nails.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying go out every other week and spend money on a mani/pedi. Do them yourself! You don't have to spend hours, cut, file, paint at the very least. Even if you just throw on a clear-coat you'll be good to go. If you are someone who likes painting their nails often, if they begin to chip either touch them up, or repaint them because NOTHING looks worse than chipped nails.
4. It's not about the money.
If you know me, you know I have a bit of a shopping addiction. I'm incredibly fortunate that I was raised by Connie White, because she taught me the beauty of bargain shopping. A few of my favorite inexpensive places to shop are Gabes, Target, and Wal-mart. You can find some basic things there for dirt cheap. Don't be overwhelmed when you go in Gabes, take the time to look - you'll find some amazing pieces. Hanes white T-shirts? Wal-mart!
3. If you can't tone it, tan it!
A good fake tan is like a good LBD. Dont get me wrong, I'm not telling you to go fry in a tanning bed 7 days a week, but it's not a bad idea to keep a little color. You'll look healthier, thinner and feel more confident.
2. "There are no ugly girls, only lazy ones." -Helena Rubinstein
I know, it sounds harsh. But dear Helena has a point. When do I feel least confident? When I roll out of bed, and run to class in my PJ's. My mother always told me "Never go out of the house without makeup on," and while I scoffed at her for the majority of my teenage years, as I've grown up, I've come to agree with her. My best advice to you? Get up a few minutes earlier each day, take a shower, put on some make-up and something you feel confident in. You'll feel better, and you'll be more productive.
And finally number one.... the most important.....
1. "ALWAYS dress to flatter your body." -my mother
When do you find yourself staring at others as they walk down the street? When they are wearing unflattering clothes! When you do you feel least confident? When you are wearing unflattering clothes!
A few major un-flattering faux-pas I have noticed recently:
- High waisted full skirts. (I have even make this mistake myself.) They don't look good on everyone. If you are not a rail, this probably isn't the look for you because it will only make you look large.
- Heels. OK i know what I said in number six but hear me out. If you're going to wear a pair of heels, practice walking in them first. Nothing is more un-flattering than a girl stumbling around who can't walk in heels. The secret to walking in heels? Practice!!!
- Butt-crack is always bad. Ladies, please! I'm begging you, wear higher-waisted pants, or longer shirts. Seeing your booty and/or your thong is NOT classy.
- Too much make-up. Trust me, dont cake on the foundation, eyeliner, and the mascara. You look like an orange raccoon. Simplicity is beauty.
- Spandex. In the age of leggings as pants there are many who make this mistake. If you are, ahem, a bit on the large side, you probably shouldn't be wearing spandex in any way, shape or form.
- Muffin top. For those of you who don't know, muffin top is when you're shirt or pants are too tight, and your belly hangs over. Avoid this at all costs. If you have to buy a bigger size, so be it. If you dress to flatter your body, no one will notice or care what size you are, they will simple see how good you look!
These are my top 10 style tips. Do you have any that I have missed here? Comment, please! I would love to hear your feedback!
Also, as research for a future post.. what are your style essentials?
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