Tag: classic style

5 Tips to Finding the Perfect Blazer

5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Blazer

Posted on by claire
I've always loved the way the perfect blazer can pull together an otherwise ho-hum outfit.  It can make a low-key casual outfit infinitely more stylish.  The perfect blazer is also a great piece to help you transition into fall, you can easily wear a favorite summer outfit and throw on a blazer to get wear out of it as you move into fall.  I got my first blazer in New York City, shortly after graduating from college, it was a fitted black corduroy blazer.   Now corduroy is a casual fabric, but in the right color it can look more formal.    I must mention that I am talking about a blazer and not a jacket that is part of a 2 piece suit, which can often be worn as a blazer.  I will often wear the jacket of a 2 piece suit without the suit skirt or pants, but I have about 5 stand alone blazers in cotton and wool to suit my mood and any outfit. 1. Know your budget and stick to it. I said this in my last post about classic black pumps, you need to stay within your budget.  If your budget is $150, find the blazer...Read More
date night outfits

Date Night Outfits That are Stylish and Sexy

Posted on by claire
I love going on dates with my husband and I enjoy planning out my date night outfits.  I've been married to my husband for almost 14 years now, even though my husband still likes me to refer to him as "my boyfriend".  ?  Wow, sometimes it's hard to believe it's been almost 14 years.  Time certainly flies when you're having fun. As I'm sure you can agree, we need to make time for the important things in our lives, like taking care of our selves and spending time with our significant other, family and friends.   Life can get really hectic and feel like it's moving forward on it's own, with work, kids (I have a step daughter) and a social life.  Therefore, you need to make time for things like dating your significant other.  My husband and I have a least one "date" a week and we like to make it special by dressing up and going somewhere nice.  By dressing up, I don't mean wearing a formal gown, but I do like to put some effort into my date night outfits and to feel sexy. I like to surprise my husband with my outfits.  Even if I didn't buy...Read More
Tips on Creating a Professional Wardrobe

Tips on Creating a Professional Wardrobe from a Capsule Wardrobe Expert

Posted on by claire
My cousin will soon be graduating from college and is planning to work in a professional, corporate casual setting in New York City.  She asked my advice on creating a professional wardrobe, so asked for help from my blogger friend and capsule wardrobe expert, Shelbi Samuelson.   For those that aren't familiar with a capsule wardrobe, according to Wikipedia: "A capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don't go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces."  Shelbi came up with a go-to list of starter pieces for a professional wardrobe. Tips on Creating a Professional Wardrobe: When making any professional transition in your life whether it’s graduating from college, going back to work after having a baby or getting a promotion, you should consider having these core pieces in your professional wardrobe. To get started, I have set up a list of high quality items that you should consider buying to last you a few years in your professional career. Classic Black Pump [caption id="attachment_2319" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Classic Black Pumps for the Win.[/caption] This shoe should be the best quality that you can afford with...Read More
black pumps

Secrets to a Classic Wardrobe: Black Pumps

Posted on by claire
I'm starting a new segment on my blog called "Secrets to a Classic Wardrobe", where I will discuss staple, classic wardrobe pieces that you will have for years.  One major wardrobe classic are black pumps.  I got my first high-end pair of simple black pumps in 2007 and I still have them.  I'm wearing them here:   [caption id="attachment_2320" align="aligncenter" width="533"] I'm wearing my classic Manolo Blahnik pumps that I've had since 2007.[/caption]   How do you keep your high-end items looking great for years?  Check out my How to Recondition a Leather Handbag for tips, these tips can be used for anything leather from shoes, belts and handbags.  Here are my tips for finding the right black pumps: Know your budget and stick to it.  If your budget is $150, find the best shoe you can for that price.  I would suggest going to online stores like The Outnet and Saks Off 5th.  There you can find higher end pieces at a reduced price.  Here are some options at $150 and under: JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content. Only get a classic style.  If you don't have an unlimited budget, only buy classics.  Don't...Read More