Oversized Bag

The Oversized Bag by Style Clarity featuring formal blouses

A bag can be more than an accessory; it can be your best friend. When bags are big enough to hold all of your favorite things but not too big that they become a burden; then you have the perfect oversized bag. T

he first look features a fun and bright beach bag that can be toted to the beach with you and then brought out for an afternoon lunch at the boardwalk or beach club. It’s large enough to hold your beach bathing musts-sunscreen, sun glasses, even your Kindle-and a light and breezy cover up or change of shoes to assist your with your transition from the beach to your next summer destination. Made of a resilient canvas fabric and embellished with nautical rope straps, it’s a great pick when hitting the beach as it can endure the salt, sand, and water!

The second look features a leather oversized bag with dual handles that will make you look sleek and chic no matter where you are going. The line of gold studded embellishments adds some edge and together with the leather, you will look put together and polished. The overall look featured is an ideal outfit for casual activity like walking through the city, browsing boutiques, hitting up a farmer’s market, or relaxing with friends and family. The bag will hold everything you need to shop and browse-from your wallet, IPod or IPad (or why not both?), make up bag, perfume, and favorite book or magazine.

The last look features an oversized bag that is in the form of a satchel and will look sophisticated and savvy paired with any work outfit. White is a timeless color for a spring and summer bag, and the oversized features that the bag boasts will help you tote your go-to items that will get you through work, meetings, or a happy hour with coworkers after work is done for the day. Shiny hardware adds interest and value to the bag, while a savory material like leather or ostrich makes a classy statement; just like your apparel, for the job.

Oversized bags are not only a basic piece needed in your wardrobe but are buddies that keep you organized, refreshed, and prepared for any event.

Three ways to wear your Maxi Dress

Spring is on its way out, which means summer is right around the corner. Gorgeous flowing maxi dresses are making their debut in stores once again, and if you’ve never tried one out, maybe this is your year! Not only are these floor-skimming frocks stylish, they are extremely comfortable, versatile, and easy to throw on when you’re in a hurry to get out the door.

Here are three ideas to get you started.

 1. The lone maxi- On those hot summer days, chances are you won’t be in the mood to throw on layers of garments. But if you still want to look super styled and put together, throw on a fitted belt around the smallest part of your waist. This is also a really good trick if you are “vertically challenged” but still want to take advantage of the style. Add the belt then blouse out the top half of the dress until the hem comes off the floor.

2. Maxi dress turned maxi skirt- If it’s a little too chilly to wear your go-to maxi on its own, try adding a light (or chunky knit) pullover sweater. Go for something sheer and/or flowy to avoid losing your shape. Neutral sweaters with an asymmetrical hemline make for a playful look when paired with the dress. If you feel that your waist has disappeared, grab a belt and add it to the ensemble.

3. The work look- A light, lengthy dress is freeing and might make you feel like a wild-child or a bohemian goddess, but the maxi can definitely be eased into your work appropriate wardrobe. Throw on a blazer that can be buttoned at least once around your waist, add some closed-toed flats and bangles, and you are maxi-ready for the office.

 What’s your favorite way to wear your maxi?

Rain Rain Go Away

Sitting here looking outside at the dreary, chilly day makes my mind trail to what I'd want to be wearing if I was to head out and endure the rainy day. This look is a clean, classic look-- for the office, meeting a friend at a cafe for a cup of espresso, or to head out shopping on a lazy, rainy Saturday!

1. Turtle Neck Top 
2. Red Trench Coat 
3. Black Skinny Pants
4. Burberry Plaid Boots 
5. Black Shoulder Bag
6. Pearl Stud Earrings 
7. Black & Plaid Umbrella 
8. Candy Apple Red Lipstick 


 The beige, red, and black color scheme is one that can translate amongst all the seasons-- it's a traditional yet stylish color palette and style set that is loved by all; in rain or in shine!

The Cardigan 3 Ways

The Cardigan-3 Ways by Style Clarity featuring flat sandals

Cardigans may be the best fashion item you can ever own. When else can you tote it along to work, to a wedding, an afternoon full of shopping, and on a beach vacation? It’s versatile and always in style. Invest in many colors, cuts, and styles of cardigans so you can wear one year round.

The first look features a gorgeous, drool worthy cardi that is great to bring as an evening cover up after a barbeque or glamorous get together with friends. It’s made out of light linen so it’s great for spring, summer, and early fall use (what an investment!). The sparkly gold embellishment gives it an interesting and fashionable touch. Since the glitz glams it up a bit, pair it with a casual pair of denim shorts and a basic striped t in neutral colors like black and white.

The second look is pretty for a wedding or formal outdoor event. Use the cardigan as an accessory, meaning it will pull the outfit together to easily go from afternoon to evening, or to warm up in style in the cool spring or summer evening air. Each tone in the look is neutral and reminiscent of spring and summer flowers. The three quarter length sleeves are ideal for warmer weather that also sees cool evenings.

The last look features the cardigan as the casual star. Great to wear on a rainy day running errands, lounging around the house, or shopping with your friends; this casual cotton cardigan boasts draping, large pockets, and a front-tie detail. Great to pair with capri jeans and a textured white top, you’ll look pulled together and sophisticated even on the most relaxed and carefree days.

You can never have too many cardigans. Stock up on sophisticated and flattering cover ups that enhance your figure and your style!

The perfect shoe

Finding the right shoe can be the most challenging part of putting a look together. Whether you have too many options or cycle through the same two pairs on repeat, topping off (or rather, bottoming off) your outfit can be daunting.

There are four shoe styles every stylista should have in her closet.

1. The basic pump. A nude or black usually serves as the most useful. Wear your pumps with cropped dress-pants to elongate your legs. 
2.  The go-to flat. Let’s be real- heels aren’t the most comfortable thing in the world and if you’re on your feet more than an hour a day, you may want an alternate option. Flats tend to work best with shorts, a dress or skirt with an above-the-knee hemline, and skinny or straight leg jeans. 
3. The fun wedge. Wedges are hot for spring and summer. If you decide to go all out and get a wild color, keep it solid or as part of a multi-colored print. Doing so will make the shoe more wearable. (And don’t try to be ‘matchy-matchy’. Let your shoe do the talking!) 
4.  The sassy boot. Your boots may sit in the lonely corner of your closet during the summer, but the chilly fall and brutal winter months are their time to shine. 

 What is your most versatile shoe?

Go Turquoise or Go Home!

One of my favorite colors for summer is turquoise. It looks great on all skin tones and looks great with denim, khaki, and white pants! Style it up with your favorite shoes-- dress it up, dress it down.

I love finding one particular article of clothing and finding multiple ways to incorporate it into my wardrobe. See how this one button up shirt can be worn with three (or more) colored pants, and even a skirt? One shirt, several possibilities and ensembles. Let your shoes decide the look you're going for with heels, wedges, flats, and pumps.

Loving turquoise, you should too!

1. Turquoise Colored Skirt

2. Rose Earring Studs

3. Feather Earrings

4. Brown Wedges

5. Creme Wrap Around Wedges

6. Steve Madden Embellished Ballet Flats

The Strappy Sandal

The Strappy Sandal by Style Clarity featuring jelly flat shoes

Strappy sandals have been around for decades and they certainly are not going anywhere anytime soon. Also known as the season’s hottest shoes, they are spotted in many colors, styles, and strap thicknesses. The strappy sandal is versatile enough to be dressed up or worn casual from a stroll on the boardwalk to attendance of an outdoor wedding.

The first look features a jelly, flat plastic strap that lies vertically on the foot. Its strap wraps around the ankle and has a subtle, look at me sheen. Great to wear on the beach or poolside, the tone of the sandal will complement bronze bodies and add an element of interest to a bathing suit and cover up combo. 

The next look features a gorgeous outfit to wear shopping, running errands, or meeting with friends for an afternoon lunch, leaving the strappy sandal to be the star of the show. Similar to the jelly style strappy sandal, the white leather and taupe-brown T-bar strap and gold tone embellishments dress up the outfit making it ideal to go from day to nighttime events. The flat style of the sandal make it perfect for pairing with a maxi dress. The colors are blocked, summery, and overall visually appealing.

The last look has a nautical feel. It’s perfect for sightseeing on vacation, an afternoon boat ride, or the perfect look at your next barbeque get together with friends. The wedge sandal has a braided rope bottom and displays a pop of bright and playful, but neutral color. The strappy wedges feature a front and ankle strap, creating an elongated leg look which is ideal when wearing a knee-length skirt, shorts, or capris.

Strappy wedges can be paired with virtually anything when you select a style, color, and thickness that enhance whichever look you choose to showcase.

Fashion is in the Bag

Fashion Is in the Bag

Purses, pouches, or bags have been used since humans have needed to carry precious items & have historically been both the carriers of secrets & the signifiers of power, status, & beauty. As keepers of daily life equipment, handbags have been strongly influenced by technological & societal changes. In the 14th & 15th centuries, both men and women would attach pouches to their girdles. Because pockets would not be invented for several hundred more years, wearers would also attach other valuables to their girdle, such as a rosary, pomanders (scented oranges), & even daggers. Stinky aristocrats in the sixteenth century would carry what was called “swete bagges” - bags that were filled with powder from sweet-smelling herbs & spices, such as lavender, or with perfumed balls of cotton. Both men & women in the seventeenth century preferred to hang long embroidered drawstring purses under their skirts and & often used as conspicuous decorative containers for gifts, such as money, perfume, or jewels. Women spent an enormous amount of time embroidering them to show off for potential husbands. Handbags are currently made in an array of styles & materials, such as waterproof canvas, space age synthetics, & faux reptile skins. And handbags, which for so long had been associated with the feminine are now becoming more popular with men. Its variety & adaptability highlight the handbag’s extraordinary potency & staying power.