What Can you Do With a Basic Tee?

Look # 1

A basic tee is an important wardrobe essential that can really stretch out your closet’s outfit potential. Basic t-shirts are inexpensive and versatile, useful all year-around.

A few tips on how to get the most out of your basic t-shirts:

• Secure solid colored neutrals such as black, white and gray which are easier to mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe. They balance out outfits and work as a perfect canvas to show off your trendy clothes and accessories, like a beautiful necklace or a bright colored scarf
• Don’t be afraid to buy several tees of each color. If you find a t-shirt that fits you perfectly then it’s highly recommended to buy 3-5 of it. This helps ward off laundry days.
• Longer t-shirts are more versatile than their shorter kind because they serve layering outfits very well, so make sure you know the length of the t-shirt and compare it to your own body measurements (your torso basically)
• V-neck is the most ideal neckline that flatters most shapes. It slims down the upper body and creates a leaner silhouette. Scoop necks are also timeless but won’t favor you if you have a heavy or wide upper body (chest, shoulders, etc.)
• If you already have the basic tees it won’t hurt to buy even more but in different styles like short tees, flowy/drape tees, t-shirt with chest pocket, etc.

The possibilities are endless! Here are a bunch of ideas to get your basic tees going:

Dressed up

Look #3

Look # 2

LOOK # 1 - (top right) A white v-neck tee, high waist black pencil skirt, flirty black pumps, and a trendy statement necklace is a stylish office look. Throw on a cardigan sweater for more of a Secretary look.
LOOK # 2 - A cute outfit with a shirring skirt, pumps, white tee and chain necklace.Swap the beige pumps with a pair of gladiator high heel sandals and you’ve got a nice party look.
 LOOK #3 - A classical office outfit consists of wool wide leg pants, black tee, pearl jewelry, and a pair of brown croc pumps.






Casual
Look #1
 A cropped striped black and white cardigan coupled with a basic tee, jeans, and flats is always a good bet.


Look #2
Relaxed boyfriend jeans combined with trendy gladiator sandals and a wrap/open cardigan over your tee is totally comfortable.



Look #3
A black v-neck tee, short light khaki colored bubble skirt with a skinny belt, simple gladiator sandals (obviously versatile footwear for our closets!), and a pair of gold hoop earrings is casual that can be easily turned into a Fall outfit with opaque tights and boots.These are just suggestions on how you can wear your t-shirts. Remember that you’re allowed to think for yourself and come up with a much nicer outfit that reflects your own personal taste and personality!

Living Jewelry

I love jewelry! If I could, I’d wear a new pendant, ring, and pair of earrings every day! I know, fantasy land for most of us. But something caught my attention the other day and it stopped me in my tracks. Live plant jewelry…yep, real LIVE plants! Really?! So I take a gander, and you know what? It’s really cute. Especially the tiny jar terrariums.  The rings make me wonder how in the world do you keep from damaging the plant. What do you think?

If plants aren’t your cup-of-tea…how about Maquech brooches: LIVE BEETLES covered in small gems worn as jewelry. Ew, Ew, Ew!! They’re kinda cool looking, but…no, eeeww! These pet-cessories may seem shocking , but they're actually part of a centuries-old tradition that stems from the Mayans. When the artists glue small, colorful gems onto the bugs, they also frequently add bits of gold trim chain, attaching a clip that can be used to wear the beetle on clothing. Would you wear one?

The Basics of Personal Style - Trench Coats-3 Ways

Trench Coats-3 Looks by heather-aulisio featuring leather handbags

April showers bring May flowers. They also bring your trench coat out of the closet! Beat the showers by putting some “spring” in your step. Whether you are going to work, the grocery store, or out for a night with your friends, you can wear and accessorize a trench that is going to look great on your body and also be appropriate for any occasion. Why not leave your old coat in the “trenches” and opt for a new one this season? When shopping, think about your body type. There are certain coats that are cut in ways that are flattering on each body type.

The first look is appropriate for work. The coat is cut classically, is double breasted, and features epaulette and button detailing. It has a belted closure. To give this look a more modern update, instead of fastening the belt, crisscross it and secure it at the waist. This coat is also structured to create a waist line and flatter hips. The crisp white color screams spring and can be paired beautifully with a patterned and sophisticated pair of galoshes-perfect to wear to work on a rainy day.

 The second look is a bit more casual and playful and showcases the notorious khaki color of the trench. It is a great and stylish full skirted coat to wear to run errands in or meet friends at the mall. Great for curvy girls, the full skirt balances out hips and hides larger thighs. The double breasted design also draws the eye upward (however, if you are large busted; look for a trench coat that is single breasted. It will take emphasis away from your larger parts). Pair this look with a pair of rain boots that gives the outfit a punch of color and fun.

Finally, the last look is ideal for a night out with friends. Pick a dramatic or royal looking color for evening use like black, navy, scarlet, or emerald green. Embellishments also can make a bold, “notice me” statement. The cut of this last look is great for athletic or straight body types because it creates instant curves. The asymmetric tulip front hem will also make shorter legs appear longer and leaner. Pair them with a shiny ankle length rain boot and a glittery clutch.

 Remember, when it rains, it pours! Be prepared for the spring time in a trench coat that can “weather” your body, in style!

Fashion Industry and Charitable Work

We tend to think of fashion events packed with glamour, lights, models and designers. Caviar, bubbly champagne, and stunning models on the runway conjure imagines of grandeur. But how many times have you associated a top fashion event with a charitable cause? Probably not too often. Charity work isn’t always behind closed doors. Celebrities and designers extend their hand to help those in need. Their involvement typically attracts many people, which gains more attention from millions around the world.

There are plenty of organizations that appear to work behind the scenes as well. Bora Wear, for example, works in conjunction with TOTO Love Children’s Home, to help orphaned, abandoned, and living with HIV/AIDS children in Kenya. Bora Wear is motivated by the motto, “Doing Well While Doing Good.” The clothing brand is dedicated towards alleviating the inequities throughout Africa. They are one of many, many good works by caring and compassionate individuals. For more great stories, check out Swatfame and Fashion Fights Poverty. And, if you want to find some charity events in your area, check out: Charity Happenings.

The Basics of Personal Style: Dark Wash Jeans

Dark Wash Jeans-3 Looks by Style Clarity featuring gold chain jewelry

Dark wash jeans today have become the new little black dress. They can be paired with virtually anything and can be worn casual or glammed up. They also transition easily from day to night.

Every "must own list" that has been developed since the mid-nineties has suggested a pair of darkwash bootcut jeans. While this item is practical, its also important that everything we buy fit into our personal style. What is the best way to incorporate our dark-wash jeans into the rest of our wardrobe. Here are a few examples, remember, not everyone needs a bootcut! :)

The first look featuring dark wash jeans is a great look for running errands, going on an afternoon shopping trip, or out for a Sunday brunch. The dark skinny jeans pair nicely with a long, cinched, button up cotton shirt and a pair of comfortable but stylish flats. The darkness of the jean, in addition to the skinny cut creates a long and lean visual effect.

The second look features a dark wash, fit and flare jean. This look proves jeans are versatile enough to dress up any outfit. This look, featuring the jeans is perfect for a date night or girl’s night out. Wear the strappy tank alone or underneath a printed jacket. Dressing in layers is great for classing up a diner and transitioning into a fun night out.

The final look shows dark wash boot leg jeans make a perfect neutral blank canvas for color blocking-one of the season’s hottest trends. The jeans pair beautifully with the orange, red, and pink colors. When color blocking, always stick to colors on the same side of the color wheel.

Dark wash jeans are a fashion staple for any girl’s closet and can be used recurrently-whether to make comfort look fashionable or play up the latest color trend. Pick up a pair that fits your personal style (and lifestyle!). Each of these outfits has dark jeans, but the clothing choices are as versatile as the owners.

Greyscale Love

Who said grey had to be boring? Update your wardrobe with a couple of grey pieces and their corresponding bottoms and accessories to bring what many people consider a "dull" color to life.

I think grey can be a great color for an array of occasions. With different shades of grey, this color can be an asset and versatile thing to all sorts of styles. It's girl next door with some added class and plenty of versatility. Here we took a basic grey top and paired it with different styles, washes, and colors of skinny jeans. Dress it up with classy flats or dress it down with some All American Converse kicks. Pair it with a vintage style necklace and you're ready for class, a day at the mall, or a lunch date!

Clothing: 

1. Dark Grey Basic Long Sleeve T

2. Grey and White Triangle Blouse

3. Heather Grey Zip Up Hoodie

4. Razorback Dark Grey Sheer Tank Top 

Accessories: 

1. White Denim Skinny Jeans

2. Distressed Dark Artist Jeans 

3. Silver Denim Skinny Jeans

4. White Ballet Flats

5. All American Converse Sneakers

6. Owl Necklace

7. Peace Script Necklace