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!