by Barbara Ellis on January 18, 2010
Sometimes writing a lobg post can be like staring into my closet…frustrating (nothing to wear!) or anxiety-ridden (I only have 5 minutes!). Actually, pick an adjective and insert here.
But I’m a style expert. I’m not supposed to get stuck. Yeah, right. Anyone who tells you that they never have trouble getting dressed in the morning probably wears the same thing over and over again.
If you’re like me, you want to mix it up. Try new outfits. Discover new and fun combinations. But you’re staring at a closet full of stuff that for some reason just isn’t working with you and the 5 minutes or less you have to get ready in the morning.
So do what I do and follow these tips. Perhaps one of them will trigger that “aha” moment and make your morning easier!
• Look for something that you haven’t worn in a while. You’ve held onto it for a reason; perhaps now you have the right pants or top to match up with it. If not, do NOT waste time chastising yourself for not being able to make it work. Move on!
• Look in your jewelry drawer. Pull out a fabulous necklace or earrings and go from there. If it’s a really amazing piece, perhaps all you need to wear is a simple sheath that allows the jewelry to take center stage. For winter, add tights, platform heels and a cardigan to get ready in a flash.
• Start from the bottom up. Select your most fun, funkiest, most “out there” shoes and build your way up. Do not try to match them to anything. If they’re a wild color, pick a neutral pair of pants (gray, black, navy, brown, tan) and a top or jacket in a complementary color. One of my fast faves is to pair red shoes with an all-gray or black outfit and carry a yellow handbag. Simple, chic and EASY!
• Challenge yourself to pick a favorite item and pair it with something completely different than usual. I have a favorite cheetah print cardigan. It has ¾ length sleeves so the easy out is to pair it with a solid brown knit shirt. Over the weekend I suddenly got inspired and paired it with a long sleeve pale blue button down, but I unbuttoned the cuffs of the shirt and rolled up the sleeves. In keeping with the more trend-forward look I wanted, I added a skinny belt and a super chunky necklace. Voila! A “new” favorite (and easy!) way to wear my cardigan.
Happy shopping in your own closet!
by Barbara Ellis on December 29, 2009
Wow!! Only a few more days until 2010 and the beginning of another decade. It seems like just yesterday we were all anticipating Y2K and the meltdown of computers everywhere!
Most people resolve to do something starting January 1st of every new year: lose weight, stop smoking, start eating more healthfully…I suppose they think that date means they will magically get more willpower to make these things happen than on any other day of the year.
That’s why I resolve not to make any New Year’s Resolutions!
Any day of the year should be the right day to start anew. As you go about your business in 2010, just know that you have the power to make a fresh start whenever you want. No waiting for a new year. No waiting for tomorrow.
Today works just as well.
But what I find is that people tend to think they have to have everything completely lined up and perfect for a resolution to take effect. As if the moon and stars must be aligned to lose weight. Because it’s a date in the future they can “prepare”.
Why do I say today works just as well? Because resolutions are simply goals regarding change, and you CAN make small changes towards a bigger goal all the time!
Ready to add more style to your life? Pick up a few new style magazines on your way home from work to get the process started. Need to lose a few pounds? Chose something more healthful for your next meal. Want to get fit? Call the local YMCA or gym, get their hours and go over on your lunch break to sign up.
Today. As in now.
Whenever you make the decision to change those habits remember to take action immediately. Actions you take today will help you reach your goals that much sooner.
So what have you been putting off until tomorrow? And what can you do today to take steps toward that goal? Now…go do it!
by Barbara Ellis on December 20, 2009
People often refer to me as a fashionista. I’ll be the first to tell you that simply isn’t true!!
A fashionista is someone who is REALLY into fashion and all that implies: being the first to try trends, knowing all the latest designer collections, watching runway shows…I’d rather have my eyes picked at by a bird than endure the stress of Fashion Week!!
I prefer to think of myself as stylish.
I don’t live for trends, but I do pick and choose trends to incorporate into my wardrobe. I know most of the hot designers and like to add the occasional designer piece (hello Jimmy Choo!) to my collection, but I also enjoy finding stylish products in unexpected places (and not paying designer prices!). And lastly, I am inspired by girl-on-the-street style so much more than what comes off the runways and “fashion” magazines. I think everyday women putting together outfits that suit their personality and celebrate their uniqueness are so much more interesting than what magazine editors push as the latest gotta have look.
Don’t get me wrong, I love looking through InStyle, Marie Claire, Lucky, People Stylewatch, Elle, W, Glamour, etc. And I’m notorious for ripping out pages for ideas. But when it comes right down to it, style is something deeply personal and I simply cannot follow fashion and feel like I’m being true to myself.
Fashion is what you’re offered by someone else. Style is what you choose. And I choose style!
Please don’t call me the “f” word any more! I’d so much rather be a stylish chick!!
by Barbara Ellis on December 19, 2009
As I’m putting together this new blog (exciting, huh!) it’s freezing cold and snowing like crazy. Only 5 shopping days left ’til Christmas and only the desperate should be out in this weather.
That being said I know there are plenty of desperate people out there ready to risk life and limb to get the perfect presents. If you’re one of them, let me remind you that the best gift you can give is yourself…get my drift?
So take your coat off, sit down and let’s get creative!
Of course you’re used to using the Internet to go shopping…but unless you want to pay exorbitant shipping fee to get packages received by the 24th, let’s focus on a few things you can make at home instead.
A Little Sparkle Goes A Long Way
There are a couple of ways to go about creating unique, giftable jewelry. You can either raid your jewelry box and “re-think” items you no longer use or you can start fresh.
When looking in your jewelry box, consider the current trends like mixing metals, draping chains and adding ribbons when selecting pieces to use. Then get creative and start mixing it up! Got a broken chain necklace? Attach several small sections together to form the front part of a necklace, then add ribbon that will tie up and over your neck. Or create a beautiful bib necklace: cut a bib out of suede or silk and cover it by sewing on brooches or earrings that have lost their backings or other faux gems.
If you’d like to try your hand at crafting something new, here’s a simple idea. Thread thick stringing wire or string through beads intertwined with ribbon. Rather than trying to craft something perfect here, the more assymetrical the better! Wrap some beads with ribbon, leave some undone, etc. Be sure to tie off your string well and leave enough ribbon at each end to reach around your neck and tie in a bow. If you want super simple yet super chic, simply knot the ribbon in between each bead (just be sure beads are large/chunky).
Get Out the Apron and Oven Mitts!
Think outside the cookie jar on this one. Maybe the person you want to gift is having company for Christmas or New Years. Make your gift a homemade pie or dessert they can serve. Be sure the baking dish or any serving utensils you hand over are part of the gift!!
Do you have a secret talent for canning? Whip up a batch of homemade jelly or jam and tie a big bow around the jar.
If all else fails, a plate of delicious cookies will please anyone on your list!
Randomly Creative Stuff
One time a good friend noticed that I didn’t have a wreath on my front door, so she went to the local supermarket and purchased a plain pine wreath then adorned it with a beautiful red and gold plaid bow, some pine cones and feathers and tucked in a wooden cardinal in a nest. When Christmas was over I took off the decorations and kept them for the next year when I was inspired to create my own wreath and more for friends!
Another easy idea is to create a gift basket with themed items. I’m not talking Star Wars here (unless that’s your recipients thing!) I’m talking about creating a basket based around an idea such as Date Night, Family Movie Night, Spa Day, etc. You can include food items like popcorn or ingredients for a simple meal, a bottle of wine, a few gently used DVDs for Movie Night, a coupon for babysitting for Date Night…you get the idea. The best part is you really don’t have to spend a lot of money to put together something nice.
And lastly, if you need something more substantial but don’t have a lot a cash, log onto your airline or credit card rewards program and cash in points for everything from gift cards to electronics. Quick, easy and utilizing something that many of us forget about!!
Stay safe, stay warm and share your ideas for creative gifting in a pinch!
