3 EASY UPGRADES FOR JEANS AND TEE SHIRT GIRLS

Lately a lot of my styling clients have been requesting looks that involve jeans and a tee shirt as the base. To me this makes perfect sense, we live in a world where that is basically the uniform. The problem with uniforms is that they can be boring and therefore lack style.

It’s my job to give my clients what they want but also infuse some serious style into the mix. So I have come up with some super simple ways to up your tee shirt and jeans game.

1. ADD A STATEMENT NECKLACE

The easiest way to make your boring look pop is to add a killer statement necklace. Take all of the focus off your simple ensemble and really let the jewelry be the star of the show. With sites like Bauble Bar, it’s never been easier to look stylish and keep within a reasonable budget.

2. THROW A JACKET ON IT

I am basically the queen of the jacket! A cute blazer or jacket paired with a tee and jeans adds instant class to your basic look. You could almost wear the same white tee and jeans everyday, and by adding a new jacket you have a brand new look.

3. HEELS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Wearing heels isn’t always the most comfortable thing in the world but man does it make a world of difference. Putting on a killer pair of stilettos or sandals will take your look from a 2 to a 10.

How do you step up your jeans and tee shirt game?

HOW TO LOOK CHIC IN SNEAKERS

For the first time in fashion (okay maybe not the first time) being comfortable is actually considered stylish! At least on the footwear front it is. Incorporating sneakers into your look is not only acceptable, it’s actually encouraged.

Last week I was asked, ‘how do you avoid looking sloppy in a pair of sneakers?’ To recap, I have three solid tips to keep you from looking sloppy in sneakers.

1.) KEEP YOUR GYM SHOES AT THE GYM!

Wearing your workout shoes outside of the gym is a total no-no. Keep those sweaty shoes in your gym bag where they belong. Make sure you have a dedicated pair of fitness and a dedicated pair for fashion.

2.) MIX HIGH AND LOW

To create a stylish and more interesting overall look, it’s best to mix your comfortable casual sneakers with something a little more dressed up or fashion forward. The fashion-y part of your look will cancel out any sloppiness the sneakers may bring.

3.) CLEAN YOUR SNEAKERS PLEASE!

Nothing says sloppy like a dirty pair of sneakers. Keep your shoes laces clean and your shoes free of scuffs if you want to stay away from Sloppyville.

Hope that helps! If you have a fashion question you want me to answer, leave a note on my Facebook page.

Marta Marques

by LAUREN MESSIAH

10 WAYS TO STYLISHLY WEAR SWEATPANTS

Sweatpants, once the most hated/taunted garment of all time and now they are basically the freaking prom queen of fashion. Gotta love the trends cycle.

I for one am pumped that sweatpants have been temporarily accepted as chic. In fact, I am going to milk this trends as long as I possibly can. In order to properly milk this puppy, we need more than one way to wear it, right? I’ve got 10 …

1.) WITH PLAID

Go a grunge with it why don’t ya?

2.) CHIC IT UP WITH A BLAZER

Because blazers make everything better (and acceptable for public consumption).

3.) ADD SOME FANCY HEELS

Heels are the quickest way to make sweatpants okay! The fancier the better.

4.) ROCK A WHOLE SUIT

Get crazy and wear a matching sweatsuit!

5.) PRETEND THEY ARE REAL PANTS

Make your whole outfit insanely chic and then seamlessly slip in a pair of sweats.

6.) LAYER LIKE A PRO

Make yourself look like you stepped out of a J Crew catalog and go crazy with the layers.

7.) JUST ADD DENIM

Because denim and sweats go way back.

8.) FUR!

Real and faux, fur makes everything fancy – even sweatpants.

9.) WEAR THEM IN LEATHER

All of the comfort of sweats but in stylish leather. I have a pair and I LOVE them.

10.) STRIPE ALWAYS WORK

When in doubt, just throw on a striped shirt and call it a day! Stripes almost always look crazy chic.

Just use them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marta Marques

by LAUREN MESSIAH

THE SECRET TO GETTING DRESSED FASTER IN THE MORNING

You wanna know what sucks? Standing in front of your closet, in your underwear, with no idea what to wear. It’s probably one of the most frustrating ways to start the day. Wouldn’t it be awesome to eliminate that horror completely?

I have the answer, well actually I have two …

1.) Hire someone to pick out all of your outfits (me, me!)

OR

2.) Pre-style/pre-plan your looks!

Lets talk about method #2. This method rocks the house. Why? Because chances are you have a closet full of clothing that has endless styling possibilities but unless you make the time to do it, the blank closet stare will commence.

So how do you do it? I’ll tell you …

1.) GET INSPIRED

I am a huge fan of Pinterest, I’d venture to say that I am a Pinterest junkie. I created a board called My Style with outfits that inspire me. I am constantly filling the board and my mind with ideas on how to wear the other I already own differently.

2.) SCHEDULE SOME TIME

Next I pick one day a week to style my outfits. For me this is typically on a Sunday night before dinner around 5 or 6pm. When something is “on my calendar” it’s easier for me to stick with the task.

3.) STYLE AWAY

Every stylist has their own method but here is how I do it. I pick 5-6 star pieces that I’d like to wear to work that week and put them on a rack (you could clear a space away in your closer or lay the pieces on your bed). Then I start building around the star pieces. Maybe it’s a killer cardigan that acts as the star – then I’d pick out a skirt or a pair of jeans, a top, shoes, and a necklace. Bam! Outfit #1. I repeat this process until I have enough outfits for the week.

4.) FASHION SHOW!

While I’m at it, I try on my looks to make sure they look as good on as they do on the rack. Sure this step is a little time consuming but it can be fun AND you know that when you get dressed during the week there won’t be any surprises.

Do you pre-plan your outfits or “ain't nobody got time for that!” Let me know over on my Facebook page.

Marta Marques

by LAUREN MESSIAH

10 WAYS TO WEAR SHORT OVERALLS - WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last week I bought a pair of short overalls at Target and I’m kind of addicted. $27 well spent if you ask me and I plan on getting my moneys worth too 

1.) WITH A COOL SCARF BELT

10 points for creativity! Belting your short overalls will not only add style but waist definition too.

2.) WITH A FANCY BAG

Oh you fancy, huh? Add a fancy pants bag to your super casual look for the ultimate cool girl vibe.

3.) WITH BOOTS AND A CAPE

Super hero or super fashionable? Upgrade your short overalls with the dressiest stuff you got.

4.) WITH A SNAPPY HAT

Y’all know I love a hat.

5.) JUST ADD A WHITE TEE

Sometimes basics are best.

6.) WHAT ABOUT A BLAZER?

I love a blazer paired with short overalls. Unexpected and oh-s0 chic.

7.) TRY SOME TIGHTS

Not about showing your legs? Just add tights.

8.) BLOUSE IT UP

Keep it nice and classy with a blouse.

9.) TIE A LITTLE SOMETHING AROUND YOUR WAIST

Go low key yet stylish with a little something tied around your waist.

10.) WITH ONE STRAP DOWN

I know, I know 90s flashbacks but it is kinda awesome, right?

I love it all

I have to have 3 or 4 :)

Marta Marques

by LAUREN MESSIAH

STYLE TIPS FOR THE SWEATY

Sweating, it’s both nasty and natural. Good thing about sweating is that it’s good for your health. Worst part? It creates mad drama when it comes to getting dressed. From pit stains to deodorant stains – shizz is gross!

REMOVING DEODORANT STAINS

White deodorant stains are not cool, especially on black garments. My favorite tool of all time are these bad boys from Fashion First Aid called Skid Out: Deodorant Eraser. If you don’t feel like springing for this $6 tool, then snatch some of the foam that comes between the clips on pant hangers. Works like a dang charm.

GETTING RID OF GROSS YELLOW STAINS

OMG pit stains are the most un-cute thing of all time. Mix 1 part lemon juice and 1 part water into a spray bottle. Spritz thoroughly and then launder as usual. Pit stains will be toast.

AVOID THE WHOLE MESS ALTOGETHER

If you want avoid a sweaty mess altogether, then invest in some Garment Guards– also by Fashion First Aid. Stick these little guys directly on your shirt and all of the sweat will be absorbs on them and NOT on your clothes. Total win and total game changer.

WHY YOU CAN STOP TRYING ON YOUR PANTS!

Perhaps it’s the stylist in me, but I can’t stand trying on clothing at the store. I’d much rather try everything on in the comfort of my home without bad lighting, trick mirrors, and pushy salespeople. Sure, returning what doesn't work can be annoying but for me that’s nothing compared to the alternative.

One way to avoid standing in the return line is to purchase your correct size without ever having to try anything on.

Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Well it is good and it is true with this handy trick.

Check out the video below to find out how to tell if a pair of pants fits without even slipping them on.

 Enjoy the knowledge :)

by LAUREN MESSIAH on MARCH 19TH, 2015

  in FEATURED, STYLE HOW-TO'S

TAGS: how to, videos

THE 3 DENIM TRENDS YOU NEED THIS SEASON

This post was originally featured on Glam.com. 

photovia ejstyle.co.uk

Denim is arguably one of the most important pieces in everyone’s wardrobe. I mean, who doesn’t wear (and love) denim? This season there are some new denim trends that should absolutely be added to your wardrobe.

FLARES

After being shut out by skinny jeans for years, flares are finally back.  What I love about flares are they are figure flattering and they are totally on trend with the 70s style movement that was seen on the runways.

CULOTTES

Definitely not for everyone but culottes are attempting a comeback. Talk about a great way to show off your favorite shoes and to show that you are ahead of the curve.

DENIM SKIRTS

It’s been quite a while since I’ve busted out a denim skirt but this upcoming season that will definitely change. A-line denim skirts are a nice nod to the 70s and the cut is universally flattering, so everyone can enjoy this trend.

Will you try out these denim trends or would you rather play it safe with the denim trends you already know and love?

You have to try it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MM

10 WAYS TO WEAR CULOTTES

Let me start by saying this … I do not plan on embracing this trend. The image of me + culottes just doesn’t seem like a good idea BUT it may be a good idea for someone else. So with that I give you, 10 ways to wear culottes.

1.) AS A SET

Make yourself a little culotte suit for spring. Bonus points for bold florals.

2.) IN JEWEL TONES

Make the ultimate statement in a pair of jewel toned culottes. I mean, if you are going to go big you may as well draw even more attention to yourself.

3.) GET MATCHY-MATCHY

Take the sting out this statement pant by going with a  more monochromatic look.

4.) WEAR THEM WITH BOOTS

Have a shorter pair of culottes? Cover up those stems with a pair of tall boots.

5.) SHOW A POP OF SKIN

Let your freak flag fly by showing a little peek of skin with your crazy culottes.

6.) WITH SANDALS

This trend is going to be huge for spring and you can’t have spring without some sandals.

7.) MINIMALISTIC

Keep things neutral with a minimalist palette of black and white.

8.) OR JUST WEAR ALL WHITE

Nothing says spring like an all white ensemble!

9.) PERHAPS PASTELS?

Soften up the look with some great pastel colors for spring.

10.) ADD SOME STATEMENT SHOES

Get all crazy on the bottom half of your body with a killer pair of statement shoes.

by LAUREN MESSIAH