style & beauty tip of the day: balance with exaggerated garments

A major tip to looking stylish, fashionably knowledgeable, and simply fantastic is balance. 

Today's focus being, how to wear over-sized or exaggerated garments.

The key is simple...

When wearing an over-sized top or exaggerated/full bottoms, pair them with simple, fitted partners. Exaggerated paired with exaggerated calls to mind childhood memories of playing dress-up with Mom's clothing. Cute when you're four-years-old. Not so cute as an adult.

So remember...balance is key in fashion.

One of my absolute favorite style inspirations, Rumi Neely, in her classic, no fuss fashion.

The over-sized sweater is balanced by the fitted, simple jeans.

(Photo from Rumi's facebook page)

This gorgeous, exaggerated, full skirt works because it is balanced by the fitted, classic cut of the blouse.

Kim's exaggerated, full tops look chic and stylish because they are paired with simple, skinnies.

"Almost every wise saying has an opposite one, no less wise, to balance it."

Quote by George Santayana

the thin line: leggings

Most women, and many men, want to portray a high fashion style, but there is a very thin line between high fashion and, well, not high fashion.
So what is it that distinguishes celebrity actresses and super models from the rest of the world? Many would say it's because they are so much prettier than the rest of us so they make anything look good, but that couldn't be further from the truth-- as many non-models are just as gorgeous or even more gorgeous than those models we all admire. 

Then how do they stand out from the crowd? What makes them look so much greater than the majority of the world?
The details. It's all in the little details.

Are you now ready to leave the wannabees and cross over into that mysterious secret world of high fashion?

Here's your first stop on the treasure map to becoming a head turning, off-the-runway super model.

High fashion legging style vs wannabee high fashion leggings

In fashion, we are constantly trying to elongate and thin the look of the woman's body. Leggings have been huge the last few years, and if worn right, they accomplish the elongating and thinning quite nicely.

What makes this first look so much more high fashion than the second photo?
It's the legging length. High fashion legging looks have hems that extend all the way down to at least the ankles and has continuous flow into the style and color of the shoe. For a high fashion legging look, have the hems actually touch the shoe tops or continue into the shoe and wear leggings and shoes that are the same color. This elongates the legs, and allows for fewer horizontal divides across the body. A well known secret in the styling world is the fewer horizontal divides you have, the longer and then you look. Horizontal divides tend to break up the flow of the body giving it a shorter, more squaty look. So leave the capri leggings for your trips to the gym.

Picture one: The leggings extend to the ankles, and the strappy look of the shoes reflects the gathered texture of her leggings, allowing for seamless flow from thigh to toe. Whoa Mama, High fashion!

Picture two: Capri leggings? Is she wearing heels with these because she forget her flip flops after yoga class or something? 

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Now here are some legging YES'S!

In this one, the leggings extend all the way past the ankles touching the tops of the shoes. YES!

Here the hems of her leggings go entirely into her boots, allowing for a seamless transition through the legs and feet. And its always a bonus when the color of you leggings matches your shoe color. 

Doesn't she look cute?

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Now for some legging NO-NO's!

Capri leggings with a dress? I may have to slap someone! :-D
Not to mention, the lace arm warmer's adding even more horizontal cuts to the body. This outfit is a definite NO, and oh heck, NO!

The capri leggings, the low fitting belt...makes her legs look about 2/3's of their actual length, giving a dwarfed look to her body .

Never ever wear ankle reveling leggings with dresses that are longer than mid-thigh. When wearing a dress it is always a safer bet to wear actual pantyhose or footed tights. 

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Now for the proper way to wear capri length leggings.

For yoga on the beach... Yes!

For lounging around the house? YES!

For jogging in the park? Absolutely!

Now, go get your high fashion on!!

"Make-up can only make you look pretty on the outside but it doesn't help if your ugly on the inside. Unless you eat the make-up."

Quote by Audrey Hepburn

awesome outfit day: on the prairie...

Going slightly western for my lunch date with my old girl, Persci Love. Super rainy day, so wearing boots spurred the entire outfit. Pun intended. :-P (Striped, corseted, strapless dress that was a $5.00 steal, yes I said $5.00, in Orlando years ago; vintage find blouse, one of my favorite Body Shop rings, which broke that day :-( ; Three-tiered, feather necklace from my Rehcy by Anna Maria line, check out my accessory shop here; Ebay bought, vintage Capezio boots; and thrift shop bought, leather belt, an absolute favorite of mine!)
(Photos in this post owned by me)

"Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant."
Quote by Socrates

awesome outfit day: california dreaming...

Gorg second hand skirt from Thailand. Absolutely could not wait to wear...date night seemed like a momento perfecto
(Second hand skirt, yard-sale tee, REHCY by Anna Maria necklace, Vintage 1940/50s screw on earrings, Native American made beaded braclet, Body Shop ring, and gifted shoes)
(Photos in the post owned by me)

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." 

Quote by Saint Augustine

golden globes in shades of nudes...

Seems that shades of nudes and beiges was a huge trend at the 2012 Golden Globes this Sunday. 

As this is a trend I love, elegant, beautiful, and modern, I hope it continues through the new year.

Here are a few of our ladies showing how it's done!

The cut, the super sheer shoulders, the elegance..what's not to love?

Diane Lane 15 January 2012

The vintage style of this one is to die for...

Watch your back, girl, this one may have to get jacked! :-)

By the way, loving the dark hair.

Jessica Biel 15 January 2012

Though the hair in make-up is very gorgeously Marilyn Monroe,
the dress well...let's just say leaves a little bit to be desired.
Amy Poehler 15 Jan 2012

This one has a princess style...or maybe prom. Still pretty.
Julie Bowen 15 January 2012

Miss Beckinsale looks absolutely gorgeous. I like the dress, but it somehow has a wedding dress look to it. It's got to be the lace.
Kate Beckinsale 15 January 2012

Piper showing us that red carpet events do not always have to be serious. :-P
Piper Perabo 15 January 2012

This look has it all, Bohemian hair and jewelry, futuristic seams on the bodice, traditional elagance of the mermaid silohette...love, love love! Way to go Miss Macpherson!
Elle Macpherson 15 January 2012

Hmm...well...ummmmm.. How's your day going, by the way?
Emily Watson 15 January 2012

The ruching and style of the bodice is lovely, yet the hair and accessories not so much.
A Greek inspired updo with a long pendant necklace would have been ice-cream tons better.
Sarah Paulson 15 January 2012

The Sci-fi cut with the Egyptian inspired embellishment looks like something straight from Stargate, which by the way, I super love. Yep, this dress may have to be stolen. You're killing it Nicole!

This dress also happens to be my Love's favorite of the night. Apparently guys like form fitting dresses... I wonder why... :-P

Nicole Kidman 15 January 2012

Miss McPhee showing us that the nude look can also be sweet and innocent.
Anyone excited about her new television show?
Katherine McPhee 15 January 2012

This one seemed to be the favorite of the night, and I can see why...the artistic elegance of the dress, the oh so Hollywood updo, the fact that it's worn by Charlize Theron...

yep, I can see why it's the favorite of the evening.

Charlize Theron 15 January 2012

Now on to my favorite of the group...

Worn by Miss Giuliana Rancic

The flowing silk chiffon skirt, the sculpted sci-fi looking bodice, the gold embellishment at the waist...absolutely, positively needs to be in my closet now!
Miss Rancic, better keep this one locked up! :-)
Giuliana Rancic 15 January 2012

"Bravery never goes out of fashion."
Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray

style inspiration- 2012 week 2

Had to show you my style inspiration for the week. Absolutely in love. This dress, from Givenchy's SS 2012 collection, gives me thoughts of vacations in Italy, evening gondola trips in Venice, and kisses from my Baby Love. :-)

Thank you, Rumi, for introducing me to this dress and for being a constant source of fashion inspiration.

Rumi Neely in Givenchy's SS 2012 collection.

You can find the original post at Rumi's blog:

www.fashiontoast.com

The dress on the runway in September 2011.

"There are no failures-just experiences and your reactions to them."

Quote by Tom Krause

PREDICTIONS IN STYLE for 2012

PREDICTIONS IN STYLE for 2012... duhn, duhn, duuuhhhhhnnnn....

1. "Effortless" beauty. Natural, free, comfortable, and I just woke up looking like this.

2. An even stronger continuance of the health and organic craze. Which I myself have fallen victim too.  :-D

3. On the opposite end we will continue with the edgy leathers, futuristic cuts, and rock chic styles. Combining the three for sexy sci-fi awesomeness. (Love!)

4. The most popular trend will be the continuing hunt for the fountain of youth.

5. While the most important "fashionable" trend will be a larger focus on philanthropy. So find a favorite charity, one close to your heart, and pour yourself into it. Happy 2012, dawls!!

Jennifer Garner July 2011

A 2011 example of "Effortless" beauty that will most likely continue through 2012.

Miss Angelina November 2011

Always a favorite example of Effortless beauty and philanthropy.

Kate Beckinsale Nov 2011

Beautifully showing, with her toned legs, tan skin, and gorgeously healthy hair, 2012's second fashion trend of health and fitness.

Stacy Keibler October 2011

An cool and hot example of the futuristic trend to continue through 2012

Victoria Beckham November 2011

Another example of the edgy, futuristic trend. Love the leggings!

Michelle Pfeiffer October 2011

A goddess example and a queen of the most important trend...

Mastering the fountain of youth! Please, great queen, give us commoners the key!

Demi Moore September 2011

Another goddess of the Fountain of Youth. Dang, girl!

Oprah, always philanthropic, at the opening of her School for Girls in Africa.

Now you know the future. I've looked into my Crystal Ball of Fashion and let you in on the secrets. :-D

Take it or leave it.

But will you be on 2012's best or worst dressed lists?

"When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters - one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity."

Quote by Saul David Alinsky