TIPS

The Freakum Dress

By April Spicer in TIPS Tags: , , , , ,

Here’s a great guide I put together to find that perfect “IT” dress for New Year’s no matter what body type or style you have, there’s something out there that’s fabulous for you.

BACK ACTION. There’s nothing more sexier than the subtle seduction of showing of your back in a dress. The gold sequin dress is available at Nasty Gal and the burgundy dress is from Asos.com. If you don’t want to bring attention to your stomach or legs just remember your lower back is an option!

LACE IT UP! This is a classic style that you can wear at various events..dressing it up or down. I may just rock black lace for New Years. Its not too flashy and paired with the right accessories and makeup can look stunning!

GLITTERATTI. Its only for those woman who aren’t afraid of attention and glowing in the dark while they party the night away. Bronze dress is from Asos and Black Asymmetrical piece is from Nasty Gal. This dress is perfect for simple hair styles and natural makeup.

 FLAUNT IT. I love the body conscious super tight dress because it shrinks your waist and makes your curves look amazing. If you don’t want to spend money on a new Herve Ledger dress you can get a look a like from French Connection for under $150.

 

 

No Comments

Layer Me Sweater!

By April Spicer in TIPS

 Today, I’m giving some lessons in layering sweaters! If you’re in a chilly climate, its the perfect time to layer up and give some creativity to your outfit.  First, start of with a cool looking shirt that has a print to it, this J. Crew shirt is full of pop color and was only 33 dollars! Gotta love a great sale, especially from one of my favorite brands.

I’m going to use a crew neck sweater, but you can use a v-neck as well, just make sure the color of your sweater compliment the shirt you’re wearing underneath. My mint green sweater is from H&M, it was under $25.00! This is a great bargain, so whatever budget you have, you can still achieve this look. Note, make sure you button your shirt all the way up, for a nice clean and polished look.

The tricky thing about layering is making sure the size of the garments give ample room for your layers. This cable knit sweater has texture and stretch, so you want to use good judgement. Roll up the sleeves and your good to go..but..wait..I’m not done yet!

Another Layer?? Can you ever have to many layers??

Top it all off with a slick blazer and class is dismissed. You just learned the fundamentals of Layering Sweaters 101!

No Comments

What’s Haute Right Now

By April Spicer in TIPS Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Looks left to right: YSL, Express 

Leopard is always haute, but having thick leopard scarf right now seems so chic and fresh. Coming from someone who wears leopard everything, but all in moderation, having a scarf too is even more rewarding. No matter your budget you can get this look. The YSL scarf is around $995, but the Express one is only $30! Talk about a major price range, but regardless of your budget there are items that will look great on you.

Looks left to right: Banana Republic, Cwonder.com

Its that season of layering knits, bundling up and making sure your bode is warm! I’m loving the long fur vest right now for Fall.  For starters having a fur vest is a staple piece for your wardrobe! Whether its faux fur or real, it goes lovely with a cable knit sweater or a turtle neck sweater. Getting a neutral color will go with more items in your closet, but if you like wearing bold pieces getting a dark purple or burgundy fur vest is haute too!

Looks from left to right: Jcrew, Madewell.

I actually look forward to wearing sweaters and every year I purchase different colors and prints to add to my collection. That soft, cozy feeling of a knit is so comforting during the winter. Quirky sweaters are my favorite because its pretty colors, textures and detailing all in one piece. Dress it up with a pencil skirt, or down with cool denim. Either way its going to be a lovely piece to add to your wardrobe.

Shoes left to right: Giuseppe Zanotti, Ash. Both at ShopBop.com

Every store I go to has the sneaker wedge, its a super hot item right now. These shoes are hip, comfy with a sporty feel that is pretty cool to mix and match with various outfits.  If you don’t want to spend $600 on a pair of Isabel Marant sneakers, you can buy a pair similar looking for less!

2 Comments

Fashion Must Haves for MEN

By April Spicer in OUTFITS, TIPS Tags: , , , , , ,

Mixing Navy with Black – Bottega Veneta

As much as I love to wear an all black outfit, I love the idea of mixing navy with black because its unexpected and it looks incredibly attractive. Most men have navy or black blazers, but try pairing a navy sweater and pants with black accessories. Give that classic navy blazer a break!

Beautiful Burgundy – Hermes

Burgundy is one of those fall colors that always shows back up on the runway and it should because it looks gorgeous with black! Just like navy, burgundy and black look awesome together. Especially for men who don’t like wearing bold colors, navy and burgundy are great color combinations. So ditch the whole idea of matching gray and black together, try something new….you deserve it!

Cool Chunky Cardigan – Dolce & Gabanna

The cardigan is a typical knit for men to wear, it never goes out of style. However, the chunky ribbed knit cardigan adds more shape and body, especially if you have a slim figure. I love how its styled with a white shirt and the bow tie really makes the whole look very appealing. Wearing a cotton shirt with a cardigan, looks sleek and attractive.

The Anti-Suit – Diesel 

I know some of us have to wear a suit to work, but for those who have the privilege of wearing whatever they want, the anti-suit trend is hot! This is taking that classic black and gray color combo to another level by wearing a simple t-shirt with a blazer. The pants are slim, which is great because it looks more like a suit compared to wearing wide or baggy pants.

photo source (via)

No Comments

Style Tips on BLF!

By April Spicer in TIPS

Not only do I have my own fashion blog, but I’m a style blogger for Black Love Forum: a magazine that features everything from celebrity news to fashion. I wanted to share my article with you all, my beloved readers…so please check it out, tweet it/like it on Facebook!

Prints: Are you Haute or Hideous? Click here for article: http://blackloveforum.com/prints-are-you-haute-or-hideous/

 

No Comments

Recent Finds

By April Spicer in TIPS Tags: , , , , , ,

These are some of my most recent purchases that I haven’t worn yet and wanted to share with you on why I’m making these purchases and how to wear them. I had my eye on these Cole Haan brogues for some time and I was lucky enough to get more than $100 off of these shoes. Side note: I waited for the markdown.  The word comfortable doesn’t even begin to describe these shoes, every time I put them on…I feel like I’m walking on pillow cushions. Some companies are making flats with the ” trendy look” but are tremendously lacking in the areas of quality and comfort. It shocks me that people are actually paying for their products.  I am so glad Cole Haan has incorporated the Nike Air technology design within their collections.

Why did I make the purchase? I wanted a shoe that was dressy, but didn’t come with a heel, for those days when I feel like flats.

How to style? I would most likely wear these for an every day look such as a cute blouse paired with some skinny pants/shorts.

I love these black Cole Haan heels! I always try to keep my feet together, which means I wear cushions at all times when wearing heels. These shoes have a built in padded cushion, which impressed me and they are a classic black sandal that you can dress up or down.

Why did I purchase this item? I needed a refreshing open toe black sandal heel that was comfortable but is also sexy from a design aspect.

Looking for the perfect white blazer wasn’t tough because I know Zara.com has an archive of blazers with a great price tag attached to it. A white blazer with some skinny jeans or putting it with some flare white pants for a classy look will be perfect!

 

No Comments

Before You Put That On…

By April Spicer in TIPS Tags: , , ,

We have all seen the lady wearing ultra tight clothes that make her look scandalous, but I believe there’s something mentally going on with women who are wearing clothes that do not fit their bodies. There is the possibility of being in denial. You’re trying to lose weight and you are in between sizes and you have been working so hard to lose the weight. However, wearing a size too small actually makes you look bigger, so now everyone notices your weight because you’re clothes are ill fitting. Studies have shown that some women are dishonest about their weight and size, but it really doesn’t matter what number you tell someone if your stomach or butt is busting out of your pants.

There are so many  TV shows, books, and other resources that women have within their reach for them to dress properly, yet I am seeing women on their way to work in New York wearing outfits that are at least two sizes too small for their bodies. Wearing clothes that “fit” your body is more important than the actual quality and cost of the product. Here are some ways to know if you are wearing clothes that are too tight.

1. Ripples in the back thigh area and crotch area. When trying on pants, if the fabric starts to pull in these areas, it is not your size. Forget about numbers and go with how it fits on you.

2. Muffin Top. Your hips are sticking out because the pants you’re wearing has pushed them up because they are too small.

3. Baby Shirt. You’re shirt keeps coming up and you have to keep pulling it down. If it’s a button up, the fabric is puckering out in the bust and stomach area.

4. Denim Diapers. You want to wear the trendy cutoff shorts, which is fine but if you try to sit down and your butt is showing, it is too small!

Whether you are in high school, college or you’re a mother of three kids there’s no excuse for wearing ultra tight clothing. I’m a wardrobe stylist and it is my mission is to help educate all women so that they can look and feel their best! Projecting a great image is powerful and those who “look the part” gain more respect from their clients and peers. Of course having a great image is more than just looking fabulous, but it’s very important because the world we live in depends highly upon great visuals.  We act and live off of what we see so if it doesn’t fit, love your body and don’t wear it.

photo source: getty images

No Comments

Swimwear for Summer

By April Spicer in TIPS Tags: ,

1. This one piece halter swim suit flaters your curves, helps keep the stomach flat and its still sexy with the plunging neckline.

2. I love monokinis because they are the best piece when you don’t want to wear a bikini, yet still show more skin.

3. I’m feeling this white one piece with the funky neckline, it is the perfect pool party attire.

4. Leopard print looks good on everything…even on a pink and black bikini.

5. I can definitely see a surfer chic riding the waves wearing this swimsuit. Makes me want to be on the beach!

6. The all american, nautical stripe bathing suit is beautiful, classic, and always in style.

1 Comment