Work style that’s still YOUR style

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Once in a while someone I know requests a special blog to help them out with style issues that we all face, and I’m more than happy to oblige.

This is one of those time and the topic in particular is something that has taken me a while to figure out – work style.

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Your Jewelry Wardrobe

While digging through my jewelry box I came across some antique treasures. They belonged to my grandmother and, as a child, I’d pile them on hoping to emulate her style. Not much has changed – jewelry is still one of my favorite things to play with. I firmly believe that, as women, we should have a particular allure to us.  Having allure isn’t a shallow idea: it’s part of what makes us memorable to others. A large part of the charm we create for ourselves is with jewelry.

Trying to figure out which jewelry best suits your style can prove to be quite a challenge; especially when you’re not totally sure where your style falls to begin with. One thing is for sure – the perfect pieces can help to define your style and give you an allure all your own. I’ve come up with some guidelines and categories (and included some dreamy picks that fall within those looks)!

MASCULINE/TOMBOY

Do you dislike teetering on high heels? Do you find yourself more often than not wearing a t-shirt and jeans? Well, I always say, make it work! Amp up your style with signature pieces that bring your masculine style to chic status. Some great ideas:

EARTHY / BOHEMIAN

Do you find yourself in breezy cotton tops and chunky knit sweaters? Do you gravitate towards outdoor activities and materials? Try pairing one of your trusty nubby cardigans or breezy blouses (heck, even an organic cotton tee!) with one of these mesmerizing earthy pieces and watch how heads turn!

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BOLD / ULTRA-GLAM

You don’t shy away from attention, do you? You love when all eyes are on you, and you have a personality that cannot be ignored. Slide on one of these babies with a sleek black sweater or pile on a bunch haphazardly for an over the top look that will not go unnoticed. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations!

SIMPLISTIC / ARTISTIC

Are you drawn to the simpler things? Do you love the look of minimalist art or clean lines? Try sliding on one of these pieces to amp up that black turtleneck.

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GIRLY/ALL-AROUND-PRINCESS

You gravitate towards all things pretty and pink. From flowery perfumes, to delicate decorations in your home, you adore being female and all of the beautiful things that come along with it.

FEMININE / CLASSIC

You’re a classic woman – you don’t buy into trends and you stick to what transcends years and seasons. You’re timeless and feminine without being over the top.

I want to note that building a jewelry wardrobe doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank – it goes with the idea of not being able to buy style. Maybe you don’t fall specifically into one category, or maybe you see yourself clearly defined in one; no matter what, one thing is for sure – if you begin building your jewelry wardrobe with pieces that you love and represent your style, you slowly start to define the style you truly have.

The wardrobe stylists at Urban Darling have one goal: to build a wardrobe you can count on™. Try us. You’ll love us.

 

In the Spotlight: Girl with Curves

Checking in daily to Girl With Curves has been a ritual of mine for almost a year now. Die hard fan, yes. Lover of all her fashion ideas, yes. Constantly wanting to know who is GWC, yes. Well, I got the absolute pleasure of chatting with Tanesha (that’s right first name basis now) about this empowering, ultra fashionable, plus size blog. Girl with Curves.

Who is Girl with Curves? 
I’m Tanesha Awasthi, the founder/editor of GirlWithCurves.com.  I believe that curves are beautiful, and they should be embraced.  Far too long have curvy girls been made to feel inferior and unfashionable by the media and the fashion industry.  It’s time to show the world that a girl with curves can have just as much style, and have just as much fun with fashion as anyone!
Why do you think fashion is so important to curvy girls?  
I think fashion itself is a form of expression and art, but I think most curvy girls have a love/hate relationship with fashion as a result of the stigma of being categorized as ‘plus size.’  Through the blog, I’ve found that girls and women of all ages and sizes appreciate fashion, and want to feel amazing and beautiful in their clothes, but the media has instilled the concept of their only being one form of beauty that exists, thus, the majority of curvy girls feel as if they can’t, or shouldn’t, enjoy fashion.  For this reason, I’ve made it my mission to change lives through fashion, by promoting self-esteem and confidence, by saying it’s okay to embrace your curves and to be proud of who you are!
If you could give any advice to curvy girls out there, What would it be?  
Embrace your curves and love who you are! Life is much too short to worry about what you aren’t, or focus on changing what you cannot.  Learn to genuinely love the things you like about yourself and focus on the positive.
Where would you like to see Girl with Curves in the next few years?  
My dream is for GWC to become the #1 source of plus fashion inspiration on the web!
What are your favorite places to shop? 
How do you get inspiration for Girl with Curves?  
When it comes to outfit posts, I simply wear what I love.  As for the styling tips, how to’s, beauty tips, I take inspiration from the questions I receive from readers and answer them in the form of a post.
What are 3 essential items Every curvy girl needs in her closet?  
A tailored blazer, great pair of dark denim jeans and classic black pumps.
The wardrobe stylists at Urban Darling have one goal: to build a wardrobe you can count on™. Try us. You’ll love us.

New York Fashion Week – Trends and Favorites, Urban Darling Style

Jason Wu RTW Fall 2013

New York Fashion Week just ended and I thought now would be a great time to talk about what’s coming up for fall this year.  Being in Chicago, everything I’m wearing right now (for the most part) is fall/winter clothes so it’s not too painful to talk about.  Come May or June, all I’ll want to think about is what sandals and sundresses I plan on wearing. [Read more...]

ASK A WARDROBE STYLIST: Pain

Lots of questions over the years about Pain. Do you suffer in your {fill in the blank} for the sake of fashion/style? The answer is NO, not ever, never. The whole concept of styling is to get out of the pain points, whether it’s pinching your tootsies, squeezing your breasts, pinching in your waist. Whatever it is. [Read more...]

My Versatile Holiday Look

When the beginning of December hits, I start thinking about what I’m going to wear for Christmas and the events surrounding it. What I have done in the past is get caught up with what’s trendy and end up buying pieces I wouldn’t get caught dead in the next season. Today, I found a look that I’m super excited about. It’s very current style-wise but still can be considered classic.  I can make several different outfits with it and it’s under $100! Drum roll please……It’s a pantsuit! Now before you think that Hilary Clinton has become my best bud, let me plead my case.

Prada Pantsuit

 

 

This fall fashion houses like Prada and Louis Vuitton started showing pantsuits on the runway. Now I do realize that what works on the runway doesn’t always work in real life. Many of these designer pantsuits are very over-the-top with coordinating pieces which are very colorful with bold prints. They are fun to look at but sometimes that doesn’t work in our mainstream daily life.

The version that I purchased is a black pantsuit which has a subtle, textured pattern in the fabric. It’s from H&M. The jacket is $49.95 and the pant is $34.95. The jacket has a nice peplum flair which gives it more modern look. The pant is ankle-length with a slim-fit.

 

My idea for a holiday outfit is to wear a sequin tank or silk blouse underneath the jacket and then pair it with some great heels. You could also put a colorful camisole underneath the jacket and add a fabulous statement necklace.

After the holidays, I can use each piece separately. I plan on wearing the jacket with jeans and boots for a more casual look. For the spring/summer season, I will pair the pants with a tank, statement necklace, and sandals. Even flats and a plain white t-shirt would look great with this pant. There are so many ways to wear both pieces that my cost per wear is next to nothing!
So next time you see a pantsuit, take another look. It can add versatility to you wardrobe and help your wallet too.

Close up of Textured Fabric

Holiday Looks by Emily

RANT: bad news for Cold Weather lovers, usher in Personal Stylists!

What are you talking about Urban Darling? What is the bad news for Cold Weather lovers? Jenna Shapiro wrote a blog post on TakePart, “Fashion conscious environmentalists have another thing to add to their laundry list of climate-change-related concerns. As global warming continues and the winters become milder, there will be less of a demand for winter-themed clothing.” AACCKKK?? WHAT??? Houston we have a BIG problem. [Read more...]

ASK A PERSONAL STYLIST: Scarves

Many clients, including our hopeful client Leigh from Boston, MA, are curious about scarves. How to wear them, how on Earth do you tie them, wear with what?? We get it, we understand. How do you wear a scarf?

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FASHION RAVE: October Baseball

I love baseball. I love my team the San Francisco Giants and I am thrilled they are in the hunt for the World Series 2012. It’s only appropriate that I give a big ORANGE and BLACK shout out to my team. I love October Baseball. The fashion is something to be desired, but my kid looks cute.