Southern Styled Flair: style

Showing posts with label style. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

How to Find Your Personal Style

There are so many girls and women running around wondering if they have a sense of style. They question their taste in clothes and seem lost in the world of fashion. Some people have a love for fashion, while others seemed overwhelmed at just the thought. It isn't really about fashion, its about expressing yourself through your style. If you are sitting there thinking you don't have a style then you're wrong! Everyone has their own special style! Ready to find yours? Ok, lets go!

Maybe you are sitting there reading this in your pajamas. Maybe you are in yoga pants with your hair in a bun on top of your head. You might be sitting there laughing at the thought of you with style. Well don't! Its in there!

We have all seen a movie or looked at a picture of someone and thought "oooh I love that dress" or "those shoes are awesome" or even "man I wish my hair would do that". That is where we are going to start. I have worked with several different people who claimed they didn't have style or felt they lost it completely. Those women didn't lose their style, they were just not sure on how to pull it together or express it.

Having your own sense of style doesn't mean you have to look totally different from everyone else. In fact you can pull elements from those looks you have seen on others and incorporate it with who "you" are. Style is what you make it and today I'm going to give you a few examples with one of the clients I worked with. We will call her "Jane".

Jane walked in my store in a tiny tank top, super short shorts, and your basic plain jane flip-flops. When I asked her about her style she was puzzled, but then replied "I'm just really casual". Here is a basic synopsis with example Q & A.

Me : Great! Casual it is. What items to you tend to gravitate towards when shopping?

Jane : Usually t-shirts, tank tops, athletic shorts, or jean shorts. This is basically what she was telling me her "style" was.

Me: What is it about these items that attract you to them or make you want to buy them?

Jane: Comfort and they are easy. I guess that's not much of a style though.

Me: Lets try this. I'll show you a few pieces and you tell me what you think. We will base this off your like of comfort and ease.

We went through a few items and discussed likes and dislikes of each. She liked the knit material, but wasn't a fan of bold stripes. She liked the ruffle of the peplum top, but wasn't a fan of bold ruffles at the neck. She also leaned more towards more muted shades and didn't really like neon's or big prints.

Me: When you watch TV, look at magazines, or see someone walking down the street what catches your eye? Do you ever see something and think "hey I like that" or "I want to try that out"?

Jane : I like those off the shoulder tops. I also think that heels or wedge sandals are cute with shorts.

Based on Jane's likes and dislikes we pulled a few more items. I showed her that by changing the length of her shorts and putting on a classic tee could transform her look. All she needed to do was add those adorable wedges and a statement necklace to create something casual, comfy, and chic. It was the same basic outfit with a few minor tweeks! The outfit went from blah to wow!

We also put together a few more looks and turned Jane into someone who was proud of her "comfy chic" style. It was fun to show her that comfort didn't always mean tee's and tanks or athletic shorts and cutoffs! Here are some similar looks we put together.

I have worked with quite a few different clients and they each had their own unique style. It is so much fun helping someone discover what they really love and what works best for them. Its great to pull elements from other sources and incorporate them with what we already know and love. So what inspires you? What do you gravitate towards and why?

I hope you are all having a super fab day! Would love to know how you found your personal style!

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Wardrobe Staples Every Woman Should Have In Her Closet : The Basics

We all know how much I love clothes! I am always on the lookout for great pieces and amazing deals! Shopping for fashionable and statement pieces is great, but you should start with the basics! There are a few staple pieces every woman should own, and then build from there.

Your basic staple pieces are classic pieces that will never go out of style or season. These pieces are great for mixing and matching in your newer, seasonal, or more trendy items. Keep in mind I stuck with black, white, and neutrals here because they are your basics! These are the building blocks to a great wardrobe! Here are your basics:

1) Classic White Button Down - This shirt has been around for decades as a staple. This can be easily dressed up or down and is definitely a must! A classic button down will always look chic and sophisticated as long as it fits properly!

2) Your Basic Camisole - Every woman should own at least one (if not more) ! I love these easy camisoles or tanks! These are also a very versatile piece and are great for layering.

3) Black Slacks- These should always be on hand! Make sure you have a pair that fit properly and look classic. Try to go for a fit that isn't too tight or too low in the rise. These will be great to pair with a blazer for a totally pulled together look.

4) Classic V Neck Tee- What can I say? You can't go wrong with your basic V Neck. Another piece that is easily transformed with the right accessories!

5) A Sandal- Every woman should own a great pair of sandals. These shouldn't be too dressy or too "flip-flop" casual. I would go with a basic black, brown, or nude.

6) The Perfect Jeans - You should have a pair of well fitting jeans in a darker wash. These don't have to be deep indigo or black, but they shouldn't be stonewashed either. Just make sure they aren't too low cut or tight, and try to stick with a boot cut fit for your basics.

7) Black Blazer- This should be well fitting and a classic cut. Try not to go for over the top buttons, cuts, or embellishments when picking a basic. Pair this with slacks, a skirt, or even jeans for a polished look.

8) Skirt- A well fitting skirt will always be a necessity. Make sure it fits properly and isn't too long or too short!

9) A Well Structured Black Bag - A good structured bag is a must in a basic black.

10) LBD- Every woman should own a little black dress! This is another piece that has been around forever as a wardrobe staple! This should be well fitted and not too long or short. Try a classic cut and something that isn't too low cut if you are going for a basic.

11) A Comfy Shoe- This could either be a ballet flat, mule, etc. Try to avoid the "sneaker" for a basic. These shouldn't be too casual or too dressy.

12) Ballet Flats - Basic black, brown, or neutral colors work best.

13) A Nude Pump- These will go with everything! Did I mention nude pumps will elongate the look of your leg when paired with a skirt or dress?

14) The Classic Black Pump- Every woman should own a pair! These can be worn with almost anything to dress it up or down!

15) A Brown or Nude Purse- Again this should be a well structured piece. A nude will go with anything and is a great addition to your collection. It is still a basic, but in a shade other than black. A must in my opinion!

I hope you are all having a great week so far! Check back for my jewelry and accessory basics! If you didn't see my Beauty Basics you can read that HERE!

Don't forget to find me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!

Friday, July 19, 2013

The Ankle Pant

I wasn't big on the ankle pant look at first, but I must admit I have grown more fond of it and have recently purchased and worn three different pair. Everyone has their own style and can totally take any look and make it their own!

Ankle pants come in a variety of styles, cuts, and colors. I like the fitted or skinny style best! Here are a few different styles, cuts, colors, and materials . I will always be a fan of the basic black, so I did get those! I also have a great mint shade and a Royal blue.

This style of pant is very versatile. It can easily be dressed up or down. These can be transformed from a day look to a night look with the right shoes and accessories. A day look can be worn with a casual pair of gladiators or flats then dressed up with some cute ankle strap heels or platform wedges! The possibilities are endless!

What is your favorite way to wear your ankle pant? Are you into colors and prints or basic black? Do you wear yours cuffed or uncuffed? I hope you are all having a great week so far! Don't forget to check back for my upcoming Sunkissed Voxbox Review! I was excited to receive my second Voxbox filled with goodies!

Here was a quick shot of one of my ankle pants via instagram!

Xoxo,

Brandi

Monday, January 7, 2013

Trending : The Envelope Skirt

If you watch the fashion trends, then I'm sure you've seen the new take on the wrap skirt. The Envelope skirt is a super cute asymmetrical cut skirt. This cut flatters most shapes and is being seen all over the runway. This style skirt comes in a variety of lengths, textures, and colors! I was sitting down with a cup of coffee and came across a post in the latest edition of Lucky Magazine! Here's a picture via Instagram!

I really love the nautical print skirt featured in Lucky! It is Cotton, $289 and will be available mid February at whit,saks.com! Check out these other cute envelope skirts! Details below on where to grab one for yourself! There is a fit and price for everyone! What are your thoughts on this trend?

Envelope Skirt by flairbybrandi featuring a tweed skirt

Proenza Schouler wrap around skirt
ssense.com

Ohne Titel wrap skirt
shopbop.com

Oasis skirt
asos.com

J W Anderson short skirt
$365 - stylepaste.com

Tweed skirt
$305 - countryattire.com

Torn by Ronny Kobo pleated skirt
shopbop.com

See by Chloé stretch skirt
net-a-porter.com

Skaist Taylor asymmetrical skirt
net-a-porter.com

Jane Norman sequin skirt
$15 - janenorman.co.uk

Proenza Schouler tweed skirt
mytheresa.com

Preen high waisted pleated skirt
lagarconne.com

Skirt - YK CLASSICS
yumikim.com

Xoxo,

Brandi

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Prep Redefined

The Preppy look is all over the place. Don't worry, you don't have to look like a school girl to get the look! Here are a few fun and easy outfit ideas to redefine the prep style! What is your favorite look?