This week, we’re crazy for peacoats! Some tips for finding your perfect match: keep fit, style, color, and fabric in mind. Ask yourself what you want from your coat, and how it will fit into your wardrobe. Longer coats act as a dramatic fashion statement while keeping out the winter draft, but cropped peacoats work beautifully in the warmer autumn temperatures. Do you want a dark or neutral coat that will mesh with any outfit, or a bright statement piece (think vibrant red!) to pop against winter’s drab palette? Wool coats are your heaviest, warmest option, while cotton, cashmere, or polyester offer lighter options. There are also endless stylish embellishments to contour to any fashionista’s body type - belted waists accentuate hour glass figures, while straight, fitted options compliment narrower frames. Once you’ve found your cold-weather staple, make sure you take proper care to keep it in tip top shape for as long as possible. Plan to dry clean your coat twice a year - once at the beginning of the season and once at the end. Store your peacoat in a safe place, too. Cedar hangers keep moths away, while garment bags protect from lint. Did you know that you can cut costs and keep the love strong by cleaning your coat at home (always consult the care tag inside your coat)? By combining a home dry cleaning system with spot cleaning stains as soon after they appear as possible (blot gently with a clean rag, mild detergent and cold water!), and semi-regular visits with a lint roller and dryer sheet (they help lint-proof your coat!), your perfect peacoat will stay with you for years to come.
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In need of a fashion makeover? This doesn't always mean buying new clothes. Why not try reworking some of your tried and true favorites as a fun DIY project, or bring old items to your local tailor for a spruced up transformation? Hem an old tee or tank into an easy-breezy crop top for the steamy summer months, revamp old, baggy T-shirts into snazzy blouses, cut old pants into shorts, make long blazers into cropped jackets for a summertime soiree, or convert floor-length skirts or dresses into adorable minis. The possibilities are endless, so let's get creative, fashionistas! For steamy summer days stick to lightweight, airy fabrics. Cotton's fibers are naturally hollow in the center, allowing it to absorb and release perspiration, and making it ideal fabric for your summertime style. Linen is another great choice. An efficient conductor of heat, it helps you keep your easy-breezy cool on the hottest midsummer days. Then there’s silk, whose natural breathability and cooling properties make it another lovely option, while our easy dry cleaning service here at NO. 9 makes cleaning a breeze. So don’t get stuck in the heat — keep cool, be cool.
We've all seen them — those big, floppy sun hats and snazzy straw fedoras that hit the stores this time of year. Do you love them from afar, but never quite have the guts to try them out? Now's your chance to make a statement, fashionistas! Summer is the perfect time to mix up your style and try something new. Adding a hat instantly changes the look and feel of skirts, dresses and blouses you've worn a hundred times before. Plus, they protect you from the sun, pair perfectly with sunglasses for movie-star glam, and look extra nice bobbing around the farmers' market or lounging through a lazy beach afternoon. From felt to straw, adorned with ribbon, bows, flowers and more — hats are here to save the day, dolling up any cute summertime ensemble!
So you've packed smart for vacation — versatile pieces that work in multiple outfits, a couple pairs of shoes that go with everything, some sexy ruched bathing suits — and you're ready to hit the beach. But wait. What do you wear on the plane (or in the car, or on the bus)? You don't want to wear sweats, but you do want to be comfortable in the face of often-uncomfortable travel situations. Keep last week's tip in mind: if you have bulky clothing items like sweaters and boots that will take up half your suitcase, wear them on the plane. Sundresses are also an easy, breezy way to travel — comfortable, stylish and easy to move in. Just add a cardigan as a quick layer combat airport air conditioning. Leggings are a great alternative, since they're ultra comfy and super sleek when paired with an oversized tee and baggy sweater. If you're going with shorts or jeans, make sure they're one of your more breathable, flexible pairs. Boots, chic sneaks or flats will keep your feet happy. Leave the wedges and stilettos in your suitcase. Bon voyage, fashionistas!
What does your summer shoe collection look like? Sandal possibilities extend far beyond flip flops (though these are certainly a beach bum's best friend!). Try wedges for a fancy dinner out, neutral T-strap flats for a casual day of shopping, or brightly colored gladiators for an extra snazzy edge. The shape of your shoe should compliment your outfit. So be conscious of your feet — they have the power to pull your look together, or pull it apart. Once again, the cutest shoes are not always the best ones for you feet. Stay away from hard, flat soles, opting instead for flexible bottoms and arch support to walk through summer in comfy-chic style! Accessories are the easiest way to spruce up any ensemble, but the trick is getting it just right— not too over-the-top, not too plain. Of course, this all depends on your personal style, the look you're going for, and how your accessories work with the other pieces in your attire. A chunky beaded necklace adds texture to a little black dress, but might add too much texture to a heavily patterned or frilly blouse. A and thin metal bracelet gives a perfectly sleek touch to a busy outfit, but might play too quiet with a simplistic suit. Statement rings and earrings — big, bold and dazzling — add excitement to an otherwise simple look, but could be tacky if paired with an already-radiant costume. Keep these tips in mind, follow your fashionista intuition, and let's get accessorizing! Let’s talk about our hair color in contrast with the clothing colors we choose. Red hair positively pops against blue hues, emerald green and ivory. Blond locks gleam against black, navy, turquoise and red, but tend to disappear against yellow hues. Warm brunettes glow when paired with warm undertones like orange-y reds, teal, olive green and eggplant, while cooler tones may have a fading effect. Think cobalt blue, royal purple and emerald green. Of course, your natural shades don't bar you from wearing the colors you love, but it's a good thing to keep in mind to ensure you truly shine with every look. Are you ever searching to find the right colors that work for you? Here’s a simple rule to follow: Cooler skin tones radiate when paired with white, black, gray, silver and blue. What is a cooler skin tone, you ask? A cooler skin tone is one that has pink, red or blemish undertones whereas a warm skin tone consists of yellow, peachy or gold undertones. Freckles?... think warm colored clothing like browns, greens and reds to make you truly glow. You’ll notice that when you wear the right shades of clothing, your hair and eyes are complimented as well. You’ll feel great and look even better! The summer season means tons of cute new trends and styles in the marketplace. Before you start shopping to spruce up your spring/summer wardrobe, give yourself a weekend to clean out your closet. Follow this golden rule: if you haven't worn an item in the past year, consider getting rid of it — that could mean giving clothes to friends and family members, donating to a local charity, or even selling your better quality items. You'll have more space and more money for new sundresses, plus jewelry and summer sandals to go with your fresh finds. Let's Purge the Closet! |
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AuthorFashion Know-How is written by Alyson Lincoln McHugh, owner of No. 9 Boutique in downtown Montpelier, VT. Hear Fashion Know-How every Saturday at 7:50 a.m. on WDEV. |