Avoid any erm, barn door problems with this simple style hack. Whether you've got a faulty zipper or a favorite pair of jeans that's just a little too tight, a runaway fly is never fun. Simply hook a key ring onto the loop of your jeans' zipper, then loop it around the button for a quick and discreet fix (the ring stays concealed under the denim). You're welcome!
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In a winter style rut? Okay, so it's not even close to beach weather, as this photo suggests, but that doesn't mean we can't embolden our winter styles as we prepare (or rather, pray?) for spring! What unlikely clothing combinations do you have in your closet? We've talked about mixing patterns, but what about styles? Get creative and instantly refresh your look with the clothes you already own. Throw an edgy leather jacket over a frilly, girly blouse for a cute outfit to light up any chilly winter day. Pair combat boots or converse with a flirty dress and thick tights to melt the snow and beckon in springtime. Try a fitted work-ready blazer with gauchos for a sleek yet funky feel. Test your style. See what works. Plus, who doesn't love an excuse for dress up? ;) Okay, we've reached the point of winter where new snowfalls and freezing temperatures are starting to lose their charm, especially for our poor shoes. Are yours taking a beating? Of course, there are certain pairs you need to put away until warmer months, but with proper planning and care, you can still wear and preserve your favorite shoes through this chilly, brown-snow stretch of winter! Waterproof spray is your friend. Spray your leather, suede, and canvas shoes before you break them out! Beeswax makes a great natural waterproof-er for your canvas shoes. Rub a layer over the entire canvas surface before setting it with a blow-dryer. Wave goodbye to those water marks and salt stains on your prized leather boots. Mix a few drops of vinegar into a bowl of cold water and scrub the solution into the leather with a soft bristle brush. Otherwise, wipe down with water and half a squeezed lemon. Leave the boots to dry overnight. Besides washing, waterproofing, and polishing, you should semi-regularly CONDITION your leather boots. This literally adds years onto their lifespan. Think of the beating your leather takes against the water, salt, dirt, and grime of wintertime. As skin without the regular nourishment provided from a living body, leather will dry and eventually crack when it loses its natural oils and moisture. Leather conditioners prevent this breakdown, so don't hesitate to lather up! For a creative and cheap way to clean dirt off your delicate suede beauties, let a bread crust go stale, then gently rub stains with said crust until they disappear. Remember when we found out clear nail polish prevents ripped tights from running? Well, that's not all it does. Besides its obvious shiny-chic-nail qualities, this nifty veneer is also the cure for all your jewelry-stain needs. Do you LOVE wearing funky rings, but find that after a while, they often start coloring your fingers green? Don't fear, fashionistas — they're not fated for the garbage! Simply coat the inside of each ring with a couple coats of clear nail polish and voila: no more discoloring! Happy New Year! Now that January is underway, it’s time to get back to normal: resolutions to live up to (or not), holiday weight to lose, and work to restart. Where do all your shiny, metallic, sequined New Years pieces fit into the normality of the rest of the year? Don’t fret, fashionistas! Each shiny, crazy piece can fit seamlessly into an understated/casual look in any other month. This winter, dress that sequined top down with dark jeans, a fitted blazer, and leather boots and voila- you’ve got a perfect night-on-the-town look. Pair your cute albeit loud dress with dark tights, that same fitted blazer or cardigan, and sleek flats for a more casual but no less stunning ensemble. Throw one gold, metallic, or otherwise shiny accessory into an otherwise plain outfit- think a gold bangle and statement ring to glam up your office chic style, or an oversized necklace and earrings to spice up your classic Little Black Dress. Normal doesn’t have to mean boring! New Year’s Eve is one of those special occasions when the results of dress-up hour become your night’s attire. Think of all those bright, glossy items we mix subtly into our wardrobes throughout the year. On New Year's, we get to put them all together into one shimmering ensemble, so make sure you take advantage — be bold and make a sensational statement! Work in a sparkly sequined top, a gold-hued or bronze accessory, or a metallic element to glam up your little black dress. Try mixing bold colors with icy, shimmering shades that make you sparkle through the evening. Christmas day offers a whole spectrum of situations, from a cozy morning (what did Santa bring?!), through a comfy afternoon (digesting that Christmas morning breakfast), all the way to an extravagant dinner among loved ones. Whether you find yourself at home, at church, or out with relatives, you want to dress appropriately. Does that mean changing your outfit two to three times throughout the day? Not necessarily! Try pairing an oversized tee-shirt or blouse with a loose-fitting cardigan and infinity scarf, then simply change your bottoms and accessories. For the morning, stay cozy in your pj pants. When you go out, throw on jeans or leggings with some sturdy leather boots. If you prefer a fancier look for dinner, dress it up with a pencil skirt, tights, shimmery flats, and statement earrings. You’ll look and feel great — and even better, you’ll hide all those lovely holiday meals and lack of gym time! Oh yes, holiday season is finally in full swing! That means quality time with family and friends, good eats, cozy drinks, and (perhaps best of all): HOLIDAY PARTY OUTFITS! Whether you’re getting glammed up for a family soirée or an office get-together, remember to pick clothes that compliment your own unique, beautiful figure — choose collars, sleeves, silhouettes, and cuts accordingly — and get creative! The holiday season opens up endless style potential. Here are a few of our favorite looks for flawless fun: *The Office Party: Pair dark, fitted dress pants with a brightly colored peplum top and slingbacks for a look that’s modestly chic with flair of fabulosity. *The LBD: Glam up your little black dress with shiny gold or silver accents, a shimmering clutch, and your favorite pair of pumps! *The Holiday Spirit: Mix Christmas colors — red, green, and white — but subtly. Try a deep, crimson red dress with forest green flats, a snowy white sweater with red and green accented accessories, or a fun red or green colored a-line/pencil skirt with patterned tights and a simple black or white tank. No matter what direction you choose, use shiny accessories as sleek simplifiers for a busy outfit, or as a means to dress up a plainer look. Happy partying, fashionistas! Okay, we're well into fall, which means we've been on our scarf game for quite a while. From wispy to down blanket, scarves come in all materials, sizes, and shapes. Have you heard of the infinity scarf? If not, listen up: Infinity + scarf = endless love, all around. That's right, you guessed it. This genius creation is a never-ending scarf, a circle scarf that wraps round your neck for ultra coziness — no loose ends to flap in the wind here! Take a look around the next time you're out and about and you're sure to spot an infinity scarf. They're one of this season's hot trends. The good news for us is they're so darn cute n' warm, they'll never go out of style. Grab one as you prepare for winter, which seems to have already arrived. Brrr! |
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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. |