Springing Out in Style -- the April Reader Challenge Post!

So, our question this month, as posed by Summer C., was "What's the best way to look cute but still keep warm on chilly spring nights?"

Well, I've done a lot of thinking and a lot of staring at my closet, and this is what I've come up with...

There are four good, stylish ways to keep warm (that don't include snuggling up with another person!):
1) Jean Jacket
2) Blazer
3) Cardigan
4) Wrap

Each of these items serves a different purpose when it comes to keeping your outfit sizzling and your body warm!

Jean Jacket:

Old Navy Denim Jacket $39.94

 Jean jackets are perfect for layering over a casual nighttime outfit--such as a sundress, a baggy shirt and leggings or colored skinny jeans and a sparkly top. In fact, the jean jacket is my go-to-keep-warm-when-I-go-out-in-the-spring piece of apparel.

However, there is one hard and fast rule when it comes to a jean jacket. NEVER, EVER, EVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER, EVER, NEVER (did I say never?) wear a blue denim jacket with blue jeans. You will look like you are wearing a jean suit and, well, no one looks good in a jean suit.

American Eagle Outfitters White Denim Jacket $49.50

There is one exception to the denim and denim rule...and that is if you can find a denim jacket in white or in a bright color. (Personally, I'm partial to white.)

This also looks great with a casual outfit, like the ones mentioned above, and it looks especially spectacular with dark blue skinny jeans or your favorite pair of well-worn boot-cut jeans!







Blazer:

Gap Blazer $69.95

Nothing says sophistication and fashion savvy like a tailored blazer--but this look walks a fine line between sassy and out to take on the town and getting ready to go to another office meeting. The best way to wear a blazer is with a pair of jeans and ballet flats or a pair of leggings and an oversized button down shirt.

H&M Blazer $49.95

Just be sure to keep the outfit underneath casual, and you won't look like you stepped out of the office and onto the dance floor without remembering to get changed first!







Cardigan:


The cardigan is an easy go-to staple for a night out on the town. It's foldable enough to throw in your purse, warm enough to keep you cozy and versatile enough to go with nearly every outfit. There are several different types of cardigans--each one suited for a different outfit!

J.Crew Cardigan $62.00

A simple fitted cardigan is the most versatile. It goes with just about anything. It looks great with a casual jeans and t-shirt outfit, a little bit nicer outfit--such as a fitted top and dressier pants underneath, a chill weekend outfit--such as a sundress or summer skirt, a festive, party outfit--such as a sparkly top and pencil skirt, or even a formal dress--provided you take the cardigan off for pictures!

Banana Republic Cardigan  $89.50

There's the long cardigan--these can be button-up, tie front or open. These are great for casual outfits. They look best with skinny jeans and a casual top. However, you can wear it with a little bit nicer outfit, provided the cardigan has some shape to it or has some embellishment and isn't just a loose, hangy garment. Avoid wearing this with dresses, as you will end up looking like you don't know how to dress yourself and simply threw on whatever you could find in your closet!

Express Cardigan $49.90

Lastly, there's the cropped cardigan, also known as the bolero. This is perfect with dresses--especially strapless dresses. It looks adorable when worn to a beach party, a wedding or a nice dinner out with friends. It also looks fabulous with a fitted top and leggings or skinny jeans. However, this cardigan is not for everyone--if you're chesty, this will accentuate your bustline. Make sure you try it on (and are honest with yourself) before you wear it!





Wrap:

Macy's Sequin Wrap $24.98

I personally believe that the wrap is good for one thing and one thing only--fancy attire. The wrap looks excellent with a formal dress as it covers your shoulders and arms--keeping you warm--but, it doesn't take away from your dress. It's also easy to put on and remove, therefore not ruining your hair or wrinkling your dress.

Can you wear it with jeans and a simple top? Probably. However, it's going to be more trouble than it's worth--the wrap isn't functional for a fun night out on the town! How can you eat, drink and be merry with friends when you're holding onto your wrap?

Hope these tips helped you to figure out how to stay warm as you go out on the town! Any questions? Any suggestions? Want to enter our next month's contest and be our next proud winner? Contact us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com!

Leaving on a Jet Plane! March's Reader Challenge Winner!!

Traveling via airport can be such a drag nowadays, what with the travel restrictions on what liquids you can bring on a plane, or extra baggage fees which have been popping up at most airlines.  I had an airline charge me for bringing a carryon onto the Plane! (Yup, you did not read that wrong.. I will never be flying them again!)

Our February Reader posed the question to TAL... How to pack for a spring break vacation while still fitting all of my fashionista requirements (shoes, clothes, accessories and makeup) into a small bag since airlines charge so much for baggage these days.

Well, we are here to help!

First off, buy a great weekender bag/piece of luggage that you will be comfortable traipsing through an airport with and will easily fit in the overhead compartment of a plane.  I recently bought a great rollaway luggage from Marshall’s. I found that they were cheaper than Kohl’s and I don’t see the need in spending an exorbitant amount of money on luggage. I like to save my money for all the accessories/clothes I want to buy!  Also having the right size luggage means that you never have to say no to an impromptu vacation!  

My trusty wheeled luggage.  This baby has gone to Aruba and California!

This fits a lot of stuff and it expands!

Most airlines will let you bring one personal item (usually your purse) and one carry-on item (your luggage).  I like to bring one of my large purses which I stuff my Kindle, Iphone and liquid items into.  I always pack a clutch to use while on my weekend getaway. 

Next, I like to write lists!  Now you may be wondering what that has to do with packing, but I find that a list helps me figure out what I want to bring with me, depending on where I am going and what I’ll be doing while I am away.  I should note that after writing this list, I will go back and edit it, plus when i finally start pulling things out to pack, I will again edit what I bring. I will admit that I am an overpacker indeed... I’m working on it. I promise! Which is why editing and lists are an important part of the packing process for me! 

Ok.  Here comes the fun stuff, putting together outfits.  Don’t just pack a top, make sure you know what pant you will wear it with, all the way down to the accessories.  Make outfits for each day, this will help with those who tend to overpack... ahem... me. 

Shoes can be a difficult item to pack, make sure that the shoes you bring work for more than one outfit. You have a limited amount of space, so you need to be wise, I know that Budget won't be happy, but be selective on the shoes you bring.  Also wear your heaviest bulkiest shoes on the plane, it will free up space for other items.  

As for accessories, I always like options, but we can’t bring everything with us, so years ago I purchased a jewelry carry case, that I put my all my baubles in which I plan on wearing while away.  Remember to think of the outfits you are wearing and bring an extra option to go with that outfit. Also if you are planning on wearing that outfit during the day and night, a switch in earrings could transition the outfit perfectly!  

This jewelry case carries a lot of accessories, which is great because I own a lot!

It folds up nicely, so it doesn't take up a lot of space in your luggage!

As for makeup, I have a lot of makeup, so I'm not going to pack everything for a weekend getaway.  I have certain items that I use everyday, under eye concealer, mascara, lipgloss.  So they always travel with me.  But just like in jewelry cases and luggage, having a great travel makeup bag is essential!  I bring eyeshadows that can work for most outfits and try to limit what I bring.  Oh and don't forget your makeup brushes, I did that once and it was very difficult getting my makeup on.  Also your makeup does not constitute a liquid as per the lovely agents and the TSA, so you don't need to limit it to a sandwich size bag. (that doesn't mean you need to bring everything!!)

I hope these tips help you for your next weekend away!  We're always here to answer questions!!  So don't forget to write at theccessorizedlife@gmail.com.

Enjoy your next trip. 

~P

xoxo

Finding Great Affordable Jeans, without Looking Like Mom Jeans (February Reader Challenge winning Post!)

Jeans, every girl wears them, but finding the Right pair can be hard for some.  Nowadays the market is inandated with designer high end jeans that are supposed to magically make even the flattest of bottoms look amazing, but for us girls on a budget, paying a lot for jeans is just not an option.  

I tend to pick up jeans at Old Navy, the Gap, Ann Taylor Loft and when a good sale hits, Black House White Market.  

What do I look for in a great pair, well first, I prefer mid-rise jeans.  High waisted may gravitate towards the mommy jeans look, which we are trying to avoid and a low rise jean, well I do not want any one seeing my underwear when I sit!  So mid-rise it is. Also if the Jean has a percentage of spandex in them, I like that, it lets you breathe in the jeans while wearing them, but they don't stretch out too much, and don't lose their form.  

I used to only go for a boot cut pair of denim, but recently have been loving the look of a straight leg or dare i say, Skinny Leg for my jeans.  Also, the relaxed look of boyfriend jeans are prefect for Saturday errands.  

Here are some examples:

Old Navy Skinny Jeans

Old Navy Boyfriend Jeans

Thanks Amanda M. for the great question!!!  I hope this helps everyone on their next shopping trip for Jeans!!  

Love,

~P

P.S. don't forget to email your submissions for the next reader challenge!  Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com

How to Dress for Winter Without Looking Like the Michelin Man (January Reader Challenge Winner Post!)

Thanks to Kelly Z., who challenged us this month to teach all of you how to dress for winter without looking like the Michelin Man!

Since most of us don't feel our slimmest self in the winter anyway, it's really easy to feel huge under all of those bulky winter clothes. With this topic in mind, Princess and I thought about how we dress for winter to look cute but keep warm.

What we found most of all is that it's all about the layering...and how you layer. Thin layers under something thicker will make you warm, cozy and svelte!

As you all know, Princess LOVES a warm, cozy sweater in the winter. But, with anything warm and cozy, you run the risk of looking too bulky. So, Princess' solution? Wear slim fitting pants with a cozy sweater. Wear tights under your pants--they don't add any bulk to the outfit, but they do keep the warmth in! Under your sweater, you can wear a tank, camisole or t-shirt--again, doesn't add bulk, but does add warmth. In order to keep your skin safe from the damaging winter weather, tuck your pants into tall boots--with a pair of nice warm socks!

Here is Princess' outfit:

In case you guys forgot, I'm a HUGE fan of tights. I love how they can add a pop of color to an outfit (super important in the dreary winter months) and how they keep your legs warm! For me, a great "keep-warm-look-sleek" outfit is a fitted sweater dress, tights and tall boots. Under the dress, you can wear a long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt, tank top or camisole to help keep you warm. The tights will keep your legs warm, and the boots will keep your legs even warmer. I prefer to wear boots that come almost up to the knee or over the knee--that way most of your legs are covered by the dress and by the boots--keeping you as warm as can be! You can also wear a pair of socks under your boots, which will keep your toes nice and toasty (or toes-ty...ok, that was lame!).

Here's my outfit:

On top of the outfit, to keep warm while outside...and still retain your girlish figure, we both suggested a warm winter coat--but one that is shaped, like a belted coat or a nice peacoat, a soft knit scarf, a pair of great gloves or mittens, and a hat. (Princess has a super cool pair of mittens--the top flips down leaving your fingers free for texting, then flips back up to keep your hands warm!) This combo will be sure to keep you warm!

Us in our outerwear:

Since everything we are wearing is from our actual closets, we put together some great options to help you recreate these outfits. If you click on the words next to the photo, they will take you to the actual item so you can add it to your wardrobe!

1) Sweater - Mod Cloth










2) Sweater - Gap









3) Pants - Gap










4) Pants - New York & Company










5) Coat - Jane Norman









6) Coat - Kenneth Cole










7) Boots - DSW









8) Boots - DSW

1) Sweater dress - Victoria's Secret (actually the same one I'm wearing in the photo!)












2) Sweater dress - The Limited












3) Boots - DSW













4) Boots - Target












5) Coat - Victoria's Secret













6) Coat - Kohl's 

What do you wear in the winter to keep warm? Do you have suggestions for how to look sleek while staying cozy? Email us at theaccessorizedlife@gmail.com--we look forward to hearing from you!