Friday, January 7, 2011

Transformers... no, not the movie

I'm talking clothing. I'm not morphing my blog into a fashion blog, but every once in a while, I'm going to talk clothes. I'm a girl. It's fun.

I had a little "comment discussion" with Vintch where we were lamenting dressing with the cold weather, but also recognizing that we don't have to go out and purchase a whole new wardrobe for winter... we [you] can "transform" a summer wardrobe. [Or maybe you can afford to go out and purchase a whole new winter wardrobe... if so, where's the love!? I'll shoot you my address and you can send me a check.]

Just have fun with the wardrobe you have. It is actually kind of a fun challenge to take your summer clothes and figure out ways to layer, be cute, AND stay warm. Be creative. Be bold.

With that said, I'm going to have a few posts in the coming weeks on "transforming pieces." I will suggest a few of my favorite things that make the transition from summer clothes to winter clothes a wee bit smoother, and I'll also get some gurus to come on and post some of their favorite things. If you'd like to contribute, shoot me an email: aejonestheblog@gmail.com. [Sydney from The Daybook did a great post about this type of thing. Follow her - she is fantastic.]



For my first Transforming Tool: [I sound like a magician..."For my first trick..."]

1. Belts - skinny/ big belts are great. You can get a handful of cute skinny belts from F21 for a small price. [Just got three for four dollars for Christmas. I know. Awesome.] Black is a staple. Gray is great. But I'd definitely throw in a few colors - pink, yellow, moss green. Maybe even gold or blue. You don't need to dress like a nun during the winter season - throw in some color. [Not that there's anything wrong with dressing like a nun... I just prefer, you know, not to. That's just me.]

Skinny belts can be worn over almost anything: blazers, dresses, sweaters, button-ups, t-shirts.

My favorite place to wear them is around the smallest part of your waist... just above the hips. [It accentuates those feminine curves we all "love."]

A few visuals for you:





Simple black...

...totally classy.

But notice: basic tee underneath, cute jacket/ sweater over top. Throw a belt around it and it looks polished and finished. You could also throw a colored belt (camel, pink, yellow, teal) around this to add a bit of color.





 


 This is just showing that you can wear a skirt, shirt untucked, and a cute belt on top. This is a little too matchy-matchy for me - kind of one color scheme going on. Throw a gray pencil skirt on and that would kind of mix things up a bit. Since you have the fun collar, you could throw a cardigan on top [maybe black] and put the belt on top.
You normally wouldn't think of wearing a belt over a chunky sweater, would you? Kind of goes against everything your mom taught you about dressing when you were little. Guess what? Now we're the ones teaching our moms how to dress! A belt over a chunky sweater like this: super, super darling. [I love that sweater by the way, don't you?] You could wear this casual, to the office, on a date, with the girls...

Doesn't this outfit look comfortable? I know it doesn't have a belt around it, but you could totally throw a belt around it. I would do a simple, camel-colored, leather belt.



I think we all know how much I love this combination since I used in a previous clothing post. This gives you a good visual on wearing a belt with a blazer. You don't always have to wear the jacket buttoned - just depends on the jacket.




There we go ma dears... hope "Transforming Tool #1: The Belt" can help you as you transfer some of your summer pieces into winter.

16 comments:

  1. love outfit number four...my husband wants me to dress like that 24/7...but i find it so hard to pull off without it looking masculine...but i think it is so classy and sophisticated...sigh.

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  2. I like the idea of belts, but I'm no skinny minnie, and so the skinny belts sort of scare me.

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  3. Skinny belts are definitely much better than thick belts if you've got a little more lovin to you... if they are around your waist, it really only plays the roll of an accessory... not a shape-finder. Try it!!

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  4. I have never worn a skinny belt, but I follow Syd from the Daybook and she makes it look fabulous all the time! I may have to try it now, since I know you like it, too!

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  5. I love all your tips. I really like the skinny belt over sweaters- I've been doing it more lately and loving it! xoxo

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  6. I need to go shopping with you. I'm horrible at buying clothes. Really.. I am. I was born with no fashion sense.

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  7. Hi , this is my new make up blog furthermore of fashion be follow you either.


    can we follow each other too?

    My another blog is viceforfashion.blogspot.com
    thanks!

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  8. I love your tips-- this post is so inspirational!

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  9. i am obsessed with belts.
    obsessed obsessed obsessed

    i awarded you with the stylish blogger award :)

    check it out
    http://theundys.blogspot.com/

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  10. You have an award on my page, too!! : )

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  11. I'm a new follower :) I just LOVE your blog and this post! Glad I found your blog.. looking forward to reading more transformers posts!!

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  12. fun fun! i love me some sweaters and of course a belted waist. ;)
    YOURS, MINE AND OURS

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  13. I love cardigans. And skinny belts are the best thing ever since. A match made in heaven if I do say so myself!

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  14. fabulous post!!!!!
    i love the title here too!
    thank you for the fab. tip today!
    xxx
    lila

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  15. Loved this post. Skinny belts are essential to my wardrobe. I guess you can say I collect them! Lately I've been wearing a neutral shimmery beige/gold and it seems to go with everything.


    Kristine. Or Polly.

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