Make a STATEMENT with a NECKLACE

We all have some outfits which we tend to wear often. A particular dress for a cocktail party. A suit for job interview. We tend to wear these outfits again and again when these right occasions pop up. But I get bored of wearing the same outfit. And when that happens I do not buy a new outfit always ( seldom I do - being honest ). Instead  I end up adding an accessory . Instantly there is a whole new look.

A statement necklace creates that drastic transformation. Just the perfect finishing touch to my outfit. I think statement necklaces make such a lasting impression. They speak so much about you. They portray confidence and boost self esteem. These necklaces add sparkle to any outfit instantly. If I had to pick one accessory , I would go for a statement necklace without a doubt. Statement necklaces are so in fashion right now. I think they are a must have. Check my previous blog post here.

Statement necklaces come in all colors, sizes, shapes, lengths and designs. The options are endless. The ones in unusual patterns and materials are certainly an eye catcher. The best part is they are available at affordable prices. I don't have to spend the big bucks to look stylish. I can achieve maximum impact by spending minimum money (win win situation ). I think it is almost impossible to go unnoticed  if you are wearing one of these necklaces. No wonder someone aptly named them  STATEMENT necklaces .

A statement necklace is such a versatile accessory. I am sharing some ideas to wear a statement necklace-

1.Getting ready for work? You can wear it around your dress shirt collar. 

2.Too flashy you think ? You may wear it peeping out under the collar for that understated interest . 

3.Going out on a date? Wear the necklace and you will be a head turner. 

4. Its winter time and you are wearing a polo neck sweater ? Add a playful twist to the classic sweater using a statement necklace. 

5. For a cohesive look tie in colors from a printed skirt/trousers with the necklace. Keep the top/blouse plain to show off your necklace. 

A statement necklace is just the perfect accessory to add  "pop of color" . It will  instantly brighten up any outfit . For work or for weekend, you can never go wrong with a statement necklace. 

Here is a picture of a shop literally flooded with statement necklaces. So would you wear a statement necklace ? Are you ready to go from boring to bold  - instantly ?

So Maxed Out

I was at the mall over the weekend (surprised?). As I made sure I visited each and every store on my list the beautiful window displays caught my attention. There was tons of new merchandise in different styles and vibrant colors, neatly showcased. However I noticed one thing in common in all the clothing store displays. All( all I visited aka all the mall had) stores included a maxi dress in the window display. Below are some of the pictures I took at the mall. What else in your wardrobe can translate into spring/summer than a maxi dress? 

Maxi dresses come in various styles. There is so much to love about a maxi dress.They can be sleeveless or with sleeves. Sleeves of various lengths like cap sleeves, elbow sleeves or even flutter sleeves look equally good. A maxi dress with halter neck or an off shoulder one is perfect for a chic look. A strapless maxi dress will make you look not only stunning but also very stylish. Maxi dresses have a flattering silhouette for all body types. They make petites look taller(now you know why I like them so much ). 

Stores currently are full of maxi dresses in various prints and patterns- bright colors, floral prints, stripes and color blocking. You name it and the stores have it. How can you ever go wrong with a maxi dress in floral print, even if it is for a lunch date with your gal pals or a trip to the grocery store. Wearing a maxi dress to a beach wedding seems very appropriate to me. Choose tropical blue and green ,colors to go with the ocean hues and you will never go wrong. A crochet or lace maxi dress is great for an outdoor wedding. It makes you look sophisticated yet comfortable. (you may even outshine the bride-no intention of doing so though). Speaking of beach and maxi dress - grab an over sized canvas tote, sunglasses, flip flops and you are ready to walk along the tide, enjoying the light and flowy feeling that your dress creates, perfectly in tune with the ocean waves.

Wearing a maxi dress makes me feel like a Bohemian queen. What are your ideas about a maxi dress? How would you wear it?

dont forget to check more styles at Chicos

be sure to visit Gap stores

Trend is your friend

I like to stay trendy. Who doesn't ? I try every now and then (as time and budget permit ) to incorporate some trendy,  fun pieces into my wardrobe . Having said that I also like to be creative and use the existing clothing items in my closet . There is nothing wrong with it either. It is a good habit to save money. So I decided to go through my wardrobe and see what I have. Let me be honest here.  I admit it was part of my spring closet cleaning but was more like a treasure hunt in the end . I discovered some treasure ( read clothing items)  I had all forgotten about . Later that day I browsed online my favorite stores ( equals how you can waste time every single day ). After all this fun filled home work  (read  hard work)  I came up with the following list. It indeed was a task to narrow down and come up with a  list. You know its not easy when you have tons of great options out there.



SHOES
There are many shoe styles in the market but not all work for me. As mentioned in one of my previous posts , comfort is the deciding factor when I buy shoes . I will only invest in a pair of shoes when I know I can walk a mile in them with no problem whatsoever. I may not have to walk a mile but just in case I have to , I know shoes will not hold me back . ( P.S. you probably know by now that  "just in case " are my 3 favorite words ) I had to mention this just in case you had not realized this .Wait! Did I say it again ?

5 shoes for spring -

1. Ankle Strap heels 

2. Wedges

3. Boat shoes 

4. Espadrilles 

5. Flip flops

BAGS
Women always need a new bag, either big or small. There is a bag out there for every single one of you, for every single reason you need. Choose from vibrant colors,  structured or oversized bags to give you the edgy chic look this spring . 

5 bags for spring - 

1 .Cross body bag

2. Clutch

3. Cotton quilted bags 

4. Beach bag 

5. Satchel

NECKLACES

A right necklace can help draw attention to the neck . It also helps to enhance the neckline of  the outfit and make it prominent. A necklace or any accessory for that matter can make or break the outfit. 

5 necklaces for spring -

1. Bubble necklace 

2. Bib style necklace 

3. Fringe necklace

4. Chunky necklace with big beads

5. Long chain with pendants

So this is my short list of spring shopping essentials . How big is your list? What are your must have items for spring ?

Ideas to reinvent your winter wear for spring

Spring is here. Finally!!!  At least the calendar says its April. But does it feel like spring? My answer is a big no. It is still cold where I stay. It may even  be winter like weather  in some parts of the world. So don't put away your winter wardrobe entirely yet. Just incorporate some transitional pieces into your current outfits to stay warm. Here are some ideas from my end to stay warm as we gradually head to some really hot days into summer.

1. Cardigan

A light cardigan instantly transforms your outfit. Not only it takes it a notch up but also is cozy and comfortable. You can pair a cardigan with a nice silk blouse with floral prints to incorporate some spring vibe into your outfit. On the other hand if you choose to wear a dress you can also layer the cardigan over a dress. Be sure to try polka dot print, a very popular trend now. 

2. Blazer

Blazer is such a fantastic way to add character to your outfit. Use blazers with prints and keep the basic pieces in neutrals. Just as cropped blazers were seen everywhere earlier now it's time to try on longline blazers. Longline blazers are appropriate for any body type, petite to tall. Longline blazers with a button front and with or without pocket detail will look great for Easter outfit. Pair one with a short skirt or skinny ankle length or may be even cropped tailored pants and up your glam quotient instantly.

3. Denim Jacket

Denim jacket has been a wardrobe staple for a long time. It not only keeps one warm but also adds the cool factor to an outfit. It sort of helps complete the look. One trend to try on is to wear a denim jacket with denim pants. Yes you heard it right...denim on denim. Just play with different shades of the same color or may be two different colors. Try jacket in one shade and the denim pants in lighter or darker  shade of the same hue. You can also pair a denim jacket with a leather skirt for a chic look. However you decide to keep it simple just try on a denim jacket when you wear a maxi dress next time.

So what are your ideas to stay warm this spring ?

Spring into spring

I like to think of April  as a transitional month. In India 31st March ("march end "as they call it marks the end of fiscal year). As April begins people at offices and banks , especially at CPA offices are a bit relaxed. Students look forward to mid April when their exams end and thus the academic year ends. I like April because it marks the arrival of spring. Finally it starts to get warmer. Being in Georgia now and coming from India you can clearly tell that I prefer warm weather  over the chilly winters.

The arrival of warm weather also means more outdoor activities, hikes and day trips and not to mention the shopping for summer essentials. Finally I can stop wearing jeans and sweater, jeans and sweater or maybe a sweater dress. 

Its time to come up with cute spring outfit ideas. I can actually wear some light, cotton fabric clothes. It also means I can wear more color, more prints and more patterns. I can add some springtime vibe to the wardrobe. This means  I get to wear some transitional pieces as well as give some chic finishing touches to the outfit. Spring fashion could be seen everywhere from street styles to runway trends. It can range anywhere from statement necklaces to wedges and heels, denim and camo jackets to printed pants and leggings, beachwear to sundresses. Don't  shy away to try these spring clothes on some temperamental weather days. Spring into action. 

Here is a list of my top 5 spring essentials-

1. Chambray or Oxford shirt ( will not hurt to have both )

2. Denim jacket

3. Floral print skirt or legging
4. Maxi dress

5. Blouses/ tops in bold colors

So Brighten up your wardrobe and say " Bye  cold weather . Hello spring ." What are your spring wardrobe essentials?