Finding Your Style

Typically, people have a hard time defining their style because, a. they don't know where to start or b. aren't sure what parts of their personality they want to showcase. I am here to tell you it really isn't hard. Look no further than what you love best about yourself.

Are you quirky? Do friends constantly walk into your home and say, wow what a cool piece, be it a new piece of artwork, furniture or other decoration? Do you find yourself dancing to the beat of a different drum? Why is that not also showcased in what you choose to put on your body? Where is that quirky jacket? Where are those quirky shoes? How about statement jewelry?

Are you a bona-fide heavy metal fan? Do you have a die-hard attitude? Can you even imagine missing your favorite band when they came to your town? Do you have band sticker decorating 90% of what you own? Do you envy the girls in dark eyeliner and red lips? Why are you scared to step out and do the same? Where are your spiked heels? Your brass knuckle clutch? What about a funky band t-shirt? Also, just because you are a rock-chick, it does not mean you are regulated or stuck in black, branch out!

Are you nerdy? Do you spend your days reading books or playing Skyrim? Do you have an unexplained affinity for your favorite book/video game characters? Have you imagined the perfect world in your mind and began writing about it? Own it! Check your specks. How about that Harry Potter tee you have hiding in the back of your closet? FYI, you are the only ones who can make suspenders look cute!

It's more about you trying to be you.

For me, I have what I like to call a schizophrenic style. All of the above define me in some way. I have a little claim to the country world as well (lived there half my life). No, I don't own cowboy boots but I do own a bubble vest, I also attend the rodeo on a regular basis. I listen to heavy metal and own spiked heels and band tees. On top of all of this I have a professional job. I wear suits and dresses 90% of the time. I wear statement tees under my suit jacket and my spike heels with my lbd and a colored jacket. But again, these are all aspects of me. These things combined make me who I am and make my style what it is. If someone were to go shopping for me an outfit, it would only be too easy. I have such a wide variety of tastes but all of my friends can look at something and say "That is totally her!".

It's all about defining your personality through clothing.

This is how I make my clothing reflect my personality.

Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials #10

And Essential #10 is accessories!!

Accessories allow you to bring your own brand of flair to any outfit. You can purchase any mannequin's outfit and make it your own, simply by changing the accessories.

Example

 This dress isn't super girly but it has some super feminine flair. The hem has ruffling detail and the dress has a scalloped neckline. With different accessories I was able to create three completely different looks. The first look is very J.Lo. The wide brimmed hat and silver bangles give this look a glamorous touch. The second look is ubber-feminine and the pink notes pop with this muted dress. The third look has a bit of a punk rock flair with it's ubber-long double-chain cross necklace and spiked heels.

The important thing to remember with accessories are that they should match your specific style and personality. You will not see me with a big bow in my hair but I may do a flower... You may never see me in a flowered dress but I would do a flowered top with a blazer. It's about what makes your specific style unique.

A good example of this is my husband. He loves to match his shirt, hat and shoes. There is no fashion rule that says this is necessary but it's what makes his style completely him. I like my accessories and my shoes to match some color found in my outfit. Again, there is no fashion rule that says this is necessary but I like the polished look of a completely pulled together outfit. Also, I will wear a Bullet For My Valentine or Avenged Sevenfold t-shirt under a blazer with some heels. Sometimes I even walk out of the house in a cute t-shirt and jeans but I always do something to bump up the style factor, whether it's a new hairstyle (ehem, ladies... HAIR IS AN ACCESSORY!) or bangles, or even a jacket.

Also, accessory size should be relevant. If you are tiny, don't buy HUGE jewelry. You will look like a kid who has gone to play in her mother's closet. Also, luscious ladies, do not go buy the daintiest accessories you can find. Your limbs, neck or whatever else you can accessorize will look even bigger.

Hope you enjoyed this series of postings... Next will be, how to dress your specific body type.

How to Make Spring's Trends Work for You! Peplum

Trend #8 - Peplum
This is a trend I truly never wished to see again. Why? Because it is so stinkin' adorable and it looks hideous on me. It is a retro-inspired trend that works great for girls who want curves but don't really have them. However, if you have curves... I will leave it up to you to decide how you feel about it. I have seen girls like Beyonce pull it off but I have to be honest, I think it is her confidence that makes it work for her.

For the thick girl- this is a trend that could work for you. It gives the illusion of an hourglass figure. However, if you have a large butt and/or hips, this trend will only exaggerate those areas. This is a great way to hide a bit of baby fat or even that little protrusion you can't seen to get rid of. Just make sure that if you are trying to hide a belly that the fabric goes PAST your largest point. You don't want to draw attention to that area by drawing a line in the middle of it. Note the tan pencil skirt above, even the white and pink dress, these items have a longer overhang. This could be perfect for you. Also, do not be afraid to try a pencil skirt. Yes it will hug your sexy curves but you have a womanly figure, use it to your advantage. And do not be afraid of shapewear, a pencil skirt in a light color may show a bit of that cellulite. Shapewear will fix that problem and you will look ravishing!

For the skinny girl- This trend will give you the hips you've been lusting after your whole life. If you have a boyish figure you can embrace this trend with open arms. The lady I have seen pull this trend off the best is Emma Watson. Her slim, slightly boyish physique, is complimented greatly by peplum. Her athletic body is hugged by the tight fabric that gives way to a rich fullness, ending mid-hip to give her the illusion of an hourglass figure.

For the in-betweens - This trend can work for you as well. Keep in mind the tips stated above for both thick and skinny girls. Know your problem areas and know the ones you want to showcase.

Trend #9- Metallic Heels
This is a trend for the masses! Metallic heels have been a classic item for a very long time. They are glamorous and make a girl feel absolutely stunning. I know when I wear my metallic heels I feel like the whole world is looking at me. It may just be me, because if I saw a pair of fabulous, sparkly shoes I would be fixated, but it is a great trend none-the-less.

My advice (and this is great advice) METALLICS ARE NEUTRAL! (this is actually advice from Stacey London but I believe it as well). Metallic colors, minus the sheen, would fall into either nude, grey, brown, tan or black. Why should a sparkly sheen change that?

Today's Outfit!

I like to build my favorite outfit's on Polyvore and this is the one I chose today. I like the punk-rock elements of this outfit. Especially the spikes on the heels. My outfit is actually blue (to match my eyes) but this was the closest thing I could find on the site. I hope you enjoy it. Check out the site for yourself and build your dream wardrobe :)