One Size Fits All...Finally!

With all the fun, fab, funky rings out now there's no excuse not to accessorize!
But, what to do if you find "the one" and it's just to big...but you gotta have it!!
Check out this cool product called Luc-Co ring guard solution.  Just apply it to the inside
of the band.....adheres for months!  To try it, go to luc-co.com and pick up a tube for only $7.95.  So one size really does fit all...only if clothes could do the same!

January Yuks!

With all this snow lately, it makes me wish for Spring even more!! The winter blahs have set in....being snowed in takes it's toll and one way to bounce back is with..yep you guessed it...your wardrobe!!

Put a little Spring in your step and escape the January Yuks with color. Add a pop of color to any outfit.....

Accessories work great.

A big, bright, funky ring.
So many great pins out now too!
Even a bright pendant.
Or a fab headband!
Don't forget a great scarf.
Another option is to add a bright colored or fun floral blouse under your jacket or cardigan.

So spread a little Spring and make it a Happy January!!

Boots..what to do?

With all the cool boots out this season...even though Spring merchandise is coming in Feb....we still have time to talk about them...and plenty of time left to wear them!
I get asked the question all the time....how do I wear these boots??
You have to first start with your body type. (Follow that rule for all trends)

Keep in mind..........

Skinny/slim jeans

If you feel comfortable with tucking your medium/high boot in go for it! However, remember, it could make your legs look shorter.

You can wear your boots under your jeans but be sure the boot doesn’t stick to your jeans!

Don’t tuck your jeans in or roll under with an ankle boot!!YUK

Boot cut jeans

Universally flattering!!!

Rock them with any boot under your jeans! Heels are best....

Be sure your hemline is appropriate. You want them to just show a little beyond your toe.

Jeggings

Best to tuck in your boot! No matter what height your boot is! But be sure the entire outfit looks great, don’t just do it to show off your awesome boots!!!

Cuffing your jeans

Cuff your jeans with boots that are “slim” around the ankle. You don’t want them to stick to you boot. Be sure the cuff is messy not to perfect.

Boyfriend jeans work great for this look.

One exception….a messy cuff with a sweater boot and a comfy casual sweater on top is a great weekend look!

Tips:

Wear your boot with a heel to add height and leg length.

Be sure to check your hem length before leaving the house when wearing your jeans over your boot!

Be careful, short thick boot and boots that fold over at the top can add bulk to your legs, unless your a super model!

Know what looks good on your body type and stick to that…don’t wear it b/c it’s the trend…if the overall look doesn’t work for you, it won’t look fab anyhow!!!

Be sure your boots are made for walking....if they aren't comfortable it won't matter how cute they are!!!

With so many boots to chose from it can be over-whelming...keep your boots in line with your life style.

IntheCity Designs

IntheCity Designs....."fabric inspired accessories for all your moods"
I had to change the name from KelCity Bags (obviously I was limited to bags with that name).
I have so much fabric and not enough time to make my bags...so I thought how about rings! Next to bags and shoes, I have to say I have kind of a ring fetish.
So after much research and many experiments with finishes, I finally got it.
Took them to The Muse, downtown Frederick on Market St. Go check them out!!! tell Whitney Kelly sent ya!

Stay Tuned!

Haven't been blogging lately.....been busy creating with my never ending supply of fabric.
Stay tuned for some pics!!! Just a hint...only need one to make your outfit pop!hmmmm

Deals or Steals!

I get tired of going into the same old stores and getting the same old stuff I see all the time!!!
I tried somewhere different(while maintaining my tight budget).
Burlington Coat Factory
Now, before you go there, you have to be prepared to really shop. I mean really look.
Then when you find "it", you must inspect the quality and be sure it isn't damaged.
Then it's time to try on.
Thank goodness they changed their return policy. I remember when you
couldn't return anything!! Wonder why it took them so long to figure out they would do more biz
if they changed that??!
Anyhow, was shopping for a dress for my niece's wedding. Tried on about 15, and although I was only looking for 1...ended up with 3!


The groovy maxi(ish) dress is great because it gives me full coverage at the top and a wider strap to balance everything. And the best part..it was only $19.99. Throw on a pair of big hoop earring and simple black flip flops and your ready!!! (and maybe a big chunky bracelet..hmm)



The purple dress is a Jones of New York that originally retailed at $149. I got it for $21.00(what?!)....it is gorgeous..has beautiful, slimming lines(the picture does not do it justice!!). Pair it with a muted silver metallic clutch and shoes.


And the "Julia Roberts dress" was my best buy at $14.99 (yes it's chocolate) LOVE the red trim! For those days when I want to feel like a girly girl;) Brown flips and One big funky red ring
is all you need!

Right now is end of season sale time!!! The deals are out there....you just have to dig for them.

Something Old into Something New

When was the last time you took a good look in your closet?
Maybe you have something you really like but you know there's something "just not quite right" about it when you put it on.
Or you want to make it "your own".
Ask yourself what would make this work better for me and my body type?
It may just be a simple alteration that would do.
I love this piece I bought at Old Navy. And yes I'm breaking one of my rules because the stripes are big, but I love it. It was suppose to be worn as a dress(yea right, not for me). I simply cut it off a few stripes shorter so I could wear it with tapered ankle length pants(keep the bottom skinny because the top looks wide). I didn't need to sew it because "t-shirt fabric" does not fray!

I had this full, gypsy-like, purple skirt forever and nothing seemed to work with it. But it's comfortable and cool to wear this time of year. It was just to long and not flattering. I cut it off a little shorter. I got lucky because it had a small ruffle right where I needed to cut. I just cut under the ruffle so I didn't have to do any sewing and applied fray check to stop the fabric from fraying. (fyi...this should be worn with a fitted t-shirt) Not a "to die for look", but great on a really hot day!!!!


If your alterations require sewing and you just don't think you can do them yourself, check out your cleaners. They are usually pretty reasonable.
And remember, if your not wearing it anyway...play around with the design.

You never know what you might come up with:)

Fab DvF

One of my favorite designers is Diane von Furstenberg..... even her name alone is cool.
Most famous for inventing the Wrap Dress in 1972.

She is not only an amazing designer, but also an amazing women. In 2005 she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America for her impact on fashion.
She is also involved in Vital Voices...a women's leadership organization.
This only touches on her involvement with women and fashion.

Her prices range from a $300 dress to a $281,000 diamond bracelet......
Even though she doesn't design for the "everyday woman", as far as affordability, her story is an inspiration for all women.
She's a big believer in the power of women!! In a word, (she's) AWESOME!

She has come a long way since 1972 and designs much more than dresses now.
And at 62ish she still looks AMAZING!!!!!

Check out her designs at www.dvf .com.....hey, a girl can dream!!!
And who knows...maybe we'll get lucky and Target or H&M will be one of her next ventures:)


Just one of her fabulous dresses!!

Don't be a Don't!

BE sure to do that one last mirror check before you walk out the door in the am! Just one more full body mirror check could save you from that fashion don't!! check these out.....
.Is your neckline flattering on top~General Rule~big chest=low neckline, small chest= high neckline
.Do your accessories "fight" for attention? One key accessory that pops is all you need
.If your wearing a skirt...is the length appropriate? Short skirt=baggy top, Long skirt=fitted top
.For pants-check the length AFTER you put on your shoes!!
.Crop pants should fall at the smallest part of your calf or it makes your legs look bigger
.Shoes....appropriate heel height? Remember, higher heel=illusion of longer legs
.Under garments....check that panty line and no thongs peeking out the back!! Are the girls where they should be? and keep your straps in check!

Remeber to K.I.S.S. keep it simple silly and you should end up a "fashion do" :)

Closet Tricks..and it's not what you think!

I hate when I'm getting dressed in the morning for work and it's all the little details that consume me and eventually take over (what's left of my morning routine) and threaten to make me late...again!! So, I try to have the "other essentials"or my closet tricks ready to go. Let me share with you some, not so usual, things that every girl should have in her closet.....

~Sewing needles(ugh...yes, how many times have you had to find something else last minute b/c
your button was missing!!!)
~Light and dark color thread
knowing how to sew a button on(at least) is essential!
~The extra buttons you get with the clothes when you purchase them!
yep! you just might need them
~Double face tape
hide your bra straps
a quick (and temporary) fix for a hem
keep those stretched out sleeves rolled up(a messy roll please, not perfectly folded!!)
~A pack of safety pins in a variety of sizes
small pins for closing up a cleavage baring top(office wear only....otherwise be proud of
whatcha got!!!!)
large pins- pin up tank or cami straps under a jacket if it falls to low in the front
pin up a bra strap when you need an extra "lift" for the girls
~Fray check-"fabric glue"
stops fabric from fraying......
dries clear and stops that run or hole from gettin bigger(don't wear it unless its hidden of
course)
or if you cut mysterious lose threads, add a dab of fray check to prevent runs and pulls
~Permanent markers-black, gold, and silver
love those shoes, but hate the gold buckle? Change it with a silver metallic perm marker. It
really works...I've done it!!!
black marker to touch up scuffs on your fav black leather shoes!
~Scissors-a tiny pair
cuz you never know!!!
~A lint brush..for obvious reasons
~A sweater shaver
Shave off those annoying balls from your sweaters, but be careful and be sure to pull the area
tight that your shaving to avoid holes!! yep that's happened too:(
~A bristle brush or knee-hi's....rubs out those annoying white deoderant stains!
~Gel shoe inserts
for those killer shoes(that kill your feet after an hour!)
~Downey Wrinkle Releaser
love this! i mentioned this in an earlier post.....spray on the night before and TA-DA wrinkles
gone or almost gone (and much easier to iron-100% cotton) the next morning!

A basket of these closet tricks can save you time in the morning! And I KNOW we can all use more of that!!!!!

Check Your Fabrics!!!

Wow, did it get hot quick!!! Pick your clothes "wisely" this time of year. Check that fabric content!

Of course cotton is one of the best to wear when it's hot. It breathes and will not trap air in so you stay cool.

Rayon is great too. You may see the fabrics "viscose or modal" which essentially are the same thing as rayon. All nice cool fabrics and were developed to resemble silk. They are more similar to cotton or linen than to polyester.

A newer fabric is bamboo.....the bamboo is spun into thread. It is suppose to have a cashmere look without the cost and care. It's beautiful....very soft and silky and cool.

Another "cool" one is linen....love the look of a linen pant...for about the first 5 minutes. Linen wrinkles like crazy, but if your going to wear it you'll just have to accept it!

Now with these lovey fabrics, comes the ironing. I hear so many women say if they have to iron it they are not going to buy it. It makes it easier to iron if you have a place in your house where you can leave the iron and ironing board set up all the time. But, even better..... there is a great product out there called " Downy Wrinkle Releaser". Spray it on at night and "pull out" the wrinkles. In the morning it's like magic....most of, if not all, your wrinkles will be gone!! LOVE THAT!

There is one fabric to watch out for this time of year. It usually has a great price tag and may seem thin and cool in the store, BUT resembles a hot box in the heat! POLYESTER...ugh! Just wrap yourself in tin foil and go out in the heat...same thing!!! Polyester holds in the heat and will not only make you sweat, but will stick to you.......now that's a look we all want!!!

We are all looking for cute, affordable, clothes that highlight our best "stuff", but don't forget to
check out the fabric content or it will only look good hanging in your closet all summer:)

Hmmm....Ruffles

First, I have to apologize...it's been way to long since I've posted anything! I've been spending most of my free evenings at the baseball field!
I wanted to share a quick thought for the day. Ruffles are back!! I see them everywhere this season. Now, I'm a product of the 80's and the rules that went along with ruffles at that time!
Ruffles were for "Holly Hobby" types.....um, not anymore!
They have definitely scaled them down. Anyone can wear ruffles now! And there are so many styles to choose from(Yes, even if you have a large chest)
Just remember these tips when shopping.
Keep your ruffles small if you do have a large chest or they will just add bulk.
Try to stick to a v-neck or button front.
Don't go for the "puffy" sleeve along with ruffles.... you'll look wider.
Keep the rest of your outfit simple.
Go for a more fitted bottom when pairing up your ruffle shirt. It will keep your "lines" clean.
Keep accessories simple.
Be sure not to choose an over-sized ruffle anything!
Pair your ruffle shirt with boyfriend jeans and a pair of killer shoes to "defeminize" your look and rock your ruffles!

Give ruffles a try and make them your own....whether your look is feminine or not, if you get the right fit and style, you will make them work for you!!!

Lets Talk About Shoes

While out shopping this time of year (especially with the "Easter" attire everywhere) it got me thinking. Many women wonder "what time of year can I start wearing white shoes?" I've always wanted to answer with a "NEVER". Unless you are wearing athletic shoes (and even then there are so many colorful alternatives) white shoes should not be an option.


Instead, go for a nude shoe. There are many shades of nude, believe it or not.....SOOO be sure your nude shoe matches (or comes close) to your skin color.

The whole point of a nude shoe is to LENGTHEN your legs. Your shoe "disappears" and gives the illusion of a longer, leaner leg.



Another great alternative is a metallic shoe. The softer, more muted, metallic is gorgeous! Stay away from bright or shiny...which makes the shoe look cheap.


So, unless your 12 or under.....and going for that adorable, patten, white, mary jane......stay away from the white shoe.
Just a thought!

Freshen up with a Scarf

It's that time of year again when I want to rush out and buy a whole new wardrobe.... Springtime(or summer, fall, and winter)....a NEW SEASON.

As much as I would like to replace last Springs wardrobe...the reality is I can not...ugh!

So, that's when a little Fashion Fix or freshening up that old stuff comes to mind.

The easiest way to do that is with Accessories. (And yes I capitalize them because they are worthy)

Just one great Accessory can completely transform an outfit!

And the accessory of choice, this blog, is scarves....Ahhhh....they are everywhere and easy to find at every price range. When people ask me how to wear them I tell them they really can't go wrong. Just throw it on and experiment with it in front of the mirror.

Here are some tips to remember....
1. You always want the ends of your scarf to be uneven. If they lay exactly even
across the front of you, it gives the illusion of being wider! None of us want that!!!
2. Don't make it look to neat. You want it look like you just threw it on. (even if you messed with it for 20 mins before walking out the door)
3. Throw on a crazy color....one that pops, not matchy matchy. Wear a kelly green with black and white. Or a hot pink with chocolates.
4. Determine the "bulkiness" of the scarf with the length of your neck. A longer neck can pull off just about any kind of scarf size. But if you have a short neck, be careful how bulky your scarf is or you will just look "top heavy".
5. Wear prints with prints. Don't be afraid to wear a printed scarf with a printed shirt. Just be sure that the prints are different sizes and don't try to "match" your prints.
6. A pashmina is great because it gives you versatility. It can be worn as a scarf
or as a wrap. View an easy way to wear your pashmina. Just copy and paste the address below into your search bar.

http://www.yourselegantly.com/wear-pashmina-i-10.html?osCsid=240f40c989b1afe72efaf4cce9d95da6

7.The longer the scarf, the better! You will be able to do more with it(just remember to do the "bulky" check according to your neck length)
8. No need to break the bank when buying your fav scarf. My "go to" scarf is a solid pink (never been a pink person) with fringe that I snagged at Walmart!
9.Animal prints are great!! They are classic and never go out of style. Talk about adding a punch to any outfit...day or night.
10. You can wear scarves in the summer. Light weight cottons, rayon, and silk are great...they will "breath"...Stay away from polyester. It may seem light and thin but it holds in heat.

Check these out...you may be Inspired!






Try mixing patterns.









Pick colors that compliment
each other....
(cool colors with cool like the blues w green)



















Animal prints are always in style







Choose a color that will POP!

It's a Passion

My passion for fashion (and i hate that it rhymes) has lead me to start a blog. I've been asked what my dream job would be and I'd have to say a personal shopper or fashion consultant. When contemplating starting my own fashion consulting biz years ago I was discouraged when asked why I thought I could be a consultant. It didn't look so good on paper. But, I think most of us know what we want to do or be when we grow up from a young age. I have always been passionate about fashion...not necessarily high fashion but just helping women realize that "Yes!" you can wear that and seeing how the end result makes them feel. You don't have to be rich to be able to dress great! Thank goodness for Issiac Mizraih bending the rules and designing for Target....which started the fashion ball rolling and gave the every day women a taste of some of the higher labels.
So I guess I would like to consult the "everyday woman"....I think Sara Jessica Parker summed it up for me "Fashion should be a choice not a Luxury"
It's a lot about fit, knowing what looks good on you, and maybe that one great accessory(but that's a whole other post). And most of all confidence!
Fashion should be approached more like art and not about what everyone else is wearing.