SM Tip of the Week | Jeans

Asking Santa to update your jeans for 2009? For a never let you down, go-to look put a dark wash, no bleaching, trouser-fit pair on your list. This look can be great for a night out or dressed up for Friday at the office. Enjoy!

Buckle Up: Belt Trends and How to Wear Them

We often refer to belts as the “forgotten accessory.” Shoes, clutches and jewelry tend to highlight our look, but don’t forget that belts are also a great way to spice up an outfit!

For a trendy look, wear your belt over your clothes at the smallest part of your waist to draw attention to this area. If you’ve got smaller hips, you can also wear a belt over this area to give the illusion of an hourglass shape. Women with smaller chests can place the belt under the bust line to add some dimension to the top.

Here are a few ideas on how to wear them:

• Pair your favorite belt with an oversized sweater, tights and boots or pumps for a casual yet fun look.
• A bright colored belt is a great way to make a button-up collared shirt more feminine.
• Knee-length dresses look great with a belt, so long as they aren’t full of detail or pattern already.
• Wear a belt on with any over-sized top, and pull the shirt out over the belt a little to add definition to your waste.
• Put a spin on your typical button-up shirt and a cardigan outfit with a belt to give your daily office look a boost.
• A thick belt adds a little sass to a high-waisted pencil skirt with a tucked-in shirt.

If you like the idea of using belts for reasons besides holding up your knickers, here are a few of our favorite belt retailers:

Forever 21
J. Crew
New York & Company
Target

Still have questions on how to put this trend in motion? Email us at stylemuseinfo@gmail.com.

Holiday Parties... What to Wear?

It’s that time of year. The invitations come flowing in for holiday parties of all types. Work Parties, cocktail parties, dinner parties at a friend’s home and more. The big question for most of us is what to wear? We don’t want to overdress but yet want to look put-together and classy. Here are some suggestions to fit any situation you may be in.

Formal work party: Think AM to PM. Here we would suggest taking your day look of a pencil skirt, button up shirt, and pumps and make a few quick changes for the evening. Replace the button up with a fun but appropriate silk cami and cardigan to give yourself the festive shimmer. Another thought would be to lose the black pumps and replace them with a fun heel. Possibly red or a metallic hue. The pencil skirt can be your staple and help set the look professionally. To finish the look, add some fabulous jewelry, a great clutch, and you’re good to go.

Cocktail party: The obvious here would be to go with the LBD. Why not take that look and add an embellished belt or if you’re feeling chilly add a cute cardigan over your dress and belt that. Another look we love would be a festive skirt (think metallic or something embellished with some sparkle), and pair it with a fitted black turtleneck, and layered necklaces. From there like always pair it with a great shoe and bag option.

Dinner party with friends: The range here can really vary. Depending on the group you may be right at home with a great pair of dark jeans and a cozy but dressy sweater. Another great look? Pair a simple top with a scarf and jeans. Warm and cozy. If you do feel the need to be more dressed up why not keep it comfy and go with a sweater dress, tights, and flats (for more see our “tights” post below).

Any other occasions that you are stuck on what to wear? Let us know how we can help at stylemuseinfo@gmail.com