Stylin' VIDEO: The Signature Bow

My friend said to me the other day that she was impressed by how I have embraced the headscarf with such intensity. She actually can't remember me without it and I think that is a sign of complete success! Obviously, my absolute favorite accessory is the hair bow. I wear one with practically everything. And now you can too!

I originally posted this last summer, but I think some of you might have missed it and frankly, now is the perfect time to test it out anyways! It looks especially great in spring - so fresh! Something I didn't mention last time, to get the best bow, your scarf should be about 36" square or 54" X 10" long.

It really is super easy and if you have the confidence and flair, you can make this retro accessory look totally modern and cute!

Watch the video and check out below for some more detailed instructions.



Step #1
Grab a pretty square or rectangular scarf and 6 bobby pins.

Step #2
For a square scarf, fold it in half- creating a triangle. Then you want to start at the tip of the triangle and roll the scarf inwards creating a strip approx. 2” wide.

For a rectangular scarf, just kinda scrunch it up (or roll it if it is really wide) to create that same 2” wide strip.

Step #3
Place the scarf at the centre back of your neck, lift the ends to the front of your head and tie a knot. Making sure it is secure, go ahead and tie a bow. Using the “bunny ears” method is the easiest- try to think of when you were a kid tying your shoelaces for the first time. Then once that is done, fluff out the bow to get it exactly how you want it.

Step #4
Secure the bow with a few bobby pins. At the back of your head on either side, you are going to want to place 2 pins in an X shape for maximum strength. Then place one on either side of the bow at the front of your head (not to worry - the bow should hide the pins).


And that’s it! An eye-catching effect that frames your face and will get people noticing you!

Hope you try it out soon – let me know how it goes!
xoxo
Stefanie

Stylin' Tip: Holiday Dress Up Time!

What a perfect time of year for some outfit Stylin’ Tips! Below I’ve shown an item from our collection and mixed it with accessories to show you how much potential a single piece can have!

Lunch With Friends!
At this time of year there is a lot of catching up that happens, isn’t there? Some of my friends I only see once or twice a year and I know I want to look my best when I meet them. How about this outfit? Jeans and a tee make it relaxed. Keeping the colors neutral make it sophisticated. And adding a punch of red around the neck makes it fun! The trick is to find boots that are fashionable, but also work well with a slippery snow lined street. These ones are perfection I think!

[caption id="attachment_566" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="BAG: Hoibo NECKLACE: Biko BOOTS: Rachel Comey BELT: Aldo JEANS: Torrid"][/caption]

Dinner Date!
Usually there are a few dinners that happen around now – either a date, a girls night out, or a family outing. Try something like this – modern, chic, and very figure flattering. The perfect time to try out a new pair of colorful shoes or a fancy purse! The key to this outfit is keeping your dress and tights neutral and adding colour with the accessories. Try some lace tights! They are the perfect compliment to this look.

[caption id="attachment_567" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="NECKLACE: Biko SHOES: Irregular Choice PURSE: Betsy Johnson"][/caption]

Family Party!
Most Family Soirées happen indoors so I find I try to coordinate my outfits with slippers. I LOVE slippers. Especially these ones – they look like ballet flats but are more comfortable in the house. When you are chasing the kids or doing the dishes, you want to look stylish but still feel at ease. Try this look – you’ll be getting compliments all night and only you’ll know how easy it was to throw together!

[caption id="attachment_568" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="NECKLACE: Tweak BELT: Aldo SLIPPERS: Isotoner BAG: Hoibo"][/caption]

New Years Fete!
This is a night to make a statement! Ring in the New Year with style. Whether you are going out to a party or having an intimate dinner for two, you should choose something that makes you feel good about the year ahead! What’s a better way to start than to receive accolades all night for your beautiful dress? For this night especially, don't forget an elaborate hairpiece to accent the look! This one from Bando is extra special!

[caption id="attachment_569" align="aligncenter" width="495" caption="HAIRPIECE: Bando BELT: Torrid PURSE: Betsy Johnson SHOES: Rachel Comey"][/caption]

Whatever you do, and whatever you decide to wear, make it memorable and have a fantastic time!

Happy Holidays!
Xoxo
Stefanie

SHOPPING GUIDE:
Aldo
Bando
Betsy Johnson
Biko
Hoibo
Irregular Choice
Isotoner
Rachel Comey
Torrid
Tweak

Stylin' Look: Lady Lumberjack

So today really felt like fall. It's labour day, the kiddies are getting ready to go back to school, and I had fleeting thoughts of pumpkin carving and thanksgiving dinner. What a great day then to wear some buffalo check menswear and bright red tights!



I also recently made this cute black rose headband that couldn't have been a better match for this look - the weightiness of the feminine flowers mixed with the rugged shirt is really what makes it work.



And don't forget to always add that splash of colour! The red tights really work here with the neutral brown shoe.



You may remember this shirt from the Stylin' Video "RAIDING YOUR PARTNER'S CLOSET". It works well here tied at the waist, paired with a pencil skirt, don't you think?



Check out more of my looks on Chictopia!

More fall looks to come! Get ready for some major layers, boots, scarves, and of course some elaborate headwear!
xoxo
Stefanie

Stylin' Look: Downtown Nautical

Who says you have to be on a boat to wear deck shoes! My new favorite accessory for summer (and will be for fall) are these little numbers. I am also in love with my new chambray bow-tie blouse! And of course we need the braided navy belt to tie it all together.

Sadly there was a bit of rain this day, but it didn't stop us from having some fun!
A matching umbrella was all the look needed to keep looking chic even in the storm....it really is the little details that make all the difference!

Check out more of my looks on Chictopia!

xoxo
Stefanie

Stylin' VIDEO: Accessories!

So I know I am really pushing this accessory business, but I have to say, a little bit of adornment can make a huge difference.

This video shows you how subtle additions can make a big impact. Read below for further details.





Tip #1
Mix Colors, Textures, and Prints. If your outfit is plain (a pretty black dress for example), that is the best base to experiment. Add a red belt, some turquoise suede pumps, some gold bangles, some black feather earrings and a vintage printed clutch that ties all the colors together. Can you envision it? I can. And trust me - it looks fantastic!

Tip #2
When In Doubt, Go Monochromatic. One way to not mess up in this department is to keep things in the same color tone. A white blouse and jeans would look great with some long strands of pearls, a cream cuff, some pearl stud earrings, and white hair bow – add some white ballet flats and a handbag and you’re party ready!

Tip #3
Don’t Be Afraid To Go Big. Although this video doesn’t show it, I love big oversized brooches, large hair bows, and wide belts. One of the advantages to being bigger is that we can we definitely can pull off larger accessories - in fact I recommend it! Match the scale of your accessories with the scale of your body. Don’t wear a dinky flower on your lapel. Instead, make an impact with a statement piece of jewelry – large drop earrings, a fringe necklace, or a wide beaded belt. I am getting excited just thinking of it!

Till next time,
Xoxo
Stefanie