25 Style Tips To Take Your Everyday Look From "Meh" to "Chic"
Wendy Avery
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Theo's Thoughts on fashion and style
Theo's Thoughts on fashion and style
Theo’s thoughts on fashion, lifestyle, wardrobe building, closet organizing, travel/packing planning and event specific outfit planning.
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10 Essentials I Highly Suggest You Keep In Your Closet and You'll Never Guess What They Are!
Theo Pace
Last week I told you about some things I learned from cleaning out my closet. I spent a lot of time in that room over the past month! While I was in there I was thinking of some of the items that help keep me organized and I’d like to share them with you. Yup, this isn’t about staple wardrobe pieces. It’s all about my favorite items that I use almost every day!
NO More Wire Hangers!
Wire and plastic hangers are one of my biggest pet peeves and not just because they look horrible. They are absolutely ruthless on your clothes. Everything stretches on them! It’s almost impossible to get to your clothes back to normal after they have been abused by those torture devices!
So, what should you use?
The velvet ones that you can find almost anywhere. I’m so happy the velvet hanger company started making skirt hangers too. Not only are they kind to your clothing but they take up much less space.
Invest in quilted purse shapers.
After doing some researchI found out that plastic is the worst thing to put in your handbags. I love these quilted fabric purse shapers. No more creases and wrinkles in any of your bags. They come in three sizes so they are great for everything from clutches to tote bags.
Invest in Dust Covers For Your Handbags.
Many handbags come with their own dust covers. It is important to keep bags protected especially if you put them away for a season or two. The only trouble with these covers is you can’t see the bags! Again, after much research, I found these great fabric ones! They actually have a sheer strip so you can see the bag. They also come in three sizes.
Keep these shoulder covers on hand for the items you don’t wear very often.
Evening dresses and winter coats are examples of items that aren’t worn year round or very often. It’s a good idea to keep the shoulders from collecting dust. Yes, they are plastic but they don’t cover the entire garment so no worries here.
Boot trees are a must.
Think of these like the quilted purse shapers. They will keep your boots standing tall without wrinkles and permanent creases.
A Shoe stretcher!
With all the online shopping we do who wants to go to a cobbler once you finally have the shoes at home? Don’t skimp on stretchers. Make sure to purchase wood ones that can stretch left or right shoes and both length and width. Everyone in your family will be borrowing this!
I always keep “foot petals” on hand.
The heel savers are great for the heels of your shoe if you find yourself sliding or if the leather rubs your heel. The tip toe petal keeps your foot in place, especially in heels, while adding a little cushion to the ball of your foot. I always keep a couple of packs of these in my closet.
A good steamer.
Sometimes clothing looks better when steamed instead of ironed. A good steamer doesn’t have to be large or industrial strength. Steamers are quick and easy to use and work on everything! I have a heavy duty iron from Rowenta and love their steamer too. Don’t let too many people know you have one…they’ll be over all the time to borrow it!
Finally, a small rack.
This item is something I use often and it comes in handy! I like this one in particular because it collapses and stores easily. I use it when pulling items for traveling, sorting and outfit planning. I have quite a few friends who thought I was crazy until they got their own!
Enjoy checking out My Closet Essentials below…
Little heads up...some of my suggestions may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of those links, you won't pay a penny more but I may earn a small commission, which helps me keep the lights on! Thank you!!!
AND remember! No Wire Hangers!!
Fashionably yours,
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Theo's Thoughts on fashion and style
The Importance Of A Swimsuit Cover Up And My Top Cover Up Picks!
Theo Pace
Norma Kamali from Deborah James Fashion, North Palm Beach
This kimono does everything. It serves as a swimsuit cover up, a bathrobe and a duster. The possibilities are endless.
Getting a swimsuit cover up is probably just as important as getting a new swimsuit. I once had a friend tell me “It’s all about the cover up!” She was definitely on to something!
You can’t wear swimsuits through hotel lobbies and you probably aren’t wearing one driving your car to the beach. Even if you are you are, you may want to stop at the grocery store on the way home and you aren’t wearing your swimsuit into Publix!
There is such a variety of cover ups today. How do you choose which one to purchase? Do you prioritize Versatility, Style, or Ease of Wearability? For me, it all depends where I’m going. Am I on vacation? Do I need to think about how much I’m packing? Am I taking a jaunt with the kids to the beach for the day? Will we have armfuls of gear to take with us? Am I on a romantic getaway with my sweetie? Will we be spending most of our time on the beach?
For Versatility…
One of the things I like to keep in mind while shopping for cover ups is to make sure they are versatile. It’s great to be able to take one away on vacation and have it double up as an outfit. Wouldn’t you be happy knowing that your cover up could take you from the beach to dinner with the change of your swimsuit.
A couple of my picks for this look…
Tory Burch Patchwork Dress
This Tory Burch Patchwork Dress-is so pretty and you can leave on the slides, take off the swimsuit and head to a nice dinner.
Blue Boheme from Vagabond Apparel, North Palm Beach
This piece by Blue Boheme from Vagabond Apparel, North Palm Beach is so versatile because it comes with its’ own slip. Throw it on with flip flops and your swimsuit and you can walk through any hotel lobby. Add the slip and a pair of platforms and you’re off to dinner!
You may even have a casual dress in your closet that could double up as a cover up. Be sure to take a look. I am all about shopping your closet!
For style…
You may be heading away on a romantic getaway with your sweetie. Sandcastle building won’t be on the agenda, so you may just choose to go for style. If this is the case you may also want to coordinate your swimsuit with your coverup. White on white is always pretty and colorful patterned tunics over bright swimsuits say “Yay, I’m on vacay!”
Some of my favorite picks for style are…
I always love Johnny Was pieces for vacation. They are light and airy and have a great boho vibe that screams relax! This Clarisse Long Kaftan is a combo of silk and cotton and has such a dramatic look. I think it looks romantic. Do you?
Trina Turk Sarong…love all the colors!
A sarong or pareo is a great choice for a stylish look. Everything But Water has the best selection of sarongs that I have seen. I love this Trina Turk Mosaic Pareo because it has every color under the sun. Sarongs can be worn so many different ways and are perfect for beach walks! It can also be folded over and worn as a short pareo.
I love the cut on this number but it’s the coloration that sold me! You don’t have to worry about someone not finding you on the beach to bring you that cocktail!
For Ease of Wearability…
Or, you may just go for ease of wearability because you’ll be lugging beach toys, sand chairs, towels/blankets and coolers!
Some of my easy cover up choices are…
If you’re headed to the beach with lots of gear you’ll want something easy and cool. I love tunics for this purpose! This Tory Burch Cotton Voile Boatneck Cover Up is simple, easy to move in and requires little effort.
Another tunic style cover up from Vagabond Apparel, North Palm Beach is this lightweight, sheer tee fabric from Pitusa.
Isn’t the back detail cute!?
There are so many variations to this style, sleeveless, short or long too! Check out the back detail!
I love the simplicity of this Le Tarte Luxe Long Beach Shirt. I can also see it over shorts or skinny jeans at another time. For now it’s effortless style for a day at the beach. It also comes in a short version if you would rather not have the length.
Whatever the scenario, there are lots of great options to choose from! First decide the look you’re going for and then make your plan!
Happy relaxing and don’t forget the sunscreen!
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I'm all about dusters!!
Theo Pace
I am drawn to these! I love long cardigans.
I guess by now you can tell I have lots of obsessions! Dusters have always been something that stops me in my tracks.
JOHNNY WAS
Pair them with jeans, shorts, dresses and/or trousers to elevate the look of your outfit. One of the best things about these accent pieces is that no matter where you live they are super versatile.
I love them in Florida because the air conditioning is always cranked and a layering piece is a necessity. By using a duster you get a whole different look than a shawl or basic cardigan. A duster adds so much more interest!
SHOW ME YOUR MUMU
In areas where the weather can swing from Summer to Fall or Winter to Spring, quickly and often sporadically, a duster offers warmth and style. AND, your outfit doesn’t have to be hidden under that coat! It’s out there for all to see, especially when the weather is in transition stages.
JOHNNY WAS
The best thing about dusters is that you don’t have to have full length ones. If you feel swallowed up in something longer there are great options in 3/4 length. I especially like those for traveling and for my clients who can’t carry off the length of the long ones. They may not necessarily be called “dusters” but they offer the same effect with “dressing up” an outfit.
Why not give one a whirl? If you have trouble styling these check out the ways to work with me! And, let’s chat about it! I’d love to help you!
AND, Keep an eye out on my insta and FB this week for some of my favorite picks!
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Theo's Thoughts on fashion and style
Release your Inner Roar-My Personal Picks for Animal Prints
Theo Pace
I thought you might like to see some of my favorite animal prints. The best part is with the exception of the shoes they are all under $100!
The Leopard Dress (1), is a different color version of the one I wore in a post called "Take a walk on the wild side...". I love the fit - it has a side zip and is super flattering. It can be worn casually with a flat, dressed up with a strappy sandal or pump and year ‘round if you add a boot. It’s super versatile! The Python Skirt (2), is faux leather and another great Topshop piece. The slit may be a bit too sexy for the office, but it depends on where you work…fashion, arts, retail- you’d be ok. I’d love to see it paired with a denim jacket or turtleneck on the weekend. It’s another piece that could go year ‘round. The pleated Python Midi Skirt (3), is so pretty! I love the color combo. Again…Topshop allows you to be a little trendy without breaking the bank. Pair it with a silk top or tee shirt and go from casual to dress in a heartbeat. One of my favorite Paris street fashions was a skirt similar to this paired with a white tee, shoe boot and leather jacket. Uhhmmm, yup…loved it!
On to the Leopard Clutch (4), it adds a little pizazz to any outfit. Wearing jeans, a tee and a blazer? This clutch adds some interest. Sporting your LBD (Little Black Dress) out for the evening?…add the clutch and it’s useful and acts as an accessory too.
The Leopard Scarf (5), can wrap around your ponytail, your neck or even your handbag. Scarves are often overlooked as an accessory and the prints can offer a nice way of shaking up an outfit. Check out my post on "Outfit Repeating" for some suggestions on how to wear one! I love the weight of this one, it’s silky and light.
I like to wear a patterned shoe and these two, the Cheetah Sandals (6) and the Leopard Flats (7), are subtle enough that I don’t feel like all you see is feet! Pair these with denim, shorts, trousers and/or skirts.
Enjoy the picks… and most importantly, let the print be your statement piece. The rest of the outfit can be fashionable but you don’t need to add much more to accessorize. The key to wearing these prints is to keep it simple!
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Theo's Thoughts on fashion and style
