The do's and don'ts of choosing hostess outfits

Holiday celebrations may look a little different this year, but that doesn't mean you can't still safely get together with your friends and family. If you're anything like me, you take the term "hostess with the mostest" seriously and love to entertain for any reason – or even when there's no reason at all! There's just something about having all your loved ones gathered together in your home, sharing a meal and reminiscing over drinks, all while you run around doting on them, topping off drinks and socializing your way around the room. 

This may not surprise you, but one of my favorite things about holiday get-togethers is the festive outfits. Red and gold and all things glitzy are synonymous with the holidays, and everyone looks fabulous decked out for the celebrations. Plus, we don't get many excuses to dress like that throughout the year, so I really enjoy taking advantage of it. 

There is one minor drawback to entertaining, however: oftentimes, I find myself scrambling to get ready at the last minute. I spend so much time making sure all the party details are just right, that I end up racing against the clock trying to get dressed before guests arrive. Does that sound familiar?

I find that it's extremely helpful to have an arsenal of go-to "hostess outfits." These are outfits that look completely polished and put-together, yet are totally effortless and extremely comfortable.

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Like so many other aspects of fashion, there aren't many hard-and-fast rules when it comes to hostess outfits. They should just be simple and make you look your best! However, I do have some tips and tricks up my sleeve to make it easier for you to piece them together. 

Do wear something you already own and love

I know it's tempting to go out and buy something brand new for the occasion, but I don't recommend it because you don't know if that something is comfortable or not. You don't want to spend the evening constantly adjusting a strap, tugging at a waistband that rides up, or much worse, dealing with an unexpected wardrobe malfunction. If you really want something new, I suggest buying a festive cardigan or kimono to go over your dress, or a new pair of earrings that perfectly complement your outfit.

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Do keep it simple

Holiday outfits tend to have fancy details like balloon sleeves and tie waists. Although beautiful, these things can spell disaster for a hostess. Imagine your sleeve dipping into guests' drinks and getting your belt caught in the oven door! Opt for clothing with no-fuss details and save the elaborate pieces for when you're someone else's guest. The same goes for jewelry – skip the long, dangly necklace and wear a pair of statement earrings instead.

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Do dress in cool, breathable layers

Even if you live in a very cold climate, I recommend dressing in short sleeves (or even no sleeves) and adding a sweater, duster, or jacket. Since you'll be on the move all night, you'll get warm. The last thing you want is to feel like you're overheating! Using this strategy allows you to keep warm when you need to and remove your outer layer at your convenience.

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Do dress for the occasion

If you're hosting a casual cookout for a small group, wear pants and a nice blouse or a jumpsuit – not an evening gown. On the other hand, if your guests are coming over for a seated dinner party or a themed New Year's Eve party, it's perfectly acceptable to wear a sequined dress. Just make sure you communicate with your guests so you're all on the same page. You don't want anyone to be uncomfortable because they showed up under- (or over) dressed.

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Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes

Trust me on this one – if you wear those stiletto boots, you'll regret it. Choose an outfit that works well with ballet flats, wedges, or even fun sneakers.

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Don’t dress in something too revealing

We all have those sweaters with slightly risque necklines or dresses that are probably just a tad too short. Reserve those for date nights or girlfriend getaways and spare your party guests from an unexpected "show." Remember, you'll be moving around, bending over, and reaching all evening.

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Don’t choose anything that requires dry cleaning

The odds of something spilling on you while you're entertaining are high. It's important to be able to quickly duck into the bathroom and attend to the fresh stain, as opposed to needing to excuse yourself to change outfits.

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Don’t wear clothes that don’t fit well…

… no matter how much you love them. For one thing, you'll be far more confident and comfortable in something that fits just right. Plus, you don't want to be constantly tripping over pants that need to be hemmed or tugging at a waistband that's a hair too tight.

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I hope these tips are helpful! Are you hosting any festivities this year? If so, I want to see your outfits! Tag me in your photos on Instagram @therealchachaolivia and connect with me on Facebook!

Happy Holidays!,

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5 Ways to Dress for Fall When it Doesn't Feel Like Fall

I think we can all agree that 2020 has been flat-out wacky. I'm referring to several different things of course, but in this particular context, it's the weather. In early September, a huge snowstorm blanketed a large portion of the western United States, dumping as much as nine inches of snow in some areas. Meteorologists said it was "one of the earliest snowstorms on record." There were two weeks of summer officially left! Then last week, which was November, the entire Midwest experienced an unusual heatwave with temperatures reaching the upper 70s. And let's not forget the apocalyptic "firenado" in northern California in August. Even if you live in a place where you can generally count on crisp fall weather, things can change.

To be honest, I (and I'm guessing most of you) don't really mind the warm fall temperatures – but it sure does make it difficult to get dressed for the day. You need a full-blown winter coat when you leave in the morning but by 11:00 AM, it's too warm for long sleeves. As a former New Englander who now lives in Florida, I can relate to this all too well. I would love to throw on a chunky sweater and some tall boots, but that's probably not in the cards anytime soon. Knowing that so many of you are in the same boat, I've put together my best tips for dressing for fall even when it's pushing 80 degrees.

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Skirts in fall fabrics

Nothing says fall quite like suede and corduroy, but let's be honest – those fabrics can be hot. If you're in a warm-weather climate, a great workaround for this is to wear skirts. They have that unmistakable fall look without being too warm. If a cold snap happens to come through, you can wear a pair of tights underneath or (finally) pull out your favorite tall boots. This season's fall skirts have fun details like pockets and tie-waists.

See My Picks

Sweater vests

Before you give me the side-eye, hear me out. Modern sweater vests have come a long way since the '70s. True, they’re absolutely retro, but in a decidedly chic sort of way. Sweater vests also complement virtually everything (really!), so it’s east to make them work for you. Go ahead – put on one of your go-to outfits, then top it with a sweater vest. I’m willing to bet you’ll be surprised by how much you like the result. I personally love the cable-knit details and button-up styles because they add interest and texture, plus they almost mimic “real” sweaters. View my latest IGTV video for different ways to wear this trend!

See My Picks

Lightweight kimonos

If you really can't get on board with sweater vests, give kimonos a try. As you know, I'm a huge fan of layering. Adding a third piece of clothing to any outfit really does make you look more put-together, even if you're wearing something as casual as a graphic tee and jeans. I especially love light, airy kimonos because they're chic yet comfortable and effortless and they can be worn all year. Opt for jewel tones for fall, then wear the kimono as a swimsuit coverup in the summer – voila!

See My Picks

Long-sleeved dresses

I love the balanced silhouette of a mini- or midi-dress with long sleeves. It has that classic sweaterdress look, but can be made of a much lighter material (remember, fake it 'til you make it!). Pair it with low booties and a statement necklace and you're done! This look can also be easily dressed up or down by pairing it with different jacket styles. Throw on a denim jacket or even vest for a more low-key look, or choose a peacoat or blazer for a dressier look.

Since a dress is essentially a one-piece outfit, balance is crucial. If your dress is a solid color or has a neutral print, wear statement shoes, like a pair of white ankle booties. And vice-versa, if the dress has a bold design, opt for neutral footwear.

See My Picks

Mules

I think mules must have been created by a fellow Floridian, someone who wanted to wear boots in the fall but knew they were way too heavy and hot. Whoever it was, I'd like to thank them – I love a good pair of mules. The whole front of your foot is covered so you feel like you're wearing boots, but mules are backless, so you stay nice and cool. This season, there are fabulous mules in all sorts of styles and heel heights. Pair them with cropped jeans, a skirt, or even a dress – just make sure it's something that shows off the mules' details.

See My Picks

I hope these transitional wardrobe tips are helpful, especially for my fellow warm-weather dwellers. Let me know which combos you try and be sure to tag me in your outfit photos on Instagram @therealchachaolivia! Stay (fashionably) cool my friends!

Happy Styling,

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5 Easy Ways to See if Your Clothing is Made Sustainably

Back in September, I told you that I recently learned (and was horrified by!) the amount of waste the fashion industry creates. As part of my journey to become more educated about "fast fashion" and shop more ethically, my husband and I just watched a documentary called The True Cost. To recap, it's about the direct correlation between decreasing clothing prices and the ever-increasing costs to the environment and even humans. Most people – myself included – love a great sale. The True Cost examines how exactly fashion companies drive those prices so low and begs the very literal question: at what cost? It's definitely a must-watch.

After watching the film, I was more determined than ever to be part of the solution, not the problem. I started by researching the best ways to find out if clothing is sustainably-made, and I want to share with you what I learned. 

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Look at the fabric content

One of the main ways brands make clothing cheaper is by using cheaper materials. This often means synthetic fabrics like polyester and microfiber, which don't degrade naturally, require a ton of resources to create, and may contain toxic chemicals. Natural fabrics are slightly more expensive, but are far "greener" and have a host of additional benefits. For example, renewable fabrics including bamboo, wool, silk, and linen are fairly simple to produce, require minimal resources (like energy, water, and fertilizer), and most of them can be recycled. 

Speaking of recycling, another strategy for shopping sustainable fashion is looking for clothing that's made from recycled materials. Keep your eyes open for fleece items that were created from plastic bottles or brands using recycled and repurposed materials. Eileen Fisher's Regenerative Wool collection is a shining example.

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Check the tags

Sometimes, simply looking at a price- or hangtag is all it takes to find out whether or not a particular item of clothing was made sustainably. I recently noticed that designers including Stella McCartney and Nation LTD actually include their sustainability practices right on their tags. Look for simple phrases like, "Sustainably made," as well as symbols on the tags or on the clothing itself. 

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Research your favorite lines

It's not always that straightforward, of course. Sometimes – more often than not actually, you may have to dig a little more. Start by going to a company's website. If it uses "eco-friendly" practices, there will likely be a prominent section dedicated to sustainability. This is where brands often display certifications of sustainability, such as a Fair Trade Certified seal or indicating they are a Certified B Corporation. If a label's sustainability information isn't readily available, go a step further and do a specific internet search. For example, try "Stella McCartney sustainability practices."

A huge part of being a responsible and more sustainable shopper is being in the know. It is solely our responsibility to know what we are buying and wearing. We directly support brands by choosing to spend our money on them, so it's important to know their practices and values. 

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Use social media

There is truly no better tool to share information today than social media. One of my personal favorite ways to use it (particularly Instagram and Twitter) is for discovering new-to-me sustainable clothing brands. The best way to do this is to follow hashtags, influencers, and companies driving the discussion on ethical and sustainable fashion. Some of the most useful hashtags I've come across are #slowfashion, #whomademyclothes, #ethicalfashion, and #fashrev. Following these may lead you to your new favorite line!

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Photo Credit: Good on You

Technology is your friend!

There are several websites and apps that help connect consumers with ethically- and sustainably-made clothing. 

• Shop Ethical! - A handy website and app that grades companies across a wide range of industries. In addition to fashion, find out how sustainable and ethical food companies, personal products, toys, and household products are. The depth of the information on the Shop Ethical! guide is seriously impressive. Beyond simply grading a company A through F, consumers can find details on brands' corporate policies, such as gender equality in the workplace, whether they're members of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, and how they approach using paper and plastics.

• Good on You app - This app puts ethical ratings for over 2,000 brands and companies in the palm of your hands. As you shop, you can quickly check a label's ratings, which are based on three main factors: Its direct impact on Earth, people, and animals. If you encounter a brand with a rating of "We avoid" or "Not good enough," Good on You will suggest more sustainable alternatives.

• aVOID plugin - This downloadable tool works on your desktop or laptop computer as you shop online. Available in the US, UK, Germany, and France, aVOID tells you if the products you're interested in were created with child labor.

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Final Thoughts

Shopping sustainably may seem like a lot of effort, especially if the concept is new to you. There truly is just one Earth, though, and it is our responsibility to care for it for future generations. If we want our children and grandchildren, and their children and grandchildren, to be able to live, work, and thrive on this amazing planet long after we're gone, we must take immediate action. 

Sustainable fashion is 100% achievable, and it starts with the small actions discussed here. Some of the world's leading designers have taken note and begun championing for the cause as well, which is amazing to see! To learn more about sustainability in the fashion industry, visit my previous blog, How to Shop Sustainably, or head over to my Instagram TV series where I share more tips.

Happy Styling,

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10+ Ways to Style White Booties

Fashion trends can be confusing because they are always changing and sometimes it seems as if we can't keep up. 

 I don’t personally like to invest in things that may look dated in a year or two, but life is short and sometimes it’s fun to try something different. Styling these trends is one of those things I like to play around with when I want to shake up some of my looks.

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I was a little hesitant at first to try the white bootie trend, but they are back for a second Fall Season and I am really attracted to them. 

As with any item of clothing and especially when considering a new purchase, I don’t like to commit unless I can find several ways to style them. So, I created a quick styling video on IGTV to help encourage you to try them if these little white booties have been catching your eye too! 

If you haven't watched it already, head over to Instagram, I'm @therealchachaolivia (and be sure to follow me for more style tips). 

1-3. Pair with Denim

The first 2 style tips are all about denim! Denim is a “go-to” for me as I love dressing jeans up and down. White boots add that much more dimension to denim.

If you are shy at first about trying this fashion-forward trend, have it peep out the tip of a bootleg jean.

1. A bootleg jean. If you are shy at first about trying this fashion-forward trend, have it peep out the tip of a bootleg jean

2. A cropped jean will really draw attention to the bottom and show off the look.

3. A tapered jean can be adjusted to just the right length to work with your own personal bootie pick.

4. Pair with the Unexpected

Try your booties with a dress or outfit that you normally wear more dressed up.

This will make the dress or outfit more versatile and add to your unique style.

5. Try a Pair of Joggers

Not real sweatpants but the joggers that look more like leisurewear.

I paired them in the video with the Alice and Olivia vegan jogger.

6. Okay….we are back to denim!

I wore mine with a midi length denim skirt and loved the look.

7. A Monochrome Look

Wear variations of white and beige to add length. I have always loved an outfit made with different shades of color and white is no exception!

8. Style with a Shorter Dress.

If you love your legs, why not accentuate them? And if you don't, it's a great way to practice body positivity!

9. Try with a Patterned Pant

Especially one in black and white will give you a fresh new option from the typical “black and white” look.

10. Pair with an Asymmetrical Hem

This would be another fun option for showing off that new addition to your wardrobe. I used an asymmetrical dress but you could use a skirt too.

11. The Boho Change-Up

Adding white boots to one of your favorite boho looks will change the whole look around.

A cowboy boot in black would normally be the perfect “look” to wear with the dress in my video. It spices it up and mixes the style by adding the white bootie.

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Those are my White Bootie Styling Tips, I hope they were helpful and that you'll try a few. If you do, don’t forget to share your looks with me @therealchachaolivia. I’d love to see the outfit combos you create with this fun style trend. If it's new for you and something you've been considering, take a chance, you might just end up loving it!

Not sure which boot to try?
Here are some of my picks hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&S6gCL

Happy Styling Ladies,

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10 Unique Ways to Wear a Graphic Tee

Graphic Tees are pretty popular and it doesn’t look like they are going anywhere anytime soon!  They add great spice to an outfit and are so much fun when chosen over a plain white tee. (Not that plain white tees aren’t important!) Graphic tees are always great under denim jackets and worn with jeans, however, there are many more ways to wear them. I created the attached video to show you a few of my favorite ways to style them. You can watch it here...IGTV video @therealchachaolivia 

Let's have some fun and shake it up a bit!

Pair it with a Printed Maxi Skirt.

Graphic tees are always synonymous with casual style. Glam it up a little bit by pairing it with a soft, feminine skirt. My personal favorite skirt pairings are Midi or Maxi lengths. Be sure to coordinate the colors!

Under a Blazer

Wearing a blazer over your tee will not only finish off your outfit (remember the 3rd piece rule?) but will take your graphic tee up a notch . Opt for a different fabric...Why not try velvet for the cooler months ahead?

Under a Duster

Pairing a graphic tee with a duster is a great seasonal outfit because it creates a layering opportunity for the cooler weather while adding interest to your look.

Layer Over Long Sleeve Tee

While there are long sleeve graphic tees, short sleeve tees offer more versatility because they can easily be layered and worn year round! Pair your layered look with jeans or a wide leg lounge pant to complete that look.

Glam it up

Add glamour and accentuate the waist with this tip!

High waisted pants can bring your graphic tee some glamour! It will accentuate the waist and create a defined look. They especially add some drama when paired with the perfect stilettos.

Under a Denim Blouse

Casual yet stylish, this look is perfect for the busy lady!

Where style meets comfort. A denim button down over a graphic tee is the perfect “on the go” look for any busy woman. Add some stylish sneakers and you are put together and ready to tackle the day!

Try a Different Type of Denim

Graphic tees are often paired with denim shorts or denim mini skirts. Why not try wearing it with a long denim skirt and a pair of boots for an effortless and stylish outfit.

Pair with a
Striped Pant

Looking for an anytime look? Pairing a graphic tee with a railroad stripe pant or jean can create a look that is perfect for virtually any occasion. Wear sandals for a more casual look. Add some pumps to level up the look a bit.

Under a Suit

Chique, Stylish and Glamorous.

Graphic tees can be instantly elevated when paired with the perfect suit. Choose a tee that adds a pop of color to your look. Keep an eye on material too, a softer, silkier fabric will add more glamour to the suit.

Tie a Plaid Shirt Around Your Waist

Easy, casual and fun!

Plaid shirts tied around the waist of your graphic tee is casual, fun and easily achievable for everyone! Be sure to coordinate the colors of your blouse and tee.

There you have it, 10 Ways to Style a Graphic Tee. If you try any of these looks, I want to see! Tag me @therealchachaolivia. I love seeing my style tips in action!

Fashionably Yours,

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