1.30.2024

5 Ways To Embrace Floral Fashion

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Spring is around the corner, which means it will be time to start to bring out those floral clothes. But just what types of floral clothing should you opt for? And what should you pair them with? This post lists 5 types of floral fashion and how to rock each one. 

Ditsy

Ditsy floral print is made up of lots of very small irregularly placed flowers. Such prints can be dense and busy or sparse with lots of space. It’s the most common floral print found on sundresses, but you can also buy tops and shirts with this print. Many floral kids' clothes also use ditsy print. 

This is a very versatile type of floral print in terms of what you can pair with it, although it's best to stick to fairly neutral items. For example, ditsy floral dresses can work with almost any footwear from sneakers to boots, but it’s best to avoid shoes in loud colors. Denim jackets can also pair well with ditsy print items. 

Boho style

This style of floral print is very busy and colorful and was popularized by hippies in the 60s and 70s. Includes the likes of paisley print, but also other more obscure prints. Boho floral dresses are often very layered and flowing. Check out these boho dresses by Johnny Was for an example. 

Wear these prints with chunky jewellery and oversized accessories for a festival-ready boho look. Footwear like gladiator sandals and tan boots go well with this style. However, you may prefer to soften up the boho look by contrasting it with leather (such as a leather jacket or leather boots). 

Vintage

Vintage floral print clothing typically contains much larger flowers and was all the rage in the 40s and 50s. It is still a popular print today - you’ll find vintage-style floral dresses commonly being worn by guests at weddings.

Vintage floral dresses are most commonly paired with more formal footwear like ballet shoes or heels. Try to keep accessories to a minimum and let your dress make the statement. 

Oriental print

Inspired by Chinese cheongsam dresses and japanese kimonos, this style of floral print consists of the large boldly colored flowers commonly found in oriental gardens. Blacks, whites, reds and blues are the most common colors used. You can buy many dresses and tops inspired by this print.

As with vintage floral styles, you don’t want to accessorize too heavily when wearing this print because it's so bold. Sandals and pumps are two good footwear options that work well with this style. 

Tropical/hawaiian

Finally, there’s the tropical floral print style, which consists of very large tropical flowers and palm leaves. This print uses loud colors like orange, green and pink and can be found on many summer dresses. Hawaiian floral print is a variation of this that consists of very busy and colorful floral designs, and is most commonly used on shirts. 

Because this is the boldest floral style of them all, you really want to keep accessories to a minimum. This is likely to be the type of print you wear on a beach vacation, so you’ll likely want to pair this with sandals and a beach hat. This post at Mr Porter offers some more tips for wearing tropical print. 


1.08.2024

The Eternal Wardrobe: Prolonging the Life of Your Clothes

  Let's face it; we all wish our favorite T-shirt or pair of jeans would last forever, but unfortunately clothes, like good times, don't last. Today we will explore an invaluable treasure trove of "cloth-care" knowledge in an effort to extend their lifespan as much as possible!

Photo by Amanda Vick on Unsplash

A Gentle Reminder: Washing Matters!

While you might not realize it, how you wash your clothing has an enormous effect on their lifespan. Not only are clothes cleaner when washed this way; more importantly, their fabric integrity remains protected as a result. One friendly laundry law: treat your clothes like you would treat your skin. While hot water may seem preferable for some fabrics and colors, delicate ones often benefit more from cold water for washing; it's less harsh on fabric fibers and keeps colors from running! And finally, overloading your washing machine is strictly forbidden! Just a reminder: don't rush through your laundry - doing so can cause unnecessary friction and stretching, which will shorten its life span. And please, don't ignore those laundry symbols on tags! Those little symbols are your clothing's own wash-care manual - consider it like Rosetta Stone of laundry care! Washing matters. It may not be rocket science but certainly it is an art form. So when next you do your laundry remember: be mindful and gentle as this will do wonders for both yourself and your clothes!

Heat Is on: But Not for Your Clothes! 

While a dryer might seem like the ideal place for wet clothing to dry quickly and comfortably, the truth is it's anything but. Think of the dryer like the sun on a scorching summer day; its warmth won't exactly be kind on delicate apparels! Heat can cause fibers to over-dry, leading to shrinkage or deformation - particularly cotton and wool fabrics - while color fade may occur as a result of overexposure. If you love vibrant colors and want your patterned clothes to stay looking newer for longer, air drying may be your savior. Air drying allows clothes to maintain their integrity - keeping their original size, shape and hue while making them appear like new again! Yes, air drying may take longer. But isn't that worth the wait in the grand scheme of things? So keep the heat on in your relationships rather than on your clothes - use less heat from a dryer and let your garments enjoy the natural, gentle caress of air drying - they'll certainly appreciate it and show it!

Custom Embroidery: A Tribute to Longevity

Custom embroidery can help extend the longevity of clothing you love, especially pieces you just can't bear to part ways with. This technique not only adds personal flair to your clothing but also strengthens fabric, increasing resistance against wear and tear. Think of it as giving them some flair while equipping them with extra durability armor! Be mindful that embroidery quality matters! Skimp on thread quality or the embroidery process and your newly embellished garment may turn into an eyesore with just one wash cycle. So invest in high-quality custom embroidery to ensure your favorite pieces continue looking their best. After all, these clothes represent you and should reflect quality and flair - thread lightly yet thread wisely!

Ironing: A Necessary Evil

Although ironing may be seen as a tedious chore, it plays an essential role in clothing longevity. Done correctly, ironing can serve as a rejuvenating spa for your clothing! Ironing clothes correctly can remove wrinkles and restore their crisp appearance, but requires finesse and delicacy for optimal results. Excessive heat or poor techniques could damage fibers, leading to faded appearances and potentially shortening their lifespan. To protect yourself against this, always check a garment's care label before beginning ironing, and set your heat setting appropriately. Ironing directly over embellishments or prints could damage them and peel or discolor, so use a press cloth or turn your garment inside out to protect these areas. Remember, ironing isn't your enemy in this clothing longevity endeavor - it can actually be used as an ally with proper knowledge and technique! So when picking up that iron next time, remember you're doing more than simply ironing out wrinkles; you're ironing in longevity!

Storage: The Art of Hanging and Folding

Proper garment storage can help prolong its life span. Proper storage techniques can preserve their structure, color and quality while prolonging their use. As members of "the storage club" will tell you: the first rule is always hang or fold. Division is key. Certain garments like blouses, dresses and suits tend to enjoy hanging, which allows airflow while helping reduce wrinkles. But not all clothes can benefit equally: heavier sweaters may sag out of shape on hangers. Don't forget about seasonal wear; give it the care it deserves in a cool, dry place where the sunlight doesn't reach. Make sure the garments are clean to avoid inviting bugs into your storage, and add cedar balls for good measure. Follow these storage tips and you will soon outwit your wardrobe woes, with clothes thanking you with lasting style and quality that they owe you in kind - as people appreciate good care of their belongings too.

The DIY Repair Kit: A Stitch in Time...

No matter how carefully you care for your clothes, they may eventually wear down over time. That is where a DIY repair kit becomes indispensable: providing essential tools in the fight for clothing longevity. This essential kit should include needles, thread in various colors, buttons and sharp scissors - everything needed to stitch quickly at home. Such as loose buttons and small tears which could otherwise lead to fabric catastrophe. Mending clothing can be both practical and fulfilling; it's an activity which brings tremendous satisfaction and mindfulness. Mending is like sewing love into each garment in your wardrobe; strengthening not only its fabric but also your relationship with it. Consider how one stitch could mean the difference between keeping an item of clothing you love or saying farewell to it, so embrace its power - your clothes, wallet and planet will thank you. Sustainable fashion isn't simply about buying less; rather it is about making what we already own last longer.

Photo by ROCCO STOPPOLONI on Unsplash

Conclusion: Make It Last, Make It Count

Clothing may not improve with age like fine wine does; but with these tips in hand, you can certainly give them a fighting chance to stay in your wardrobe longer and save both money and memories by making these garments last as long as possible. So let's make our clothes last, let's make them count, and let's make these memories count too.

8.29.2023

"Strand" Out from the Crowd: Options for Changing Your Hairstyles







Changing our style can provide so many benefits to our mental health as it can boost our confidence and refresh our look. But the eternal question is what's the best way to switch it up? Your hair sale is something that you’ve spent years refining to make it suit your fashion choices or indeed your frame of mind. But if you are looking to switch up your hairstyle without making massive commitments, here are some approaches to bear in mind:

Changes in Ponytails


Ponytails are a very simple way for us to have a functional hairdo so we can get on with our day-to-day duties. However, the eternal ponytail style can benefit from a number of different variations. You could try the low ponytail, bubble ponytail, a high ponytail, or opt for the ponytail with slicked back hair that has been popularized by Ariana Grande.

The great thing about ponytails is that they'll never go out of style, and so if you just want to make life easier for yourself, you can put your hair into a ponytail and get on with your life. You can always add a few unique touches to switch it up if you are exhausting every possible permutation of your ponytail. Ribbons, decorative pins, and the ever-reliable scrunchy can add a little something extra.

A Few Accessories


It's the best way to transform your hairstyle without making much effort. Sometimes we can benefit from adding a little something to our look. Depending on your age, you might think that a headband is best left to teenagers, but there's always colorful headbands or variations like hair scarves that can add a little something extra to your look.

Hair scarves are one of those things that have come back into popularity in recent years and serve the purpose of being a little bit stylish, but they can also cover up a multitude of sins. So if you are concerned that those couple of gray hairs at the front are going to be noticed by all and sundry, the right accessory can make a massive difference.

Changing the Texture


If you like your style but it's not as exciting as it could be, adding a little bit of something can instantly transform how you feel. If you've got straight hair, you can add waves or curls in the right places to change up your texture. It can be a lot of work to get right, but you can always benefit from a few hair experiments on the weekends.

When you change your texture, it can add volume or decrease volume in your head depending on what your natural hair does. You might hate the fact you've got curly hair, and while it might be a lot of effort to straighten it out, you could find a happy medium that is slightly voluminous, but not too much, and can be a wonderful addition to your overall style.

Hair Extensions


Some people swear by hair extensions, but others think it's cheating. Hair extensions provide the major benefit of a temporary change in your hair volume or length. We all can benefit from that opportunity to experiment with different hairstyles without actually committing to it. Some people believe that hair extensions don't blend well with natural hair, but this is where you've got to take the time to find the ones that really do suit your hairstyle.

You can get natural hair extensions that are made from quality Remy hair that gives that natural glossy look. You can opt for clip-in hair extensions, which are easygoing and are the least damaging type of hair extension. Many people try permanent extensions but immediately regret it. Ultimately, you've got to go with what is right for you, but there's no shortage of options when it comes to experimenting with length.

Bangs


A very chic look that can instantly transform how your hair looks. There are plenty of benefits to having bangs. If you are approaching 30 and you are looking for something a little bit more youthful, bangs can add that charm that can de-age you by a few years.

But bangs also benefit by softening the features of your face and providing a very useful framing device. Bangs are such a little thing that can transform your entire hairstyle. And there's plenty of different types. Curtain bangs are one of the most popular, but you can also try side-swept or full bangs. If you are looking for a low-cost way to revamp your hairstyle, you should get bangs!


The Undercut


This is only for the brave amongst you! The undercut or a shaved design is a very daring approach that became fashionable again in the 2010s, however predominantly among men. If you're looking for the female equivalent, you can certainly do this, and it's an amazing way to show off your personality and uniqueness. It's bold, it is edgy, and it will totally turn heads!

The Bedhead Look


Also known as the tousled look, this is a great way to show off an effortless and carefree vibe. The bitter irony is that it can be quite a lot of work to create this look. This is where a texturizing spray is an ideal part of your hair care arsenal.

You can see the bedhead look on celebs like Margot Robbie, and if you want to have a bit of their style and grace, you can certainly do this as well and bring out your playful side.

The Wet Look


Without looking like the girl from The Grudge, you might believe that the wet hair look is just one step too far, but if you want to create that fresh-out-of-the-shower appearance, it's simple. A little bit of styling product or hair gel will instantly work wonders.



Changing your hairstyle is an incredibly personal thing, and experimenting with it is the opportunity to express yourself and have fun. Of course, you can always go for just a haircut, but there are so many ways to make minor changes with major impacts.


7.14.2023

Fantastic Fashion- How Our Style Can Boost Our Mental Health!



Fashion is so much more than a practical means to an end. It can actually have a huge impact on your mental health! When we feel good on the outside it tends to make us feel good on the outside too, it allows us to show who we are to others as well as ourselves. If you’re a lover of fashion or want to get into styling a bit more, here are some reasons why fashion is so fantastic.


It allows you to express yourself


When you’re true to yourself, your self esteem improves. And the clothes we wear can be a direct reflection of this- maybe you’re a girly person who enjoys florals and dresses or perhaps punky, edgy fashion with lots of leather and studs appeals to you. For most of us, we’re an eclectic mixture of all different styles, put together in the right way you’ll look in the mirror and think ‘wow I look great!’ You might have a general style that you always gravitate towards, or it could change depending on your mood. Either way, being able to externally express yourself with your clothing allows you to embrace your true self and enjoy the things that look and feel good on you.


It boosts confidence and elevates mood


Dressing up in your favourite outfit will instantly make you feel more confident, wearing clothes that make you feel good about yourself can totally transform your mindset. Dressing up in clothes that make you happy and comfortable will boost your mood, so experiment with different colours and styles that uplift your spirits. While it might not be an official treatment for anxiety, there’s no denying how powerful this can be and is something completely in your control. If you don’t have much of a budget for clothing, check out charity shops and apps like Vinted for good deals. Facebook marketplace and swaps with friends can also snag you some cheap or free items to play around with.



It allows you to practise self care


When you spend even a few minutes each day deciding what you will wear and making intentional decisions, this is a form of self care. You are showing yourself (whether you realise it or not) that you matter, that the way you look and feel is important and this can have a further positive impact on your mental health.



It helps you to find like minded friends


Any kind of hobby has the ability to bring people together, and fashion is no different! You could join fashion communities, attend events or start a blog and gain a readership to connect with. You could start a Youtube or Tiktok account, or you could go more down the creating route and get into sewing and making clothing. This side of things comes with its own communities too, so have a look online.



Have you ever considered how fashion is linked with your mental health?

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