The Beginning of Uin Story: “On a spring morning in 2014, Fernando, a Spanish designer, found his wife struggled to find a perfect shoe for her journey. That was how Fernando’s design generated: to make a new shoe category—travel shoes.
Fernando took the topographic maps of cities in Spain as an inspiration and created Toledo, a pair of comfortable travel loafers that was thereby welcomed by millions of consumers all over the world.“
When asked if I’d be interested in collaborating, I was thrilled to give Uin shoes a try. The hardest part is deciding which wonderfully artistic pair to pick because they’re all so colorful, fun, works of art! They are super lightweight and would be great for traveling – packing and walking around sight seeing! Believe me your feet will definitely get noticed! I currently have three pairs of Uin! Here are the pairs I own and how I’ve styled them.
Spring Party Mijas
The Spring Party Mijas are my newest pair and probably my most worn pair to this point! As you can imagine, I love the fun, bright colors and the fact that they’re sneakers make them perfect for all of my summer activities – walking Maize, bike riding, working out, etc. The Spring Party Sneakers are so easy to slip on and off, super light weight, and comfortable! They didn’t need to be broken in and were easily worn all day long! Maize knows that every time I grab my Spring Party Mijas we are probably heading outside together. They get the Maize stamp of approval!!
I love these pictures of my beloved Maize and I! I was thinking it would be fun to get a canvas print of her and I doing the things we love! Shhhh…I might get Mr. FTF his own pair of Uins (they also come in mens and children); and have a canvas portrait of Maize and I made for him for Christmas. Is it too earlier to start thinking of Christmas gifts? I didn’t think so! Both would make fun and unique gifts! I’ve been wanting to get a canvas portrait of Maize since we adopted/rescued her last year!
Summer Jungle is a ballet shoe design and the loose toe-box allows your toes to splay into their natural posture. Long lasting digital inkjet technology keeps colors vibrant and prevents fading. The canvas uppers are lightweight and breathable to keep feet dry and comfortable. They are sustainable and friendly to the environment. I LOVE these colors…so perfect for summer! They really can be worn with anything – from jean shorts to dress pants to skirts. In the summer, I actually keep things pretty casual. I joke that my summer uniform consists of shorts and a t-shirt. Are we ever too old to have fun at a park? I think not! You know my thoughts: You’re never too old! It’s never too late!
As with all of Uin shoes, the Hana is lightweight and breathable to keep feet dry and comfortable in hot weather; sustainable and friendly to the environment. All Uin shoes are a one-piece design and weighs roughly the same as an avocado (130g/shoe). The Hana fit securely while easy to put on and take off. The darker colors of the Hana give me more of a fall vibe. I think the pattern mixes are so fun!
There are so many amazing patterns, styles, colors of Uin shoes and many ways to style them! They’re super comfortable, easy to pack and fun to wear! Did you have a favorite pair? Leave me a comment! I love to hear from you! A friendly reminder to always have fun and wear all the things that you love, that bring you joy and happiness and you’ll look terrific!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase.
I know that I’ve said it before but it’s totally worth repeating, one of the best things about having a blog and being on social media is the relationships and connections that are formed! Despite most of them being virtual when I have had the wonderful opportunity, (which I’ve actually had quit a few) to meet in person, every single women has been as genuine as I knew them to be on their social media platform. I like to say that I’m as much about fashion as I am about friends hence Fashion Trends and Friends. The two go hand in hand and friends double the fashion pleasure for me!
Another terrific benefit is finding beautiful hand made items and women owned small businesses that might not be available in my area. Alyse hit my radar through Beth of Beth’s Buckles. (To see my last Feature a Friend post about Beth, click HERE.) Beth’s buckles and Alyse’s t-shirts go together like peas and carrots! Alyse makes beautiful custom blingtastic t-shirts! She reached out to me and gifted me the tees. Quit frankly this t-shirt loving gal, would like to have them all in my wardrobe! Each time she creates a new one I want it! The bling just makes my heart sing! I know you’re going to enjoy getting to know Beth as much as I have…read on!
Tell us about yourself.
“Growing up I always had a love for fashion and NYC. It was the sparkle in the lights that always caught my attention. Throughout my extended family there are many artists, which is where I get my craft from. I have always enjoyed mixing and matching fabrics, playing with colors and taking my every day pieces to the next level. My family is my world, I love being with them, my friends, and hosting huge homemade meals!”
Alyse if you cook as great as you make t-shirts, I’d love to come over for one of those homemade dinners any time…LOL!
How did you get started in the t-shirt making business?
“In my mind, I started when I was a kid but after COVID shut us down, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to start my own business and do something that I always dreamed of doing!!”
I don’t know how old Alyse is but love that she just recently started her business. Remember you’re never too old; and it’s never too late! Follow your heart and do what brings you joy!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
“My inspiration is really just what catches my eye. It could be a summer sunset, sunflowers, or a beautiful scarf that I have seen. Most trends begin with the colors that designers put in their collection. I love to step outside of the box and give women their ah ha moment.“
How long does it take you to make a t-shirt?
How cute is this smiley tee and matching smile belt buckle?!
“Honestly, it really all depends on what is involved. I cant really put a time on it because I have so many different styles to choose from.” Right before I was leaving on my family vacation over the July 4th week I noticed several women in red, white and blue blingtastic tees.
I reached out to Alyse and requested the red, white and blue peace sign on a white v neck t-shirt. She quickly turned around and got it to me within a couple of days before we left! Now that’s service!
What customizing options do you offer?
“The fun part about custom ordering, is just that! It is a very special way of making my customer feel as if they are part of the design process. You can choose your neck style, color t shirt, and sleeve length. Women really appreciate that flexibility!!!”
I believe that is hugely important and different cuts flatter different figures! The t-shirts are of good quality and wash up so easily! I put mine in the machine on delicate inside out and hang to dry. The tees have come out looking as good as the first time I wore them! Plus I haven’t had a single rhinestone fall off! Quality, comfort and customizing for the WIN!! Although she had me at BLINGTASTIC!
What fashion advice do you have for women of any age?
“For me, fashion is about what makes you feel and look good…wear something that enhances your beauty!”
“My biggest piece of advice is that it is never too late to follow your dream! Take the chance. When you do things that you love, everyone will feel and know your passion.“
I couldn’t agree more with Alyse! Both of these resonate with me! You know how I feel about wearing what you love no matter your age or size! Fashion Trends and Friend’s motto is: You can be cute and trendy no matter your age or size if that’s important to you! Don’t let age dictate what’ll you’ll wear or what you’ll do!
Look 1
In my opinion, t-shirts are easy to dress up or down, can be worn year round and can add a fun, sassy edge to any outfit! Since 2 Dye 4 NYC tees are already rhinestone heaven, they’re super easy to dress up! Plus they can we worn and styled with anything. Truly the options are limitless! I also want to mention that the t-shirts are much more sparkly in person than they appear in the pictures. They are even better in person!
I paired this v neck Chanel Inspired Perfume Bottle with my faux leather shorts. It made sense to wear my Chanel upcycle belt buckle and rhinestone flower embellished sunglasses, which I created myself! On this particular day we were heading out to a summer festival that my SIL’s band was playing at. As you can see, there was also a car show, which made for some fun picture backdrops!
Not all skulls are dark or only for Halloween! This brightly colored rainbow Chanel inspired skull is a perfect match for my faux pink leather shorts. Are you detecting a theme? Not all rhinestone tees need to be paired with faux leather shorts. I happen to love mine and therefore, wear them often! Remember – wear what you love! I couldn’t resist the multi colored jeweled sandals! I wore this to go out on an afternoon. I was flooded with compliments when I went to get my manicure and pedicure!
As I mentioned earlier, these blingtastic tees can be literally worn with anything! I swapped out the shorts for my denim skirt and added my upcycled Chanel Belt Buckle! The tees can be worn with any skirt, jeans, shorts or dress pants. In the fall and winter they can be worn under a denim jacket, moto jacket or a cardigan. You know I’ll be pairing the tees with my faux leather skirts from last fall/winter. I’m still wearing the exact same accessories and sandals. In the fall and winter, the sandals can easily be replaced by boots!
How cute is the packaging and the tag that Alyse includes. What you don’t see pictures is that she also include a smiley pin! I love details (no surprise) and am always pleased when the packaging is cute and includes a hand written note! My red, white and blue peace sign v neck t-shirt was a perfect match with my denim star shorts and red, white and blue slides. I wore this look the week of my birthday while on vacation with family! Similar to the other tees it can be worn with any pair of denim shorts, shorts, jeans, skirts or dress pants. The options are truly endless!
There are so many FUN ways to style Alyse’s BLINGTASTIC tees from casual to fancy and everything in between! Plus they can be worn year round! That’s a win!! Did you have a favorite rhinestone tee? I have my eye on a few more! (I’m sure you’re not surprised!) Leave me a comment! I love to hear from you! A friendly reminder to always have fun and wear all the things that you love, that bring you joy and happiness and you’ll always look terrific!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase.
One of the best things about having a blog and being on social media is the relationships and connections that are formed! Despite most of them being virtual when I have had the wonderful opportunity,(which I’ve actually had quit a few) to meet in person, every single women has been as genuine as I knew them to be on their social media platform. I like to say that I’m as much about fashion as I am about fashion hence Fashion Trends and Friends. The two go hand in hand and friends double the fashion pleasure for me!
Another terrific benefit is finding beautiful hand made items and women owned small businesses that might not be available in my area. Beth hit my radar through two dear friends on Instagram: Laura of Malibumom (you can see a previous Feature a Friend Blog about Laura HERE) and Gwen of gwenliveswell. I saw both of them wearing some blingtastic upcycled belt buckles and immediately went to Beth’s IG account! It took me a matter of minutes to “add to cart”! I find myself creating outfits so that I can wear my belt buckles and always receive lots of compliments! I know you’re going to enjoy getting to know Beth as much as I have…read on!
Tell Us About Yourself and How You Got Started in the Buckle Making Business
“For as long as I can remember I’ve had some kind of art project going. My first memory would probably be making clothespin ornaments with my mom, or painting hollowed out eggs and baked dough figures with my best friend Joan. I still have a few of those priceless items, but my crafting today is quite a bit more elaborate than it was in 7th grade. Thank goodness!
I was a stay-at-home mom during the ‘90s when I began crafting jewelry, flip flops, and belt buckles-the Bedazzler days. LoL! Years later, thanks to my friend Debbie, who owns a fabulous little boutique here in Wellington, FL, I got back into making belt buckles. With the booming fashion statement of “a little tuck of the shirt” in front, I became enamored with belt buckles… and not just buckles like everyone else had. I was on a quest to make something really fun, blingy, and different. So with the constant encouragement of my husband and family, Beth’s Buckles has grown into something much bigger than I originally anticipated. As I said, I love doing arts and crafts…I highly recommend it to everyone! It’s fun, it’s therapeutic, and in the end you’ve created something special for yourself or for others. As for me, a recent empty nester, I am exceedingly grateful to have this opportunity to craft belt buckles. Only God knows how long it will last, but I will enjoy each and every moment for sure.”
Where Do You Get Your Inspiration From?
“Much of my inspiration comes directly from my customers! I often get messages asking if I make a certain kind, color or design. If not, I’m off to the races trying to create it.”
How Long Does It Take to Create a Buckle?
“Thankfully I’ve gotten more efficient since I first started, but there are some buckles that take more time than others, such as the turquoise stone or the more detailed designer buckles.”
What Fashion Advice Do You Have for Women of Any Age?
“I do not profess to be a fashion expert, but my motto is “there are no rules”…it’s all a question of what the individual likes, feels confident in and enjoys wearing. I also believe there should be no restrictions due to age. If it feels good-you should!” I couldn’t agree more with Beth! This would be my wish for women of all ages and sizes! You know my motto: Wear what you love and feel confident in and you’ll always look terrific! There are no rules or a don’t wear list for any age! Stay true to you!
How to Style Beth’s Buckles
One of the best things about Beth’s Buckles besides the upcycled BLINGTASTIC features is that they can be worn year round. I’ve had so much fun styling mine since they arrived (quickly) in the mail! Here’s how I’ve styled my Upcycled Square Two-Toned Chanel.
Look 1
I’m calling this my “summer blingtastic country girl look”! My SIL in is a country band called Southern Draw Chicago. It’s fun to dress the part when we head out to hear them play. I was thrilled to find a denim romper that actually fits my long torso although I did size up. All of my efforts last summer were unsuccessful; and believe me I tried on many! Additionally, this romper has pockets and belt loops! Adding a belt always polishes off a look no matter your size and adds some definition to your waist line. I gifted myself these white Jeffery Campbell boots for my birthday (proudly turning 61 on July 4th)! Let me tell you – they are AMAZING in person and so comfortable. The finishing touch is my Beth’s Buckles upcycled Chanel buckle and white straps along with my blingtastic necklace, earrings and bracelets. You know a look is never complete without the accessories. I wasn’t sure if the AC would be blasting so I added my white faux leather denim moto jacket!
Blazers, jeans and a graphic t-shirt is such an easy look to pull together and go! If you’ve followed me for some time, you know how much I love wearing this look. Blazers are having a major trend. (To see a previous blog post on the blazer trend, click HERE.). You can roll up the sleeves and pop the collar on the blazer to change the look. This was a Friday date night look but could be easily worn to a concert, or lunch date and shopping with gal pals. The jeans could be swapped out for shorts or a skirt. My Beth’s Buckle upcycled Chanel buckle and white belt straps are an easy way to add a little bling but you know I love being extra so added my necklace and earring set along with my silver metallic sandals. Although I wore this outfit in the spring, it could easily be worn in the summer by taking the blazer off and wearing shorts or a skirt.
This is obviously my winter look and remember that white isn’t reserved for after Memorial Day! Gone are the days of old fashion rules regarding when and when not to wear something! I was totally feeling this outfit and so happy to be able to wear my white Beth’s Buckle as soon as I received it! Although this sweater is relatively long in the back, you can easily take any top or sweater and do a partial tuck or knot it to show off the buckle! The white in my sweater, boots and coat pull the whole look together! This was a casual Friday wear to work look but transitioned great to going out to dinner with my hubby! Details make my heart sing so I wore my tassel necklace and earrings with rhinestones to match my buckle. The bright colored fair isle sweater with metallic threads helps to add some cheer to dull winter days! The silver chain on my lug sole boots adds additional visual interest.
Look 1 is my “summer festival look”! I also call this my summer uniform because when I’m off of work for the summer, you’ll often find me in a t-shirt and shorts although this if far more elevated a look and “extra” but still comfortable and cool. Faux leather isn’t just for fall and winter. These faux leather shorts are seeing a lot of wear and are super comfy. Surprisingly they aren’t as hot as you might thing. This blingtastic tee is from another women owned small business, which I’d love to do another Feature a Friend on blog on Alyse of 2dye4nyc so stay tuned! This Chanel Perfume Bottle graphic tee and the upcyled Chanel buckle are a match made in heaven! We went to see my SIL’s band at a summer festival that included a vintage car show. Wouldn’t it be fun to spend a day driving around in a pink ’57 Chevy?! I love a summer festival, live music and classic cars! Summer living at it’s funnest!!
This look includes the same upcycled Black Crystal Chanel Beth’s Buckle and faux leather shorts but switched to a silver metallic t-shirt and this embellished denim jacket. As you can see, I rolled up the sleeves and popped the collar. Added my block heel metallic silver sandals and some blingtastic jewelry. I am actually modeling this denim embellished jacket for an upcoming fundraiser to raise funds for Ukrainian Refugees. To learn more about this Fun Fashion Fundraiser, go to Reelathon.com or the_reelathon. You could be the high bidder and happy new owner of this embellished jean jacket! This feels like a fun Saturday night out look to me! In the fall, you could add tights and boots. So much versatility! Where would you wear this look?
Jeans, a graphic tee, blazer and boots along with my upcycled Black Crystal Chanel Buck make up looks 3 and 4. As mentioned previously, this is a super simple formula for putting together a fun, sassy, edgy, blingtastic look for any night out. However, I’d also wear it out during the day. You can tone down the look by using simpler accessories. This look can easily be worn year round by removing the blazer or bring it with for warmth in the cold AC. I do like the band AC/DC and it brings back fun memories for me. However, I often buy graphic tees because of the coloring or interesting elements. This tee has both although it’s hard to see the metallic silver.
This blazer has so many fun and unique elements! I found it at a boutique in Traverse City, Michigan. I almost passed it up but am so glad I didn’t because I’ve never seen another like it. I think I might need the upcycled pearl Chanel buckle next. What do you think?
Lastly, I wanted to share a slightly dressier look with my Beth’s Buckle upcyled Black Crystal Chanel Buckle. Mr. FTF and I went to theater in the late winter to see Drum Tao Concert and then out to dinner. If you ever get a chance to see Drum Tao, I highly recommend it! My faux leather pants, snakeskin shiny top and snakeskin moto jacket paired perfect with my buckle. To add some extra bling, I added my statement necklace and earrings. I wore my Sarah Flint Perfect Pump 85. (To see a previous blog about my Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps, click HERE.) The faux leather pants could have been easily substituted with a pair of black dress pants or a skirt.
There are so many ways to style Beth’s Buckles from casual to fancy and everything in between! Plus they can be worn year round! Beth’s Buckles will never go out of style. That’s a win all the way around!! Did you have a favorite way to wear the buckles? Leave me a comment! I love to hear from you! A friendly reminder to always have fun and wear all the things that you love, that bring you joy and happiness and you’ll look terrific!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase.
The connection between sleep and mental health—and how mindfulness and finding therapy options can help
This is a sponsored post by Responsival! I was happy to collaborate with them on this post as I know first hand the importance of a good night’s sleep and taking care of your own mental health. As an educator, I observed so many students, families and staff struggle this past year. It is my hope that this article on sleep as it relates to your mental health will be beneficial for you or someone you know. Please reach out for assistance with health care providers in your area should you need assistance!
Personally, I can relate to sleep struggles as I am able to fall asleep quickly but only get four to five hours of good sleep. I struggle with staying asleep!
For a lot of people, sleeping well is second nature. But what happens when you have difficulty sleeping? Sleep is crucial to your daily functioning. Poor sleep can lead to mental health issues and make the symptoms of mental illnesses worse. Because sleep is so important to how we as humans function daily, today we are going to be talking about how sleep and mental health are related and explain how you can cope with poor sleep and mental health issues—from online therapy options to mindfulness. Let’s get started.
How Are Sleep and Mental Health Related?
A good night’s rest is crucial to help your body and mind heal and recover from the day.
When you get a healthy amount of sleep each night, you go through four different stages of sleep throughout the night. When your body cycles through these stages, it allows your brain and body to develop and recuperate from your day. While all of the stages serve different purposes, the REM stage of sleep is crucial to your physical and mental health. In this stage of sleep, your brain processes emotional information, which directly correlates with your mood and emotional reactivity. Because of this, more studies have been done in recent years to understand the correlation between your sleep and your mental health.
When we consider sleep and mental health, understand that sleep is tied to many mental health issues. When sleeping issues are coupled with mental illness conditions, not only can it be difficult to form healthy sleeping habits, but it can also make your symptoms worse. Let’s take a look at how sleep and some common mental health disorders interact.
Depression – In the past, it was more commonly believed that poor sleep was a symptom of depression. Recently, studies have shown that poor sleep can actually cause depression on top of making symptoms of depression worse. Many people who suffer from depression also have symptoms of insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and hypersomnia.
Anxiety – People suffering from anxiety, are very likely to have trouble sleeping. As their thoughts race at night, it can be difficult for those with anxiety to “shut off” their brains to sleep. Sleeping issues can make symptoms of anxiety even worse.
Bipolar disorder – With extreme moods—be it mania or depression—sleep patterns can be disrupted. In stages of mania, people with bipolar disorder may feel they do not need a full night’s rest to feel energized. In stages of depression, people with bipolar disorder may sleep too much.
How Much Sleep Should I Get Each Night?
Using these guidelines, you can better understand how much sleep you should be getting each night.
As we’ve discussed, sufficient sleep is vital to function properly in your day-to-day life. So, how much sleep should you be getting each night? The Sleep Foundation recommends that healthy adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for their bodies to function properly. The amount of sleep you need directly correlates with your health, your activity level, and your sleep patterns. Generally speaking, though, staying within these guidelines can help ensure you are getting enough sleep.
When thinking about sleep, understand that you can be getting too much sleep as well. While it is normal for you to require a little bit more than the average amount of sleep every once in a while, consistently oversleeping can harm your physical and mental health. Some of the issues you may experience with oversleeping include:
Headaches
Back pain
Depression
Heart disease
Oversleeping can be caused by several different health issues, but you must talk to your doctor if you experience extended periods of oversleeping.
How Can I Cope With Poor Sleep And Mental Health Issues?
From finding therapy options to mindfulness, better sleep and mental health are within reach.
No matter what your sleep issues may stem from, there are ways to improve your sleep quality. While everybody is different and may find help through other methods, finding therapy options—whether virtual or in-person—working with a doctor, regular exercise, and mindfulness have all been found to help poor sleep habits and mental health. Let’s talk about each method.
Work With a Therapist
When dealing with mental health issues coupled with poor sleep, online or in-person therapy can be a very helpful treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), more commonly known as talk therapy, is a type of therapy that can help you challenge negative thinking or cope with challenging situations. CBT is commonly used to help with sleep disorders as well as common mental health issues like depression and anxiety. When you start going to therapy, your therapist can help you understand how to change your behaviors before bedtime while also identifying what stressors may be keeping you from getting a good night’s rest. With coping mechanisms and changes to your lifestyle, you can better develop healthy sleeping habits.
When finding therapy options, you will be able to choose whether you would like to see a therapist virtually or in person. The route you choose depends on your personal preference. After COVID-19, virtual therapy options have become much more accessible to people all over the country. Whether you choose to find a therapist through your insurance or without insurance, there are plenty of ways to find someone to help you through sleep and mental health issues.
Seek Help From Your Doctor
Beyond finding therapy options, seeking help from your doctor can help you cope with mental health and sleep issues. During a wellness visit, it is a good idea to bring up any sleep issues you may be experiencing. Keeping a sleep journal can help you and your doctor better understand your sleep patterns so your doctor can make a recommendation for you. Especially with chronic insomnia—trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for at least three nights a week for more than three months—your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist. Sleep specialists can treat and diagnose sleep disorders.
Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a great method to help you with both your mental health and your sleep habits. Practicing mindfulness can help you become aware of your body, emotions, and thoughts. During your day-to-day life, maintaining a regular schedule for mindfulness meditation practice can help you improve your sleep over time. When it comes time to go to bed, put your devices away and try a body scan meditation. This will allow you to take note of the sensations in your body and your thoughts. This tactic is a great way to help your body go to sleep naturally. Of course, there are plenty of other ways to start practicing mindfulness for sleep, so try different strategies to find what works best for you.
Exercise Regularly
While exercise is not a cure-all for poor sleep and mental health, research has shown regular exercise improves sleep and reduces anxiety and stress. By adding at least 20-30 minutes of exercise three days a week, you will start to notice an elevated mood and energy level during the day. Choose an activity that you enjoy—even if it is just going for a walk a couple of days a week! Exercising before dinner or earlier in the day is shown to help aid sleep in the evening.
As we’ve discussed, sleep directly impacts not only your physical health but also your mental health. Sleep is so important, so we hope you can use these methods to help improve your sleeping habits for a better night’s rest. No matter if you choose to find virtual therapy options or start to add regular exercise into your routine, these methods are sure to help both your sleep habits and your mental health. Always remember, if your sleeping issues are impacting your overall quality of life, work with your doctor to find a plan that works for you.
Let’s Chat
Although this isn’t my typical blog about fashion and trends, I truly believe there is a direct correlation between your mental health and well being and how you look and present to others. There is some truth (I believe) to the quote, “When you feel good, you look good!” As an educator, I always felt like the summer breaks allowed me the opportunity to refresh my well being in order to be on the top of my game at the start of each new school year. The past several years of trying to teach in a pandemic have brought to the forefront and pointed out the need to constantly be aware of and address your mental well being and not waiting until breaks. How do you prioritize your mental health and well being? Leave me a comment. I love to hear from you!
My closing fashion friendly reminder: always have fun, wear all the things that you love, that bring you joy and happiness and you’ll look terrific! You can be cute and trendy no matter your age or size if it’s important to you!
Yes, you read that right! “Coastal Grandma Chic” is really a current trend and it caused quit a stir among our Stylish Monday group! Although I’m a grandma and absolutely LOVE everything about my role as a grandma somehow I never quit put myself in the grandma category. I guess when I think of “grandma styles” these descriptions come to mind – frumpy, out of style, stuck in another decade, house dresses. None of these paint a very fashionable or stylish picture. The picture below is what I envision. That is my great grandma whom I loved dearly! I think she looks darling in her hat and dress! (That’s me next to her on my first Communion day in 1968.) When I think about the differences from 1968 (the year of the picture) to today I’m grateful that we have far more fashion options and I believe are more free to wear what we love and that brings us joy!
However, many of my gal pals are grandmas and none of these descriptions would even come close to describing them! I think that’s the beauty of today. We get to be and dress however we want no matter our age! I’m all for being a stylish, chic grandma for the rest of my life! I don’t get all wrapped up in the semantics.
What exactly is “Coastal Grandma Chic” you ask? A recently coined phrase by Tiktoker Lex Nicoleta, the Coastal Grandmother aesthetic is based on “…Nancy Meyers movies, coastal vibes, recipes and cooking, Ina Garten, cosy interiors and more!”
It’s linen shirts and/or pants. It’s lightweight cable-knit sweaters. It’s striped boatneck tops. It’s straw hats and rattan bags and leather-and-cork slides. It’s billowy dresses with chunky jewelry and a contrasting blazer. It’s crisp button-downs with the cuffs rolled up. It’s the type of woman who always has freshly-cut flowers on display and can wear white without spilling on it.
Luckily, none of the signature traits of a coastal grandmother actually require having grandchildren so the aesthetic is entirely achievable (even if you don’t live on the coast and aren’t a grandma yet). All you need to do is lean into high-quality simplicity. This could be as easy as wearing an oversized cardigan to the farmer’s market and bringing a reusable woven tote—of course it will help if you make a fresh salad with the ingredients you buy when you get home.
My Interpretation of Coastal Chic – 6 Looks
If you follow me, you know that I love all the bright colors, more is better and unique pieces call my name! Therefore, when this theme was decided on, I was quick to bow out. Not sure why I tend to do that but I always rethink my decision and like pushing myself to try new styles, and new things I wouldn’t normally wear or pick out without a little nudge! So here is my spin on this TikTok originated trend!
Coastal Chic Look 1
I already had these beige cargo pants in my closet and since the Coastal Grandma Chic vibe includes neutral colors and cotton and linen garments it seemed like a good base to start from. An oversized white tee to keep the palette neutral, my pearls because no outfit should ever be left without accessories and these Marc Fisher straw slides. I thought the pearls were subtle enough not to overpower the outfit in order to be true to this trend. It was easy to add my denim shirt as an extra layer. A Coastal Grandma Chic look would not be complete without a straw tote and bucket hat. I’ve shared that I’m not a hat person and that still stands true. Not the most flattering look on me in my opinion. I wanted the tote, bucket hat and slides to match – all straw. These pieces seem like they’d be a wardrobe stable for most and already in you closet.
Look 2 started with these loose fitting Ralph Lauren white linen pants with a paper-bag draw string waist. I sized up one but I’m thinking I should have stayed true to size. White pants can be hard to navigate in terms of sheerness and fit. I am hoping they shrink a tad when I wash them. Stripes are part of the Coast Grandma Chic vibe and I already had this striped Door County hoodie in my closet. It also has a rope string waist and pockets. A coastal grandmother would wear a striped sweater over a collared shirt. kept my Marc Fisher slides on for all of my outfits for this post. I had another striped hoodie that was similar to this one from Cape Cod in pink. It was way too large on me (thankfully) and landed in the donate pile. Kept my pearl earrings and bracelets on but removed the necklace as it was too long.
A coastal grandma would take long walks on the beach (either solo or with her beloved dog). You can see that I’d be with my furry love, Maize!
The ruffle-sleeve dress features a square neckline for ease of wear, along with pleated detailing along the front for easy movement when walking, sitting and going about your day. Pair it with any bra (undergarments was our last Stylish Monday post – click HERE) you would like, mules or slides to complete your effortless look. The bonus is that it has pockets! I sized down one to a small and am thinking I could have tried an xs. A floppy hat felt more fitting with this look than a bucket hat. Kept my pearls, slides and tote the same! The dress comes in five color choices. I couldn’t resist this blue and cream color for some visual interest although I still feel as though it maintains that coastal vibe!
Shorts over 60? Hell ya! That might have to be an upcoming post! I grabbed these high rise poplin striped shorts because I knew they would fit with this aesthetic plus I live in shorts and tees all summer long. They easily pair with my white t-shirt and denim shirt.
To switch up this look, I knotted the denim shirt at my waist and added my floppy hat and tote. I am in a medium and am thinking I could have sized down to a small.
I couldn’t resist adding some color into my version of a Coastal Grandma Chic look! Both these pieces were already in my closet – the Sunset sweater and cargo pants. A lightweight summer sweater is must whether you’re on the coast or not. Instead of my denim shirt I opted to layer on my denim jacket, which is another wardrobe staple and in everyone’s closet.
I’ve had this J. Jill linen top in my closet forever! Speaking of J. Jill, I just received their summer catalog and the cover title is “Coastal Connections”. Not even sure when or why I purchased this linen top or why I’ve even held on to it this long. However, it’s perfect for the Coastal Chic look – simple and easy to throw on and go. It’s rather sheer so I kept on my white tee underneath. The boxy fit of the top and the loose fit of the linen white pants make me want to add a front tuck to give some structure and shape. It’s a super comfortable outfit but in all honesty I’m not quit sure it does too much for me. It’s probably time to give the the top away.
This is one of my favorite items in the new J. Jill summer catalog! It’s the indigo dip-dyed shirttail tunic. I think it would be such a great denim staple in your wardrobe and could be worn so many ways – not just coastal chic!
J. Jill Indigo Dip-Dyed Shirttail Tunic – “Sea Breeze Wash”
Nicole – High Latitude Style – “Coastal Chic depends on so much more than just personal style. Consequently, there is no one-fits-most solution. Factors like ocean and air temperatures, color and type of the beach, weather, time of the year, culture, location, your activities, etc. play a role. When living in Europe, I loved long beach walks in The Netherlands in fall on a windy day with gray skies. My typical outfit was a yellow men’s rain jacket with hood, jeans, and rubber boots.”
Emma – The Style Splash – “Coastal Chic is pretty much the antithesis of my style – neutrals, linen and minimalism are my kryptonite. But I love a challenge, so I adapted this trend of the moment to suit my style.”
Shelbee – Shelbee on the Edge-“Coastal Chic: Want to try a new style trend on a budget? Check out my mostly thrifted outfit that brought this trend to life for me without breaking the bank!”
Lucy – Lucy Bertoldi.com “The coastal look involves lots of light colours. Light pastels look great at this time of the year, as do bright colours (take yellow for instance!). The important thing is to keep the fabric light- preferably cottons, linens, silks, muslins…you get the picture. The whole essence of this vibe is based on the lightness of the fabric, so that the draping is airy and moves with your flow. For today’s collaboration I chose this light pink striped dress with ruffled collar/sleeves.”
Amy – Amy’s Creative Pursuits – “There are so many different ways one can embrace the coastal trend, my favorite is the classic, neutral look where you mix different shades of whites, creams, and beiges in one outfit.”
Suzanne – Ask Suzanne Bell – “For me, “Coastal Grandma” is less of a style (look), and more of an aesthetic, one we’ve been embracing in our Coastal Communities, unaware that we were trending. Think Oprah, Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, or my personal favorite, Diane Keaton, who by the way, was 56 years YOUNG, when she filmed the movie Something’s Gotta Give. The best part? You don’t have to be a grandmother, or live in a coastal community to try out this look. Furthermore, there’s a good chance you can recreate a Coastal Chic look, with items you already own in your closet!”
Andy – Pearls and Pantsuits – “Coastal Chic, or “Coastal Grandmother” as the TikTok crowd calls it, is a whole vibe, and I’m so here for it! I’m a sucker for linen pants, so my take on the trend consists of a comfy pair of linen pants from Target, paired with a breezy chambray tunic from Chico’s. I added the straw bucket hat as an homage to the OG Coastal Grandmothers – Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton.”
Nancy – Nancy’s Fashion Style -“Well I don’t live near the coast, and if I’m near the coast it’s in England. And I’ll tell you I’ve never seen anyone walking there in the coastal grandmother style, more raincoats and Hunters style. I think you should picture more of the California coast then. And warm neutrals, trousers with elastic at the waist and especially comfortable…….you hear it, I’m really not a fan of it. Maybe my fashion friends can make me change my mind. But do take a look at what I made of it!”
Nina – Sharing a Journey – “While I am not keen on the “Grandma” in the title, I love coastal chic vibes in clothing, lifestyle and interiors. Coastal Chic is for everyone and can be created from our wardrobes –no need to go out and buy anything new!”
Ada – Elegance and Mommyhood – “The Coastal Grandma trend has a silly name which is kind of offensive and ageist but what the trend means itself is indeed beautiful. To me – and I am nowhere close to being a grandma – it stands for effortless breezy summer looks that you would wear by the coast on a beach, especially in blues and whites (the color of sea and sand), floppy hats, sunglasses, sandals, flip flops & wedges. I chose this beachy look from my Florida vacation because it is perfect for the coast and the beautiful neutral crochet dress reminds me of grandmas.”
Let’s Chat
Is the title “Coastal Grandma Chic” offensive to you? Have you tried this trend? Leave us a comment! We love to hear from you! A friendly reminder to always have fun and wear all the things that you love, that bring you joy and happiness and you’ll look terrific! You can be cute and trendy no matter your age or size if it’s important to you! Don’t forget to try new things as you just might find something you really like that you thought you wouldn’t!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase. These picks are NOT sponsored, are selected solely by me, and opinions are entirely my own.
Let’s Link Up
We’d love for you to share your style with us! Link your look or blog post in today’s Stylish Monday Link-Up Party below!
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Sarah Flint Ambassador
Since joining the social media platform Instagram, I’ve noticed many fellow influencers sharing their Sarah Flint shoes. When Rae of forensicfashionnotes reached out to see if I’d be interested in becoming a Brand Ambassador, I was eager to find out more about the company and the shoes. What influencer doesn’t love beautiful, classic, well designed and constructed, super comfortable pairs of shoes?! I applied to their Brand Ambassador program and was thrilled to be accepted. Then it was time to pick my shoes…introducing the Perfect Pump 85!
The Perfect Pump 85
“The Perfect Pump was directly inspired by my customers. I have received so much feedback from them over the years regarding the pain points they experienced in designer pumps and I wanted to revolutionize the way they think about pumps. After years of production, development and fit testing, I created the Perfect Pump. No more changing into heels at your desk, no more “beauty is pain” and no more weeks of breaking in — just perfection.”
Xo, Sarah
When making my selection, I wanted to choose a shoe that would be timeless, classic and go with absolutely everything I wear and have currently in my wardrobe from casual to dressy and everything in between! The Perfect Pump comes in seventeen colors and patterns. Additionally, you can choose your heel height. There are three options: low, medium and high. I went with medium. Since receiving my gifted pair of Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps 85, I’ve worn them everywhere and worn them comfortably all day long! I love wearing heels and the fact that they are so comfortable is a huge win! Additionally, they can be worn year round. The craftsmanship is impeccable! In my opinion, they are well worth the investment. You will have them for many, many years to come!
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Work Wear and Sarah Flint
Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps pair great with dresses and are work wear appropriate no matter the type of work that you do. In my first look, I paired my Perfect Pumps with my leopard print dress and gold accents/accessories. You know that I never leave home without my accessories and gold is a terrific accent with leopard and black! This midi dress has ruffle detailing at the v-neckline and asymmetrical hem for a charming touch, while the short sleeves with tie detailing and a flared skirt add a modern look. The midi-length makes this dress ideal for a day at the office or lunch with the ladies.
The Sara Flint Perfect Pumps go so well with leggings! I especially like that you can see the pumps and the beautiful craftsmanship! I’ve had this tunic blazer for quit some time; and like that it covers my bum and hips but accents my waist. Red, white and black are always a fun color combination!
Faux leather pants, joggers, skirts, and shorts have been trending for quit some time and if you’re a frequent follower of FTF, you know I’m a huge fan! My Perfect Pump styled with my faux leather skirt and faux leather shorts is a perfect match. Our midwest weather is cold much of the time so I wore patterned tights although in warmer temperatures you could go bare legged. The column of black down through my Perfect Pumps really elongates and slims out my lower body! The pink and black leopard print sweater could easily be switched out for a blouse, or short sleeved blouse for warmer temperatures. The Perfect Pump can easily be worn in the summer!
Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps are great for weekends, date nights and going to the theater. My hubby and I went to a concert at a local theater and then out for dinner afterwards. This was my look for the night! I wore my NYDJ faux leather pants, a snakeskin print top, moto jacket, rhinestone accessories and my Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps!
My husband’s 93 year old Aunt (a favorite of ours!) passed away in December and the memorial was held in April. I wore my Perfect Pumps, this black dress, tweed blazer and pearl accents. I also wore this outfit to work. You could easily switch out the dress for a black top and black pants. Pearls are always a good choice and classic just like the classic Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps!
Fancy and me go together like hand in glove! I’m typically overdressed or the most fancy at any gathering but I’m totally fine with it because it is who I am and when I’m most myself! As soon as I knew the venue for hosting my hubby’s surprise 70th birthday party, I knew exactly what I wanted to wear and it included my Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps especially since I’d be on my feet all night! Feathers are currently super trendy. I set out to find a top with feathers to pair with my gold joggers that I had gotten at Christmas. I ordered my feather purse and feather shoe clips to complete the look. (I wanted a touch of feathers from head to toe.) I already had the statement jewelry.
Ashley of historyteacherstyle is wearing the “Natalie” by Sarah Flint. The cutest pair of flats especially when you’re standing and teaching all day! You can also find Ashley on Pinterest.
Beth of sasforshort is wearing the Perfect Pump 85 in a limited edition color of hot pink. To read a blog post that Beth wrote about her Sarah Flint shoes, click HERE. You can follow Beth’s blog HERE.
As you can see, my classic black heels the Perfect Pump by Sarah Flint can be worn with any outfit from casual to fancy and everything in between. They are beautifully constructed and will last my lifetime making them an investment piece! Did you have a favorite way I styled them? I hope you take a minute to check out all of the shoe options (pumps, flats, sandals and accessories) that Sarah Flint has to offer. Leave me a comment! I love to hear from you! A friendly reminder to always have fun and wear all the things that you love, that bring you joy and happiness and you’ll look terrific!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase.
If you’re like me and live in a cold climate and as the temperature starts to warm up and summer approaches, you get exited to put all the coats away and pull out your summer outfits! The bare shoulder and trend isn’t going away any time soon. Perhaps you’ve noticed all of the one shoulder tops or even oversized graphic tees and tops worn off of one shoulder or both. These looks are so cute and don’t we all have great shoulders so why not show them off?! The dilemma then becomes where do I find a great strapless bra that stays in place and doesn’t slid down or dig in or is ill fitting causing you to spill out over the top or sides! Can you relate? As a bigger chested gal I felt like I was always on the hunt each and every summer until I found what I consider the perfect strapless bra, that is until I found the Lilyette Tailored Strapless Minimizer Bra! It meets all of my criteria – comfort, stays put, flattering – plus it looks great on everyone I’ve recommended it to no matter their chest size!
Here are the specifics about this bra:
81% Nylon, 19% Elastane
Sweetheart-neck minimizer bra featuring convertible/removable/adjustable straps. Tactel Nylon
Converts to halter, crisscross and demi
Minimizes bustline up to 1.5″ in this strapless bra
Detachable adjustable straps ; Wide band with invisible boning ; Silicone gripper at interior sides to prevent slipping
Customize the fit with back adjustable stretch straps ; Molded, lined minimizer underwire is free of padding and support panels
Shop the Lilyette Tailored Strapless Minimizer Bra
These are actually the only panties I wear and I wear them daily under everything! If you’re specifically looking for what to wear under white pants or white shorts, these are my recommendation!
My personal favorites for wearing under anything is the Soma Vanishing Edge High Leg or Modern Brief. You can get them in many color and pattern options. The beige or skin colored panties are the best under white. These panties stay in place, don’t show and panty lines and are super comfy. Yes, I do like my bra and panties to match and I like them to match my outfits. Believe it or not, I do get asked this question often. I think black and nude/beige are the most commonly found in my drawers but I do enjoy pretty colors and patterns.
Under my bare shoulder top, I’m wearing my Lilyette strapless bra! The fun color, pattern and comfort of this bare shoulder top make it easy to wear. I purchased it last summer when I was on my girl’s 60th birthday trip to Palm Springs. It can easily be worn with shorts…yes, you can wear shorts if you want to at any age! It would be cute with a little skirt. As you can see, I paired it with my side striped jeans and silver accessories/accents.
Under my bare shoulder romper, I’m wearing my Lilyette strapless bra. This bare shoulder romper was originally purchased to wear to an outdoor wedding celebration. The attire was casual. When it comes to rompers, I have an easy on easy off rule. With no shoulders to worry about, this romper fits the bill. It was perfect for being outdoors in the July heat.
Underneath my jumpsuit I’m wearing my strapless Lilyette bra! This bare shoulder jumpsuit was perfect for strolling around downtown Palm Springs last summer! It meets my easy on easy off criteria. I added the belt around the waist to give more definition. The bright tropical color was perfect for the summer! I purchased it at a local boutique but will link some bare shoulder jumpsuits that I think are cute!
In Illinois, I feel as though we have more opportunities to wear sweaters than summer attire so I thought I’d share a bare sweater look along with my white jeans. Underneath is (you guessed it), my Lilyette strapless bra and my Soma Vanishing Line Tummy Control Panties!
Lori also swears by the same strapless bra! We obviously have different body types but the Lilyette Tailored Strapless Minimizer Bra works beautifully on both of us. Here is Lori in some of her bare shoulder looks!
Lori with her son J. Harry
The Original Fashion Trends and Friends Gal Gang: Cindy, Myself and Lori
Lori with her niece Courtney
Lori has attended the Masters the past several years and her bare shoulder Lilly Pulitzer outfits were perfect for the event!
Shop Bare Shoulder Lilly Pulitzer
What They Wear Under It All:
Stylish Friends From Around the World
Suzanne – Ask Suzanne Bell – “Having the “correct” undergarments on hand can make the difference between an article of clothing getting worn or not, especially in the summer months, when shoulders are bare, and pants, dresses & skirts are more revealing, more sheer, and less forgiving. Today I’m sharing my go-to convertible bra, along with a tank top friendly “no side boob” bra, no show panties, and my favorite high waist brief to wear with dresses and skirts from Target.”
Nicole – High Latitude Style – “Call me a prude if you want, but I have a medium size collection of old-school half-slips and slips. They are great to stay a bit warmer in winter, and avoid that cheap trendy summer dresses look cheap. Adding a half-slip or slip underneath gives them the look as having a lining when you are standing between the Sun and an on-viewer.”
Shelbee – Shelbee on the Edge – “Period panties were a strange concept to me at first. But now in perimenopause, I am finding them most beneficial. I am reviewing my first pairs on the blog today.”
Ada – Elegance and Mommyhood – “I have always loved lace tops and camisoles and this year more than before they are really trending. The lingerie style garments are so stylish right now, like the millennial pink cropped camisole I am wearing (you can find them at Express). I wore mine over the infamous lace Free People bralette (mine is a neutral soft grey color and it goes with everything). With warmer months coming up, wearing bralettes, lace camisoles or lace-trimmed camis is a great idea to layer underneath your Summer dresses, sundresses, or even under tank tops and jackets, cardigans or blazers when you are indoors with the heavy air conditioner blowing.”
The correct fitting under garments can really make an outfit look terrific! Do you have a favorite brand and style? Leave us a comment! We love to hear from you! A friendly reminder to always have fun and wear all the things that you love, that bring you joy and happiness and you’ll look terrific!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase. These picks are NOT sponsored, are selected solely by me, and opinions are entirely my own.
Let’s Link Up
We’d love for you to share your style with us! Link your look or blog post in today’s Stylish Monday Link-Up Party below!
Have you heard about all of the latest spring trends? In my previous two blog posts, I shared that blazers are currently trending. (To see those posts, you can click HERE and HERE.) Typically, my stylish friends from around the world and I share one theme each month; and we put our own spin on that theme. However, this month we elected to share several spring trends. We each picked whichever trend inspired us the most. Here are the current spring 2022 trends: pleats, bright colors, halter neckline, statement suits or cutouts. Additionally, feathers and wearing bras as a top are trending! You know my mantra: Wear what you love or what speaks to you and you’ll always look great! Can you guess which of these appeal to me the most?
Pleated Skirts
Pleated skirts are all the rage right now! They’re such a versatile way to put together a simple yet beautiful look for work and the weekend. It’s the ideal combination of street style and elegance. Today you can find an insane variety of pleated skirt ideas like short knee-length, midi, and maxi.
My focus for today’s blog is on the pleated skirt mainly because I have quit a few in my closet that I love! When trends come and go, it’s always a good idea to inventory what you currently have and if necessary, put an updated spin on them. True confession…sometimes, I forget all the great pieces I have so putting this blog together reminded me it’s time to pull out all my fun skirts.
Initially, I was not much of a skirt wearer and felt as though the pleats would make me look wide. That ended up not being the case. All of my pleated skirts are pull on keeping them super comfy and easily styled so many ways for almost any occasion! I’m featuring midi length. However, during the colder months I purchased two faux leather pleated skirts that are right above the knee.
Rainbow Pleated Skirt
The minute I pulled the advertising flier out of my mailbox and this skirt was on the cover I knew I had to go try it on. This rainbow pleated skirt is so much better in person! It’s shimmery and sparkly and so colorful, which hits the mark for the bright color trend! Two trends in one! As you can see, I’ve styled it up and down. A pleated skirt can easily be styled with a blouse, a top (silver metallic v neck) or a graphic tee. It can be worn with heels, flats, tennis shoes or even booties. This skirt would look terrific for Easter, bridal showers, baby showers, an upcoming wedding, lunch out with the girls…Where would you wear it?
Cheetah, leopard…almost all animal prints are always in style and always trending. The large cheetah spots makes this print extra fun. I’ve worn this skirt with a blouse, jacket and heels to work. For spring styling, I think a graphic tee and my Adidas make it more casual although I could also wear it this way to work. You can easily add a jacket or blazer.
A great deal of my enjoyment being on social platforms and interacting with other influencers is the style inspiration I get. I had seen one of my favorites in a graffiti printed skirt. She looked so cute and her styling was so fun. When I was in Portland, Oregon, my girlfriend and I stopped in the most unique boutique with many one of a kind items and things you wouldn’t typically find in other shops. This skirt grabbed my attention as I recalled it to be similar to the one I had seen on another IG friend. The colors are bright and provide lots of options for styling and even print mixing. The mixed animal print cropped denim jacket came from the same shop. As with all pleated skirts, it can be dressed up or down and the styling options are endlessly FUN!
Metallics are always on trend and many times considered a neutral. A metallic skirt can be worn all year round and dressed up for the holidays or worn more casually as I’ve done here. Since I like metallic so much, I like to pull other elements of metallic into the look – California Dream’in on the tee and metallic slides. Don’t Worry Just Sparkle is made of sequins! This metallic silver skirt also comes in a gold metallic! That might have to be the next one that I add to my collection!
Spring Trends by Stylish Friends From Around the World
Halter Top
Suzanne – Ask Suzanne Bell – “Secured at the back of the neck, a halter style dress or top highlights your shoulders and is an incredibly flattering silhouette, yet many of us shy away from this style due to not knowing what type of bra or support works with this style dress/top. Fortunately, the halter is my all-time favorite silhouette, and I’ve got you covered underneath with styling solutions + bras and bralettes, on the blog…”
Tiered Dresses
Nancy – Nancy’s Fashion Style – “It has to be tiered dresses. I already bought last year several and I am still very much in love with this design. In fact I already ordered a few more! These two are my favourites from last year. I actually like it better to wear them without a belt, but these two are very bulky. They would have been perfect if there were pockets in it. I will show my latests tiered dresses soon on the blog!”
Fringe
Nicole – High Latitude Style – “The trend to invest in this year is fringes if your personal style is Bohemian or Rock’n Roll. This is due to fringes being a perennial trend. Even if your personal style is not one of the two, a fringe clutch may be worth it when your most frequent travel destination is a beach resort. It’s perfect with a beach dress or resort style.”
Bra Tops
Shelbee – Shelbee on the Edge – “Bra tops and bell bottoms are two trends together that appeal to my hippie soul. I found these amazing embroidered bell bottoms and the coordinating fringe cardigan at Indigo Sun, a funky little bohemian boutique we visited in Asheville on my recent road trip adventure. And now I am officially ready for festival season!”
Bright Colors
Lucy – Lucy Bertoldi.com “Bright colours make my heart sing; and I’m in complete dopamine styling mode when I see the Spring sunshine. Is it just me or are other Northern girls itching to pull out the sandals (even if only for a photo moment)?”
Amy – Amy’s Creative Pursuits – “As a Wisconsin Gal, every spring we have to deal with frigid temperatures, leaving me in quite the conundrum as I want to wear spring clothes but I can’t. How do I solve the problem? By wearing bright colors in warm winter fabrics.”
Let’s Chat
Do you have a favorite spring trend that you can either pull out of your closet or that you’re wanting to try out? Leave us a comment! We love to hear from you! I was lucky to have all of these pleated skirts in my closet. The feather trends excites me; and I recently purchased an amazing top lined in ostrich feathers around the hem. I’m saving that outfit for my hubby’s upcoming surprise birthday party…think feathers and sequins!! A friendly reminder to always have fun and wear all the things that you love, that bring you joy and happiness and you’ll look terrific!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase. These picks are NOT sponsored, are selected solely by me, and opinions are entirely my own.
Let’s Link Up
We’d love for you to share your style with us! Link your look or blog post in today’s Stylish Monday Link-Up Party below!
Blazers are one of my favorite pieces to wear because they translate across all seasons and occasions! You can wear them year round, and they will always look stylish! With spring’s power suit trend in high gear, this is the perfect time to build your blazer collection.
In Part 1 of this blog post on Spring Blazer Trends, I shared my two piece Orchid set, which looks like a suit. A two piece set allows you to easily separate the pieces and wear them many ways and dress them up and dress them down. To see Part 1, click HERE. In today’s blog, I’ll be sharing the varying cuts of blazers along with some additional spring trending colors and how I styled mine.
Find the Perfect Length
A general rule of thumb is: If you’re tall, don’t wear a blazer that is too short: and if you are short, avoid ones that are too long. Shorter people actually look great in mid to short length blazers and high waisted pants, because it makes their legs look longer and their body more balanced. Tall people definitely have a lot more freedom in terms of length, however, a short blazer might make your body seem a bit disproportionate.
Of course there are no hard rules. I love longer blazers that fall slightly below the hips if I’m wearing a tapered or skinny pant. They also look great belted over a dress or skirt. It’s all about making sure your proportions feel in sync. And remember, wear what you love and feel confident wearing!
The Fitted Blazer
The fitted blazer usually comes with a tailored look like my orchid blazer/suit. The style looks quite structured and is the one you might think of for more formal settings. The fitted jacket makes every day style even better and is an easy add-on to any outfit – both casual and dressier.
This particular outfit started with the floral ruffled blouse and blue pants, which are recent purchases. Since the floral blouse has many colors, I was able to add this powder blue blazer that has been in my closet for some time. My girlfriends can attest to the fact that my closet is always full of blazers…LOL!
Don’t let the name fool you. While the boyfriend blazer takes its inspiration from oversized pieces that look like something from his closet, it is designed specifically with the female form in mind. Boyfriend blazers, in addition to being cut slightly larger than a traditional women’s blazer, are tailored in such a way that renders them extremely flattering. They’re the epitome of casual-meets-polished attire, bringing some finesse to a simple jeans-and-t-shirt ensemble, while still retaining a sense of low-key comfort. I think the oversized nature of the boyfriend allows you to layer pieces underneath or wear form fitted pieces, whichever is your preference! Right now this might be my favorite style of blazer as you’ll see that I’ve recently gotten several and have had fun styling them multiple ways!
Lavender
Lavender is such a fun spring trend color! For this first look, I paired it with some plaid pants which have a lavender stripe, white and gray, a white camisole and my purple faux suede heels. The camisole and plaid pants are more fitted/body hugging. This is a look that I wore to work.
For a more casual look, I wore a distressed, cropped sweater with lavender and white checks, my jean joggers and my Embassy of London booties. I chose the joggers in order to highlight my Hatter booties! An outfit is never complete without some fun accessories. To pull out the floral print in the booties, I added a statement floral necklace and floral earrings. This outfit can be worn almost anywhere including casual workwear Fridays.
One of my all time favorite colors to wear is yellow…all shades of yellow! Yellow is happy color and screams spring! Here’s the same outfit that I wore the blue fitted blazer which was easily switched out for my yellow blazer. While not as oversized as the lavender blazer, I do like the longer length and looser fit.
For a more casual look and styling, I layered a floral sweater, high waisted light wash jeans and my Embassy London USA booties again. The blazer can easily be worn over bulkier items, which is essential in the spring in Illinois! I have several graphic tees that have shades of yellow that I’ll also style with this blazer but as of the writing of this blog haven’t worn as of yet!
I purchased these cream colored pants last year around this time. The floral blouse has golden shades of yellow as well as some shimmer. I really wanted to wear my gold heels but on this particular day it was too cold for me to go without socks so I opted for the cream colored booties. This outfit gave me the opportunity to wear my yellow blazer, the only new item in this outfit. Blazers are an easy add on to items you probably already have in your closet but will create a newer and more updated look. Full disclosure – I was feeling kind of lumpy and bumpy (think cellulite showing) in these pants but when I see the pictures and looked in the mirror, I thought the blazer did a good job of hiding those flaws! Another added benefit of wearing blazers!
This Glen Plaid boyfriend blazer can easily be worn year round! I wanted to share an edgy look with a blazer to give many options and show that blazers go with anything! I paired this plaid blazer with this AC/DC graphic tee…not that I needed another AC/DC graphic tee but I liked the blue, pink and silver metallic colors. I added my Beth’s Buckle, jeans, silver metallic booties and rhinestone jewelry. This look is easily duplicated with any graphic tee, jeans, tennis shoes, booties, sandals, etc. This would be a fun night out look! You could easily trade out the jeans for biker shorts, denim shorts, etc. The silver booties could be traded out for silver sandals, silver heels, etc.
Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to add some new and colorful blazers to your wardrobe as well as gotten some ideas on how to style a blazer many different ways…the sky is the limit! Do you have a favorite style of blazer or suit? How would you style the trend? A friendly reminder to always have fun and wear all the things that you love, that brings you joy and happiness and you’ll look terrific! Leave us a comment! We love to hear from you!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase. These picks are NOT sponsored, are selected solely by me, and opinions are entirely my own.
Ever heard of power dressing? While it may sound cheesy, there’s something about slipping on a blazer that instantly makes you sit up straighter and feel more confident. The sharp silhouette makes anything underneath look spectacular—whether that’s a button-down, tank top, or graphic t-shirt. The various styles of blazers can pull together any outfit.
Thanks to a variety of silhouettes, colors, and fabrics, the office staple isn’t confined to boardrooms anymore—wearing blazers out on a night on the town or favorite brunch spot is an equally strategic move. Safe to say, you’ll probably want to stock up on various styles and colors for different occasions and outfits. Blazers can be considered a wardrobe stable although the cut and colors might change with the seasons and trends. I’ve loved blazers for years and as I’m sure you can guess have quit a few in my closet. I’ve recently added some spring colors and oversized boyfriend blazers.
Orchid ~ The New Shade of Pink
This shade of pink, orchid, is really trending this spring. I think all shades of pink are fabulous but am really liking orchid because it’s different than any others that I have in my wardrobe. The blazer and pants can easily be worn together as a suit or separated and so many looks can be created with the two pieces. I like blazers year round for the sear fact that I’m almost always layered up for warmth. Spring in Illinois is not always very warm so this is one way to look like a breath of spring air but yet be warm.
Orchid Look 1
Graphic T-Shirts are such an easy and fun styling option that can easily be paired with almost anything! This Marilyn Monroe Katherine Hepburn tee is a classic with a twist – bubble gum! (On a side note, I like to chew bubble gum at least several times per day!) Pearls are an easy accessory to add onto almost any look and never go out of style. In this look, I layered on two pearl necklaces. I carried the pearl accessories throughout the look in my belt and tulle socks. The only new item in this look is the blazer. I already had all of the other items. Fashion should be fun and bring you joy! Wear what you love and you’ll always look amazing! I would definitely put this outfit in the FUN column! The hubby and I attended a concert and went out to dinner when I wore this outfit.
For the second look, I styled the orchid pants with this jewel embellished sweater. The cable knit sweat is covered in orchid, yellow and clear rhinestones! Talk about fashion that makes your heart sing! The cable knit sweater is cut high low. I prefer to do a front tuck to give my midsection some definition. I opted for my cream colored booties to match my sweater. Lastly, I added some blingtastic rhinestone earrings and bracelets.
Look 3 is a combination of look 1 and 2. Here is the suit with the tee. I kept all of my pearl accessories. The Marilyn Katherine tee is just so fun to me but you really could swap out any fun graphic tee. This outfit demonstrates how easy it can be to replace an item or two with other items and create new looks. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try things that are out of your norm. You never know what you might discover that you actually like and feel good wearing!
For look four, I get the blazer and pants put switched up the top to this floral print blouse. Bright colors are also trending for spring so was happy to finally wear this blouse, which has been in my closet for some time. It was a bargain I found at TJ Maxx some time ago. I paired it with these bright fuchsia pumps while not an exact match to the blazer in pants it still pairs well because it’s in the pink hues and in the blouse. My accessories are vintage Trifari and always get lots of compliments on the necklace and earrings. (To see a previous blog post on Trifari, click HERE.) I’ve even had offers to buy them right off of my body! How would you switch up this look? I’m thinking of trading out the pants for either shorts or a skirt.
Do you have a favorite style of blazer or suit? How would you style the trend? A friendly reminder to always have fun and wear all the things that you love, that brings you joy and happiness and you’ll look terrific! Leave us a comment! We love to hear from you! Hope you come back next week for Part 2 of 2. I’ll be sharing other blazer styling options, colors and cuts!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase. These picks are NOT sponsored, are selected solely by me, and opinions are entirely my own.
