Category Archives: styling

quick trick: solving the “i have nothing to wear” blues

Photo via Pinterest…if you know the actual source, pleaseplease tell me!

I know “spring cleaning” is supposed to be where it’s at, but really, it’s more mid-February (hey, that’s now!) when my “clean it up, toss it out” juices get flowing. This is when I’m officially beginning to tire of my winter wardrobe, when I’m coming to terms with which fall/winter pieces in my closet are officially not getting worn, and which are due to be retired.

Besides tackling my own treasure troves, I’ve been helping a dear reader with a major closet clean-out/reorganization this month (truly, there are few things I love more in the world than editing closets. If you need a hand, you know where to find me). And it’s gotten me thinking that I have a few tricks up my sleeve I may not have mentioned. Like my no-fail solution to the “I have nothing to wear” wail that issues from my closet at least twice a month. Want the secret?

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test case: the best black leggings

That’s right – no clever title, no beating about the bush. This post is a mission. It’s also ungodly long, so settle in.

For all of the shopping I do (and believe me, it’s a lot), I’ve never been able to find truly perfect basic black leggings. I’ve tried just about everything, but nothing hit the mark. Either it was a ponté knit that pilled after a few wears, or a matte knit fabric that quickly looked worn and gross, or a fabric that looked too shiny and athletic, or it was too thin and showed more than it should. I’m pretty sure this makes me the Goldilocks of black leggings, but that’s okay.

All of this is compounded by the fact that…well, I don’t really believe in leggings. That is – let me say this loudly, and with gusto – leggings are not pants. No matter how many celebrities or 19-year-olds we see doing it, I have a real problem with any sartorial use of leggings in which my ass is that plainly visible to anyone. Sorry, but I need layers – or at least pockets, for the love of god – to cover that sh!t up.

But of course, the tunic-and-leggings pairing went out with the ’90s. So, what’s a girl to do when she wants to wear her PJs out into the world without being judged?

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all in the details: holiday party perfection

Kate M.W. ~ A basic black dress is always lauded as the classic necessity in a woman’s wardrobe. “It’s so versatile and you can dress it up with accessories!” If we’ve all heard this once, we’ve heard it a hundred times. So when I was considering how to put a bit of holiday party spirit into All in the Details, I must confess…this week started first by staring at a plain black shift dress. My favourite thing to pair with that is a sparkling statement necklace, and from there, the choice was easy. Subtle but packing a punch, metallic and glistening but not ostentatious. Statement necklace perfection.

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all in the details: jeffrey campbell darnell wedge

Kate M.W. ~ Despite the fact that I’m a strong advocate for flats, sometimes a pair of, say, suede platform wedge t-strap colour-blocked heels just catches my eye and I’m hooked. Completely practical? Perhaps not. But there’s something about these Darnell Wedges from Jeffrey Campbell that seem both playful and grown-up, appealing both to my inner child and my subtle chic older self. The mix of black, grey, and maroon provide a palette that’s versatile and easy to work with.

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trend to try: critter control

Altuzarra, via Style.com / Kenzo, via Style.com / Burberry Prorsum, via Style.com

Erin ~ One of the quirkiest trends to come from the runways this season is the animal print sweater. I personally love this trend since all through middle school I was that girl with the horse sweatshirt. It was purple. It was bedazzled. And yes, it said “I love ponies” in script on the bottom. It was amazing. I’m just glad to see that designers this season apparently have the same fond memories of animal sweaters that I do!

But how do you wear this trend when you’re closer to forty than fourteen?

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all in the details: classic beaded bracelet

{Editor’s Note: Top five things I never thought I’d say, but I really want that quilted vest. Like, bad. And those fox earrings. Nice picks, Kate!}

Kate M.W. ~ One of two things ends up happening when I’m thinking about accessories: either I’m naturally inspired by a piece or it falls neatly into one of the various categories that perfectly rounds out my collection, thereby making it a necessity. One of those basic necessities (…yes, I’ve used the correct term) is an understated multicoloured bracelet. A little casual, a little dressy, a little rustic, and a dash of polish. Because it goes with nearly everything, it makes the perfect addition for outfits ranging from work to play and everything in between. An ideal candidate for the job? The Market Bracelet from Jenny Bird. Deep blues, rustic reds, and basic black off-set by gold – this is the grown-up version of that beaded bracelet you inevitably both made and sported as a kid.

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on the cheap: cozy up to sweater season

{Editor’s Note: I don’t find you guys nearly enough bargains these days, do I? So, how about an entire post where everything is $100 or less? Leave it to Kristina, who is a seriously impressive bargain shopper, to bring all this style on the most meager budget. No one will ever, ever suspect what a steal that luxe cardigan was, I can assure you. And the rest of the styling? Spot on.}

Kristina ~ It’s sweater season! I’m a cold weather gal, so I look forward to cooler weather and unpacking my sweaters all summer long. Even if you’re the opposite and you’re already counting the days to spring, you’re sure to appreciate the easy, inviting warmth of this gorgeous faux-fur sweater from John & Jenn, especially when you check out that price tag.

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