Reader Request: Remixing Distinctive pieces

by Sally on December 15, 2020 in the category: reader requests, style

Reader Darby emailed me this question:

I have a little black dress that I love. It fits me just right and is very flattering. My conundrum is, it has quite a distinctive cut-out neckline that I find limits how often I feel like I can wear it. Do you have any ideas of different ways to restyle a distinctive dress for party season so that it looks different each time?

In an ideal world, wearing the same things over and over would be a praiseworthy practice. And in daily life it often is, especially now that we’re learning more about the impact of fast fashion and valuing creative remixing. But when it comes to holiday parties, many people feel odd about doing the same outfit or dress for the entire season. And like Darby, I’m betting some of you have a dynamite dress/top/necklace that you’d like to wear to every fête and festival, but would like it to look different each time. Hopefully, I have some tips and tricks that will work for you, too. read more

Originally posted 2014-12-10 06:42:06.

Keeping Warm During Holiday Party Season

by Sally on June 19, 2020 in the category: style, tutorial

There are as many ways to dress stylishly for holiday parties as there are women, and I’m always loathe to dish out specific outfit advice. BUT! Since holiday parties require a certain level of fancy, and since fancy and warm seldom go hand in hand, I am more than willing to offer up a few ideas for keeping warm while looking gussied.

Long sleeves OR long skirt

In most cases, long sleeves and a long skirt will feel like an awful lot of coverage. Some dresses balance both beautifully, but more options will do one or the other well. Floor-length dresses are considered to be formal, so if you’re attending a black-tie event or charity auction or similarly fancy affair, going maxi will keep you warm and help you feel appropriately attired. If it’s a less formal, cocktail-or-below event, long sleeves and a shorter skirt can work just as well. read more

Originally posted 2013-12-18 06:38:16.

Winter Thrifting Tips

by Sally on March 21, 2020 in the category: thrifting

Winter can feel like a crummy time to thrift. We’re sluggish and uninspired, so the prospect of digging through the racks may be overwhelming. But in my opinion, thrifting is a four-season sport and there are many great bargains to be had even during the dark, cold months. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you hit the secondhand circuit this winter:

Layering items

The fine art of layering without lumps requires us to have some close-fitting underlayers. Why spend $10 a pop at Target when you can plunk down a dollar or two for tanks, tees, and long-sleeved shirts at the thrift store? Since these pieces won’t get close scrutiny and since they need to fit tightly enough that they may not be appropriate for stand-alone wear, scrimping on them just makes sense. read more

Originally posted 2012-12-13 06:43:40.