quick and easy steps to spruce up the casual attire...

while many focus on work clothing...and/or special occasions when forking out the wardrobe allowance...the casual wear is left somewhere at the end...or sometimes...it is just left...while it is very easy to just put on "whatever" for a quick run to the post office...or errands...or a movie...whatever your "casual" consists of...there are ways of stepping up that casual look...to look like some thought went into your outfit...after all...we know about first impressions right?  and we've all bumped into that one person (potential new prospect...the ex...client...old friend) and possibly thought...i wish i looked a little bit more presentable...

here are some quick and easy steps for stepping up the casual attire...

color your casual with new hues - perhaps you are not to keen about wearing bright colors to the office...there is no reason that you couldn't play up your casual wear with a burst of color...try mixing it up a bit...with new color combinations...turquoise and yellow; pewter and tangerine; purple and royal blue...or how about mixing color in with the neutrals already in your closet?  pink and charcoal grey; violet and chocolate brown; fuchsia and khaki...

a great pair of jeans - if you haven't purchased a new pair of jeans in a while...it is time to invest in a good updated pair...one that fits and flatters you while being current and in style will make outfits easier to put together...whether you go super casual with rolling up the jeans to your ankles...add a nice t-shirt and a great scarf...a fabulous pair of boots, flats (whatever you are most comfortable in) add the baubles...and you are set...the key is...a great pair of jeans that fits you right!

add easy to wear outerwear - while it is just as easy to add some fabulous blazers from your work attire to update any casual look...you may be feeling like you are tired of wearing the work jackets...consider a great trench...or a jean jacket...or a sweater wrap...add more kick by choosing color or a fun pattern...these outwear pieces should be able to go well with your jeans, skirts and dresses...

slip into a stylish shoe - give your work shoes a rest...depending on the season...add a metallic sandal with skinny jeans...add a loosely woven sweater knit...and you are ready for the farmers market...in colder weather...add your riding boots - with your jeans tucked in them...ad a nice cozy sweater...and a day at the movies you are ready for......add a fun colorful pump to jeans...a fun top...and you are set for meeting girlfriends for late afternoon cocktails...

finish it up with accessories - while your classic work accessories can take a rest...this is the time to pull out your bold and playful pieces...layer on the necklaces or bracelets...if your outfit is colorful and full of patterns...opt for some simple long necklaces in your favorite metallic...put away the work handbag...reach for one that is softly structured...crossbody bags are great for weekend activities...

hopefully these steps will help you towards sprucing up the casual attire...no reason to look dull and boring during your non-work hours...after all...you never know who you might bump into...

photo source

stepping up your weekend accessories...

when it comes to your weekend wear...or anytime casual wear...ditch the classic work accessories that you use day in and day out for work...i mean...weekend is fun...so your accessories should be too...think of your casual or weekend wear as fun...playful...bold and alluring...which means...your accessories should match that...

if your weekend outfit is real simple...then layer on the necklaces and/or bracelets...you might consider big dramatic earrings...if your outfit is colorful and full of pattern...wear simple long necklaces in your favorite metallic colors...

but by all means...change out your work handbag and reach for one that is colorful or softly structured...crossbody bags are great for weekend activities...

while weekend is more casual...there is no reason why you still shouldn't look put together...but in a less structured outfit...accessories are the easiest way to bring some fun & spice to a rather casual outfit...

signature spade quilted tenley
kate spade

bagging it in white...

nothing says summer more to me than the color white...and yes...the "rule-followers" would know that now is the time to wear white...but i'm not a rule follower...and i think...having a fabulous white tote is very much needed to complete my white summer obsession...and move right on in to fall...

i'm a bit worried about how it would keep...but seriously...it is not like i'll be dragging it along the ground...so i'm thinking...i need to start looking...

i'm loving the style below...very classic...very white...and oh so chic...

so...do you sport a lot of white in the summer? where do you wear your white? in clothes or accessories?

jason wu crossbody tote
neiman marcus

dear fashion advisor: traveling handbag...

Q...I'm getting ready for summertime travel and am wondering what is my best choice for a handbag that will take me through airport security, shopping and sightseeing?

a...all three of the activities you mention definitely are easier when you are 'hands-free'...and have we got just the bag for you...

the crossbody bag is very popular right now...and you can find it in a wide variety of colors and prices...your hands will be free to snap your photos or sort through great buys on your travels...and you won't have to worry about the security of your purse...
eric javits 'lark - squishee®' crossbody bag
nordstrom

if you have a fashion question...please feel free to ask via formspring...or email me...