practically stylish
  • practically stylish
  • pursuit of practical style
  • contact
  • bread and flowers

my favorite summer color palette

6/11/2014

3 Comments

 
Picture
As longtime readers of the blog know, summer is my least favorite season. The heat and humidity makes it miserable to be outside and it is much harder to look polished when you can't fall back on layering pieces and accessories, both of which add unwanted weight and heat to an outfit. But the one redeeming aspect of summer is that it is a time you can really embrace bright and interesting color palettes. 

My favorite palette is a crisp, bright trio of navy blue, white, and citrine. I love the high contrast that exists between the lighter citrine and white and the much darker navy. Plus, both silver and gold accessories pair nicely back to this color combination. If the citrine feels too bold for you, first try wearing it in a small accessory, such as in a belt or a statement necklace. It will make the rest of your ensemble pop!
For more summer color palettes, check out this post and be sure to share your favorite summer colors in the comments!
3 Comments

the spectrum of style

5/28/2014

1 Comment

 
We don't have only one look or one type of style. There are so many occasions that require us to adjust how we dress. One day we may be wearing heels and pearls, the next we might be accessorizing our t-shirt and jeans with a scarf. One of the reasons that women can be intimidated by fashion is that it seems like an all or nothing proposition. It can seem that if you are stylish, then you always have to be dressed to the nines and if you are not stylish, then you are allowed to wear comfy shoes. However, it is not, and should not, be that black and white. 

Now that it is warm outside, it is much easier to people watch and see what everyday people wear in their everyday lives. Recently I have noticed two pairs of women who help to demonstrate the importance of practical style, as opposed to giving up on style completely. Both pairs of women were mothers with very young children; I spotted one set at a local playground and one set chatting on the street. All of the mothers were dressed casually, but in both cases one mother looked presentable and one looked like she had given up on style. The presentable ones weren't wearing anything especially note-worthy, just a pair of colorful cropped pants and a fitted t-shirt, but when they stood next to their counterparts who were wearing over-sized men's athletic shorts and baggy t-shirts it created quite a contrast. 
Picture
Photo Credit: Rubbermaid Products via Flickr
Perhaps the women in the over-sized clothes felt that it would cover up what they dislike about their bodies or perhaps I just happened to see them on laundry day. Whatever the case may be, their clothes were not working for them. It may be easy to throw on something comfortable, even if it is unattractive, but you always end up paying for that decision later on. Catching a glimpse of yourself looking less than polished in the reflection of a store window or a mirrored elevator can take the wind out of your sails in an instant. Luckily it is not a huge project to improve your style, even for casual wear. It's all about making lots of small choices, kind of like eating healthy. Instead of choosing to eat an apple instead of a cookie, you are choosing to wear a fitted tee instead of an over-sized one or choosing a cardigan instead of a sweatshirt from your alma mater. Leave the sweatshirt and baggy tee for limited occasions, like a hike in a state park or going to the gym. 

What is appropriate is not static; jeans are great for lots of casual events, but you wouldn't wear them to a cocktail party. That is why style needs to be flexible. Instead of curating a closet that only works for one aspect of your life, choose a variety of pieces. You might have five fabulous cocktail dresses just waiting to be worn for a party, but you also need to have a flattering pair of jeans to wear to the grocery store, The most important thing is not that you look like a fashionista every time you walk out your front door, but rather that the pieces you wear make you look and feel good.
1 Comment

color perspective

3/23/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
People may not know what style of clothing looks best or what the optimal hemline on a skirt for their height is, but almost everyone has strong opinions about what colors they can and can't wear. But although those beliefs are strongly held, there is quite a lot of variation in what colors people think work with different complexions. When I was working retail, I would often have clients and colleagues make unsolicited comments about what colors would look best for my skin tone. However, no two people ever seemed to agree!
Picture
Picture
I believe that it is more important to like the color you are wearing than to be stuck with only a couple color options. I met a woman at a blogging conference who believed in "signature colors" and only wearing the optimal color for your skin tone and hair and eye color. Her signature color was a specific shade of blue and she wore it everyday! Few people are going to commit to that strict of a color palette, so instead of worrying if the color is perfect for you, choose colors that speak to you!
I am in Atlanta this week and went to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens where tulips are blooming and there is a special exhibit of orchids. The gorgeous hues and interesting colors palettes inspires me to embrace the bright colors of the season and take a chance on something bold, even if it may not be the "optimal" color for me.
Picture
 If there is a color that you like but are unsure of with your complexion, try it in a small accessory or as a layering piece. A belt isn't right up against your skin so it will play off the other colors in the outfit, rather than your complexion.
Picture
What are your favorite color combos for springtime? Share your palettes in the comments and remember to be bold when choosing colors and patterns!
Picture
0 Comments

reclaiming hipster fashion

1/30/2014

2 Comments

 
I often hear people say that they don't want to wear a certain item of clothing because they don't want to be mistaken for a hipster. However, the hipsters have laid claim to some of the most practical pieces of winter wear and I don't believe in going down without a fight. I may not wear my plaid ironically, but I have probably been wearing it for a greater percentage of my life than most hipsters (see photo below for proof). So here is my list of four pieces of "hipster fashion" that you should be proud to wear out in public, even if you despise the taste of PBR.
Picture
Wearing plaid before it was cool.

#1 flannel shirts

Somewhere along the way flannel became the official fabric of hipsters and the rest of us were left wondering if it was safe to still wear. Since they were wearing it ironically, it felt distinctly uncool to be wearing it because you liked it. But here's the thing about flannel: it's super warm and cozy to wear. And when is the perfect time to wear something warm and cozy? In the middle of winter when you barely want to get out of bed. So choose your favorite color combination and wear it without shame because the coolest outfit to wear in winter is something that is deliciously warm.
Picture
Lands' End Flannel Shirt $29.99

#2 lace up shoes

Picture
Boden Lace Up Flat $178 (also available in navy and brown)
While the rest of the world was obsessed with cute and dainty ballet flats, the hipsters zeroed in on a great, but overlooked type of footwear: the lace up oxford. More practical in the winter than a ballet flat since it protects the top of your foot from slush and it has decent support. Plus it looks way more polished with your denim than a pair of running shoes. I am especially fond of these silver shoes but there are plenty of options in neutrals for those looking for a more versatile option. If you are ambivalent about ballet flats, you should thank a hipster for bringing the lace up shoe back into the limelight.

#3 long cardigans

Any long time reader of this blog knows that cardigans hold a special place in my heart. They are pretty much my solution to any fashion crisis and I love how easily they can transform your clothes into a polished outfit. The cardigans that are most desired by hipsters look like they belong to someone in a retirement community. In high demand are the longer, boyfriend styles as well as shawl collared cardigans and it is a must for hipsters to wear them several sizes too large. So stick with fitted cardigans and steer clear of anything that your grandpa would have worn.
Picture
Banana Republic Long Cardigan $69.50
Picture
J. Crew Matchstick Jean $115

#4 skinny jeans

Skinny, slim, and straight leg jeans have pretty much taken over the denim displays, but there is still a strong association between hipsters and skinny jeans. Regardless of whether or not you think that the style is flattering on your (or any) body type, skinny jeans are pretty great for the winter. One of the worst things about going out in the snow is when the hem of your pants trails through the slush and you end up wet around the ankles. The obvious answer is to tuck your pants into your boots and there is no better pant for tucking than a skinny pant. You avoid wet ankles and you don't have to deal with a lot of extra fabric. It's a win all the way around. 
You may not listen to obscure music and ride a fixed gear bike, but you can still enjoy the practical and versatile pieces that hipsters love. Let me know in the comments what your favorite piece of hipster fashion is!
2 Comments

color & texture: lincoln park conservatory

12/18/2013

1 Comment

 

Yesterday I visited the Lincoln Park Conservatory in Chicago and the plants were too beautiful not to share!

Picture

Even more eye catching than the vibrant pink is the amazing texture of this flower. When assembling an outfit remember that visual interest is not only about bold patterns and bright colors, but also about silhouette and texture.

Picture

This array of plants had great pattern mixing as well as fun colors in unexpected combinations. It is amazing how perfect two pieces can look next to each other even when they both are quite bold. Although some credit must be given to the more neutral plant in the front that helps ground the grouping.

Picture

A close up of the multi-colored leaves. Who says that you have to choose either color OR pattern?

While we may not feel quite as daring in our color and pattern choices as these tropical plants, keep them in mind as inspiration the next time you are reaching for an all black ensemble.

1 Comment
<<Previous
Forward>>
    Tweets by @practicalstyl

    RSS Feed

    Visit Practically Stylish's profile on Pinterest.

    categories

    All
    12 Days Of Holiday Parties
    Accessories
    Athletic Wear
    Beauty
    Birchbox
    Blogher
    Books
    Casually Stylish
    Cold Weather Wardrobe
    DIY
    Emily's Closet
    Evening Chic
    Fabulous Shoes
    Fall Essentials
    Fashionable Food
    Fashion Finds
    Gift Guide
    Guide To Elegance
    Halloween
    Holiday
    Inspiration
    Jane's Closet
    Key Pieces
    Men's Fashion
    Nautical Inspired
    Office Attire
    Ootd
    Outerwear
    Outfit Guide
    Packing Tips
    Polyvore
    Q&A
    Review
    Room For Debate
    Shopping Tips
    Spring Style
    Style At Home
    Style Tips
    The 10 Basics
    The 10 Basics
    Warm Weather Wardobe
    Wedding Season
    What To Wear
    Work To Weekend
    YouTube

    Picture
    Picture

    archives

    February 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012

    Picture
Proudly powered by Weebly