Fashion Party blog: How to

Showing posts with label How to. Show all posts

It's been 14 years since Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake appeared in their iconic denim outfits at the American Music Awards and since then we kept their looks in our minds as an example on how NOT to dress.. ever. But then the bloggers came and 'invented' street style, which means playing with different styles and pieces and so double denim trend was born (which makes a great example to never say never!). As you can see, fashion rules are meant to be broken and even though wearing denim on denim goes against everything we've been thought is correct about putting an outfit together, it has become a huge trend all the A-listers have already adopt.

Putting the denim look together can seem intimidating, but trust me, once you start experimenting with different pieces, you'll see that it can be very much exciting! Denim on denim looks offer infinite possibilities, since there aren't (almost) any rules to follow. The secret of creating a good denim on denim look is balance. You need to know what's flattering to your body and pay attention to proportions. The rest is just a game of mixing and matching.

So whether you're all new to the all-denim-everything game or are already an expert in creating matchy denim looks, here are a few ideas on how to pull off an effortlesly put-together look.

DENIM NEWBIE

If you're totally new to double denim trend, go easy at the beginning and try mixing classic blue denim with white, grey or black. Combine skinnies with white denim shirt like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley or switch it up and go for more formal look by combining black skinny jeans with buttoned up chambray shirt like Reese Witherspoon.

DENIM LOVER
For all of you that are confident enought to dig in the double denim trend, there are some tips to keep in mind. Use different shades of denim to highligh specific body parts - if you want to bring attention to your upper part, choose lighter shade of denim than on your lower part. And if you want to hide some extra pounds, go for darker shades, which have slimming effect. Shades and weight of the fabric should vary so play with different denim colors and washes to create a modern, up-to-date look.

Style it up with pointy-toe pumps and chic silk neck scarf or add a little bright bag and pair it with bold red lipstick. You can even switch your boyfriend jeans to look more elegant. Pair them with chic sandals, add a thin interesting belt and finish up with statement necklace.

Style it down with flats, big black bag, no accessories and natural makeup.

DENIM EXPERT
All you denim experts out there that have already tried multiple denim on denim variations but think that's still not enough, go even further and try triple denim! Upgrade your usual combination of skinny jeans and chambray shirt with denim vest or tie a denim jacket around your waist.

Play with these prints and accessories to make your denim outfit look modern & chic:

animal prints

white & camel colors

bright clutch

pointy-toe pumps

statement necklace

silk neck scarf

red lipstick

Combine dirrerent shapes, shades and washes, but whatever you do, DON'T:

wear denim accessories, like denim hats, handbags or cowboy boots and Western belts (unless you want to look like a character from the Westerns)

wear patterns

and mostly, don't end up looking like Justin and Britney in 2001

Now tell me, are you a newbie when it comes to denim game or have you already been practicing this trend for a while? Can't wait to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Photos via Pinterest, Style Scrapbook

Since I get a lot of questions from my friends asking me for advice about online shopping, I decided to do a full blog post about it and give you all the information and advice that I have. It's not like I'm an online shopping queen, but I have quite a few experiences (good AND bad) that I've learned along the way. I still remember my first online purchase. I ordered two party dresses from Asos (that were luckily the perfect fit) and was so excited when they arrived. Unfortunatelly after a few purchases later I didn't have such luck and had to return many items that didn't fir or weren't quite the way I expected. These experiences tought me that even though online shopping seems like the easiest way to buy clothes (you just click and buy straight from your bed), it can be very tricky. You don't know the size measurments, you can't try the item on yourself, you can't touch and feel the fabric, etc.

Since ASOS is one of my favourite and the most popular destinations for online shopping, I'll be showing you my tips on their site with the example of this pretty pink quilted co-ord (that's on SALE btw!).

SHIPPING & DELIVERY COSTS
Before you even start scrolling through the product pages of a particular online store, make sure to check if they even ship to your country. Under the Shipping section you'll find the list of coutries they ship to and information about the delivery time and the shipping cost. If you're from Europe and are buying something from abroad, pay attention to tax fees, which can sometimes be even higher than your purchase!

COLOR
Even though the color of an item might seem obvious from the picture, always read the name of the color that's written in the descripiton box. It might appear bright pink on the photo, but the description would say pale pink, which is quite a difference, no? I've learned that's always better to belive what color is written other than what you see on the photo.

SIZE GUIDE
Of course you know which size you're wearing, but just in case always check the size guide, since measurments can vary from store to store. At Asos you'll find the size guide at the bottom of the product description:

Asos makes it really easy to hit the right sizes. They have measurements converted in different units (UK, US, EU), depending from which country you are and they also give you a very good and extensive description of measurments and sizes + explain how to measure yourself. Unfortunatelly, there's a difference in sizes between different brands, which you usually have to learn the hard way (like I did).

MATERIALS & CARE
It's important to always read all the information about the product and see what it's made of and how you need to look after it. For example - an item can appear made out of thick material, but when you look at the material description, you see that's 100% polyester, which normally means it's light weighted. I'm telling you, photos can be very tricky! It's also important that you know how to take care of it.. some clothes can be dry cleaned only, so make sure you know what you're buying.

CATWALK
Asos has this great option where you can see the item on the runway (you'll find the catwalk button right under the photos). I always watch it so that I can see the actual lenght and width of the item and to see how the fabric acts on the body. It's also great to get a more realistic view of the color. Pay attention to the details - how the jacket fits in the shoulders, how short is the dress and if those cut-outs don't reveal too much.

DISCOUNTS
It's always good to get a discount, right? There are a few websites that update coupon codes for a particular online shop, which I think it's worth to check out. The easiest way is to Google '(name of the store) coupon codes' and hopefully you'll find something useful. Online shops also offer discounts here and there (especially on different holidays), so make sure to check their social media pages before you hit the Buy button.

RETURN POLICY
Since online shopping can be risky, it's good to have a guarantee that you can return the item if it turns out to be a misfit. Asos makes it very easy to return the item you don't want. They already send you a Returns Note with your purchase, which you just fill out (indicate the reason of return) and send back to them within 28 days. Keep in mind that in this case an item musn't be worn or damaged.

PAYMENT
Now comes the most unpleasant part of online shopping - placing the order. When it comes to payment, I think Paypal is the easiest, fastest and safest option there can be. You just need to register on their site and once you do that, you just select the Paypal option at the payment section, click Approve order twice and there you go, it's done. Here's a very helpful and colorful description on how to use Paypal.

And that sums up my full guide to online shopping: clothes. I hope I've given you some useful tips that will come in handy next time you're buying clothes online. Now that you've got to know Asos, don't forget to check out other great online destinations that offer chic, trendy and affordable clothing:

Missguided.com

Riverisland.com

Nastygal.com

Now I want to hear your online shopping experiences - do you have any extra advice? I'd love to hear them! Share them with me and others in the comments. Happy shopping! ;)

Winter sales are in a full swing and products are seducing us with reduced prices. I know that can be very tempting and make you buy everythiiing, but it's important not to lose your judgment and be blinded by low prices. To avoid ending up with a pile of things you don't really need, here is some advice to keep in mind when shopping on sales:

MAKE A PLAN (AND STICK TO IT)
Don't rush into sales, but make a plan. The best way to go shopping on sales is in the morning during the week, when there's not a lot of people. Make sure you're in a good mood and dress properly. If you're buying a skirt that will go with the blouse you already have, don't forget to take it with you. Freshly washed hair and nice makeup also helps - you'll feel good and most likely find the item you're looking for. Also write down all the things you need and even more important - stick to it!

THINK BEFORE YOU BUY
We can easily get carried away by seeing all those things with reduced prices. Then we usually end up buying stuff we don't need at all. So remember to only buy things that are written on your list and that you really need. I have this "Love at the first sight" rule which basically means that if I don't fall in love with specific item the minute I try it on, I don't buy it.

INVEST IN TIMELESS PIECES

Rather buy one high-quality product than many cheaper ones. Sales are especially good for buying expensive designer pieces that you had previously seen and otherwise can't afford. It's better to invest a little more money in the piece that you really like rather than spend less money on cheap clothes that you won't wear very often.

DOUBLE CHECK THE ITEM
Always make sure that the thing you're buying isn't damaged, because usually things bought on sale can't be returned.

SHOP ONLINE
If you repel long queues at the cashiers, you can still shop online. Even if you don't like the item later, most online retailers offer the possibility of returning purchased products, so there is no reason for concern that something wouldn't be the right size or wouldn't suit you. You can easily return your purchase. (Pssst, Asos and Net-a-porter have a huge sales up to 70% off!)

ASK QUESTIONS
Here are some questions to ask yourself before buying a product (and help you avoid failed purchases):

Is this item on my 'to buy' list?

Would I buy this item even if it wasn't on sale?

Does it fit me good?

What can I wear it with?

Will I wear it more than once?

If you answer all these questions positive, then BUY it! :)

I hope you find this article helpful. Now tell me, do you go to sales or prefer shopping online? What do you usually buy? I can't wait to hear your thoughts in the comments! Xo

Photos shot in Max&Co. store

"Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it."
-Diane von Furstenberg

Sounds easy, right? But we all know it's not as simple as it sounds. It takes a lot of trial and fails when searching for your personal style, but don't worry about making mistakes along the way. Developing your personal style is a journey, not a destination and experimanting with different styles should be fun!

Finding your personal fashion style is all about getting to know yourself and be confident about it. Your style is the mirror of your taste, interest, desires, inspirations and history. Show the world the aspect you want to express through your style!

Knowing your personal style makes dressing in the morning and shopping for clothes so much easier. When you know what flatters you the most, you know what to look for in stores and never make any mistakes again. Here are some tips to help you find and express your true style.

FIND INSPIRATION

Skim through magazines, fashion sites and blogs to find your inspiration. Pinterest and Tumblr are also great places to find the trends you like. Save the photos of your favourite outfits and style icons in a folder and find a pattern of what you like. Translate those looks into your own style. You can even print those images and make your own scrapbook. I have mine and it's so much fun (and relaxing)!

Have your eyes open for things around you! It doesn't have to be celebrities or bloggers that inspire you, it can be your friends, sister, colegues or even nature and architecture that surrounds you.

STYLE = INDIVIDUALITY

Like I said, your personal style is reflection of who you are. Writing down the qualities that describe you the most is a great place to start. Ask yourself How do you want others to see you? Which of your features do you want to show the world? Do you want others to see you as a smart and independent woman? Or do you want to give them an impression of a cute and flirty girl? Once you answer these questions, think what kind of clothes represent your personality the most.

KEEP A JOURNAL

Great thing to monitor your style journey is to keep a journal of your looks. You can start by taking OOTD photos on Instagram or even create your own fashion blog (it can be for your eyes only). Your style will evolve through the years and it should. Journal will give you a better picture of what looks good on you and which type of clothes don't flatter you at all.

UNDERSTAND YOUR BODY

The most important thing when finding your own style is to really know your body shape. Some say Wear whatever you like, as long as you feel comfortable in it. I mean.. when was fashion ever comfortable? I don't think there is anyone that can pull off every single trend or outfit.

The most important thing is to accept your body and emphasize the good parts and hide those little flaws. There are so many different shapes and patterns that can work in your favour! If you have slim legs, expose them with skinny floral pants. If you want to hide your wide hips, wear high-waisted A-line skirt and bring the attention to your upper part with bright shirt.

GET BASIC PIECES

Easy way to start creating your personal style is to get basic pieces and start building your look around them. You can never go wrong with jeans, simple white tee and a leather jacket (as long as they fit you perfectly!). From there, add your own touch to the look, whether it's a bright bag, chunky earrings or stock of rings. Find accessories and jewelry that represent your personality the most. But keep in mind that less is still more.

DON'T BE A FASHION SLAVE

I found a great quote that says it all: "Fashion is what you're offered four times a year. Style is what you pick out of that fashion."

I'm often annoyed when I see girls and bloggers following every single trend that occurs (skorts, Birkenstocks and mules being just some of them). Don't do this! Don't be a trend slave! Have your own voice and pick the trends that flatters you and which you wear because you actually like them (and not because EVERYONE is wearing them). There are so many trends that no doubt you won't find some that work for your figure and personality.

All that said, the most important thing is to feel good in what you wear.. to really feel YOU! So be confident and let your awesome style speak for you.