A Simple And Sassy Way To Dress Up This Summer

Hola! So how was your weekend, ladies? I spent mine trying to clean up my closet and I quickly found out that I had so many clothes that I haven’t really used for quite some time now. Some of the clothes, I even outgrew! I know you can relate to that feeling — of seeing your once favorite clothes now unable to fit you properly 😦

Well, my weekend clean up didn’t end up too bad though, because I was able to unearth some of my favorite Summer pairs that I thought I already gave away to friends and relatives. Dressing up for Summer is one of my favorite things to do because I am able to mix and match different colors, prints and styles without looking “out of season”. If I try experimenting during Winter or Fall, I would most likely end up looking weird (because most of the clothes I wear during these seasons are functional versus fashionable anyway)

Why Dressing Up For Summer Can Be Quite Challenging

To tell you the truth, dressing up for Summer can be complicated if you don’t have enough experience in mixing and matching colors and clothes. Yes, you heard that right — Summer can be a challenging season to dress for many women. I feel like you reveal more about yourself and your body during Summer compared with any other season. When you dress up for Summer, you choose not only the appropriate colors but also the cuts and shapes that would allow you to move around and be comfortable. Most of the time, you have to reveal a bit of skin to achieve this — which is why you need lots of self-confidence when dressing up for Summer 🙂

And girls, you also need a few layering tricks at your disposal if you plan to either cover up certain unflattering parts of your body or create a nice silhouette to work around.  With the hotter-than-usual weather during Summer, layering can really make you sweat like crazy! Because of this dilemma, creating a ‘new’ look every day can be hard since you can’t really play too much with jackets, layers and scarves. Good thing is that I have been living in a tropical weather year for quite some time now and I have become very familiar with summer dressing. To help you dress up for Summer, here are some of my best tips & tricks to put you on the right track!

Tips For Dressing Up Sassy This Summer Season

1.Use interesting shapes, cuts, prints and details

The Summer can really make you sweat like crazy, so if you are wearing only one layer, make sure that it can be as interesting as possible. As for me, I often choose cropped tops, blouses or shirts that have an interesting design detail. Take for example this mock neck ribbed sleeveless top from Bubble and Chic. It is airy, detailed and very interesting to look at. All you need is a good basic bottom like some shorts or skirt that look airy and breathable — and you will look modern, polished and contemporary in an instant!

What I really like about this style is the ribbed ridges that is textured enough to be seen from afar. It might look like small stripes from afar, but the 3-dimensional ridges are much more interesting to look at than printed strips. Check it out from Bubble and Chic!

2.Wear comfortable yet stylish bottoms

One of the biggest challenges in Summer wear is trying to keep your clothes sassy but still comfortable enough to wear. And for girls like us, it means having to devise ways to show off some skin while still staying classy, right? Well, that problem can be easily solved by wearing comfy shorts.

For me, wearing shorts and skirts in Summer is one of the best things ever. They allow me to move around comfortably and still stay fashionable. I like to wear light-colored shorts during Summer because they blend well with my Summer-toned clothes (which are mostly white and soft-colored pastels). One of my favorite pieces is this button accent striped shorts from Bubble and Chic, which I love because of the well-placed button accents on the sides. They really add character to the piece!

3. If you want to layer, use only thin clothes

Sometimes when I go to the beach, the scorching heat of the Summer sun makes me want to cover up rather than expose my skin to the sun. This is an easy thing to do when you have a few very thin cardigans at your disposal. Thin, see-through cardigans are great for layering during Summer because they are light and easy to wear — and  you can combine with either shorts or a long skirt if you like to cover up your legs as well! You can easily wear them to hide some of your unflattering parts while allowing you to create a new look too! You’d be surprised when you realize that a few pairs of cardigans are all you need to create a new look every time you go out during Summer!

Check this one out from Bubble and Chic — this sheer cropped cardigan is light enough to be worn on top of a cropped top to create that classy and sassy Summer look!

4. Wear Sandals

This is actually just my personal preference, but I really love wearing sandals during Summer. I can’t really wear them during cold seasons such as Winter, so why not wear them while the sun is high up in the sky, right?

Sandals allow me to move and walk around without feeling discomfort. Heels can be punishing to the feet and sneakers can be heavy on the feet when worn for hours, so my go-to pair for long Summer walks is still my trustworthy sandals from Bubble and Chic

Dressing up for Summer shouldn’t be a painstaking task with these tips and tricks that I have shared! I hope I was able to help you out, even for a bit! Let me know what you think with your comments below 🙂

 

 

 

The 3 Best Pieces For An Easy Casual Style

Hi girls! How are you doing today? The weather is slowly changing from Summer to the rainy season, and with that comes a change of clothing style too! I mean, of course we have to adjust ourselves and what we wear according to the season, right? If Winter means jackets and boots, Summer  means comfortable and breathable clothing  for me too.

For me, a great Summer piece is not only comfortable and breathable. More importantly, it should be able to help me move around without sacrificing comfort for aesthetics. Sometimes, we try to strive to look good too much that we forger the basic essence of wearing clothes — which is to feel comfortable in our own skin. When I search for a piece of clothing to wear, I always take into consideration the comfort level of the clothes and the importance of wearability above all.

Did You Know That Bright Colors Can Make You Happy?

A few weeks ago, I was trying to look into my wardrobe. Looking into the winter clothes that I just kept on one side of my closet, I could feel something was really wrong. I was sluggish, exhausted, worn down.

When I said these thoughts to a friend of mine, she told me that it was not coincidence. “You know those Winter days when you just wake up and feel completely tired and spaced out? What clothes did you wear during those days? Black, right? You winter wardrobe is composed mostly of black, and it contributes to saddening and dampening your mood.”

At first, I was skeptical about it. But then, I never really gave thought about wearing colors and how it affects my mood. Most of my closet has been a never-ending stalls of dark flannels, black skinny jeans, and gray tops — you might even mistake me for following a Gothic culture or fashion. Now, looking at it from outside going in, I can say that black really does dampen your mood, and it shows!

Keeping things colorless is easy: I never had to put much thought into getting dressed, for one thing (black always goes with black! And gray!). I’ve never liked to draw attention to myself through clothing (what better way is there to move though life virtually unnoticed than dressing like a shadow?) But after reading about it, I started to realize one thing. That if you aren’t feeling centered or secure, black can feel like a security blanket. For that reason, we see a lot of black in cities. Now that I realized that black actually affect my mood, I want to try out something new this coming Spring.

As Spring is usually in bright and festive mood, I wanted to emulate the feeling too. With this, I am looking forward to wearing these bright and colorful cardigans from Miamasvin as a way to help uplift the mood. Bright, vibrant colors that are attractive to the eyes tend to drive the blues away, and this is the perfect solution for those who want to have an uplifted spirit this coming Spring!

Layering In Style With Cardigans

For many people out there, layering up some clothes ain’t an easy task. Especially when you are thinking about how to properly combine colors while looking good, and more so when the weather starts to get hotter and humid, wearing cardigans can seem so overwhelming. Like what I’ve said, for some, the cardigan is part of the twin set that matches with blouses, pearls and a pencil skirt that is reminiscent of the old decades such as the 50s. But today’s cardigans have taken on so many shapes, forms, and great excuses to be worn that it’s almost impossible for any woman to find an excuse not to own several.

To help guide you on what a cardigan is and how you can use it to make your outfit look good, we will take a look at what makes a cardigan different from other sweaters. I will go over why they’re such important wardrobe basics and look at the cardigans available on today’s market that can help you decide if it is right for you.

What is a Cardigan?

Technically, a cardigan is simply a knitted garment that fastens in the front. Originally a man’s knitted waistcoat, named for James Brudenall, a British Army Major General and 7th Earl of Cardigan, the term expanded to describe men’s knit sweater jackets and then eventually women’s sweaters as well..

What Makes Cardigans Such A Great Part Of Your Wardrobe?

Cardigans have returned as wardrobe favorites not only because of their practicality and fashionable style but most importantly for their versatility. They’ve taken the place of the hooded sweatshirt as skirts and dresses have regained a place in the average woman’s daily wardrobe.

When you want to improve your outfit without having to wear so many things, and you only got a pair of shirts to use as underlying layer, putting on a pair of cardigans is your easiest bet. Cardigans are easier to wear than pullover sweaters because they can be taken on and off without messing up the hair or makeup (We’ve all been in that situation where we want to layer up but we don’t want to ruin our hair or makeup, right? Cardigans are perfect for these!)

So if you are in a situation where you want to look novel, different, stylish and fashionable but you don’t want to overdo things, putting on a stylish yet simple long cardigan such as these ones from Daba Girl will do a lot for your looks. Try it out!

Do’s And Don’t Of Wearing Cardigans

Cardigans are one of those things that every woman has in her closet. They come in all shapes and sizes, colors, and prints, but all cardigans are not created equally. Some cardigans are better for certain body types, and others are better for certain outfits. It can get a little confusing sometimes, but wearing the right cardigan for your body type and for your outfit is important. So today let’s talk about it, lest you wear something that makes you look stumpy, wide, or just wrong.

Here are different cardigan styles, and the Dos and Don’ts of wearing each one:d flatter your figure. Those drapey lapels will create nice long lines up and down your figure.

A Waist-Length or Cropped Cardigan

First up, the most common and classic style of cardigan is the waist-length cardigan.

Don’t: 

I don’t own any cropped cardigans, so I’m lumping the waist length and cropped cardigans together. For these lengths of cardigans, DON’T wear them with long tops. The contrast in lengths is not flattering, and creates a weird shape and proportion on your body.

Do

DO wear them with fit and flare style dresses, or high waisted skirts. The hem of the cardigan should not go more than a few inches past the waist band of your dress or skirt, so keep that in mind when pairing them.

The Oversized Cardigan

Oversized Aztec cardigans are huge this season, but they can be a little tricky to style.

Don’t

With all the bulk that an oversized cardigan adds, DON’T wear loose fitting bottoms with them. Stay away from boyfriend jeans and maxi skirts. The wideness on top and bottom will make you look… WIDE.

Do

Instead, DO wear  your skinniest pair of jeans leggings. Keep those legs looking as slim as possible!

A Wrap Cardigan

Wrap cardigans have the same basic shape as a lot of the aztec cardigans that I mentioned previously, but they are usually more fitted and less bulky. They still have the longer drape-y length though.

Don’t

DON’T wear it with a short skirt. Even though it’s not as bulky as the aztec sweater, the drapey length creates weird proportions with shorter skirts. Even my knee-length one is too short to pair with this long cardigan.

Do

Instead, DO wear it with dark jeans or pants to elongate your silhouette and flatter your figure. Those drapey lapels will create nice long lines up and down your figure.

If you are looking for some nice cardigans to start your collection, these drop shoulder button down cardigans from Mix x Mix is a good place to start.

How To Wear Knit Sweaters And Cardigans?

When weather starts to get cold and the temperature starts to drop, layering starts to become more and more important. Layering helps me not only to withstand the cold weather, but also to look good and fashionable while protecting myself. And when it comes to layering while looking good, I feel like there is nothing more fun and fashionable to use than cardigan and knit sweaters.

Unlike most woven fabrics, knit cardigans and sweaters are able to stretch to a certain degree. With this flexibility at hand, knit sweaters are definitely much more comfortable to wear than your normal garment. Also, this flexibility is just the perfect solution for layering because the garment can stretch to accommodate the extra piece of clothing. In short, knit cardigans and sweaters drape well with any body type.

Aside from being thoroughly comfortable and flexible, tend not to wrinkle. As they are very versatile pieces, I assure you that they will work really well for consumers who are looking for a versatile piece to add to their closet clothing collection. While their chunkier cousins are limited to winter, knit cardigans and sweaters are definitely suitable all year-round. Since they aren’t too heavy, they can easily substitute jackets and can be worn in a lot of ways.

When shopping for an knit sweater or cardigan, what looks good on one woman may be unflattering on another. Because of this, you have to know what type of style would fit your body type. For example, women with an hourglass figure should select a light-weight and fitted sweater that would showcase the waist. Pear-shaped women, on the other hand, look awesome in sweaters that end around their waist.

Apple-shaped women, in my opinion, should try to stay with fabrics that are lighter, with eye-catching necklines to make them look thinner. Longer sweaters with a V-neck, boat neck, or sweetheart neckline work well for this body type. On the contrary, thin women, in reverse, can wear a bulkier sweater accented with a to add the illusion of curves. This strategy also works well for women with a rectangular-shaped body and turtleneck knit sweaters are suitable for both apple shaped and thin body type women.

Check out these wool knit cardigan and sweater from Nipon Jjuya and let me know what is your take about wearing knit tops in your comments below 🙂

Style Yourself Up With Cardigans

Cardigans, as a fashion piece, are among the staples of a woman’s wardrobe. Whether you are young or old, tall or short, thin or thick, extravagant or thrifty. It is versatile enough that it can be comfortably worn around the house and still be stylish enough for the workplace or formal occasions. What I personally like about cardigans is how they are able to transform a normal, bland outfit into something enticing to the eyes. Just by adding a cardigan to your shirt or sweater, you can easily create a different look that will transform your aura and fashion sense.

A Small Cardigan History

According to a popular market definition, “The cardigan jumper was named after James Brudenell, who was the 7th Earl of Cardigan. Brudenell compelled British soldiers to wear a knitted wool waistcoat during the Crimean War. Since then, cardigans have undergone many design changes, with the most recent rendition offering women the choice of a cardigan that is tied, buttoned, zipped, or pulled over the shoulders. Women wear cardigans more for functionality, although style plays some role in the purchasing decision. Cardigans typically provide women with warmth during the colder months and because of the way they are constructed, cardigans outlast every other type of sweater.”

As far as I can remember, the first classic cardigan was a jacket made of knitted fabric. But having said that, since knitting is a far more recent invention than weaving, and knitted garments are more familiar to European cultures than some of the well-known ethnic styles that designers work with, I might even deduce that cardigans first started as a fashion trend in the West! Although the most common type of cardigan features a long back, hanging from shoulders to hips, and long sleeves, there are variants that are shorter at the back and shorter in the sleeve too! As for me, when the cold weather starts to make itself known, I can easily pinpoint my wool cardigan as that piece of clothing that can protect me from the elements while also keeping me fashionable. If you want to see where I got my pair, come check out this two-pocket wool cardigan from Daba Girl and let me know if you are up to the task of wearing this one!

Pull Over Hoodies Instead Of Cardigans?

If you know me, you should know by now how I extremely love wearing cardigans. From zip up cardigans to knit and button down cardigans, there are so many varieties and styles to choose from that favoring one kind just isn’t possible. Even though I love to wear bomber jackets and baseball jackets from time to time, I still have a special place in my heart for cardigans. Easy to style and very maneuverable when it comes to adapting to your other clothes, the cardigan is maybe one of my most favorite fashion garments of all time.

However, there are times when I feel like wearing a pull-over hoodie rather than wear a cardigan.

As you know, cardigans need to be paired properly with your other garments in order to work. If you are wearing a wild print on your cardigan, and you are wearing a sweater or an under shirt that is also vibrant and wild in colors, the two combinations will not go along pretty well. Well, what I am trying to say is that there are times when you need to really think about what to wear with your cardigans, and this is something that I do not want to do when I am in a rush. So, when I need something to keep me warm without too much thinking involved — you know, the “wear it and forget it” kind of clothing, I just pickup my old and trustworthy pullover hoodie and get it over with!

As you know, a pull over hoodie is very easy to style and very economic too. You just choose one that complements the color of your pants and your shoes, and you are good to go! Unlike cardigans, which need a bit of careful planning regarding combinations with your top layer, hoodies are your “one size fits all” alternative, and it is also very sporty and trendy. If you want to look mean and menacing, much like a villain in a Star Wars movie, you can simple wear your hoodie, put the hood down and you are good to go! In short, hoodies are not only easy and non-complicated to wear but more importantly it is also very cool and trendy to sport along with your favorite sneakers!

Simply put, when I want to wear something easy and non-complicated, I will prefer to wear a pullover hoodie instead of a cardigan. Here is a very nice pullover cardigan from Yubs Shop that I also own, check it out!

 

Is Styling With Stripes Possible Without Looking Fat?

One of the most complicated, if not the most complicated, prints to wear is the striped clothing. Depending on a lot of factors such as your body size, the thickness of the stripes, the design and cut of the clothing and lots of other different factors, wearing stripes can either “make you or break you”. I often consider wearing stripes as a double edged sword that can either affect you positively or negatively depending on the way you wear it. Truth be told, stripes often get a bad reputation that it makes people look fat. But people forget the fact that this happens only because of the people who wear the horizontal stripes we are so hesitant to wear and we are terribly warned against without even thinking about how to wear stripes properly. They say that stripes can even make the slimmest body shapes look big — but this is only because people don’y know how to wear stripes properly.

Although it CAN be true that the power of optical illusion working on horizontal stripes do possess the power to make the thin look wide, it only happens when the stripes are too big and it attracts unwarranted attention. Does this illusion mean that we should avoid wearing stripes altogether? No! The trick is to wear thin stripes instead of big ones, because thin stripes will just look like grey from afar and they won’t be noticeable enough to create an illusion of a wider figure. Trust me, I have worn stripes for so long that i already know which stripes would look good and which ones would look bad. As a rule, the long and skinny vertical stripes in a balanced pattern can actually help elongate your figure and even make you look thinner and skinnier. If you want inspiration, just a tight and striped blouse by itself would look great with a pair of skinny black pants and high black heels. As a rule, anything with vertical stripes are flattering if you combine it with a solid colored top or bottom — depending on where the striped clothing is.

As you can see, avoiding striped clothing like the plague will only limit your style and will not help you grow as a fashion-forward person. If you really want to be fashionable, you have to explore the possibilities of wearing everything instead of limiting yourself to wearing just one style. Here is a very nice knit striped cardigan from Nipon Jjuya that you can use as a layer for you solid-colored clothing.

Cool Cardigans For The Casual Lady

Although many fashionistas and fashion-forward thinkers have predicted that the cardigan will soon become obsolete and forgotten, they have stood the test of time and continued to become one of the most popular, if not the most popular, layering garments for women today. Although they were once ditched and forgotten in place of the more trendy and sporty hoodies and zip up jackets, women’s cardigans held on to its rightful place and returned to become a wardrobe staple loved by women due to their practicality and femininity.

Today, cardigans have taken the place of some garments such as the hooded sweatshirts and zip up jackets in the “layering” department. While the classic skirts and dresses have always held their place in the average woman’s daily wardrobe, cardigans occupy a much more specified niche — after all, it is a piece of garment that you can wear to layer up and to keep you warm when the weather turns cold. Because they are much easier to wear compared to pullover sweaters and hoodies, and they can also be worn quickly without messing up and ruining your hair and makeup, they make the perfect companion for women who want to look good and layer up without difficulties.

The versatility of a cardigan is another plus factor that plays into consideration why it is so popular. For example, if a woman is living in place with warm climate, lightweight cardigans can be brought as optional, transitional layering garment when she enters an air conditioned place that is too cold. If, on the other hand, a woman lives in a place where the weather is cold, cardigans are a necessity when she needs a little warmth to protect her from the cold. With so many different designs to choose from — laced, ruffled, rough, asymmetric and textured — cardigans can be a very versatile item that comes in a variety of brilliant colors. Simpy put, cardigans are among the most practical items that you can own and they are great investments for their price.

Cardigans are one of the items that I love to wear, and you will often see me carrying one on my shoulder — ready to be worn when the moment arrives. I have bought a lot of my garments from the korean webstore Dark Victory, so check out this nice open front long cardigan if you are looking to purchase a high quality yet inexpensive piece of clothing for your collection. Cheers!