Showing posts with label style tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label style tips. Show all posts

5 Ways to Create A Relaxing Space

When I come home from a busy day, the first thing I want to do is relax and unwind. Your space can be a sanctuary or simply functional. Over the last few years, I've put more thought into creating a space that is beautiful, livable, and allows creativity. Regardless of whether your space is big or small, here's five tips for turning it into a place to allow the cares of the day to slip away.

1. Choose your decor carefully.
One of my favorite pieces in my room is a large aerial photo of a beach with the sunlight sparkling on the turquoise water, brightly colored umbrellas lined up in the sand, and beachgoers tanning or playing along the shoreline. Every time I look at this, I'm instantly transported to vacation mode. After a busy or stressful day, we could all use a little vacation, am I right? Pieces that inspire, relax, or make you smile are a great way to add some personality to a space, or send you on a little mental vacation.
Shop a few of my favorite vacay-inspired pieces, and find a budget-friendly option here.

2. Light a candle.
I love the ambiance that a flickering candle creates. Aside from the fact that they make your home smell fabulous, candles can really help you to unwind and relax. Choose your favorite scent or pick up a few unscented versions for dinner parties and lighting additions. It's fun to rotate out your candles depending on the time of year. I'm often drawn to a clean, fresh, and light floral scent in spring, a tropical-inspired pick through summer, something cinnamon or woodsy in the fall, and peppermint or balsam for the holidays.

3. Pick your playlist.
Music plays a large part in the atmosphere of a place, doesn't it? There's certain songs that are perfect for a morning run, but not so great after a long day. Others are just right for a relaxing evening and too slow for the start of the day. Choose songs or even a style of music that will help recharge, inspire, and help you to decompress. Some of my personal favorites for relaxing are smooth jazz, anything Sinatra, classical guitar, jazz piano, and even a bit of Hawaiian music.

4. Add some fresh flowers.
It's amazing to see the effect that fresh flowers can have in a space. There's something about those blooming beauties that adds just a little extra to a dining area, bedroom, guest room, or kitchen. Pick up a bunch at your local grocery and arrange them in various vases or jars. It is always lovely to walk in to a room and instantly be greeted with a colorful arrangement.

5. Keep things clean.
After a busy day, the last thing I feel like doing is cleaning up a messy desk or room. One great way to ensure that your space is relaxing, breathable, and a happy place to be in is to keep it clean. This may sound obvious, but there's always the temptation to let things slip a little, and sooner or later, you're faced with a mess. Make it a habit to put things away, dust off the counters or dresser, keep things organized, and make the bed as soon as you get up in the morning! You'll find that this little tip makes a world of difference for the atmosphere of your space.
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New Year's Eve Handbook

With 2015 right around the corner, New Year's Eve celebrations are on the top of everyone's minds. Here's a few tips for hosting a sparkly soiree--perfect for welcoming in a new year, as well as ideas for what to wear, no matter what your New Year's plans may entail. Consider this your guide to New Year's Eve festivities!
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How To Wear: Summer Denim

I wore an outfit like this the other day, and it perfectly pulls together the classic style and the trends of summer. When I purchased my printed denim shirt (mine has a faint paisley pattern) I wanted to make sure that I didn't have too much of a rodeo feel when I wore it, so instead I went for a more classic and preppy look. Pairing it with a closet staple, navy shorts, and accenting it with a colorful statement necklace seemed to be the perfect option. Tucking it in with a gold belt (a favorite as of late!) adds a nice, clean finishing touch along with a little extra sparkle on the sandals and jewel stud earrings. I finished off the outfit with another favorite, my envelope clutch with zipper edging in cobalt blue. Hope this inspires you to create some fun summer outfits! This look can also be created with a regular chambray shirt or even a fun button down! 

How do you style your denim & chambray?
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Simple Summer Style

When it comes to all things lovely, be it style or interior design, I always look to Michaela & her blog for inspiration! Not only is she beautiful, her talent for creating and styling is also very impressive! I'm so thrilled to have her sharing with all of you today; be sure to check out her blog & say hello! 
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Hi Teatime Thoughts readers! I'm Michaela and I'm thrilled to be here today sharing a few of my favorite looks with you. When Candice asked me to share a bit of my style with you, I was excited! I'm an interior designer and stylist, but also love to put cute outfits together. What girl doesn't?! :)

My go-to outfit is always a dress.  They are easy, comfortable, fun and instantly girly.  Throw a sweater over your favorite dress and the outfit is perfect come Fall. Colored and patterned denim, as well as simple skirts and blouses are always a fun way to switch it up. Today I pulled a few of my favorite outfits as of lately!

outfit details 
 outfit details



If you want to learn how to do this waterfall braid, you can get the full tutorial here!

Thanks for having me today, my friend! Happy day!
xoxo
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She Likes..

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(Cardigan: c/o SHELIKES, Top: F21, Jeans: F21, Shoes: Bamboo, Necklace: vintage)
If there's one rule I like to follow most, it's got to be 'wear classic pieces with a twist'. It's easy and fun to do, and can take you from a holiday party to a day of running errands. This soft knit cardigan gets a splashy update with sequins and gold chain link detail. Thrown over a simple striped tee and paired with glittering loafers, it's a cozy and well-loved classic with a cheeky twist. You could also swap out jeans for a cranberry colored skirt and some gold heels and voila!, cocktail party ready. This sparkling sweater will be my go-to choice for my last minute shopping days, and an upcoming event this week. Treat yourself to one, and be sure to use the code Blog20 to get 20% off, happy shopping! :) 

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Coffee Talk: Amanda



Today you're in for a treat! I've got the lovely Amanda here to chat about style, fall trends, and a little behind the scenes of blogging. You're going to absolutely love her! Make sure to check out her blog afterwards! Ok, grab your mocha and let's chat!--C
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Hi there!  I'm Amanda and I blog over at Eloquent English!  A blog that has nothing to do with speaking eloquently, and everything to do with fashion, lifestyle and stuff.

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a little about me and a little about style...

So, how did you get into blogging?
To be honest, boredom.  With my job responsibilities, I found that I would go through major spurts of downtime.  I use to shop a lot online and I'm pretty sure the UPS man figured if there wasn't a package delivered that day I must have fallen ill.  I figured I should probably do something else other than spend money, so I started a blog.

What's the one thing you learned about yourself from blogging?
That the word 'eloquent' is rather ironic as I am a terrible writer!  Over the last year I've been able to practice my writing skills and hone in on what I really enjoyed writing about.  I think that's one of the most important things about having a blog.  Write about what you love!


I so agree! Now, let's talk fashion..How would you describe your personal style?
From day to day that can change, but for the most part I'm pretty simple and classic.  Some days I dress in Banana Republic and others I like to dress a little more down to earth in Urban Outfitters.  I guess it just depends on my mood.

What was your most recent purchase?
Hunter Rain Boots!  I'm not sure why I wanted so long to purchase them, oh I know why, because my husband thought I'd never wear them.  He was wrong!  I'm so glad I bought them!

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You've hit snooze one too many times..yikes! What's a quick go-to outfit when your running late?
I tend to layer a lot of clothes since I'm always cold.  I'd probably throw a pair of skinny jeans, my polka dot sweater and a cute pair of heels AND if my hair isn't blown out, I'd throw it up in a big ole bun!


What are your fall style essentials?
I think there are definitely some essentials for a persons closet including: Trench coat, nude pumps, skinny jeans, neutral cardigans, good watch, a pencil skirt or two, chambray shirt, colorful skinny belts to add a pop of color, well made t's and maxi skirts.


Fall Must Haves



J.Crew long sleeve top / J.Crew button shirt / Calypso St. Barth long top / Mango double breasted coat / 7 For All Mankind skinny fit jeans / J.Crew tall skirt / J.Crew tall skirt / Ankle length skirt, $52 / Camel pumps / Black shoes / FOSSIL sparkle jewelry / Warehouse metallic belt


Can you share your top 3 style tips?
1. If you find something that you love, it's okay to buy more than one of it.  If it works well, why not?
2. Be open minded!  Sometimes we say, 'it's cute, but it's not me'.  Try it on anyways, you never know!
3. Scarves are a great affordable accessory this time of year.  You can wrap it around your neck, wear it as a headband, tie it on your purse or wear it as a belt.  So many options!

Jeans and t-shirt or dress?
I'm definitely a jeans and a t-shirt girl.  I'm one for the utmost comfort!  Don't get me wrong, I still own plenty of dresses!

Flats or heels?
Heels all the way!  I have a lot of shoes, but I find myself grabbing my nude heels a lot.  For one, heels make you taller and at 5'4" I need a little height.  The nude color also makes your legs look longer! and the nude color matches almost everything.
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5 Fall Essentials


When thinking of a few key pieces for fall, it can be a somewhat overwhelming task to try and incorporate all the latest trends and looks, and with things constantly changing, it just seems best to take the classics and update them with a fresh look for this season. 

So, here's my top picks for fall's closet essentials. 

Blazer: A great fitting blazer is truly a staple. When thrown over a dress it adds a menswear appeal, and can be paired with jeans and a tee for errand running or a coffee date. Choose one that has a bit of a tailored waist to define and shape your middle. For curvier girls, a boyfriend blazer skims and slims your shape, just make sure that the sleeves are on the slim fitting side so things don't look sloppy. 

Boots: As soon as the first bit of crisp air arrives, it's time to bring out this season's favorite footwear. From ankle length to over the knee, there are oh so many options to choose from. Play around with color and heel height to create all kinds of fun looks. 

Colored Pants: Yes, this trend has been hanging out with us since spring, but it waltzes nicely into fall with a more muted and classy feel as colors change from summer's neon brights to rich shades of bordeaux, burgundy, plum, cobalt and deep green. If the bright hues of seasons past were too risky to try, this is the time to embrace the color trend...it's a fun departure from your classic jean. 

Handbag: Let's be honest, it's so much fun to get a new handbag for a new season, or to pull out the one you've been waiting to use since last year. A cross-body bag is a hands free option that is both fun and functional, especially when you're trying to hold multiple pumpkin spice lattes. Choose a bright shade, a classic black or cognac, or even a pretty pastel. There's no rules for what colors are off limits this season!

Scarf: This is a small accessory that makes a big statement. If you're ever crunched for time, and at a loss of what to wear, throw a pretty scarf over a plain top and pair with tailored jeans or cropped black pants..voila, instant outfit. Wrap a black top with a leopard print, try your cute infinity scarf with a dress and tights...here's your chance to experiment. Who says black scarves are the only option?

What will you be wearing this fall? 


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Styled: Ankle Boots




(Top: LOFT (old), Shorts: H&M, Tights: TJMaxx, Boots: CottonOn, Necklace: Juicy Couture)

I love the look of a thick tweed short paired with tights, especially in such a fun plum color! To keep the look soft, I paired the shorts with a pale pink button blouse. Some simple accessories like a long gold necklace and pearl earrings look fresh and pretty but don't distract. --C



(Sweater: F21, Jeans: F21, Necklace: Juicy Couture, Earrings: Kate Spade, Clutch: Thrifted, Boots: CottonOn)

I wanted to work with the balance of volume for this look. A oversized comfy sweater in a chunky knit stripe looks great when paired with a dark wash skinny jean. Sparkling jewels and a gold clutch are the finishing touches that make this outfit perfect for coffee dates or an early dinner with friends. --L





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Trending: Hi-Low



As a fashion enthusiast, I'm always looking to see how I can incorporate the latest trends into my outfits while still remaining true to my own personal style. Ariel has a similar take on fashion and always looks absolutely adorable in all of her fashion posts. Today she's chatting about the latest and very wearable trend in skirts & dresses! Enjoy! -C
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Hey, I’m Ariel over at On A Whim! I am so excited to be guest posting on Candice’s adorable blog today. She always puts together the cutest outfits and I love reading her weekly fashion posts.

With that in mind,

Let’s talk fashion. The Hi-Low trend in particular. 



I’ve never been a huge fan of this trend. It’s kind of like a dress with a beaver tail on it. In the Victorian era, the dress was actually nicknamed the “fishtail”. 

However, since the trend first became popular, it has definitely grown on me. It adds so much dimension to an outfit and creates a look that is right in between casual and formal. 



Here is one that I found at one of my favorite thrift stores. It has become one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe. I chose to pair it with a solid black sweater to make the look a little more casual but easy to remove for a more elegant look.

Thanks so much for having me Candice! Again, I love hearing your fashion tips and had so much fun sharing a few of mine!

Will you rock a hi-low skirt? 

-Ariel
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Chambray, 3 Ways


One of the best ways to maximize your wardrobe is to re-imagine pieces you already own. I like to try and create three outfits with a particular piece, which makes getting dressed oh so simple! Today, my sister & I styled a classic, chambray shirt a few different ways..taking you from a girls night out to a casual day of classes. 

(Top: TJMaxx, Skirt: F21, Shoes: Pour la Victoire, Clutch: Ulta, Necklace: Dillards)
DENIM & LACE
Denim gets a glamorous update when paired with a chantilly lace skirt in shades of onyx and blush. A few pleats and a delicate inky ruffle peeking out from underneath balance the utility feel of the chambray. To continue the feminine feel of the outfit, I chose a pair of jet black suede pumps and a sparkling statement necklace. For a night out, I'd rather not take a big bag, so a metallic clutch in a muted gold is understated yet still very chic. 
(Top: F21, Jeans: F21, Shoes: Toms, Necklace: Anna & Ava, Earrings: Kate Spade)
DENIM ON DENIM
Denim on denim is one of the hot trends for fall; however, it tends to be a tricky one to pull off. I have found that the easiest way to wear this style is to play with opposites. For this look I put together a casual light wash chambray shirt with tailored and sleek dark wash skinny jeans. By using fitted pants with a looser top, you can achieve a nice balance, and the contrast between dark and light, tones down the denim on denim effect. To add length to the silhouette, I added dark wedges, and to finish off the look, I wore a white gem statement necklace, sparkling earrings,  and a chic and easy ponytail. 

(Top: TJMaxx, Pants: H&M, Shoes: Pour la Victoire, Necklace: F21, Bag: Steve Madden)
DENIM & PRINT
Printed pants have been everywhere this season, and to be honest, I've been a little wary of the trend until I found this cute, cropped pair at H&M. The print is just right and the burgundy color is so of the moment. This outfit is so simple; however, the details look thoughtful, making it the perfect outfit to choose when you're crunched for time. When worn with the chambray top and a patent cross-body bag, you're ready for a trip to the museum, brunch or a day of classes. 
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Simply Styled

I'm so excited about the fun week of fashion ahead! Stay tuned for some fabulous tips, fall trends, and how-to ideas for dressing this season. If you have any fashion questions you'd like answered, tweet to me @Candiceelaineh using the tag #simplystyled and let's chat! 

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Coming Up





(Top: TJMaxx, Skirt: c/o Lavish Alice, Shoes: Zara, Photos: Alyssa Shrock Photography)

After keeping up with all of the fun textures, prints and colors strutting down the runway at New York Fashion Week, and getting some emails asking for some how-to tips for simple and effortlessly chic outfits, I put together a mini series to share with you. Starting next week, we'll dive into the tips & tricks of simple and chic style. 

We'll cover all types of topics like creating on trend outfits from things you already own, how to put together looks for different occasions, ideas for maximizing your wardrobe and the top 5 pieces of clothing you should own. It's going to be a great week, and I'd love for you to participate as well! If you have a style question, I'd love for you to send it my way, and I'll answer it in a post that will be included in next week's series! 


Have a fantastic Monday!
-Candice
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Find Me Here


I've been asked to share a few style tips in some fun places lately, so stop by and say hello! Perhaps you'll find something that will inspire you :)

The You Are Project:
-How to create fall's trends with things you already own

Lydia Mag:
-Practical style tips, Finding confidence as a Style Blogger & the perfect pair of shoes


Happy Thursday, everyone!
-Candice
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Transitions


As much as I LOVE summer, it's about time to acknowledge fall's arrival. While the stores begin to show all kinds of deep, dark colors and warm coats, there's no need to rid your closet completely of summer pieces. With a few tweaks, you can expertly combine your summer favorites into a perfect outfit for transitioning effortlessly into fall's vibrant style. 

Begin by choosing a simple shift dress..that striped one from summer's nautical trend works perfectly when combined with a colorful cardigan in a rich shade. Add pops of cobalt, one of fall's big colors in accessories, like a belt and pointed toe flats, and finish off the look with some mixed metal bangles and hammered gold earrings. For a more daring combination, try mixing stripes and polka dots (a major trend for the season) and cinch your waist with a lime green belt or play with complimentary color combinations like plum and yellow. 

Something to try for a smooth summer to fall transition is a simple swap of your sandals for some cute loafers or colored ballet flats. J.Crew and Target both have some adorable options to choose from. Don't be afraid to play with color in your accessories, especially jewelry and belts; these are quick and rather inexpensive ways to incorporate some of fall's trending looks. 

What are some of your favorite looks for fall? 

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Three Things on Thursday


Yay! It's Thursday.. here's a few things on my mind today.

1. I wrote for The You Are Project about style..perhaps you'll find a helpful tip or two? :)

2. Thank you to all who entered the amazing Celebrate Summer giveaway! Congratulations to the winners..click to see if you've won! :)

3. Meet my newest sponsor! You'll absolutely love her!

Hi, I am Chantal, a city girl with a big fat southern heart! I love to love and have a huge passion for fashion, parties and seeing broken young women set free and made whole. I started BeVirtue totally led by the Lord with a huge passion to help girls I might not ever meet elsewhere. Nothing warms my heart like putting up a blog post and getting an email or comment about how much it helped someone, that's what this is all about. That is why I blog! xoxo I'd love to connect with you! Find me on:


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Have a great Thursday everyone!
-Candice
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Day to Night








(Outfit 1: Top: Francesca's Collections, Shorts: Lilly Pulitzer, Shoes: Target, Bag: Michael Kors, Jewelry: Anna & Ava
Outfit 2: Top: Francesca's Collections, Jeans: Lilly Pulitzer, Shoes: F21, Clutch: Thrifted, Necklace: Anna & Ava, Bracelet: Lauren Elizabeth)

One of my favorite style secrets is creating outfits that can transform from day to night seamlessly. I worked with the same colors and jewelry tones, but was able to create two different looks. A pair of scalloped shorts is perfect for lunch and running errands, keeping the look classic by adding gold and white accents throughout the accessories and finishing off with a nude wedge (my favorite). 

To dress things up, I stayed with white on the bottom, and chose a crisp pair of white skinny jeans. Since it is an evening look, glitter heels replace the wedges and a shimmering pearl clutch is perfect for grabbing on the way out the door. To really add a glittering touch, a sparkling statement necklace is the final piece to compliment, not compete with the print. It's fun without being too much. 
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