Color Wheel

February 10, 2015
Colors
It another How To Tuesday and we are talking about colors!!!  Colors can be combined in many different ways. Instead of thinking you should match your colors, think about matching colors that go together.  There are four main ways to coordinate colors that "go" based off of the color wheel.  Below are the four ways illustrated.       

Color_Wheel



The color wheel is actually really easy to use and can be extremely helpful when it comes to putting together flattering colors. Alternatively, you can create some unlikely, yet intriguing, color combinations for fashion-forward looks. Please note, to pull off these looks one must carry themselves with loads of confidence.  To become a good "Closet Mixologist" you need to understand the basic differences of color relationships. There is a wealth of information the color wheel holds but let's start with the basic guidelines and then you may change them if you want!


 Monochromatic color scheme  (or wearing colors of the same hue) are simple to put together but, when done right, can look very polished and well put together. Take different shades and tones of one color.   Think of ombre pieces as an easy way to incorporate different shades of one color into your outfit.  A monochromatic color scheme will always achieve a complimentary and appealing outfit.  Don't choose two shades of light blues that almost look the same unless held up next to one another.   You want to achieve a visible distinction between the blues.  Textures aren't as important.  Use a neutral shoe and accessories in a contrasting color. 
Blue_tint_Monochromatic

Monochromatic_Blue_Outfit


Complementary color scheme is vibrant and contrasting with colors opposite each other on the color wheel.  This is also know as color opposites.  With bold confidence, and a not for the faint of heart attitude,  these color combinations are attention-grabbing and great color-blocking ensembles.  Always remember to accessorize.  Finish your look with a statement necklace or stack of bracelets that fit in the scheme.



Complimentary_Color_Wheel






Color Triad is exactly what it sounds like.  Three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel.  This is a lively combination.  It allows you to be adventurous while still playing it safe.  In order to tone down the look, it always helps to choose one color to dominate the outfit and then use the two others as the accents of the outfit. Try choosing one color to dominate your outfit, then accessorize with perhaps a bright bag, or scarf with one or both colors from the triad. 


Color_Triad




Analogous Colors is the simplest to achieve.  This is three colors located next to each other on the color wheel.  Pick any one color amongst the three as your main color and accent your outfit with the other two adjacent colors.  This look is very harmonious and creates a pleasing to the eye outfit.


Color_Wheel_Analogous




Next week I am sharing with you how to become a Master Mixologist with your wardrobe so you will want to refer back to these illustrations! 



Pattern Mixing

February 17, 2015
bags
For this weeks how to Tuesday I am talking all about mixing things up.  Whether you have a go-to color combination (mine just happens to be pink and anything)... or crushing the Pantone 2015 color Marsala an earthy wine red color, or you simply enjoy sticking to the classics, you can become a Closet Mixologist!  By following some simple color rules you can help yourself create an effortless-looking outfit in no time.
There are three levels to pattern mixing or "Closet Mixology" so you can find your own comfort level by starting off easy and working your way into the next level.    

For the Beginners ~ The easiest way to begin mixing prints is to simply replace your solid colored top with a monochromatic pattern in that same color.

For the Intermediates ~ Once you've replaced your navy top with a navy polka dot top, try mixing two prints with one unifying color.

For the Master Mixers ~ After you've mastered coordinating  two patterns with one color, try adding one more.  The easiest way to add a third pattern is by adding a monochromatic or neutral pattern.  Oftentimes, my "neutral" is leopard.

Here are some examples of how I pattern mix. See how I start simple with a pattern pant, and a smaller pattern on my bag mixed with a analogous color blouse and my wedges act as my neutral. 


Outfit_green_gingham_pants


Remember these pants from last week I paired with my varsity sweater, well here they are again this time with stripes. 

Floral_pants_ann_Taylor

Below are some examples of my pattern mixing outfits I have shared with you.  
Pattern_mixing

Closet Mixology Rules: (I use the term "rules" loosely.)
#1  Leopard is always a neutral (As well as black, white and gray)

#2  Vary the size and scale of your prints (You DO NOT want two large prints - you will look
       like a hot mess!)
#3  Two patterns is easy, three is perfect, four if you dare but please stop there!

#4  Use a grounding unified color when combining two multi-colored patterns. 
      (Ex: Orange is the dominate color in both prints, then opt for a skinny solid orange belt or a
        solid pump. Match the color, not the pattern.)
#5  These rules don't just apply to your closet.... branch out into your living room or 
      bedroom and have some fun decorating. 

#6  Keep a printout of the color wheel in your closet as a reference.

 #7  Most importantly, have fun with your closet!


Patterns_coordinate_mixing

How to get the most out of your next Vacation

June 30, 2015
bags

Before you can blink  we will be in full on summer and vacations will be on everyone's calendar if they're not already.  I have  made vacation plans and now it's time to pack.  A little over two weeks from now I will be in Southern California!  Are you going somewhere?  Today I want to share tips on packing which for some is a nightmare.  Are you an over packer?  You know the kind... she has three bags for a weekend getaway. Or what about a last minute kinda gal?  She throws whatever is clean in her bag and hopes it matches.  Or the worst..... The over thinker of your choices? This is the gal who has laid out her choices on her spare bed three weeks in advance, has a diagram as to how it goes in the bag, and is constantly changing out items only to find that the change has a domino effect in other outfits.


Make a List
Arriving at your destination and realizing you have missed packing something vital will ensure a mini meltdown.  Having a packing list will help.  As soon as you book your trip you should start with your list, so that you can add things as they occur to you. Starting your list early offers a fail-safe for your packing; hopefully you will not forget anything important.  Below is a standard list that almost ever trip requires.  You will want to tailor and build your list for your destination. 

So lets break it down

How to Pack:

 
Start by gathering the basic items you can mix and match through out several outfits.  This would consist of your tanks, solid tees, and at least one striped, one LBD, denim shorts,  and a khaki jacket. These items will be the foundation to your travels so having good versatile items is a must.   Depending on the climate of your destination,  this could also consist of leggings, boots and a wool hat for colder, and a cover up, comfy sandals, and a straw hat for warmer temps.  This brings me to the next step.

Check the weather.  Knowing what the temperature will be is your compass for packing correct items.  I will never forget the first time I took the boys to San Francisco.  It was summer and naturally we expected it to be warm and sunny.  After all, we were in California!!  To all our surprise it is windy and colder by the bay with the breeze coming in off the water and we were freezing.  Now it made sense why so many gift shops were selling fleece jackets!  They new dummies would come unprepared like us! If your destination is to a different country, research the culture and styles of what woman are wearing to prevent you from arriving and feeling uncomfortable in your wardrobe. 

Choose your color scheme.  If you are headed to say Florida, you would probably pack pastels or lighter colors.  However, if your destination is say Seattle, you would pack more utilizing colors.  Which ever your coast or destination is, pack a few key neutrals to mix and match.  A maxi skirt is a solid neutral color, a pair of denim or khaki shorts, one long sleeve top (in case evenings get chilly or rain blows in).  Now add a few color pieces that will mix and match.  More than one color is great just make sure they are compatible as well.  Refer to this post on The Color Wheel for ideas of what works.

Shoes for Every outfit.  Shoes are the bulkiest items to pack and you will waste valuable real estate in your suitcase if you don't choose wisely.  If at all possible wear your biggest pair of shoes traveling. Think of the types of activities you will be doing to help you select the right shoes.  A nice pair of classic heels, a pair of ballet or foldable flats, a good pair of walking shoes like tennis shoes, and of course a pair of sandals.  If you are headed to a city rather than a beach destination switch out the sandals for a pair on ankle boots. Tip:  Pack smaller items in the empty space between the pairs of shoes to save room. Roll up your swim suit, socks, undies, any small items are great.  

Lay it out.  This is very similar to how you would plan your weeks outfits.  Lay your selections out on the bed placing items that will work in several outfits side by side with the item between them.  Visualization is key here to a successful outfit instead of a panic in a hotel room.  Count your days and count your outfits.  Tip:  Always have one item that is for emergency purposes, generally a top or shift dress.  You will use this item in case of a spill or tear in what you have planned out.

Accessorize.  Now that you have everything laid out on the bed, start placing your accessories on the outfits.  A nice statement necklace for evening perhaps in clear crystals so not to fight with your color scheme and it will go with everything.  Select two pair of earrings.  One longer... like a hoop or tassels, and one pair of studs like these.  A floppy hat is great if you have the room and even a scarf.    This is great to travel with in your carry on to keep warm on the plane.  Your hats should go in the center of your suitcase with small items in the hat to maintain its shape and other items rolled up around and on the brim of your hat.  You should ditch the bigger purse for vacay and stick with a tote to travel with and a cross body as your smaller bag.  Not only will your cross body allow you the freedom of sightseeing, and not be so heavy, but also a more secure way to keep your valuables while out.  Keep the cross body in front of you.  I see a lot of girls with their bags on their hips or even worse, behind them. You tote doubles as your carry on with your camera, reading material, bag, scarf, snacks, all your chargers  and whatever else you like.  Once you arrive your tote now becomes your shopping bag if you have a kitchenette or do a little souvenir shopping to place your purchases in. 

Beauty.  This can make or break a successful packing.  Try to find travel size items in all your toiletries.  If you can't find them purchase a package of empty travel bottles and fill them with your products.  A flat iron is pretty slim lined and can tuck neatly in the center of your suitcase to help protect it during travels.  Most hotels now offer hairdryers so that's a plus. Don't forget your nail polish.  You can touch up any chips your toes may encounter.  Tip:  Place your makeup bag in your carryon.  If your luggage for some mysterious reason doesn't show up when you do, you will at least be able to freshen up. And who wants to repurchase all of your makeup if it stays lost?!!! Not me!



Now that I have shared the essentials to summer travels, I want to share a few of the little details and my checklists.


Roll it up

Roll your clothes to save space and for items that tend to wrinkle bad, roll them up with a drycleaner bag.  Unpack your suitcase first thing to allow plenty of time for wrinkles to fall out.  A slight mist of warm water will also help on cotton fabrics to drop wrinkles.  Packing your bag efficiently can save you on checked luggage.  Most airlines charge a fee for the first bag and fees range any where from $25 to $75 dollars with a weight limit of 50 lbs.  That may seem like a lot but trust me.... you reach the weight limit quicker than imagined.  I have had to open my bag at the ticket counter to remove enough to reach right under the weight limit only to add to my already heavy carryon. 


The Carry on

To me my carry on is the most important bag of my trip.  Having the right items in your carry on is important especially if  you have ever had a piece of luggage lost.   I always keep my jewelry in my carry on and I like my makeup in my carry-on.  Finally, I keep a scarf, baby wipes,  my glasses and contact case, iPhone charger and ear buds, reading materials, hair accessories, laptop and charger.  

 So, where are you off to this summer? 

 

Four Favorites|Radiant Orchid

January 08, 2014
Colors
I'm not going to lie.  Radiant Orchid is not going to be a favorite for me this year.  I am allergic to purple.   Like anaphylactic shock kinda allergic.  (Okay, that is my flair for the dramatic) but you are getting my drift that it's not my color.  


 I avoid hues, tints, shades, cousins of the color, and anything too awfully close on the color wheel to purple. Maybe I was scared as a child with the color, but for whatever the reason I do not like purple. I make no bones about it either! 

That doesn't mean I can't admire a touch of Radiant Orchid for you though!!  My four favorites this week are classy displays of the color, and while you wouldn't find me wearing it, I would definitely admire the hue on you!  Just keeping it real, and living authentic!! 



1 | 2 | 3 | 4


What are your four favorites this week?  Link up and share! 

 
Linking up here too!

Tiffany blue shorts

July 19, 2016
Bracelets
Happy Tuesday!  It's a heat wave in Kansas and that pretty much means you melt Every.  Single.  Time.  you step outside.  I don't mind the heat so much,  but I don't like the humidity.  Today I am sharing my tank I originally shared from my trip to Laguna Beach last summer; this time I paired it with these gorgeous blue shorts.  They remind me of the color of a little blue Tiffanys box.  Speaking of little gift boxes, I have been so wrapped up in the planning of my trip to Palm Beach coming up I haven't mentioned I have a birthday coming up too!  I will be in Florida this year to celebrate and I think it's the first time I haven't been home on my birthday!  I guess that means we will have to have multiple celebrations!!  I am actually hoping we will be snorkeling on my birthday.   Either way, it will be a day of celebrating with sunshine and cocktails! 

Styling tip:  When pairing two blues together, they don't need to match if there is a complimentary color breaking them up.  This outfit has a turquoise necklace paired with these light blue shorts.  The orange, as a complimentary color in my tank pairs well with both colors and acts a a great divider between the two shades.  If you are wanting to experiment with colors you may read my entire post on the color wheel here.  I urge you to step out of your comfort zone a bit and have some fun.  Orange is not a favorite for me, but I do love the two blues together.  







Shorts  //  Similar tank here and here //  Earrings  c/o  // Sunnies  //  Necklace  //  Sandals  //  LV Handbag  similar here //  Lipstick  //  Cuff c/o  // 


This post is linked up.  See my link up page for all the links I love.


Pattern Mixing Trends

February 04, 2016
Ann Taylor
Put me in pink and I am going to shine.  It's just a fact.  This Express Portofino shirt is awesome and on sale right now.  I paired it with my Ann Taylor windowpane slacks with of course a pop of leopard.  I shared a peek of this outfit on my instagram and facebook earlier this week and received a lot of comments about pattern mixing.  I shared an entire post on pattern mixing you may read here.  I love a pattern challenge if you will call it that.  Mixing patterns really is easy.  If you are new to pattern mixing, or afraid of it then start simple.  Take your solid color item in your outfit and add one item that is a pattern.  Remember the color wheel rules... I shared that post with you here.  One thing to remember is sizing your patterns.  Don't put two small scales together just like you wouldn't put two large scale prints together.  Balance them. 


Style Tip:  Pocket placement on your jeans and slacks can make an huge impact on your shape and appearance.  Be sure to always check out your bum in the mirror to determine if they make your butt appear bigger, or flat.  

 Depending on your shape, choose a smaller print for the top if you are busty to not accentuate it.  Like wise if you are broad in the hips or thighs, use patterns that are smaller as they look best on the bottom half.  The exception to this is an extremely large print could be worn on your pants or skirt if the cut of the clothing is appropriate.  An A Line skirt, or a wide straight leg trouser is a good example.  Bottom line is...you know your body shape and what works. If your smallest part of your figure is under your bust line, then find items that draw the eye to this area with a fuller skirt.  Pair a cute cardigan with a belt and position the belt under your bust line.  Trust me it works!   This will make you look bustier if you already are so just know that. 







Pants  //  Top (On Sale BOGO 1/2)  //  Blanket Scarf  //  Shoes  //  Bracelets  //  Sunglasses  //  Lipstick  // Earrings  //

Stock Photo Workshop

December 22, 2015
DIY
Can you believe we are in the final countdown to 2016?  This year has gone by so fast.  So many great and exciting things happened this year.  I shared how to use the color wheel here, and the perfect pattern mixing guide here, and the biggest thing to happen this year; the launch of The Blog Guild.  You can read about our launch party here and learn more about who we are and what we do here.  You will see we added our first affiliate city already too.  St. Louis has now launched their own The Blog Guild St. Louis and if you are local to that area you should contact them and join.  I know they have something planned for early next year too.  Speaking of plans.... we have our first workshop of 2016 already planned and we couldn't be more excited.  You don't have to be a member, or even a blogger to benefit from this workshop; you just have to want to make pretty images.   Tickets are already selling fast and we want to make sure you get yours.  Add this to your Christmas list or tuck it in your stocking for yourself.  You won't want to miss this I promise!

The-Blog-Guild-Styling-Workshop


It's been in the works for awhile now, and now we're so excited to share our very first workshop as The Blog Guild with you. Shoot + Style: Stock Photography Workshop is the title, and we're partnering with some amazing peeps including, The Bloom Academy, and River Market Event Place just to name a few. 
This will be an in depth event with tips on curating, styling, and shooting your own original stock photo flat lays, as well as hands on work time to create your own images. You'll be leaving with some great knowledge, and actual photos you can start using right away for your blog or social media. We hope you guys will join us for what will be the first of many amazing workshops with The Blog Guild! Find out more and get tickets here: http://www.theblogguild.com/#!workshops/c1cv8

Transitioning Tunics for Fall

September 16, 2015
bags
One of my favorite looks so far with this tunic is this combination.   I'm pretty sure by now you can see how many ways I have styled this tunic and I can only hope you have picked one of the colors up for yourself! The light blue is on sale too!   You can see the other ways I styled my tunic here, and  here.  Taking an ordinary stripe and shopping within my own closet brought this entire look together.  Refer back to this post how I share pattern mixing and this post on the balance from the color wheel If you need a reminder of what and how to mix your patterns and colors.  Are you thinking about what is in your closet that can transition into fall?  

How_to_Transition_White_Denim


Wearing_pink_with_stripes


White_Accessories



Jeans ~ Tunic ~ Scarf ~ Sunnies ( Love These)  ~ Cuff c/o ~ Watch ~ Earrings ~Lipstick ~ Clutch ~ Keychain ~ Shoes ~

Race for the Cure Kansas City

August 14, 2012
Events
 I participated this past weekend in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on my sister's team.  She is a one year survivor of breast cancer. She was unable to walk last year as she had just had her double mastectomy three weeks earlier. Her husband pushed her in a wheel chair the entire walk.  Her office organized a team for her last year and aptly named it The Hail Mary's.  Fitting for my sister if you know her.  She has a deep faith, and is named Mary.  We met at her team tent before the race to visit the sponsors booths, and take in the sights.  Let me tell you, there were some sights!  It was touching to see what friends and family will do for their loved ones in the face of this terrible cancer.  There were team names such as Joy's Jugs, Save second base, And Julie's yacht club,  Keeping motor boating alive! 

We were up at 5am to have plenty of time to get downtown and find a place to park.  When there are 30k people all needing to be at the same place at the same time, it could make parking a challenge. We ended up a mile from the race venue, so all told we logged over 5 miles for the morning!!  It was a perfect day for the race, not too hot, with a cool breeze and the sun was not beating down on us!  There were several bands set up on different street corners to entertain the runner/walkers.  Everyone was there for the same reason.  It was a great day for a great cause and I can't wait for next year.  I am bring bloody mary 's for after the race in the tent.  After all, that would be in keeping with my sister's name!! 


You could also name the race Tutu's for Tata's and it would fit as well.  There were tutu's in every style, color, and gender wearing!!  Men were proud to support their wives. 
This husband wore a unitard for the walk to support his wife who was with him.  He was so funny when I first asked him If I could take his picture, his wife stepped out of the picture so he could posed for me!!  
Photos by Lisa 

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