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Calling all sandals and tights! Yes, to be worn together!
12 weeks 7 hours

Embrace the sandals and tights look!  Here’s how to feel comfortable while getting your hands around an idea that has recently been questioned by many of us!
 

Pair your opaque tights with your chunky sandals for a chic way to wear those beloved foot gems all year round.  I love the contrast between a saddle color sandal and black tight, just rich looking!  The reason I mention pairing a chunky and gutsy sandal with your tight is because you do want to avoid wearing your skimpy, strappy sandal with your tights!  The look is lost in translation and if this was your only attempt at the trend than no wonder you think the look just doesn’t work!  But trust!  It does!  Just Think THICK!  Think sandal straps and thick tights!
 

The other take on this season’s trend is to pair your peep toes pumps and booties with tights.  Again, just a few things to keep in mind so you’re on point or should I say “peep”!  Make sure you are the proud owner of the seamless toe tights.  Meaning, when you do wear the peep toe pumps or sandals the first thing we notice is NOT the toe seam!  What was our reminder word?  THICK!  Thick straps for sandals and thick texture for tights (opaque tight) will allow you to execute this trend perfectly! 
 

Look we are going for….
http://www.alreadypretty.com

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Happy pairing and as always, send me your pairing pics at keely@keelystyle.com

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Before you put those "summer" itmes away...
12 weeks 6 days

Before you put those “summer” items away…
 

Hold on just a moment!  Yes you!  Of course I am proud of you for talking the initiative and transferring all of the seasonal items out to make room for the appropriate fall wear but what makes you so sure that the items you are putting away for fall only spring and summer appropriate? 
 

Take me for example, today I have a spaghetti strap black and ivory colored maxi under a black V-neck men’s sweater belted with my favorite Ol’ Gringo cowboy boots!


 

How do I know that you almost stored away treasures for a long winter’s nap?  Because I almost did too!  And this dress was one of them.  Remember, we all do better when we have items that are options in our closets (meaning every item has passed the test of style, size, color and fit) as well as the basics to work with.  Leaving the “summer” items and making them work for fall gives us the options we need and want!  I am a big believer in using what you have instead of buying all new for each season so let’s build on that!
What makes a piece summary?  Color being pastels, light neutrals or bright bold colors…  Patterns being floral and fabric being light weight such as linen or sheer…
 

I am going to use my closet as an example to show you how to execute using your summer pieces as perfect fall pieces too!
Take this lace skirt as a perfect example of an item that I was going to put away for fall until I decided that I didn’t have to nor did I want to!  In fact, I had just recently bought it and haven’t even come close to wearing all of the outfits I have in mind for this lacey feminine piece.

 This is just one example of how to wear this skirt for fall!  I love the neutrals together and I love more the textures of the faux fur, lace and embroidery on the boots together!  Now, you may mention legs and what to do with them as they get pasty white and how will that look with an ivory skirt?  Well we all saw what it looked like on one of my recent blogs and it wasn’t pretty.  You have 2 options, leggings, in this case I would stay with the same color of light neutral palette or you could go with a darker neutral and I would choose a charcoal gray or camel.  Your second option is to be spray tanned weekly (which I do for a lot of my clients) as part of your winter maintenance which is my preference.  I personally love showing a little leg in the winter since we all tend to typically cover up.  Now, if it is freezing outside you will see me rock the leggings with a skirt but more than likely be in a warmer bottom option all together.
 

The next example that I grabbed out of my closet was this ivory linen shirt.  I am going to give you a few options with this one to show you how limitless the options can be and to encourage you to try this at home in your closet!

We have all had the “can’t wear white after Labor Day” rule stuck in our head for years.  I know because I am asked about it all the time.  I am not only here to tell you that you can but show you also! I have shown the ivory linen shirt under a silver embellished vest with navy and black leopard leggings and nude satin heels to pull it all together for an evening look.
 

The next example I used another vest.  Linen top with a black vest gives the look a nice contrast.  I choose to pair the shirt and vest with my leather pants (that I have owned for 9 years and that’s why you always buy boot cut in investment pieces because boot cut/ straight leg will always be in) and satin nude heels.  I love the nude heel with the ivory shirt and just think it pulls the whole outfit together and gives it that polished evening outfit touch we all desire.

In the next example I also used another jacket because I wanted to show a floral pattern that many would also consider putting away for spring.  The ivory shirt again is under the floral jacket and paired with the leather pants.  Keep in mind, I can easily switch the leather with my favorite pair of jeans and have the perfect day look or evening look as well!

Finally, keeping with the layering theme of vests and jackets; here is the perfect go to outfit using my ivory shirt that I almost put away!  I have paired the shirt with my favorite charcoal blazer and perfect fitting boot cut jeans.  You know how I refer to outfits or items as sometime being “no brainers” well this is the perfect example of that!  How cute is it too?

I can already hear you guys asking; “what if I don’t want to wear a second layer over the ivory shirt”?  I’m so glad you asked because I thought about that too...

There you have it!  Ivory shirt tucked in with a full length pleated maxi, black elastic belt with chiffon/ lace flower and black and ballet pink flats.
 

The only thing left to do is to add my own personal touch and style these outfits with accessories!  Boy am I sure glad I didn’t put this shirt with my other summer and spring items.  I now have my whole week’s worth out outfits planned!  Hmmm, I wonder what else I can get out of the closet and use for fall that I stored away?
Please send your summer to fall pictures my way at keely@keelystyle.com
 

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Layers for a Colorado Fall
12 weeks 6 days

 

Need a seasonal closet wardrobe update for fall?  This small shopping list executed correctly is garaunteed to awaken the sleepiest wardrobes of all!
 
Now you know the first place I am going to start before I begin is on my soap box.  Of course it is and I can’t say it enough!  Can you hear me from up here?  You must have the basics to begin.  When you read any article similar to this one or any other resource that touches on wardrobe updates the catch is that you must have the basics to begin with already in your closet.  If this is not indeed the case you know I can help!
 
Alright!  Moving on!
 
To give your closet a wee little face lift for the brisk chilly air you are going to want to have some fashion  fun and use layers to your wardrobe’s advantage.   The layering trick will come in handy on the days we have to brush snow off our cars in terribly low temps and then work in an office environment where it is nice, toasty and warm and we won’t be needing the heavier layers we initially put on to brave the cold temps.  As we strip down from the heavier layers we still want to look put together and not be caught in our thermal long under wear!  Am I right?  You never want to depend on wearing a jacket if you can’t take it off because you’re not comfortable in what’s hiding underneath!  I love layering so much!  It reminds me of undoing those beautifully hand crafted Russian dolls that all fit inside each other and the dolls get smaller and smaller with each one you open!  Layering is full of surprises but you need the right tools!  Use this layering shopping list to guide you! 
 
Faux Fur Vest-
 

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx?view=2&app=detail&params=item^A93632,RecTypeInd^IOFFER,navlist^A93632*A203351*A210915*,cp^detail,tmp^related,cpprod^A217566,cm_scid^dtlr&walk=&cmtags=

 

This vest can be paired with many of your basics!  Such as your black turtle neck, oxford button down or even your nautical long sleeved shirt!
 
Long Sleeve Maxi Dress-
 

http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/168283?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-ProductFeed-_-T_by_Alexander_Wang-_-Dresses&siteID=QFGLnEolOWg-q3AFVIGV2lNsNaJkO5vjTg

 

This one piece is truly a must!  I wear mine constantly!  This is a great piece to layer opaque tights under for those burrrr days or a “go to” tight on the days it is a bit warmer.  This is such a great core piece and can be layered with anything from your basics!  Blazer, faux fur vest, leather jacket, white button down belted, trench, navy sweater… you get the idea, the options go on forever and who doesn’t love a” no brainer” option!
 
The Sheer Shirt-
 
 
Remember, I did say that we were going to have fun with our layering items and this is a great way to do that!  I’m sure you have read my “how to wear animal print” blog, not to mention seen the big statement women are making everywhere with the prints!  Add a little “roar” by just having the perrrr-fect amount of animal print without it letting the cat kingdom take over your entire closet!  This can be worn with you long sleeve maxi, perfectly fitting pair of jeans, leather jacket, under your navy sweater, with your blazer and faux fur vest!  I would even see what it looked like over our collared white sleeve button down belted… again, so many options to chose from all because we have the staples to start with, right?!?
 
The Poncho-
 
 
I love this poncho for obvious reasons.  It is chic, fitted at the waist and neutral.  This seriously can go over all of our basics as well as the ones mentioned above and on our shopping list!  We will be needing this layer on those chilly days on the way to the office!  This can also be dressed up and go from day to night over an LBD!  I love the versatility!
 
The Light Weight Sweater-
 
 
 
This light weight sweater is key!  This can be worn over as well as under any other layering items AND can make a beautiful outfit (as seen in the image) all by itself!  Try belting it and adding a fun scarf or pair with your maxi and vest!  The list goes on and on which is the idea whole idea and why
 
I heart layering!
 
The Leather Wrap Belt-
 
 
 
A waist is a terrible thing to waste! It is however easy to do in the fall in winter seasons because we do layer so much and can lose our waist in doing so!  The trick is to buy pieces that are fitted or take pieces to the tailor that could use more of a fitted shape.  The other option is to belt your clothing.  So many women tell me they can’t wear belts.  You know what I am going to say here and that is that most woman can it just needs to be the right belt!  Belts for me just give a little je ne sais pas… the final touch!  People tell me they want to look polished without trying too hard and this is one of the best ways to do that!  Just belt it!  This DVF leather tie belt can again be worn with most anything and is flattering on most figures.  Because of the width of the belt and the tie in the front it can compete with being worn over bulkier pieces like your faux fur vest or blazer.  It can also make the most delicate touch when worn over our staples like the black turtle neck, white button up and the light weight sweater also on our shopping list!
 
Looking over the list above I hope you can see and understand why these are all such great items and would make perfect additions to your fall wardrobe!  So go ahead and revive your ensembles with just a few purchases!
 
I am so looking forward to see what all of you check off on your new layering shopping lists!  Pretty puhhh-lease email me your finds at keely@keelystyle.com and let me know if you have any questions along the way by emailing me or by using the “ask Keely” tool on my site!
 
 
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Laura Mercier Face Illuminator
12 weeks 6 days

 

You know I take finding the best products very seriously! I feel a responsibility and excitement to report what I am over the moon about! I must say that finding this product didn't come easily in fact, it was quite a chase! All worth it in the end for this new makeup bag BFF!
 
I am often asked what is the best accessory is on a woman? My answer is simple! Her skin! It doesn't matter what size carat diamond studs are flashing from your ears, your skin is the most noticed and the most engaging. We spend time and money investing in ourselves and skin has to be a priority and at the top of the list! This is easy with a product so brilliant! 
 
Laura Mercier brings the most golden, luminous and fresh face illuminator yet!
 
This marvelous magic is at the tip of your wand and can be applied at your vanity and in your car (while in a parking lot or at a stop light of course)! In fact, I am heading to Nordstrom's to return my other just purchased illuminator because it just doesn't compare to this one by Laura! I will also be picking up a few more of these easy pick me ups for my car, purse and gym bag!
 
I can only try to describe the look! First, this powder goes only where you put it and is easy to control where that is! It is a powder versus a cream which can be more difficult to apply in small or specific locations. This powder can also be built on! You can put on the slightest hint of glow or go for the full fresh sun kissed look! This powder is all season appropriate!  For summer it gives the hint of sun and in winter it is perfect for a holiday glow.  This powder goes on smoothly and evenly! The final look is flawless and the color is so rich!
 
Give this face illuminator a go-glow! Believe me, it won't be a product that ends up in your makeup graveyard! 
 
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