A Diva State of Mind

When Tramaine asked on Instagram where she could find wide leg printed pants, I should’ve known right away! I love wide leg pants and I’m addicted to printed pants right now.

After a little research, I found a variety of retailers that sell them. H&M and Macy’s offer wide leg pants that will look great worn with flat sandals this summer. Depending on where you work, a wide leg printed pant may be hard to pull of in a business casual environment, but these pants will look great for night, weekend and vacation outings!

Check out the widget below:

wide leg printed pants

Update: After posting this, Tramaine contacted me on Twitter and told me she also found a bunch of printed pants on Etsy. That’s great site to find unique items that may be hard to find in major retailers.

Yodit of Favored by Yodit contacted me and Shakirah of Style Atelier on Twitter yesterday inquiring about cost saving ideas to update one’s closet for spring. I thought to myself “this would be a great blog post!”

Many are on a tight budget, but that doesn’t’ mean you have to forfeit your style and /or the opportunity to update your wardrobe.  You can do both on a budget!  If you’ve been wondering “what can I do to spruce up my wardrobe without spending a lot of money” check out these tips below:

Source: www.sheknows.com

1. Change the way items are worn - Do you always wear your favorite coral top with tan pants? If so, switch things up!!! If you wear the same shirts and pants together, break up the combination. Pair that coral top with the navy skirt in your closet and animal print pumps. Pair those tan pants with the printed top you’ve been scared to wear because you weren’t sure if it was “too much.” Step outside your comfort zone! Changing how items are worn will make you feel like you have a lot more options.

2. Pair blazers with shorts and linen pants - Shakirah provided this great tip on Twitter. Blazers can be worn all season long. I paired my bright orange one with navy blue shorts last summer just to try something different. It became one of my favorite outfits! Have fun with your blazers. By the way, if you don’t have a blazer, it’s a Diva Must Have. Get one ASAP!

3. Cut old jeans to create shorts  – If you don’t have old jeans to cut up, you can purchase jeans at a thrift store (they cost no more than $5 per pair) and cut them to create shorts.  Cut-off shorts and destroyed denim have become a summer staple. Instead of paying $30+ for a pair at stores like Urban Outfitters or American Eagle, create your own for less than $10?! I plan on taking a trip to the thrift store this summer. For instructions on how to create shorts like the ones pictured below, click HERE.

Source: www.edgemagazinesite.com

4. Change the hemline & details on dresses - Changing the hemline on dresses will change the way a dress looks. If you have dresses that you are tired of wearing but don’t have the means to purchase new ones, shorten the hemline and change the day dress to one you’d wear at night.  If you’ve worn the same black belt with a dress, change the belt for a different color or pattern. If the dress has buttons, change them! Small changes can make a huge difference.

5. Change buttons on jackets and cardigans - That jacket you’ve had in your closet for YEARS can probably use an upgrade. Have fun with details like buttons. Ask a seamstress to change the button or you can do it yourself; head to your local fabric store like Michaels and search for buttons that represent your style. Same goes for cardigans.

6. Shoes polished & heel taps changed - Do your pumps look run down? They probably don’t need to be replaced just yet.  Instead, they can be polished and shine like new. Also, change the heel taps if the metal of the heel is sticking out (this is one of my pet peeves). A little shoe maintenance will keep your favorite heels in great condition for years to come.

Source: www.living.msn.com

7. Shop trend accessories - Instead of purchasing new clothing, purchase fun statement jewelry. Wear a bold necklace with your favorite sheath dress. Brighten up an outfit with a bold color shoe. Use accessories to take an outfit to the next level.

8. Shop Consignment Shops and Thrift Stores - There’s nothing wrong with shopping while on a budget. You can use coupons, shop sales and also check out consignment shops and thrift stores for some serious savings.

What are some other ways fashionistas can update their wardrobe for less?

Presented by the Corcoran’s 1869 Society, ARTINI is a vibrant evening of art, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and dancing. The gala is the culmination of a month-long celebration in which eight mixologists from the District’s most prominent restaurants and bars compete to see who can create the most artistic martini. The city’s favorite artini, as chosen via online vote, will be revealed at the gala.

RaShonda contacted me earlier this week and asked if I could write a post on what to wear to this popular DC event. The event attire is cocktail chic, so I knew immediately that I wanted the outfit suggestions to stray away from a black dress. When people think of cocktail attire, a black dress is the first thing that comes to mind because it’s easy.  But let’s have a little fun!

As I mentioned in the Party Dress Alternative post a few months ago, jumpsuits are a great alternative to dresses. With heels and the right accessories, a jumpsuit is just as sophisticated as a dress.  Pair a black jumpsuit, which can be purchased at a variety of retailers including Macys, ASOS and Nordstrom, with ankle strap sandals, edgy gold accessories like the Tatty Devine Pegasus Earrings from ASOS and a bold red lip. If you have long hair, this outfit will look great with a sleek top knot and the right touch of mascara.

If you are more conservative, opt for a knee length cap-sleeve dress in a bright color and feminine detail like lace. This red dress is from Dorothy Perkins and is a great option to show off one’s curves in a classy way.  Let the dress be the focal point by pairing it with nude pumps like the ones below from Jessica Simpson or slingbacks from Christian Louboutin. A subtle way to introduce more than one color in your outfit is through accessories. You can add purple earrings and a patterned clutch for visual interest to the red and gold combination.

If you don’t want to wear a bright color like red, don’t default to black. Try navy. It is a neutral and a nice alternative. This One Shoulder Shimmer Dress is from John Lewis. This dress is great because the tiers in the dress create a slim waistline while accentuating your curves. Navy can be paired with gold or silver; in this case pair the dress with silver sandals or peep toe heels from GUESS. When dressing up for special events, multiple accessories aren’t always necessary.  For this look,  I decided not to add a bracelet; the statement earrings and ring are just enough. Complete the look with a smokey eye and nude lip.

If you are attending ARTINI and need assistance putting together an outfit, please contact me! Styling services may include shopping for a new outfit or creating a new look from your current wardrobe!

What do you think of these looks?

Style for Hire likes to feature what stylists in the network are wearing on Pinterest. Last month, Style for Hire featured the outfit I wore for a New Year’s Eve house party. I wore sequin leggings from The Limited, paired with a white blouse and one of my favorite clutches, the Love, Cortnie leopard print Ashleigh clutch.

New Year’s Eve House Party Outfit

After posting the picture, Jenn R. asked:

“I have an all black party to attend. Can I do a leather peplum top with sequin leggings?”

Absolutely Jenn! As much fun as it is to mix prints, you should also have fun mixing textures.  Sequin and leather is a great mix to create a sophisticated and edgy look.  What’s also great about an all black silhouette like a peplum top and sequin leggings is that you can still have fun with accessories by adding statement jewelry, a fabulous leather heel like the Jessica Simpson pair featured below and red lipstick and nail polish to pull the look together.

By the way, you can wear sequin any time you want! Don’t feel restricted to wearing sequin only during the holiday season.

For leather peplum tops for less check out Piperlime, Urban Outfitters, Dillards, EXPRESS and Macy’s.

Another way to mix leather and sequin is to wear leather (faux leather) pants and a sequin top or one with sequin details. Leather pants are a  major trend this season. I love the idea of mixing sporty tops like sweatshirts and graphic tees with more sophisticated pieces like leather skirts and pants.  Add color to the look by wearing a bold plum lipstick and cobalt blue clutch. Yes you can wear purple and blue together!  These colors form a 90 degree angle on the color wheel, therefore they complement each other and can be worn together.

For suede booties for less check out Victoria’s Secret, Amazon, Nordstrom, Macy’s and Aldo.

*Click on the pictures for more information about items featured in each look. All pieces except the peplum top and booties are under $100. Great looks for less!

Have a style question? Submit it to keri@adivastateofmind.com. If you are interested in personal styling services, please check out the personal styling page.

Tiffany asked:

I have a few dip hem shirts (button downs, a t-shirt, etc) and don’t think they look right untucked when the front is so much shorter than the back. What is your opinion and how should you wear them?

The best way to wear dip hem shirts is untucked since the front is shorter than the back.  Since the shirt is designed to be high in the front and low in the back, it may look like you accidently tucked in the back if you do so.  Tucking in the back may also cause  the back of the top to look bulky.

Similar to wearing a tunic, dip hem shirts look best with slimmer pieces on the bottom.  You can wear them with a pair of skinny jeans, faux leather pants or leggings. If the dip hem shirts is a neutral color, have fun pairing them with color skinny jeans like Toya Wright did for the Grey Goose Cherry Noir event in May.

Photo: G.Paras Photography

Get her look for less here:

More Brian Atwood…

During the warmer months, dip hem t-shirts look great with a pair of denim shorts. You can complete the look with wedges to dress up a casual outfit or flats for guaranteed comfort.

ASOS Dipped Hem T-shirt

If you have style questions, please submit them to keri@adivastateofmind.com For more information about personal styling services, visit the Personal Styling page.

Sequin leggings are my current obsession! I recently purchased them from The Limited and I love them.  As we prepare for New Year’s Eve parties, sequin leggings are a great alternative to wearing a party dress.  Whether you plan on wearing them to a party at a venue in the city or a house party, below are three looks I am sure will be appropriate for any occasion.

Just like with leather pants (or matte leggings), you can wear sequin leggings with a blouse. Above, the leggings are paired with an ivory pussy bow blouse.  Since it is now winter, you can have fun mixing textures in your outfit by adding a fur vest and heels.  Normally, I would suggest a pair of black pumps, but why not have fun by adding a blue shoe? Have fun with color!! If you really want to be in the holiday spirit, you can wear red shoes instead. Complete the look with a bold lip. This look is great for a holiday party.

Leggings and skinny pants look great paired with blazers.  Pair your sequin leggings with boyfriend blazer, oversized t-shirt or tank and statement necklace.  You may wonder, won’t the statement necklace compete with the pants?? Nope!  The sequin disks are small so they don’t override the necklace. You can wear a black blazer or be bold and wear a blazer in a bright color like red. Depending on where you are going, there’s the option for a leather bag or leather clutch. Add a little edge with the leather spike bracelet and bold red lipstick to complete the look.

The third option is a great for a house party or if you’re attending dinner.   Pair the leggings with an oversize sweater a solid sweater or one with graphics. Keep in mind, the sweater does not have to be oversized. I wore my leggings two weeks ago with a v-neck sweater and statement necklace to a holiday party.   Pair the sweater and leggings with your favorite ankle booties.  In this case, instead of using accessories to add color to the outfit, do so with a smokey eye and nail polish in your favorite winter shade. Like the second look, if you did not want to carry a leather bag, you have the option to include a clutch.

If you still need help creating the perfect look for NYE, I am here to help you.  Please send me any style questions you may have. Closet shopping and personal shopping appointments are also available. I am still offering 15% off services through the end of the year.  To schedule a consultation, please contact me at (301) 836-1451 or keri@adivastateofmind.com .

For more inspiration on how to wear sequins, click here, here and here.

*Click on the pictures above for more information about the pieces featured.

My friend Lisa recently purchased a pair of Guess Matte Wet Leggings. The first thing she said after purchasing them was “you have to help me find tops to wear with them!”

This style of leggings and pants is very popular this season.  Below are three different ways Lisa and others can wear their leggings this fall and winter season.

We will call the first look All Black Everything. For a look of sophistication, pair the leggings with a sheer black top, black blazer and pumps. Complete the look with silver accessories and a red lip.

Shop the look below:

More Topshop…

On colder days, pair the leggings with an oversized sweater and boots. This look is great if for an afternoon out with friends in the city or an evening house party. Use accessories like handbags to add a pop of color to the look.

Shop the look below:

More Topshop…

Shop the look below:

More BCBG MAX AZRIA…

If you have style questions, submit them to keri@adivastateofmind.com. If you’re interested in personal styling services, please click HERE for more information.

Shanta’ sent the following email last week:

I need some nice ideas on what outfits I can put together with these heels. I would appreciate your help.

Shanta’ is going to a party in a few weeks so she was interested in outfits she could wear with the shoes along with general day/evening looks.

It’s no secret that the summer wardrobe is all about color (or it should be)! I’d recommend pairing the DREAM sandals with a bright short a-line dress like this Orange Daisy Lace Dress and neutral accessories, allowing the dress and shoes to stand out.  Orange is a great contrast to turquoise and the lace detail adds dimension to the look.  This a-line dress creates a waist and curves for a woman who may have a boyish frame.  If you’re bigger on bottom, the a-line silhouette will help balance out your top half by creating flattering volume on the bottom.

The second option is to pair the DREAM sandals with neutrals, allowing the shoes to really stand out.  Here I’d suggest pairing the sandals with a neutral high low hem dress (one of the hottest trends of the summer) and classic accessories, like pearls. The pearl necklace includes a gold and purple detail, another color that compliments turquoise very well.  The look is pulled together with a neutral textured clutch, neutral lip and bronzer for a soft look.  The high low hem dress works great for just about everyone,  but it’s especially a nice option for women who are petite and want to wear maxi dresses.  The shorter hem in the front will give the illusion of longer legs.

I wouldn’t recommend wearing satin sandals during the day however for a casual dressed up look (if that makes any sense) you could pair them with a floral top and silk blend shorts like the Elizabeth and James Katia flared silk-chiffon shorts below.  Look for a floral top that has turquoise or a similar shade to pull the color out of the shirt and bring the entire look together.  You can also bring in another bold color through accessories like the yellow clutch.  The top has really small hints of yellow and the clutch helps bring that color out of the shirt as well.

Shanta’ I hope you find these suggestions helpful!! If you need any more help with outfits suggestions for the Bakers DREAM sandals, let me know!

If you have style questions, submit them to keri@adivastateofmind.com. If you’re interested in personal styling services, please click HERE for more information.

Tiffany emailed:

I am needing some serious help putting together outfits to go with these suede pumps. Please help.

Tiffany those pumps are fabulous! To transition suede pumps from fall/winter to spring/summer, pair them with lighter fabrics and brighter hues.

For a classic polished look, pair the pumps with a sheath dress.  This outfit can be worn for multiple occasions including work, dinner and an evening party. The belt helps create a waste and the ruffle detail brings the eyes up to the top half of the body.  The ruffle detail is a great option for women who are bigger on their bottom than top or have a boyish frame. Compliment the look with a textured clutch and fun coral nail polish.

High low hem skirts and dresses are a major trend this season.  For a fun and flirty look, pair the pumps with a printed skirt and bright color top.  Complete the look with bold accessories like this stone necklace and wrap watch from La Mer Collections (one of my favorite accessories). This is a great outfit for a weekend afternoon outing.

Another major trend this season is bright color pants in a variety of styles including denim, wide leg and ankle pants. Rock your purple pumps with a bright pair of pants and a striped top to add some dimension to the look. I know you may be thinking, does this match?! Absolutely! Navy is a neutral so this top can be worn with a variety of colors. Orange & purple and orange & blue are great color combinations so together this look is perfection! Complete the look with solid gold accessories and a neutral handbag.

I hope these suggestions give you the inspiration needed to create some great looks to wear with your pumps! Let me know if you need more help.

Style questions? Submit them to keri@adivastateofmind.com. For more information on personal styling services, click HERE.

Jennifer of Comme Coco asked yesterday on twitter:

Where oh where can I find reasonably priced pointy toed flats?

Her question was right on time because I saw a pair from Nordstrom over the weekend while working at the Westfield Style Tour. I even purchased a pair to try since they were 25% off (I normally don’t wait pointy toe flats.  I always feel like they make my feet look extra long but giving them a try anyway).

I recommended Jennifer try Nine West, Steve Madden and DSW. But of course I didn’t stop there. I checked online and found a few other retailers that sell reasonably price cute flats in a variety of colors and prints.

More Steve Madden…

Also visit Ann Taylor. I’ve been told they have neon flats on sale.

Which color or print do you like in pointy toe flats for spring?