Wearing Spring’s floral trend with signature style

 

 

Designers this spring have been struck by the flower bug as we are starting to see lovely blooms on tops, skirts, pants, accessories, etc.  Unless you normally wear this sort of print, you might find yourself shying away from the trend saying things like: “I’m too mature for this,” or “I need to look confident at work,” or even “I don’t wear a lot of color.”  If this is you, I’d like to give you something to think about… Wearing a floral pattern can make you look feminine, youthful, mysterious, confident, alluring, sexy, or all the above. It all has to do with color, pattern, scale and how you are wearing it.

Ready to be challenged?  Read on and you might be surprised how this trend can enhance your signature style and send more compliments your way.

Color
We just talked about wearing colors that flatter your skin tone, eye color, hair color and blush tone; use the same guidelines when selecting the colors for your patterned piece.  Ex: If you have fantastic green eyes, choose a floral pattern that features plenty of leaves and foliage such as ivy to bring out the green.

Pattern
There are a wide range of floral patterns from modern to vintage and everything in between.  If you have more of a contemporary style, select an abstract floral print, but if you are a romantic at heart choose a print with soft lines and lush flowers that remind you of a bygone era.

Scale
If you are petite, choose a smaller print and opt for a larger one if you are tall.  Smaller prints will de-emphasize an area, while a larger print will bring eyes straight to it; so keep that in mind when you are deciding on where to place that bright floral scarf.  If you have pretty shoulders, wear the scarf draped loosely around your neck and if you have a narrow physique, place your scarf around your hips as a belt.

How do I wear it?
Depending on your profession, certain pieces will look more appropriate than others.  A floral scarf under a conservative navy suit will look feminine while very professional while a floral top with tailored pants or skirt will also look professional but has a more relaxed feel.  If you are in the creative industry, you might wear an A-line floral skirt with a pretty knit top in a neutral color, while a stay-at-home mom might like to wear a flowy, floral cardigan or wrap with jeans and knit tee.

Above all, have fun; and please post any comments or questions you might have.  We’d also love to see what you come up with, so feel free to share your greatest outfits with us at mysignetstyle@gmail.com. Thank you!

 

Indulge in the blues…

Check out JLAcosta on Polyvore.com for Outfit Details

Follow these steps to achieve a fabulous monochromatic look:

1. Choose a color that is flattering to your skin tone.  This is very important. Blue is flattering to most skin tones, but if you know of another color that looks fantastic on you, play with it as well.
2. Select several accessories with different textures to add to your clothing pieces.  Items that are both a few shades lighter and darker will also add some dimension to your look.
3. Choose a metallic or a neutral shade to ground your outfit.   Gold or silver hardware will dress up your look for evening, while camel or tan will make it work for daytime.
4. Keep hair and make up simple, accentuate your eyes and use a neutral lipstick.  If your eyes are your best feature, use a couple coats of mascara and if you love your lips, line them with a shade just a bit darker than your natural lip color and fill them in with a matching lipstick or gloss.

Enjoy!  We love your feedback, so feel free to comment or share your creative monochromatic looks with us at: mysignetstyle@gmail.com

 

How will you wear red on Valentine’s Day?

Red looks good on all skin tones, it’s just a matter of determining what shade.

-If you have a lower contrast between your hair and skin choose a red that is less saturated.  If your skin tone is blue/pink in undertone choose a raspberry red, if it’s golden/bronze in undertone choose a persimmon red.

-If you have a higher contrast between your hair and skin choose a red that is more saturated.  If your skin tone is blue/pink in undertone choose a cranberry or ruby red, if it’s golden/bronze in undertone choose a tomato red.

 

Pick a room, any room

Today, I decided to create an outfit inspired by the simple decor of a well-designed home office.  Similar to what I did a few posts ago with some artwork, I took the design elements in this room and applied them to building a great wardrobe ensemble.  Before heading to the closet, here are some of the notes I made about the space:

1. The color palette (Warm neutrals, from light beige to dark browns)
2. The shapes/lines (Soft but modern; straight classic lines for neutrals, feminine lines for the modern pieces)
3. The materials/textures (Wood, fabric, resin, metal)
4. The accents/pops of color (Bright lettering, white lamp, white chair, jagged clock)

You can do the same thing by choosing a photo of a beautiful space, asking yourself the questions above, and    then selecting some pieces that share the same elements.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be a head to toe match; perhaps you can start by adding some inspired accessories (like a scarf, belt, jewelry, shoes, or hat) to a classic sheath dress and build from there.  Studying different spaces and decor is a great way to develop your signature style!  I’d really love to see what you come up with, so please share your comments below or send an email to: mysignetstyle@gmail.com.

 

Choosing a “signature” ring

There’s something lovely about wearing a classic signet ring with your initial or monogram, especially if it’s an heirloom or has your family crest on it.

But why not try something different?  It doesn’t have to be an expensive buy, and you can always check to see what you already have in your jewelry drawer before you go shopping.  Look for a ring that has a particular symbol or stone that you personally identify with, or perhaps an inscription that reminds you of something that makes you smile.  Most importantly, it should say something about you.  Whether a simple or a statement piece, the trick is to wear it every day or as often as you can.

If you don’t know where to start, here are a few tips to help you select the perfect ring for you:

1. Look at the shape of your fingernails.  Are they more rounded, or more square?  When selecting a ring with a stone setting, look for a cut that closely matches the shape of your fingernails.

2. What is the overall shape of your body?  Are you tall, petite, or voluptuous?  Select a ring that is in proportion and balance with your physique.

3. Have a friend take a close-up photo of you wearing it or stand in front of a mirror.  This way, you can see the ring from a different angle and notice things you may not have seen before.

 

Get inspired by your favorite artwork

Ever need a little inspiration when putting together a new outfit?  Why not turn to one of your favorite paintings to inspire you?  To get started, ask yourself a few questions about the painting.

1. What is the overall tone?  Peaceful, edgy, romantic, modern, etc…
2. What are the forms and brush strokes like in the painting?  Are they rounded, jagged, straight, geometric, or is there a combination?
3. What are the colors used in the painting?

When choosing your outfit pieces, select items that share the same answers to your questions.  The example below is an outfit inspired by one of Monet’s paintings.  The overall tone is romantic, serene, and mysterious.  The brush strokes are a mix of soft curves (the water and the flowers) and a few grounded, strong lines (the bridge).  The colors I saw were seamless range of warm beiges, a range of blues, soft greens, lilac, pewter, warm grays, and soft browns.  The best part about this activity is there’s no wrong or right answer.  It’s all subject to what you “see” at that moment.  You might look at the same painting a week from now and create a completely different outfit from the first.  The most important thing is to have fun with it and along the way you’ll discover new ways to wear the clothes that are already in your closet.

Painting by Monet

 

Stay on top of trends with accessories

There are few trends coming up for Spring that might leave you thinking, could I pull that off? You can definitely still be fashionable and remain current with the trends without losing your own signature style in the mix. Part of establishing your own style, is learning how to interpret the trends to fit you.

Start by choosing your favorite type of accessory.  Do you love shoes? Handbags? Are you known for your statement jewelry or hats? Once you have defined your favorite type of accessory, purchase one inspired by a new trend.

If you love handbags, how about getting a gilded gold clutch?  If you love shoes, buy some bold-colored wedges or booties that are inspired by the neon craze.  If you love bracelets, why not add some beautiful tribal-inspired or Art Deco cuffs to your collection?

Left to Right: Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Anya Hindmarch

Left to Right: Antik Batik Noumea, Lisa Stewart, Amrita Singh

Left to Right: Betsey Johnson, Brian Atwood, Blonde Ambition

 

Scarf shopping

If you are shopping for a new scarf this season to keep you warm and also add a little bit of color to your outerwear, try selecting a piece that complements your favorite features?

Here are some ideas:

If you have curly hair, pick a scarf that has movement, texture or a spiral pattern that mimics the shape of your curls.

If you have a rosy or a bronzed complexion, choose a scarf that has the color of your complexion with a little metallic thread woven in with it.  It will make your skin appear to be glowing.

If you are tall, choose a bright scarf that it oblong and in proportion to your frame.  Celebrate your height, and don’t even think about slouching.

If you love your new short haircut, why not wear your scarf like Audrey Hepburn, wrapped twice around your neck like a collar and bring the focus up to your new crop?

If you have deep brown eyes, why not choose a gold scarf with lilac?  It will make your eyes sparkle.

If you have a full set of bangs, choose a scarf with a contrasting fringe in your favorite color.

If you are petite, choose a dainty lace scarf to demurely wrap around your shoulders.  It will be in proportion with your size and it will bring attention to your delicate features.  Alber Elbaz, artistic director for the French fashion house Lanvin, once told actress Natalie Portman that she should draw attention to her lovely petite frame by wearing beautiful ballet flats.