Wind & Water

Do you love wind and water?  Why not let your wardrobe become inspired by the feeling of riding the waves on your favorite vessel?  Here are some quick wardrobe updates that will keep you “on board” all season long.

Women:

Cuff those straight-leg jeans, and slip into some fabulous flat sandals or wedges

Wear your breezy wide-leg pants with a cozy knit sweater

Trade your dark workbag for a similarly structured one in a Sea-foam shade

Swap your neutral raincoat for one in a bright color, like Kelly Green

Look for some oversized plastic frames and you’ll be ready for St. Tropez

Men:

Roll up the long sleeves on a chambray button-down and layer over a white tee

Add a bright solid scarf to a gray v-neck sweater

Swap your old sneakers for some colorful boat shoes

Keep an eye out for some sea-faring accessories like a rope bracelet, nautical watch, or classic aviators

Where to Buy Guide Women

Where to Buy Guide Men

 

Just Add Slippers

Slippers or even ballet flats can look great on everyone, even petite girls!  It just comes down to two things: balance and proportion.  If you are tall, you can wear this trend with a tucked in knit top and pair it with some beautifully tailored wide-leg pants; if you are petite, choose instead a maxi skirt that fits your hips snugly and be sure that it’s properly hemmed to be worn with your favorite flats.  But remember, the most important thing is to let your personality shine, so don’t be shy about adding plenty of accessories like a belt, hat, or a fantastic handbag!

Where to buy:

Hat

Sunglasses

Blouse

Skirt

Bag

Clutch

Ring

Cuff

Earrings

Slippers

Necklace

 

Inspired by NYC and Jane by Design

Jane By Design Images, ABC Family

Having just returned home from an incredible visit to New York City and feeling a little nostalgic, I sat down to watch one of my favorite shows, Jane By Design, and decided to create a new outfit inspired by its very stylish main character, Jane Quimby.  In a case of mistaken identity, Jane is a high school student that lands her dream job in the fashion industry and decides to pursue a whirlwind double life trying to balance school, her social life and pursuing the career she has always fantasized about.  Jane creates her own signature look by combining her favorite pieces with some she customizes (using her handy sewing machine).  The result is a very original, youthful look that always seem to look exciting, yet impeccably put-together.

Want to channel Jane’s style?  Here are some ideas:

1. Update a skirt by pairing it with opaque tights and sleek platform heels.
2. Choose a funky cocktail ring and wear it during the day (Jane loves her jeweled Octopus ring).
3. Add a wide colorful belt or statement necklace to your neutral cardigan or do both!
4. Wear a cocktail dress during the day with a cardigan over it and a fun belt.

Hope you are already getting great ideas on how evolve your own style with a little help from Jane. Do you have a TV character that you’re inspired by?  Tell us about them at: mysignetstyle@gmail.com;  we’d love to hear about how they have influenced your signature look. =)

 

Get an Oscar Glow

At this year’s Oscars, many of Hollywood’s most talented actresses looked better than ever!  So what’s their stylist’s secret?  Many of them accentuated their natural beauty by wearing dresses and accessories in shades that highlighted their own signature coloring.   You can do the same by taking a close look at your hair, eyes or skin tone and selecting pieces that closely match your favorite asset. You’ll know you’ve got it right when you constantly keep getting compliments on how gorgeous and rejuvenated you look!

We want to hear about your favorite Oscar looks at SignetStyle, so let us know who you think rocked the red carpet below:

Cameron Diaz

Ellie Kemper

Stacy Keibler

Rose Byrne

Sandra Bullock

Gwyneth Paltrow

Mila Jovovich

Emma Stone

 

Signature Style at Home

Extend your signature style past what you wear and let it echo throughout your home and lifestyle.  Here are two Italian families that are doing just that.

The Coppola Family and The Cucinelli Family

Coppola Residence

Coppola Residence

Francis Ford Coppola and Sofia Coppola

Cucinelli Spring Collection

Cucinelli Residence

Cucinelli Residence

Cucinelli Family

 

Investing in Wardrobe Essentials

Examples of Wardrobe Essentials for Women

Matching Suit (Black, Grey, Navy)
Leather/Motorcycle Jacket
Tank Tops (to wear alone or under a blouse, in neutral colors)
Cotton T-shirts with a Good Fit
White Button-down Blouses
Fine Cashmere/Tropical Wool Sweater (crewneck & cardigan)
Black Cocktail Dress
Pencil Skirt/A-line Skirt (depending on figure)
Jeans in a Dark Rinse (try a boot-cut style)
Black Pants (flattering fit, in an all-weather fabric)
Casual Pants (khaki or cargo)
Shorts (in black or khaki)
Casual Jacket
Cashmere Wrap
Ballerinas/Simple Flat Shoes (try a neutral color)
Classic Black Pumps
Flat Boots (black or brown)
Evening Shoes (in your favorite metallic shade)
Water-proof Jacket

Examples of Wardrobe Essentials for Men

Matching Suit, in Grey or Navy (a black suit should only be worn in the evening)
Sports Jacket/Blazer
Leather/Motorcycle Jacket
Fine Cashmere/Tropical Wool Sweater
Formal Button-Down Shirts in White/Neutral Colors
Casual Shirts, Button Down with a Collar in Complimentary Colors
Polo Shirt (in white or complimentary bright colors)
Jeans in a Dark Rinse
Khaki, Dark Olive or Grey Casual Pants
Shorts (in black or khaki)
Cotton T-shirts with a Good Fit
Dress Belt/Casual Belt (brown and black)
Dress Shoes (brown and black)
Casual Shoes (something other than gym shoes)
Sunglasses (complimentary to your face shape)
Watch (look for something classic)
Scarf/Winter Coat (choose a neutral color)
Water-proof Jacket

Regardless of your personal style, everyone should consider the following three things when purchasing wardrobe essentials:

 1. Fit & Fabric

Fit is extremely important.  A good sign of a quality garment is one that fits well.  When selecting wardrobe basics, opt for a flattering cut and a tailored look.

Choosing natural over synthetic fibers (like: cotton, linen, wool, cashmere) is always a smart choice; they will breathe better, last longer and hold their shape.  Designer labels are not always synonymous with quality; the best way to be sure you are purchasing a long-lasting garment, is to look at the fabric tag and check what the item is made of.   While some designers hold true to a consistent standard of quality, it is always a good idea to take a quick look before you buy.

2. Cost Per Wear

Cost Per Wear is a simple formula that can be applied when deciding whether to make wardrobe investment.

Simply divide the cost of the garment by the number of times you think you’ll wear it before it’s time to retire it.  Use previous purchases to help you estimate if necessary.  Here is an example:

Fine cashmere sweater: $120.00
Worn an average of twice a month for 6 years (approx. 156 times)
$120.00/144 = $.83 per wear

Acrylic sweater: $40.00
Worn an average of once a month a for 1 year (approx. 12 times)
$40.00/12 = $3.34 per wear

In the long run, not only is the cashmere sweater a better financial decision; but you will also enjoy wearing it a lot more.

3. Timeless Style & “Neutral” Colors

Your wardrobe essentials should follow a timeless, classic style and coordinate effortlessly.  To select your most flattering neutral colors, choose shades that compliment your hair, skin, eyes, and blush tone.  No matter what’s trendy, wearing colors that echo and accentuate your natural coloring will always look best.

 

Test your styling skills

Check out InStyle’s Instant Stylist game.

This is a great matching game that will help you practice selecting the best accessories for your new Winter/Spring outfits!  From my experience, managing proportion and balance is the key to getting the perfect look.  Plus, after you play you can shop for your favorite pieces.  Enjoy!

 

Inspired by Nature

 

This season, add a color (or maybe two or three…)

It is time to re-think the way we add color to our outfits.  If you were always one to put a red belt or brightly colored necklace on an otherwise very neutral outfit, why don’t you shake it up and try adding one or two more bright colors…

Here are some examples of how you can update your neutrals for spring with two or more colors that look great together, especially as accessories!

Ruby Red & Mustard Yellow
Green, Lavender & Dark Purple
Cobalt Blue & Chartreuse
Peach & Key Lime
Bright Pink & Coral Red
Plum Wine & Auburn
Gold & Turquoise
Powder Blue & Emerald Green

 

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

This is simply amazing. You’ll get so many ideas on what to do with your new scarf! I hope you all enjoy!

Check YouTube for more of Wendy’s helpful videos