Oversized Sunglasses for a Sexy Look

There is nothing like a sassy pair of sunglasses.  And the best thing about it is you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the hottest pair with the sexiest look.

As a style consultant I spend a lot of time looking for the best looks.  Since I am no huge on accessories, I think about what my clients would like and would they would think is today’s trends.  For that I tend to turn to Amazon for the latest in accessories and sunglasses because they have a huge selection and are reasonable, that there is a lot to choose from and it’s not hard to make the wrong choice, especially if you know what you’re looking for.

So…as I am in the market for a new pair of sunglasses (2 pairs because I can never just buy one pair), I went through pages and pages of sunglasses on Amazon that I came across two — after looking at dozens — that really give me the look I am going for.

The pair I picked are these sassy  vintage gradient gray rimless sunglasses by Eyerno.  I like these because they are fun, give a classic look, with metal frame and oversized lens.  Each time I buy a pair of sunglasses I am stepping it up in styles, always looking for what is in the new trends of eye wear.  I usually get like a brown or tan tent, or a brown frame with a black lens.  This time, like I said, I wanted to step it up.  Do something out of my norm.

The thing about choosing the right sunglasses is you have to think about what would look good on you.  Ask yourself if the oversized lens is right for your or if you prefer the traditional simple style sunglasses that you can usually find — like — at CVS or Walgreens or even the dollar store.  And you also have to think about how much money you want to spend because they do tend to get pricy especially if you buy designer.

The year I started wearing the oversize glasses was a turning point for me.  I saw a woman while I was out and the glasses she wore were amazing and I thought to myself, “how come I am not wearing oversized lens sunglasses?”  And that was the starting point for me.

My next pair of sunglasses are these pretty blue tent lens are these AOME oversized rimless sunglasses, with a cutting clear lens.  I chose the blue because of the outfit I a wearing for my birthday.

They add a certain level of pizzazz to my outfit.  These fashionable sunglasses are made with the highest quality materials, these sunglasses were constructed using special design techniques in order to ensure durability and avoid breakage while engaging in sports and recreational activity.  But me being me…I will be wearing them for the look they add to my outfit.

I like bringing an affordable look of style to my outfits with different sunglasses.  It is my favorite accessory I cannot do without.  I have tried looking at sunglasses kiosks but can never seem to find the right pair of sunglasses that just sticks out and catches my attention.  Some will say I put too much time into looking for the right sunglasses — that’s because they have to look at certain way, have a certain style, have a certain design that speaks volumes.

To finish up the ensemble, let’s think GUESS.  No ensemble would be complete without the right handbag.  I’d been in the market for a black purse for quite some time.  After having hung out in the purse section or Ross Stores I managed to come across just the right size that I’ve been looking for and unger $50.

I chose this handbag because of the two large outside zippered pouches, a middle zipper pocket, inside pouches for my cell phone and makeup, and compartments for my wallet, glasses and sunglasses.  I’m all set to go and ready to step out in my trendy ensemble ready to get the day started.

So now with the perfect accessories, and without breaking the bank, I have coordinated the perfect outfit.  And you have to think about this — when you are putting together something to wear, whether for work or for over the weekending, coordinating everything.  It tells a lot about how you see trends, if you’re a trendsetter and the trends you follow.   It also says you care a great deal about your appearance.

 

This Month in Fashion – August Edition

In Loving Memory of My Husband 1952 – 2017

After taking some time away from my blogs after the death of my husband, I have decided to dive back in full force, to do what he knows I love most and am more compassionate about…fashion and everything about it.  So to my late husband, James…this is for you.

So, This Month in Fashion takes a look at styles from Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger in improving office attire and weekend wear for the woman not limited to being over 40, for the woman looking to rediscover her looks or looking to create or improve her current style, and the woman whose gone through a traumatic experience and is looking to rejoin society.

What I have learned from my husband’s passing is sheltering myself away from everyone is not helping me deal with him being gone.  It is being too caught up in my head with my thoughts — feeling angry that he’s left me alone, feeling mad that I can’t bring him.  After spending so much time doing that I was feeling the impact that it was causing me to lose site of the fact that I have to be strong for those he left behind — his children, my daughter and granddaughter and his grandchildren.  With that — I want Styled By Rene to be a place to help women bounce back from traumatic experiences.  Live the life the so want to live and without hesitation.

Fashion helps me to focus my mind and attention on other things.  It helped me to keep from losing site of myself.  It is helping me deal with his passing by hoping to help others stay in their lane.

With that said, This Month in Fashion is formed.  Let’s dive in, shall we?

In this edition of This Month in Fashion we are going to talk about office attire, weekend wear, and after 5 styles for, but not limited to, the woman over 40.

The Right Suit The Right Impression:  In today’s work place the dress code policy is still one that — although continues to change in some companies — is pretty standard across the board in terms of what is considered appropriate and not appropriate.  And what you wear to an interview still speaks volumes and is the precedence for setting the right impression.

So, let’s talk about that first — what you wear to an interview.  If you are looking to return to the workforce, or you are entering the workforce for the first time, what you wear is the platform for giving the right impression in addition to being on time, and matching what your resume says about you.  It set you apart from everyone in how you deliver yourself as the total packet.

Over the years interviewing has had its bar raised with the ongoing changes to the economy and in how employers are hiring.  The criteria in their selection process is highly established to go above and beyond their normal expectations in what they are looking for in what they consider to be the right candidate.  So what you wear has to be professional on a corporate level, but shows you have personality.

Tommy Hilfiger delivers when it comes to putting together the right ensemble for the interview.  Because I am planning to move out of state, I chose to start rebuilding my professional wardrobe because I want to show that I can represent a company on both the level of personality and appearance.

I chose the one button twill blazer, the boot cut dress slacks in the navy blue. I got away from the classic black stepping out of my comfort zone, and while I also looked at styles from Calvin Klein, it was Tommy Hilfiger that had what I was looking for both in style and in size.

Next I paired the blazer up with the bootcut dress slacks.  I also added to the collection a pair of the classic straight legs slacks to give a different style and look.  For the shoes, I added a pretty light beige and white printed sleeveless top and finished the look off with a pair of light beige high heel pumps for the polished professional office look.

I always say the shoes are what delivers a bad ass ensemble, especially if it is coordinated perfectly.  The best thing about these two pieces is you can switch them around with a white blouse and black high heels or white high heel pumps and create a strong professional look.

Your shoes should be a heel height comfortable for you to wear.  And remember you are not going to the club so try to keep your heel height about around 4 to 4 1/2 if not lower.  You do not want to appear to be struggling to walk in your interview.

These shoes by Delicious CINDY-S are not only the perfect color, but also just the right height for the bootcut dress slacks to finish off the look.  You are ready for your interview and if you deliver the perfect interview what you wore will definitely be highly talked about.

Now let’s talk about the dress code.  In all my years of working I have never seen anyone sent home because they failed to follow company policy in what says about the dress code until 2016 when an employee was sent home because her dress (or skirt) was deemed too short and too tight.  Let’s be clear on what standard dress code police is.  Specifically it speaks to the level of professionalism that includes dress pants, skirts, dresses, blazers, ties, dress shoes, vests, sweaters and nylons.  Business casual generally states you can wear unripped jeans with no holes, blazer, shirt, tie, and shirts with no logos or sayings, whereas casual is the same as business casual just without the blazer and ties.

Companies put a great deal of time and effort into determining what the company policy states about the dress code and how employees are reprimanded by not following it.

Weekend Wear for Summer Fun:  Putting together a summer wardrobe is always fun.  There are always new styles and designs each year and this year my summer ensembles were largely inspired by one of my all time designers, Calvin Klein who did not fail to deliver in terms of what I was looking for in the best summer ensembles for both work and weekend wear.

This month my summer outfits were largely inspired by Calvin Klein.  I kicked off my CK collection with the soft fully lined printed floral pants that caught my attention one afternoon during visit to Macy in search of something to wear when I returned to work.  Blue is my ultimate favorite color so naturally I gravitated to them to see if they were in my size, and wouldn’t you know it…they were.  They have a draw string fully lined all the way to the bottom.  What I love about these gorgeous pants is that they are not just catered to weekend wear but can also be tailored for office wear with the right combinations.

With that said I paired these pants with the solid blue halter top.  They are very comfortable, I thought these were the best way to return to work as well as create the best weekend ensemble.

The embellishment adds pizzazz and drama to the look especially when you add some sassy high heel sandals to the equation.  The top has a pleated front and hits just at the hips.

The high heel sandals I added were the right color blue.  I looked at what other colors worked well — the blue worked the best.  Now if you chose a different color top then you would choose a different color sandal according to the color.  You often have to be careful when wearing print pants because not all color shoes work with them and not all styles work either so coordinating is key.

Consider a strappy sandal — something similar to what I have selected here.

This was the ensemble I wore when I returned to work.  So far this is one of my favorite summer outfits — kept me cool during the warm temperatures, I was stylish, and I was turning heads.

It didn’t stop there.

With a birthday coming up, I had spent weeks trying to find the best birthday outfit to wear — turning 50.  I looked at different outfits, tried on different styles, and each time coming up short.  Just when I was about to give up and settle for a pair of jeans and a regular shirt once again Calvin Klein came through once again with their floral print designs and this time ready for the weekend and a day in Catalina.

I picked up a Macy’s style exclusive, Calvin Klein’s floral print wide leg pants.  Dubbed Celestial, these pants have bold floral print color with a mid rise, tie at the elastic waistband, and they are airy and delightful.

These pants can also be coordinated with a pair of high heel sandals, a snazzy top and you have created a summer ensemble for the office.  For the weekend, I am taking these pants down just a bit giving the a more weekend look.

These are another addition to my floral collection as well.

For my birthday weekend I will be wearing CK’s layered T-shirt.  I like this top because it does not look or feel like your average regular T-shirt.  It is soft, has a layered look, and is a perfect combination with the pants.

So as you can see this summer season is all about prints and patterns nicely worn with the right solids.

I am all about coordination when I decide to put together ensembles for the weekend because everything has to be done just right.

But what would a perfect outfit be without the right shoes?  With this ensemble I decided to switch things up a bit and go with a pair of sandals by Tommy Hilfiger.  I like the overall signature look, the heel, and feel.

They had black, but the blue stood out better and they were on sale imagine that.  The one thing you want to keep in mind when you are putting together looks whether for the office, for the weekend or if you are going for an after five night out, you have to keep in mind coordination, what looks good on you and know your body type to get the best looks that are just right for you.

Calvin Klein:

• CK Floral Soft Floral Lined Pants:  $79.50 (on sale for $31.73)
• CK Studded Halter Top:  $59.50 (on sale for $22.93)
• CK Floral Wide Leg Floral Print a Macy’s Exclusive Style:  $79.50
• CK Layered Look T-Shirt:  $49.50 (on sale for $22.89)

Tommy Hilfiger:

• TH Twill One Button Blazer:  $119 (on sale for $69.99)
• TH Modern Bootcut Pants:  $79 (on sale for 46.99)
• TH Classic Straight Leg:  $79 (on sale for $56.94 includes additional 15% discount if you use take advantage of the sale on Sunday 08/06/17)
• TH Kandess Block Heel Sandals:  $79 (on sale for $55.30) comes in white, tan, black, blue, and red

In The Next Edition – September:  Next month we’ll take a look at what’s new for the fall/winter seasons and what styles are seeming to be the most popular.  We’ll explore new looks in boots, and what we need to be prepared for in terms of the cold and wet weather.

Beauty: What a New Look Can Do

Hello to all my fashionistas out there.  It’s been a while since I have blogged.  With the latest goings on in my life, I needed to get back to the hobbies that kept me sane and focused.  Fashion, beauty, and keeping all of you fashionably styled one style at a time.

So what’s new?  Well, I have changed my look a couple of times in the last couple of months.  Experienced some stress, dealing with school, my husband being sick, visited my daughter and granddaughter, work has got me all riled up — so why not get back into the things I enjoy the most.

First up, so I felt myself losing control of my image.  I thought, “oh hell no!”  I worked with my hair stylist to help get me on track.  Bought some new pieces to create the best ensembles — hanging out in H & M, of course — and got a hold of some really snazzy shoes.  You know I had to get that back on track.  I started with just keeping it simple.  But the more I thought about it the more I realized I needed to boost my style.

Have you ever gotten to the point where you felt so tense and so stressed, and so full of anxiety that you needed something to give you that release, that level of comfort before you just exploded?  Yeah, this is what I have been going through in the last six months.  And let me tell you, it has had a major affect on me to the point to where I was ready to have a nervous break down.

My weight was going up and down.  My hair was breaking off.  I was eating more, and days I was eating less.  In the midst of all the stress we moved, and I had no idea how we were going to pull that off but we did.  And that’s when I looked in the mirror one day….hair pulled back in a leave-in conditioned head in desperate need of washing, dingy clothes.  I was becoming a mess because I had been like that for days.

When I looked in the mirror I was like, “oh hell no!”  I was not going to let myself go.  So I went with a quick change of pace.  And as time went by my stylist noticed that I was having some confidence issues which I never really have if at all so we went to try something different.  I went through a wardrobe transformation that lead to me purge my wardrobe — out with the old and in with the new.  It made a huge difference to me because I was not only dealing with the pressures of life, but I was getting back to “self.”

The next level of transformation came with a bit of surprise because it meant letting go of the gray hair.  Letting go of the feeling old and in despair.  Letting go of feeling like it was the end of the world.  My self-esteem was feeling challenged more than I had ever realized.  And to be honest, it takes a lot for me to get that low within myself.  I talk about about helping others find or create a new look that I found myself being my own client.  Isn’t that ironic?  I refused to be defeated by life’s challenges so I decided to do something about it.

 

A new hair style, new clothes, shoes, oh yeah, I went the whole nine yards.  But I didn’t stop there.  As I was starting to feel better, dealing with the stress a lot better.  I wanted something  a little more extreme.  This is where clothes and hair can change your persona in a New York minute.

I am about to turn 50 in two months.  I did not want to see my birthday with the same look, same worries, and same BS stress. BOOM!!! Hello sexy me!  When you are feeling down you have to start to think of the positive moments in your life and what they mean to you.  What makes you happy.  Where in your inner self are you the happiest?  This is what I had to do — start thinking about where I was the happiest within myself and go to that place and let it come alive.

I look in the mirror now and I am like “Oh, yeah–I am loving it!!!” Because it is one thing to lose yourself entirely, and it is another thing to bring yourself back from a brink of destruction.  And when you do, you can say you conquered your own battles.

In a period of three months I have undergone three transformations.  This third one I am loving.  I am style quite the trend setter because I enjoy keeping my style fresh and in the front of everyone’s mind.  No way are you going to see me and say I don’t live by my own standards.  No way are you ever going to that about as an aspiring representative of the fashion industry.

Now let’s talk about fashion.  My favorite picks include this cute top I found on Amazon while totally looking for something entirely different.   l love it because it has the high-low affect, pretty lace trim and it’s shear.   I have a cute black kami I can wear underneath.

Now this was paired with a pair of skinny jeans and sexy strap up high heel sandals.  I don’t have normal casual Fridays.  I have to be bone tired to walk into the office wearing flats, leggings and a shirt.  That is when everyone is asking me if I feel ok.  I just like to keep the fashionista going.  Except on the weekends when I don’t have to leave the house, then I am in my own world.

So I thought I would pair this pretty top with some skinny dark gray jeans.  It is like I said in one of my Facebook posts, why dress my age when I can have so much fun.  My daughter turned me on to skinny jeans years back and I have been hooked every since.  The possibilities are endless and it comes with knowing how to where them and what to wear them with.  Trust me…not everyone can pull of wearing skinny jeans.

Keeping the ensemble going I looked up a couple of different pair of high heel sandals that I thought would work for this ensemble.  Of course, I went for black because that is what works best for this.  I didn’t want to throw in any color to take away from the original look I was going for.  And with skinny jeans you  really have to pick and choose shoes carefully because you want to go too bulky and you don’t want to go too sporty depending on what type of look you’re going for.  Coordination is everything.

To finish off my look, I picked these — because, you know, I have to have something to switch between. That’s just me.

First are these double strapped high heel sandals with side zipper.  I like these so much that I may get these either in nude or olive green, or the powder blue.  These can be worn with a variety of looks — again it’s all in the coordinating with the right ensemble or dress.  They are sexy, flirty, and fun.

When I am not wearing these with my ensemble I will be sporting the strap up high heel sandals.

These shoes are bound to be the center of discussion.  The picture the top was shown in on Amazon showed the model wearing strap up high heel sandals, so, naturally when I saw these I thought why not.  They totally work with the ensemble and gives me the look I want to achieve.

With my ensemble complete, my look says I am back and I am ready.  And I can take on anything you throw at me.

I was really struggling and I did not realize how much until that one day I looked in the mirror.  And sometimes that is all it takes is one look to realize where you are in life.

My daughter lives with someone who told me that because she had no man in her life that she didn’t have to spend so much caring about her appearance.  And I thought even if you don’t have someone in your life you should care someone about how you look — but I guess that is the way some people are.  Everyone has their own way of thinking.

In short, I became my own client, picked myself up, found my inner self, became reacquainted with who I am and I am back.  No matter what life throws at you, remember to take care of yourself inside and out, and remember to love ever bit of you.

If are looking to create a look like this or a new look suitable to your individual taste, email me and lets get together to talk about creating a new you.

 

Style File: Thrifty Made Sassy, Fun & Sexy

This week in Style File by Rene, I am talking about how to make thrifty clothing sassy and fun, and even sexy.

My husband and I were out on the last day of Goodwill’s $2 sale last Saturday.  He likes to go when they have them because he  tends to come away with designer shirts, Old Navy jeans and other jeans that he likes.

This past weekend I walked away with a pair of Bamboo wedges and a beautiful vintage style top that has a lace hemmed trim, which makes it really pretty.

I was surprised when I saw these.  I have seen these types of wedges, but never thought I’d actually get a pair. When they first came out I shyed away from them because I thought, “oh my, I could never walk in those!”  This coming from someone who likes to wear 6 inch platform high heels.  But I got them.  They were brand new.  Not a smudge on them.  I tried them on, they fit beautifully. Photo by J. Jackson.

Dubbed the Whistle01 Gaga Platform Wedge, they are now among the hard to find unless you get them from Ebay which I found at $40.50, and hope you find them in your size.

I discovered they come in black and red as well.  As it turns out the color I have is the nude, which is very nice and goes with my ensemble very well.  At one time, Amazon had them, but I have checked and they are completely sold out in all colors. Happy hunting there!!!

Surprisingly, these are size 7 1/2.  Some of their shoes I have to get a half size up just for the comfort, and to not rub against my big toe.  These work just fine.  They’re comfortable, stylish, and really changed my mind about this design in wedges, of course I won’t go for the more extreme where you look like you’re going to fall on your ass if you lean backwards or lose your balance by the slightest movement.

The wedge measures approximately over 5.8 inch high.  This particular style does run a little small, which is why it is recommended to go a half size up for comfort.  They look good, but you have to keep comfort well in mind.

The ankle strap adds a really nice touch to it, especially for wearing capris jeans, dress shorts, skirts, or even a nice pants ensemble.

I have not determined if the strap is removable or not, but why would you want to remove it.  It is what adds appeal to the shoes.
So, let’s talk about the ensemble.  First off, I was looking for something to wear with the wedges.  I had gone up and down almost every aisle I could until I went back down one particular aisle, took my time and came across this vintage style, long sleeve top.  The detail in the top is very nice.  It’s multi colors layout give sit that vintage look.

The fabric is very fine and delicate.  Not really made for the washing machine.  It is an extra large, fits very well in all the right place, the sleeves are the right length, not too tight, and the neck line sits low enough to allow for an attractive appeal.

This is one of those you either hand wash have it dry cleaned.

Cost for this pretty piece?  $2.00 at Goodwill’s $2 Two-Day Sale, which usually happens at the last Friday and Saturday of the month.  But I think my husband told me that this sale was their annual sale.  So, I’m not sure if they’ll do it again.

Next, I pair the top with my dark blue capris jeans that I had gotten at another sale they had.  Again, they were brand new, still had the tags in them.  When I got home I couldn’t wait to pull them out and match them up with the top and the wedges.

This is why this is a part of my Style File because you can make thrity look trendy, sassy, fun and sexy if you know what you are looking for, and have an eye for detail and quality.

Together the combination makes one hell of an ensemble.  And makes this woman over 40 look hip, trendy, sassy, and sexy without looking over or under dressed.

This ensemble is perfect for Friday casual, going to a family fun event, or hanging out with the girls.  It’s comfortable, weekending friendly, and it also says I’m ready for the Spring/Summer season

Now, when you are buying thrifty keep in mind that anything you buy should washed before you wear it.  Remember you are buying someone else’s treasure.

Total cost I paid for the entire ensemble, $13.99 for what would have probably cost more than $75 dollars ir purchased at retail.

I stopped shopping at thrift stores years ago when I realize that the 95% of my wardrobe was from a thrift store and I was working everyday.  What turned me back on to it is my husband doesn’t mind saving a dollar or two if it means he can get quality top dollar shirts and jeans at a fraction of the cost if he were to buy retail.  Don’t get me wrong, he does like to shop at Kohls, and sometimes get his jeans at Wal-Mart, but he finds nothing wrong with thrift shopping, and as his wife, I’m right there with him.

If you’re into thrift shopping, or you have never tried it before, go to your local thrift store, take your time and see what treasures you uncover.

This has been another week in Style File by Rene.

Updated 06/06/17

Shoe Reviews: The Sling Back High Heel Satisfies in Sexy Style

Shoe Review: Here they are!!! My latest pair to add to my newly growing collection. Arrived last week….just had time to really get a good look at them. I love they overall detail of the shoes. How each beading was strategically placed to get this beautiful design on a classic style shoe. The heel height is very attractive. With Spring/Summer months not too far off I am getting prepared.

The Comfort & Feel: I look for comfort in every pair of high heels I buy. In a peep toe platform this is especially important. I tried them on….they look and feel good and can’t wait to wear them with my new ensemble I put together. They feel true to size….I wear a size 7. If you have a wide foot, I recommend a half or whole size up.

Overall Style: They put a modern twist on a classic shoe.  Adding beading and an elegant look that compliments the best ensembles.  Of course this is one style I have not seen before, so you can imagine when I saw it I was struck and had the “I have to have them” persona.  I was a little intimidated by the heel height at first.  After all it’s been a long time since I’d worn a heel that high.  And anyone who loves me, knows that I love an attractive heel on a good looking pair of shoes.

Of course sling back shoes remain the classic shoe to date.  With designers creatively coming up with new designs to keep them relevant in the fashion world, whether office or night life, or special occasions, the sling back high heel will always have a place.

Cost: The price was nice. I think I want the pink ones. From Amazon, they were $15.99 total. Didn’t cost a lot, true, but let’s see how the quality holds up.

In Conclusion: Although they are probably one of the nicest pair of shoes I’ve had, they did come with a slight blemish on one of them….on the back. This seems to always happen with shoes I buy from Amazon. But it is not significant enough the return them.

I would not consider them for constant wear only because of how they are made and the beading. But I do recommend these for an event, or out on the town. Wearing to the office? I don’t know how these would shape up in an office environment. Proceed with caution there. You’d be the talk of the office for sure.

So this is my review of the sling back, peep toe high heel by Kiss & Tell.

Happy shoe hunting.

 

 

Scarf of the Week

Terra Nomad Women’s Silk & Cotton Soft Triangle Scarf w/ Lace Trim-Red

Spring/Summer Styles: This Years Fashion Trends

2017 well underway and winter is still upon us with its winter storms.  But what wrong with thinking ahead into the Spring/Summer seasons in what your favorite styles and trends will be?  I’ll be 50 this summer and I tell you, I have already looked at what I plan on wearing for my big day.  Even leading up to August, there are some fun and sexy styles I hope to add to my wardrobe.

So let’s start with shoes to follow with the styles I matched them with.  You know how I love shoes.  High heel sandals have been my favorite every since I discovered them back in 1999 or so.  That is when I was coming close to the end of my nylon days which ended a few short years later.

I spent a lot of time looking for the best shoes for this years Spring/Summer styles because I want to capture the right look.

I picked these not only because they are in my favorite color, bu because I love strap, and plus I have a fun and flirty outfit my husband will just love.

I first saw this top at Rainbow and was like, “Oh yeah…I have to have it!”  I got it with the royal blue pants also at Rainbow you see to the right of the screen.  I paired the pants and top up with the high heel sandals.  I tried the ensemble on and with another pair of blue high heel sandals that I have, and I tell you, I amazingly good!  I am saving this ensemble for when we have a cool day out.

I hope to get these high heel sandals in light blue denim, pink, nude, and hopefully olive green, but my husband and I will need a bigger place with a much larger closet to house my shoe collection. 😀

This is another favorite of mine.  I love the detail in the pencil skirt and the way the blouse and the shoes match beautifully.  What makes this skirt stand out is the yellow detail.  That is what mostly drew me to wanting to get it.  Yes, I will be fashionably dressed.  I may wear this for my 1 year wedding anniversary.

Next up….I originally purchased these shoes for a holiday party my job was going to have last year, but unfortunately chose to have a pot luck instead.  Anyway, I have these beautiful shoes.  Talk about a design.  The one issue I have with them, which is a total work around is the fact that they are not the easiest shoes to put on.  I had to have on some oil on my feet to slide them on.  Once on, they were fine.  These were going to be my holiday shoes.  They have a comfortable platform, back zipper closure.

So, I never got to wear them.  Here is the ensemble I was going to wear. My blue H&M blouse with a white lace skirt I purchased from Amazon.com.

I have been checking out the color olive green lately only because I have been seeing some really nices styles in both shoes and fashion and finally made up my mind to start paying close attention.  In the last year I have an olive green sleeveless long jumpsuit and two pairs of different olive green pants which I just love.

So to wear them just right I got these lace up olive green high heel shoes I found at a local boutique I go to when I’m looking for something.

If you lace them up just right, they are quite comfortable.  And the look really good paired with the right ensemble.  They are good for wearing to work, with a casual outfit, or when you are stepping out for the evening.  Either way you’re getting your money’s worth.

Now lat’s talk casual fun.  This is the time I am looking for wedges.  Every Spring and Summer I like to break out my wedges.  For my wish list, I am hoping to get myself a cute pair for floral wedges to wear with my jean capri pants.  I am in the process of putting together an ensemble, so stay tuned for that.  But in the mean time, this is what I will be wearing.

Breckells are my go to for cute wedges.  They have different styles to choose from and the price is just right.  These were a surprising $15.99 down from the usual $25 I’ve paid for my last two from last year.

This is a cute and fun weekend ensemble or a casual Friday at the office.  This would be one of those ensembles I would wear with daughter on one of our mother and daughter day out like we would do before she moved.  The top is a high low top, red in the front.  Very cute.

Last but not least — I’ve saved the very best for last.  These next pair of shoes are sling backs which is a modern take on a classic style.  I am glad to see sling backs getting their deserving place in the shoe industry.

I am not one on sling backs, but when I see a pair that points to everything I love about shoes, I waste no time adding them to my collection.  I like these because of the beading style, the platform and the heal height.  I have a powder blue waist jacket I picked up from Ross that is perfect to wear with these, and my cream colored pants from H&M.  I will be stylish when I step out in that ensemble.

Also, with the cold temperatures, these will be be dazzling when I wear my new belted batwing jacket I purchased from Rosewe.com.

It’s been said that I’m the best dress of the block, but I just say that I care about how I look when I step out the house headed out somewhere.  Now, you can’t tell me the jacket with these shoes, a really nice top and pair of pants I won’t be looking sharp.  One thing you can say when my husband and I go out, he says he looks like a bum compared to how I’m dressed.  So I’ve been dressing down a bit so he doesn’t feel like, but then again, I get in one of those moods where I have to show off what’s in my wardrobe.

And finally, in closing out this year’s Winter season, I chose a look that encompases everything I love about fashion.

This is another one of my favorites.  I will wear this with a black turtleneck sweater and blue skinny jeans with the light tan threading down the sides.  Perfect style for this season.  The jacket caught my attention and like the belted bat wing jacket with the faux fur collar, it was one I had to have.  This is my Weekend Girl ensemble.  The jacket is from Linkshe.com and the boots are from Amiclubwear.com.

These are my pics for the Spring/Summer seasons and for closing out the Winter season in style.

If you are looking for styles to fit your individual style and taste email me  at styledbyrene@live.com to talk about how you want to change your style and/or enhance your current wardrobe, or you just want to try something new and different or you need guidance in finding what looks best for you because you’ve lost weight or put on some weight.  I can be your style consultant throughout your journey.

I love looking for new trends and being a trend setter.  I am always looking for what’s new, what’s hip, and what women over 40 are wearing.

Remember, shopping for fashion should be fun and not a headache.  Look for styles that compliment your figure your figure.  Use body shape wear to enhance your figure and hide bulges and rolls.

Fashion does not have to cost a fortune if you are living on a budget month to month, and live check to check.  Check out local boutiques that keep their prices moderately low and cater to women of all sizes.

Updated 01/24/17

Fall/Winter Review: Fabulous Styles for the Cool Temperatures

Hello all of my fashion divas out there.  It’s been a while, but I am back.  So, here we are bracing ourselves for the temperatures to dip down to where we need to break out our favorite fall/winter wears.  I’ve already started pulling out my favorites styles, and have even added new styles to show off how trendy I can look while keeping warm.

So, where I work we moved to a new floor in the same building.  They’ve put in a new air conditioning system that in the last week has been freezing us to death.  With the weather being cool outside and it being cooler inside, I stopped by Rainbow to see what they had in ponchos and turtle necks and decided to pick them up.

This is by far one of my favorite Friday casual outfits.  Or as my daughter would say, I am being flashy for no reason, when I am basically trying to keep warm at the same time.

I paired the poncho with a cream turtle neck sweater.  Because….well….you know a poncho goes very well with a turtle neck sweater.  And with the print design in the poncho, cream color makes the colors in the poncho stand out.

I added a pair of my skinny jeans with the tan trim that goes down the side, and my brown high heel boots with the sexy buckles on them.  These were my 2015 Christmas boots that I had to have from Shiek Shoes.  I put my hair up because I thought it showed off the outfit more.  And I didn’t do a whole lot of accessorizing with this ensemble.  I think the poncho says it all and nothing else was really needed.

I am wearing a watch set minus a couple pieces I picked up from Wal-Mart while visiting my daughter and grand daughter in Crescent City, CA last week.

The jeans I had for some time now.  I picked these up last year because my husband says I don’t have enough jeans so while we were out running errands, we made a stop at Ross and picked up a pair.  I managed to get another pair similar some weeks later and they didn’t cost all that much.  So that was cool.

I like this outfit because it has dual capacity for both work and for hanging out with friends and family.  It’s one of those ensembles I plan to wear the next time my cousin and I have another get together.  I love hanging out with her.  She’s got lots of energy, a light in her that shines like I have not seen in any of my other cousins.

You can also wear flat heeled boots with this ensemble especially if you’re going to be on your feet all day, but you want stay stylish.  The olive tones of the poncho stand out against the turtle neck and it’s not too thick so you won’t over heat.

It’s just a matter of time before the storms start to roll in and the temperatures dip below 50’s.  If you haven’t already started rolling your fall/winter fashion, think about what your styles will be while keeping warm this season.

You don’t have to spend a fortune if you are planning to add some styles to your wardrobe.  Me? I like to add a few pieces every now and the just to have a variety and to keep it interesting.  I have heard, “what will she wear next?” And that’s because I don’t like keep it too simple.

H & M has some pretty cool sweaters that you might enjoy.  And at $19.99 you can’t beat that.  I mean, these types of sweaters usually go for far more than that at other retailers.  And if you get them from Amazon or Ali Express you are looking to pay over $27 for one.

This year it’s about color, blends, patterns, and brown…LOL.  I’ve incorporated more brown and have even some olive green just to throw everybody off.

As you plan your fall/winter fashion wears, remember coordination is everything and if you have to think about wearing it, don’t.  Watch your impulse buys.  I say that because not every buy this season is a good buy.  And if you want people to know you cared about your appearance before you left the house, leave it on the rack at the store.  Food for thought.

My next favorite fall/winter ensemble is this sweater from H & M with the Jessica Simpson ankle boots.

These worn with my other skinny jeans is a hot combination.  Talk about a real head turner!!!  Oh yeah, I am the talk of the crowd wearing this.  So not only will I be keeping warm this season, but I will be trendy and you will hear, “do you see what she is wearing?  She looks nice.”

My accessory choice for the Friday outfit I wore is this nice watch set that set off the entire ensemble.

I’m not much of an accessory person, but I am finding that it can be fun to dress up an ensemble.

This is just quick look at how I am dressing up my fall/winter wardrobes.

Fashion: Blue and Flowers – Coordinating Solids with Patterns

I’m stepping out of my comfort zone here with my favorite color blue in a style dress I really like and have been trying to get a hold of.  So, when we think about how we are going to coordinate a blue dress we don’t think of going outside the box with a patterned shoe, let alone a high heel sandal.

What I’m doing is breaking traditional coordinating rules by taking it a step further in how we pair up dresses and shoes, and choosing different styles we would not have ordinarily chose.

I wanted to create a dual look, meaning one look for an occasion and an office look.  It’s the Spring/Summer season and it’s been a long time since I’ve looked at blue dresses, so I thought why not, especially since I have half of the clothes I used to have and half of the shoes I used to have — that it makes it that much more fun redefining my wardrobe and shoe collection.

I got the dress from Amazon.com, which is usually now my first go-to when I’m looking for something simple, but with a sharp and classy look.  I like the rouching on this dress because it hides all the right areas of my mid section and doesn’t draw attention to it, especially if I wear Spanx underneath to hold it all in and give me smooth curves where I want them.

I like the detail of the front of the dress, it is sleeveless, and has the crisscross in the front with a deep neckline which I like.  I could wear a blazer if I chose to for the office to give it a more professional look.  But if I’m stepping out, then let’s go with a nice clutch purse, sexy accessories and a killer high heel sandal to give the look some pizzazz.

It’s simple enough to create more than one look.

Because I want to create two looks with this dress I’m first going with the floral high heel sandal to give it that Spring/Summer look.  I have wanted these in a high heel pump, but when I saw these in one of the style sandals I like, and at a reasonable price, I couldn’t let it pass me by.  I had to add them to my newly growing shoe collection.

The D-Orsay Sandals by Delicious have always been my favorite, next to Michael Antonio’s sandals.  Delicious presents a wide variety of colors in solids and floral prints to coordinate the best ensemble whether for work or play and are usually priced within the $25.99 range and up.

If you’re going to go with a solid shoe, I recommend a lighter color like a pastel color, nude, or even a blush color.  Or you can go with a blue on the same shade as the dress, but bring it up with light colored accessories if you’re into accessorizing.

Cost for this entire ensemble?  Under $70 and that’s with two day shipping.

Want to create a look like this or something similar?  Contact me at styledbyrene@live.com and let’s talk about the look.

 

 

Style File News: 4th and Elm Boutique

Today in Style File News, is about boutique glamour.  Hi, everybody, it’s your fashionista again, René, spotlighting one of Long Beach’s hidden treasures just east of Long Beach Boulevard located on 4th Street.

I have lived in Long Beach, CA going on two years now and I have come to appreciate many of the hidden treasures the city has to offer.  When you least expect it you will come to find some great eating places, fine entertainment, community get togethers, and eloquent shopping outside of the normal mall shopping venues.

Getting out to get better acquainted with your community can be a rewarding experience as I have discovered. So, while I was out last Saturday, I met Lorie Scott, owner of one of the hottest boutiques I have ever gone into in all my years of boutique shopping.  It’s called 4th and Elm Boutique.  I first saw her when I was just getting out of my car on Elm and she had come storming down the boulevard wearing these bad ass pants that just caught my attention.  I saw her again just as I crossed the street on 4th and saw those same pants in the window of the boutique. I asked her if they were the same pants, she laughed and said, “Yep! I’m the owner!” And that’s when I knew I had to learn more about those hot pants she was wearing even as we had light rain that day.

The pants have wrap around features with up the thigh side splits in the legs which is where the wrap features come in with a back elastic.  They come in small, medium, and large, and are $48.  I have to say they are worth it because of their unique look and style.

These pants are very sassy and sexy at the same time, and wearing them you will be turning heads all around. Perfect for summer fun and are found in only one stylish design.  They are best worn with a cute white top. Even Lorie will tell you that.  Since I lost weight I challenged myself to try on a pair of her snazzy pants to see if they’d fit.  And wouldn’t you know it, I tried them on and they fit.  I was so excited that I treated myself to a pair.

They felt really good, were not too tight.  And because I’m short, they are the perfect length.  They will go great with my low healed strippy summer sandals.  I picked up a white chiffon top from another one of my favorite stores that will go perfectly, and is the perfect ensemble for after I get married in Las Vegas this summer.  So how much did the entire set me back?  Just under $70.  But let me tell you, for those pants, I probably would have become obsessed with them if I had not picked them up when I did.

You can follow Lori’s boutique, 4th and Elm Boutique at any of the following:

Online: www.4thandelmboutique.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/4thandelmboutique
Instagram: @4thandelmboutique
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/4thandElmLBC

I’m always looking for a good boutique and as I ride around this city in which I live I have to say I have found one of the absolute best.  This is why I have always wanted a boutique of my mine.  Lori’s fashions are not what you would typically see in boutiques.  In fact I would say they are one of a kind finds in her store.  And she brings summer a whole new look in being stylish and fashionable.