How to utilize what you already have in your closet to create a fresh new look!

What’s in Your Closet?

If I asked for a show of hands for this question- I would have to pause from typing and raise my own. How many times do you find yourself saying I don't know what to wear? You are standing there looking at a top and then at a bottom, but not knowing what to wear either with—and you’re sure as hell not going to wear them together.

Now buyer’s remorse kicks in and you begin kicking yourself ( hopefully metaphorically) for continuing to purchase items separately instead of as an entire outfit. But isn't’ this the fun of fashion- collecting pieces at a steal here and there to then mix and match and make your own? Don’t be so hard on yourself and read on for some simple suggestions on....

How to  utilize what you already have in your closet to create a fresh new look!

According to Pinterest, many of the most popular pinned outfits in 2014 all contain the following:

• Leather
• Oversized sweaters
• Leopard print
• Blazers
• Chambrays
• Leggings
• Plaid

This means that most likely you have some if not all of these in some version in your closet. So, you may not have a leopard shirt but you have leopard pumps, you have a lace shirt or lace dress, you may not have leather leggings but you do own a leather jacket and so forth...Luckily for you if you have at least TWO of these ingredients you can mix and match to start putting something together if not wearing a complete outfit! Check out the concepts that are mixed and matched for you below!

Leather always adds edge to an outfit. With Leather leggings as a hot item this year you can easily use them as your leather ingredient, but if you are still keeping the leather on top use your jacket as a base and a scarf for a friend pop of color. 

 
 Embrace your wild side with leopard. An over sized leopard sweater goes great with leggings. If you're not ready to go all out pick a scarf that will look great with a dress or jeans. Pull off a preppier look by pulling a leather cardigan over your chambray. Finally you can always opt for a leopard pumps to really to walk on the wild side.

Plaid is taken to a whole new level when pairing with leather leggings this year. My favorite item right now is a plaid scarf ( that is currently on my Christmas list) due to its ease in matching almost any attire!

Please don't ever let over sized sweaters and leggings go out of style. The comfy but chic look is perfect for the cold winter days and can be dressed up or down effortlessly. Add a fun and funky necklace to keep from looking like your being swallowed. 

Still stumped? Have something drastically different in your collection? Its OK— here’s a tip and trick that I often use at least once a week when I’m having fashion block. Visit  pinterest.com and type in the top, bottom, shoe, etc that you are trying to match and see what comes up. 

Example: Have a coral blazer? Type it in “Coral Blazer outfit or coral blazer outfit ideas” and watch the item appear with different tops, bottoms, dresses in all different cuts and colors.

The most important thing is to make sure that if you see an outfit  you like,  to check your closet first for the pieces before rushing out to  the store to buy something that is, if not the same, very similar to what you already have.

Send me your mixed and matched items and any tricks and tips you use at stay.beautiful.friend@gmail.com 

xoxo