Style Q&A-How to wear a red shift dress?

Jan 7, 2011 by Clueless Fashionista

Lauren wrote:

I am thinking of buying a red shift dress to wear to a political event in Washington DC in March. I am a plus size girl (2X) and was thinking of wearing a black belt around the waist with a white cardigan over top and black patent leather pumps. I’m not sure if this will look ok. Do you have another suggestion as to how to wear a red shift dress?

First of all, kudos to you for wanting to rock a red shift dress. If you haven’t already bought it, go and get it right now. Shift dresses are perfect for all body types because of their basic shape. This is a great choice and will definitely make a splash at the event. It sounds like you’re on the right track with the black belt, cardigan and black patent leather pumps. The belt will do wonders to highlight your waist and you can’t go wrong with black patent leather pumps. I’m not completely sold on the white cardigan. Depending on the length, it could cut the dress in half in an unflattering way. If the white cardigan hangs a few inches below your waist, it could work nicely. You should also consider wearing an animal print jacket like this one:

If you’re feeling sassy, a jacket like this (or in a leopard print but with the same cut) would really make the ensemble pop. I suggest a single breasted cut because as a lady who wears a 2X, you need a jacket that will be tapered to your figure to be most flattering. Now, if you are a bit intimidated by an animal print jacket and the white cardigan is too short, I would suggest a basic black cardigan like this one:

However, since you are rocking a black belt, you have to keep any jacket or cardigan you wear open to show off your waist. In fact, if you go with the cardigan, you could put the belt over the cardigan and wear it open to pull it all together and divert attention to your waist even more. I hope this is helpful. I would love to see what you decide to go with. If you’re so inclined to send a picture to info [at] cluelessfashionista [dot] com, I would love to see the final product!

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Top Five Fashion Posts of 2010

Jan 3, 2011 by Clueless Fashionista

Happy New Year! I hope you are renewed by the vigor and optimism that comes with the onset of a new year. Thank you for visiting and reading this blog. I truly enjoy your comments and questions. Please keep them coming.

I decided to do a round up of posts that I really liked from 2010. It was a little challenging because I liked every post for different reasons since I make it a point to feature topics that I am truly interested in writing about. However, these all resonated with me and other people so I thought I share them.

Enjoy!

Product Review-Liquid Palisade
-This is a super cool product that helps you apply your nail polish. I’m so glad I got to feature it on the blog and I highly recommend it.

Doing the big chop-short hair tips by Mandrill Hardge
-One of the best ways to make a dramatic change to your look is by cutting your hair. The fabulous Mandrill Hardge gave some wonderful suggestions on how to care for short hair that women of every hair type can benefit from.

Back to Basics: What is your face shape?
-Knowing your face shape can really help you with choosing the right face centered accessories. Earrings, hair cuts and sunglasses are all great ways to enhance your look if done right. They are also things that can completely detract from your look if done in a way that’s not flattering.

Style Q&A-How to wear a tiger print skirt?
-I really enjoy doing the Style Q&A segment. Since animal print has been so popular lately, I think this post is very helpful for incorporating any type of animal print piece in a way that isn’t intimidating but still fabulous.

Ladies Let’s Talk-Shapewear
-I got some great comments on this post, both on the blog and off of it. If there is something that you can do to improve the way you look in your clothes, do it!

I hope you enjoy the round up and take some time to browse around. Stay tuned for more great fashion and beauty tips!

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Three Fashion Tips for the Career Minded Woman-guest post by David Bounder

Dec 30, 2010 by Clueless Fashionista

For some women looking their best in the workplace is an absolute necessity and staying on top of fashion can be the key to always looking stylish. Most women that are career minded want to be taken seriously and this can be evident in the way that you dress. Many professional women swear that if you dress for success, then success will come so without further ado, let’s explore some fashion tips that will help you on the road to success.

Know your office’s dress code
It is a good idea that you get to know the dress code for your work. Knowing what is deemed appropriate in the workplace and inappropriate can save you a lot of grief. It can be embarrassing to show up for work one morning greeted by stares and people shaking their heads, pay careful attention to the dress code so that you don’t put yourself in an uncomfortable position. Some offices will not allow low cut tops or skirts or dresses that cut off around the knee. While others are just not keen on certain colors, basically, when you accept a job at a company you are agreeing to play by their rules.

The classics are always appreciated
You really can never go wrong with the classics. The classics rarely go out of style and different combinations are always easy to create when using these styles. The classics also usually tend to have a more professional look, so showing up to work in a pantsuit or skirt will have you fitting right in. Aim for colors like gray, red, and black, they all look professional and are easy to mix and match. Comfort should always be first too. Don’t wear an outfit just because you think that it looks great on you. When I wear something, especially for a long day at work, it needs to be very comfortable. So pick up some clothes that allow you to breathe better and feel comfortable against your skin.

Avoid showing too much skin
Showing some skin in the workplace can be frowned upon. This includes outfits like short skirts and low cut tops. If you want to be treated like a professional then dressing like one is the best way to be sure of it. To get a general idea on what you should be wearing always check the dress code and observe what other women are wearing. If you are new to the office, then it can always be smart to play it safe and wear an outfit that covers you up just as good as a HAZMAT suit.

Online schools for fashion are becoming more popular these days because of the convenience of online learning and the flexibility that learning at home can bring into your life. Even if you don’t want to have a career in fashion, you may get some good insight by taking a few online fashion classes. Stay tuned for more tips for workplace appropriate attire. If you have questions about a particular piece of clothing or general insight, please don’t hesitate to visit the contact page and submit it.

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Holiday Gift Guide-Round 3

Dec 21, 2010 by Clueless Fashionista

Christmas is less than a week away. Yes, I do realize that you don’t need another reminder from me about this, but this isn’t a reminder. This is more of a suggestion for you to consider giving yourself a post holiday treat. In this round of the Holiday Gift Guide, I will feature more of the designers/boutiques that were highlighted on the blog during the year. However, rather than encouraging you to visit them to purchase Christmas gifts, I want to encourage you to visit these sites over the next couple of days and get a little something for yourself. This is a perfect time to take advantage of the slow down in the mail delivery that will take place due to the holidays. If you visit these sites before Christmas and place an order, you can have whatever you purchase sent to you post Christmas but pre-New Year. What’s not to love about getting a little “surprise” package in the mail after you’ve survived Christmas? This is the best kind of peer pressure…

Shabby Apple

This fabulous online boutique features a wide variety of designers selling everything from super cute dresses to accessories at very reasonable prices. Plus, they have a feature where they will suggest items according to your body type! I really love that feature. Visit them and take advantage of free holiday shipping www.shabbyapple.com.

Island Belle Boutique

If you’ve never owned a handmade item, you should definitely visit this wonderful boutique of handmade goods. With the most expensive item currently at $20, you won’t feel bad about adding this to your personal holiday gift list. Take a moment and browse around www.etsy.com/shop/islandbelle?ref=top_trail.

Astridland

If you’re a fan of designer goods but can’t spend a lot, especially because it’s the holidays and your holiday shopping has depleted your shopping budget, visit this designer’s boutique for some great pieces. Plus, if you’re still looking for a fabulous New Year’s ensemble, this is a great place to check out. Go, shop!
www.etsy.com/shop/astridland?ref=top_trail.

LAB Consignment

Who doesn’t love a boutique where you can purchase pieces from today and yesterday? This online boutique features fabulous vintage pieces as well as current pieces that will fit well within your wardrobe. Visit their website now to see what fabulous pieces you can score and make sure to check back often because their inventory is always being updated. www.labconsignment.com.

Pampered Passions Fine Lingerie

There’s nothing better than wearing a pair of wonderfully sexy underwear. Plus, if you’re going to be spending the New Year’s with your significant other or that special someone, this is a great place to visit to get those special garments to go under your clothes. Check them out www.pamperedpassions.com.

Bella Dawn

If you ever wished you had access to the mind of a celebrity stylist, this boutique is the answer to that wish. Owned by Celebrity Stylist, Dawn Del Russo, the pieces in this boutique are in line to the types of pieces she uses to style her high profile clients, without the celebrity prices. If you need an ensemble for an upcoming New Year’s event, this is a great place to get your dress, accessories and makeup. Go browse around www.belladawn.com.

La Alicia

This eco-friendly boutique has some wonderful items that are easy on the earth while being cute, unique and budget friendly. There is a wide variety of accessories to choose from, including some great clutches that will definitely stand out when you’re carrying it. Visit and get yourself a little something www.etsy.com/shop/LaAlicia.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season with plans to end the year enjoyably. Make sure you visit all of the fabulous online boutiques and treat yourself. I’m sure you deserve it!

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Holiday Gift Guide-Round 2

Dec 15, 2010 by Clueless Fashionista

This past year, Clueless Fashionista had the opportunity to highlight some wonderful online boutiques and designers in the Boutique/Designer Spotlight. Two of the biggest criteria was that the boutique/designer had to have an online retail space where people could make purchases and that the pieces had to be reasonably priced. There were some great boutiques/designers featured so I decided it would be cool to put together a Holiday Gift Guide to remind you of these great shops while you’re doing your holiday gift shopping. Here is the first full round of the inaugural Clueless Fashionista Holiday Gift Guide. There was a preview last week featuring Silent Gypsy including a promo code for 20% off. I hope you took advantage of it and got some of their great stuff at a cool discount. Take a moment and visit these fabulous online boutiques. If you’re not a big fan of the mall during the holidays (like me), you can get some cute gifts here!

Calico Juno Designs
Beautiful, handmade jewelry is always great to give as a gift. Plus, there is no two piece that is alike. Every lady loves having a truly unique piece of jewelry. Calico Juno Designs is offering a 20% off discount from now until December 31 if you put in the code clueless at check out. Visit their website http://calicojunodesigns.com and take advantage of this wonderful discount!

AllyBu’s Handmade Handbags, Totes and Accessories
This wonderfully unique etsy shop has some cool accessories for the lady in your life who loves handmade goods. Plus, there are quite a few items currently on sale. Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/AllyBu.

Miss Malaprop
This cute online boutique features everything from clothing to jewelry to home decorating pieces. If you enjoy supporting independent designers, this is a great shop to visit and it’s currently offering free shipping on orders over $50. Check it out at https://www.shopmissmalaprop.com.

Estylo Jewelry
There’s nothing cooler than opening a small box and receiving a pretty piece of jewelry over the holidays. This shop has a variety of brightly colored jewelry that any lady would enjoy receiving. And the best part? Many of these pieces are under $30! Go shop around at http://www.etsy.com/shop/EstyloJewelry.

Shop 4 Sparkles
This online boutique is so cool that it is at the top of my list of places to visit when I do my post holiday shopping. They have purses, jewelry, hair accessories, belts, watches and more. Their pieces are on trend and budget friendly at full price so when they have a sale, it’s a treat! Give them a visit at http://www.shop4sparkles.com.

Juliet and Company
If you or someone you’re shopping for likes wearing statement jewelry or is looking for some unique bridal jewelry, this is the place to visit. With beautiful accessories that are classic with a touch of edge, you wont’ go wrong by getting a piece from this online boutique. Most of the pieces are under $100 so they make great gifts for that will definitely impress.
Check them out at http://www.julietandcompany.com/index.html.

Joy Fabiano
Sometimes it can be challenging to shop for the eco-warrior in your life. But even eco-fashionistas enjoy a great handbag. This online boutique specializes in eco-friendly handbags and apparel. There are some really cool and unique bags that will leave a great impression. Take a look around at http://www.joyfabiano.com.

I hope you enjoy the holiday gift guide. I know you’ll be inspired to make at least one purchase from this list for the holiday gift giving season. I would love to hear your stories of gifting items from these online boutiques.

Happy Holidays!

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Hair tips to take you into the new year-guest post by Mandrill Hardge

Dec 10, 2010 by Clueless Fashionista

As we take the time to reflect over the year and give thanks for the many blessings that have been bestowed on us, I would certainly be out of order if I did not say thank you for your continued support and faithful following of my articles here on the awesome site of Cluelessfashionista.com.

This month’s article is simply my 3 most essential tips to keep in mind throughout the year.

1. Protein/Trim ~ Be sure to maintain consistent timing with these services. You will want to obtain your Protein Treatment every 4 to 6 weeks based on the strength of your hair and hair type. It is essential to your hair health and manageability to have a trim every 6 weeks.
2. Wash satin scarf and pillowcases ~ To keep hair from becoming weighed down with the natural oils from your scalp, be sure to wash your hair scarves and also your pillowcases at least once a week. Also run hot water over your combs and brushes weekly to dislodge any oils and loose hairs in them.
3. Build a Relationship ~ In an effort to obtain healthy hair and manageable hair, it is vital that you build a relationship with your stylist and also with the salon assistant. Ask those questions that you may think are dumb, because they are NOT. Probe your stylist for product knowledge and advice. This is the single most important thing you should do to gain and keep a healthy head of hair.

These are just a few of my favorite tips and also essential tools that I use with my clientele here in Atlanta and abroad. It has been an honor to serve you in this capacity over this year and I pray that something I have advised you has paid off and aided in your gaining stronger knowledge about products, styles and even building a relationship with your stylist. Remember to always be good to yourself AND your hair.

Happy Holidays from my family to yours!

Mandrill Hardge, hair extraordinaire
For more information about Mandrill or to schedule an appointment with him, visit www.mandrillhardge.com

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Holiday Gift Guide-Silent Gypsy

Dec 5, 2010 by Clueless Fashionista

The holidays are in full swing! Whenever you go to a store (any store, almost), you will almost always see some time of holiday decorations. And of course with holiday decorations comes holiday gift shopping. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to feature some great online boutiques as a part of the Boutique/Designer Spotlight so I wanted to do a gift guide so you can see them again and include them in your holiday shopping.

Silent Gypsy is one of the online boutiques that was recently featured. It’s a fabulous jewelry boutique with many pieces having a rock and roll edge. If you’re looking for some fly pieces for that edgy fashionista in your life (or even that fashion lover who wants to be more edgy), you should visit Silent Gypsy and do some holiday shopping. They just launched their new online boutique and it has a wonderful new design and everything is nicely laid out for your browsing pleasure. Plus, since you’re a Clueless Fashionista reader, you get a 20% off discount using the code Clueless20 from December 5-11. Happy Shopping! http://shopsilentgypsy.com

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