Author: Nicole L.

Last Fall, the colorblocking trend took over. Because it was a relatively-new trend, bloggers and fashionistas were gleefully putting together dazzling combinations of bright and bold colors – mostly in ways which would have been major faux-pas in preceding years.

The colorblocking trend has returned for the Spring, but this time it’s embracing a more neutral color scheme – which makes it more wearable for non-fashion-bloggers and those who can’t show up to work wearing hot pink and electric blue with a straight face.

This is a good thing, because for far too long, we’ve been clinging to safe beige in our wardrobes and avoiding fun accents of color. Because most ready-to-wear retailers are slow to catch on, DIY might be the only way to wear colorblocking. Below are some of my favorite colorblocking projects.

Credits: dress, shoes, clutch, pants, earrings, necklace, J. Crew skirt, fabric paint.

Tweet

This past holiday season, I was lucky enough to travel to Philadelphia where I was treated to an afternoon at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We had a great time looking at their collection of 16th-century weaponry and English paintings. But the exhibit I enjoyed the most was a temporary one featuring Dutch paintings.

From my last art class in college (more than 5 years ago), I remembered that Dutch paintings were filled with symbolism. These relics of the past were a form of social commentary, on everything from marriage to politics.

Usually, that symbolism was contrasting some form of weakness against strength. There was always a contrast; and the subjects were always so beautifully-painted that you couldn’t help but be drawn closer for a better look. It was when you saw the details more closely that it all made sense.

This painting by Gerrit van Honthorst is a brothel scene – but you probably, subconsciously sensed that it was the moment you saw it. Don’t even ask what the lute (Renaissance guitar) symbolizes.

It’s fleshy, sensual and perfect for outfit inspiration.

Shopping credits: trousers, top, hat, jacket, bag, shoes.

Did you like this inspirational fashion collage? Sign up for my weekly dose of wardrobe wisdom for exclusive content each week and receive a free copy of my thrift-shopping secrets eguide!

Nicole Longstreath is a wardrobe coach in Orange County, CA specializing in helping her clients build affordable and expressive wardrobes. She writes a daily blog on fashion and wardrobe-building and loves combing her favorite thrift store whenever she gets the chance.

Tweet

The holidays are in full-swing which means several things: gift-giving, harried shopping and holiday parties. I’m not even going to address the abomination which is “ugly Christmas sweater parties,” but I do want to talk about holiday jewelry.

We may be tempted to dig up something festive to wear that ugly swea … er, fabulous holiday outfit. But, whatever you do, DO NOT give into the temptation to wear holiday bell-earrings or a Santa brooch.

Just don’t do it. Instead, go for something festive and classy. The perfect choice: vintage costume jewelry. To find pieces you’ll love, visit a flea market or thrift store, or even see if an older relative in your family might have some pieces to pass down (hello heirlooms!).

Pieces like these below will keep you looking fashionably festive and off Santa’s naughty (bad fashion) list!

Clockwise from top left: rhinestone and pearl necklace, milk white brooch, rhinestone pendant, green cocktail ring, blue and gold filigree brooch, sapphire necklace.

Nicole Longstreath is a wardrobe coach in Orange County, CA specializing in helping her clients build affordable and expressive wardrobes. She writes a daily blog on fashion and wardrobe-building and loves combing her favorite thrift store whenever she gets the chance.

Tweet

What do you imagine when you think of velvet? Elvis? Scarlett O’Hara’s green drapery dress? Dogs playing poker? When I think of velvet, I imagine: luxury and elegance, deep colors, holiday parties and the most amazing texture known to (wo)man.

Okay, maybe you weren’t really thinking of the proverbial dogs-playing-poker wall art – but you might have been thinking something campy, like an eccentric grandma’s sofa. Or worse, a frumpy dress your mom may have made you wear to a performance of The Nutcracker when you were 12. But I’m here to tell you that velvet can be dressy, or casual. Glamorous and sexy, or every-day. Traditional, or trendy and edgy.

The trick to wearing velvet is to strategically build the outfit around the velvet piece. You want this piece – and this piece, only – to take center stage. All the other pieces play supporting roles to your velvet piece. Add more velvet and you run the risk of looking too matchy, so choose your velvet wisely.

Because good velvet can be very expensive nowadays, you’ll have to either save up or find it vintage. But, the good news is, those who just don’t know what to do with a vintage velvet piece are always giving them to Goodwill, selling on consignment or hawking at flea markets. With Thanksgiving, the “holidays” and New Year approaching, NOW is the time for you to be hunting for velvet.

So find a good thrift store, roll up your sleeves and get hunting!

Shopping credits: gold jacket, teal jacket, dress, cami, bag, pants, shoes, coat.

Nicole Longstreath is a wardrobe coach in Orange County, CA specializing in helping her clients build affordable and expressive wardrobes. She writes a daily blog on fashion and wardrobe-building and loves combing her favorite thrift store whenever she gets the chance.

Tweet

It’s Fall, so we’re all required to wear dark colors and plaid, right? Wrong. Fall and Winter are great opportunities to explore using unexpected color combos. In fact, it’s in Fall and Winter when I feel we need more color anyway. Just this Fall so far, we’ve seen quite a few gray days here in Southern California – and nothing beats putting on a cheery color on a dreary day.

I found this artwork image from the Orange County Museum of Art. Their most recent exhibit is by an artist named Richard Diebenkorn, and it personifies the cool attitude of California. To get everyone thinking beyond the “traditional” Fall and Winter colors, I created this collage to help you with some inspiration.

Shopping credits: cardigan, cami, blouse, skirt, necklace, oxford bootie, tights, bag.

Nicole Longstreath is a wardrobe coach in Orange County, CA specializing in helping her clients build affordable and expressive wardrobes. She writes a daily blog on fashion and wardrobe-building and loves combing her favorite thrift store whenever she gets the chance.

Tweet