Style File 3-5-12

 Ok, so a couple people have asked me to do a feature on Men's Fashion. I do not claim to be an expert, but I have a couple tips for you in a post featuring my husband, Brad.

 Tip 1: Fit is key. Do not be afraid to wear a shirt that fits. Pants should also fit. I like this shirt of Brad's because it fits him well. I also like the pattern of it; it's a break from a solid or stripe.
Tip 2: Don't be afraid of color, patterns, or textures. These all add interest to your wardrobe. And definitely do not be afraid of pinks, purples, or paisleys (even though I am still working on Brad to wear these things...)

Tip 3: Shoes do not always have to match everything perfectly, but you should never wear brown shoes with black pants, nor should you wear socks with sandals.
Tip 4: Chucks go with almost anything.
Tip 5: Wear what you like, no matter what that is!

Outfit Rundown:
 Shirt- Slimfit, Gap
Jeans- Levi's (no idea where he got them)
Shoes- Green Chucks (no idea where he got them)

Style File 12/31/11

 Look at this! Two style files in one week! I'm up at my parent's house in Michigan. It's been great being home! We've been hanging out and relaxing. Brad, unfortunately, got sick but he went to the doctor and seems to be doing much better. I was sick last week, and so, it's now his turn to deal with it. Kind of a damper on things, but honestly, we can't do much right now because of the ice and snow out. But that's Northern Michigan for ya. :)

 It has been really great hanging out with my family. I've missed them. The holidays make me especially reminiscent and makes me want to move closer to home. Some day that may be a possibility, I'm hoping anyway.

 This outfit features two things I got for Christmas. The first I'm going to mention is the scarf. My grandmother got me two scarves; I'll shoot a style file later with the other scarf. I love the colors on this one. It will go with many of my outfits, and it has an awesome texture to add.

 You may recognize these boots and jeans from my Black Friday Style File. They're so comfy I've been wearing them a lot! Those pants... they're super super comfy.

 I picked this sweater up at Gap not too long ago. I love the texture in it.

 These earrings are awesome. While this isn't the best picture of them, you can get the idea. Brad's cousin Grace gave them to me for Christmas. She made them herself! I love the feathers. They're just the right amount of funk to add to my outfits. With those colors too, they'll will go with a lot of my things! I love pops of color and these definitely accomplish that.


Also, what you don't see in these pictures is the fact that it is only TEN DEGREES OUT. I took these photos in less than fifteen minutes. By the time I got back into the house my fingers were completely numb and I couldn't bend them. Oof. 

Outfit Rundown:
Sweater: GAP
Grey Layering tank: ANA, JC Penny
Scarf: gift
Earrings: gift
Jeans: JC Penney
Boots: JC Penney

Christmas Style File!

 This year for Christmas we were in Marion, IN visiting Brad's parents. Christmas morning we got up and got ready for Church. I opted for a wintery outfit without being majorly Christmassy. Plus it was very comfortable, so that's always a bonus.

 Brad is making an appearance for this style file! He got some new clothes at Express and is looking very fashionable these days. Fit is key, guys! The photographer pant (that's what Brad is wearing) is amazing. It's tailored and fits very well, especially if you happen to be tall and trim.

The shirt he's wearing is an extra slim fit, again good for those of you who are tall and trim.

 

This is just a gratuitous shot of us.  I think we're cute. :)

I love this sweater. It's thin, so it worked well from September until now in VA Beach, since it hadn't really cooled off until then. And I like the color. This shade is practically universally flattering. Go try it! :)

My Outfit Rundown:
Sweater: GAP
Necklace: Gift; Renfest
Skirt: The Limited, thrifted
Tights: Simply Vera Wang (kohl's)
Boots: DSW

Brad's Outfit:
Shirt and pants: Express
Shoes: DSW
Woman: Gaylord, Mi ;)

Style File 12/5/11

 I have been looking for new jeans for a very.long.time. Jeans are always so difficult. But I finally found GAP Perfect Boot cut jeans, and I love them. They have a great amount of stretch, fit well, and are long enough for me. My number one problem with jeans is the length. I am at an awkward height where regular length jeans are too short, and long jeans are too long. Well, they're too long until I wash them a couple times. These are quite long, so these might be my new "wear with heels" jeans, which I am completely fine with.

 Sometimes I like to put unexpected colors together, like teal and red. I think it works because it's broken up a bit.

I'm also loving stripes. That is all. :)

Outfit rundown:
Drapey sweater thing: Target
Striped shirt: GAP
Jeans: GAP
Shoes: Target (old).

Style File 11/7/11

 Occasionally, I need to look really professional for work (I guess it makes me look like I know what I'm doing ;) ). Usually when we have an event. In this case, I'll need to look nice for our preview weekend. So I thought I would take you through my tips (as if I'm an expert? haha) on how I shop and put together professional outfits for when we have an event at work.

 It's easy to lose a sense of your own style when you work in a conservative place where you have to wear suit-ish outfits. So, in order to keep things feeling like "me" I look for pieces that are tailored and modern looking. The fit is everything in these pieces. Look for jackets that nip you in at the waist. The should seams should always be on the outside of the shoulder, and the sleeves should be just the right fit. The button up has princess seaming and nips me in at the waist as well. That's key, because a lot of button shirts have a tendency to make a person look boxy and shapeless. And we don't want that!

 I also look for ways to add color to the outfit. In this case, I tried to find a button up that had some color in it. This one has some red in the stripes. Also try to find pieces that have interesting details. Like the jacket, it has fun buttons on it and some fun pockets. Interesting pieces of jewelry also do the trick.

 I also try to use some patterns and textures. These pants have a faint pinstripe (and they're also navy, not black) that I paired with stripes. Some might not like it, but I think they're both subtle enough that I can wear them together. It's also tempered by the neutral jacket. :)

My last tip for professional attire, is to mix and match. It's a little unexpected and a fun way to break up a suit and get a lot of different combinations out of just a few key pieces. You can still look put together even if the pants (or skirt) and jacket don't match. As long as they are both of equal "dressy-ness" you should be fine.

Outfit Rundown:
Jacket- Banana, thrifted
Shirt- Worthington, JC Penney
Pants- GAP, modern boots (I have three of the same pair of pants. They're all just different colors)
Shoes- ?, JC Penney