The Power of a Scarf

 by

Lauren Lefevre

If you flip open the pages of a People, In Style or another
celebrity-laden magazine, there’s a reason why you’ll notice so many stylish
celebs accessorized with a scarf! I like to say that scarves add “instant
chic” to any ensemble. Few accessories have the power to transform an
outfit so quickly, easily and inexpensively as a scarf. Add a patterned scarf
to a simple jeans and tee shirt outfit to create interest, add a bright scarf
to any neutral, black or white top or dress to add an instant pop of color to
an otherwise “ho-hum” outfit. Speaking as a mom of two toddlers, I’ve
discovered that adding a scarf to the most casual or simplest of outfits {i.e.
white tank/tee, jeans and boots/flats}, is the hands-down quickest way to look
put together on the fly!

Tips for scarf shopping ::

1. Look for scarves that are long! {By long I mean probably
longer than you think it needs to be, keeping in mind that once you wrap a
scarf around your neck and/or tie it, the length quickly shortens.} The longer
the scarf, the more ways you will be able to tie and wear it.

2. Shop for scarves in a light-weight, linen-like material.
A light scarf can pretty much be worn year round, look great layered with a
cardigan, blazer or light jacket or worn as a lone accessory with a tank, tee
or casual dress.

3. Challenge yourself to purchase a scarf in a color and/or
pattern that is not currently represented in your closet. This will give you an
opportunity to incorporate a new shade or print into your wardrobe that can mix
and match with what you already own.

4. Select a color/color scheme that flatters your skin tone.
Since a scarf is worn next to your face, make sure the color makes you feel and
look bright and cheery rather than drab and washed out!

 

A few of my favorite scarves for Spring ::

 

1. J.Crew Linen Wrap :: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/accessories/scarvesglovesandhats/PRDOVR~65060/65060.jsp

2. Lulu Sheer Fringed Scarf :: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lulu-sheer-fringed-scarf/3248307?origin=category&resultback=444

3. Ann Taylor Striped Scarf :: http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Accessories/AT-View-All/Striped-Wool-Blend-Scarf/275681?colorExplode=false&skuId=10547076&catid=cata000025&productPageType=search&defaultColor=1036

 

4. Old Navy Butterfly Scarf :: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=898742&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldnavy.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-scarves.jsp

New Year, New Closet

New Year, New Closet

(written by Lauren Lefevre, white table)

Why do most of us have a closet full of clothes and wake up, most days, feeling
like we have nothing to wear?

I think it’s because, one, we keep thinking we’ll find something
“new” inside our closet; and two, are are all terrified at getting
rid of anything. The vast majority of us are pack-rats at heart, afraid as soon
as we give away something, it will come back in style or we will {finally} lose
those extra pounds and that pair of jeans from high school will fit again…

So, we keep our closets jam-packed with sentimental sweaters, jeans that have
been through at least two presidential administrations and bright colored
bridesmaids dresses we are certain we might wear again one day. {Have you
actually ever worn a bridesmaid dress more than once?!} And each morning, we
open our closet doors to mass quantity of clothes that just no longer work for
us. The “good” clothes are stifled out by the “bad.”

Ever hear the saying “less is more?” Well maybe we should all begin
using that mindset when it comes to our wardrobe. I believe that doing a closet
audit, even if it means ridding yourself of half of your clothes, will make you
feel like you actually have more clothes and more outfit options! Why?
Simple: the articles hanging in your closet will fit, be stylish and be more
visible. This is a difficult task best not done on your own! Just like it’s
difficult to push yourself in a gym workout without a trainer, it may be hard
to say goodbye to clothes that have lived with you for a long time. So grab a
fashion-forward, honest friend {who can say “yes, your butt really
does look big in those pants!”} or a professional to help cull through the
trash to get the treasures.

You’ll have to try a nearly everything one, so have a full length mirror, good
lighting and a few hours to complete the task. Here are simple tips:

Rules of good riddance ::

1. If you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it. {Unless you’ve been
pregnant or nursing this past year!}

2. If you don’t love it, get rid of it.

3. If someone gave it to you as gift and you hate it {but feel guilty not
hanging onto it}, get rid of it.

4. If you don’t feel fabulous in it, get rid of it.

5. If you bought it because it was on a great sale, but have never worn it, get
rid of it.

What to do with the banished goods ::

1. If it is a designer brand item, consider selling it on eBay. You just might
be surprised by what you can get!

2. If it is good quality, take it to a local consignment store.

3. Take the rest and donate to your favorite local charity.

Your reward will be having more to wear that actually fits, and maybe even a
little extra in your wallet. Just be sure to spend the newly earned money on
something you really LOVE and feel fabulous wearing!

Edit by Lauren Lefevre

Wardrobe Consulting | Personal Shopping | Stella & Dot Jewelry

Website: http://www.editbylauren.com

Fashion Blog: http://www.editbylauren.com/blog

Stella & Dot Jewelry Line: http://www.stelladot.com/editbylauren

770.280.7370