Latest Style Picks with Femme Luxe Refinery
With that being said I am super excited to share another collaboration with them. On this go around I still aimed to fill a few needs in my wardrobe, which include: tops, flare denim, a lot more loungewear and some options I can wear when working with clients. All outfit details will be included as well as direct links to all of the pieces directly from Femme Luxe.
So last month I had the opportunity to try out some pieces from Femme Luxe Refinery. Well let’s just say I may officially be hooked! Click the link here to see exactly what I picked up last time. At my first run I really picked pieces according to what I needed aka the gaps in my wardrobe at the time. Which truly has been loungewear. And let me tell you I picked up two loungewear sets from Femme Luxe regularly, at least 2-3 times a week.
With that being said I am super excited to share another collaboration with them. On this go around I still aimed to fill a few needs in my wardrobe, which include: tops, flare denim, a lot more loungewear and some options I can wear when working with clients. All outfit details will be included as well as direct links to all of the pieces directly from Femme Luxe.
When loungewear started making its way into street wear and main street fashion I was a bit hesitant. I say this because at the time most of my wardrobe was very formal. I longed for very dressed up and polished looks 24/7. I mean whether I was going to the mall, class or church it really didn’t’ matter. So I find it almost comical that I am so hooked on the loungewear sets from Femme Luxe Refinery.
My first pick was another Deanna loungewear set. This in theory may sound a bit redundant but when I tell you I fell in love with the Deanna loungewear set I truly mean it. They are super comfortable and soft as well as chic. So far I’ve paired the set with heels, sneakers, black combat boots- you name it! Most recently I wore the camel Deanna loungewear set with a pair of amazing heels. To pair with the set I selected a snake print heel from Coach. The neutral tones and gold accents really paired well with the neutrality of the camel color, I absolutely loved it! And darling so did everyone else it was easily one of my most liked looks.
It currently feels like we are in the middle of a transition when it comes to denim. In the last few years we have seen a major focus on skinny and slim fits but no closet is complete without some versatility. Queue in a few options that allow for versatility while still keeping up with the present times: a pair of wide leg jeans, boyfriend jeans, mom jeans and a pair of distressed denim- in no particular order.
My second pick was a pair of Genesis dark wash flare denim. This pair of denim jeans from Femme Luxe Refinery are cute but the comfort level is out of this world! The folks over at Femme Luxe have found the magical formula for the perfect amount of spandex and stretch in a pair of chic denim and I am obsessed. Interestingly enough my last pair of wide leg pants were pretty uncomfortable with little to no give so wearing these jeans have been a breeze. I paired the jeans with a dainty white satin top years old yet never worn from Top Shop. It features a cut out neckline; button back choker and sheer back details- talk about one of a kind. Flare denim as a whole looks best when paired with closed toe heel options so I went with an orange Sam Edelman pump; but I would’ve also paired it with a pair of killer boots!
Pick number three was a chic sheer white blouse called Sandee. This look is right up my alleyway as I would describe my style as chic, sleek + clean. I paired the blouse with a white satin skirt from Zara to give a true chic look. There is something about how clean (literally) an all white look is. It has somehow become my signature look. If I were to pair this top again I would probably reach for the wide leg denim previously mentioned, a pair of trousers, a pair of light was denim shorts or perhaps a dress. The options are vast when it comes to pairing something so clean + simple.
My final pick for this go round with Femme Luxe Refinery was a a black belted bodycon midi dress Angelica. First I think it is important that I mention that this dress is not for the faint of heart. Why? Well, this dress is truly a bodycon situation so please prepare to pair it with the necessary undergarments perhaps even shapewear. I selected this dress because it looked like it was a versatile option. I am always looking for pieces that translate well; from work to play and this LBD does just that.
I paired the Angelica with a pair of strappy snakeskin heels from Zara. I loved the idea of pairing the LBD with a shoe with various colors including black- pulling it all back together. But of course this minimalistic LBD can be styled a million different ways. How would you pair it?
How to Stop Sweating Out Your Favorite Outfit: Material Choices & High Temps
But think back to when you got dressed to look good for an occasion, only to find yourself too hot or too cold in that outfit? Oh no! Based on the weather or your activities for the day, choosing the best type of fabrics to wear is quite important. And for the most part, it’s often easy to identify what type of fiber or fabric a material is by look or touch alone.
There are so many things to think about when choosing an outfit. It may be easier for some than others and the process may or may not take that long. But think back to when you got dressed to look good for an occasion, only to find yourself too hot or too cold in that outfit? Oh no! Based on the weather or your activities for the day, choosing the best type of fabrics to wear is quite important. And for the most part, it’s often easy to identify what type of fiber or fabric a material is by look or touch alone.
So because there can be that awkward stage when the seasons change, we want to remind you that your fabric choice should have you looking good and feeling comfortable!
Clothes are made from natural fabrics or synthetic fabrics. Each type of fabric varies depending on the weight of a material and how it is woven. Nice lil’ sidebit: ARPA-E – the research arm of the US Department of Energy – are developing clothes that can change their thermal properties to adapt to the environment and wearer’s body.
Let’s keep in mind that the body’s natural cooling system is to sweat. Different materials can have an effect on this process. The 2 main factors for determining the best fabric type to choose: breathability (airflow) and absorption.
There are a slew of fabrics and advancements in the textile industry which have come with advances in fibers, check out facts on these most popular fabrics:
'Cause we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl’ - Madonna
the most popular fabrics.
COTTON
Cotton is naturally derived from the cotton plant, which is exceptionally durable. It allows more airflow for a higher breathability. Since cotton is more breathable, it tends to be cooler by letting your body heat escape through the fabric. Cotton also has high absorption so it will absorb sweat and allow for evaporation.
However, in very hot and humid weather, this can cause a person to sweat a lot. Cotton does not dry very quickly, so in this scenario, evaporation is not occurring as fast, which keeps body heat in longer. The shirt then becomes wet and can cause the shirt to stick to their skin. This can be uncomfortable and cause skin irritation.
A lighter cotton shirt will allow evaporation to occur more quickly and will be better for these types of conditions or activities. Heavier cotton shirts take longer for sweat to evaporate and actually retains more heat.
Keep in mind that since cotton absorbs moisture, it is very visible when someone is sweating in a cotton shirt. Since it absorbs sweat, it can also become stinky! Cotton, though, is very easy to launder and pretty durable to stand up to multiple washings.
Why we love it: Cotton is durable, soft and comfortable. It breathes well and is a part of our daily lives. It's extremely easy to take care of and good for the environment.
However: Cotton will wear down over time, losing shape and color after a certain number of washes.
LINEN
Linen is a natural fabric derived from the flax plant -- similar to flax seeds. It has been used for thousands of years, traced back to the Ancient Egyptians who used it for wrapping mummies. The fiber is very strong, absorbent and dries faster than cotton.
Why we love it: It's cool and lightweight, perfect for summer months. It breathes well and while it's casual, has a certain elegance about it.
However: This fabric wrinkles fast so whenever possible, hang your linen clothes, don't fold!
SILK
Silk is a natural fiber derived from the Chinese silkworm. The fibers of the cocoon of the silkworm are typically in two forms: mulberry silk (in which the worms feed on mulberry leaves) and wild silk (wherein they feed on oak leaves). The worms build their cocoons before turning into a moth, and this is where the fiber lies: so the cocoons are boiled and spun into silk. This soft and supple fabric is surprisingly strong and cooling on hot days. Its tightly woven fibers absorb moisture in warm weather while its low conductivity retains heat during cold weather.
Silk is luxurious and soft, reflecting light so it has a beautiful sheen. It's a natural fabric.
However: the fabric is expensive and hard to care for.
POLYESTER
Polyester was created in 1951, and was hailed as a miracle textile. Generally, polyester will repel any sort of water/moisture/sweat. Because of this, if polyester does get wet, it is pretty quick to dry.
Why we love it: It's extremely durable, and can be worn over and over again without losing its color or shape. As a synthetic fabric, it's easy to care for and doesn't easily wrinkle.
However: this type of material is not very breathable and can trap moisture and heat beneath clothing. Since it does not breathe well, it acts as an insulation by keeping warm air and body heat in so it can be good for cooler weather. It can be itchy and is also not biodegradable.
WOOL
Wool is derived from the hair of sheep, and has been used for thousands of years. Other common forms are cashmere, from the Indian Cashmere Goat, mohair from the North African Angora Goat, and angora from the Angora Rabbit. It's different from other common animal hair because the individual strands are coated with scales and are tightly crimped, also coated with a wax known as lanolin.
Why we love it: wool is hypoallergenic and super duper warm (even when wet!). It is soft (especially when it's cashmere) and it doesn't pass electricity easily -- great for those of us who HATE static electricity.
However: It can sometimes be itchy and if you wash it at a high temperature, it's bound to shrink... a lot.
NYLON
Nylon was initially created as an alternative to silk, and is often referred to as a polyamide. It's synthetic, having been created in the 1930s. It replaced silk for stockings, which is what gave them the name "nylons."
Why we love it: Nylon is strong, inexpensive and versatile. It's a good option for those who are against silk for its controversial properties.
However: Too much washing and drying can make the fabric pill, and it will melt at high temperatures.
RAYON
Rayon is a fabric that can mimic silk, linen or cotton and is manufactured by regenerating cellulose fibers. It's made from "naturally occurring polymers," but is manufactured, so it's not technically synthetic or natural.
Why we love it: It's soft, smooth and comfortable, draping well and holding color very well. Rayon tends to be lighter and is very breathable. Combined with absorbing moisture well, this type of fabric is good for keeping someone cooler in warmer weather.
However: It decays faster than cotton, so it does not age well. Also, manufacturing rayon produces a lot of waste.
Want Tips on Fabric Choices and Dressing for the Season? Check out this great article by Family Britches!
The HOTTEST Spring/Summer 2019 Fashion Trends
With Spring 2019 here and summer quickly approaching what better time to highlight and discuss the fashion trends you will be seeing everywhere. While it’s our job here at A Creative Cliché to report on all trends it’s up to you to decide which of the trends you are into! All trends are not created equal.
Confidence is Sexy, Wear it Daily
Confident people are noticeable; they stand out. They're fun, entertaining, admirable, captivating, and a slew of other words including sexy. Let’s think about this for a second…. What do you find most attractive about someone? The gender-neutral answer more than likely is, their CONFIDENCE.
Confident people are noticeable; they stand out. They're fun, entertaining, admirable, captivating, and a slew of other words including sexy.
Let’s think about this for a second…. What do you find most attractive about someone? The gender-neutral answer more than likely is, their CONFIDENCE. Yep. The way they walk across a room without any conscious effort is appealing. They carry themselves well and exude such authority and authenticity. All in all very good qualities are to be said of a confident person. Everyone wants to be around them and spend time with them.
Want to look much more confident than before?
If you’re single, pamper yourself, go out alone, dress up for YOU because “when you look good you feel good”, am I right?
If you’re in a relationship the great thing is that one usually rubs off on the other. Confidence can be really contagious. You don’t have to rely on the other but like Ne-Yo said “ I'm a movement by myself, but I'm a force when we’re together”.
Confidence will be your most valuable attribute. So if you have “it” you can make anything look good. And if this something you’re struggling with, hit us up! It will never go out of style.
Style Guide: Valentine's Day Edition
Admit it every year for Valentine’s day you get stumped on what to wear. So much so that you run out on February 13th in a frenzy to ask the store associate what you should buy for your Valentine’s day plans. OHHHHH and trust me this isn’t just what happens on Valentine’s day this is all year long.
Admit it every year for Valentine’s day you get stumped on what to wear. So much so that you run out on February 13th in a frenzy to ask the store associate what you should buy for your Valentine’s day plans. OHHHHH and trust me this isn’t just what happens on Valentine’s day this is all year long. Before your first date, when attending your best friend’s wedding or even for an interview with your dream employer . I say all of that to say that we all need a bit of inspiration or guidance when it comes to style. This time we are focusing on Valentine’s Day for the ladies which in essence can be rolled over to any slew of date night plans.
I’m going to take a minute and share a collection of looks that will work for various different Valentine’s Day plans.
Look 1. This look is perfect for all of my ladies whose plans include clocking in on Valentine's Day. Whether you'll be at the office, seeing clients all over town or attending a conference why not get festive for your daytime plans.
Look 2. This is for all my ladies who may be going on a casual and/or daytime date. I get it, I get it- you don't wanna be overdressed or maybe you have plans before 6pm. Why not try something flirty and feminine!
Look 3. This look is for all of my ladies who are making plans for the 14th in the group chat as we speak. You're thinking drinks, getting dressed up and going to your favorite spot with your 3 best friends. Who says you have to slum it because you're not going on a technical date- Galentine's Day it is.
Look 4. This is for all of my ladies who love to make a stylish statement when heading out to dinner. It's also a great choice for any foodies out there (skip the tight dress when you plan to eat more than a salad 😂). The splashes of red are perfect to add some passion to this date night look.
Look 5. 💃🏾The final look of the Valentine's Day Style Guide is for all of my ladies who want to bring their mystique game up a notch. Sexy yet classy all at the same time.
-Happy Styling
xo Carla
Think Piece on Letting Go & Alignment
Ok, so singing Disney’s Frozen wasn’t what you were expecting but here’s the beauty... it’s actually pretty good advice when it comes to letting go this year. Like that outfit from 3 sizes ago, 3 years ago, 3 stains ago. LET IT GO! We spend a lot of our lives forming attachments to things, yes good and bad. So let’s make sure this year that those outfits still serve a good purpose, otherwise it’s taking up space in your mind and in your closet.
Take a deep breath. We’re about to break into song. Ready?
“Let it go, let it go
Can't hold it back anymore”
Ok, so singing Disney’s Frozen wasn’t what you were expecting but here’s the beauty... it’s actually pretty good advice when it comes to letting go this year. Like that outfit from 3 sizes ago, 3 years ago, 3 stains ago. LET IT GO! We spend a lot of our lives forming attachments to things, yes good and bad. So let’s make sure this year that those outfits still serve a good purpose, otherwise it’s taking up space in your mind and in your closet.
We want to take on this year with a fresh and open outlook, so old outfits attached to old mindsets are a no no. You know that saying “when you look good you feel good”? Attract more good by also realigning your closet. And no you don’t have to go to the extreme measure of a custom closet. Whether organizing by color, putting lesser-worn items upfront, or just switching out the normal layout, a new system will definitely help in realigning your mind too.
And if you’re reading this feeling totally overwhelmed and still unsure of where to start understand that we can help! Sometimes the best push is to start working with a professional who cares not only about your image but your overall goals- you know job promotion, enhanced love life, etc. And we can help with that! Press the “contact” button to get a jumpstart !
How & Why To Create A Style Vision Board
Vision board parties have been popping up a lot and with good reason. Many people are visual learners and ‘seeing it is believing it’. Just like when you go shopping, certain items may not seem to your liking or betterment until you actually put it on. A vision board is a great tool to have if you want to maintain focus on specific goals.
Vision board parties have been popping up a lot and with good reason. Many people are visual learners and ‘seeing it is believing it’. Just like when you go shopping, certain items may not seem to your liking or betterment until you actually put it on. A vision board is a great tool to have if you want to maintain focus on specific goals. Obviously here at A Creative Cliché we’re here to help improve or inspire your personal style, however we’re not with you everyday. So here’s why you should create a style vision board. You need a visual reminder to give you that direction or push! A style vision board would help direct your style along with your (style) goals. Whether you want to gather your friends or family for this, take the time to create a personal board while keeping in mind your current style and lifestyle.
We believe everyone should take action towards creating and improving, don’t you think? Well your style vision board will help you find your aesthetic and develop your personal style so here’s how to create one.
1. Decide on a physical or electronic style vision board
2. Collect what inspires the style you want to create. Look through magazines, visit style blogs and websites, and find trinkets.
3. Put them all together and hang it up by your closet for that daily affirmation.
4. Carry a visual version or photo of your board with you for use when shopping- it will help you decide what’s an important purchase vs a want
Want a better way to be stay inspired to take action on your personal style? Just snap a picture on your phone and bring your style vision board with you! Especially when we all spend time scrolling through our phones, this will help to visually inspire you and direct you into creating the style you need to achieve your goals.