Touch of Tartan to keep you warm?

Hey everyone,
I've been seeing many people wearing tartan scarves all over the UK. Perhaps the trend has spread across the world?

Here are some outfits I've put together (using polyvore). They're what I've seen people wearing. Similar to those outfits I've been seeing on the street.

Link to the set itself: http://www.polyvore.com/htw_tartan_scarves/set?id=150475323

Tartan is a very versatile print. With Scottish influence the print is timeless. It's a fabric that has been one for school uniforms. Not just kilts but, now a whole range of other items of clothing.

The most popular today being the Tartan/Plaid scarf.

Hope the outfits above help you style these scarves.

I'd suggest wearing them with block colours or take the colour in the scarf and add pieces the same shade to your outfit. Nearly everyone I have seen with a plaid scarf has a muted tone over sized look.

Thrift shopping tips

Thrift shopping tips:

Thrift shopping is great for getting a bargain. Here are some tips to help you make the most of thrift shopping and looking great.

1-Make lists

List what you need to buy so you narrow your search and don't over spend.

2-Buy what you love

If you fall in love with a piece think how much use the item will give you. Putting it back can be risky as it can be sold to another. Remember it could be returned later.

3-Buy what looks good on you

Items look different on hanger than on you. So, try before you buy. Get a friends opinion or ask someone in the shop for a friendly opinion. (best not a shop worker as they just want a sale).

4-Shop Often

Different stock is put out regularly. One day you might find nothing and next week you find 3 pretty outfits. Consider thrift shopping as a fashion treasure hunt.

5-Hoarding?

Consider how the item will take up room in your home. Is there space for another [insert item here].

Do you already have 5 similar to what you are thinking of buying? Maybe swap with friends and family or sell items to make room for this new purchase.

6-Be prepared

Many stores only except cash. Look in hidden places in store like at the back or high up...never know what gem you'll find. Check for sales regularly. Also when trying on lots of clothes, wear something easy to put on and take off. A slip on dress for example with ballet flats and no fiddly buttons and belts or laces. 

7-Customize

You might see a blue plain dress you think gives you great figure but it's not exciting so add some bows or buttons (some personality to it). Make clothing shorter and use cut of fabric for matching bag or headband. Many other ways...some vintage clothes have cute patterns on so you can cut the fabric to turn into other items or for other projects. DIY your finds.

8-Location

Google where shops and markets that sell thrift style items are in your area. Look at car boot sales, markets and stores selling second hand or vintage items (even some antique shops). 

Not just look in highstreet or mall but, in quirky hidden away places. OR TRY A CHARITY SHOP.

9-If in doubt

If you are unsure if you wish to buy it then try it on if it's clothing or try to picture what you'd use it for and how many times you'd use it.

Try to picture the full outfit the new clothing will go with. Or imagine how the furniture will fit the room it will go in.

9-Check quality

Turn items inside out to see if they will last or are fraying for example. Furniture, you should check all draws and hinges to see if it is good condition. 

Look at items from all angles before you buy it. 

10-Haggle

If you're in a market or charity shop or buying a lot of items try to get lower price by using your charm and haggling. 

Scarf and trousers matching

I was watching the Commonwealth games closing ceremony. One outfit stood out to me and that was the look of the famous singer Lulu was wearing.

The whole idea of matching a scarf to trousers/pants print seems classy. It's something I've never thought to do before and it works. However, finding scarf with same print as trousers can be tricky. Lulu also wore this easier to replicate outfit:

If you can't find prints that match then try bold colours instead. The concept of scarf and trousers matching is rather novel and to me screams autumn/fall.

Here are some other people wearing the scarf-trouser match look:

clip on fringe/bang

Ever felt like you wanted a fringe but not permanently or you are dressing up as a character who has a fringe but you don't? I've found you a solution. Some may say it's crazy or waste of money but what you do with your hair is your business and nobody else's.

Here is how to apply these bangs/fringes:

Hope you enjoy creating wonderful looks with fake bangs.

Time for jewelry

Here is a modern bracelets that double up as a watch. They are a great accessory although watches can look cute too. 
Perhaps you're at a party or posh event and you feel a watch isn't classy enough or you want to out gadget a friend. 

If you want to find more about these 'Mini Projector Bangles' then visit this link: (as in how they work)

http://www.newhitechgadgets.com/mini-projector-bangle/

People would think you are wearing a white bangle 

but actually there is another bangle under it telling you the time. 

Pretty neat right?

From this website: http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/10/05/this-bangle-means-business/

High fashion meets high-tech in this unique concept called the Mini Projector Bangle. You’d never know from looking at it, but this wrist ornament houses a powerful high def projector and USB data storage, making it possible to project presentations directly on to any surface. Simply slide a finger over the touch sensitive bangle to move between slides or touch to turn on the LED time display. Perfect for the working woman! 

Designer: Prospective Design Studio

To be honest I'm not sure what is so bad with wearing a watch as some can be really decorative and elegant these days. What do you think. a great invention or why bother?

A look for airplane

It's difficult to dress for flights these days, especially when you start in a country that is hot and visit somewhere colder or other way round.

This is my (Sequins) idea of what to wear:

Shoes

I would wear something really casual but still with style. No uncomfortable shoes or heels as you'd be walking lots in airport and taking them off for the security scan machine part. I'd recommend flats like converse,sneakers,boat shoes...

Jewelry

For jewelry I'd suggest nothing metal for going through metal detectors so, wooden accessories would be a nice option or even plastic could be an option. The ones in the photo are wooden colourful beads on elastic thread. They look cute too and you can make stuff yourself or find a jewelry set to fit your style.

Being comfortable

I put a denim jacket with my outfit as it's really cold where I'm going but a hoodie/sweater would be great and comfortable too. You want to be able to sit for hours on the airplane without getting annoyed by your outfit. 

Different temperatures in different country

If it's hot in one country but cold in the other layering right is key. I have a floral vest top with denim jacket in my look. Think of things you can remove/add to an outfit to fit both destinations e.g. light outerwear or hats.  Plus wearing bulkier things save room in suitcase such as a jacket or large summer hat.

No belts

Any pants/trousers would  have to be able to not have a belt as you'd most likely have to have to take the belt of at airport security. 

The same thing applies for males too. Great pants/trousers to wear would be those with elasticated waist or try leggings with long t-shirt or dress you can sit in for long time. e.g. a t-shirt dress or casual skater dress that's not too short. Or try jeans without belts if they stay up easily like the ones in my outfit. (They do up with a side zip and fit snug on me).   

Hopefully this gives you some idea on how to dress comfortably on airplans or long journeys it would apply for taking a train abroad for example.

Close up your life

Just like these photos I took of a newspaper left on my desk you have to think of what your outfit looks like close up and far away.

What I mean is the details in an outfit like the details on a newspaper...the font,wrinkles,shapes,patterns.

Yes you have to think when putting an outfit together how the colours work together but also take into consideration, 'does the outfit look good from far away and close up'.

If you are out for the night and want to get noticed an outfit that is classy and well thought-out is better than one with too much going on and each element is lost in the busy combination. No potential new partner will get to take in your full beauty if you are lost in a combination of clothes. 

A statement necklace might look pretty close up  but not from far away because of how you paired it. 

Think about the little details and the far away aspect of an outfit.

Make the right impression as you walk out your door.

Style finder look #5

Who said monochrome had to be boring? (Not me)

Technically it's not black and white with the daring canary yellow blazer. It would work well with a white one also. It's a very retro look that any body type can pull off. The skirt is a fabulous staple in a wardrobe/closet. This is for the simplicity of it and how you can change it up and style it for every occasion, formal, work to casual days.  

Hats are becoming fashionable again from fedoras to floppy sunhats like the large black one. I often feel good in a hat and like it completes an outfit. The one in this look is very boho and summery.

Here are other hats of similar styling: (ideas of how to wear them)

From: http://callinamarie.buzznet.com/photos/summerstyle30fabulou/?id=68500840

This is a cute casual style for those who find dresses not for them. Shorts and jumper/baggy top look with dramatic shades. Looks very Vogue to me. 

Find this look here: http://rachelslookbook.com/on-the-wild-side/

Another way to wear the hats is with a fun printed cotton pants. I've seen this style rock up loads for spring and summer warmer weather. A perfect look for covering up legs but, keeping cool too. These pants come in a huge variety of prints and colours and are creative looking. From leaves to zigzags etc...

Look from: https://s3cdn-lookbooknu.netdna-ssl.com/files/looks/large/2011/03/09/1130772_lookbook_spring.jpg?1368086844

This outfit is really romantic for warm weather. You can pair a floppy hat with any dress to be honest. Floral ones are just extra girly and  with spring feeling about it. Hats add a touch of glamour and sophistication. I see a great outfit for a bbq or picnic right there. You can style these hats by adding flowers and ribbon bands. Try matching the dress or part of outfit colour or fabric print... e.g. if you shorten a dress and have fabric remaining...decorate the sun hat with it.

Coloured hem dresses n skirts.

Dip hem dresses used to be popular but then they have become hard to locate.

I'm meaning clothing like these:

find these here:http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=124578674

They are very on the colour block trend and add a pop of colour to a vintage style outfit.

The style also can be found on skirts. I think they're striking.

There are a lot of these dresses at Asos.com:

Here are some skirts in this style:

($30 from yesstyle.com)

and this one I bought from Topshop a couple years ago but love the vibrant colour of. No idea where to find it now sorry. But with good sewing skills you can add an orange band to a purple skater skirt.

This black and white skirt screams retro. You can find it here: http://www.chicwish.com/color-block-faux-leather-skater-skirt.html

Look for Less-4

 

This outfit total £88.95 which is good value for money. The outfit can be worn casually and smart but, probably need to change the blazer for a casual number.

The beautiful chiffon top from Oasap.com can be worn many ways:

  

The top is perfect for any occasion, the beach, a party, out on a date or in an office...etc

With the bold print you can have a lot of fun creating outfits to match this top as it goes with so many colours. Although I'd recommend not to wear it with jazzy patterns. 

It's a stand alone piece that every season you'd find yourself styling outfits with it. 

The shoes and blazer are versatile too being dark colours and classic timeless styles. The prices are affordable. For me I'd say a pound/dollar a wear is right. Meaning if you bought the shoes in this outfit you have to wear them at least 20 times to get the best value out of them. Or the t-shirt 9 times. 

If you feel you can't get the wear out it to justify buying it...then you either don't have enough to go with the item in your wardrobe or it's not the right item for you. 

Finally the jeans. The hot orangey red is dramatic and bright. A perfect warm weather colour. Even though it has been popular last fall/autumn last year 2013. It's pretty much a dark terracotta colour. I find the colour makes your legs slimmer. (Who wouldn't want that unless you're size 0). 

Whatever way you look at the colours, it's a dress down/up look depending on what accessories you add.

Look for Cheaper~3

This outfit is great for spring/summer. The flower print on the dungarees/overalls is really eye catching and bold. Nude colour shoes seem to go with everything and the ones I located to re-create the look are very elegant. A plain top is best to wear when you're wearing a really decorated pattern dungarees or romper type outfit. Too many patterns can clash and make an outfit look unorganized. Plus with such a dramatic print whatever the top under it is will be lost in the flowers.  All together this outfit is celebrity worthy.

(Feel free to contact Khaki Sequin with looks for us to re-create)

Get the look 2

This look is smart and great for warm weather. If heels are not for you then ballet flats would work well too. The bright satchel bag adds colour to the otherwise monochrome outfit. It makes a subdued outfit look inviting. Gold statement jewelry is very trendy at the moment with chains being the most popular accessory well up their with hair bows.

 All the elements have potential to be styled with many other items you might already own not only because they are neutral (minus the bag) but, because of the classic cuts/style of the clothing.

p.s. If you want a look you've found done for you like this...comment or message this blog and we'd locate all the parts of it for you. (you can pick currency out of US DOLLARS< EURO <POUNDS)

How to know if you love someone still?

This is because knowing true feelings is hard
Just some pointers to think about~

1# Do you think about them all the time~

If the thoughts are more positive than negative then it could be love.

2# If you can be your true self~

around them you're not shy to be open and show the true you. This could be because you're close or because they make you save. Doesn't always mean love, (friends it happens too) but, hints love.

3# Can you share deep emotions~

If you can, and if you feel sorry for the other at sad times, signals love. Not obvious but, is a way to know if they're getting to your head. Also when you can talk to them about your problems and trust them with it shows you a sign of love.

4# Openly say "I LOVE YOU"~

Does saying the 3 words role of the tongue. Do hearing them make you smile and touch your heart. If yes, some form of love is in the air.

5# Questioning life without them~

If you think I'd be better of in anyway without them, your love might be fading. Thinking this (can i do better) is unhealthy. Or if life would be worse off can indicate you love them still.

6# Are you upset when they are~

If seeing the other cry or hurt make you feel sad too, it shows you have deep down feelings for them. (yes friends are like it too). If you just want to hug them and make them feel better love is on the table. But, if you suffer emotional pain until they're happy again...signals of love are there.

7# Communication~

If it's great and constant, love is most likely. If you ignore the person or they ignore you, then weak connection seems to be less love in the air. 

8# Want the same thing in the relationship~

If you both want different things. e.g. one wants to move in together and other doesn't etc

Can cause tension,unfocused love strength.

9# Is the relationship what you've been waiting for~

Leaving you empty inside or fulfilled? (your fairy tail?)

10# Can this person help in future~

Are they just fun to be around or long term..settle down. Thinking they'd be great to have child with doesn't always mean it's someone you strongly love. Future feel bright or not?  Are you with them for the right reasons, not just to please parents, for money or sexual gain...more because they make you feel happier.

11# More concerned of 'others' opinions of them then your own~

Influenced by what others think of your partner? If your truly happy with them you'd not care what others think because they're the best part of your life.

12# The more you know them~

The more you find out the more you like them, or do little habits irritate you? You found out they do something that puts you off them more...like they seem to dissatisfy you then it's not proper love.

13# Waiting for them to change~

You seriously can't change them other than making them shower more or eat better the very little things, and if you want them to change too much...well isn't it clear they're not worth the hassle. If you love someone you'd not wish them to change! simples!

14# Do you question why you love them?

If this is something you do in part of everyday, then you're not madly in love. Sorry. 

Doubting love is a sign you're not with the right person. You'd know if the person was certain of you and right for you. Butterflies, spark inside, a happy feeling when around you etc

15# Do you argue?~

Not little things like they left dirty dishes on the floor...more serious ones as if they're not listening to you ones. Shouting matches etc. 

These are a sign of relationship breakdown. 

16# Is there another person on the cards?~

Meaning are you crushing over another person. If you are in the middle of 2 people that have found a special place in your heart then go for the second one. Honestly if you truly love the 1st person you'd not fallen for the 2nd as the 1st would be perfect even though you care for them. 

17# Are you in the relationship for right/wrong reason~

Is it because you look for to time with them?

Is it down to what they do for you?

Is it because they cheer you up?

Is it due to money?

Is it due to making you feel better?

Is it down to connection and deep conversations you have that are better than with others?

Is it down to pleasing family?

Think why you're in the relationship and if it's for a positive reason that makes you happy then great.
If it's to please others or to get something out of it like sex or free stuff then it's not the kind of relationship that's healthy and possibly not serious love.

I hope these pointers help people confused about there love lives.

If in doubt break it off for a short period of time and see how you miss them if at all.

<3 No relationship is 100% perfect.