Fashion – Page 2 – HilaryStyle

I love this time of year for many reasons, not the least of which are all the fun excuses to get dressed up! No matter the occasion for the next four weeks all events call for a little more glitter, glitz and glam! Parties, lunches, dinners, any excuse will do!

Because, it’s not exactly reasonable to purchase a new dress for every event… I have a few ideas in mind.

Idea #1: Making Something Old Into Something New

Recently when going through my closet I came across a few dresses that I hadn’t worn in ages, but I just couldn’t bring myself to donate. Since I wasn’t willing to give them up maybe I should try to wear them again? Why not see if I could refurbish them?

Once upon a time when I was dating my husband, he gave me a lovely dress for a holiday gift… and I still have it… and it (mostly) still fits! Okay, full disclosure: two kids and 17 years later I had to give myself a tiny bit of breathing room up top.

Here I am wearing the dress to the Last Call Millennium Ball in 1999 and again just last week to a celebration dinner in the city. I spent $65 dollars on tailoring and wallah a new dress! Not too shabby!

I was the matron-of-honor in my sister’s wedding 5 years ago and nice sister that she is I was able to choose my own dress. I picked up this amazing Emporio Armani at a pre-sale, not only unique, but very comfortable! It’s made of stretch wool and perfect for winter occasions. I’ve always loved this dress, but unlike the dress above this one was too big and needed to be taken in quite a bit.

Here I am wearing the dress in the wedding and I’ll be wearing it again 5 years later to a party next week! I spent $135 on the tailoring and I hope to wear it at least a few more times.

Idea #2: Rent The Runway

Lucky for me, I’ll be attending a number of fun events this season and while I am very pleased with the outcome of the two dresses above, I’d love a few more options.

I’ve decided to try renting a dress from a website called, Rent The Runway. Have you heard of it? It’s quite simple really, choose from the thousands of designer clothes and accessories, wear them to your event(s), and then return it all via UPS.

Although I have a number of friends who use Rent The Runway regularly, this will be my first time using it. There are so many fun options my fingers are crossed it’s a success!

The dress on the left is my first choice. I’ll be receiving two of them. One is a backup, on the off chance the sizing isn’t quite right. The outfit on the right is my second choice as insurance on the even bigger chance that the first one just doesn’t work at all. I get to keep both dresses for four days! I spent $120 dollars on rental fees and that includes the return shipping.

Just incase…

Things don’t go as planned with Rent The Runway… I do have a backup or a few!

Idea #3: Okay, I Did Pick Up A Few Items

My new faux fur leopard print jacket goes well with almost everything and keeps me warm to and from! Paired with a fresh new pair of black heels I’m all set!

For more casual occasions I picked up a faux leather hoodie and I love it paired with, well, just about everything!

Whatever you decide to go with, old made new, something rented or your tried and true favorites, have fun with it and enjoy the season!

Living in both Southern and Northern California for the better part of the past 14+ years my coat closet has become pretty sparse. Of course there are a few weeks a year when I wish I had a warmer winter coat, but more often than not a thin jacket or hoodie paired with one of my many scarves does the trick. The various weights and styles make them an accessory that can be worn all year round! I always have one in my bag!

Beyond keeping your neck warm and adding a little something extra to your outfit scarves also make great travel pillows or blankets, shawls, poolside cover ups, shirts, stroller blankets, elegant wraps, and even picnic blankets! In addition to everything else on this list I’ve also used mine as a hood in unexpected rain, a blanket in the movie theater and as a chair cushion. When traveling I bring at least two, one in my carry-on and another in my suitcase! Since suitcase space is extremely limited I tend to stick to solid colors when traveling so I know for sure everything matches and can be worn multiple times!!

There are many different styles available, infinity or circle, rectangles, neckerchiefs, and pashminas. My favorite is the Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf and I have it in multiple colors and weights. It’s basically a customizable infinity scarf. Its made with snaps so it’s not a permanent circle and can be worn in nearly endless ways. They have a lot of fun little details and are made with incredibly soft fabric that is often reversible and easily machine washed. It’s also a great gift!

Vinyasa Scarves

Notice the fun snap details and ribbons

Another style I like a lot is the infinity scarf. I have this in quite a few colors and a number of them in cozy winter weights!

Winter weight

Summer weight

Bamboo

mid-weight with a twist

I have pashminas, neckerchiefs and rectangle scarves in my collection too! As well as some more formal scarves that are fun to wear when getting dressed up!