Stretch Your Wardrobe

Answer me this, have you ever had one of those mornings when things were just not rolling the way you wanted? We’re talkin’ an out of coffee, big presentation, cat threw up on your favorite pair of shoes, and the blouse you were going to wear is at the dry cleaners because someone (wink wink) forgot to pick it up.

Yeah, we thought so.

That’s why we took it upon ourselves to compile a how to guide on stress-free dressing.

Stretch Your Wardrobe!

With only 18 pieces, we were able to craft an entire wardrobe of continuously awesome looks. When dreaming up new outfits, make your garments play double or even triple duty. The combinations are endless, so dive in and get creative. Besides, you have way better and more pressing things to think about than what the heck to put on in the morning.

Here are the basics of what you’ll need:

1. T-Shirts are like fine wine, women, and cheese…they only get better with age. So pick one out and never let it go…like a good man.

2. When you go for whimsy and glam in a blouse, tone it down with a dark or muted color. Keep it monochromatic, and it will go further in your closet.

3. A great basic is a lovely blouse that can be worn tucked or untucked, and paired with a bottom.

4. Babe-a-licious but feminine, strapless blouses can be worn so many ways you need to have one or two.

5. Comfortable shorts that can go casual or classy will save you in the summer.

6. & 7. Full-length skirts are perfect for evening or office. Again, simple clean lines give you a simple clean silhouette. Keep the color uniform so you can go bold or subdued.

8. A good pencil skirt that works for 9-5 or on your date night will be your best friend. Trust me. It’s “Go To” sexy, and adds instant sex appeal when needed.

9. We know you love blazers but try a fitted, well-structured khaki cargo jacket. Not only is it utilitarian, it’s hot when paired with that sexy pencil skirt. *see video coming soon!

10. When you need some warmth and collegiate appeal you must have a cardigan, but not just any cardigan. No, it has to be perfectly tailored, well made, and 100% natural fiber; crops of balled up polyester under your armpits is not sexy. No way. No how. Just do yourself a favor, will ya, and invest.

11. – 13. A monochromatic, long, lightweight scarf that can go from summer to winter and even double as a blouse or wrap is the perfect accessory.

14. A casual but kick-ass canvas tote for bumming around days or carrying an extra heavy load makes your day a little less difficult.

15. Don’t be scared to sport an unusual color when you’re choosing your purse. As long as it’s high quality leather and design, I say go for it.

16. – 18. Statement necklaces are under-rated in my opinion. I think they rule, and I couldn’t get by without one. To zazz up a casual look, all you have to do is throw on a bold necklace. Every woman needs a power necklace she wears on blah days.

Now, scroll through the pics and pick up on the details. When you’re done go forth and stretch your wardrobe from hassle to heavenly.

Vote for your favorite look in the comments and post any style questions you have!

 

Mucho love and Happy Styling,

Brianna, Alaina & The Reruns Gals

                                       

Behind the Scenes: Smart Trips Window Display Contest

If you love our latest window display, you’ll love this behind the scenes look at the way the artist, Paris Woodhull, dreams up her many creations.  Take a minute and read what she has to say!

 Life’s little surprises always show up. Sometimes the surprises are good and sometimes they hit you over the head like a mallet. Being so young I never sat down and decided upon a creative process nor was I taught one. I dove in head first, which in reality is the best way to go about it because you are a clean slate. As long as I’ve been an artist, (which I’m pretty sure I came out with a glue gun in one hand and a paint brush in the other) I have always learned best by doing. So when I started creating displays for Reruns it was a bit out of my comfort zone because I had to learn to sit back, plan what I was going to do, and explain my idea to another person. Though this took a bit of practice, it made me into a stronger artist because I was creating art on a professional level not just for my own personal enjoyment. Every window begins with a theme. My most recent theme was to design and install a window display for the Smart Trips competition.

Stage 1: Sketch

I wanted this window to incorporate not only the Smart Trips mission but show its connection to Reruns. After many a failed sketch I landed on one that I felt was unexpected and would draw attention to both Smart Trips and Reruns. I never knew how much time and effort went into creating a window display until I tried one. Window displays ALWAYS take longer than you expect.

Because you have to add details!

But the time and effort is always worth it because there is not a more incredible feeling than watching an idea come alive before your very eyes.

The finished product.

 

Color: The Name of the Game

Inspiration can come from a myriad of things–nature, other people, art, music, dance, fashion–the list goes on. We stumbled upon this music video and were instantly inspired. Not only is the song catchy, but the use of color in the video is nearly impeccable. Although Spring and Summer are the most common season to talk about color, it can be worn well at all points during the year. This season especially, the monochromatic look has been showing up all over the place.

J Crew

Now, the video takes the monochromatic look to the extreme, but the photo above is an excellent example of how to pull this look off naturally.  JCrew always provides amazing ways to wear color; this is no exception. Do you love it?

Photo from Ann Taylor blog

This ensemble was created entirely by Ann Taylor pieces.  Here, you see another great way to wear color.  Instead of using all one color, though, this woman has formulated an outfit that is composed of pieces that simply belong to the same color family.  Although it pushes the boundaries, it is still absolutely adorable, don’t you think?

Banana Republic

Our final suggestion for wearing lots of color in a great way is to put on a vibrant dress.  It may seem like cheating to simply throw on one article, but really it’s a smart move!  Add jewelry in the same color family–or in another, up to you–and you’ve got an outfit bursting with color and begging for some positive attention.

 Don’t be shy y’all.  Color is bold and exciting, but so are you.  Wear the heck out of it and become inspired!  You never look more amazing than when you’re confident and colorful!