Katie's Fashion Rules

I have always loved Katie's sense of style. She literally looks adorable every day. Like EVERY DAY. Given her sense of style, I asked her to write us a guest post on what she considers her go to rules about fashion. I write this list not believing in Do’s and Don’ts of fashion at all, at least on a global level, because fashion is an expression of self, so who has a right to say what’s right or wrong in that regard. However, we all have our “OMG why?” and our “I need that in my closet” moments and as someone who loves “fashion”, I’m really excited to share my list. I say “fashion” with the quotes because I don’t pretend to know or care too much about what goes on at the New York, Milan, Hong Kong, Paris, etc., fashion weeks, I only know what I love and what I don’t. So here it goes:

1. Absolutely no socks with sandals. I don’t care what the Olsen twins are wearing at the airport, socks and sandals are a no go! I mean seriously, what’s the point? Put on some damn shoes or ditch the socks!

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2. Jewelry, wear it! I think some ladies tend to forget that the jewelry you wear is just as important as any other part of the outfit. It’s part of your fashion personality, so wear it!

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3. Girl, splurge on that pair of jeans once a year, but only if they fit like a glove and show off the assets you want to flaunt. Jeans are a great staple, you can dress them up or go casual and no one will know you’ve been wearing the same pair 3 days in a row. Once you’ve found your perfect cut and brand, don’t feel bad about buying them, it’s worth it! Paige Denim is my favorite and they always have a few pairs at Nordstrom Rack if you just can’t part with $100+ on a pair. (DL1961 and Paige Denim)

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4. The way your clothing fits your body and your style is more important than how much it costs. This is something I’ve learned over time and now I am an avid thrift shopper, be it consignment stores or Goodwill. If it fits you and is your style, it doesn’t matter if it cost you $50 or $3, you can rock it! Besides, you might be surprised what goods people will give away! But don’t get me wrong, I buy new just as often as I thrift shop. The point is, if you like it, buy it, if you don’t, don’t, but if it fits you like a glove, think about it twice before you decide not to purchase ;)

5. Be adventurous! Don’t worry about buying “outfits” when you shop, but be willing to mix and match items in your closet; prints and patterns, gold & silver! Wear some faux fur or a hat! You might be surprised how good you feel in something you never thought you could pull off!

And my number one fashion rule of thumb is:….

6. Your style is about you. The person staring back at you from the dressing room mirror, the bathroom mirror, the hallway mirror, is always you. Dress for yourself and no one else, EVER! (Except on these 3 occasions: Church, Job Interview, Weddings with dress codes, but even then, follow your own style code).

 

THANKS KATIE!

A Giveaway from Anna Moor Designs!

This giveaway is now closed, but the 10% off discount continues until July 28 at 8 pm Eastern. Congratulations to Lauren C.!

Everyone meet Anna: Anna Moor

I know. Ugh, could she be any cuter? Anna has started a shop selling her adorable scarfs, makeup bags, and clutches for crazy good prices. The quality I can attest to because I ordered this scarf from her and it is in constant rotation... even through the summer. It's light enough to keep me warm in the mornings, but still super cozy.

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I just can't get enough of her stuff and you won't be able to either. Here are just some of my other Anna Moor favorites:

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And here is Anna modeling some of her favs.

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Stunning right? I asked Anna to share a little bit about her beautiful works of art... and her brave decision to start her amazing business:

"I learned to sew when I was eleven with my mom patiently teaching me sewing machine basics and patterns.   Even as a little girl I had a great desire to make something unique and special. My love for textiles grew and in high school I started to explore fashion. After earning a degree in Non-Profit leadership and management I lived the status quo; I got a job that paid the bills and went home for the day. But I became dissatisfied with my career choice. After a conversation with my mentor, she challenged me to dream about having my own hand-made business. I knew I had to make a decision; I could either stay where I was or I could take a risk. I’ve always heard people say that if you do what you’re passionate about it’ll never feel like work.

By starting Anna Moor Designs, I decided to venture into the unknown and trust that my passion would be used to bless others. I like to think that my personality is translated into my bags, scarves and garments through the vibrant color schemes and prints that I combine. Usually my go to material is good old cotton, which is probably attributed to my mothers love for quilting. The more I let myself freely design the more I realize it is just a small glimpse of how deep my love for sewing goes.

My shop is a reflection of the joy that I find in creating something beautiful."

I feel so honored to help get this lady's business launched by giving one of her scarfs away! That's right folks... you can win one of her adorable, soft, all-season one-of-a-kind beauties.

Since she is so so so so so so very special, we are NOT going to use Rafflecopter for this giveaway. Nope. Anna is getting all the traffic cred on this one.

Here are the giveaway rules:

  • PRIZE: (1) Scarf by Anna Moor Designs (you will be able to choose from her current scarf inventory)
  • NUMBER OF WINNERS : (1) One
  • TO ENTER :  TWO STEPS: Edited down to one!

    • Go visit http://instagram.com/annamoordesigns and comment on your favorite design with "#houseofbennetts sent me! I had to tell @(your best friend's instagram) about you!" (EXAMPLE: #houseofbennetts sent me! I had to tell @treansy about you!)

 

  • PRIZE SHIPS :  US
  • NITTY GRITTY :  This giveaway closes on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 8pm Eastern.  Only one contest entry per instagram address.  The winners will be chosen using Random.org and will be announced in an update to this post the following Friday morning. We will instagram the winner directly, so please make sure you use your regular, everyday, instagram.

If you want to order from Anna now, you can get in on the Anna Moor/House of Bennetts love by ordering from her through Instagram. Just let her know that House of Bennetts sent you and you'll score a 10% off discount to everything in her shop. The House of Bennetts 10% discount ends July 28 at 8 pm Eastern.

*As a personal aside: this is what I love about blogging. Finding small business owners who have a passion for what they do and are willing to share their love/their hearts with the world. When you create things like Anna creates, that's really what you are doing: Sharing your heart. So, please, go support this lady by entering the giveaway or buying from her.  She's amazing (and affordable). :)