Outfit Du Jour: Set Fire to the Rain... WITH STYLE!

Recently, I had a reader by the name of "Kat" suggest to me to have a blog concerning the following: How to look cute but be practical when it's raining; specifically when you have to be business or business casual.

First of all, when it's raining, you need an umbrella, scarf, boots, and/or gloves. 

An umbrella will allow you to wear a jacket without a hood. It also will allow you to remain nice and dry and eliminate soaking items of clothing.

A scarf can be placed on your head (ladies) in order to keep your hairstyle intact. For the boys, you can use the scarf around your neck to cover what your peacoat, or other style of jacket does not. You can remove the scarf upon arrival or you can tie the scarf in a bow around your neck depending on the material and size of your top under your jacket (ladies).

Boots allow you to conquer pesky puddles and are a good option for the business or business casual look. Referring to my last post, there are do's and don't for boots depending on the occasion. Picking a boot that has a wedge or has a good amount of treading in addition of a leather that isn't distressed can create a perfect look for going into the office as well as battling the rain. Please, no furry boots! 

Gloves are a nice touch to an outfit. However, for those of you with smartphones, remember that touch screens won't respond to a finger encased in a glove. They can be easily worn for any occasion. 

Once you have the above accessories, ensure you have a jacket. A trench or a peacoat is great due to its length and because its material will keep the cold out and the warmth in. They also are timeless pieces that exude style. 

Just because it's raining does not mean that you need to sacrifice style for comfort and warmth. Picking the pieces strategically based on color and the amount of use is what is important. 

Instead of picking a dreary black scarf, pick a checkered scarf or a bright red one for a pop of color. Instead of picking a boot that is distressed, pick one with a rich black or brown color so you can be prepared for any situation. 

Instead of picking a hoodie, pick a peacoat that can be worn during the fall or winter. Pair it with a dark jean to meet up with friends or with a pair of slacks to be office ready. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for reading, everyone!

Write me a little something in the comment box below or on my Facebook "like" page: https://www.facebook.com/midorioutfitdujour.

I also have started a "like" page for my modeling here: https://www.facebook.com/MidoriEsmeralda. New post will be up soon, so stay classy!

XOXO Midori

Outfit Du Jour: Give 'em the boot!

In an earlier blog, I briefly went over some of my favorite items for fall to keep you toasty and tantalizing. Now, I want to go more into depth in the area of footwear when it we transition to the cold seasons.

Boots that are marked with an asterisk are the ones that I consider to be the most bang for your buck; enjoy!


WOMEN'S BOOTS

1. Gangam Style: The Riding Boot
This boot is one of my favorites due to the fact that it is a timeless piece. From police officers, to Vogue, this boot has adorned many feet with few variations. What I love about these boots is their length. Paired with a skinny jean or leggings, they fit high on the calf and help keep the cold out. They also offer a "preppy" or "classic" look that look awesome with a peacoat or an argyle sweater.

Here are my Ralph Lauren leather riding boots in black:

2. Rise Above the Rest: The Heel Boot
The heel boot can be any boot listed with the variation being in the height of the heel. By having a heel boot, you can up the style factor and the formal factor as well. These, like the riding boot, can look awesome with a mini skirt, tights, and a turtleneck.

Here are my BCBG heel boots in black:

3. *Miss New Booty?: The Bootie*
These boots are easily dressed up or down and come to about the ankle. You can find them in all kinds of materials, patterns, and heel sizes. This is probably the best cold weather shoe to invest in for a woman in my opinion. I myself am the proud owner of several pairs of booties. I personally would invest in a bootie in a neutral color rather than in a pattern or intensely vibrant color to ensure maximum use. However, I can never object to a pop of color in say, red! (:

Here are my Bamboo ankle boots in red:

4. Get Low: The Ankle Boot
Unlike the riding boot, these boots give you more freedom to move easily. Riding boots can be confining due to their length. As the boots suggest, these boots reach to the ankle or a little beyond and can come in many variations such as having belts or zippers on them. These are casual boots if they have lacing in the front. If not, they are semi-casual.

Here are my Vera Wang, lace-up ankle boots in black:

MEN'S BOOTS

1. Fried Without the Clogged Arteries: The Frye Boot
They come a little above the ankle and can lace up or zip-up. I prefer the boots to be in some form of leather minus the lacing due to the fact that they can be dressed up or down.  They are also available in other materials such as canvas. Another factor is the "wash" of the leather or faux leather. What I suggest is to get more bang for your buck by getting a dark leather boot that is not distressed at all so it is possible to transform it.

It's a great look to get a slim fit or boot cut jean to pair with this boot. Put the pants on first and the boots second. Then, tuck the pants into your boots and zip them up. You can always leave them on the outside of the boot, but by tucking them in you can achieve a militaristic style look.

2. Lacey Days: The Lacer Boot
The name doesn't leave much mystery: they lace up. These boots, though similar to the Frye boot, come to about mid-calf and are a more casual alternative to the Frye boot. They too come in different washes but I suggest a dark wash since, with age, the boots will age naturally and more uniformly.

3. Workin' It: The Work Boot
Similar to the Lacer boot, these boots are heavy-duty. They also come in variations that include "fur". These are more recreational than the first two boots I listed for men so although they aren't formal, they will keep you warm and ensure you don't slip and slide in the rain.

4. *Low Profile: The Ankle Boot*
This is a boot that, like the Frye boot, can be dressed up or down. This is probably the best cold weather shoe to invest in for a man. Once again, like all of the other boots mentioned, a dark wash (one without distress to it) should be purchased to ensure maximum use. These shoes should also be paired with a DRESS sock.

NOTE FOR BOTH MY LADY AND GENTLEMAN, BOOT-WEARING READERS: Make sure you treat your shoes with respect! Seriously, keep them treated by shining them and wiping them down every so often. Also, as stated in an earlier blog, you can maintain the shape of the boot by stuffing them with newspaper or tissue paper.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for reading, everyone!

Write me a little something in the comment box below or on my Facebook "like" page: https://www.facebook.com/midorioutfitdujour.

I also have started a "like" page for my modeling here: https://www.facebook.com/MidoriEsmeralda. New post will be up soon, so stay classy!

XOXO Midori

Outfit Du Jour: Layers aren't just for cakes.

I'll keep this post nice and simple. For those of you experiencing the phenomenon of Fall or Winter AKA a time when you can't just run out the door in a t-shirt and shorts, this post is for you. Layering is a simple, fun, and fashionable way to not only tell the world that you know what you're doing when the cold weather hits, but that no matter what curveball Mother Nature sends in the form of weather that you will be ready.

Let's start from the outside in, boys and girls. 

1. Jackets should be functional as well as show a flair for fashion. Trench coats are great when rain is on the menu by helping to protect almost the entirety of your body, not just your torso. Since rain is what they're mainly made to protect you from, you can find them in an array of materials. I personally keep a slick, neutral beige one instead of one made from wool for example based on my geographical location. For those on the east coast, it would be a better investment to integrate wool or a synthetic wool into your wardrobe. Peacoats are also a favorite of mine as I have four in my collection in blue, red, gray, and black. What's great about these coats are that they can be integrated into your formal or casual wardrobe since they look great with jeans and slacks.

Although hoodies are a great way to stay warm in a casual way, they can easily be interpreted as "lazy" or "ratty". Try to keep them looking nice by putting them in the dryer for a short amount of time and letting them air-dry a bit. Otherwise, the material can easily get those annoying little balls and the outside can fade in a very unflattering way. They are also not something that can be integrated into the workplace (one that requires a suit and tie, dress, slacks, etc.).

2. A sweater, thin or otherwise, can be worn under a jacket so if your jacket gets soaked by the time you clock in to work or if you're having lunch at a restaurant that keeps cranking up the heat, you can easily have the option to take your outfit down a notch and make yourself more comfortable. 

3. The layering continues under the sweater with a thin tee-shirt, tank top, camisole, or a button-up shirt if you're feeling like adding a little formal touch. You should always wear something under your sweater. Why? Because wearing a shirt or a tank under your sweater and even a dress shirt will:
1. Absorb any sweat as well as act as a barrier between the sweat your body produces and the material from the sweater or shirt.
2. Cover any icky smells your body may emit.
3. Keep armpit stains away. Yuck!
4. Add yet another layer to keep you extra toasty.

Basically, this layer is crucial because it ensures that your sweater or dress shirt will have a happier and longer life serving you. Who wouldn't want that? (:
  

4. For the ladies, a skirt with tights or leggings, dark wash jeans, or slacks can be worn as bottoms. For the men, slacks, dark wash jeans, or cords (corduroy pants) can be worn. If you're feeling extra chilly, ladies, you can wear tights under your pants. 

5. Have you ever seen someone's leg showing above their socks when they cross their leg? This is something that is avoidable! Always make sure you don't wear ankle socks during winter. Instead, try to wear socks that are crew, boot, or dress length. This will also ensure that you keep in all of the warmth rather than letting in the cold. 

Socks don't seem to be a major part of an outfit, but you have to remember that to be considered "put together", attention to detail is key and that even the small parts complement the whole.

Here's my outfit and outfit breakdown for the fall: 

Black peacoat by Michael Kors; black, long sleeve shirt from American Apparel; black camisole; dark wash jeans by Michael Kors; leopard print heels by Michael Kors; purse by L.A.M.B; chain necklace by Vera Wang.

Although my outfit has a small pop of color in my shoes and my handbag, feel free to have fun with color in the winter! Try having a color theme for your outfit i.e. blue and select items all from the same color family. That way, you don't have to stress on finding an exact match to the color of the item and can instead play with the colors that you do have.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for reading, everyone!

Write me a little something in the comment box below or on my Facebook "like" page: https://www.facebook.com/midorioutfitdujour.

I also have started a "like" page for my modeling here: https://www.facebook.com/MidoriEsmeralda. New post will be up soon, so stay classy!

XOXO Midori

Outfit Du Jour: Keep Warm and Carry On

It's October and finally starting to get chilly over here in beautiful Southern California. Who's ready to start breaking out the scarves, hats, and boots with the fur... anyone? I know I am. I'm also ready to share some ways to not end up looking like the Michelin (wo)man in size and shape but to, instead, look put together and fashionable. Here's some tips, enjoy!

Tip #1: Layering is not just for cakes.
In order to avoid overheating as well as looking too bulky, try layering! It's a fun way to play with your clothes. You can start with a tank or camisole, then put on a v-neck t-shirt or long sleeved shirt, and then a cardigan. That way, as the day presses on and that sun starts to peek out, you won't have to suffer the consequences of bundling up as if you're in the middle of a snowstorm.

Tip #2: Comfort is key.
Boots are a hot item for winter, no matter what style. Keep in mind what you plan on doing throughout the day though. If you're going to be walking around at school, knee-high boots with stilettos might not be the best idea. Instead, try and wear some knee-highs with a conservative heel. Sometimes it's fine to sacrifice some comfort for style, but if you need to be on your feet all day, it's probably not worth it.

Tip #3: Don't kill Bambi and Co.
Boots, jackets, gloves, etc. that have fur, fluff, or anything of the sort are NOT formal nor are they the only way to keep your feet-sies warm. With the technology available today, there are plenty of alternatives that look and feel like the right thing that don't have the price tag of animal products. However, remember that by wearing something similar to the real thing, you are endorsing that it is not only okay to wear it, but it is fashionable.
If you can't "live a lie" by wearing something that isn't the real thing, try shopping at vintage stores instead. That way you aren't encouraging companies to meet the demands of consumers by producing new products, but are reusing a product that is in good condition and high quality and giving it another chance at a new life. Don't worry, Bambi and friends will thank you.

Tip #4: Tights, leggings, and pantyhose, oh my!
These three items are great for you ladies looking to wear a dress, but not looking to freeze in the name of fashion. They come in a wide array of colors and materials, so there's something for everyone and every occasion. It's also a great way to play with color by picking a neutral color, such as black, for a dress, and a bold color, such as red, for your leggings.

Keep reading, and I'll keep writing. Please feel free to leave a comment and to leave me any ideas for a future blog. Also, look for my Facebook page dedicated to the blog by typing in "Outfit Du Jour" into the search engine on the site. Stay classy, guys.