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.

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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: Witchcraft?

Last week, I focused on professional attire. This week, I'd like to focus on the benefits and how-to's of transforming a day-look to a night-look. Okay, boys. Now's your chance. Here's a post entirely dedicated to you and your wardrobe and to showing you that there's no "secret" or "magic" to being able to rock a casual and/or formal look with ease. However, ladies, make sure you take notes so you can share this information with your fathers, brothers, boyfriends, husbands, uncles-twice-removed, etc.

Casual/Day Look:

First, I picked a black jean by Levi's. For any man, I highly suggest at least one dark wash jean and one black jean for a wardrobe. No psychedelic washes, please! Please also rethink purchasing a distressed jean. I should not be able to see any holes, tears, or patches on the pants for a jean to pass my test. This also means no distress to the back of the leg of pants due to it being too long or worn. $5-$10 should be able to afford you a neat and well-done hemming by a professional at most dry cleaners. It may not seem like something that most people would notice, but small details like this are a perfect and classy touch to any outfit.

For the top, I picked a respectable and classic white button-down shirt by Marc Anthony. Due to the fact that the blazer is my statement piece (see Night/Semi-Formal or Formal Outfit below) where I want the eyes of the onlooker to go first, I want the other pieces to be in harmony and complement the "subject" or "main idea" of the outfit; not detract or overwhelm the onlooker. The white button-down shirt is a neutral and therefore a classic piece that is acceptable and encouraged for a man's wardrobe. By not buttoning up the first two buttons on the blouse, this makes the wearer appear to be relaxed and, therefore, more casual. It is also not a necessity due to the fact that there is no tie nor bow-tie included.

I selected black, leather, slip-on loafers by Steve Madden. These are a classic style of shoes that require little maintenance other than conditioning of the leather occasionally or merely wiping down the shoes after each use and using tissue paper or a soft paper product to stuff in the shoes to maintain the shape.

I selected a leather belt in black. Make sure that for both day/casual and night/semi-formal or formal looks that a belt is included whether or not you tuck in the shirt. I would suggest a black and/or brown leather belt due to the fact that it is something that is interchangeable between occasions and because both colors are very common or easy to match to outfits. Remember, black goes with (almost) everything!

And, with out further adieu, here's the ensemble altogether.

Night/Semi-Formal or Formal Outfit:

In order to transform this outfit from day/casual to night/semi-formal or formal, I made three simple changes.

1. Tie me up, baby: A tie is a simple and classic way to put a finishing touch on an outfit. There are many options to think about when picking out a tie. However, I have two points that I want to make on ties.
a. 50 shades of gray- Once again, decide where the focus of your outfit is. For my outfit, the blazer is the main event. If your outfit needs a kick to it, don't be afraid to add some bold colors such as blue, red, or green.

b. Size does matter- Decide what size you want your tie to be. Sometimes, a wide tie can be overwhelming to an outfit. Other times, it can be just what the outfit needs. However, the tie has made a transformation and lost its waist-line with skinny ties. Skinny ties are trendy but also a very unique touch to an outfit.

I chose to use a black bow tie to give this a more preppy look.

2. Pick up the slack: Trading the black jeans for black slacks takes this outfit to the next level. Slacks are not only respectable pieces for the office, but even a night out on the town. Due to my model's slender body, a slim-fit is a very flattering choice of cut for slacks as well as dress/button-down shirts. However, a straight-leg cut pant is usually a cut that works for everyone.

3. Blazing through life (But not that kind of blazing!): I picked a piece of clothing that I thought would make a statement: a tweed blazer by Marc Anthony. This blazer is sold as a separate which means that it is not made to match pants, vests, or blouses. But boys, don't let this intimidate you. This doesn't translate into more work for you, the consumer; it means that you can be more creative and experimental with your ensemble. Clothing is a wonderful way to not only show off your personality, but have fun with color and patterns. Something else that is notable is the color palette of the blazer. The color palette featured in the blazer are cream, brown, and black. By having a color palette that features more than one color it allows the owner to mix and match other pieces of clothing that aren't necessarily even the same brand,  and makes it more interesting and unique than the "safe" choice of purchasing a black or gray one.

With the changes made, my model is now outfitted in my next and final look.

By knowing what's in your closet, you can mix and match to create an outfit that's perfect for whatever social or business outing you have planned. Pair that with a unique accessory such as a bold tie, jazzy cufflinks, or a classy watch and you're set!

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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