Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Simple Ways to Wear a Scarf


This is long overdue!  I have received many requests for a how-to on ways to wear a scarf, so I finally got my butt into gear and did it.  This short video is fun and simple- anyone can replicate these techniques! 

I focused on styling a square scarf but many of these ideas can also be done with a rectangular scarf.  If you get lost with the steps, just start making up your own stuff.  You may come up with something fabulous!

The blanket scarf is also highlighted... wait until you see the "Mummy" (it's the best).

Hope you enjoy the YouTube and have fun creating your own scarf styles.  Be sure to share your skills on the ChaCha Flare Facebook page.   For more ChaCha Flare videos, check out my YouTube Page 

Thanks for following!

xo,

Deb  


Thursday, January 7, 2016

How to Wear Color From Head to Toe

Hey lady all dressed in black!  You know who you are!  It's time to get out of your comfort zone and add COLOR to your wardrobe.

"But I don't know how to wear color!" "Wearing black makes me look thinner!" "I don't look good in color!"  Yeah, yeah, yeah.... enough already.  First off, I'm going to show you how to wear color and you're going to love it as much as I do.  And yes, black thins you out, but it's not going to shave 20 pounds off of you.  Black is great, but you should not be wearing it from top to bottom 24/7 unless you are Catwoman or work at a pretentious hair salon.  Girl, I'm about to color your world!
 
Here are 5 Ways To Rock The Head-to-Toe Color Look:


1)  The easiest way to add some color is with your accessories.  You can make a blah outfit shine by adding a pop of color with a purse, shoes, scarf or jewelry. These are baby steps.  I encourage you to read on for a bolder, more colorful you.

2)  Create your outfit with primary colors- yellow, red and blue.  As you can see I'm wearing all primary colors, just richer shades instead of bright and not one bit of black.  Try it yourself with mustard yellow, denim blue and wine. 

3)  Do a monochromatic look.  Choose one color and it's different shades and dress it from head to toe.  Play with different fabrics and textures. 

4)  Swap the black with colors such as blue, white, gray or camel.  Then add another color of your choice.  You will not believe how many colors you can wear with these substitutes.

5) Use the color wheel as a guide.  Just like art class you can create color harmony in your outfits.

Analogous colors:  Three colors that are adjacent to one another. 
Complementary colors:  Two colors that are across (opposite) of each other. 
Monochromatic colors:  One color and all of its different shades.
 
Pretty simple, eh?  Now I challenge you to color your world!

Good luck, ChaChas!

xo,

Deb

Monday, January 4, 2016

The Ideal Outfit for Shopping Family Fun

I have a new challenge for 2016.... go shopping with the WHOLE family!  Your husband, boyfriend, baby daddy, whoever PLUS the kids.  Oh yes, it can be done.

A few weeks ago I was finally able to experience the new expansion at Chicago Premium Outlets.  I was reluctant to go during the holiday season but I'm so glad I did.  My usual goal is to find bargains for myself, but I was on a mission to find Christmas gifts for my 11 year old daughter.  For under $100 I found a cute cardigan from Abercrombie & Fitch plus skinny jeans, plaid shirt and scarf from Justice.  You read that right... under $100!  Not only did I get some great deals, but I also got a hug from Santa :)  

Though I normally like to shop by myself or with girlfriends, I am loving the thought of bringing the family with me next time.  With 30 new stores, 2 new restaurants (including M Burger) and an ice skating rink, there is fun for everyone!  Picture this... Shop for great savings at stores such as Banana Republic, Michael Kors or UGG Australia while the kids go off with dad for some ice skating and Starbucks.  Shopping without the fighting and whining?  Yes, please!  Then meet up for dinner and you got yourself some family fun!

The Chicago Premium Outlets ice skating rink is open now through January 18. Rink hours are 11 am to 9 pm, Monday through Friday, 11 am to 11 pm on Saturdays, and 11 am to 7 pm on Sundays. Ice skate rental is available on-site for $4, or guests are welcome to bring their own skates. Rink admission is free Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children.

For being a ChaCha Flare follower, you get a special weekend offer!  Mention that you are a ChaCha Flare blog reader with promotional code, SKATE CPO, and you will receive up to three free child (age 12 and under) rink admissions with every paid adult admission. 

Before you go off to shop and skate, be sure to dress in comfort and style. 

How To Dress For a Day of Shopping:

1)  Layers.  It could be too hot or too cold so layer up so you can adjust as you go.  My favorite way to dress is with a sleeveless shirt, cardigan, scarf and jacket.  I did excessive layering since the Premium Outlet Mall is outdoors, but you could tone it down for indoor shopping.

2)  Comfortable shoes.  This doesn't mean to ignore fashion.  Think flats, riding boots or ankle boots with a chunky heel. 


These ankle boots from Aldo are on point for looking stylish and staying comfortable
3)  A big purse.  Not a reusable shopping bag, a purse.  Stylish but serves the purpose of holding your wallet, water, and your layers that you may need to take off.

So will you take the challenge?  Shopping with the whole family CAN be fun!

Happy New Year, ChaChas!

xo,

Deb