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  

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

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

How to Eat BIG and Look Stylish on Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving Day!  The one holiday where you stuff your face with the yummiest food and don't have to worry about exchanging gifts.  It would be even better if we could all just wear sweatpants so we can let our fat turkey bellies expand, but what kind of ChaCha would I be to condone that??

Ah, but I do have some secrets.  This Thanksgiving, be stylish, stay comfy and most importantly hide the pumpkin pie gut.  Follow my rules and you'll be the most stylish turkey in the house!

How to Eat BIG and Look Stylish on Thanksgiving

1)  Layer with a scarf
Scarves will not only conceal imperfections in the abdominal area, but will also elongate your body.  Make sure it's long and bulky- an oversized scarf is perfect.  For a new look, try this season's newest trend, the blanket scarf.

2)  Rock the poncho sweater
This should really be called a miracle sweater.   Layer with a tank or long sleeved shirt and you have instant style along with roominess.  Find your favorite at TJMaxx.

3)  Add good quality leggings
A perfect article of clothing to suck it all in!  Be sure to cover the lady parts and bum-bum with long tops or sweaters, remember that athletic leggings for exercising and make sure to choose a pair that are thick and flatten the belly. Try brands like Lyssé, Splendid or Hue.  Check out my Leggings YouTube Video for styling ideas.

4)  Sport a tunic
Yay, tunics are finally back!  Nice long tops that don't hug your hips or thighs.  Perfect with skinny jeans and boots. 

5)  Get your sexy on with a sweater dress
I love the sweater dress trend- you can find them everywhere!  There are so many styles, but for your binge day, go for baggy with a cowl neck.  Pair it up with tights and boots.  Old Navy has some cute and affordable selections.   

The blanket scarf kept me warm... even in 18 degree weather!

SURPRISE... my "blanket scarf" is actually a blanket cape.  (I love being creative with clothes!)

These tips are sure to keep you comfortable and cute.  So screw that diet, skip the salad and chow down with style on Turkey Day!

xo,

Deb 

What Deb Wore

TUNIC - OLD NAVY  |  HARMONY + HAVOC SKINNY JEANS - TJ MAXX    BLANKET SCARF/CAPE - TJ MAXX  |  14TH & UNION RIDING BOOTS - NORDSTROM RACK   |  BCBG PURSE

 

The Secret To Wearing Shorts

It's starting... summer madness!  I'm sorry to say that you may see less of me as the temperature rises.  With the kids almost out of school there will be pool days, summer fun, swim meets, soccer, baseball and softball games.  I promise to do my best not to completely fall off the earth for the next 100 days!

This season I will be living in shorts.  Well, more like a bathing suit, but we're talking shorts today.  Some of you love shorts, some of you hate them, or maybe you're like me and have a love/hate relationship.  With so many styles of shorts, there are a gazillion ways to look spectacular no matter what your body type.  One of my favorite ways to wear shorts is with a long sleeve button-down.  When wearing a loose top, always pair it up with fitting shorts.  It's such a flattering balance, and so perfect for those not so hot days. 

What I hate about shorts:  My cellulite is exposed.  Yes, I'm thin but I also have lovely cottage cheese on my butt and thighs.  It's there, look closely.  It's nasty, but sorry world, I'm not going to hide under a maxi skirt all summer long.  It gets balls hot and humid in Chicagoland, so shorts will happen.  None of us are perfect so feel free to expose your cellulite, stretch marks or spider veins.  We shouldn't have to suffer the summer heat just to cover up our insecurities.  But if you want to take the focus off of your imperfections then follow these tips.

The Secret To Wearing Shorts

• Create a focal point.  Wear your shorts with a pretty printed top, a funky shoe (like my fringy ankle strap Joie heels) or statement jewelry.    

• Make your legs longer and sexier by wearing heels with your shorts.  This includes stilettos, wedges or a chunky heel. 

• Wear longer yet stylish shorts.  Look for distressed, faded, bold stitching or embellishments.

• Follow the old rule:  I'm repeating myself, but this is important... Loose top, fitted bottom.  Fitted top, loose bottom.  Easy peasy!

• If you go short, try a boyfriend style.  It's a relaxed fit and can sometimes look great with both a fitted or loose top. 

Go rock those shorts, ChaChas!  I'll be doing some extra lunges at the gym ;)

xo,

Deb 

What Deb Wore

RAILS HUNTER PLAID BUTTON-DOWN|  PAIGE  JIMMY JIMMY SHORT | JOIE PIPPI LEATHER SANDAL - ALL FROM NORDSTROM 

6 Tips On How To Mix Patterns

Mom always told you to match your clothes and now I'm telling you to mix patterns- what?!!  No, it's not Wacky Wednesday.  Mixing patterns is so vogue, and a sure way to look unique and super stylish.  It can be scary but worth the risk!

It's not so easy to explain how to mix patterns, but with a few tips you can be an expert.  Consider incorporating animal print, camouflage, polka dots, stripes, florals, plaid or gingham together into your look.  Here is some advice so you don't look like a 3 year old who sports the sticker that reads, "I dressed myself today".

ChaCha Tips On Patterns

1. Let one pattern be the accent.  My accent is the floral skirt.  It's the busiest and has the most colors.
2. Use similar colors in both patterns.  I pulled out the black and white from the skirt to use in my striped top.  I have so many colors to choose from in my skirt that I could have used a variety of colors.
3. Ease into this skill by adding patterned accessories like shoes or purses.
4. Start simple by using stripes or polka dots as your neutral.  They can even be used together.
5. Break up the pattern with a solid color in a layering piece such as a cami, jacket or even a scarf.
6. Most importantly, have confidence!  Don't over think it and just have fun.

How will you mix it up?  

xo,
Deb

You're NOT Too Old To Wear A Crop Top

Did you just read that correctly?  A crop top?!?  Oh yes, I'm talking to you beautiful ChaCha!  In your 30's, 40's, 50's or beyond you CAN rock the crop top!  The modern crop top is not your Britney Spear's schoolgirl look.  It is sophisticated and modest.  It is for many body types and definitely takes you out of your comfort zone.  Trust me, you do not have to be a skinny minnie to pull this look off.

I wore this little get-up to surprise my dad during his birthday lunch at Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House.  I love this place and I don't even like fish or frog.  Yes, they really serve frog legs, yikes!  A walk through beautiful Downtown Naperville completed this pleasant birthday afternoon with my dad, mom and husband, John. 

I see London, I see France!  Oops!

ChaCha Tips

• Make sure the crop top isn't too short.  You want to show minimal midriff.
• Loose or boxy:  wear with fitting bottoms like skinny jeans or a pencil skirt.
• Fitting:  wear with looser items like palazzo pants or a flare skirt.
• Do not wear with low-rise pants or skirts.  Save that look for the teenagers!

Why does this work?  If you find the right cut, this top will hit at the smallest part of your abdomen.  That means you will look thinner, if that's what you're looking for :)  It is such a stunning look for full-figured women (when worn with a fitted crop top).   And for you pear shaped ladies, remember to go looser on top with a boat neckline.  The crop top can work for all!

Will YOU take the plunge to crop it??  Shout out how you will wear it!

xo,
Deb

What Deb Wore

LC LAUREN CONRAD LACE CROP TOP - KOHL'S |  DEMOCRACY DISTRESSED SKINNY JEANS (similar) - NORDSTROM RACK |  ROCK & REPUBLIC LACE-UP HEELS - KOHL'S

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you purchase through the link. It doesn't affect your purchase price and allows me to buy more fabulous items to review!

Don't Be A Schmuck To Your Mom On Mother's Day

Me and my Mãe (mom in Portuguese) in Brazil

Do you love your mom?  If the answer is yes, then please give her a gift that rocks!  This is the day to get it right.  This is the day that your gift says, "I appreciate and love you, mom".  So don't be a schmuck and give her something practical such as a vacuum cleaner.  I don't give a rat's ass if she's been complaining to you about how she hates her vacuum because the suction sucks... or I should say doesn't suck.  Plain and simple, it's just a piece of shit vacuum.  And guess what?  Your mom doesn't want a vacuum for Mother's Day.  You're pretty much just telling her that she's an awesome maid...."Here's a new appliance, maid.  Don't forget to get under the couch!"  And don't think you are showing love and concern when you get her a brace because she has recently been diagnosed with tennis elbow.  Again, don't be a schmuck!  No practical gifts!   It can be a little practical but it must make mom feel special and beautiful!  Not a reminder that she is getting old and fragile, got it?

And here's how.  Think about your mom and what she enjoys.  I'm going to give you some suggestions...  think of me as your Oprah as I share my favorite things.  <Insert audio of my Oprah impersonation..."Deeeeb's Faaaaavorite Thiiiiii-angs!!!">  Can you hear that?  Being all into fashion and style, I am going to concentrate on all that crap but I will think (a little) out of the box.

For the new mom...

This is more for the husbands since babies can't buy a gift.  But maybe you have some sort of super baby that has that capability, so please forward this on to your freaky baby.  The new mom is not feeling all that cute and is probably sleep deprived.  A ruched top will make her feel stylish and conceal any tummy rolls caused by the little nugget .  Add a gift card to Starbucks to say, "I know you are up all the time to take care of that precious jerkbag.  Hopefully the coffee will keep you sane."  Oh and wine, don't forget the wine!!

For the veteran mom...

Hopefully she's got this mom thing down and is actually starting to shop for herself and not just the kids.  Time to add some frosting to that cake.  I'm talking about accessories.  My favorite accessory for spring and summer is sunglasses.  I'm sure she already has a pair or two, but you can never have too many pairs of sunglasses.  Make it fashionable.  Check out Sunglass Hut, they even have a "Find Your Fit" guide.  Add a colorful beach bag and towel and you got the cutest theme gift!  

To smell pretty...

If you don't know mom's go-to perfume, then don't get her perfume.  Everyone has different tastes and you can't force her to like a scent that you enjoy.  But if you do know her perfume then get it in lotion form.  Rarely do people buy themselves a lotion in their signature scent, so this will be appreciated.  However, if you want a general lotion that smells fresh and not overbearing, then get Philosophy Amazing Grace.  I love that it doesn't make you smell like a cookie or a French whore.  Add a gift card for a manicure and pedicure to complete this pampering gift. 

Jewelry...

I am obsessed with Alex and Ani charm bangles!  This is probably the safest piece of jewelry you could give to mom or anyone else.  There is a variety of charms.  It looks great alone or stacked.  How about giving a gift to your Godmother?   Yes, there's a charm for that!

An easy way to add some style...

A denim jacket.  Blue, faded or white.  If mom doesn't have one, then she needs one.  Looks good on any body shape and any age.  Everyone should have a chic, denim jacket to wear with a simple top or dress.  Add a colorful scarf to complete the look.

You never go wrong with a handbag...

If mom only has one purse or a dozen, she will love one of these lovelies.  Get into my closet floral clutch or bucket bag!!  Stick a natural colored lip gloss in the bag for a little surprise.

Need more ideas?  Get my help and let me get to know your mom!  Or you could always get her flowers.  Just make sure it's something that will last for more than a week ;)

xo,

Deb

What Nobody Tells You About Wearing A Jumpsuit

Last week I had the pleasure to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday in Chicago.  Because I live in the suburbs, I treat any visit to the city like I'm going to a huge event.  I love the city life and I love to get dressed up for it.  Usually I style myself with a dress or an outfit that consists of fancy jeans, but this time I chose my favorite jumpsuit.  Don't be deceived by the lovely pictures...

One of the things I adore about the jumpsuit is how it acts like a 2-in-1; the wonder clothing item that gives the illusion of a stylish top and bottom combo.  It's an easy, chic look!  Just add heels and jewelry and you are good to go.  I always talk about adding accessories, but with the jumpsuit you can really get away with minimum add-ons.  It's a pant outfit but as sexy as a dress!

However, there's one thing I ALWAYS forget that sucks about the jumpsuit, and I always figure it out when it's too late to do anything about it.  This time it all came crumbling down in this bad yet hilarious way.  Let me tell you my story which is kinda long but stay with me...

As I got off the train to Chicago, I stopped to use the restroom.  It doesn't matter if I withhold liquids and empty my bladder one minute before the train departs, I guarantee that as soon as I arrive my destination, I will have to pee like I've been holding it all day.  So I was in line (there's always a frickin' line!!).  A stall opened and I hurried on in.  As I closed the door, I realized the lock is broken.  Ok, fine.  I would hold the door as I do my business.  Since there is no hook on the door, I had to use that flip-up shelf that never really quite stays down no matter how much crap you put on it.  Seriously!  I had a huge-ass purse with my mom cam in it and a jacket (because you still can't go anywhere in Chicago without a jacket), and the shelf STILL DOESN'T STAY DOWN.  So, ok, I had to hold both the door and the goddamn shelf.  I proceeded realizing, "Shit!  I'm wearing a frickin' jumpsuit!"  Unlike a dress, I could not just flip it up and pee.  And unlike pants, I could not just unzipper from the waist down.  No, I had to pretty much get naked to pee.  Now remember, I was in a public restroom and I'm a germaphobe so no way was my jumpsuit going on the bathroom floor.  I unzipped my jumpsuit and the door went flying open and I was exposed for all to see me in my bra and underpants.  Then I had to hover the toilet holding my jumpsuit in between my knees so it didn't fall to the ground.  Shall I continue?  Some TMI here (too late)... of course I have to wipe.  Thank God it was just pee!  I can't even tell you what I did but I'm sure about 3 ladies witnessed the best show they have ever seen in a bathroom.  I'm not finished... I had to zip back up. I learned a little from my unzipping experience so I decided to use my elbow to hold the door, my knee to hold the shelf and twisted in every position to get the pain in the ass zipper back up.  As I struggled, my phone fell out of my purse and it was about an inch away from going into the toilet- phew!  I finally get out of the stall and a lady waiting in line says to me, "Cute jumpsuit!".  I almost punched her. 

Note to self:  Think about when and wear I will be wearing a jumpsuit.  Perhaps for my book club group where I'm in a clean home and not drinking or eating anything to promote bathroom activity.  Because you know, there is no eating or drinking at book club- NOT!  Maybe I'll just sit around my house in a jumpsuit and do some laundry?  Or how about while driving the kids to soccer practice?

Those are all practical situations, but I think I'm just gonna have to suck it up and continue to have more bathroom adventures while wearing my jumpsuit in public.   That's how much I love you, jumpsuit.  Oh and also remember to wear a thong.  I hate wearing thongs, but that is a must or you could look like this.

Yep, same night.  I wasn't thinking and wore lacy underpants under the jumpsuit.  I'm an idiot.  Butts cling onto jumpsuits so wear the thong th-thong thong thong!

Hopefully you are not too deterred from wearing a jumpsuit.  They are super stylish and comfortable and make for great storytelling.  Have any stories of your own?  Please do share!

xo,

Deb

How To Get An Edgy Look

Here we go again...it's April and it feels more like November.  That's what happens when you live in Chicago.  With temps in the 40's and gusts of wind, I am forced to cover up instead of skipping around in a light top and capris.  Yea, I skip, so?

I love layering with my denim jacket, but for an edgy look try a moto jacket.  Moto is short for motorcycle and no, you don't have to ride a motorcycle to sport this funky, stylish jacket.  It (sometimes) comes with more zippers than you need, angled lapels and pockets, and in a variety of colors.  Many motos are cropped so they elongate the legs and give you a smaller waist, while the angles give a slimming and long look throughout the torso.  Great for any body type- especially apples and straight shapes.  

I'm wearing it with a simple v-neck tee and joggers, but you can do so many more looks.  Try pairing it with a flirty dress, maxi or flare skirt, jeans and even shorts...hello, versatile!  Plus, you are not limited to cold seasons; think about cool, summer nights in this four season essential.

For a simple way to look edgy and stylish, get rockin' and put on a moto jacket!  If you need help finding the right one, make a ChaCha Flare personal shopping appointment.  I promise you will have fun and you will be happy to find clothes that make you fabulous :)

xo,

Deb

Photography by G.Lynn Photo

What Deb Wore

Moto Jacket - Forever 21 | V-neck Tee - J.Crew Factory | Juicy Couture Joggers (similar) - Kohl's | Halogen Ankle Boots - Nordstrom | Michael Kors Watch (similar) - Nordstrom

April Showers Brings... Rain Boots!

Ah April!  I love you for thawing the frozen grass, growing buds on trees and giving us the anticipation of summer, but I hate the rain!  Everything is wet and muddy and it can be so gloomy you would think it was October.  How do I deal with this crappiness?  Bright colors and rain boots!

When it rains, I get in a bad mood.  I don't feel like dressing up (unless I have to) because wearing nice clothes plus being wet really sucks.  So that means sweatpants and turning into a lazy sloth- NOT!  Yes, I want to be cozy but if I get too comfortable I end up sitting on the coach watching "The Real Housewives of Somewhere Rather" which results in piles of dishes and no dinner for the family.  So to even it all out, this is my go-to rain or gloomy day outfit:  Bright colored athletic jacket, cute skinny jeans and rain boots.

I love this "Louis Vuitton" backpack.  Don't be too impressed, it's most likely a knock-off.

My Under Armour jacket is perfect for adding some cheer to a rainy April day.  Meg, my awesome sister-in-law, gave this one to me for my birthday...thank you, Meg!  Make it bright coral like mine or yellow, pink, green, blue or even white.  It will brighten you up and make you smile :)  

ChaCha Tip:  Save money by shopping at discount stores such as TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack for cute high-end athletic wear.  Also check out online stores like 6pm.com or amazon.com.

My dog, Winnie.

Pair up your athletic look (or any spring look) with rain boots.  Spare your precious shoes and sport those wellies!  To stomp around, run errands or walk your dog, these babies are great for going through puddles and such.  And so many varieties of styles to choose from leopard, polka dots, plaid oh my! 

Make the best of those rainy days, ChaChas!

xo,

Deb

What Deb Wore

Under Armour Jacket | Hinge Tank Top | Democracy Distressed Skinny Jeans | Hunter Rain Boots