Optimize Your Spring Look With Coral

Just hangin' out in my coral jeans...

Spring is here!  Not technically, but the snow has melted in Chicago so it's spring to me.  That means it's time to wear less black and bring out the color!  Coral is my favorite color to wear.  It screams spring, adds a cheery pop of hue and looks great on everybody.  Hold on, are you that girl that says you DON'T look good in coral?  That's crazy talk!  Trust me, YOU look good in coral.  If you have light skin, it will brighten you up.  If you have dark skin, it will complement your warm tones.  Even you redheads can wear coral!  Plus, it goes with a lot...white, gray, blue, green, pink, more coral and black (but not too much black).  Now that I think about it, coral may possibly work with all colors!  That means endless options- woo hoo!

I have tons of coral tops but this is my first pair of coral pants and I just love them!  I'm wearing my corals with a simple, white t-shirt, denim jacket and nude heels.  I added a thin leopard belt for that "yay" factor.  My outfit needed some kind of pattern, and the belt did just that.  You always need that one ChaCha item whether it's an interesting top, bold jewelry, fun shoes or a belt!  Don't ever underestimate the power of the belt.

ChaCha fashion tip:  Every woman should own a pair of nude heels.  It can be worn with jeans, leggings, skirts and dresses.  Not only does it go with everything and every color, but it also gives your legs length!  And that's a good thing for a girl like me who has short legs ;)

Sold on coral?  How will you optimize your spring look?  Share your favorite color for spring here on the blog, facebook, twitter or instagram- I'm everywhere, y'all!

xo,

Deb

Photography by G.Lynn Photo 

What Deb Wore

Silver Denim Jacket | J. Crew Vintage Tee | Jolt Ankle Biters | J. Crew Leopard Skinny Belt | Michael Kors Gold Chain

How To Wear Leggings And Get It Right!

Check out the DOs and DON'Ts on how to wear leggings!  Too many times I see women wearing leggings the wrong way, so I created a YouTube video to show you how it's done.  There are five fabulous ways to wear leggings so watch all the way to the end :)

Enough with the blah, blah, blah!  Just watch and see what I am talking about.  Bottom line.... Leggings are NOT pants!

Enjoy!




xo,

Deb 

Swap Party With Sisters Marie

Last Saturday I attended a #SwapInTheBurbs party hosted by lifestyle bloggers, Sisters Marie.  What's a swap party?  It's a gathering of wonderful women, like yourselves, who bring clothing items, shoes, jewelry and accessories that they no longer want/need and swap it for other items of equal price.  It's like shopping without spending a dime!  The ladies of Sisters Marie, Kaitlyn and Lisa, have made a business out of this concept.  If you shop too much or want "new" clothes without blowing through your wallet, check out bistm (Because I Shop Too Much) and btgtf (Because They Grow Too Fast) for opportunities to swap online.

My new fellow blogger friends hosted their party in Downers Grove and you will never guess where?!  The house my parents owned for 21 years!!  What are the odds?  It truly was a sign for me to go to this event.   Needless to say, it was very surreal to return "home".   

So back to the swap party.  I have to say, these ladies are much more apt to parting with their closet because I definitely am not.  I was surrounded by beautiful clothes, shoes, shoes, shoes and a plethora of jewelry!  With my little black dress in tow, I decided to practice what I preach to all you ChaChas and finally say goodbye to it.  Here's my secret: The dress was bought 2 years ago and there were STILL TAGS ON it!!  Shame on me!  Remember "10 Signs You Need A Wardrobe Overhaul"?  I swear, I am/was only guilty of #7!  It is a super cute and sexy dress but I never wore it.  I swapped with Lisa for a blingy statement necklace and couldn't be happier.  It's a win-win! 

And how about April and Kaitlyn's swap?  A beautiful, cobalt blue jumpsuit for a bright, yellow-green cross purse... Both are perfect for spring.  April beat me to that "I so want" jumpsuit, but that is what I get for talking too much!  It's all good, I love my necklace.

Ready to swap?  Last fall, I hosted an exclusive ChaCha Flare Swap It, Dump It, Keep It Party.  This April, I will be opening the invitation to you all, so keep your eyes open for details.  A little bit of a ChaCha twist with my party... Guests will bring clothing items, shoes, jewelry and accessories to swap or perhaps keep or dump.   Using my styling expertise, I will help you make that decision.  Sometimes what looks awful on you, could be surprisingly flattering on someone else, or it simply looks terrible on everyone!  Let me be the judge. 

Let's swap soon.  Be sure to check out Kaitlyn rockin' her flats on my old stomping grounds!

xo,

Deb 

What To Wear On St. Patrick's Day

MICHAEL KORS GOLD CHAIN | JEANS- MAURICES | VINCE CAMUTO PUMPS | STELLA STARR RUFFLE TRENCH COAT

Kiss me, I'm not Irish!  You would think I were an Irish girl rather than a Brazilian with my light skin and blue eyes, right?  Whether you are Irish or not, it's always fun to partake in the St. Patrick's Day celebrations and of course, wear green.  I have nothing stylish in the traditional kelly green so I improvised with teal green.  Hey, green is green! 

With snow still in site and Oak Brook Mall's water fountain in full blast (what?!!!), I wore a tank loosely tucked into my dark, straight jeans.  Like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, nothing looks better than a gold chain necklace against green.  For my interest factor, I included two items: 1) my favorite ruffled trench coat and 2) my daring, leopard  Vince Camuto peep toe heels. 

ChaCha Tidbit:  Green and yellow (or gold) are right next to each other on the color wheel so it creates color harmony which is very pleasing to the eye.  The same harmony is present in the blue from my jeans and green top.  Oooo, lots of color harmony!  I know this crap because I majored in art my first year in college; nice to know that I got something out of freshman year! 

Pretty fancy for St. Patty's Day, eh?  One week until the Irish holiday but only 3 days until the parades, eh hem... parties begin.  This Saturday, I will be going to a neighborhood party with lots of beer and shenanigans, so should I wear this outfit?  Maybe I need this look below?  I'm taking votes...what would you wear??  Comment on the blog, facebook, twitter or instagram!  Fancy look or fun look?

Let me hear from you, ChaChas!  Results will be posted on Saturday.

Photography by G.Lynn Photo

Sláinte!

Deb

Get Custom-Made Clothing Like A Celebrity!

I am super excited to share this with you, ChaChas!  I just discovered a hidden gem....eShakti!  They design, you customize.  Women like US can get custom-made clothing at very reasonable prices!  That's right, clothes made just for you and your beautiful, unique body.  Whether you are petite, tall, plus size or have a disproportional body shape, eShakti can create the perfect clothing item tailored for you.

With so many fabulous styles and colors to choose from, I had a hard time choosing what I wanted.  When I saw this A-line dress in a chevron pattern, I knew it would be the perfect spring dress!  I love everything about it... the complementary colors, the flattering fit and the fact that it just makes me happy!  Since I am so small on top, I sometimes have the issue of dresses being too big in the chest area.  Problem solved!  Having the option to customize, I was able to get a dress that fits me perfectly.  Not only can you customize your size, but also the dress length and sleeve type.  Want to get rid of the pockets?  Done.  There isn't anything eShakti hasn't thought of.  

Ready to get something specially made for you?  Grab a measuring tape and get started!  Check out eShakti.com for sweaters, jackets, skirts, dresses, pants and jumpsuits... oh my!  And because you are a special ChaCha follower, I have an exclusive offer to share with you :)  Use promotional code "chachaflare" and receive 10% off your order!  (Valid 3/4/15-4/4/15 on full priced items.)

eShakti.com

Feel special like a celebrity and get the perfect fit made just for you!  

Happy Styling,

Deb

How To Wear Flares

Flares are back, ChaChas!  Dust them off from your closet or buy a pair because they are the latest trend for spring.  I created a 70s chic look without looking like a disco disaster.  You can too!  I'm sporting my old flares with a handmade laced-collar blouse from Brazil, a blingy necklace to add interest and chunky clogs. 

Not sure how you can wear them?  The looks are endless...Pair with a fitting shirt, blazer or jacket that ends at the hip bone or go longer with a looser top (avoiding anything that bells out).  I picture a striking halter top for all you small-chested women.  Or keep it simple with a white tee and bias cut blazer.  Just be sure to wear it with heels... platforms, wedges, chunky heels or even high sneakers.  Flares need room for flow, so you absolutely have to wear them with shoes that give you height.  The only exception is if you have very, very, very long, thin legs and your body is also very, very, very long and thin.  Only then will flares work with sandals or flats.  By the way, if that is you, I hate you.  Just kidding.  No I'm not.

Still not sold on the flares look?  That's ok.  Just because it's a trend, doesn't mean you should wear it.  If you try on every pair and you're still not feeling it, then forget it!  You want to look good and feel good, so stick with what works for YOU!  But I do encourage you to try.

Flares are like snowflakes, not all are the same.  There are bell-bottoms, bootcut, wide leg and palazzo.  Pick the kind that work for your body type so that your look is proportional.

So go get your flares on!  Need help finding your look?  Go to my Styling Services page to get started today.

xoxo,

Deb

Get A Simple, Stylish Look In Less Than 30 Minutes

MISS ME JEANS | DOONEY BOURKE HANDBAG

Simple yet stylish in less than 30 minutes!  That, to me, is the perfect look for a lunch date with a friend, but in this case with my cousin :)   We met at Egg Harbor in Downers Grove (yes, those are snowflakes on me and yes, it was cold).  Egg Harbor is a casual restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch and tons of gluten free options.  Love this place, however the only thing missing is wine.  Wine is good.  Moms like wine.  All women like wine.  We want wine, Egg Harbor!  For now, I will settle on the coffee- at least there's coffee.

Back to the outfit.  Are you still sporting the yoga pants?  Or has it morphed into workout leggings?  Time to ditch them, girl!  I know, as a busy mom myself, it's so easy to depend on them but...there is another simple and fast way to look great without relying on the tiring, sporty look <insert eye roll>.

Here's how...

1)  Skip washing your hair and apply a dry shampoo.  Style as usual or put it up in a cute bun.  Taking a body shower is optional, but it is nice to feel clean, right?  But hey, no judging here!  It can totally be a wipes, baby powder and perfume day.

2)  Make-up.  I went all out make-up but the basics should be foundation, mascara, lips.  Or if you have freakishly, awesome eyelashes like my daughter, you can skip the mascara and substitute with a neutral eyeshadow.

3)  Simple cotton shirt.  White, black, blue... any color will work.

4)  Jeans.  Your favorite pair.  The ones that make you look and feel great!

5)  Scarf to pull it all together.  Without it, the outfit will be sub-par. 

And there it is!  Done and done.  In less than 30 minutes, you will look fab without trying too hard.  So save the yoga pants for yoga and the leggings for your kick boxing class.  

Coming March 12... How to Wear Stylish Leggings (keyword: stylish) on YouTube!  You don't want to miss this!  But if you think you will forget because life is crazy, then you must sign up for my email newsletter here --> ChaCha Flare Newsletter.

In the meantime, stay warm!  Will spring ever arrive???

xo,
Deb