Let’s Talk Lingerie Essentials

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Equally as important as your clothing is what you have on underneath. Let’s talk about the lingerie essentials every woman should own.

This is an often-neglected part of our wardrobes. If no one else can see it, what does it matter…right? Lingerie is the foundation for the rest of your outfit. If you have old, ill-fitting pieces or the wrong pieces entirely, your clothing won’t look its best. Avoid exposed bra straps, lumps, and bumps from ill-fitting cups, or otherwise visible undergarments. Invest in staple pieces that work with your clothes, not against them, for a polished look. Plus, putting on chic lingerie can be a huge mood booster when starting your day!

The Right Bra

finding the right bra.

You have probably heard that most women are wearing the wrong bra size. Certainly, most of us have not been professionally fitted. Even if you have been fitted, chances are that another lingerie company would have given you a different size based on the same measurements! Bra sizing is not well standardized. This can be a giant headache for customers.

The best way to combat this is to try, try, try. Try different brands to find one that feels good on your body. Try different bra silhouettes from these brands – balconette, t-shirt, plunge, demi, full cup, bandeau, etc. – until you find one that works for you. Choosing a bra style is not solely dictated by what you wear the bra under. It’s highly dependent on your breast shape, too! Discuss with your bra fitting expert for the style that will best suit your shape.

Bra Fit

Now it’s time to nail the fit for your selected bra. Make sure your breasts are not spilling out, there is no gapping or wrinkling of the cups, the center gore is touching your sternum, all your breast tissue is inside the cup (not being cut off by the underwire!), the band isn’t riding up your back or digging in, and the straps feel comfortable on your shoulders. Sound complicated? The right fit mostly comes down to your band and cup sizes. Adjust the cup size only if the cups are too large or small, or try your sister size if only the band sizing is off. 

Getting the fit right is undoubtedly the hardest step in stocking up on your lingerie essentials. Consider it a victory when you find one that works. It’s going to feel and look SO much better under your clothing!

Bra Selections

After you find your perfect fit, it’s good to look for a range of options to add to your lingerie essentials wardrobe. Ideally, you should have a strapless or convertible style for those difficult necklines, a t-shirt bra for every day, a comfy unlined bra or bralette, a sports bra, and something a little more fashion-forward or sexy. At least one of these should be nude! Be sure to find you right shade of nude, too, as everyone’s skin tone is different. Thirdlove offers a range of nude shades and plenty of sizing options.

Underwear

women's underwear.

Next up in your lingerie essentials wardrobe is underwear! Thankfully, the fit of underwear tends to be easier than bras, so this is less crucial to consider when shopping. Instead, focus on finding pieces that match your bras, shapes that work for you, and the right fabric content.

Nothing makes you feel more put together than when your outfit looks great AND your bra matches your underwear. Plus, creating a coordinated lingerie look just for you is a great exercise in dressing for yourself. Wear lingerie that you love. Take the time to find pieces that look good together to give you that extra boost of confidence throughout the day.

Make It a Set

Matching your bra and underwear every day may sound like a hassle. Don’t worry! There are a few tips and tricks to help. Most lingerie companies sell matching sets or collections of bras and underwear that are meant to be worn together. Because the perfect bra tends to be harder to find than underwear, we recommend first selecting a bra and then simply buying the matching underwear. You’ll probably want several pairs to go with each bra, so consider buying in multiples. Another strategy is to commit to buying all nude lingerie for a sort of capsule wardrobe. This simplifies finding matching sets, and you’ll always have options for whichever bra you need that day!

Beyond these aesthetic concerns, there are functional considerations for selecting underwear, too. Keep silhouette in mind. If you wear skintight dresses and pants often, you’ll probably want a good selection of thongs and seamless styles. High-waisted pairs work well for a smooth effect under high-rise bottoms. Other times, you just want something comfortable like a boy short or hipster style for lounging at home. Keep your individual needs in mind.

Fabric

The final criteria to look for when selecting underwear is fabric content. Selecting breathable fabric that doesn’t trap moisture is of utmost importance for your health and comfort. Cotton is the best choice available, so opt for the highest percentage of cotton you can find on the label. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, can trap heat and moisture leading to a host of health issues. Make sure to update your underwear drawer to all breathable natural fabrics before the warm summer months hit!

Other Lingerie Essentials

lingerie collection

Round out your lingerie drawer with shapewear solutions and layering basics. As always, the pieces you need will be dependent on your lifestyle. Start with the essential lingerie items below and add more as you see fit.

Start with some great shapewear such as Spanx. With the popularity of shapewear on the rise in recent years, companies are innovating to increase comfort while also increasing the shaping effects of their products. It’s a great time to try them! Invest in a simple bodysuit or high waist shaping short. These are perfect for layering under knit dresses and clingy fabrics. Shapewear helps fabrics to lay nicely for a sleek, smooth look. Make shapewear your outfit’s base layer for special occasions to ensure your photos are ultra-flattering.

The next item to add to your lingerie drawer is a pair of tights. If you’re going to own one pair, consider a pair of semi-sheer black tights. These will be your best friend for winter layering and wearing to work. Plus, there are plenty of options with shaping effects, too, if you’re looking for an added boost.

Finally, add a range of neutral layering tops to your lingerie wardrobe. First on your list should be nude tone camis (or bodysuits), but you may also want strapless options, black camis, or lace layering pieces for a feminine touch. Nude tones are great for wearing under sheer blouses. A lace cami is a great solution for necklines that dip a tad too low to make sure you don’t risk exposing your bra or too much skin. You’ll thank yourself later for stocking up on these lingerie essentials!

Wrap Up

Undergarments make up the foundation of every outfit you wear, so it’s crucial to have the right bras, underwear, and shapewear that work for your wardrobe. Treat yourself to these essential lingerie pieces to ensure you are comfortable and look your best. Trust us, even underwire bras can be comfortable when you find the right one!

If you’re still feeling a bit lost, reach out to us for some hands-on help selecting the pieces you need in your wardrobe from underwear to outerwear. New to our services? Check out our 3-step process for more info on what to expect if you book a full styling experience. Bonus! We also offer virtual services for extra-convenient consults, closet clean-outs, and personal shopping services. No matter your wardrobe needs, we can’t wait to get started.

Latest Eyewear Trends

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We’re talking latest eyewear trends: blue light glasses, sunglasses, prescription and reading glasses. Between eye strain from long days spent working on the computer, your everyday prescriptions looking tired (or cracked from being sat on…), and the warm weather begging for new sunnies – it’s time for an eyewear update.

Eyewear is the perfect accessory for playing with different trends! Unlike a trendy new top, your glasses can be worn nearly every day for a fresh spin on any look. They let you dip your toe in the water for whatever direction you’re trying to move your style. Be a little bolder in your aesthetic with a thick square frame, bring more color into your wardrobe with pastel tinted lenses, or add some retro flair to your look with 70’s inspired aviators.

Additionally, new eyewear doesn’t have to break the bank. There are tons of affordable ways to try out all these new looks and frame shapes. Several brands let you try before you buy to ensure you like the way they look on your face. Other brands, like Le Specs, offer the chicest celebrity-approved styles and streetwear trends of the moment for non-designer prices.

Stylish eyewear is not only practical for everyday wear, but it instantly refreshes your wardrobe and usually doesn’t require a huge financial commitment. Try out some new lenses this season! Keep reading for the latest eyewear trends we think are must-try’s.

Blue Light Glasses

blue light glasses

More people than ever are working from home, which could mean 8+ hours a day in front of a screen. Surely that’s not good for you, right? Blue light from your screens can impair your sleep-wake cycle and make it harder to fall asleep at your normal time. You may be able to prevent these disruptions to your circadian rhythm by filtering out the blue light from your computer with specialized glasses. It’s a small change your body will thank you for!

Not only are these blue light glasses good for your physical well-being, but they can also be a fashion statement. Thanks to their boom in popularity during the pandemic, they’re readily available in any style and surprisingly affordable, making them one of our favorite eyewear trends this year. Plus, you can make your pair do double duty with options for minor vision correction or glare reduction.

They’ll be perfect to wear during Zoom calls, too. For life during a pandemic, the best accessories are from the shoulders up! Some standout styles I’m loving on-camera are geometric shapes, frames in unique pops of color, and oversized designs. Statement frames can be a conversation starter for your coworkers and make you more memorable in meetings. Be sure to check out the try-on apps on eyewear websites to find one that suits your face without the hassle of buying and returning.

Sunglasses
sunglasses

With temperatures creeping upward and daydreams of the vacations we missed last summer, who isn’t thinking about investing in some new shades? They’re an essential accessory whether you’re spending a lowkey day outdoors with friends or planning an extravagant beach getaway with a loved one.

Not to mention, they pair so well with all the warm-weather staples from swimsuits to sundresses to cutoff shorts. When you start shopping, you’ll instantly notice how saturated the market is. Any style you could possibly imagine is for sale, and all of them are stylish in their own way. So, how do you decide on a pair for the summer?

Try one of the latest eyewear trends popping up this season. A fresh pair will bring new life to the outfits you already have in your wardrobe. Maybe it’s because we’re all craving a return to simpler times, or maybe it’s the bottomless inspiration fashion finds in decades past, but retro sunglasses are the trend on our radar this season.

Look for round frames from historic brands like Ray-Ban to nail the nostalgic look. Round frames were one of the first popular shapes for sunglasses and never really go out of style, so this is a time-proof trend that’s worth the investment (and the Ray-Ban website allows you to customize your shades to truly get the perfect pair!).

If you’re looking for a bolder statement piece, try the oversized mod styles of the 60’s that have been gaining popularity this year. Neither of these styles sound like you? Other retro styles include aviators from the ‘40s, cat eyes from the ‘50s, or small sporty styles from the ‘90s, among a multitude of other decade-defining shapes. There truly is something for anyone.

Prescription and Reading Glasses

reading glasses

For those who need to wear glasses every day, eyewear trends can feel like a bit of a luxury. Unlike a statement pair of $20 sunglasses that you can ditch at the end of the season, expensive prescription lenses can’t be replaced very often. It makes sense that you might avoid trends in favor of an option you’ll wear with everything for years.

Balance this pragmatic approach with an eye for something a little fresher and more up to date that still works with your whole wardrobe. You don’t have to forgo the latest eyewear trends just because prescription glasses are a more practical piece!

For a cool but understated update to your look, try out oversized wire frames. I’m loving this pair by Ray-Ban. These, too, have the on-trend retro look of the season, but will assuredly fit into your wardrobe for quite some time thanks to the minimal frame. Wear them to work, for casual wear, and everything in between without having to worry about the colors and style matching your look of the day. We recommend these for both your prescription and reading glasses needs.

The best thing about this trend is that you can adapt it to your preferences and face shape. Oversized wire-rimmed glasses come in all the classic styles including circle, rectangle, aviator, cat eye, and geometric. Keep them oversized, or you can go for a slightly slimmer frame for more petite features. Consider what parts of your face you want to accent or downplay to help choose the best styles for you.

Latest Eyewear Trends: Wrap Up

If you weren’t already a fan of glasses, we hope you’ll consider trying out some of the latest eyewear trends being offered this year as a simple and practical way to update your look. Accessorizing your outfits is always a good idea — while a gorgeous top and well-tailored pants may create the foundation of a stylish outfit, it’s up to your accessories to bring the full vision to life.

They can also make fashion-forward looks feel truer to you and unify your style day-to-day. Experiment with a few new styles of eyewear this season to get in on the fun. If you’re new to accessorizing in general, check out our tips for accessorizing like a stylist to get started.

Needing more hands-on help? Reach out to us for an appointment. We would love to help you with anything from finding the right frames for your face to identifying the trends that work best for you to doing an accessory overhaul!

Plus, we offer an array of virtual styling services for maximum convenience. With all your summer plans quickly approaching, there has never been a better time to update your style.

Biggest Fashion Trends for Spring 2021

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Spring means it’s time for a wardrobe refresh! As usual, there are tons of spring 2021 fashion trends worth keeping your eye out for. If you’re like me, you want to try them all – from strappy details to sheer fabrics to wide-leg pants and everything in between – but let’s take a step back and focus on which trends are worth investing in. Focus on the overall direction of fashion this season rather than hyper-specific pieces; this will help you achieve a relevant but practical style that works for more than just a season or two.

We’re passionate about helping you find your style, regardless of what’s on-trend, and incorporating new inspiration each season. Reach out to us if you’re looking for extra help navigating the vast world of fashion and finding your personal style. Plus, we offer virtual services to make it easier than ever! Having a foundational style to work off of can help you narrow down which trends are right for you. Avoid the buyer’s remorse. Be deliberate in your new spring purchases!

So, which trends do we think are worth the investment this season? Keep reading for the colors, shapes, and fabrics we think will give new life to your closet and will feel fresh for seasons to come.

Pastels

pastel spring style

About the Trend

They’re not just for Easter anymore! With 2020 in the rearview mirror and warm weather ahead, there’s optimism in the air. Pastel colors represent a gentle, hopeful attitude, which makes them one of my favorite spring 2021 fashion trends.

The past few years, we saw a lot of neon from designers and celebrities. You may have noticed through the pandemic that neutrals became even more popular than before – not just for the average person on the street, but for influencers and celebrities alike. Minimalism makes sense in a time where things are so unpredictable! As the promise of normal life creeps back in, many designers are easing into soft pastel hues. I would argue it represents our desire for practicality that still brings joy. As a bonus, these will pair effortlessly with any neutrals you stocked up on during the pandemic!

Tips and Tricks

Pastels are most fun and unexpected in pieces we normally see in a neutral palette. Think classic pieces like cardigans, suits, blouses, and midi skirts. They’re just as easy to wear in a muted pastel hue and have that little something extra to brighten your day.

Of course, these are easy to mix with neutrals: A lavender skirt and grey tank, a sage blouse and camel trousers, a baby blue blazer over a white tee. But, they can be even more alluring when mixed together in a look. Try the sage blouse with a light salmon trouser, or the blue blazer over a creamy yellow tee instead. Because they’re all in the pastel color family, it’s hard to go wrong. My favorite styling trick is to add chunky jewelry or a leather jacket to contrast against the delicate pastels.

Statement Trousers

spring fashion trends 2021

About the Trend

Another spring 2021 trend we’re obsessing over is the statement trouser! This may come as a relief to those of you who are tired of wearing the same old dark wash skinny jeans every day. That style dominated for years, and we’re all ready for a little more variety whether it’s in new jean trends or new trouser styles.

The “statement” component of the pants could be the material, print, silhouette, or embellishment detail. Some notable variations this season are leather joggers, plaid print pants, and paper bag waist styles. We saw these rise in popularity through the winter, and they’re still going strong. I’m loving how much fresher these options make ALL of my wardrobe feel. Even your humble t-shirt feels inspired when tucked into a paper bag waist pant. For this reason, they’re more than worth the investment.

Tips and Tricks

Many of the statement trousers that are in stores now play with silhouette more than we’re accustomed to: kick flares, wide leg pants, even balloon leg shapes. These can be intimidating when your current rotation is just sweatpants, leggings, and skinny jeans, but we encourage you to give it a try! They bring a boost of confidence and joy to getting dressed. You might even discover a new shape that looks amazing on your body type. As always, we would love to advise as you try out these new statement trouser trends!

Depending on your profession, a statement trouser can mean something different for you. For example, a venture capitalist should go for a tailored pin stripe trouser, where a stay at home mom may want to wear a statement skinny jean.

Concerned you’ll make the investment and never wear your statement pants? Try a pair that has only one or two details that you don’t already have in your closet. For example, if you always wear sweatpants and joggers in neutral tones, a black leather jogger is a great choice. A wide-leg, pastel-hued leather pant has a much lower chance of getting worn.

Second Skin Pieces

ribbed spring fashion trend

About the Trend

The perfect pairing for your statement trousers? A fitted cami, bodysuit, or ribbed tee. In fact, skintight clothing is one of the major spring 2021 fashion trends to keep on your radar. These body-hugging styles are a far cry from the sultry bodycon looks of last decade. Instead, they have a decidedly sleek, sophisticated effect this season. Imagine the intersection of undergarment inspiration and 90’s minimalism.

Tips and Tricks

Skintight tops are a go-to in my wardrobe because they make the perfect backdrop to showcase more dramatic silhouettes elsewhere in an outfit, such as wide-leg pants. On the other hand, these unfussy styles are in keeping with the rising interest in minimal fashion when paired with other simple garments. They look great either way you style them! Best of all, the lack of bulk and clean lines make them ideal for layering. Don’t be afraid to combine your second skin pieces with other trends: try a long shirt jacket or oversized blazer over your tight bodysuit for a fun play with proportion.

There are so many ways to make this trend your own. Keep things classic with a fitted turtleneck, go edgier with a mesh mock neck, or try a plain ribbed tank for endless styling possibilities. Chances are, you have some of these pieces sitting in your closet already! If you only ever wear your camis under other tops, now is your chance to let them shine by themselves. You’ve got to love trends that don’t require you to spend money!

Are the camis and bodysuits in your closet not looking decent enough to wear out? This is the perfect opportunity to refresh these basics with great quality pieces. Fit and fabric quality will be essential here as there aren’t any ruffles, embellishments, or pleating details to catch your eye.

Wrap Up 

New trends can sometimes feel intimidating, or we might doubt that we can pull certain styles off (like embroidery on our denim jacket). We’re here to tell remind you how fun it can be to play with your style! The change of season is a great reason to explore your style with fresh eyes. Hopefully, this has helped to get your wheels spinning and you’re excited to try these spring 2021 fashion trends! We have loved incorporating these trends into our closets and think you will too. 

If you’re looking for help bringing your style vision to life, check out our personal shopping and styling services. From finding old gems in your closet to sourcing and styling new pieces, we’ll take care of it all. Being on-trend shouldn’t feel like a chore.

Have fun styling these new spring pieces!

Let’s Hear It For The Boys: Men’s Style

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Fashion is for everyone, and it’s time we take a moment to discuss men’s style! Chances are that the concepts of fashion and style bring images of women’s clothing to mind. Having personal style is not gender-specific, and everyone should benefit! It’s a medium for self-expression, a confidence builder, a tool for creating your personal and professional image. It would be a shame not to take advantage of these perks.

Men’s fashion typically evolves at a slower rate than women’s fashion. It’s not as flooded by of-the-moment trends or pressure to “keep up.” Therefore, there is a common misconception that men opt-out of fashion, or that getting dressed merely involves putting on a shirt and pants that don’t clash. There is so much more to it than that! Don’t shut the door to finding your personal style.

If you have never stopped to consider your personal tastes in clothing, this task can seem daunting. How do you find your ‘look’? Fortunately, we’ve helped numerous men and women to develop their style. We would love to help you, too. Reach out to us to chat about what your style goals are, and we’ll help you get there.

Why Fashion for Men is Important

Not convinced that fashion is a worthwhile investment? Let’s talk about why we think men’s style is worth the time and money.

For better or for worse, appearance carries a great deal of meaning in our society. The way you’re put together – hairstyle, hygiene, and style of dress – is often the first thing people see when meeting you. Your style is crucial to first impressions. Depending on what it communicates, it can even determine the opportunities you’re offered socially and professionally. Make sure your image on digital platforms reflects well upon you, too!

Perhaps this all sounds shallow. Understood another way, appearance is a handy shortcut to gather information about a person: Would they make a good candidate for a job? Would they be a good romantic match? Examining the way someone expresses themselves is an efficient way to get to know them. An interviewer may see that you’re meticulously dressed and gather that you are detail-oriented in the workplace. Fashion is an amazing tool to communicate who you are without saying a word. 

Though style can be used to guide people’s perceptions of you, your appearance should ultimately still be for you. This is incredibly important! Developing your sense of style can help you feel more in tune with yourself, serve as a creative outlet, or simply bring you joy. Make sure it’s true to who you are. Wearing clothing that you feel great in provides a huge confidence boost. Why not start each day on a positive note? Increased confidence can make a world of difference in all aspects of your life.

The Importance of Tailoring

A crucial component of men’s style is having clothes that fit correctly. Even the finest clothes won’t look good if they don’t lay well on the body. There are several things to pay attention to for a good fit. This primarily concerns structured items like suits and dress shirts.

Outerwear

First up is blazers and suit jackets. Pay attention to where the shoulder seams lie. A poor fit is indicated by a shoulder seam that extends past your shoulder (too big) or a seam that’s creeping toward your neck (too small). Be sure that when the jacket is closed, the fabric around the abdomen doesn’t hang loosely, pull, or wrinkle. Also, check that the collar lays flat against your shirt collar.

Shirting

For button-down shirts, you want your shoulder seams to align with your shoulders as previously described. Next, check the sleeve length. They should end at your wrists without extra length causing the sleeves to bunch. The ends of the shirt sleeves should be visible with your blazer or suit jacket on.

Dress Pants

For proper length, there should be a subtle break where the pant hits the top of the shoe. The correct length is key to avoiding a sloppy, disheveled look. The waist and hips shouldn’t have any pulling, wrinkling, or sagging. Your selected leg style will impact the fit through the legs (e.g., slim, slim straight, straight), so nailing this fit is a little more nuanced. As a rule, ensure that they are comfortable and look proportionate in volume to the rest of your look.

That’s a lot of measurements to get right! Often, it’s hard to find items that tick all these boxes straight off the rack. Find a tailor you trust for letting out a pants hem or making other alterations to your suits. Looking for something perfectly customized to you? There are also options for made to measure suiting. This will ensure the best fit possible. Remember, good tailoring is the difference between looking sloppy and suave.

Key Pieces

We have discussed the importance of men’s style and well-fitting clothes, so now let’s delve into what types of garments are needed to achieve your style goals. In general, look for versatile pieces you’ll wear time and time again.

Jeans

A key piece to any modern wardrobe is a great-fitting pair of dark wash jeans. The great thing about denim is that it can be effortlessly dressed up or down, especially if it’s a clean dark wash. Jeans are perfect for weekend wear, running errands, travel, and even date night. For those with a business casual dress code at work, you can get away with wearing them to the office, too. Look for pair that fits you well in a modern cut with a little bit of stretch for comfort.

Shirts

What you pair your jeans with will determine just how casual they look. Make sure you have at least a t-shirt and a casual button-down to choose from. Every man should also have a tailored button-up shirt in his wardrobe for dressier occasions. This will be worn for years to come, so ensure it fits well! Stick to classic colors like neutrals and blues to ensure maximum versatility and longevity.

Jackets and Suiting

A sport coat or blazer is the next essential to add to your shopping list. Look for textured weaves to give it a more casual spin. Pair with jeans or other separates. Another must-have piece is a sleek suit in a dark hue. As discussed above, this should fit you flawlessly! You’ll wear this for all kinds of special events over the years, so it’s best to choose one that is timeless.

Shoes

While you probably already have a leather dress shoe in your wardrobe, you may not have options for more casual wear. A sneaker is essential. This is not the same as an athletic shoe! Often, this will be a sleek leather style. Your sneakers can be effortlessly paired with jeans, chinos, and even some trousers for a fashion-forward look.

Wrap Up

Use this guide as a starting point as you venture into men’s style, but feel free to explore what works best for you and your lifestyle. Eager to get started on your fashion evolution? Shopping is next! Check out our personal shopping services.

We’ll select pieces for you that make sense for your needs, fill the gaps in your wardrobe and have the best cuts and silhouettes for you. To make things as easy as possible, we also offer virtual services so you can upgrade your look from the comfort of your couch. There’s no reason to put it off anymore!

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