Essential Handbag Styles for Any Closet

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Does it feel like your outfits are missing that “wow” factor? One of the best ways to kick your looks up a notch is by investing in a few essential handbag styles. They can make the difference between a good outfit and a great one. Besides, they’re a functional necessity! If you’re going to be carrying a bag every day anyway, you might as well find some that you love. There are thousands of options differing in shape, size, color, and hardware. How do you know which are right for you?

Finding the essential handbag styles for your wardrobe is about striking a balance between practicality and style, just like with any other part of your closet. You should make sure that you have options that work for any occasion that might come up, including options to take you from the office to errands to happy hour. However, this doesn’t mean buying dozens of bags. They can be expensive! Instead, be selective in your bag purchases so that a few options will cover all your needs.

Handbag Styles

As a rule of thumb, the most versatile handbags will be neutral colors such as black, brown, and beige. We suggest having at least one black bag and at least one bag in the brown/tan/beige color family to get the most bang for your buck. These are timeless colors and much easier to pair than colorful varieties. It’s worth mentioning that old school fashion advice dictated that your shoes, belt, and the bag should match within an outfit – note that advice is now outdated! Feel free to mix and match. This also lets you get away with owning a smaller selection of purses.

The material your purse is made from is also key to its versatility in your wardrobe. Look for all-season fabrics. Leather and suede are the most traditional options and can be worn year-round. Limit the number of seasonal purses you own, such as canvas and straw bags that will only be appropriate in warm months, and bags with shearling details that will only be appropriate in cold months. Only consider adding these to your wardrobe after you have a couple of all-purpose bags in your rotation.

Now, what styles of handbags should you look for?

The Tote

best tote bags

The first on our list of essential handbag styles is the tote. A tote is typically a large bag with top handles and few or no pockets. It’s a simple, unfussy design typically without a fastening. This makes it ideal if you’re going to be pulling items in and out of your bag all day. The size makes it your best option for carrying larger items, like laptops and notebooks. This bag is your best bet if you have a long day ahead and no time to stop at home in between.

For a day at the office or school, a roomy tote will easily hold your paperwork, electronics, a light sweater, and a lunch. It’s like the grown-up backpack, and more modern and practical than a briefcase. Beyond the office, this will be your go-to style for the beach, the gym, and carrying everything your little ones need if you have kids. It can also be your reusable shopping bag for a trip to the farmer’s market. It’s endlessly versatile!

Keep in mind which of these occasions you will be using your bag for when shopping for your perfect tote. This will help determine the size, material, and details that will work best for you. If it will primarily be your work bag, start by measuring your laptop and adding a few inches all the way around to ensure you have ample room. For an all-purpose tote, we recommend one with simple but sophisticated styling, such as this leather tote. You may want to look for an option with an interior pocket to catch smaller items like keys and pens. Go for an unstructured style for a more casual look, or a sturdy shape with feet on the bottom for a dressier look.

The Crossbody or Shoulder Bag

best crossbody bag

The tote is great for carrying larger items, but you may not need that all the time. For everyday wear, invest in a crossbody or shoulder bag. This differs from the tote because it is typically somewhat smaller, more structured, and may have additional compartments and closures to keep everything in place. This makes the list as one of our essential handbag styles for a couple of reasons. First, it will fit all your essentials, such as keys, wallet, phone, and a few extras. Second, the long strap allows you to have your hands free. This combo makes this style ideal for everyday outings. Take your crossbody with you for errands, meeting friends, and casual meals out. No matter your lifestyle, this bag needs to be in your closet.

The crossbody and shoulder bag are roughly equivalent in terms of function. The choice between the two usually just comes down to personal preference. Either way, this bag should show a bit of your personality while still being simple enough to go with every outfit. A couple of interesting hardware details should do the trick. For added versatility, choose a purse with a second strap option. Many top handle bags now come with a long crossbody strap included! Being able to convert your crossbody to a top handle style is great for slightly dressier occasions.

Crossbody and shoulder bags can range from a small wallet-on-a-chain style to large options nearly the size of your tote. When choosing the one that’s right for you, make sure it’s a realistic size to carry everything you always leave the house with. This depends on your lifestyle. You should also consider if the design of the bag is good for organizing your essentials. You want to ensure everything feels convenient because you’ll be reaching for this purse most days.

The Special Occasion Clutch

best clutches

Finally, the special occasion bag! You may not use this often, but it is still one of our must-have purses because it’s irreplaceable in your purse rotation. You won’t want to wear your everyday tote or shoulder bag with formalwear. It does a disservice to the rest of the outfit. Instead, opt for a special occasion bag. This is typically a small clutch style that won’t hold much more than your phone, keys, credit cards, and a backup lipstick. Formal occasions won’t require you to bring more than this anyway. And, because these purses don’t have to be as concerned with utility, they can pack a serious punch in terms of style. You can find great options with embellishments, sculptural shapes, and other creative details.

However, you should still ensure that it has some versatility for multiple types of formal events. You’ll bring this bag to weddings, holiday parties, certain religious occasions, and upscale dinners. Make sure the style feels appropriate for each, and that it goes with each of your special occasion dresses. A black clutch is your failsafe option. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring! I love how the ruched texture of this bag adds a little something extra without making it any less versatile.

Essential Handbag Style Wrap Up

Deciding which purses are worth adding to your wardrobe can be confusing. You want to make sure they fit all your practical needs, look good with the rest of your wardrobe, and hold up for years…they’re often expensive, after all.  How many bags does it take, anyway? To start, the tote, crossbody or shoulder bag, and special occasion clutch are the must-have purses every woman should have. Chose versatile options that make sense for your lifestyle. Consider the colors, shapes, sizes, and functional details. Need help figuring out which bags are most realistic for your needs? We would love to help you find options that are right for you. You can also check out our blog page for even more style inspiration and wardrobe tips.

What to Wear: Valentine’s Day Outfits 2021

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We’re over a week into February, which means it’s time to plan our Valentine’s Day outfits 2021! Regardless of if you’re spending the holiday with a significant other, a couple of your best girlfriends, or with a roommate, let’s take this opportunity to get a little dressed up. It’s a day of love and appreciation in every form, including self-love. Wear something that makes you feel amazing.

Just because we’re putting effort into our look doesn’t mean we have to be dressed to the nines. Realistically, most people don’t have an evening of champagne and fine dining out on the town planned this year. Maybe you have a Zoom date on the books. Maybe it will be spent eating takeout on the couch with a great movie. These plans can be just as special, and we would love to help you get dressed for the occasion! Read on for some outfit ideas that will keep you as comfy as you are stylish for Valentine’s Day at home.

And, if you’re still looking for a unique gift that is perfect for your Valentine, give the gift of style with an A Style Breeze gift card. The experience is something they will treasure for years to come.

Outfit 1: Sweater Dress and Mules

Valentines day outfits 2021

The sweater dress is the perfect base for Valentine’s Day outfits 2021. It’s nice and cozy for around the house. You are wearing a dress, which tends to make you look instantly put-together. The soft, sweet nature of a sweater dress also just feels just right for Valentine’s Day. All around, it’s the perfect piece to start with!

Knitwear has been a huge trend the last couple of seasons, which means you’ll have plenty of options in stores to choose from. My vote is to find a dress that balances comfort with a couple of flirty details. This could be a slouchy style with an off the shoulder neckline that’s perfect for showing off a little skin. Or try a midi-length sweater dress with a wrap effect. Wrap dresses are great for showing off your curves while giving you ample room to move around (unlike other sexy silhouettes, like bodycon dresses).

Footwear is next. If you’re spending the holiday in, chances are you’re not looking for a pair of stilettos. It’s unlikely they would last more than 30 minutes on your feet, anyway! Instead, opt for the mule. It brings classic sophistication to the outfit without the discomfort of a high heel. You can find mules that have a low 1-2” heel or none at all. A low kitten or block heel will look incredible, but for your most comfortable option, choose a flat mule. To keep them looking elevated with your dress, I love a pointed toe. It gives the illusion of longer legs just like a heel does. Embellishments are also a great idea to spice things up! Sculptural pleating or bows, hardware details, and cutouts will ensure that your outfit looks special-occasion-appropriate without screaming Valentine’s Day.

Now, it’s time for the finishing touches. Because it’s a fairly simple outfit, you can add a few accessories without overwhelming the look. I love letting a piece of statement jewelry shine here. Try an oblong or drop earring, a cocktail ring, or any other piece of statement jewelry you’ve been waiting for the chance to wear. The bold metallic finishes will stand out beautifully against the soft knit of your dress. If you are looking for a way to drive the Valentine’s Day idea home, try a heart pendant!

Outfit 2: Sweats, Graphic, Cardigan, Slippers

valentines night in outfits

Feeling even more casual? No problem! Again, we’re fortunate that the WFH lifestyle of the past year has brought significantly upgraded loungewear options into the market. No longer are we stuck wearing ill-fitting sweatpants and a ratty old t-shirt. There are plenty of chic options that translate well into our Valentine’s Day outfits 2021.

Start with a pair of sweatpants. Look for a pair that fits you well and is made of high-quality fabric to keep things looking polished. Jogger style sweatpants allow for effortless styling, and I’m also loving the wide leg varieties for a sleek silhouette. Choose what you feel most comfortable in! On top, add your favorite graphic tee or tank. A band tee, a tee with a cute saying on it – anything will work here. If you want to lean into the Valentine’s Day theme a little harder, a top with a heart graphic is the way to do it.

Round out this cozy look with a cardigan and slippers. For this look, I love cardigans that have a chunky knit, a relaxed fit, or a long length so you feel extra bundled while curled up on the couch with a loved one. Slippers are the last piece you’ll need to get in the mood for your Valentine’s Day in. They’re such a feel-good piece that may seem frivolous to buy at first, but you’ll find yourself reaching for them time and again for a sense of at-home luxury. Look for a pair of slippers with a rubber sole. This will let you get away with wearing them out of the house for any last-minute stops to the corner store. 

Outfit 3: Sweater, Distressed Skinny Jeans, Boots, Hair Accessory

cozy valentines day outfit

For our last outfit idea, we’re going back to basics. You can never go wrong with sweater and jeans combinations, and now is no exception! We’ll show you how to amp up your everyday sweater and jeans outfits for Valentine’s Day 2021.

Start building this look with a pair of distressed skinny jeans. The figure-hugging silhouette of a skinny jean lends itself to a flirtier vibe. The distressing adds an interesting pop of texture and makes things a bit more casual for your night in. Next, pair your jeans with a cozy sweater. You can add your go-to sweater of the moment or opt for one that’s Valentine’s-Day-ready with fun embellishments. Think pink and red hues, sequins, crystals, and any other details that make the sweater feel special.

An ankle boot is a perfect shoe to complete the look. It gives that great sleek finishing, it’s warm and comfortable, and you have the choice of whether to go for a heeled or flat variety. You can have a little fun here, too! Try a snakeskin bootie to brings things to the next level. Finally, let’s add a hair accessory. Pearls have been returning to popularity recently, and now is the perfect time to incorporate them in the form of a hair clip or decorative bobby pin. Not into clips? A headband is another great option. Try a satin or velvet headband, a padded one, or one with sparkly embellishments.

Wrap Up

Valentine’s Day is such a great excuse to get dressed up, even if you’re staying at home. But, it can be a challenge. We want to strike the right balance of being festive without looking tacky and stylish while feeling comfortable for a night in. We hope this guide provided some insight and inspiration for putting together your Valentine’s Day outfits 2021! We love to help with special-occasion looks as much as everyday wear. For your next outfit, check out our other what-to-wear guides or reach out to us to set up a styling appointment.

Creating and Achieving Your Fashion Resolutions 2021

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It’s a new year, which means it’s time to get started on your fashion resolutions 2021! Haven’t set any yet? Not to worry. Let’s talk about how to get started.

You are not alone if you spent 2020 rotating through sweatpants and old t-shirts. It’s easy to do when you’re spending more of your time at home, work meetings are virtual, and social events are less frequent than ever. Now, it’s time to break the habit. Get dressed in a way that makes you feel confident! It’s such a great way to boost your mood and creativity throughout the day. This year, resolve to elevate your personal style.

What do you want your 2021 fashion resolutions to be? The answer will be different for everybody. Do you want to find your fashion identity? Do you want to take more risks with clothing? Is it time to make your wardrobe a better reflection of your lifestyle? Whatever the answer may be, we can help. Reach out today for a little extra advice and support as you work toward your fashion goals. There’s no barrier too large; we would love to help you move past whatever has been holding your style back. Keep reading for ideas of how to get started.

Find Inspiration and Create a Mood Board

how to find fashion inspiration

Before you can begin revamping your look, you will first want to find some inspiration. This will offer direction as you work toward your 2021 fashion resolutions. You may already have a loose idea in your head of what you want your style to be, but it’s crucial to have concrete reference materials.

One way to start could be brainstorming adjectives that describe your ideal style. What impression do you want yourself and others to have of you from this point forward? Some example adjectives are as follows: bold, sexy, refined, playful, artistic, confident, strong, feminine, effortless, classic, and edgy. Of course, there are endless possibilities to choose from, and we each have a little of everything on the inside. Try to choose the three or four adjectives that speak to you most and write these down.

Next, start thinking of visuals that encapsulate your ideas. Look at how people on the street are dressed. Flip through a magazine or scroll through Pinterest. Ask yourself what you’re intuitively drawn to and start putting together a mood board of these images. Again, this mood board can be a tangible item or a board on Pinterest, whichever you prefer. Don’t overthink it! As you gather images, patterns will naturally emerge and give clues to what your style is. Check out our Pinterest to get your ideas flowing. Then, watch Alli explain how she creates her mood boards to give you extra guidance as you create yours.

I love starting a wardrobe refresh this way because it allows you to get out of your head and consider what ideas excite you instead of limiting your ideas to what you think you’re able to pull off. If you begin by going to a store and hoping inspiration will strike there, chances are you will grab the same pieces you always do. Keep an open mind. After you’ve developed your ideas, then it’s time to adapt them to your body type and lifestyle.

Consider Your Style and Wardrobe

Fashion resolutions 2021

Now that you have the inspiration and momentum toward your 2021 fashion resolutions, you can start paring down to the ideas you will pursue.

Consider the needs within your daily routine. Where do you spend most of your time? When getting dressed for your most common occasions — such as work, date nights, or casual weekend looks – which are you most dissatisfied with and why? You might hate your work looks because your office-appropriate pieces look dated. Maybe you feel like your outfits for running errands are boring and uninspired. If one of the trends on your mood board is compatible with your lifestyle and wardrobe needs, it could be a great idea to pursue.

Don’t forget to consider how the trend will translate into your existing wardrobe! It can be tempting to start from scratch if you hate everything about your current wardrobe. Realistically, though, this isn’t always possible. Transitions happen over time. Prioritize the trends on your list that can be seamlessly incorporated into what you are wearing now. Skip the “contingent trends” – those that require investing in 20 different pieces before they will realistically work with what’s in your closet now.

A contingent trend can either mean that the piece is too trendy, or it doesn’t truly fit your style. For example, if you have a preppy style and want to incorporate more edgy themes, you may struggle to do this comfortably. Alternatively, if the trend you want to add to your closet is too trendy, you may feel like there are only one or two “right” ways to pull it off. Achieving those looks would require investing in all the newest pieces of the season. This isn’t a sustainable approach.

It’s best to instead pursue more general ideas in fashion rather than chasing the it-girl details of the moment. This helps you build a wardrobe that you’ll continue to love for years to come. You may be obsessed with the leather trench coat that a fashion blogger wore. Instead, consider adding a classic trench to your closet to participate in trends more subtly. Ironically enough, essential layering pieces like this are very “in” right now.

Incorporate New Pieces Slowly

fashion goals 2021

You’ve decided which trends will work best for your fashion resolutions of 2021 and you’re ready to buy. Pace yourself! Just like you shouldn’t jump into potentially unrealistic trends, you also shouldn’t invest in every seemingly realistic trend at once. It’s possible that they won’t work out as well as you’re expecting. Maybe you simply don’t love the new items as much as you thought you would, or perhaps they don’t pair as well with your wardrobe as you imagined.

It’s best to add a piece or two to your closet, try them out and observe how they work for you, and adjust your approach to your wardrobe as you go. Pushing your fashion boundaries isn’t about buying tons of pieces that are outside of your comfort zone. It’s about buying a new item or two that will transform the way you wear your current wardrobe. These will often be modern updates on foundational pieces, such as a straight leg jean. Keep in mind that each purchase should be strategic for your wardrobe overall.

To ensure this, peek inside your closet. What would you wear that new item with? Try to put some outfits together that includes the piece you want to buy. If you can’t create at least four or five looks with the item, it’s probably not a great purchase for you right now. We want you to be excited about the new additions to your closet, but even more so, we want them to be practical!

Wrap Up

Who doesn’t want to feel more stylish this year? It’s an ambiguous goal to work toward. Get started by setting clear fashion resolutions for 2021 and implementing them using these steps. It will put you on the right path to finding the personal style that’s been inside you all along, coming up with a plan to bring that style into your wardrobe, and doing so in a way that truly works for you.

Don’t be afraid to push your fashion boundaries this year! You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Besides, a style update is easier than you might think. It’s incredible how a few intentional purchases and considered styling can revamp your whole look. We would love to help you reach your fashion goals. Here’s to a new year in style!

How To Take Care of your Clothes

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One of my biggest pet peeves is when a favorite piece of clothing starts pilling, showing loose threads, fading, or otherwise looking worn. The best way to prevent this is to learn to take care of your clothes. This will extend their life in your closet.

Plus, clothes that are in good condition make you look more polished and prevent you from having to constantly find replacements. It’s the easiest way to save time and money on your wardrobe. Learning to properly care for clothing is a great idea if you’ve invested in some high-quality items that you want to maintain, if you want to preserve sentimental pieces so they last a lifetime, or if you’re on a tight budget that doesn’t allow for extra clothing expenses.

If it’s a little too late for some of the items in your closet, now would be a great time to book a closet cleanse. We’ll help you sort through the pieces that are past their prime and create an individualized list of closet essentials that you will wear for years to come.

Preventative Measures

If memorizing a bunch of rules to take care of your clothes sounds overwhelming, not to worry: There are plenty of simple preventative measures you can take.

The first tip to prevent clothing from prematurely looking worn is to choose high-quality pieces. This means you should look for well-sewn garments, durable textiles, and dyes that won’t fade or transfer. A high-quality garment is thoughtfully constructed to stand the test of time, whereas lower quality alternatives tend to prioritize an appealing price point and rapid production at the expense of good construction.

This is why high-quality items sometimes cost more. When shopping, be sure to examine the fabric closely. Is the stitching tight and even? If it’s stretchy, does the fabric bounce back after being stretched? Start to pay attention to these details. You’ll thank yourself later when you get to skip your annual jean shopping trip. If you need help finding long-lasting pieces, reach out and we will help you find some great options!

Once you take these high-quality finds home, there are a couple of simple steps you can take to prevent them from getting damaged. One of these is proper storage. There are certain items that are prone to getting stretched out if hung up, such as heavy sweaters and knitwear, high-stretch jersey fabrics, and pieces with heavy embellishments. To prevent these items from stretching or warping, keep them neatly folded. Place tissue paper between any pieces with sequins or rhinestones so that they don’t snag other garments.

Additionally, many of us are washing our clothes more often than we need to. Machine washing — and drying especially — can cause premature damage to our clothing. Avoid this by washing less often. Don’t wash just because you wore the item once or twice. If the garment has a stain that is not able to be wiped off or if it has an odor, then it’s time to throw it in the laundry. Besides, what’s not to love about less laundry?

Laundering

garment maintainence

Speaking of laundry, washing garments correctly is essential if you want to take care of your clothes. This is where things get a little more complicated as different fabrics have different needs. However, it’s more than worth taking the time to learn. Start with these rules of thumb, but always read the garment tag for full washing instructions.

  1. There are certain items that should never be machine washed. These include intimates, such as bras with underwire or padding, lace, embroidery, embellished garments, ties, and sweaters. These are all too delicate to put in the wash, even on the delicate setting! All the tumbling can cause rips, snags, and warping of your favorite pieces. Though it’s not recommended to throw them in the washer at all, some of the damage can be reduced if they are washed in an intimates bag on a gentle setting. Instead, it’s best to hand wash them.
  2. Pay attention to water temperature. Most of us already know that hot water encourages the bleeding of fabric dyes. For this reason, the hot setting on the washer is best reserved for white clothing and natural undyed fabrics. Bright colors, dark or saturated colors, and indigos should be washed on the cold setting. Somewhere in between? Warm is probably fine, but cold is always safest.
  3. Choose the right detergent. Sometimes, a bad detergent can damage your clothing by promoting fading and deterioration. Opt for detergents with plant-derived ingredients that preserve color. These will be safer to use when hand washing delicates, too, which you would otherwise need a special detergent for.
  4. Beware the dryer. The dryer is especially important to avoid for cotton and wool which will shrink. Instead, lay these items flat on a towel to dry to preserve their shape. Other items may need to be line-dried if the fabric deteriorates in the high heat of the dryer, such as items with elastic. Your high-stretch jeans and bras should never go in the dryer for this reason.

Tailoring and Repairs

how to care for your clothes

Sometimes fabric holes and damage occur no matter how well you take care of your clothes. You don’t always have to throw these damaged items away! Take them to a trusted tailor or cobbler instead. You will be amazed by how these items come back to life with a little help from a professional. Just be sure to take them in as soon as the damage occurs for the best results. The damage will only get worse and less reversible with time!

While tailors are great for fitting your clothing, they can also help with clothing repairs. Take your clothes in if a loose hem needs to be fixed, a fabric hole needs patching, a loose button needs to be resewn, or a zipper needs replacing. Knitwear tends to be a little more complicated. Fortunately, you can send your sweaters to AlterKnit for virtually invisible mending of holes. If a repair of your clothing is possible, it usually makes financial sense to fix the defect rather than replace the entire item. Take your clothing in and see what solutions they can offer you.

A cobbler will be able to repair your leather accessories. I’ve gone to my cobbler to punch a new hole in a favorite belt, shine and de-scuff a pair of dull leather heels, and resole boots that were getting worn down. They can even restore leather handbags and wallets. This is a time when you will notice the perks of investing in high-quality items; damage can be repaired time after time because of the quality materials and construction.

Wrap-Up

You shouldn’t have to spend your hard-earned time and money each season on replenishing your closet with new favorites. It’s exhausting! The constant cycle of buying and throwing out clothes is what makes us settle for mediocre options. If you’re going to invest in a wardrobe you love, it makes sense to take care of your clothes. Fortunately, it’s not as hard as it may seem. Follow these guidelines from your initial clothing purchase to any necessary repairs years later, staying proactive at each step, and you’ll have pieces that you can keep for a lifetime. 

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