Style Guide: How to Wear the Colors of 2016, Rose Quartz & Serenity

Trying to wear the new colors of the year - rose quartz and serenity - when you're so used to wearing nothing but dark colors? No worries when you are a true fashionista, it is not impossible, it is an awesome chance to show off your skills!

Please do not start panicking because no one ever said you have to wear the color head-to-toe. If your closet, like most closets, mainly consists of white, grey, and black, mixed with a slight hint of navy or burgundy then, don’t worry - there is hope.

Ever heard the word accessory? They were made for a reason. Just think of that nice cozy grey sweater sitting in your closet right now. Why not run out to get a rose quartz beanie or scarf?  Is there a flattering black dress that you always feel good in? Well, accessorize with a serenity color necklace to update the outfit!  Continue like this, and thinking small could lead to a huge impact on your outfit of the day.

Here at Winky Designs, we have our super fun water-resistant Slapwatches. Did you know that the slap watch faces and slap band straps are all interchangeable? Our Ice Blue Strap is a match for the cool Serenity shade. The best part is, once the trend is over, you can always change the strap to wear another stand-out color like yellow and purple, or stick with basics like white and black!

Now if you are feeling like you need a bigger change, consider adding some rose quartz and serenity to your hair. Rainbow hair is very up and coming these days! These colors complement each other very nicely and with the right attitude and style can be the best way to showcase your fashion abilities in adding some color to your wardrobe.

Some advice to remember: while wanting to stay trendy, always remember that as fun as they are it is always better to take inspiration and then make it your own. Now that you’re more comfortable with adding small splashes of color, like rose quartz and serenity, try adding prints. Knowing how to mix colors and prints together still show your personality in your wardrobe and also keep your fashion senses from getting dull. Have fun experimenting!

Comment below on how you would like to add the colors of the year to your wardrobe!

Dressing for Holiday Parties

Holidays are fast-approaching and coming along with it are all the parties! It's time to celebrate the great year you've had and welcome an even better upcoming year! So the dilemma - which may also be your everyday dilemma is - what to wear?

An fool-proof holiday party outfit idea, accessorized with a Winky Designs envelope clutch

The Office Soiree

Just in case you were unsure, DO NOT and I repeat, DO NOT wear that dress you would wear to your friend’s party to the office party. It is never a good idea. Even if your dress may be super cute, the office party function will definitely be different than your friend's party. There is no need to go super flashy or anything. Think of your usual office clothing and just make that seem more festive. It is usually your safest bet and what they are typically expecting.

Tip: the ugly Christmas sweater is normally a huge hit and awesome conversation starter for awkward small talk!

The Family Get-Together

When it comes to family, remember these three little words - keep it classy. Family usually likes seeing you put together. A sweater dress is usually a good option here, especially if you wear it with some tights and boots. It may seem simply but it’s simple in a good way. With this outfit you can still look cute while still giving off the vibe your family wants. Classy with good taste.

Tip: "Mini"-anything is definitely out of the question, if you don't want to get a lecture from Grandma about showing too much skin!

The Friends' Festivities

A friend's party is a freedom party. When going to a party with friends, it is easier but hard at the same time. It is easy because you don’t have to worry as much about them judging that you will be wearing the wrong thing. However, it is harder because suddenly you have much more options to what you will wear. And let's face it, you want to make sure you will stand out. So let’s start narrowing down the options. For one, let's dress for the season, so I would recommend to stray away from the summer bright colors, and make sure you're warm. Next, no jeans or tees; it's not a normal day so why dress like it is one? Lastly, nothing that's going to be too skin tight; you'll probably have to eat and having muffin top in your skimpy dress is not the way you want to remember the night. Rummage your closet for the dress or outfit you feel most comfortable in! After all, it is your night to celebrate the holidays!

Tip: A long-sleeved dress is always a great idea, and remember to dress up your outfit with some awesome accessories! We've got some of our Winky Designs best sellers here, including cute clutches and dainty rings.

By now your options should have decreased and you probably already have the perfect outfits in mind. However, if by any chance you are left with no option, treat yourself and go shopping for some cute holiday dresses!  Happy Holidays! 

Effort Without the Effort - 3 Simple Tips on Looking Your Best Everyday

“I have no time”!  That seems to be the exclamation of most days, not having any time for anything, not even looks. Well, have no fear - help is on the way! Or at least three helpful suggestions.

1) The hair.

            Believe it or not hair can completely change the look of an outfit. One could wear something as simple as sweat pants and look presentable by fixing up their hair. Now it does not have to be something super fancy because we are no Blake Lively, equipped with a personal hair stylist.

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Stick with the basics and take the time to curl or straighten your hair. With the right tools it really won’t be that time consuming. If anything, there are great hair products out there to help make your natural hair look amazing with a simple spray. This is just a matter of spending ten minutes with your hair and then throwing on something quick and done.

A little side note for you, there is no actual way to perfectly curl your hair. What I would recommend is using a wand instead of a regular curling iron. I find that the wand is not only quicker in curling hair but it also helps so that they last longer. Also, the wand gives more of beach wave curl instead of the Little Bow Peep curls.

2) Make Up! 

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Another great way to spice up your outfit without all the extra work. Now there is no need to put on every single product out there. The idea is to put on a few products to help highlight some key features. For example, add some eyeliner and mascara to make your eyes pop out more. A bit of cover up and concealer would not hurt either. Long days can lead to unwanted bags under the eyes. Overall it’s a matter of just making it a five- minute process if you stick to the basics!

 

3. Did someone say accessories!?

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   If you have read our blog post before then maybe you remember our post on Top 10 Closet Essentials where we briefly mentioned how accessories help enhance an outfit.
In the last post you heard about our dainty rings well we also have great necklaces and earrings to match. Which is the best because they are all simple pieces that make a statement and help give your outfit some personality. Besides who doesn’t get distracted with some shiny jewelry? We know we do! It is one of the easiest ways to dress up an outfit with hardly an effort.

And just in case you don’t believe looking good can be done with little effort here is an example of how simple it truly is.

Natural straight hair; with a simple white tank and flowered kimono paired with scalloped trimmed black shorts; white sandals; basic eyeliner, mascara, and cover up; and to finish off the look some eye catching 18k plating silver jewelry from Winky Designs. I am rocking some of my favorite pieces such as the feather necklace that I layered with the bird necklace on top and let’s not forget the shiny V, Fox, and Stripe rings. Last but not least, there is also my all-time favorite piece and that is the watch on my wrist. Believe it or not, the Black Currant Sorbet Sweet Dream watch is all one-piece that wraps around only 3 times. Its’ lambskin leather and silver plating adds elegance to any outfit, and is found exclusively at Winky Designs! To be completely honest here this outfit was done on a day I was running late so, if I can put this together in under ten minutes so can you!

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            While some of this may seem like a lot of work, the truth is, you are worth the time! Take this time for you and make yourself look good without really doing much. You deserve at least that for having to kick butt all day, so you might as well look good doing it.

Top 10 Closet Essentials

Wondering why your closet feels so empty even when it's stocked full of clothes? Why does it feel like something is missing?

Well, the answer is simple that it may just be missing something! There are a few items that every fashion-forward woman needs in her closet. Here are our top 10!

1) A Form-Fitting Blazer.  A classic, good-fitting blazer is necessary in your closet and can be more versatile than you think. Aside for pairing it with the usual career attire, you'll be able to have some fun and give a casual outfit some class. You would be surprised what throwing a blazer over a pair of shorts and t-shirt can do to an outfit!

H&M Cotton Blazer

2) The Perfect Little Black Dress. LBD, of course, is something that has been heard for ages, but what needs to be known about this dress is that it doesn't actually need to be black! That's right, ladies! Go ahead and feel free to choose another color, keeping in mind what works best with your skin tone.  This dress has to give your confidence a boost once you throw it on! I promise I am not talking about some mystical, magical dress that does not exist because there is one out there waiting for you!

3) A Good Pair of Jeans. While something as simple as jeans might already be hanging in your closet, they still might not be the right pair. Jeans are no good if they are too big or too small, even if it is just by one size. Ladies, it's time to take note that if jeans are big, then your butt will look awful, and if they are too tight, then those unwanted muffin-tops will say "hey!!". So take a look at your jeans, and if they are not right, then there is no shame in running for a better pair because you will not regret it later.

Express Mid Rise Performance Stretch Legging

4) Versatile Pumps. A pair of black or nude heels are an absolute MUST for your closet. These two colors are neutral colors that will go with any outfit. The best thing about heels is that they help dress up an outfit without having to put any extra effort, and they make your legs look like they'll go on for days!

Vince Camuto Peep Toe Platform

5) A Fitting Pair of Trousers. One might not be able to find a magical pair of trousers that fits perfectly so, so don't be scared to take it to take it to a tailor and have it adjusted. Once they are tailored, then it would be like magic because they will fit just for you!

Express Studio Stretch Barely Boot Editor Pant

6) A Supportive Bra. A good bra does not mean it has to be pretty and lacey, but rather, give you the support you need! It's surprising how many women wear the wrong size bra, and we recommend everyone stop by their local bra shop or Victoria's Secret to find out their own size. The girls there are professional trained to take care of you and trust, there will be a difference in not only the way your outfits look, but a boost in confidence as well!

Victoria's Secret Perfect Shape Bra

7) A Comfortable Shoe. Depending on your style, this could either be a ballet flat or a pair of Converse, or anything in between! Do not feel the need to always carry around 3-inch heels - all the more power to you if you can handle wearing heels all the time. Since most of us are working ladies, you'll need a reliable way to get from Point A to Point B. Don't underestimate the power of a comfortable shoe!

Timeless Chuck Taylor Converse

8) A Flattering Skirt. Not going to lie - the type of skirt depends on your body type. Most of the time, many can wear an A-Line skirt for a more flattering look. However, some do prefer the curve-defining pencil skirt, or a mini-skirt to show off them legs! Trying on a variety of different styles of skirts is encouraged to find the one that works the best for your shape.  Note the length in the skirts because this will make a difference. To stay classy and conservative, we recommend a hemline around the knee, give or take an inch or two.

Express A-Line patterned skirt

9) A Statement Purse. The type of bag being used will make a difference. Make sure your bag is giving the same statement as your outfit. A good choice that can be versatile is a cross-body bag. The strap makes it easy to hang over the shoulder or put-across, so one can be hands-free! Find a cross-body bag that also has an option to take off the strap, so you could wear it as a regular handbag or a clutch.

Winky Designs Envelope Clutch with removable strap.

10) The most important items - accessories. Accessories can define a whole outfit and pull it all together. Whether you choose to wear any or not, they do affect your look-of-the-day. Sometimes, even the cutest outfit may be incomplete without a pair of earrings, bracelet or even a good shade of lipstick.  We love dainty jewelry that can go with all different looks any day of the week.

Winky Designs stackable, dainty rings, in 18K gold, silver and rose gold.

So take a look and reassess your closet! Do you have all the essentials? Once you shop for what is missing, maybe you won't always think "I don't have anything to wear!".  A special tip from a friend is to donate anything that doesn't fit properly because it just isn't doing anyone any good.  Take note of the body you have and embrace it, and you'll never have a bad outfit day again!