Real Girl Glam

Building A Wardrobe Series: Part 3 – Let’s Go Shopping

Amber - Editor, Real Girl Glam — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Check out Part 1 – Out With the Old & Part 2 – Defining Your Style of the Building a Wardrobe Series

You’ve cleaned out your closet, defined your style, and now it’s time for Part 3 – Let’s Go Shopping!! (The part we’ve all been waiting for, right?)

We’ve all done the clean-out thing before then quickly filled the closet back up with lots of random pieces. Shopping like that doesn’t build an enviable wardrobe. So before you head to the store this time, there’s a little more work to be done.

Step 1 // Make A Shopping List
Look through your current wardrobe and take note of the pieces you’re missing. Which pieces are you always reaching for but never have?

Next, move to your style list (we created it in Part 2 – Define Your Style). What pieces do you need to achieve your inspiration style? Remember to look for the pieces/styles you saw repeating in your inspiration.

Step 2 // Prioritize Your Purchases
Go through your shopping list and prioritize which pieces will have the most impact in your wardrobe right now.

Start with the basics; the pieces you’ll wear most often. Maybe it’s a white tee or a pair of boyfriend jeans. These are the staples you’ll be wearing several times a months & where you want to start your shopping.

Then move on to the pieces you need to finish (or start!) your inspiration looks. Maybe it’s a denim jacket or a pair of black heels. These won’t make or break your looks but they’re the pieces that tie everything together.

Lowest on the list might be things like accessories or pieces similar to what’s already in your closet (i.e. a third maxi skirt)

If you’re on a budget, your priority items will be the first things to shop for, then slowly work down your list as money allows.

Step 3 // In-Store vs. Online
Shopping in-store will give you instant gratification. You’ll be able to take things home to your closet right away and even have the opportunity to see & try on pieces you might not have considered before.

Shopping online has advantages as well. There are often online-only deals and, you can try on everything at home, in your own time, and mix & match the potential new pieces with your current wardrobe.

Every one has their own preference on which way to shop, but remember, you may find different styles/colors/sizes when shopping in-store versus online, and vice versa. Don’t forget, if you’re going to shop online, check sites like Ebates for any coupons and cash back deals.

Step 4 // To Buy or Not to Buy
The hardest part of the Building Your Wardrobe process is finding and buying pieces that truly work for you. Any one can go out and shop but filling your closet with pieces you’ll want to wear from season to season and beyond isn’t so easy.

So when you’re standing in front of the mirror with your potential new clothes, ask yourself the following questions…

Questions to Help You Build the Perfect Wardrobe
No. 1 Does it fit good, look good, and feel good?
Relatively simple questions, but not always easy to find a piece that you can answer yes to all 3 with. Just like when you were deciding what pieces to part with, you need to be as strict, if not more so, with the pieces coming in to your closet.

No. 2 I like this, but…
We’ve all done this in the dressing room – ‘I love this top, but I wish it was a little longer/looser/short-sleeved’ and even with all of that, we still buy it! If you like something but have to use the word ‘but’, don’t buy it. Unless the ‘but’ is an easy fix, like shortening a hem (and you know some one who can fix it), don’t bring it home!

No. 3 Is this practical for my current life situation/office dress code?
If you spend 90% of your time in flats, you probably won’t wear those 4 inch heels, even if you love them (yes, I’ve been there). Maybe the platform wedges would work better. Remember, buy pieces for the life you have not the life you want. It will stop you from having a closet full of impractical pieces!

Don’t be afraid to try a trend/style that may be different from what you’re used to wearing or isn’t on your style list. Just remember to be objective about the piece. If it doesn’t fit great, look great, and feel great, it’s not part of your perfect wardrobe.

Don’t get frustrated if your first round of shopping feels difficult or unsuccessful. If you’re in the beginning stages of learning what works and doesn’t work for your body and your closet, there will always be a bit of trial and error. But once you start, it will get easier, I promise!

closet image

Announcing – Real Girl Style Challenge: The White Tee

Amber - Editor, Real Girl Glam — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Alright glam girls, go to your closets and pull out your basic white tee’s because…

Kayla, Nikki, Jessica, Julie, Niki, and myself are here to issue you a style challenge!!

Fashion has been all about bright, bold, colors and patterns lately and they are definitely fabulous, but I want to talk about a chic, under appreciated piece in your closet – the white tee.

The white tee definitely doesn’t get enough recognition. So, we thought it would be fun to get ‘back to basics’ and see how each of us ‘real girls’ (you included!) puts together a look based around this wardrobe staple.

Maybe you wear your white tee under a cargo vest or denim jacket, wear it piled with necklaces, or just super simple, letting the white tee be the center of attention. There are seriously so many ways to wear this ultra-versatile, go-with-everything piece!

But no matter how you style it up, come share your white tee outfit post here on Real Girl Glam on Friday, May 24th!

Image credits 1/2/3

Real Girl Style 5/14/13

Amber - Editor, Real Girl Glam — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

It’s time for another ‘Real Girl Style’ link up! If you have an outfit you’d like to share (and I hope you do!), please link up below! Don’t forget to come back next Tuesday to link up again!

There are no real requirements for this link up, just that you share only outfit posts and please only use recent ones. I want this link up to be a place for style inspiration and to help us discover ways we can look a little more ‘glam’ in our everyday lives! More about Real Girl Style…

Here’s how to link up…
Click on ‘Click Here to Enter‘ below the images. You will be redirected to a site where you can enter all the information for your outfit post. Then you will be redirected back here to see your look along with everyone elses!

You’ll need to have one of these badges in your sidebar or post to participate, so grab one now!
Use the code here in the sidebar ————————————————————————————————–>
and copy it into the html section of your post or sidebar (or both!). This way, your readers can get here to see all the other bloggers who’ve linked up and participate themselves!

Also, any tweets or Facebook posts to help spread the word about the #RealGirlStyle link up would be much appreciated (It helps to bring people to your blog, too)!

fine print: By participating in the Real Girl Style weekly link up, you give Real Girl Glam the right to use images from your submitted post to help promote the Real Girl Style link up. This promotion may be in the form of graphics (as seen above) and used on Real Girl Glam and sites such as facebook or instagram. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Real Girl Style Link Up last week had so much style inspiration! Lots of colors and fun prints. Below are the ‘Real Girls With Style’ from last week…Images – 1/2/3/4 |Check out all of last weeks link up|

**Want to show off even more of your Real Girl Style?? Check out the White Tee Challenge!**

How to Wear… A Floral Print Dress

Amber - Editor, Real Girl Glam — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Denim Jacket (similar) | Dress- Zara (similar) | Shoes- Jessica Simpson (similar)

There’s just something about a floral print that just makes me happy. I don’t own many floral print pieces, but the print of this dress is one I absolutely adore. It’s almost a work of art! The beautiful combination of colors lured me in the moment I saw it.

Styling Tips: Floral prints are so beautiful for Spring & Summer, but if your print is anything like the one on my dress, it can become a bit overwhelming! That’s why a simple denim jacket (I love a white one!) is the perfect topper to tone things down a bit.

If your floral isn’t too crazy, pick out one color from the print to highlight- maybe coral or navy – and add accessory pieces (cardigan, lip color, jewels) in that tone.

*This weeks Real Girl Style link up is live! Come share your outfit of the day & get some style inspiration

- Want to show off your personal style?? Check out the White Tee Challenge! -

Building A Wardrobe Series: Part 2 – Defining Your Style

Amber - Editor, Real Girl Glam — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Check out Part 1 – Out With The Old of the Building Your Wardrobe Series

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak*, so what do you want your style to say about you??

Now that you’ve cleaned out your closet, it’s time to fill it back up with new and fabulous things. But this series isn’t just about getting new clothes. It’s about having clothes in your closet that you love, so you’ll never go through the ‘I have nothing to wear’ saga again.
That’s why Part 2 is Defining Your Style.

When I say defining your style, I don’t necessarily mean pinpointing a specific category (i.e. preppy, edgy, bohemian) but more so about determining what clothing shapes and pieces work for your body and lifestyle, then building from there.

Step 1 // Assess Your Wardrobe
Analyze your ‘keep’ pile and identify what’s working. Hopefully most of what’s left in your closet are things you enjoy wearing, fit comfortably, and look good on you. Determine which of these pieces are your go-to’s, the ones you know you feel comfortable in. These will be the starters for your perfect closet.

Step 2 // Analyze Your Current Style
It’s easy to think an outfit is flattering with just a quick glance in the mirror. But seeing a photo of yourself can often reveal something totally different. So, go look at some photos of yourself! (Fashion bloggers will have an advantage with this!)

What outfits look great on you & what specific piece in the outfit was flattering. Maybe it was a high-waisted skirt or a pair of skinny jeans. If you don’t have a lot of photos to look through, talk with a close friend who will tell you the truth, and get their honest opinion on what they think you look best in. Sometimes you need the unbiased opinion of a friend.

Step 3 // Look for Inspiration
This is the fun part of defining your style. Now is the time to put all those ‘style inspiration’ pinterest boards to work! Collect images of celebrity & blogger outfits, ads, and magazine spreads you love. Go crazy and save bold or out of the box images. Even if the whole look isn’t for you, if there is an element you like, save it!

Step 4 // Start a Style List
Now it’s time to combine your current style with your inspiration images. Look at the two and try to determine any common themes. What do you find repeating in these images & your current style?

Maybe there’s a trend (like boyfriend jeans) or a celebrity’s style (like Jen Aniston’s classic-but-casual look) that you keep pinning (or wearing) over and over. Add that to your style list. Maybe you’re drawn to a cinched waist, maxi skirt, leopard print, or feminine pieces. Whatever is standing out to you, add it to your style list. Also try to look at broader aspects. Are these looks minimal, have a touch or luxury, or vintage elements? Try to discover unexpected aspects of style you’re drawn to.

Analyzing your current style, looking for inspiration, and creating a style list may take a little time, but it is the key to the next part of building your wardrobe – shopping! By identifying what type of clothing/style you’re drawn to, it will be a lot easier to fill your closet with pieces you love.

Closet Image | * Quote by Rachel Zoea

Color Crush: Bright White

Amber - Editor, Real Girl Glam — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

There’s just something about wearing accessories (or a whole outfit) in white that feels so crisp and fresh when the warm weather arrives.

A simple white bag or earring is the perfect neutral for a bright outfit. But if you’re already wearing white (like this Old Navy Eyelet Dress), pair it with metallic accents to keep the look chic.

Real Girl Style 5/7/13

Amber - Editor, Real Girl Glam — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:05:00 +0000

Since this linkup is newer, I’ve created a badge & I’d love for you to share it!
Use the code here in the sidebar ————————————————————————————>
and copy it into the html section of your post or sidebar (or both!). This way, your readers can get here to see all the other bloggers who’ve linked up and participate themselves!

Also, any tweets or Facebook posts to help spread the word about the #RealGirlStyle link up would be much appreciated!

fine print: By participating in the Real Girl Style weekly link up, you give Real Girl Glam the right to use images from your submitted post to help promote the Real Girl Style link up. This promotion may be in the form of graphics (as seen above) and used on Real Girl Glam and sites such as facebook or instagram. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Real Girl Style Link Up last week had so much style inspiration! Lots of colors and fun print. Below are the ‘Real Girls With Style’ from last week…

Images – 1/2/3/4 |Check out all of last weeks link up|

7. High Heels and Training Wheels

8. shopfreak

9. Leilahs Lipstick

10. Lena B, Actually

11. 365 Days With Sara Style