Style By Jules Aldaz

We've all heard it said by an authority figure, often one looking askance at our sandals: "You can always tell a lady by her coordinated, shoes, belt, and bag." While that was true once, says Koch, "That time is so over." Even Jackie Kennedy, who worked the matching hat-and-suit, shoes-and-bag rule to such success in the early '60s, abandoned the "coordinated set" look for sling-backs and totes large enough to carry the manuscripts she was editing once she was known as Jackie Onassis. (credit writing to Reader's Digest)

REVISE according to Stacy London:
"Matching your hat to your shoe to your bag, or your necklace to your earrings, has a tendency to look dated," says London. "Mixing up your accessories adds interest to an outfit, and can make you look much more modern and polished." Your accessories should complement your outfit, not carbon copy it. "If you're wearing a dress with a really bold print, then your bag and shoes should be solid," says Koch. Conversely, if you're wearing a neutral outfit, pick a shoe, bag, or shawl with a print. Look to accessories to modernize things you already have in your wardrobe.

I personally love to accessorize & I love to mix it up. Please Please Please DO NOT let a sales lady sell you earrings with a matching necklace & matching bracelets! I beg you! If you do, please don't wear them together. If you do you will date yourself about 20 years! Find items that compliment one another. If you are wearing all black and red heels, then put a nude or cream handbag with it. Do be careful with prints. IF you are wearing prints, try not to have printed shoes or a printed handbag. Really wrong all the way around:) Instead pick 2 colors from your printed blouse and use those colors for your shoes & handbag. IE - Red shoes/Nude Handbag or Nude Handbag/Red Shoes, Blue/Nude, Orange/yellow combination, Brown/Navy, Pink/cream/black.

Most importantly always always have fun with fashion & style!

xo jules

Stay tuned for the next blog: Hemlines! :)

Fashion Rules Revised!!

2012-09-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Here is my fashion rule revision for Saturday!

RULE: You Should Not Have Long Hair after the age of 40

REVISION: Well anyone that knows me, knows that I don't follow this rule at all. After 40, you can most certainly wear your hair long or short or shoulder length. The main problem is that ladies get stuck in a rut and stay with the same style. So if you want to keep your long locks, just make sure you update your look periodically. You can add long layers to frame your face if it past your shoulders or you can add bangs which is the least expensive way to cover up your forehead wrinkles.

Some hair Do's & Don'ts for over the age of 40:

Do make sure you have a hair stylists that keeps up with the trends and do some research of your own. You know what you are comfortable with and always start small with any change if you are uncertain.

Nothing ages a woman faster then an outdated hair style or a color that doesn't work well with their skin tone. Warmer colors usually work the best for ladies that are over 40 - try to stay away from Platinum blond unless that really works best with your skin tone.

If you add bangs to your current style, have your stylist start slowly before she cuts them all off. Try a side sweep first before you commit to a full on bang straight across your forehead.

Do deep condition your hair once a week - this is for anyone over the age of 25!

Don't wash your hair everyday. Try a dry shampoo for in between washing. I have and it makes a world of difference when you don't wash everyday.

Do find a hair oil that you can use on your ends daily or right before you go to bed.

Don't over process your hair.

Use a root concealer for in between colorings - saves you some money and is better for your hair.

If you have dry frizzy hair, try Bumble & Bumble Straight shampoo & conditioner first and start out by washing your hair at least every other day and then try every 3rd day and so on. Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's invisible oil is a GREAT product as well!

If you still have stubborn, dry, frizzy, fly away hair, speak to your hairdresser about a Brazilian Blowout. There are safe alternatives out there.

Ten Days of Fashion Rules to follow or not to follow

2012-09-03T16:41:00.001-07:00

This evening's post marks the first day of a 10 day series of fashion rules to follow or not to follow.

Ever wonder if you are to match your shoes to your handbag, have long hair after the age of 40 and so on?

Here is this evenings rule which if very appropriate since today is Labor Day!!

RULE #1:Do Not Wear White After Labor Day

For generations, when September rolled around, white cardigans were wrapped with mothballs, and put away for a long winter's nap. The truth is white goes with everything and can cast such a flattering light onto your face that it seems unfair to relegate it to one season or do you live in a warm climate where the seasonal heat seems to last and last and last! What's a girl to do?

REVISION TO THAT RULE:
Two words: Winter White. You can wear white any time of year, from a chunky knit (or faux-ermine cape) in January to a sleek button-down come Spring. To play it safe, make sure the material you're wearing is seasonally appropriate for example, knits or wool or a wool blend. But even that isn't a hard and fast law, according to TLC's Stacy London. "You could possibly wear a white linen dress in winter if you did it with black tights and boots and a leather jacket. There's always a way to mix and match things to create a mood that looks season-specific.

Great winter white items can be found at Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie, Nordstroms and almost every store once the Fall season has begun! Have fun & feel good about the clothes you are wearing!

I would love your comments about this topic.....I think :)

end of the week

2012-08-02T07:02:00.001-07:00

end of the week by bushra7 featuring short skirts

H M short skirt
$23 - hm.com

Zara shine shoes
zara.com

Mango mini shoulder bag
$47 - mango.com

Dannijo jewelry
dannijo.com

Stitchy Circles Vectors
designfruit.com

Be my summer adventure...

2012-07-29T10:06:00.001-07:00

Be my summer adventure... by gul07 featuring a biker jacket

Madewell slim fit shirt
madewell.com

Biker jacket
missiny.com

Short shorts
topshop.com

Dolce Vita t strap heels
beckleyboutique.com

Balenciaga handbag
balenciaga.com

European adventure 8x10 Fine Art Photograph - affordable home decor -...
etsy.com

Black And White Art- Train Photography -For HIm Geometric Fall Travel...
etsy.com

Bless our home...

2012-07-29T10:01:00.001-07:00

Bless our home... by gul07 featuring platform shoes

Pull Bear top
$16 - pullandbear.com

Flowers Eyelet Solid Camel Round Neck Long Sleeve Lace Outerwear
sheinside.com

MIA platform shoes
zappos.com

FOSSIL leather handbag
zappos.com

Forever 21 jewelry
forever21.com

Gold jewelry
melindamaria.com

Knoll Barcelona Couch-Laminate Straps
hivemodern.com

Square Glass Drink Dispenser
$100 - potterybarn.com

Friday movie date night

2012-07-27T12:46:00.001-07:00

Friday movie date night by style-ii featuring stackable rings

Deep v shirt
$28 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Zipper jeans
sportscraft.com.au

Dsquared leather shoes
dsquared2.com

Mulberry oversized handbag
ssense.com

Oasis stackable ring
$22 - oasis-stores.com

Stila eyeshadow
stilacosmetics.com

Revlon lipstick
$19 - placedestendances.com

BLOG CONTEST - WIN AN ELAINE TURNER BAG!!!

2012-07-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

You could be the winner of one of these beautiful handbags or totes! All you have to do is sign up for my blog as a follower and then get at least 5 people to sign up with you! The follower who is able to get the most people to follow my blog will win! How easy is that! I will begin doing weekly updates on my blog that will include make-overs, style tips, closet tips, weekly sales and where to find them and more! I look forward to blogging for you!

Great Jewelry & great prices! MS. V Designs! Contact me for pricing and more information!

2012-07-23T20:41:00.002-07:00

Statement Necklace $35

black cuff bracelet $12.00

Brushed Gold Beautiful Statement necklace $22.00

Flower necklace $15

Cuff bracelets $20.00 comes in many colors

Statement Necklace $30

Tips on how to dress after having a baby or after a weight gain

2012-07-20T06:41:00.001-07:00

What is more challenging then trying to dress a new body? I know that I have been at every size range I think possible and I still get frustrated. Here are a few tips for helping you dress after you have had a baby or a weight gain of any type.

Go shopping. Really, go! Even if it is for a just a few pieces to transition you into your new body while you are working on getting your figure back to where you are comfortable with it. You need to ditch the old clothes and get some new. Buy clothes that match your new body. Try on clothes but really trust your instincts not the salespersons. Your old clothes may not flatter your new body type so take advantage of the situation and purchase clothes for the new you.
ACCESSORIZE! When you accessorize your outfits with either statement necklaces or earrings or a great pair of dangles, it takes away the attention from other parts of your body. Just be sure not to over accessorize.
Wear at least a little make up and fix your hair. I know you are saying what does that have to do with how to wear my clothes? BUT when you fix yourself up you feel better and you also look better so people are paying more attention to your beautiful face instead of the few extra pounds you have.
Wear your pre-pregnancy clothes if they still fit and flatter your new body type. You may notice some new curves and “that little something extra” that you didn’t have before. Only continue to wear the clothes that you don’t have to pull and tug at for them to fit properly. If you have to constantly adjust yourself and are not comfortable in what you are wearing, odds are other people can tell as well.
Wear long tunic-like tank tops if you want to continue to wear your pre-pregnancy shirts. Long, fitted tank tops can firm your tummy and give a slimming and form flattering appearance. Be sure to match your tank with the color shirt that you are wearing over it so that it flatters your outfit as well. Long tanks look great with fitted straight leg or skinny jeans!
Don't wear clothes that are too constricting. There are great knit skirts in stores right now, long & short that have a fold down waist line. These are great for wearing during weight loss as well because you can get a little more longer use out of them as well as they are easy to take in if you lose the weight. Target has some fabulous ones!
Don't be afraid to wear a belt in the proper size. It will give you a waistline.
Maxi dresses are flattering and if you are self conscious about them then you can throw on a great short sleeve sweater or linen shirt over them to hide your hips or other areas of concern.
Wear your proper size. This is very important. Don't go too big or too small. Try on everything!
Try wearing a body shaper if you are still a little self conscious about the appearance of your stomach, even under clothes. Body shapers function like long tank tops, offering a slimming support under those tight shirts. It is thought that body shapers and girdles can even help to bring all of your organs back into place faster and assist in toning your tummy. Some new mothers swear by them and I’m sure you’ve heard your mother suggest it a time or two. Be sure to go up on size for a smoother fit and so it is not too constricting and uncomfortable.
Stay away from really loose, frumpy clothes. It looks like you’re trying to hide something. Feel confident about what you put on your body.
Find a comfortable wedge to throw on with your new outfits. A little bit of extra height will elongate your body and give you a slimmer appearance.

Trina Turk Banana Republic On Sale

Hire a wardrobe stylist to take you on one personal shopping trip. It will be well worth your money and you are paying someone to help you through the frustration but to also teach you how to work with your new body. It will be well worth the money! :)

Target.com

target.com

Langford Market

Dancer and Fashionista!

2012-07-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

Today we are lucky to have a beautiful dancer, a mom of three as well as a total fashionista share with us her fashion tips!

What are your favorite stores to shop & why?

Nordstroms-fabulous fashions and incredible service

Anthropologie, Langford Market, White House Black Market, Target

Describe your favorite go to piece

Summer- fun sundress

Winter- great scarf to make jeans and riding boots and step up

Define classy and stylish

Classy-Being comfortable and proud of your body and wearing clothes that compliment you in the most flattering and respectable way. Recognizing what works for your body type and what you feel pretty wearing.

Stylish- Knowing the season’s new trends and tips and pulling them to compliment your existing wardrobe. Play with fun colors and trends that work for your coloring and body type but avoid trends that don’t work for you just because they are popular. Making yourself stylish is more important than “being stylish”.

Name one article of clothing you can not live without

Super fun platform heels

Please give us some advice on how a working mom who teaches middle school should dress

Having taught middle school I know the level of dress is more professional at this age group and you aren’t limited to the typical long skirts etc. Middle school teachers like to feel hip and respected. Breaking up a suit with pants, fun blousy top, feminine cardigan, pencil skirts at or just above the knee, dresses with clean lines, maxi dresses, dark skinny jeans with riding boots and a fun top, skinny jeans and sandals with fun top and cardigan, anything that is comfortable to teach in but still leaves you feeling empowered and pretty at the same time. I often wore heels and dressed more business dress than teacher dress.

One Indulgence when it comes to fashion/style

Handbags! It’s worth the splurge for something special that is classic and will last a very long time.

When it comes to your style - what is most important to you.....comfort, style & classy, or doesn’t matter as long as I look good:) Style and classy but for me comfort is within that it, if I’m not comfortable than I don’t feel stylish or classy.

Favorite shopping tip

Shop nordstroms, they get to know you and have free personal stylists who will pull items for you ahead of time and really make the best use of your time. They also will alert you to early sale events and pull sizes for you. Also, one or two store credit cards like say nordstorms or gap really give you bang for your buck and you spend less on what you are already having to buy, just be sure to pay off as you get each bill!!

Tell us a little more about yourself.

I’m a devoted wife, blessed to be a mother of three, have a master’s in counseling, taught dance for 23 years, love to volunteer in my children’s schools and at church, love to spend time with family and make cherished memories and traditions, love encouraging young ladies and women to take pride in their appearance and be proud of the their masterpiece that God created them to be and always reflect that in choices they make in fashion. Wearing clothes that flatter and reflect their style, personality, and letting their inner light and love show. 

Style tips from a Newlywed Fashionista on a budget!

2012-07-09T10:22:00.002-07:00

Meet the Fabulous Hallease! I love her style! She keeps it fresh & easy while still having fun!!

Who is your style Icon and why

I pull my style from a multitude of different people. Right now though I am really loving Janelle Monae’s style. The updated female gentleman…

That’s what I call it anyway.

She also does a lot with her natural hair, incorporating it into her look somehow. I have had dreadlocks in my hair for almost 4 years now, and they’re finally long enough for me to start styling them along with my outfits.

what are your favorite stores to shop at & why

My favorite stores are what I would define as “affordable”. The stores where you have to spend some time and really dig to find good pieces that can work in multiple outfits. Aside from the obvious Ross and TJ Max, Forever 21 is a great place to pick up quick pieces to compliment your overall look for pretty cheap. I usually run in there when I need a simple new shirt to go with another staple piece I have purchased.

favorite go to piece

I love fitting everything in with a cute blazer. It can transform a very simple outfit into a business casual look.

define classy and stylish

Classy and Stylish is finding what works best for your body, I see a lot of women trying to fit into fads that just do not work for the figure they have. Finding a look that makes you exude confidence is timeless, and it comes off as stylish.

Name one article of clothing you cannot live without

JEANS! I love dresses and skirts but I do not wear them that often. Jeans are my staple piece; a pair of great fitting jeans can go a long way.

One Indulgence when it comes to fashion/style

Shoes! I will definitely pay full price for an awesome pair of shoes.

When it comes to your style - what is most important to you.....comfort, style & classy, or doesn’t matter as long as I look good:)

Definitely comfort, I work for a production company that makes videos for corporate and commercial businesses. I’m usually carrying very heavy equipment and cameras to a shoot, but I still need to look presentable. Dressing comfortably but professionally is a must.

Favorite shopping tip

No matter what store I walk into, I head straight to the back (where the sales rack is) and work my way up towards the front (full price pieces). You’d be surprised what you can find for a bargain.

Tell us a little more about yourself

Well, I am a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and majored in Radio-Television-Film. I now work at a production company based in Austin Texas called Whitney Casey Productions making promotional branding videos for corporate companies around the nation. I am also a newly wed, our one-year anniversary is in September, we have an Australian Sheppard mix (that is my baby) named Dakota, before I graduated from college I worked on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in Los Angeles, in their post-production department. I am a very straight forward person and my style portrays that I think, very easy and simple.

Stylin' with a Fashionable Mommy!

2012-06-12T14:45:00.001-07:00

Stylish Mom & former event planner, Jenny Cummings, shares with us some of her style secrets! Take a look & enjoy her tips!! She always looks like a fashionista!!

Style Icon:

Reese Witherspoon- love her! She always looks polished, put together, appropriate and she carries herself with confidence. Her casual style is also very practical for moms.

Favorite Stores:

J Crew- they have great staples that I can recycle season after season, practical dresses that I can wear everyday, and I love the preppy style!

Anthropologie- great statement dresses and tops, and love the modern boho style

Target- I can shop there while my kids are hanging out in a shopping cart! ;) seriously, Target has some very fashionable pieces and accessories with a reasonable price, and it's convenient to get dog food, a birthday present and clothes (and shoes, headbands, bags, jewelry!) in one stop!

Favorite go-to piece:

Sundress- this is practically my spring/summer uniform! Easy to wear to lunch or a playdate, can be casual with sandals, dressed up with wedges, worn differently with accessories, and the coolest thing in the brutal Texas heat!

Classy and stylish:

Current, age-appropriate, put-together and thoughtful.

Cannot live without:

Again, my sundresses! And my diamond stud earrings- always appropriate!

Middle school teacher:

Skinny pants, casual jacket with ballet flats would be my go-to!

Indulgence:

My Anthro dresses- not cheap, but worth it to have great pieces that everyone else isn't wearing too!

Most important to style:

I would have to say that being appropriate to the occasion is most important to me. During the day with my kids, it's important to be comfortable. Whether on a date night or playdate, it's always important to look your best!

Fav shopping tip:

Go often! ;)

About me:

When I was in fourth grade, I remember doing a school project about what you wanted to be when you grow up. I wanted to be a fashion designer. Then I learned they have to draw and sew. I can't do either, so I just became a clothes horse instead!

Since leaving my career as a political fundraiser and event planner, the thing I miss most is getting dressed up everyday! I am now a stay at home mom to a five year old son, Jackson, and two year old daughter, Jamison. My latest fashion obsession is dressing my daughter. I am in for a lot of trouble when she is big enough to fit into Crew Cuts!!

2012-04-27T19:36:00.002-07:00

Over the next month, I will be featuring different fashionista's guide to their style! I will interview them and feature them weekly! This week I am featuring, a mother of three, school teacher and a lady who looks fabulous ALL the time!!

A BUSY MOM'S GUIDE TO STYLE!! by Linda Buffington.

Who is your style Icon and why

I wouldn’t say I have a specific style icon. I like to look through magazines and see the different ways that items of clothing can be put together. I get ideas from people I see daily. I have no problem walking up to a complete stranger and asking her where she got her outfit. When someone does that to me, I take it as a total compliment.

what are your favorite stores to shop at & why

I love shopping at a variety of stores. Ann Taylor is one of my favorites, because of its timeless classic pieces. I still have a gorgeous dress that I purchased 10 years ago. It still works, even today. Anthropologie is a store I love because of their unique styles. It allows me to be a little edgy and different and try new things.

favorite go to piece

I have a definite jean issue. I love jeans and would wear a pair everyday if I could. There’s nothing like the perfect pair of jeans.

define classy and stylish

As I’ve grown older, classy and stylish have become positives. For the students I teach, those terms mean old, outdated, and boring. To me, they mean so much more. If I could be defined as classy and stylish, it would be a huge compliment. Ageless and timeless are words that are synonymous to classy and stylish. In simple terms, a person who is classy and stylish is comfortable enough to not have to show more skin than appropriate.

Name one article of clothing you cannot live without

Shoes…I love shoes!

advice on how a working mom who teaches middle school should dress

I’ve become so much more comfortable with my sense of style recently. I feel like I can be stylish, and at the same time, be a positive role model for the kids in my middle school classes. I want these young ladies especially to understand that you can still look fashionable without showing skin. Everywhere these girls look, they see women revealing so much more than is necessary. I want them to understand that growing older does not mean that you have to sacrifice style. I want them to realize that you can still be a professional and look put together and appropriate.

One Indulgence when it comes to fashion/style

I have two indulgences when it comes to fashion and style…jeans and shoes. I have gorgeous shoes that I purchased years ago. I don’t mind spending a little more on shoes because I know I will wear them, take care of them, and I know they will last. I’ve also learned that if I spend a little extra on my jeans, they too will last.

When it comes to your style - what is most important to you.....comfort, style & classy, or doesn’t matter as long as I look good:)

I would have to say…it doesn’t matter, as long as I look good. There are times I will sacrifice comfort for a certain outfit, but at other times, a put together casual look is the way to go.

Favorite shopping tip

Everything and I mean everything eventually goes on sale if you wait long enough. And if a store doesn’t have your size anymore, it wasn’t meant to be. There are also a lot of places that will do a price adjustment if an item goes on sale within a specific time. I love it when that happens, because I’ll usually take the savings and purchase another great piece!

Tell us a little more about yourself.

I’m a 40 year old, married, mother of three, middle school teacher. I love my Lord with all of my heart and hope that He uses me to impact others daily. One of my daily endeavors is having a healthy balance as far as shopping is concerned. I truly do enjoy “the hunt,” and find that as more time passes on a shopping trip, the more energized I become. I’ve been known to go on day long shopping sprees! I may not come home with much, but I love the entire process. I have to be really careful to not allow that to become an idol in my life. I’ve learned to be wise in my purchases and allow the every now and then splurge!

Outer beauty will fade....inner beauty will have lasting effects

2012-03-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

-Do something you love everyday. This will bring you joy and relief stress.

-Take care of your skin, wash your face am & pm, moisturize even if you have oily skin and use sunscreen.

-Take care of your hair. Use a mask once a week, use sulfate free shampoos and limit products or tools that will cause damage to your hair. Try not to blow dry & flat iron daily....take a break.

-Exercise to get your natural glow

-Embrace your girlfriends. Spending time with your girlfriends will teach you to listen to others, have others listen to you and is a natural way to relief stress.

-Keep things natural. Love the face God gave you and enhance it with make up...not cover it up.

Have a beautiful day!

Xo Jules

www.bellarougestyle.com

Spring Fashion Trends

2012-01-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a new look or to freshen up your wardrobe with some Spring trends? Here are a few of the items to look for!!

Tangerine
Nautical or Navy
Romantic lace
floral prints
kitten heels
espadrilles
bold prints
polka dots

You can find some great items at Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft and Nordstroms!!

Date Night??

2012-01-24T11:57:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had a special event or perhaps date looming when you are just not feeling like you are at your best physically and dreading coming up with an outfit that makes you feel pretty and good about yourself? Usually, when we feel good about the way we look, we are more confident, out-going and therefore more likely to enjoy the evening or event. That being said, a good option, if you don’t already own one, is that great fitting, figure flattering LBD.

If you already own one, you may be thinking “but I always wear that”. Well, there is probably a good reason that you tend to return to this item, i.e; it is a classic and probably flatters your figure! Remember that there are countless ways to make this item look fresh and different from the previous times you’ve worn it. Think about adding one of the great colorful pumps that are currently available most places. ( DSW comes to mind as an inexpensive option for an update). By adding a different shoe, and/or perhaps some tights and maybe some jewelry that plays a little with the color of shoe, you can accomplish a fairly different look. If you don’t like to play with color and would rather go all black, a patterned tight is a great way to go and really on-trend right now.

Another option is adding a great blazer or sweater. Try using a great colored blazer possibly in velvet or a tuxedo jacket. Personally though, I think matching blazer and shoes is a little much though, so if you choose that brightly colored topper, keep your shoes black so as to avoid that “matchy, matchy” look. As far as sweaters go, there are some really great winter white and gold sparkly options out there right now and many of them are on sale now!

Lastly, accessories are really helpful in making your outfit feel new again. Consider purchasing some new pieces that are completely different from what you normally wear with this. Black goes with so much that your options are plenty. Take a look at some of the colored-gemstone options that are out right now. This line (pictured at right) by Givenchy is currently on sale at Nordstrom, comes in different colors and I think is fabulous!

For those of you who don’t yet own that great LBD, consider this your perfect opportunity to invest in this all-important item! Here are a few rules to keep in mind when looking for one. Dresses that hit right above the knee are flattering on most of us, however, if you happen to have killer legs, by all means show them off a bit! You can go a bit shorter, but not too short. If you are pear shaped or hippy, look for one that has an a-line hem to balance your proportions. For a full bust, remember that totally trying to hide your shape by covering them completely, such as a boat-neck or turtleneck, can backfire and actually make you look more top-heavy . V-necks that do not show too much cleavage are actually a better and more flattering way to go. Trying to conceal post-holiday tummy bulge? Here is where that great jacket or sweater over that LBD really helps. Keep it open in front to elongate your body as well.

Finally, keep in mind that a second, honest opinion can be helpful. I can of course assist you in finding one that will remain a wardrobe staple for years to come, but you can also enlist the help of a good friend. Remember, shopping and fashion are fun!