C = Cute Casual Outfits

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All images can be found on this pinboard.

Love ya.  Enjoy the virtual (window) shopping.  Click continue reading (outfits viewable after the jump).

I have a ‘thing’ for stripes.  This seems very Chanel, without much of the Chanel – i.e. a Chanel look within budget!

This is gorgeous, very nautical in an unexpected way.  Very Lilly P without the prints.

Perfect for a casual Saturday.  Love the different length jeans.

Cute lipstick shades – how could this outfit not cheer you up!?

Beautiful hints of turquoise.

I know Fall is so long ago, but it brings some of the best inspiration for Fashion.

Perfect Ballet shades for older ‘girly girls’.

Casual but still dressed up.  I’d wear this on a dinner date.

Lovely for a casual stroll around town.

Bright and sunny!  Love yellow and so glad that it seems to be in fashion this S/S.

EDIT:  I have had a LOT of emails regarding the gorgeous yellow wedges asking where they are from, they are currently a STEAL at $54 from heels.com.  Just search ‘Galena’ to find them.

I have just realized that all of these outfits, bar one, have jeans.  That’s because you will never find me wearing a skirt.  Dresses yes, love them.  Skirts no.

Happy Hump Day! xxx

Have you ever wondered how to fold shirts, t-shirts, tops and knitwear so neatly like they do in stores?

Before I worked (for a brief time) in fashion retail, when shopping, I’d want to look at items on the shelves, but could never put them back on the stack how they were folded.

This was embarrassing for me, I know others are quite happy to leave it for the shop assistants to sort – but I always felt bad about making a mess, and later, rather sorry for the poor assistant who had to fold and re-fold day in, day out.

I learnt this technique and thought I’d share it, because it not only saves me from the shame of messing up a store display, but it keeps my closet so organized, everything in a uniform size, and makes it easier to find the shirts I want to wear in the morning.

This technique works for vests, tops, t-shirts, shirts and knitwear. It’s also good for packing for your travels.

Step One

Lay the shirt face down on a flat surface smoothing out any creases. (Excuse my un-ironed shirt).

Step Two

Fold in the right-hand side into the center of the shirt – use the outside of the neckline as the ‘fold’ guide. It may not reach into the center if they are a small size. Don’t fold further in than the neckline.

Step Three

Fold in the left-hand side just the same.

Step Four

Now fold the bottom of the shirt one third up (it should reach just about under the sleeve).

Step Five

Fold the top of the shirt over the meet the bottom fold. Then you might need to spin it round to face you!

Et Voila!

Your shirts will now stack neatly they they do in the stores. Your drawers will be more organized and if you are like me, you’ll no longer feel guilty about putting back a shirt in the store if it started off beautifully folded.

Extra Folding Tip

For longer sleeves, just fold them down along the length of the shirt.

Ahhh, sometimes it pays to be slightly O.C.D.

Is this how you fold your shirts?

Mrs Stepford explains Black Tie to Casual and every outfit in between.

It is always lovely to receive an invitation to a party or event, whether by formal invitation through the post from an acquaintance to an informal invitation by a close friend.

Whilst penning the date in our social diaries, I am sure I am not the only woman whose immediate thought is “what on earth shall I wear”? Followed secondly by, “dress code, what does that mean”!!?? Cue total fashion panic and potential social disasters.

I have laid out the standard rules in etiquette dressing for today’s modern woman and her significant other. It seems a shame that this vital information isn’t as readily available as it once was in bygone eras, but thankfully, social institutions such as Debrett’s help with these matters.

Take what you want from the ‘rules’, tips and suggestions, but most importantly, dress how you feel most comfortable within the dress code parameters to be a relaxed and sociable guest. Use your current wardrobe to maximum potential, or use it as the perfect excuse to go shopping for a new frock. However, I am sure most of us don’t need much of an excuse, do we girls?

This Week – Formal (White Tie or Full Dress) – never before 5pm

Event Types: All diplomatic and government receptions, balls, operas, galas, fundraisers, charity and debutante balls, or for those lucky enough – Elton John and David Furnish’s annual White Tie and Tiara ball. This is where you pull out all your finery since your host is letting you know this will be one elegant affair.

Gentlemen; white tie (required), tails and the required additions (black seamed trousers, white vest, bow tie, boutonniere, hat, scarf, cuff links).

Ladies; floor-length ball gowns and evening dresses, evening wraps or stoles, sparkly shoes, gloves and the family jewels are best saved for these occasions.

Fabric and accessories: Satin, silk, velvet, sequins, pearls, diamonds, diamante, tiaras, elbow-length gloves, full length velvet capes, clutches, muffs, faux fur.

Colors: White, Black, Subtle Metallics, Jewel Tones, Rich and Deep tones.

Avoid: Dresses shorter than ankle length, showing too much skin or cleavage, large handbags, fabrics with prints, neon colors, chunky shoes, un-manicured hands and feet, loose hairstyles, too much jewelry, bad fake tan, drinking to excess (Mrs Stepford recommends sticking to ‘white’ drinks such as Champagne, Martini’s or Gin).

Next time…. Black Tie

Have you ever had the pleasure of going to a White Tie occasion? What did you wear?