TheFind Blog

Broach the subject

Cameos are an amazing tribute to years gone by – the ideal cameo ring  or broach is an authentic vintage piece that's passed down from your Grandma, or as a family heirloom. But not everyone is so lucky – or willing to wear something on a regular basis that holds so much sentimental value.

Cameo rings are a great way to bring a splash of vintage to an “every day” outfit. In this situation – the larger the better! But, you don't want it to look cheesy or fake. A good cameo has an easy-to-decipher outline and the silhouette is very striking.

They are best worn as a “single accessory” - meaning don't over-accessorize: don't wear other big, gaudy rings, or try and match the cameo with other cameo jewelry (like a necklace). This will only succeed in making your tribute to days gone by look cheesy!

Put a Little Denim in Your Life

Sometimes the basics are just harder to find. And often, they're simply boring to shop for. So it can be with jean shorts.
 
Not only are there so many styles out there, but also you have to take into account what you're really looking for. Do you want something shorter? Then you have to make sure it's not too short. Are you looking for more coverage? But also keeping in mind you don't want to look older that you have to. There's a lot more to take into account than meets the eye when shopping for a "basic" pair of jean shorts!

If you are looking for something shorter, make sure you're comfortable in them. You definitely don't want them to be too tight, since, at a shorter length, you'll be cinched in at all the wrong places!

The fact that knee-length shorts are in this season is great news if you're just not that comfortable with shorter styles. Again, pick something that isn't too tight, or you'll look like an inverted triangle! You want the leg to be wide enough to give a straight line coming off your hip.

Once you find that perfect pair of jean shorts, you'll be ready to pair them with whatever summer throws your way!

T-Shirt Made Pretty

I've talked a little bit about good travel style in terms of what to wear on your feet. Another one of my favorite traveling outfits is to incorporate a T-shirt dress. What I love about this option for travel is that not only is it easy to throw on, and comfortable to wear in a crowded, awkward plane, it also comes in so many different styles. You can opt for a literal, long t-shirt, or go for something a big more sophisticated. Depending on how you like to travel, you can wear it by itself or pair it with jeans, tights or leggings.

If you go for more of a literal t-shirt, it can end up looking a bit like a nightgown - no shape, little form, etc. - so be careful. A good solution for this problem - and one that's very vogue right now - is to clasp a big, thick belt around your waist to give yourself some definition. If you add a few long, clunky necklaces you'll look super fashionable and no one will think, "wow, that girl is wearing a glorified t-shirt!"

Option for something a bit more structured is always a good idea if you'd rather just throw on the shirt and go - without worrying about accessorizing. Keep in mind, though, that t-shirt dresses - even structured ones - tend to be a little flowy and billowy, so make sure you're properly covered underneath! You may want to throw on a pair of leggings for extra insurance.

Here's a Message For You

Toting a carries-all messenger bag is a good way to go for many  different reasons. If you have a laptop to lug around, it accommodates all your gear and accessories. If you're traveling, you can stuff it full with more than you could a normal purse - and still carry it on board the plane. If you have to get around town with most of your life in tow (like projects, snacks, spare shoes, etc.) it's a great way to fit it all in.

Just because a messenger bag can serve many types of needs doesn't mean they're easy to pick out. I've some how managed to purchase several such bags that did not work for me at all. Whether they were too big, not big enough, or didn't have the proper storage for all my needs, I've learned a few things when shopping for messenger bags.

You need to know what you need - do you need a lot of storage? Different compartments? Do you prefer to stuff-and-go?

How do you like to carry your bags? Slug diagonally across your shoulders doesn't work for everyone (i am one of those people!). I'd much rather have a shorter strap and avoid all the jostling and bumping that happens when you walk. Which leads to my next point:

How will this bag function? will you be traveling with it? Walking with it? Will you be tossing it in the back of your car? IF you're going to be carrying it a lot, you'll need to spend some time figuring out what's more comfortable for you.

Picking out a messenger bag may sound simple, but you don't want to be disappointed in your purchase because you didn't do enough research!

Hoodie Extravaganza

If you're looking to go casual-cute, a hoodie tunic is a great way to accomplish just that. They're more fashionable than a simple oversized hoodie, but they still provide the effortless comfort and that great ability to just "throw something on." Plus, the tunic provides more coverage and enables it to be worn with with jeans, a skirt, leggings - this isn't the hoodie you threw on with sweats in college! It's sleeker, more streamlined, better prints, and definitely more figure-flattering!

There isn't a much of a "trick" to putting together an outfit with a hoodie tunic - that's the beauty of it! Make sure you don't over-dress it. Hoodies should be kept dressed-down with additions like jeans, flip flops or a cute pair of sneakers, like Coverse.

You can pick one that reflects a bit of your character - go colorful and bold if you're so inclined and make it the focal point of your outfit!

Flat-out Fly Through the Airport

I'm always in a quandary when it comes to what to wear on a flight. When it's international I opt for somewhat classy comfort (i.e., no track suits!) but when the trip is just a few hours, I feel like I can dress a little nicer. But that still leaves me wondering - what to put on my feet! You want something comfortable, but still cute. Something that's versatile and can be worn with other outfits you've packed. And you definitely want to be able to get in and out of them quickly for comfort - and for airport security screening reasons!

That's why I think the ballet flat is a great option. You can be as creative and daring or as classic and subdued as you want to. If you're flying for business, certain flats will even go with your professional attire. And if you like to fly in comfort, the right pair of flats can even dress up a more casual outfit.

Pick from a wide range of colors to find the hue that will most suit your traveling wardrobe. Brightly colored shoes are GREAT, but if they only go with one outfit, they're not worth bringing along on your trip!

These may not be professional enough to be worn to a client meeting, but you'll definitely be glad you have them as your running through the airport, or when you need to slip something on and off quickly.

Give your time in the sky a playful edge with an adorable pair of flats!

Belt it Out

Sometimes your outfit just needs that little extra touch of ... something. A great way to add some fashion and flair when you don't quite know what's missing is with a corset belt. Nowadays there are all kind of great colors, styles and options to suit every taste, shape and preference - say goodbye to your plain, black belts!

Corset belts - or any wide belt - are a good way to add definition and color to an outfit. "Authentic" corset belts are complete with ties and cinching, while there are other options that give the general look of a wide, defining belt without all the accoutrements.   

Of course, you can always opt for something less dramatic, and still make a bold statement. A black outfit or dress punched up with a wide, belt in a vibrant color like red really helps what could be a somewhat boring combination come alive. Go with a width that suits your build and have fun with the combinations and colors!

It's OK to Lay it on Thick

As the weather gets warmer, and you can start showing a little more skin, you'll need ways to creatively accessorize. One of my favorite ways to do this is with a chunky, layered necklace. Wearing a V-neck top or a spaghetti trap tank and leaving your neck and chest exposed just screams for some attention to detail. And summer prints and colors are so fun that who wants to just rely on a simply pendant? Shake it up with some clunky jewelry, thick beaded necklaces and large pendants.

It is OK, however to layer lots of smaller pendants of varying length together. This combines to create a more interesting necklace than just one simple, silver strand. (Not that at the right moment that can't be beautiful, but we're talking big and bold here!)

One of my favorite ways to layer is with a thick beaded necklace. Beads of different shapes and sizes on strands of different lengths combine to make this option stylish and noticeable without being too overwhelming.

If you want something more classic yet still very distinctive, this abalone option is a good solution. It still integrates multiple strands of shells but it's less trendy and more classy.

WomansDay.com for Mother's Day

WomansDay.com shares with their readers ways to live well every day. However, some days are definitely worthy of singling out, and Mother’s Day ranks high on the list! For Mother's Day, WomansDay coverage offers everything you’ll need to celebrate Mom in style. From the chic, affordable picks in their Mother’s Day Gift Guide to the fun activity suggestions from real moms in our What’s Your Dream Mother’s Day story, you’re sure to find something here to tickle every mother’s fancy!

Step Into Evening-Wear Basics

Usually when I dress to go somewhere fancy, cocktail attire is acceptable and when it comes to footwear I usually rely on some variation of my basic black heel. I don't dress up in evening wear THAT frequently and when I do I often find that my "standby" evening shoes are outdated and out of fashion. So here are a few evening-themed foot-wear selections to get you started.

      

Silver goes with just about everything evening-related. Any more, you can even mix it with gold (though I'm not QUITE sure how I feel about that. It's a good basic starting point if you only want to have one or two pairs of evening shoes. Black is another good option.

Strappy evening shoes are a pretty safe bet, too. Exactly what type of detailing you go for depends on how long your dress is. If it's floor length, you CAN go for something funky, but few people will get to see it, so sticking with a basic option is always a safe bet.

If your dress is above floor length, it might be a good opportunity to pick something with a little character. But you still need to keep your dress in mind. If it's already got enough character of its own, don't overdo it!

Know what you feel comfortable in and you'll look great!