fashion Archives - Chloe Anagnos

The Basics You Should Upgrade (Or Inspect) Each Year

January 29, 2020 · In: Fashion

Fashion may be a passion for some, but clothes are clothes and some wear out faster than others. These basics should be upgraded (or at least inspected and professionally repaired/cleaned) each year.

Underthings & Tights & Socks

Unless you wash and dry your underthings and footwear regularly, these things should be replaced each year, or at least until they fall apart!

Invest in quality pieces that don’t show through your wardrobe.

Jackets & Outerwear

Look over your jackets and outerwear each year for rips, tears, broken zippers, or holes in your pockets. Have professional repairs made and/or cleaning done at a dry cleaner as needed.

Do the same for winter hats, gloves, scarves, umbrellas, and other seasonal wear.

The Little (Or Long!) Black Dress

The little black dress is something you should have in your wardrobe. Of course, you can get a longer dress if that makes you feel more comfortable – a maxi style dress also works in all situations that call for more formal or sophisticated attire.

Formal dresses are perfect for weddings, galas, and holiday parties. Just like your seasonal wear, inspect your LBD each year for rips or stains and be sure to try it on to make sure it fits!

Shoes

Shoes complete an outfit. You want to be sure they look good, but you also want them to be comfortable.

Shoes that are a bit tight and awkward on your feet can shatter your confidence…no matter how stylish you think they are.

Go over your shoe collection each year and make sure that you have shoes you can actually walk in! Keep your soles clean, replace broken laces or buckles, and donate the ones that aren’t doing you (or your feet) any favors.

Add a “wardrobe basics” inspection to your yearly “to-do” list and the next time you’re out shopping, keep an eye out for sales on quality, timeless basics that you can add to your wardrobe.

Image Credit: Pexels Image – CC0 Licence

How to Look Put Together On an Airplane

October 17, 2019 · In: Fashion, Travel, Travel Tips

Most frequent flyers I meet want to be comfortable without compromising their appearance while traveling. (They also want to make their connecting flights, free drink tickets, and/or bumped up to first-class.)

Although traveling across time zones can be extensive and exhausting, it’s still important for most folks to look (and feel) presentable while flying.

Try some of these tips to cultivate the perfect look on your next trip.

Dress up athleisure wear

Ditch your sloppy sweat pants and dress up athletic attire. Try pairing black leggings with a pair of slip-on sneakers and a cardigan for a comfy casual look, or add a blouse with your favorite slimming joggers.

Add slight touches of makeup

Though red-eye or 4 a.m. flight can be exhausting, adding slight touches of BB cream, tinted moisturizer, mascara, and a little lip gloss can go a long way if you want to look more presentable. You’ll have light coverage and feel more confident after you wake up from a mid-flight nap.

Use layers

Airplane temperatures vary, so use dressier jackets you may not be able to fit in a suitcase to tie your outfit together so you can save precious luggage space. Find pieces to layer like scarves or bomber jackets.

It’s all in the shoes

Though pumps are typically not the best option for navigating around an airport, if you’re tight on time, keep them in a bag to switch out with a pair of flats. Bulkier boots or pointed ballet flats tighten up any look.

Add a blazer

Even the most casual outfits can be made more elegant with a blazer. Consider wearing your favorite stretch skinny jeans, a comfortable graphic tee, and throwing on a blazer to add a more professional flair when necessary.

Use a backpack or purse organizer for your small item

Being put together extends beyond clothing, and no one wants to be behind a person rummaging through their belongings to find personal items. Instead of searching through your purse, use a backpack as your personal item and sort your necessities by pocket. If you insist on carrying a purse, purchase a purse organizer to better access what you need – because no one likes the person who can’t find their passport in the TSA line.

Invest in better luggage

If you’re traveling a lot, it may be time to purchase a protective suitcase with four wheels in order to navigate airports more easily. Cheap luggage easily breaks and looks…cheap. I invested in AWAY luggage last year and haven’t looked back.

How to Build a Professional Wardrobe On a Shoestring Budget

April 30, 2019 · In: Fashion, Professional Development

Building a professional wardrobe can be overwhelming. With so many brands to choose from, it can be challenging to sift through what to purchase. But building a beautiful, professional wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive.

Even on a shoestring budget, it is possible to build a professional wardrobe. Here’s how.

Purge your closet

Tidying up like Marie Kondo and choosing to live minimally will help you see all of the clothing you already do have. Even when it seems like many of us have “nothing to wear,” sometimes when we have a lot of clothes, that doesn’t mean they fit well or interest us.

If you’re struggling to decide which pieces stay and go, tie a piece of string or ribbon around the rod of your closet. As you wear clothing, put pieces on one side of the string. At the end of a month, get rid of the clothes that are untouched on the opposite side.

Then, choose to keep only items that you truly enjoy, and that fit you well. Everything else can be sold or donated.

Budget and pull out cash

To avoid overspending, do plan to invest in your attire. Come up with a number you can afford, and save extra money through smart savings apps like Albert or Clarity Money. Sell the old pieces you don’t need. Pull out cash and place it in envelopes or use automated savings apps to stay on track when you’re ready to purchase.

Go for basic, neutral pieces

Most people coordinate their closet around one of two colors: black or navy. Choose one to be the foundation for your closet, and purchase essential staple pieces of that color and some matching neutrals that can be worn with different outfits.

Having a black blouse, blazer, slacks, and pumps – for example – would be a great place to start, along with a white, cream, and blue blouse.

Focus on timeless attire

Instead of opting for professional trends like high waisted trousers, block sandals, chunky jewelry, or vibrant patterns, choose timeless pieces that will continue to remain in style. Though there’s a time and place to purchase the latest trends, focus on creating a capsule wardrobe.

Add accents

Accents offer a great chance to add bold and bright pieces to freshen up your look. Choose pieces that reflect your personality. With any basic outfit, try adding a pair of shoes that pop, or a statement necklace to add to your appearance.

Try a bright colored blouse with a black blazer. Though accents shouldn’t make up the bulk of your wardrobe, they should be sprinkled in.

Don’t be afraid of thrift stores

Thrift stores may have a bad reputation, but some of the best pieces in your closet may be found there. Use thrift stores as your chance to look for those classic pieces to invest in as they’ll likely save you a fortune from looking in department stores.

Invest in pieces you love

Don’t beat yourself up for splurging on one or two pieces that you absolutely adore. Find clothing you feel confident in and take great care of them.