How To

Favorite Thing Friday – Blanket Scarf

Posted on by thewexfordhousewife

What better way to stay warm & stylish this season than with a blanket scarf.  A blanket scarf is exactly what it sounds like…a scarf that’s big enough to serve as a blanket.  This winter-time favorite has many personalities; it truly is the perfect addition to any outfit!

20160115_152833

Whether you’re wearing it as intended or taking advantage of its oversized body, this scarf creates a cozy, effortless, ready for winter look.  Below I’ve shared four of my favorite ways to wear this one-size fits all essential.

Scarf: Looped once around the neck, leaving the ends to hang loosely

20160107_120542

Shawl: One end tossed over the shoulder, leaving the other end to hang loosely

20160107_121756

Blanket: Draped over the shoulders

20160107_120644

Cape: Draped over the shoulders & belted at the waist

20160107_121354

As always – comfortable & effortless housewife style xoxx

 

#OOTD – Pattern Mixing

Posted on by thewexfordhousewife

Pattern mixing is on-trend & I’m loving it!  However, there’s more to mixing textures & patterns than just raiding your closet and hoping for the best.  Follow these simple guidelines to coordinate the perfect mix.

  • Vary pattern size – Create balance by choosing designs that are slightly smaller/larger than one another (try large polka dots with small plaids)
  • Choose complementing patterns – Wear patterns that complement one another rather than compete with each other (try a striped knit with a floral skirt)
  • Add a contrasting solid color – Adding a solid color to your outfit gives the eye a break (try a solid blazer overtop a houndstooth blouse worn with leopard flats)
  • Accessorize – Adding an accessory can give flow to the outfit & break up the busyness (try adding a skinny belt around your tweed jacket & striped blouse)

Today I mixed a classic plaid woven with an edgy metallic dot sweater.  I stuck to a muted color scheme by wearing olive green skinny’s & brown heeled ankle boots.  Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines, have fun mixing prints & wear your outfit with confidence!

20151119_121445

 

Wild about animal print

Posted on by thewexfordhousewife

Animal print is fun to experiment with, on-trend for fall & easier to pull off than you think.  I have to admit, I used to be one of those people who were hesitant to wear animal print.  Sometimes an all-over print can be overwhelming or come off as kitschy.  However, there are simple ways to incorporate animal print into your wardrobe without cheapening your look.

From shoes to handbags & everything in between, these designers’ take on animal print is anything but tacky.  If you see something you love, click on the picture & you will be redirected to the correct site.

Sam Edelman ‘Delilah’ Calf Hair d’Orsay Pump & ‘Alaine’ Scalloped Flat both in Nude Leopard

SamEdelmanPump          SamEdelmanAlaineFlat

Betsey Johnson Mosaic Gold & Leopard Watch

BetseyJohnsonMosaicWatch

Michael Kors Jet Set Leopard Calf Hair Crossbody

MKJetSetCrossBody

Equipment Brett Dress – Alfalfa Multi Cape Town Collage Print

EquipmentBrettDress

Storets Leopard Mesh Blazer

LeopardMeshBlazer

One of my favorite trends for fall is treating animal print as a neutral.  This is especially great if you’re new to the animal scene like myself.  By subtly incorporating a print such as leopard or snake-skin into your outfit you’re creating a statement look that let’s face it, everyone will want to copy!  Take the Sam Edelman leopard pumps for example, pair them with red pixie pants & a black sheer blouse and you have a beautiful, bold outfit or pair the Michael Kors leopard crossbody with dark denim & a striped top for an exciting mix of patterns.  Regardless of how you decide to wear animal print this fall have fun with it, don’t worry about rules & take lots of pictures!