without spending any money....

Make your current clothing and accessories work double duty for you...hacks from the curate style files.

1.  Long Necklace:   make it into a short necklace or into a stacked bracelet.  You can just wrap it round your neck twice and create a layered look , or for more interest put the necklace behind your neck, and pull one end through -- you can now create a lariat.  To "fill the space" in a v-neck or button down, put a knot in the necklace.  Last but not least, wrap it around your wrist to create a bracelet.
2. Button Up Shirt: wear as expected, tucked and buttoned, or put up the back collar and leave it untucked.   You can create a "jacket" by tying knots in both ends of the shirt, or wear as a crop over a dress or tank by tying both ends together up high.  Now sleeves -- don't just roll them twice -- try creating a short sleeve shirt or a french cuff.
3. Belts: Not just for denim -- use if over a longer shirt or maxi to create a waist.  Add interest by putting the buckle in the back or wearing a belt made of unexpected material (like that gift ribbon you love!)   And that "self belt" from a dress -- use it as a headband or thread it through the loops of your favorite denim.

​Denim Guide:
 How to talk straight to your girlfriend who has
flare but is not skinny.
 
We are going to try to keep it simple and cover just styles of denim here, not get too into the weeds on wash, fabric (ex: selvedge and raw are very trendy now), and will only make mention of different lengths that are not part of the style. For example, flares are by nature long, which is a style, but it along with all other styles/shapes can also come in cropped (a shorter version).
 
So….you are sick of the light colored skinnies and the completely destroyed denim you either currently have in your closet – or you are sick of seeing it everywhere you go to shop?!
 
As a denim whore (I mean that in the nicest way to myself), I wear it all and my favorite denim is a pair of girlfriend jeans.  But, I do crave mixing it up and imagine we all do, right?   With a little help from our denim designers, I hope to unlock the secrets to the different fits and styles, and will share what we can all learn about how to “rock denim”.
 
The fits:
There’s the every-present skinny, you know it already, slim from waist all the way to skinny at the ankles.   It may be high rise (I personally am becoming a fan), mid-rise or low rise (not for this mom with cesarean scars!)   For this to fit correctly, do some deep knee bends and then check just under your butt cheeks (he, he, he) and make sure you do not look like there is extra material under your bum.  This style is meant to hug those sweet cheeks. (this trick works for other straighter styles too!)  I am sure we all think we have enough of this style, but with an added detail like trim, or simple fraying it’s still a fun fit to add to your wardrobe.
 
Next up is the cousin of the skinny, the slim straight.   Now this is something I can get behind – a mix of skinny and straight.  So you don’t have to decide, and it looks good on everyone, making your butt look more in proportion to your legs, and can accommodate more robust lower legs. 
 
The middle ground is a straight leg….this can look like your favorite jeans from middle school, especially if they sit at the hip.   This style is making a resurgence because it is easy and can be dressed up or down, but I like it for everyday and if you can only pack one pair of jeans. (YIKES!)
 
Again, with all these cuts you can get high rise, mid or low or super low rise.
 
Then there are the “Friends”: the boyfriend and his thinner cousin the girlfriend.  This cut is relaxed to very relaxed, and if not sized right can create a “droopy” bottom.   I am a big fan of the comfort and ease of movement for this cut, but make sure it fits correctly.
 
The bootcut…it’s not just for boots anymore.  This is like a slim jean that flares gently out at the calf, enough to accommodate your cowboy boots!  But this style is not just for cowgirls, as it is a great cut if you need to accommodate larger or more muscular calves.
 
For those with flair, there is the flare.   This denim is slim through the thigh and then flares starting below the knee.  I find this style looks the best on tall people, or those willing to wear a big heel, such as a wedge. This is a great choice for nights out, especially in a dark wash. If you are petite, cutting these to size may make the flare piece almost disappear.
 
 
 
 

White Tee
You can’t go wrong with a good white tee! While all white tees are not made the same, do you like a v-neck, do you like a crew neck, is a more form fitting or a little looser.  You can never go wrong with at least having at least one good white tee in your closet you can go to and throw on with a pair of jeans, black pants or skirt.  White goes with everything and having a casual white tee and one you can dress up can make putting an outfit together that much easier on those tough mornings. 

Demin Jeans
A good pair of Demin jeans!  Jeans come in many shades but what we are looking for in this staple item is the fit!  Everyone has their favorite, whether it be the tight skinny fit or the more relaxed boyfriend or girlfriend, you want a fit that you are comfortable wearing and feel good in.  A lot of brands have a style that will come in multiple shades – once you find your go to style in a brand, buy a pair of white and black as well for an extra bonus staple in your closet.

Dainty necklace
Nothing ties an outfit better than a little jewelry.  Every women should own at least one simple necklace.  Right now dainty initial necklaces are “in” and we know it is here to stay!  We love the look it adds to any outfit, whether you are dressed up for a dinner or casual for running errands.  It adds that a little sparkle to your outfit. 

LBD
What is a closet without a little black dress (LBD)?!?  The LBD is the staple item that will keep giving.  Looking great doesn’t always need to be shimmery or pricey, choose a LBD that fits you and makes you feel comfortable. Struggling on what to wear to a dinner, grab that dress and throw it on.  You already know you’ll feel great in it and you can dress it up or down with something from your closet without too much imagination.   

Sharp Blazer
Another staple that is so versatile is a fitted jacket.  A good sharp blazer can be worn with jeans, over a white tee, with a dress or as a suit.  Megan Markle has shown us how great a smart blazer can look with a pair of jeans dressed down or slung over your shoulders with a dress for a dressed up look that still keep you warm and looking chic.  Once again, with this staple the key is to finding one that fits well and is made of a higher quality – this will keep it a “forever” in your closet!

Looking to build these essentials in your closet?  Curate selects the best of American made brands that are unique and will not only look great on you but you will feel great buying them!  

Decide what you want to wear, what makes you feel great TODAY – then decide where and what you will do (within reason – don’t wear a torn sweatshirt to your best friend’s wedding!)
 
With all the self-help books out there, it is amazing the transformation that can come from not reading and simply getting dressed.  I am not belittling the power of these books – I have read almost all of them. (sidebar: I am on a constant I can be, do, live better quest – but that’s another topic).  
 
When you put on a piece of clothing that makes you smile, that fits you well, that becomes either your armor or your second skin, your attitude changes.  This is not like the change from getting in great shape or getting a facelift; this is a little light that shines from inside because who you are is represented externally.  Who you are – maybe who you are in a deep spiritual way or just who you are in this moment – is how you will present yourself for the day.
           
So if you are sick of wearing workout clothes around town, because you are not at heart an athlete – nor do you aspire to be one – then put on that fun skirt in zany lime green and pair it with your favorite, fits just right white t-shirt.  Because you love basketball, slide your tootsies into a pair of converse and adorn your ears with tassels – because you are a girlie girl after all – and go ANYWHERE. 
 
On the other hand, if you are feeling like a classical lady, pull out your most conservative denim,  pair it with a striped oxford and your grandmother’s cashmere sweater.  IF you are also a die-hard rock band fan,  add metal spike earrings and slick black shoes.  Shazam!– you are you and can present yourself anywhere.
 
Bottom line, wear YOU, wear what you want and love what you wear.

You know the drill, your kids are sick, they get you sick and your husband is out of town.  Now you have to pick up the kids from school and go to a meeting.   How to pull it off?....With three key pieces.....

A-dressier hoodie or varsity jacket, or if you're feeling frisky a leather bomber

B-a flat over the knee boot or dressy sneakers (depending on your destination)

C -a simple knit shift dress; it can be A-line or straight, whichever is more flattering

A+B+C= ready to go

For extra credit add:

D-a statement necklace or three layers of simple necklaces in different lengths

A+B+C+D= ready to go plus