Spice Up Your Wardrobe with Non-Staple Pieces

There are multitude of articles out there that helps women decide what clothes or accessories to stock their closets with and one of the most common are the ones that advise us to invest in staple pieces that I'm pretty sure are already ingrained in practically every woman's mind – and closets. Crisp white blouse? Check. Basic white tee? Check. Blazer? Check. Black heels, boot-cut jeans, and of course the little black dress? Check, check, and of course, check! Staple pieces? Chances are we already own them all. So why don't we try to be a bit more daring by straying from the norm and incorporate a smattering of non-staple wardrobe pieces to spice things up? 

Boyfriend Jeans

Love or hate them, it looks like boyfriend jeans are here to stay and why not? It's comfortable and low-maintenance which makes them the jeans most women go for (take that, you unforgiving skinny jeans!). You can just easily throw on your basic tee and a pair of cute pumps and you're good to go.

L-R: J.Crew Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans

Maison Scotch Womens Two Tone Bleach Garcon Printed Boyfriend Jeans

Each X Other 'Poem' Boyfriend Jeans

Metallics

Metallics are definitely non-staple wardrobe pieces as they are too flashy to be regarded as basic. Although one can't deny that they are a recurring trend that are definite head turners what with all that shiny, flashy goodness. From makeup to shoes, metallics are just the thing to brighten up an otherwise drab look. Just don't ever wear them from head to toe lest you blind someone.

L-R: Topshop Metallic Sunflower Skort

Vince Camuto Owen Tote

ALDO Welchpool 

70s Style Jeans

Retro fashion has been making a comeback and they show no signs of going out of style – yet. One of the most popular trend is the flared and wide-leg jeans. It's almost as roomy as the boyfriend jeans, but a little more glam especially with sky-high heels. Think boho chic or Rachel Zoe. The best way to wear these types of jeans is with your shirt tucked in. 

L-R: Free People Patchwork Bali Flare Bottom

Paige Denim Fiona Harrison Whiskered Flared Jeans

Alice + Olivia Lace Wide Leg Pants

Leopard Print

Tricky as it is to wear, this perennial trend exudes an air of fierceness and if done right, elegance that will no doubt demand people's attention. And since it's a perennial trend, your leopard print clothes or accessories is in no danger of gathering dust in your wardrobe. For those who want to venture into the wild side, but are a little hesitant, try going minimal because one leopard print accessory as small as a belt or a scarf can already make a huge statement.

L-R: Oasis Leopard Silk Square scarf

Dune Barrio clutch 

2Bbebe Leopard Geo Earrings 

Full Midi Skirts

Reminiscent of Dior's New Look, this piece can make practically anything look classy and should definitely change from a non-staple wardrobe piece to an actual closet staple. Also, the fuller the skirt, the better. Tuck a basic tee in your full midi skirt and see the transformation from casual to, well, fabulous! You can even try it with a sweater for colder weather and pair the ensemble with pointed toe heels.

Front Row Shop full midi skirt in brocade

Front Row Shop full midi skirt 

The Lazy Girl's Guide to Staying Stylish during Summer

So I was sick for the past week and my eyes were bloodshot for 3 days straight (it's getting better now) and it was just crazy that I haven't been able to update the blog. I have yet to try and actually schedule more posts. Anyway, here's a post from way back that I did which I just edited a bit that I think is relevant what with summer already in our midst (if you're in the Philippines, that is) and I am starting to feel the HEAT.

I don't know about you, but the summer heat usually makes me feel sluggish and getting dressed becomes a chore I don't even want to think about, much less do (Yes, I get so lazy to the point where I sometimes parade around my apartment almost naked). What happens is that I sometimes end up going out of the house wearing whatever I grab first from my brother's closet and the end result is more often than not homely... and a few times cringe-worthy.

Since I have a blog to maintain AND I really want to make more of an effort to look good all the time, I pushed myself to try and achieve looking very presentable whenever I go out. Below are just some of the effective ways I've found to looking totally put-together with minimal effort that I think girls who have found themselves in the same predicament will find helpful. 

1. Wear it on Your Face... or Hair

So you really don't feel like making an effort to dress up or maybe most of your nice clothes are in the laundry, that's okay. You can wear a basic tee and a pair of shorts and still be able to play up your look with makeup! No, I'm not advising you to pile on products on your face. A tinted moisturizer or BB Cream and a swipe of bright colored lipstick will do the trick. It would be a plus if you combine it with an easy, but pretty hairstyle. Nowadays, you can find tons of pretty hairstyle tutorials on the internet (Pinterest or Youtube, anyone?).

2. Stick to Lightweight Clothing

Lightweight tops and dresses are definite summer must-haves. Seriously. It's even better if the item of clothing is loose or billowy because a. you won't have to struggle trying to get it on you and b. this will give you room to breathe and won't make you sweat profusely because sweating like a pig is just not attractive. No. By the way, I haven't seen a pig sweat yet. Have you? Do share.

3. Wear Shorts... or skirts

Jeans can be uncomfortable especially when you're experiencing the summer heat. Summer in the Philippines can be quite unbearable (to me, personally) and wearing jeans are just too constricting so I opt for shorts instead, plus they're faster to slip into and you'll no doubt have awesome luck finding one with fun details and/or fabrics like lace. Set aside your jeans and bring out your shorts and/or skirts! Let your legs breathe! Don't feel comfortable showing some legs? Then wear lightweight pants or longer skirts. Or you know, maybe your thighs will get slimmer from all the sweating your legs will be doing in those constricting denim jeans.

4. Wear Flattering Flat Sandals

There will be days when even slipping our feet into a pair of heels or sneakers will feel like too much work and flip flops can look kind of shabby (unless you live by the beach). Flat sandals are your best friends during the summer! They can be dressy or laid back without looking too shabby. I also think that flattering flat sandals are great options especially if you want to show off your cute pedicure. 

5. When in Doubt, Accessorize! 

Accessories have the power to transform your look from plain to fabulous. Try wearing a plain shirt and a pair of shorts and you'll look just that. Plain. But if you add say, statement earrings or a cool pair of shades or maybe even a colorful scarf, then you'd look a hell of a lot more interesting. 

photo credit: Mlle Tortue via photopin cc

Borrowing from the Boys

As much as I love getting all dressed up, there are times (okay, most of the time) wherein I just don't have the energy to go through my clothes and carefully put together an ensemble especially when I have nowhere special to go or if it's an impromptu trip. My ordinary day of going out somewhere random would be sticking my head in the closet and pulling out whatever is available... or clean, and usually I don't really like whatever is available so I proceed to go through my brother's or my boyfriend's clothes and choose a tee or button down.

Case in point:

shirt: pilfered from my brother's closet; jeans: American Eagle; shoes: Charles & Keith

What I like most about wearing men's clothing is the laid back comfort it brings and that you can style it in a way that looks effortless yet voguish. My favorite items of clothing to steal borrow from my brother or boyfriend's closet are: button-down shirt, tees, and sweaters/hoodies. On a lazy day, I just wear them with jeans or shorts and I'm good to go. But if I wanted to spruce things up a bit, I would style these items of clothing with a pair of heels and/or an eye-catching item like a colourful purse or a kitschy accessory. 

A word of caution though: As much as possible, make sure that the clothes you are borrowing aren't extremely large in size for you; we don't want to look like we're swimming in our clothes, do we? Trust me, it's never a flattering look. If you find that that is the case with your brother/boyfriend/father's clothes, then you're better off buying your own stuff at the men's section instead.