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3.28.2013

Staples & Statements - Lesson 1

"I have nothing to wear... ugh!"

How many times have you and I uttered those perilous words of hopelessness? How many times have you just stood in front of your closet and stared into it hoping something fabulous would appear? And how many times have you been late to some event because you "have nothing to wear" so you just grab that plain black dress you always wear??? Too many times to count I imagine, but there's a simple explanation for this.

Your wardrobe isn't just clothing, accessories and shoes in a closet behind two bi-fold doors. It's an organized system of wardrobe staples and statement pieces... or at least it should be. But not everyone grasps this concept. If you have the right staples and accent with unique statement pieces you can create virtually any look you want that's all you. And obviously, the more staples and the more statement pieces you collect... the more combinations you can create.

What are wardrobe staples???
Some people think wardrobe staples are anything black, when that's not necessarily true. Staples can be any classic colors such as black, navy blue, gray, cream or white (depending on the time of year) and even red if it's the right shade.

So, how do I know what staples I have and which ones' I need?
Take some time and go through your closet (or hire personal stylist, like me, to help). Here's a starter list of what you will need:

1. Black heels
2. Black blazer
3. White button-up shirt, white tshirts (v-necks are flattering on every women)
4. Handbag (black, brown and deep red)
5. Pencil skirt (black or gray)
6. Black dress
7. Cardigan (in any of the classic colors)
8. Dark wash denim jeans (in any cut that flatters your figure)
9. Cognac brown boots
10. Black leggings or tights

Whatever you don't have you can purchase one piece at a time. Remember: Staples are classic, timeless, and quality items that you can wear all year round to most any activity or event your participate. They should be classic colors and multi-purpose items stretch your wardrobe even further.

What are statement pieces???
Statement pieces are generally accessories, jewelry, shoes, etc. aside from your wardrobe staples. My motto is "the bigger, the bolder, the better". Metallics, vintage or ultra modern, graphic patterns, bright colors (or colors in general) are an example of what to look for when choosing statement pieces.

Statement pieces are what makes your style unique. They are whatever you like that brings a look together. Statement pieces are not limited to accessories, they can be any item you choose from a graphic print skirt to a vintage dress you thrifted. Statements are the opposite of staples. The key is balance. Too many statement pieces can make you look gaudy and cheap, but one or two statement pieces strategically placed will make you look and feel expensive and classy.



Black fitted blazer - Must have staple


Black pumps - Must have staple


The black bag - Must have staple

Staple - The Right Shade of Red

Modern Staple - Match with any color!

Statement Piece - Animal Print

Statement Piece - Chunky Necklace

3.22.2013

Love & Leopard

So, I've been Poshing again, Chicas! Prepared I was to buy some fabulous black Jessica Simpson Mary-Jane style platform heels, but the seller, a friend of mine, couldn't find them :( But it was okay; all was not lost because I got these Leopard beauties instead!

I have been trying to find the perfect leopard heels with a print that didn't look faded or cheap... but my search went on uncompleted until this fateful day!

As soon as I got home I put them on and boy were they comfortable for 5" heels. I was infatuated, sooo in love. I adore leopard!

Check em out... and don't be jealous! Lol

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica





3.19.2013

Native Color

So it's been a while Chica's! I've been busy running my business and selling everything in my closet. I've done well so far, but it is hard work.

While working, I put this outfit together (I'm selling this skirt, if you're interested). I realized I could kill two birds with one stone, selling and blogging; working smart not harder.

This skirt is from Fashion Bug, the print and vibrancy of the skirt excited me so that I purchased it without even having anything to pair it with. I'm glad I did.

What do you think?

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

3.06.2013

I'm On Poshmark!

So, it's been a while Chica's! My schedule has been so hectic with kids, school, church activities, and job hunting... well finally I have an interview, a really BIG one next week, so I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that I get it.

A little news, I'm finally selling on poshmark! So, check out my closet and let's make a deal. I'm also taking on new clients. If you are looking for a personal stylist or shopper, please shoot me an email. And you don't have to live in my state for me to be your personal shopper. I'm everywhere thanks to the wonders of technology :) Here's a sneak peek of my closet! More items are added daily. Click here to see/follow my closet :)






More outfits are coming and the feature of Cultured-Girl! So keep and eye out for the latest with GeekChicChica!

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

2.28.2013

Kelly Cognac Polka Dots

Morning Chica's! It's almost spring right? Well, it doesn't matter either way to me because I love bright colors. Today's outfit is the very essence of that. I can't wait for spring so I've already started :)

I paired my blue polka dot dress with a kelly green cardigan and chandelier necklace. I threw on my cognac boots for comfort, but also because they are a neutral shoe.

I am loving the result! What do you think?



Cardigan - Old Navy
Necklace - Madrag
Dress - Thrifted
Boots - Dots
Clutch - Thrifted

Total for this outfits: $61.46


February Find #28


Well Chica's, this is the very last Fab February Find as it is the last day of the month and I thought I'd showcase an item that is the very essence of what I'm feeling right now... bright and cheery, fun and playful.

I grabbed these flats from Old Navy on clearance for $8.99 and I can't wait to wear them this spring. Of course, they are in one of my favorite colors, yellow! The reason I chose these as the last Fab February Find is because they are sort of the culmination of all my Fab February Finds.

They are light, fun, casual, playful, feminine, bright and comfortable. Everything I post on my blogs fits in several of these categories, but ALL of them must be comfortable. With two children, I need stylish clothing and accessories that I don't have to fuss with, but still look great in. I don't worry when I get a stain on them, I just wash them out or buy something new :) I swear my closet should have rotating doors lol.

Anyhow, there it is, #28. I'll see you Chica's in March ;)

2.27.2013

Pretty In Pleats

Afternoon Chica's! I am super in love with this blue vintage a-line skirt I thrifted. I paired it with my black sheer top and gold accessories. The pleats and the length of the skirt made me feel almost like I was transported back into the Victorian era, but with a modern edge.

There's not much else to say except that I will definitely be wearing it a lot more with different tops. Check out the other outfit that I put together with this pleated skirt (below) for a lighter feel.

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

Fab February Find #27

Today's Fab February Find is handmade. Yes! I made these. I had a pair of brown earring that I loved that were beginning to chip because I wore them so much lol

So, I got rid of all the paint and this beautiful iridescent shell color was underneath! I added a glass bead to each earring that would add a little color and viola!

I ended up with these fabulous earrings :)

2.26.2013

Fab February Find #26


Morn-ting Chica's! I'm having an amazing morning. I just found out last night that all my hard work has paid off and I was invited and accepted into the honor society! (applause lol) I'm so excited!

But, today's Fab February Find is this yellow wooden necklace that I got for Christmas. My grandmother is the queen of giving some of the most unique and useful gifts. One year she got a spinning toothbrush, which I loved, and toothpaste :)

This particular year, we all sat in my aunt's kitchen and played the numbers game for each item she pulled out of the bag. This is one of the pieces I won. It's a basic necklace, but it looks very worn, which I like. This is definitely going to be one of my spring season staples. You guys know that I love yellow! :)

2.25.2013

Peplum & Pink Chic


While trying to find an outfit for church yesterday, I had many options, but was limited because of the weather. However, I managed to snap a few picks before my ride arrived of some of the outfits I had to choose from.

This one is a lace peplum top, hot pink pencil skirt and  a aqua blue chunky necklace (that I have yet to wear might I add). I like the contrast of the pops of color while the black serves as a very classic background. Now, that I think of it, I should've just worn this outfit with my black close-top pumps by Marc Fisher, but these shoes are banging tho. I wanted to wear them sooo bad lol

In any case, I didn't, but once all the snow is gone, this outfit it waiting in the wings :)


Lace Peplum - Dots
Hot Pink Pencil Skirt - Thrifted
Clutch - Thrifted
Guess PeepToe Pumps - Posmark
Necklace - Fashion Bug

Total Outfit Cost: $35.29

Fab February Find #24 & #25

Morning Chica's! Hope everyone is having a beautiful and productive day. I know I am.

These fab finds were actually gifted to me by a fellow blogger before she started her blog, 803urbanclass :) I believe there were for my 27th birthday and I'm telling you, I wear the necklace a lot. It's even been broken and repaired a few times which has changed it from it's original design, but still very fun and feminine.

These earrings were longer, but because I have a shorter neck, I just adjusted them so compliment my face. Besides, I hate when earring drag on my shoulders. It totally misses the point of having long earring :)

In a few days, February will be over and that will be the end of Fab February Finds... however, I may start March Madness to keep you all up to speed on my ever-growing closet :)

Caio Chica's! XO

2.24.2013

Vintage Floral

Happy Sunday, Chica's! I'm on my way to church today and thought you guys would love to see the outfit I chose today after trying on everything in my closet :) I ended up choosing this vintage floral print dress that I thrifted several months ago and haven't worn. Today, is her debut :)

I paired the dress with my tan blazer (for church, but could easily be worn without it), my gold-tipped pumps, coral necklace and white leather purse. I also added an acrylic bangle in pure white (after I snapped the photo apparently).

What do you think of my look? :)

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica


Blazer - thrifted
Dress - thrifted
Necklace - MadRag
Bangle - thrifted
Leather Ana Handbag - Gifted to me by my mom

2.23.2013

Fab February Find #23

I found this vintage bib necklace while thrifting. It's a cream and smokey blue color. I don't know what the material is, but the blue remind of me small pieces of slate, which give the necklace a very cool and rustic feel.

$0.99 Chica's!

Fab February Find #22

This ring... I love! I don't have any other rings like it. It covers almost my entire ring finger and the antique, medieval feel reminds me of something Maid Marion would have worn in the Robin Hood movie.

I found this at Pay Half for a little under $5.

Fab February Find #18, #19, #20 & #21

Chica's, I've been shopping up a storm online and at the mall... I have a slight addiction to shoes. Just a slight one lol I love all heel heights, most colors, and vintage-esque pumps like the champagne and gold tipped shoes I blogged about earlier today. I'm still swooning over those lovelies. Here are a few pair that I bought on PoshMark this week.


Jessica Simpson - "Fade to Black" Peep Toe Pumps

Suede Guess Pointy Toe Booties

Mesh & Leather Guess Peep Toe Pumps

Nine West Leather Cutout Wedges
I made out like a bandit purchasing the first three pair at 3/$25 on PM and the Nine West Wedges were part of another bundle where I got two pair of shoes for $20 (so they were $10). I did say that I had a slight shoe addiction right? Ok :)

Gold Tipped Pumps

When I came across these Midas Touch, gold-tipped pumps, I thought they were exquisitely beautiful. I had to have them. The 3" champagne colored shoes become a million times more interesting with the gold accents. Plus, gold-tipped shoes are in.

I love that they are neutral and can be dressed up or down. I used the shoes as an inspiration for this outfit. I paired it with my favorite dark wash wide leg denim pants, my chambray top and cream v-neck sweater. And because it's cold as all get out up here in the Northeast, I threw on my tan blazer.

The look is rather geek chic if I don't say so myself :) Neutral with... a pop of color!

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica



Necklace - MadRag
Cream Sweater - Old Navy
Chambray Shirt - Land's End
Blazer - Thrifted
Denim Jeans - Sears
Shoes - PoshMark

2.22.2013

Vintage 80s Skirt Dress

Chica's, this is my outfit from yesterday. I found this vintage skirt from the 80's... yes, I said skirt... at the thrift store, but it was way too long for my frame. The length made me look short, but I bought the skirt anyway, thinking "oh I'll just hem it to the length I want."

I got home and remembered that I lent my sewing machine to my mother... bad hit! So, as I'm standing in the mirror, trying on different things with the skirt. I pulled it all the way up to see what it would look like shorter.

It looked exactly like what I wanted and even had a hi-lo effect that you see on trendy dresses and skirts. Then it hit me!

Just wear it as a skirt dress! So I did :) I added a belt for some structure and to break up the print. I paired it with tights, boots and a cropped 3/4 sleeve cardigan.

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

Necklace - MadRag
Cardigan - Old Navy
Skirt Dress - Thrifted
Belt - (from another dress)
Tights - Walmart
Boots - PoshMark

2.21.2013

Fab February Find #15, #16 and #17

Look what I found on POSHMARK!!! I think I'm a little addicted... no comment lol

This is the gold clutch I was blogging about in my last Fab February Find post... cute right?

I'm still waiting on these in the mail as I just ordered them last night :)

I am a sucker for chandelier earrings and these deep coral earring are to die for.

And these vintage-inspired earrings are my life right now. They are sooo... sexy! I can't wait to dress them up and down and all around.

Oh and did I mention? I got this entire bundle on PM for a whopping $10!!!! Yes, I am a bargain-deal-making diva :)

Fab February Find #14

Snagged these from MadRag. These over sized earrings are gorg and will be the perfect accompaniment to the gold clutch I ordered on Poshmark... oh did I forget to say that I ordered some other accessories online in addition to shopping???

The only thing that matter is that I feel better, right? :)

I adore the texture which makes them unique and at $3, I'm feeling good. All I need is an outfit to wear them with. Don't worry. I'll make sure I blog the outfit :)

Fab February Find #12 & #13

Morning Chica's!!! I'm having a great day. Probably because I'm still high off of the fabulous finds that I found yesterday.

So, I went out thrifting and even did a little retail therapy. I hadn't been feeling well the last few days and I thought that some shopping might make me feel better... I was totally right! LOL

I bought this necklace and because there were Buy One Get One 1/2 Off, I bought the same necklace in a different color!

$7.49 for each necklace!

I scored these pieces at MadRag.