Fashion

More is More

It’s probably no surprise that my style philosophy is “More is More”. It applies whether you consider yourself to be a style minimalist or a maximalist, like me. Adding more elements to an outfit will take it from bland to grand. Even just one additional element makes a significant difference.

I know Coco Chanel is credited with saying, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Now, I’m telling you to put something else on before leaving the house. I would argue that Ms. Chanel was already layered in many elements that elevated her outfits, and thus, still looked amazing after removing an item.

Conversely, style icon Iris Apfel never met an accessory or piece of clothing that she wouldn’t layer on top of others, and she looks amazing while doing so. Here style is a literal explosion of color, pattern, and accessories of every kind. Nothing explains her style more than her belief that, “More is more, and less is a bore.”

I accepted the reality that more is more after a few instances of getting dressed in relatively basic outfits, and thinking they didn’t work. I’d end up scrapping the outfit and trying another one. One day I decided that I would not change the outfit, but would figure out how to make it work. Lo and behold, the more I added, the better it got. Like a scientist, I did this on repeat and the results were confirmed every time. Without a doubt, adding an element improved every outfit.

Here are my favorite simple additions you can make without a lot of thought, time, or expense:

Belts

I believe belts are at the top of the accessory pyramid. I’m always surprised to see people not utilizing the belt loops on pants. Apparently, they believe belts are only for holding up pants. In reality, empty belt loops are a huge missed opportunity to complete and elevate an outfit. Additionally, belts are great finishing pieces in spaces we don’t traditionally think of using them, such as over a blazer, or with a skirt or pants that have no belt loops. There are no rules.

Blazers/Cardigans

Blazers and cardigans are not for warmth. They allow you to add a layer to your outfit, which also give the outfit depth. Certainly, an outfit is technically complete with only a top and a bottom, but the additional layer is where the real style opportunity lies.

Statement Jewelry

Adding a chunky necklace, layering several necklaces (as Coco Chanel did, and Iris Apfel does), or adding a brooch can complete or elevate a look. The variety of jewelry options can add a range of feelings to your outift, from elegant to fun. Add bling with rhinestones or edge and funkiness with heavy metals. It’s up to you.

Hosiery/Socks

Hosiery and socks are like that friend you invite to the party because they always bring the fun. No matter how plain your outfit, a fun sock will change the whole effect. While I do love to add a printed sock or stocking to bring additional color and pattern to my looks, plain socks can do the job as well.

Ultimately all of these items add visual interest to an outfit, and make it look more complete. Next time you get dressed and feel as if the outfit doesn’t really work, trying adding something before giving up on the look.

Follow me on Instagram @mystyleismybrand for more suggestions to complete or elevate your outfits.

Shoes Made for Women by Women

I have finally found shoes that satisfy all of my footwear wants and needs. They are stylish, high quality and, most of all, COMFORTABLE. In my experience, many luxury brands make beautiful shoes that look almost like art, but do not feel so good on the feet. The cost of these shoes does not match up with their usefulness.

Recently, I sold a pair of Valentino Garavani pumps, that originally retailed for $945, and I wore only one time. They were a fabulous red with gold spike details, and with 4-inch-high heels, with a pitch that made me feel like I was going to fall forward at any moment. These shoes required valet parking, and sit-down dinner. No walking, no dancing, no standing. I never felt as good wearing them as the shoes looked.

It’s interesting to me that the top luxury brands for women’s shoes are mostly designed by men. These shoes are beautiful, but are often not practical. Only a woman really understands the compromises and sacrifices that women make to wear certain shoes. That understanding comes from experiences that begin in our adolescent years, with that first pair of pumps or pointy toed flats. It seems like there is always a trade-off.

The message seems to be, we can have a fabulously cute shoe, but it will not be comfortable. Amazingly, we buy that shoe anyway because it’s going to look fantastic with the new dress we plan to wear to our friend’s wedding. We then begin to calculate how much standing, dancing, or just walking we’ll be able to do for the day. The calculation rarely works out. Our feet are done long before the end of the event, and our party mood is killed.

On the other hand, are those shoes that are incredibly comfortable, but look like something your orthopedist or podiatrist might prescribe. We feel neither attractive nor stylish while wearing them. As a matter of fact, we probably pair these shoes with a big hat and dark shades, while out in public, so as not to be recognized while making that run to the market.

It is the rare shoe brand that delivers high style, premium construction, and comfort on a consistent basis. I’m talking about shoes that make you look and feel like a million bucks while wearing them. The kind of shoes that are built to last for years, and are worth the investment because you can wear them without making compromises with your feet or your style.

I have found three such brands, and they are all women-owned and designed brands. Shoes made by women who understand what we really want from our footwear.

The Office of Angela Scott

My husband gifted me my first pair of TOAS shoes in 2017, and I’ve been a fan ever since. All TOAS shoes are hand-crafted in Portugal, with traditional Goodyear Welt construction. Their loafers, oxfords, mid-heel shoes, and elevated combat-style boots will last for years, and can be re-soled. I describe the shoes as classic menswear-inspired styling with a distinctly feminine twist.

The Office of Angela Scott designs shoes for “Women Who Mean Business” and prioritizes using their platform to empower women and girls and occasionally donating a percentage of each sale to causes that do the same. Angela Scott is a former construction project manager turned shoe designer who understands that there is a dearth of well-made, comfortable, shoes for women on the market.

A sampling of my The Office of Angela Scott collection

This brand has become somewhat of an addiction for me and many other women who have been longing for beautiful, badass shoes that do not require a compromise between style and comfort. Honestly, I feel incredibly powerful every time I wear a pair of TOAS shoes.

Suzanne Rae

Suzanne Rae is a self-described feminist, and even has a “Feminist Pump” in the product line. These shoes are incredibly stylish and creatively styled. The full line-up includes everything from sandals to boots, though I am partial to the heeled loafers and low-heeled pumps.

The comments and compliments are many every time I wear my Suzanne Rae shoes. Their designs are creative and fun, yet timeless, and the construction is of the highest quality. Suzanne Rae is committed to environmentally responsible production in small family-owned factories.

Julia Bo

Julia Bo fulfills all fashionista dreams with the ability to create your own custom shoes design. They offer 32 different shoe styles including boots, oxfords, Mary Janes and loafers all starting under $200. You have the opportunity to customize everything from the sole to the shoe laces. Available materials include vinyl, leather, and fabric.

The customization tool is easy and fun to use. The hardest part is actually making choices because there are so many to choose. I couldn’t have been happier with my completed pair of shoes. The fit was perfect, the leather was soft and didn’t require a break-in period, and the quality if very good.

With these brands on the scene, I am no longer compromising comfort for style. You really can have it all.

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Add a Dash of Color

I love wearing color. Bright candy colors, jewel tones, pastels; you name it, I wear it. While, I also wear plenty of neutrals, wearing color brings me joy and gives me a mental lift. It had not occurred to me until I started providing styling services, that some people have a desire to wear color, but they do not do so for a variety of reasons. I always assumed it was a matter of preference. Boy, was I wrong! Women have shared with me that they lack the confidence to wear bright colors, are concerned about drawing attention to themselves, or they feel like they don’t know how to wear color without looking silly or childish.

My Assistant recently shared with me that she would love to own a red coat….someday, before she dies. I asked what was stopping her from purchasing one, and she replied that she while she loved red, she wasn’t sure she could pull off wearing a red coat. Similarly, my aunt shared with me that she owns a beautiful orange handbag, but does not carry it because she is concerned about drawing attention to herself.

If you relate to any of these feelings, my advice is to start small, try a little bit of color before making the big leap to that more significant colorful item you’ve been dreaming of. Once you start, it becomes a lot easier to incorporate other items. There is no magic involved. Color is for everyone, and can add a lot of joy to getting dressed every day. Here are four ways to add more color to your wardrobe without feeling overwhelmed or self-conscious:

Start small: use accessories to add a pop of color to your outfit. A colorful belt, hat, scarf, jewelry, watch, or socks, can change the look and feel of an outfit. If you typically wear dark or white neutrals, try a red belt for an easy outfit pick-me-up. If you’re a jeans and t-shirt kind of person, try a colored t-shirt rather than the traditional white, black, or gray.

Colorful belts and accessories add just the right pop of color. [Belts and watch are both found on Amazon]

Start with the feet: let your shoes bring the color. This is a great option for those of you that are nervous about wearing bright color near your face. Instead of a neutral shoe or basic black, reach for a colorful pump, sneaker, or flat. Most colors work great with just about any neutral color, making them versatile and easy to pair. Beware, people may stare at your feet!

Red shoes bring color to a basic jeans and white shirt combo. [Babi Circle from Preston Zly}

Wear it on your shoulder or in your hand: a colorful clutch or shoulder bag is a versatile way to bring in color. Handbags can be used with many different types of outfits, and don’t require a lot of thought to add to your look, just grab it and go.

A neutral look is given life with orange accessories.

Try a print: prints don’t have be wild or loud to add color to your look. Try a print with a neutral background and one color for accent.

Layering a patterned item underneath neutrals gives just a hint of color to keep things interesting. [Vest found on Amazon.com]

Now, get started with your very next outfit. Instead of reaching for that nude or black shoe or handbag, add a dash of color, and be sure to follow me on Instagram @MyStyleisMyBrand.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.