Fun Ways to Wear a Scarf

Hi Everyone,

Woolen scarves are typically worn the traditional way during winter but if you have finer silk scarves, here are some fun ways to use them other than wearing it around your neck.

1. Skirt. Two scarves tied together at your hips can make the perfect cover for your swimsuit bottom.

2. Belt. Scarves can be used as women's belts as well. Liven up your denim with a colorful scarf. Fold it to a belt width, run it through the loops, and knot. Simple.

3. Bikini top. Your scarf can be turned into a bikini top. Fold it twice, wrap it around your chest and tie the ends around your back.

4. One-shoulder top. A large scarf is needed to accomplish this perfect beach party top. Bring two corners together and tie over your shoulder. The other two corners are tied at your back or the side of your waist.

5. Shawl. Sport some statement fashion jewelry with a scarf draped over your shoulders and tied in a knot in the front.

6. Bag or Hat Accessory. Add some color to your bag or hat by tying a scarf around the handles of your purse or around the crown of your summery hat.

hermes scarf image from beverly.net

7. Headband. Fold it lengthwise into a long strip, tie it at the base of your neck and allow the ends to fall down your back. Here is Nicole Richie wearing a fun yellow-orange scarf.

8. Bandana. A scarf can be used as a bandanna to protect your head from the sun. Fold it into a triangle and tie it at the base of your neck or under your chin. A fun alternative to wearing a hat.

9. Ponytail wrap. Add some style to your outfit by using a scarf to secure your hair. Wrap it around the base of your ponytail and spread it out over the length of your hair.

Have you used scarves in different ways? Comment and let us know.

$50 Giveaway - Ends March 15th

Hi Everyone -

We are working on expanding our jewelry collection and are conducting a short survey. In an effort to get responses to the survey, we are hosting a $50 giveaway. Please fill out the short 12 question survey at the link below. Winner will be picked using Random.org and sent a $50 coupon code valid for anything in our store, including sale items. We have a fun collection of fashion jewelry, silk belts and wallets. View the collection at our store.

Mandatory Entry Instructions:

• Complete our 12-question jewelry survey here
• In the last question of the survey "Other Comments", enter your username that you use to comment with.
• Comment on this post telling us you completed the survey.

Extra entries

• Post the giveaway link on your blog and comment here with the link (1 entry)
• Sign up for the Outfit Additions Newsletter at http://www.outfitadditions.com/ Comment here saying that you did. (1 entry)
• Use any of the social links below and leave a comment with the link of each social network you posted on. For instance, you could Digg, Stumble, Facebook, Twitter, Kirtsy, etc and leave a comment for each one that you did (1 entry each)

Giveaway ends on March 15th and the winner will be announced on March 19th on our blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be picked.

Open only to US residents 18+.

If you have any questions, email me at: amoosa at outfitadditions dot com.

Thanks,
Ash

Jewelry for Your Little Black Dress

Hi Everyone, Here are 9 ways to accessorize your black dress -

1. First date - Match your dress with comfortable ballerina flats, stud earrings and a charm bracelet. Great for looking sweet and feminine - you'll look beautiful without overdoing it.

2. Formal - For a formal event such as a wedding, long white gloves would look elegant, especially with a glittering diamond ring.

3. Work - It's not often you wear a little black dress to work but if you do, accessorize with little stud earrings, a jacket and pumps. Keep it simple.

4. Walking around town - A charm bracelet and simple drop earrings complete the look. After all, you want to be comfortable and not heavily accessorized when running errands, shopping or meeting friends.

5. Garden Party - Wear a scarf, hoop earrings and gypsy-style patterned wooden or resin necklaces for a fun look.

6. The Opera - Class and chic is essential to this occasion. Petite silver jewelry is the way to go with as many sparkles as you can manage. If you can't splurge for diamonds, go with rhinestones, crystals or gemstones.

7. Cocktail party - This is a great occasion to try some statement jewelry - chunky necklaces, brooches and large earrings are great options to consider.

8. Dinner party -  Perhaps a delicate gemstone necklace and stud earrings? If you're feeling more daring, don't hesitate to bring out the chandelier earrings.

9. Clubbing - It's time to let your hair down! Throw on some dangly chains and earrings and let them sway with the music.

Comments?

iPhone Fashion Apps

Hi Everyone,

Here are some fashion apps for your iPhone. Try them out and let us know what you think. If you know of other good ones, please comment.

1. Trendstop TrendTracker. This app allows you to follow trend reports, uncover news feeds from the fashion industry and view photo galleries from fashion events all over the world. Free.

2. The Fashion Handbook. This one is all about current trends, styles, tips/tricks and more. Good app for fashionistas looking for the next big thing or the average woman looking for style tips. Cost: $9.99.

3. Seventeen Fashion Finder. This app gives you access to the pages of Seventeen Magazine. Perfect for the teen seeking the most current fashion jewelry and clothing, this app is a must-have! Free.

4. Bra-Fitter. This is useful when it comes to sizing yourself correctly. A majority of women are actually wearing the wrong size bra for various reasons - from feeling uncomfortable having a store worker size them to just not having the time. Cost: $1.99.

5. Closest Friend. A unique application, the Closest Friend allows you to archive pictures of what you wore for certain special events. If you have ever found yourself asking, "What fashion jewelry was I wearing at the wedding?" or "Which of my belts did I have on for that corporate meeting last month?" Cost: $0.99.

6. Tattoo Patterns. If you are looking for stylish body art but fail to think up the perfect pattern, this app can supply you with 128 different designer-quality ideas. Cost: $1.99.

7. Teen Vogue Haute Spot. This app gives you the ability to sneak a peek into the closet of an editor of Teen Vogue! The cost of this all-access pass is free for now, but may soon come with a charge.

8. Social Mall. This app is the perfect shopping companion. Browse interesting articles on clothing, fashion jewelry, and more. Free.

Jewelry Survey - We'd love your input!

Hi everyone,

We are working on expanding our fashion jewelry line and would love your input. Please take a couple minutes to fill out our short survey at the link below.

Only 12 questions. Will take 2 minutes to complete.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/jewelry

Thanks.

Affordable Gift Ideas for Mom

With the holidays around the corner, here are nine affordable and thoughtful gift ideas for your mom. These were written with Christmas in mind but they can be adapted to suit any gift giving occasion.

First, think about your moms personality. What helps her relax and unwind? What does she do for fun? Is she an artistic person? Is she an outdoors person? Does she usually prefer to stay in and read a book or go out on a hike? What have been your best moments together - when have you seen her having the most fun? Once you've jotted down a few thoughts, consider some of the below ideas.

Class: Sign her up for a class on something she'd like to do. A sport? Cook a certain cuisine? A dance class? There are so many evening or weekend classes at local community colleges for less than $100.

Plant: A plant is another thoughtful gift that will last a while - longer than flowers or chocolates and longer than most other generic gifts. You can buy a nice orchid for less than $20.

Photobook: These can be handmade in scrapbook style or you can pay for it by ordering one from a book printing site like blurb.com. These can be fairly inexpensive. Include photos of you together if you have them! Write some stories in them if you can.

Relaxation Kit: Make her a relaxation kit of items from local shops around your childhood home such as soaps, bubble bath, bath beads, and lotions.

Music: Burn a CD with songs that bring back memories. Maybe songs that were played around your house as a child, favorite Christmas hymns, or even a special song for each year you want her to remember.

Cookies or Pie: If you like to cook, bake her some cookies or a pie. It's easy to buy one but making it makes it special.

Card: This is a good idea if you've recently moved away from home. Make a card telling her about all your fond Christmases or other memories growing up, or even write her a poem, rhyming or not, about how much you care about her.

Christmas Memories: Find photographs from all your Christmases together and make a collection, putting it into a scrapbook, photo book, or collage in a frame or shadowbox.

Time: Sometimes, just spending time with your mom is good enough - especially if you don't see her often. Surprise her and go home.

Some of the ideas above are simple enough for anyone to do while some may take more time and work - but these are all affordable and thoughtful. If none of the above work, you can always fall back upon traditional options like flowers, jewelry, fashion accessories or maybe a book. But she's your mom - she's going to love anything you give her. So try and make it as special as you can.

Accessorizing Tips for Plus Size Women

Here are some tips and tricks on how to use jewelry and shoes to give yourself a slimmer silhouette.

Medium Length Necklaces:
Wear a medium length necklace with medium sized beads or gemstones. A short necklace tends to give more attention to the neck, which is probably something you want to avoid. On the other hand, if the necklace is too long, it accentuates a large bustline. So stick with a medium length necklace with medium sized beads or gemstones.

Avoid wearing circular pendants. Circular shapes accentuate the shape of a round body, so square or rectangular shapes work better.

Long Earrings:
Wearing long dangly earrings tends to make your face appear slimmer by elongating the lines of your face. Remember that when you wear long statement earrings, you should wear a simple necklace. Wearing two bold pieces of jewelry generally tends to look busy.

Wear a Belt:
Wear a slim to medium-width belt. A belt instantly defines a waist line and gives the impression of an hour glass figure. Some say that a thin belt is best for a larger waist line, and others say that a medium-width belt high on the waist has the same effect.

If possible, wear a belt with a square buckle - as we mention above, circular shapes make you look rounder so square buckles tend to work better.

Heels:
Wear heels if you can. Similar to wearing long earrings, long heels instantly make you look taller, and hence slimmer. Like the age-old advice of wearing dark colors, wear dark colored shoes as well. It'll make your legs looks slimmer, especially if you're wearing a short dress. To take it a step further, wear shoes with thin long heels. Wearing chunky heels defeats the purpose.

But as always, whatever you wear should make you feel good. Dressing up is all about expressing yourself. Wearing what makes you feel good gives you confidence. No fashion advice or trend should suggest otherwise.

Feel free to comment with other tips...