(Photo Credit)

Whether it’s the good stuff or fun jewelry, every girl should know how to pick jewelry that’s going to look the best on her.  Here are my 5 tips to help you pick out jewelry for a woman (whether that’s you or someone you know!):

1) Choose colors that match what you have in your closet. If you wear a lot of blue, for example, then select a few pieces with blue in them.  Perhaps a necklace has all blue beads on it, another has black, silver, and blue, and yet another includes yellow and blue.  You can then mix and match any of them with what you have to create different looks.

2) Add a pop of color. If you wear a lot of black or grey, try adding color with jewelry.  For example, red or pink with black is quite striking.  Try selecting a few different colors that will make your outfit pop (think yellow, coral, teal, pink, red).

(Yellow necklace and tank under a blazer.  It still looks professional, but the pop of color adds interest.)

3) Take your size into account. If you have larger wrists, stick with bangle vs. cuff bracelets as they might make your wrist look too thick.  Larger rings or wide bracelets might be too overbearing if you’re really petite.  For example, I bought my sister this wide cuff bracelet as a gift.  It looked nice on me, but I’m 5’6″ and she’s 5″.  It didn’t appear as flattering on her because I didn’t take her size into consideration when selecting it.  I guess that turned out well for me as I now have a new bracelet. 

4) Don’t wear large everything. Meaning don’t wear large earrings with a statement necklace, plus a cuff bracelet and statement ring.  It’s too much.  Rather, only wear the statement necklace and bracelet, or long earrings and statement ring.  Big earrings are in right now and pairing them with an oversized necklace will look too overdone and cheesy.  Either go without or wear a dainty necklace that complements the earrings, but doesn’t detract from them.

(Statement earrings and ring on Beyonce.  No necklace.  Photo credit.)

(Here she is again wearing a statement diamond necklace and small diamond earrings. Photo credit.)

5) Buy varying necklace lengths for various necklines. A boat neck top looks best with a choker or long necklace.  A sweetheart neckline would be good with a tiered or large statement piece because you have the room for it to lay on your skin (It shouldn’t lay half on your chest, half on your top.  After a while, part of it will slide into your top and you’ll be fixing it the rest of the day or night.)  Long necklaces, whether single strand or cascading, multiple strands, look best with turtlenecks.

(Here’s Debra Messing wearing a statement necklace with a sweetheart neckline and no earrings. Photo Credit)

What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?

- Violet

What to Wear: 5 Tips When Picking Jewelry is a post from: Violet Revolution

So I started thinking are there any stylish, warm weather boots out there?  Surprisingly, there are, but you have to look for them.

Sorel boots have gained popularity this winter.  I can vouch that this fur trim pair looks way better in person.  They even make a style that has crystals instead of little studs on the boot instead.  Of course, because of the rubber at the bottom, they’re quite easy to keep clean.

Ugg has branched out into other styles this winter.  This low wedge, sweater shaft boot still has the sheepskin lining, but a little more structure around the foot.

This rhinestone embellished pair is perfect for the fashionista out there.  Not only are they adorable, but they also have faux-shearling lining inside to keep your tootsies warm.

My personal favorite is these all-over furry boots, but that could be because of my fur accessories this year.

I may have to venture out into the cold to get these!  What about you, what are your favorite boots this winter?

-Violet

What to Wear: 4 Warm (& Stylish) Boots You Need Now is a post from: Violet Revolution

(Photo Credit)

Besides, it’s going to be another great year for fashion, and this year will be better than ever! Spring runways showcased floral prints, sheer tops, and several even brought back bell-bottoms.  So when you sort through all of your clothes, make sure to keep that in mind.

(Photo Credit)

I’ll keep it simple for you with 3 quick closet cleaning tips and a checklist of Do’s and Don’ts for what to add (& keep, you trendsetter you) for Spring!

1) You’ve maybe heard it before, but it’s true.  If you haven’t worn something in over a year, donate it.  If you can’t part with it just yet, store it somewhere, be it your parents’ house or a storage locker in your building.  You’d be surprised how you won’t even remember it, and can donate it later.

2) Sort clothes by style, then color.  Put all jeans together, dress pants, tops, etc. together.  Then sort, where applicable, by color.

3) Assess your needs against what you have.  If you have 10 pairs of jeans and you wear jeans 1 time/week, you probably aren’t wearing a different pair each week.  There’s probably only a few go-to pairs you rely on.  Keep those, get rid of the rest.   Then look at the colors in your wardrobe.  Are all your tops one color?  If so, you probably need to get rid of at least 5 of the 10 white tops you have and add some flattering colors to your wardrobe.

Do Add (or Keep):

• Sheer Tops
• High Waisted Jeans & Trousers
• Wooden Heels
• Floral prints and garden shades (think poppy, honeysuckle pink, and moss green)
• Bright and bold colors (think orange, magenta, teal)

Don’t Clutter your Closet with:

• Boring patterns
• Too many floral prints (you don’t want to seem like you raided an old folks home for leftover fabric)
• Excessive biker looks (although they’ll still be in, a few key pieces are enough)
• Uggs (Sorry, Uggs should not be worn in Spring.  AND never wear Ugg slippers in public.  Slippers are for indoors.  I saw someone wearing these in a restaurant last week…not a fan.)

I hope everyone is keeping up with their New Years Resolutions!  Don’t dread being at work too much!  After all, how else are you going to fund your shopping habits? 

- Violet

2011 Guide: How to Clean Out Your Closet is a post from: Violet Revolution

Not too familiar with The Working Wardrobe?  It’s where Rachel helps make it possible to look stylish in the corporate working world.  Not too familiar with Cerato?   Well, Cerato is not only one of the latest Chicago boutiques, it’s also is one of the few that features Chicago designers.   While visiting, we also ran into Jules, who was finishing up Cerato’s 12 Days of Christmas event with her jewelry trunk show.  As you’ll soon see, Jules lent a hand in blinging us out for the holidays!  We had such a blast picking out clothes and styling each other!  So much so that Rachel wound up going back and purchasing one of the items featured in the video!  Can you guess which one it is? Let’s watch and find out!

Below is more info. on the Chicago designers featured in our video, just in case you get the itch, like Rachel, to drop by and make a purchase of your own!

And…for more style advice for all your working wardrobe needs, visit The Working Wardrobe, or connect on Facebook or Twitter.

Happy Holidays everyone!

- Violet

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Rachel Look #1:

Anna Fong “Zoe” sequined dress

Brynn Capella oversized clutch

Earrings by Jules

Juxtapose vintage ring

Rachel Look #2:

Anna Fong “Blake” leather jacket (Did you miss it???  Rachel just couldn’t stop thinking about this jacket, so she bought it!  Sometimes the best gifts for the holidays are the ones you give yourself.  )

Ali Ro ruffle dress

Jules Spinal Fusion earrings

Nancy Look #1:

Kate Boggiano tweed “Maggie” jacket

Jenny Han zig-zag tunic

Kristin Hassan wrap black skirt

The Wrist Wring bracelet and earrings by Jules

Brynn Capella clutch

Miriam Cecilia shoe attachments

Nancy Look #2:

C/FAN fur hood/scarf

Horacio Nieto “Nera” red party dress

Kate Boggiano “Alexandra” jacket

Bijoux layers necklace by Jules

Miriam Cecilia shoe attachments

Watch how the Working Wardrobe & Violet Revolution bring Holiday Looks to YOU from Cerato Boutique! is a post from: Violet Revolution

While the slew of holiday lacquer collections are perhaps a bit, well, expected — deep cranberry hues and dark purples, balanced with universally-flattering neutrals like soft pinks and golden taupe — but that doesn’t make them any less gorgeous! After all, there’s something to be said about the classic prettiness of signature holiday hues — in fact, a holiday nail set without more predictable shades would hardly seem like a holiday collection at all! Regardless, it’s nice to see some sets switch things up with a few fun bonus shades; for example, Deborah Lippmann’s show-stopping copper Superstar shade, and Sephora Collection’s sleek metallics in addition to its classic red and emerald. Given that these shades are on the “traditional” side, they’re perfect for the friend who loves her manicures but doesn’t necessarily already have her own extensive at-home collection! And even if she does already have one or two of the shades included, it doesn’t hurt to have another in a boast-worthy brand like Nars or MAC, especially when it comes to goes-with-anything pearly lacquers and pretty neutral tones that she’s bound to get plenty of use out of!

- By Our Fellow Fashionista, Alex Gambardella, of The Find

TheFind: Holiday Nail Lacquer Sets For The Pal Who Stays Polished! is a post from: Violet Revolution

Recently, I stopped in Calvin Tran on Armitage to find some holiday dresses for all types of parties.  Tran’s designs are best known for their sleek, refined sexiness and versatility, as most pieces can be worn multiple ways.  Wallflowers, get ready to step out of the corner because Tran’s styles will get you noticed for sure.

I picked out these eye-catching, yet work-appropriate outfits for an upcoming office holiday party:

The luminous patterned ivory skirt could be paired with a black 3/4 sleeve top as shown, with a strapless top for more of a cocktail party look or a blazer for a more conservative look.

For New Year’s Eve, I want to look red-hot in this fun one-sleeved dress or saunter into a fancy soiree in this sexy backless black gown.  If you’re looking to leave a path of drool behind you, this is the dress for you.

I loved both the chartreuse yellow and navy one-shoulder top and skirt for their versatility.  You could wear either to a holiday party, on New Year’s Eve, or for another non-holiday occasion.  The skirt can be worn a multitude of ways, so you can get a variety of other looks out of it as well.

Want to see more Calvin Tran designs?  Watch him on the latest season of the hit BRAVO show The Fashion Show hosted by Isaac Mizrahi and Iman!

Are you going to any holiday parties this year?  What are you planning to wear?

-Violet

What to Wear: Get Noticed in Holiday Looks from Calvin Tran! is a post from: Violet Revolution

If you’re not familiar with them, you can literally create any size bag (cosmetic, tote, laptop, overnight, clutch, etc., etc.) from tons of prints and styles.  Here’s how it works:

They work their magic and…Viola:

Seems easy, huh?

Here’s a few styles we saw…

…but what we really want right now are these holiday handbags!  Forget a boring black bag, jazz up your outfit with one of the cuties in luxe holiday fabrics!

They obviously make good gifts for you, a loved one, YOU; and there’s still time to order yours for Christmas (no later than the 5th, so tick-tock).

Check them out at Glitter today at the Chicago Cultural Center and get 15% off!

Do you own a 1154 Lill Bag?  Why do you love it?  Which is your favorite?

-Violet

Holiday Handbags – What’s your Style? is a post from: Violet Revolution

Now, I get that putting together an entire outfit to run a quick errand is probably a time-waster.  I get that.  Yours truly has done this at some point herself.  However, if I’m meeting some friends for brunch and to browse the latest merchandise, I make an effort.

I feel like most women try to look put together in the city neighborhoods, but sometimes on Michigan Ave., and usually in the ‘burbs, things are bleak.  Coordinating Juicy velour sweats and Uggs does not an outfit make.  If you’re single, what type of an impression do you think you’re giving off to a potential beau?

So if you are guilty of this behavior, how can you turn it around?

In honor of Black Friday weekend, here’s some tips and looks to help you look your best while testing your credit card limits:

1) Wear (some) makeup.  Some of you may be planning to sit all night in a Target parking lot, and are thinking: I don’t really care what I look like.  I get that, but it never fails that is also when I will to run into someone I know.  I also find that whenever I intend to do a quick errand, it takes longer than I anticipated, and I wind up spending my whole day without makeup on.  Doesn’t have to be a lot of makeup.  Some powder to even out the skin tone, maybe a light coat of mascara, a dust of blush, or swash of lip gloss can give you an overall fresh look.

2) Ditch the sweats/matching tracksuits.  Try wearing denim to the mall or boutiques with a cute printed tee.  I at least opt for that when running errands.

3) Integrate trendier pieces over time.  Maybe it’s flat riding boots with skinny jeans and a printed tee today, and a military jacket and jeans or a tunic with leggings tomorrow.  Try to add at least 1 of the latest trends into your look each time you go out.

Need more inspiration?  Check out these put-together, yet casual and shopping-friendly looks:

(Top Right Photo taken by Marcin Szocinski)

Are you planning to shop this weekend?  Where are you planning to go?

Still not sure you can pull it off?  Let’s talk.

- Violet

Lookbook: How to Look Fabulous Shopping (even at the Grocery Store!) is a post from: Violet Revolution

I have two problems with the jean thing:1. It’s a holiday, we should look nice since we are celebrating something and 2. Jeans are tight, and when you are eating, they tend to be uncomfortable. The first time we decided on the jean thing, I was against it. I had a really cute dress I was looking forward to wearing, so I wore it anyway.  A part of me was happy with my decision because I was comfortable during and after the meal but another part of me was unhappy because I was way overdressed compared to everyone else.

The following year, I bit the bullet and wore jeans, but I dressed them up.  Instead of wearing flats, I wore a cute pair of heels and I wore a silk tank with a blazer. I felt comfortable because I fit in with the family (and their jeans), and I felt good that I dressed it up (it is a Holiday, afterall).

Do you feel this way too around the holidays?  If so, here’s my tips for anyone who needs to dress casual for the holidays:

1) Mix and match. You don’t want to be too casual for a holiday because it is a celebration and an event with your family. I’ve noticed A LOT of lace this season and think lace is a great way to dress things up. Whether it’s a lace top with jeans or a lace skirt with a plain tee and some tights, it’s a great way to add a bit of class and fancy to your ensemble.

2) Accessorize. Accessorize.  Accessorize.  Maybe wear a glitzy headband that really makes you and your outfit stand out. I’m a HUGE headband fan, and think they’re great to really add a pop to your ensemble. For example, I like to wear all black, but I tend to feel like it’s boring, so I add a feather or jeweled headband.  You could also do this with jewelry too, by incorporating some sparkly or colorful, chunky jewelry with your outfit.

(click photo for more info)

3) Opt for leggings.  If a holiday event calls for casual and you know you’ll be eating a lot, leggings are great to wear. You can easily dress up leggings by wearing a babydoll dress or any nice top/dress (you can wear leggings with anything as long as covers your behind).  A great way to dress up your leggings and make your legs look longer are a great pair of heels. I’m a big fan of booties right now, and with the weather being colder during the holiday season, they are a great way to be a bit more practical while being stylish. (Check out this look combining lace and leggings for Thanskgiving!)

Click here for more Thanksgiving outfit tips!

What to Wear: How to Dress Casual Chic for Thanksgiving! is a post from: Violet Revolution

Q: I just don’t know what to look for when shopping for boots. I have seen a lot of people wearing over-the-knee boots but don’t really understand how to wear them. Any suggestions?

A: This is a great question. There are many types of decisions that must be made when selecting the perfect over the knee boot. Here are 3 tips to keep in mind:

1) Select the proper shade:

In a practical sense, try going with a boot shade that may be worn with a variety of different outfits. When shopping, try to picture the handbag you’ll wear with these boots or the type of jewelry that you most commonly wear.  Matching your boots to your bag and hardware on your boots with your jewelry are two ways of ensuring a complete look.

Photo Credit

2) Lengthen the leg:

Over-the-knee boots are designed to lengthen the leg. Therefore, perhaps you don’t need a heel to create the illusion of length. Flat over-the-knee boots may be a better option, and may turn out to be more practical for everyday use.  If you’re one of those women who must wear a heel, steer away from a stiletto heel to avoiding looking too intense. Instead, opt for a chunkier heel.

Always be aware of your proportions too.  Wearing over-the-knee boots typically demands wearing a skirt or dress. Leave roughly a five or six-inch gap between the end of your skirt and the beginning of your boot creates the illusion of length.  If you are on the shorter side and the gap is less, opt for a knee high boot instead.

Photo Credit

3) Avoid boots that stretch:

Another problem with boots is that they tend to stretch—sometimes a lot. When purchasing boots it is hard to know how much or how little the leather will stretch. To avoid this problem ask the store clerk how the boots stretch. Many times the clerk will have a lot of insight to what other purchasers have said about these boots.

I once bought two of the same pairs of boots in different colors. Because I was in a hurry, I didn’t try on one pair and assumed they fit in the same way as the other.  Much to my surprise, when I went to wear my new black boots I could not get them on my foot! I went back to talk with the store clerk who told me that the dyes in certain boots tend to toughen the leather. Thus, a black pair of boots will not fit in the same way as the brown pair. Luckily I was able to return the boots for a different size.  I have since learned my lesson and now always ask in advance how the boots stretch!

Let us know when you wear your favorite boots!

-Violet

Q&A: If the Boot Fits…Wear It (Over the Knee)! is a post from: Violet Revolution