Beat the Heat-Summer Style Photos by David Spence

Whew, its hot outside! Check out these fun summery shots, taken by Tulsa photographer David Spence.

The T-Shirt is a great, casual way to beat the heat in the summer, and what's better than a fun, authentic vintage T? We have tons of different T's at Cheap Thrills, including this one. You can pair a simple t-shirt with many different combinations such as a very hot item this summer, the jean short, or even tuck your shirt in to a high-waisted skirt, belt it and you have another great summer combination.

When its just too hot to go outside, stay cool inside with a good book. When the air conditioner gets too cold, throw on a cute vintage sweater like this one. You can wear just the sweater, or leave the sweater unbuttoned over your vintage T. There are so many fun options to mix and match with cardigans, and since I tend to get a little chilly inside during the summer, I usually pack one in my bag just in case.

David Spence is a local photographer(in Tulsa) and when I sat down with him to talk about his art, he mentioned that the 1950's was one of his favorite era's from fashion. When working with models, he said one of the best ways to make anyone feel more comfortable and look more natural under the camera lens during a shoot was to simply make them laugh. He said he finds that when someone is laughing they relax and aren't trying too hard to pose specifically and don't feel as self-concious. David likes to develop his own creative ideas and strives to take photographs with settings that are originally designed. One of his favorite menswear designers is Armani. David does fashion, event, and art-driven photography and his website can be found at http://david-spence.com.

Get Waisted!

Since we've been discussing high waisted garments on the ole' Facebook page, I thought I'd post this skirt and sweater combo we have in store right now. High waisted skirts and trousers are really of the moment, actually quite versatile, and can flatter many different figure types. On Friday I'll be posting a few tips on how to effectively wear them to flatter your figure and feel confident while doing so.

The top is actually a sweater vest, worn without the typical under layer but more as a shirt. I love how this sweater-and-pencil-skirt combination give off a slightly preppy vibe, yet are so different from anything classically "preppy". We also have a sweet matching fringe vest that goes with this leather skirt, but you'll have to come in the store to check it out.

Spring Fling

Why hello gorgeous!

May I have this dance?

These dresses are so floaty and flirty, yet elegant, they embody the essence of spring! They're ideal for someone who wants to look uniquely feminine at a formal party or dance. I've even seen some very similar vintage reproduction wedding dresses, although, why wear a reproduction when you could wear the real thing? I'm so tired of seeing 20 girls at a party all wearing boring dresses that look the same! The great thing about these two dresses is, depending on the height of the wearer and the formality of the party, one could either wear heels or flats.

Check Back at the Blog this Wednesday for a special blog on Ways to Wear White!

Also don't miss out on the FINAL DAYS of the Cheap Thrills 1/2 Off Sale!

Hello Texture

Here are a few shots of yet another dress that has incredible body and boldness. The blue dress, shown in our last post, was dubbed by Facebook popularity as being either Cornflower Blue or Bluebonnet. What specific color name would you deem its red cousin?

Gathered shoulder ruffles and a very full, ruched, skirt(complete with a lace overlay), give this dress dimension and really show off the bold color.

Scroll past the photos to read about adding texture to your wardrobe.

Monochromatic and vertically based accessories such as this necklace, elongate the figure and provide even more texture to this outfit.

A contrasting black velvet hat is a such a fun addition of even more texture and draws attention around the face. All photos by Bryan Bartlett of BCreative Tulsa.

Adding Texture to Your Wardrobe

Adding texture to daily duds is easier than one might think! Here are a few ways to get creative:

• Settle Your Differences: Pair a pattern with a solid or different weights and types of fabric together. For example, try a silk patterned top with a solid cashmere cardigan. Consider wearing a braided belt. Try different combinations.

• Add On: Adding accessories is one of the easiest ways to add texture and spice up any outfit. Neutral colored bangles and necklaces can be interchanged and combined to add dimension. Adding a bag featuring a strong pattern that coordinates but doesn't "match" one's outfit is also a great way to accomplish this.

• Stay Warm: Layering is really in style right now and with the winter weather, why not stay a few degrees warmer? One of my favorite layering fabrics right now is lace. A lace slip peaking from underneath a skirt or dress adds interest, and sheer lace blouses can go underneath or on top of a solid top without adding bulk.

• Think Outside the Outfit: If your outfit doesn't allow for any typical texturing techniques, try opting for a hair scarf, clip, or headband, or try adding a braid or some messy waves to your regular style.

What do you think? What is your favorite way of adding texture to an outfit?

Fun Funky & Fresh

If you're into fun and funky designers like Betsey Johnson, check out this ruffled wonder we have in store right now. Betsey Johnson has several dresses from her latest collection that feature very similar voluminous skirts and ruffle detailing, but the neon colors right off the runway might be a bit too bold(and/or unflattering) on some. This piece from Cheap Thrills is the perfect medium; brilliant blue is totally on trend for the spring season and brightens up skin and eyes. Freshness echos from the featured shoulder ruffles and really make this dress a stand out item.

Friday, I'll be posting more about dresses like this(!) and a special segment on sensational spring colors!

Above Photographs Subject to Copyright by Bryan Bartlett of BCreative Tulsa

Also,

I've had several requests to post more often(thanks for reading!), so if anyone has a style dilemma, fashion question, comment, or a topic they would like to hear more about, please feel free to post here or on the Cheap Thrills Facebook Page.