Versatility with White

www.NjHorton.com - photo by Nicholas Horton

I love this photo first because of the natural light and secondly because of the contrast between such a fancy, party dress and the raw, natural surroundings. I have been noticing a lot of "Winter Whites" in this year's fall/winter collections, and a dress like this gem could even be paired with warm stole to make it winter appropriate. For an early springtime occasion it could be worn with a light cardigan and a skinny belt. Flats, a cardigan and a belt will dress this look down while a stole and pair of heels will cause it to be a show stopper. What would you pair with it?

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.

Play Your Cardigans Right

This cardigan is very different because it has an embroidered patch on the back; detail I haven't seen anywhere else except Cheap Thrills, though the shops are packed with different types of cardigans at the moment(and will be again for the fall). A great example of how vintage can be worn with modern styles in a casual way, the vibrant color of this piece jumps out immediately, then, the back makes it memorable.

Grandpa would be proud that you borrowed from his signature style, and then suddenly, when you're out rocking out this piece, a round of canasta doesn't sound so bad after all...

Picnics were Invented for Dresses Like This

I like to imagine that our model is about to go to a Fourth of July party. This fantastic 1940's dress was shortened by the previous owner and is made out of rayon. I love the contrast between the white puff sleeves, buttons, and pocket outlining against the bright red of the dress. I paired it with a sturdy leather bag and a few gold bracelets, as well as this fun red, white, and blue hat. This outfit is just begging to be worn to a picnic! It includes a matching fabric belt, but one could even wear a white or blue contrasting belt with it. It could also be worn with a cardigan if the weather gets chilly. I actually love that it was shortened because it can be paired with many different types of shoes. Personally, I would love to wear it with a pair of wedge espadrilles.

Fun Fact: The bag was previously owned by the costumer for the latest Ben Affleck movie "The Burial" that was filmed in Bartlesville last fall.

Wearing White Well; Skin Tones

Photo by Bryan Bartlett of BCreative Tulsa

Today, as a continuation of our white series, we'll talk about how to pick the best type of white for an individual skin tone. I find that people don't write about this subject very much because it is really difficult to generalize what will look best on someone by just analyzing skin tone; consider this a basic guide, not final truth, because trying on different colors is always the best way to judge. Different variations of every hue are out there to try, and hair, eyes, and accent colors always have a major role to play.

Basic Skin Tone and White-Wearing Guide:

Dark Skin Tones: Most colors of white will look great especially pure, bright whites, although yellow-ivory tones are least flattering.

Yellow Undertones: Bright white will be most flattering(like our model).

Pink Undertones: Look gorgeous in cream colored whites.

Very Fair Skin Tones: Best with eggshell, yellow-ivory and colors of white that have depth are best to avoid being washed out.

Our model Anna has a great skin tone for wearing different types of white. The crisp white dress best accentuates her darker, golden skin undertones here. Meanwhile while the cream hat doesn't look "bad", it just doesn't brighten her skin the way the crisp white does.

What do you think? Do you agree that Anna looks better in crisp white or do you disagree?

• Check back on Wednesday for a new blog post! Also, the photo shoot with Nathan Presley Photography went really well and we're SO excited to be able to share the photos with everyone soon!

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.