Style Buzz: The Devil's In The Details

Ideas to Inspire Your Style This Week!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Andy: "I don't need those. Miranda hired me.

She knows what I look like."

Nigel: "Do you?"

This is from a slightly harsh scene in The Devil Wears Prada when Andy tries to eschew buying into the fashion scene when hired at the magazine. She's offered a pair of designer shoes to elevate her outfit but declines them, thinking she can get away with not conforming to the office style. But she's grossly underestimating not only the power of a first impression but dressing appropriately and respectfully for her environment. It doesn't take much, but making an effort is always worth it.

 xxx rachel

Can't argue with Miranda!

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THE DEVIL'S IN THE DETAILS

If I'm putting together an outfit for a client - whether we're in their closet or out shopping - we're often just focused on the clothes. Wear this top with this blazer, add these pants, that sort of thing. But my brain is already thinking about other things.

What actually creates the WHOLE outfit are the details we add once the foundational pieces of fabric are sorted. I'm talking about shoes, of course, but also earrings, belts, watches, bracelets, rings, brooches, hats, coats, scarves - anything that embellishes but isn't actually necessary to the "not being nekkid in public" part of getting dressed.

The fun part of these is that they're a lower bar to entry than clothes (and they always fit!), plus they help define your style. Perhaps you get known for wearing a handful of rings, or you always have a lovely belt defining your waist. Your necklace is a statement piece as well as your signature piece that you'd look odd without.

Accessories are where your personal style steps in. A simple outfit - trousers and a solid blouse, say - can feel entirely different depending on what you add. Swap tennies for a structured heel, introduce a leather belt, and suddenly you feel polished. Add a silk scarf or a bold earring, and there’s personality. It’s less about more, and more about choosing with purpose.

Accessories also do practical work: a belt creates shape, a watch adds interest, a coat frames your entire look. Even the smallest detail, like a ring or the finish of a handbag, can signal care and cohesion, tying everything together just as you wanted it to.

Most importantly, accessories allow you to be consistent without being repetitive. Your clothes may change day to day, but your details become your signature. And that’s often what people remember: not the outfit itself, but the feeling that it was thoughtfully, distinctly yours.

I have a number of clients who lament their lack of accessories, but often they have more than they realize; they're just not seeing them as versatile pieces that could enhance multiple outfits. Or they keep buying a lot of the same kind of piece. A key to overcoming this is to look for pieces wherever you go, but also to pay attention to what you might need to fill in a missing piece. Do you need a chunky turquoise necklace? How about a gold charm bracelet? A pair of pewter booties (see below!)? Keep an eye out when you're next out in any kind of shop - it really doesn't matter if the piece comes from Tiffany or Target. If it's the right piece for you, then it's perfect and you should wear it whenever you want.

Here's a challenge: when you're putting together your next outfit, stop to consider the little details. Could you add layered necklaces or just one that's bold or even delicate? A piece that complements or contrasts? How about a belt or a different shoe that has a bit of an attitude? What about adding a color that matches or stands out? What does this particular outfit need? Try multiple combinations and take a pic - see which one resonates with you then repeat it. Try a variation on the theme. Repeat that. You'll start to see a pattern emerge that feels stylish and complete and wholly you!

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ANATOMY OF AN OUTFIT

This is a peek into my favorite outfit of the week where I break it down for you: why I've put it together and why it works, what elements could be swapped out, things to consider, etc.

In honor of the Devil Wears Prada 2 movie release today, I thought I'd channel Andy with an outfit this week. Good plan, didn't work, and I think this is a bit more Emily instead!

Fashion often plays with pairing high and low, meaning they'll put high style with something fairly casual - think a chiffon skirt and Doc Marten's boots - because contrast is interesting and clever (I won't call it ironic but maybe a little incongruous). So I've paired a black lace skirt with a denim shirt, and by buttoning it right to the top, it's a little more polished. I've cuffed the sleeves in a pretty relaxed manner and added a sparkly brooch to give it some dignity. The wide silver belt not only defines my waist but gives a visual separation between the two primary pieces. I've added more texture with chunky silver earrings and arm-full of silver bracelets, and the whole thing is finished with pewter booties that have a similar shine to the belt but complement the skirt's underlay.

Blouse: On 34th

Skirt: Ronnie Nicole

Boots: Eric Michael from Miss Meers

Watch: Michele