Style Story: You’ve Got “Chain” Mail

Sometimes, all it takes is one special piece to refresh some of our basic garments, and this chainmail scarf belt from Zara is the one that does it for me. It’s the next layer up from the trending triangle scarf, and it has both a modern and vintage feel that I absolutely love. It gives my basic look a bit of edge, and the low-slung placement gives my kaftan dress, Zara, some shape.

It’s so important to understand our body type, especially when working with a focus-piece like this, or things can go weirdly south. In my case, I’m short and extremely short-waisted, so I bought my belt in the largest size. Sounds strange, right? But the lower I can sling it, the longer my waist looks, and the more in proportion my body appears. Placing the triangle shape low over one hip cuts my widest area down to give the illusion of smaller hips.

I chose to wear this belt with a very basic kaftan dress. I love how the black satin takes on a gunmetal hue from the reflection off of the silver chains. It really helps keep the eye zeroed in on the belt.

As for other accessories, a small pair of silver hoops, a watch, Cartier watch, and some bangle bracelets. On a taller person or if I were wearing heels, I’d add a long ropey necklace, but with flat sandals, Sam Edelman. I’ve opted for nothing. I don’t have a lot of body space and with an oversized dress like this AND the focus piece, it would be too many line breaks and I’d look short and chopped up.

*style-tip: like Socrates said, “know thyself”. In regard to fashion and style, it’s important to understand what and how much our bodies can handle to achieve the best looks possible.

Style Story: Beat the Heat…

…and look great doing it. The hot weather in Los Angeles has been absolutely oppressive, to say the least but we can still look pulled together when we make good choices.

It starts with natural fibers like this white linen blouse, Velvet. It’s as light as air and much cooler than let’s say a cotton t-shirt. Especially in hot weather, woven garments, made from natural fibers will always a better choice than a knit.  Wovens tend to stand away from the body and  allow more air to circulate. They also look much more elevated so I’m upping my game without even trying.

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My vintage cotton circle skirt has a lot of movement so it keeps me feeling cool and breezy. The large floral print on the dark olive ground is embellished with sequins – a game changer when it comes to casual wear. Anything with a reflective quality always looks a little extra which is why I went for these metallic rose gold flip-flops, Havanas, the colour is perfect and it brings a slight bit of shine, downward.

An olive green bandana scarf and few leather pieces of jewelry help to pull off my easy, daytime casual look.

*style-tip: beat the heat and be cool doing it by wearing woven garments made from natural breathable fibers.

*please treat your wardrobe well. many people work very hard to get it to you.