New Year's Eve Sparkle How-to-Wear: Sequins

Sequins can make very bold statements - especially since New Year's Eve is just a few days away - so here are some helpful tips on how-to-wear Sequins to keep you rocking in 2011:

a. Keep it simple. If you are wearing a sequin dress make sure you keep to simple and subtle accessories.

b. Balance. You can keep your sequins to a minimal for daytime - pair the sequin item with the basics ie: jeans, sweater, t-shirt, scarf etc.

c. Pop of Color. Don't worry about keeping the sequins in a basic color. You can make a fun and flirty look by using colored sequins.

d. Don't Mix Sequins or Wear TOO Much Sequins. A perfect way to look cheap and silly is to wear multiple sequin items in one outfit or in this picture below - having too much sequin fabric in a dress looks costume-y and makes a statement in not such a good way.

e. Test and Retest. If you are new to Sequins (excluding the 80's) play around with small simple accessories like a thin sequin headband or a skinny sequin belt in a neutral color (copper, silver, gold, black etc.)

f. Texture Watch. Keep your other fabric textures to a minimum as well when wearing sequins. Mixing too many different textures will make your sequins look costume-y.

Will you be wearing sequins for New Year's Eve? What ways do you love to wear sequins? Was this post helpful to you? I love to hear feedback - leave your comments and questions below!

How-to-Wear Fl(h)air Accessories: Day Six - Bib Necklaces

Perfect little accessory to ad some Fl(h)air to your outfit is to wear a bib necklace! Easy how-tos for daytime and for night as well! Posted below will be your guide for pulling the look off for all different occasions and different creative ways to make the most of your accessory!

For Everyday Plain T-Shirt:

Follow the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) rule for this daytime look. Perfect for wearing out and about this style with light colors and fabric floral design is the perfect daytime accessory. I pair mine with plain t-shirt, jeans, flats and some times a sweater or a blazer depending on the weather.

Here is another fun one for going from DAY to NIGHT

For Evening LBD (Little Black Dress):

Obviously we all don't look like Heidi Klum but you can easily find a Black Dress with minimal jewelry and add a bib necklace to enhance the look for your evening attire! This is a great example of wearing one that is made for evening. Look for necklaces that are darker in color and are glittery with rhinestones etc.

REVIEW: Daytime Bib Necklaces - Light and Simple  Night Bib Necklaces - Bold and Sparkles

Make the Most of Your Bib Necklace:

This is a great look for your bib necklace to add it as a belt. This particular one is made to be a belt - but you get the idea. Look for Bib Necklaces that have long ribbon attached on the side to make sure you can get the most bang for your buck. You can also wear it as a sash (pictured below)

This dress is at Nordstroms right now and is even easier to create on a budget. Find your perfect little dress and add one of the Fl(h)air Accessories - Bib Necklace just under the bust and Viola!! You have created a one-of-a-kind look. I also pair mine with a sweater as well. Adding the little piece around your waist accentuates your curves or creates curves for those girls who have more of an athletic build.

Fun Way to wear your Fl(h)air Accessories - Bib Necklace backwards like the photo above. Super adorable and easy to create!

Another way to make the most of your bib necklace is to wear it as a headpiece. Simply place the bib necklace where you would like it on your head and tie a bow in the back to secure. It is a super chic way to do an evening look with a sparkly evening bib necklace instead of wearing it around your neck.

Make it into a cuff as well! Place the bib necklace upright on the top of your wrist and wrap the ribbons around (not too tight) and tie a bow on the opposite side to create this look. Super easy and a great way to make a statement!

Here's a link to make your own bib necklaces: Sew Your Own Bib Necklace
You can also visit my Etsy Site to purchase your own Bib Necklace or request your own custom necklace here: Emmaflhair on Etsy

Was this post helpful to you? Would you wear a bib necklace? What other ways do you wear your bib necklace? Post your comments - I would love to hear from you!





How-to-Wear Fl(h)air Accessories: Day Five - Handbags

Yet another great way to add a Fl(h)air Accessory is to your favorite handbag! There are lots of wonderful bags to attach your favorite Fl(h)air Flower to! It is nice way to add spice to your wardrobe - especially now for the holiday season. There are a few ways to do it and I will make sure to explain... carry on!

Clutch for Evening:

A simple clutch can be turned into an elegant piece of artwork in an instant with Fl(h)air Accessories. This one I really liked because you can add many different colored flowers to it to make it more of a statement or less of one with either a white (as shown), black or gray. You can find many inexpensive clutches at Charlotte Russe, Forever21, Target and so on. I really like to get a few good deals at Nordstroms Rack too!

Clutch for Everyday:

This is another fun one for an everyday clutch which is simple and very artsy. If you are really up to the challenge it would be fun to grab some yarn and DIY it. I like that this flower is made of yarn to keep it more everyday (although depending on the clutch you can use really anything). 

*NOTE* If your Fl(h)air Accessory does not have a pin attached on the back it is easy to assemble it on the back all by yourself. This makes it easier to attach to shirts, blazers and hat as well. JoAnn Fabric or Michaels has pins you can buy and attach with either a sewing kit or using a hot glue gun.

Bright Tote:

This is a fun one for summer get-a-ways, vacations, lake travels, weekend with the girls, etc. I love this vintage inspired bag with the bright colored Fl(h)air attached! I think the winter is getting me down because I have been creating a lot of hair accessories with a lot of bright colors lately!

Large Satchel:

This is a great example for a large satchel that can work as a school backpack, carry-on for travels, weekend get-a-ways, craft bag, laptop carrier for blogging ;) and more! I love the contrast with the dark wool and the light pink flower attached at the top.

I hope you enjoyed the next step in making the most of your Fl(h)air Accessories. I would love to hear your thoughts and comment so make sure to leave them below.

BONUS: This woman is all about making the most for her Fl(h)air Accessory in the pictures below. This is a great example of different ways to wear your flower!

(ThinkThruFashion)



How-to-Wear Fl(h)air Accessories: Day Four - Headbands

Headbands are yet another great way to show your own personality and style. Adding a Fl(h)air Accessory to your headband is another inexpensive way to create a whole new look for your wardrobe and for the season.

Let's start off with different ways to wear your headband and then after we master the art of headband hairstyles then I will show you how to wear a Fl(h)air Accessory with them.

Simple Thin Headband Styles: Look One

To achieve this look is rather easy and super chic and can be worn anywhere! First, tease the back part of your hair - don't be afraid to have it pretty high because you are going to take a lot of the "poof" down with the headband. Make hair in a low (as pictured) ponytail and use a hair pony to hold your ponytail. Take your comb and adjust hair to liking, place headband on your head and you have completed look one!! To make another simple look take pony and create a messy bun - super chic as well!

To add Fl(h)air Accessories- I like to keep it to the side on this one with something usually smaller. Any clip will do or you can purchase a Fl(h)air headband with one of the Fl(h)airs already attached to it!

This is a great example of how I would wear the Fl(h)air Accessory in my hair. It is a great way to add a pop of color and to dress up a casual outfit.

Simple Thin Headband Styles: Look Two

This is another easy one to try! It is great for the office and as shown in photo for an event! Again tease hair like the instructions above place in headband, you can tease the hair more for a larger "poof" or you can smooth it down. Spritz hair with hairspray and you are done. Wear hair straight, waved, or curly to create different looks. BAM! (sorry, got a little excited lol) Here is how to wear your Fl(h)air Accessory for the look shown above...

This look has the Fl(h)air positioned more towards the top and offers more of a dressy look versus the look above.

Simple Thin Headband Styles: Look Three

Another fun one to try which I am loving to do right now! Part hair to the side or middle - whatever you would like (even in between is great), curl the pieces with your side layers or bangs flipped back towards your ears like photo above. Place the headband over the front where your part and forehead meet and you got look three! You little hair master you :)
Here are a couple of other photos to look at for inspiration...

Double Thin Headband Styles: Look One

A fun way to use two headbands or get a double headband to add some more pizazz to any outfit for any outing. This look is perfect for ladies who have bangs or side bangs. Make a side part in you hair, comb bangs to side, tease back of hair and place in your double headband making sure there is about an inch between each band. Pull hair over to one side and loosely braid or fishtail and tie your end of your braid with a pony holder.

Double Thin Headband Styles: Look Two

This look is more for the red carpet but can also be toned down (with less bling bling) for an everyday look too! Tease crown of head and place headband on head, adjust each band about an inch apart. Pull hair in low pony and create a messy bun. Spritz with hairspray and then your look is completed.

Inspirational Photos and New Looks to Try

Queen of Headbands herself - Lauren Conrad. I love this look because of her undeniable gorgeous California waves and her beautiful black beaded applique headband. If you need more inspiration from Lauren Conrad I would just use Google images - there are a ton of photos with her and headbands!

These three photos show some great inspiration for bangs and headbands. I personally rocked more  trendy headbands when I had my fringe bangs. If you are stuck in a rut for hairstyles - this look is a great and inexpensive way to update your do - only one bad thing is the grow out is addicting and you always have to make sure they are styled to wear down.

I love this hairstyle!!!! I think it would be adorable to wear a headband as well. To wear a headband and Fl(h)air Accessory add in the headband at the base of the part and "poof". Take your hair accessory and place on either side. All done and beautified!!

This is another fun one that I love! It is a mix between chic and boho and I will be posting my new headband like the one pictured above on my etsy site!



Was this post helpful to you? What headband styles or hairstyles do you wear? Please leave your comment below - I would love to hear from you!

How-to-Wear Fl(h)air Accessories: Day Three - Hats

Hats are a great way to add your own personal touch and style! Especially when you don't have a lot of time to get ready for the day. You can always find great deals on hats all year round. All you need is a hat and a creative hair accessory - both feathers and or flowers work great! First off lets take a look on how to wear them before we add Fl(h)air...

Fedora Hats

 



Fedoras are (what I think as to be a fashion staple) I personally bought mine in the men's section of Target for $12.99 and it was one of the best pieces I have added to my wardrobe. I usually wear my hair to the side either fish-tailed, braided or in a messy bun. I wear either with jeans and a tee or with a fun short black dress and booties, I will post a link at the bottom below the Bonus from one of my personal favorite sites for fashion advice and how-to-wears.

Okay now we have an idea on how to wear a fedora and now to add some Fl(h)air - yes pun intended - look at the bottom photo of the black fedora with the red feather pin. Okay so there are a couple of different options - you can add a flowery Fl(h)air on the side like where the feather is placed in the picture but try to make sure it is pretty flat. You can also add one of the feather Fl(h)airs to the hat to make it more androgynous.

Depending on the occasion, personal style and event will depend on if a flower or feather will do. Play around with the look to find your own personal style for the Fl(h)air + Fedora look.

Military Cap/ Newsboy Cap

                             

These are my go-to for days when the weather is terrible or I don't have time to do my hair! For my face shape I think the military is a better look for me versus the newsboy cap but I have seen so many people pull the look off perfectly!

I like my hair down for these hats. I usually rock the bed head hair where it is not straight but not wavy either. I think it looks great with a low pony either to the side or the back whatever flatters you the most. I suggest playing around with a few different styles - grab one of your closest friends or family and ask their opinion on what looks best.

So for the Fl(h)air Accessory part. As shown in the picture above any one of those placements would look great. I like the gray with the yellow flower. If you have a few small flowers or a cluster would look chic as well. If you don't have a Fl(h)air a few buttons, three small button pins or brooch would work too.

I love this Coach Hat with the black and gold and glimmer!!! It is super cute and now you know how to make a great knockoff! That will cost way less and is totally unique!

Beanies

I LOVE BEANIES! Especially like the ones shown in the photos above with similar hairstyles. I think they look fabulous for winter days and nights. They are very lo maintenance and look great with tees, sweater and full on winter coats!

Adding Fl(h)air to your beanie is very simple! Attach the Fl(h)air Clip to the headband on either side of your head. Yes that is it! Super simple- looks custom and to your color palette. What more could you ask for - oh and example are below of how others wear them...

BONUS!: I love all hats and willing to try any look! Here is a fun one for you fashionistas that is super chic! They are called mini hats, flat hats, mini hatlets and fascinators - there is an example shown. They can be simple to so whimsical it doesn't look like it is even a hat at all. Let me know how it goes - I want to hear it in the comment box.

If you are still needing help with what to wear with your hat or hat ideas click here Was this post helpful to you? What other hats are you wearing with your Fl(h)air? How do you wear your Fl(h)air? I want to hear what you have to say in the comments - Fl(h)air Accessories -

How to Wear Fl(h)air Accessories: Day Two - Top Embellishments

antrhopology shirt on right - copied shirt on left

I hate when I buy an expensive embellished t-shirt (cough Anthropology cough) or even and inexpensive one and when I go to wash it it completely falls apart or at the very least doesn't look as cute as when I bought it! Ugh! Having dealt with this with two shirts and some $60 later I had enough. I found that if you use your Fl(h)air Chiffon Hair Clips that it looks better and is way less because you can just clip and go! Here's How-to-Wear....

Step One:

Take any of my Fl(h)air Accessories or ones that you have bought (any metal backing will work) that have either a pin, alligator clip, bobby pin, or snap clip and find a shirt that will coordinate with the color of your Fl(h)air.

Step Two:

sorry the pic is so bright!

Open the clips, pins or whatever you are attaching it with and clip the Fl(h)air to the neck line of your shirt. Do the same thing until you are satisfied with the amount of Fl(h)airs and how it looks.

Step Three:

You've just made an adorable and fun embellished shirt! No need to wash and ruin your shirt because the clips come off as easy as they are to put on. Here is what your shirt looks like inside out.

 I have some other examples of shirts that I have worn with different ideas and I also have posted some pics for inspiration below!

Sweater and shirt combo with the Fl(h)air Accessory acting as a brooch is fun and a great way to get a pop of color ...

If you are a bit shy and are not looking for a huge statement piece or you only have one Fl(h)air - this is a great look to go for in keeping it simple. You can still get the same effect of an embellished shirt without a ton of flowers...

Here is a look I did with two Fl(h)airs on a plain white t-shirt to add in some gray to my outfit. I was wear gray flats and needed some accessory but didn't want to wear a scarf. This is a great step up from the single Fl(h)air but is not as bold as the triple flower as shown in example.

Inspiration Photos for DIY Your Own Embellished Shirts

BONUS: Wear your Fl(h)air Accessory Clip on your favorite skinny belt! Another (if you dare) that is fun and really creative is to attach the clip onto your belt or your shirt and sweater combo to add a little spice and to accentuate your waist!



Was this a help to you? Would you wear an embellished shirt? How do you wear your Fl(h)air Accessory? Post in comments below or send me photo example on creative ways to wear your Fl(h)air!