We love Etsy

Alrighty, time for an Etsy roundup!

   
   Accessories are a must in all outfits. They make an outfit turn from day to night in an instance. Pearls can make for an elegant night with a special someone. Or fun jeweled earrings can dress it up but at the same time keep it casual for a fun shopping day with the girls. We love our accessories and are looking for new ones constantly.  Etsy, has helped us find those finishing touches we call accessories.We rounded up a few of our favorite items that can make our outfits change. What have you, our followers, found on Etsy that has inspired you to go the extra mile and make your outfit perfect?

Earrings / Earrings / Necklace / Purple Chiffon Dress with A-Line Skirt and Ruched Waist / Repurpose single harvest craft vintage jewelry by BlissMercantile / Luminary Lilac Clutch Ready to Ship by PHORNAPA on Etsy

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Trail Blazer

I have a new co-worker who wears a blazer to work every day. I have long since given up on such formalities, but her attire inspired a little fashion challenge. I decided to see if I could wear a blazer every day for a week. Without looking like Hillary Clinton from the 1990s. Here's how it went.

Day 1: Compare and Contrast

I decided to start my little experiment off with a bang and do some pattern mixing.

First came a light, colorful floral blouse.

Then a summer stand-by, the seer-sucker blazer.

With all that excitement on top, I went a little more conservative on the bottom with a simple navy pencil skirt.

Finish it off with a colorful pair of flats and voila!

Get the look: floral blouse or floral blouse/seersucker blazer/navy blue skirt/yellow flats

Day 2: The Finishing Touch

Blazers are really easy to add to otherwise stand-alone outfits. It's a super simple way to have dress up/dress down options all in the same ensemble.

Por ejemplo.

Start with a favorite dress. A nice detail to spice things up is preferable.

Add a subtly patterned blazer, with some nice details of its own.

And you're done! Throw the blazer on for a meeting, and shed it for a lunch-time walk. Perfection. If you're feeling really bold, add a statement necklace or a hairpiece.

Get the look: teal cap sleeve dress/blazer/hair piece

Day 3: The Classic Neutral

I started out with a pretty simple color palette, but there was a wide variety of textures at play.

So I went with a dark neutral to pull everything together. The detailing on this blazer added the final dimension of texture, but wasn't too overpowering or distracting.

Get the look: blouse/skirt/black blazer

Day 4: Solids

I built this ensemble from the bottom up.

I started with a really colorful, patterned skirt.

Sort of the opposite of Day 1, with all that business on the bottom, I went for solids on the top. Both the coral and the charcoal are in the skirt, so it pulls together nicely. The detailing at the neck of the shirt adds a little flair and keeps the top from getting too boring.

Get the look: shirt/floral skirt/gray blazer


Day 5: The Right Stripes

This was another dress/blazer combo, which I really think is a great way to go.

First, a little black dress with some dainty detailing.

Then, a coordinating but distinct striped blazer.

And, for a little extra punch, I added some leopard print flats. Because is there ever such a thing as too much pattern? Well, probably yes. But, in this case, no!

Get the look: black tuxedo dress/striped blazer/leopard flats or leopard pumps

I am totally out of blazers, but I would say the week was a success. And, of course, each of these blazers could be transformed once again as part of a non-office, more casual chic outfit. Perhaps that should be my next fashion challenge?

What do you think of the blazer? And what is your favorite way to wear it?

Tell me what you want!

We love bringing you style advice, DIYs and general Shabby Apple fabulousness here on the blog, but we're tired of doing all the talking!  We want to hear your opinion. What do you like (or dislike)?  What do you want to see more of here at {shabby} apple a day?  We know you have great taste, so let us know what you think in the comments!

 

image credit 

Style Me Monday: Maternity Line

Today's Style Me Monday is from our Maternity line. Fall is right around the corner and we want to know how you mamas-to-be get cute. We kept this Mommy delicate, comfy, and a little dolled up.

Once again, the dress you style will be the dress you win, so choose wisely. 

Remember:

1. Do it . (via polyvore, kaboodle, pinterest, etc.)

2. Post it.

3. Link it up. 

(P.S. Style Me Monday is just as fun for us as it is for you. You are all so stylish!)

AND the winner of our Zoology Style Me Monday is...

Ursa Major!

Contact Sophia at sleasure@shabbyapple.com to claim your prize!

Ask Kate Q & A

One of the great features on our website is the ability to pick Kate's oh so fashionable brain. She will guide you to a stylish solution for all of your ensemble woes, she's kind of like the fashion oracle. Simply click on "ask kate" at the top of our page. Here are some examples of how Kate can work some magic for you...

Q: Dear Kate,

Help! I'm pregnant and looking for a flattering dress that I can feel cute in now and that I could still wear after I have the baby. Any suggestions?
-A Pregnant Hot Mess

Hi! We know that feeling your best when you are pregnant is very important here at Shabby Apple. We have several dresses that are both comfy and flattering for your changing figure. You can worry less about your looks and think about your baby with the easy options below...

Sincerely,
Kate

Q: Dear Kate,

I am attending an important wedding this Fall, I'm not sure what to wear! I need something fancy but I would like to be able to wear it to other more versatile events. Can you help?
-Sarah

Hi Sarah! We have several beautiful fall dresses in bold rich colors that are sure to please.  From a wedding, to going to church, to a party, the following dresses are versatile enough to take you everywhere this fall.

Sincerely,
Kate

1/2/3/4/5/6

Q: Dear Kate,

I'm looking for a dress that I can wear in warm weather and when it gets cooler, any suggestions?
-Kelly,

Yes! You don't have to change your wardrobe every season. Simply add a jacket or a cardigan, some tights and boots and you are ready to face the colder temps. Play up the light colors with your accessories in the spring and summer months and bring out the bold tones in the fall and winter by wearing complimentary pieces. Check out the options below.

Sincerely,
Kate

summer and fall by breccaj featuring a cotton cardigan

Have any questions about what to wear to an event? Wondering how a certain dress fits? Ask Kate here!

Back To School Special

'Tis the season for back-to-school shopping (just ask all the commercials on your TV set) and I have decided that school kids shouldn't have all the fun. I mean, sure, once the fall hits I am going to showing up every day the same office that I do now, but that's no reason to deny myself of a back-to-school-style spree now, is it?

So, I saved my pennies and went on a little binge and I am feeling pretty good about life. I think you should try it, too. And, since we all know that the cardinal rule of back-to-wherever-you-are-going shopping is to get as much (good stuff) as you can for as little as possible, here are some tips and tricks for scoring big at discount stores.

1. Check the detail hem.

Pieces with detail elements like ruffles sometimes have cheaply executed serged hems that will quickly warp and unravel. If you want something with a ruffle or an embellishment, look for pieces where the ruffle is folded under itself with the hem safely tucked inside.

2. Only buy patterns in certain fabrics.

To avoid fading and pilling, stick with polyester and viscose pieces.

3. Say no to banded hems and sleeves.

Sure, the band keeps delicate fabric like lace and satin from unraveling and fraying, and the quickie solution keeps the pieces cheap, but they also make the pieces look cheap. So, just say no.

4. Be extra careful with skirts.

Make sure any skirt you buy is lined, unless you like the static cling look. The end.

5. Don't discount denim.

If you have the patience and inclination you can sometimes dig through piles of discards and find, for example, a pair of cutoff shorts that will last you a few summers. But generally speaking, high-quality denim is worth the investment.

What do you think, back-to-school shoppers? Any tricks you use to get more bang for your buck on big buying trips?

The Everything Bow

Why exactly is it that bows make everything at least ten times cuter?

We're not really sure, but it's a fact we just can't deny. Today we have a super easy DIY for what we like to call, the EVERYTHING Bow. 

Why? Because this little versatile beauty can be worn with just about everything! Add some flair to your top knots, or clip it on to your collar to bring a dainty, feminine feel to a button up or shirt dress.

The possibilities are endless! So let's get started.

1. Fold a 10"x4.5" piece of fabric in half lengthwise, making sure the right side of the fabric is on the inside. Sew a seam down the raw edges. If sewing machines aren't your thing, you can substitute all the sewing for a hot glue gun!

2. You now have a tube of fabric. Turn the tube inside out and position it so that the seam is in the middle.

3. With the seam facing outward, fold the tube in half and sew the raw edges together. Turn the whole thing inside out. 

4. Cut a small rectangular piece of fabric and sew together the sides lengthwise, this time with the right side of the fabric facing out. This will create the center part of the bow. 

5. With the seam hidden, position the centerpiece around the middle of the bow to measure where you need to sew. 

6. When you've found the right size, sew, then clip the excess fabric. You should have a small tube.

7. Feed the bow through the small tube. Adjust the fabric as needed, and there you have it! An adorable little bow to wear with everything.

 8. Finally, glue an alligator clip onto the back of the bow and start clipping it on to anything you want for instant added cuteness. What are you going to wear your Everything Bow with? Make sure you also check out all of Shabby Apple's accessories to ensure your outfit is spruced up just right!

Style Me Monday: Zoology Edition

Have you heard about our new fall line?  The Zoology collection is full of gorgeous dresses, perfect for all your favorite autumn activities!  

Whether you're taking a walk through the crisp fall leaves or cuddling up with a mug of apple cider and a good book, a perfect outfit completes the experience.  We've put together a collection of our favorite fall accessories and activities, and now we're giving you the chance to win a dress from the Zoology line!

Show us how you would style (and where you would wear!) any dress from the Zoology collection.  Pick carefully, because that's the dress you win!

Here's our challenge to you:

1. Do it. (via polyvore, kaboodle, pinterest, etc.)

2. Post it.

3. Link it up

We'll pick the winner next Monday, August 27th.

Good luck!

By the way! Last weeks winner is #80 Ace (sometimes it pays to be last!) Please contact Sophia @sleasure@shabbyapple.com to claim your prize.