4 Unexpected Ways to Wear a Belt

Hello fashionistas,

Today I wanted to share with you some creative ways to spice up your daily outfits without going out and splurging. In fact, given what you already have in your wardrobe these ideas will not cost you a dime. 

One great way to transform your look is to wear belts. I love belts. All kinds of them. So I thought why not give them some more attention and make the best of what I've got in my stash. So here is how you can update your style simply by playing with belts:

1. Wrap it around!

You surely have seen this major trend of leather cuffs and bracelets. You can achieve a similar look by wrapping you skinny belt around your wrist.

This allows you to keep with the trend but make it yours at the same time.

2. Double up!

If you have two belts that are of very similar styles and you are having difficulty deciding which one to wear - wear them both!!! Just rock them together on a slant for a "Too-Cool-To-Care" look!

Stack them up!

3. Layer them!

Do you have 2 belts of the same colour but of different width and textures? Try layering one, skinnier belt, on top of another, wider one. If the colours are dead on you might get a totally new belt! Here, I combined a very wide white belt and a thinner woven belt and got a chic new look.

Old belt

New belt

4. Interlace them!

Do you have a a belt with big holes? And another very skinny one? Try threading one belt through the other and you will get a fun new look! The more colourful the belts the better the result!

These are the belts I had.

This is the belt I got! 

Fun new belt!

I hope these unexpected ways to wear belts inspired you. Let me know how you like to wear your belts or what other ways you use to spice up your outfits!

Happy creative dressing!

Colour is Power

To continue where I left off last time I would like to say that "Advanced Styl-istas'" cheerful approach to fashion is not reserved solely to old ladies. At least, in my humble opinion it should not be. There is nothing more dreary than swimming through a sea of casual greyness as you walk around the city. As Jessi Arrington, a Brooklyn designer, put it "Colour is powerful. It is almost physiologically impossible to be in a bad mood when you're wearing bright red pants!" I could not agree more. Holding that as my fashion mantra, I would like to share with you a photo of my dear friend who is anything but boring, both inside and out. 

I don't know how she combines the mind of a scientist (she works in a science lab) with the soul of an artist (she is a painter) but perhaps it is this union of her right and left brains that gives birth to such a feast of colour and play of silhouette in her outfits. Nonchalant? Yes, but also very original and expressive. A very well chosen background too by the way! Thank you for letting me share this photo - it's a treat for the eye!

The fabulous thing about self-expression through personal style is that you do not have to regularly run out and buy the latest "in" item. You can find endless ways to wear the pieces you already own through various combinations. Colours look different when juxtaposed next to different colours, a belt turns a casual dress into a classy, evening one. High heels can dress up and flats can dress down any outfit. The right piece of jewelry and accessory can diversify  your outfits and make a world of difference in your look. Stay tuned and I will show various ways of wearing the same pieces to create different looks.