Archive for April, 2014

Second Time Around wants to feature fashioniSTA, Madora! Both her Twitter and Instagram accounts are full of awesome and amazing fashioniSTAfinds and pretty photos! Just look at her style; so chic! At one of our locations, she found Nude Nine West heels for $25. Then, she attended our ‘Girl’s Night Out’ event and got a pair of Sam Edelman booties. Champagne and fashioniSTAfinds? Nothing gets better than that. Thank you for sharing, Madora! Keep the fashioniSTAfinds coming our way!

What a chance to be featured by Second Time Around? Tag us using the hashtag #fashioniSTAfind!

~ Taylor, fashioniSTA

Today is the day for us to consider and adopt habits that will help to leave a smaller carbon footprint on our environment. I could go on and on about recycling and reducing energy consumption and how it is beneficial, but if you’re an avid fashioniSTA reader, you’re most likely here for the fashion tips and tricks.

We love consignment. It’s what we do. Of course, we love consignment because of the amazing fashion finds and vintage/unique pieces, but have you ever realized how resale helps the environment?

Think about it.

The clothes hanging in your closet took hours to make, whether by hand or machine. The textiles alone were created before the final garment was even produced. So many different types of materials go into producing a final garment too, like plastic for buttons. The amount of energy that goes into the production of a garment is shocking.

If you are like us, you probably have items hanging in your closet that you never wear. Don’t just throw them away or let them go unused, consign and give them a second life. Not only will you make some money in the process, but you’ll also be extending the life of the garment. It is such a waste to see an item worn once and then tossed into the trash. If the piece of clothing is unwearable, donate it! Some charities will even pick up donations right from your home, if you have a large enough load.

So this Earth Day, we can make a difference for our Planet through something as simple as the clothing already hanging in our own closets.

Happy Earth Day, fashioniSTAs!

~ Taylor, fashioniSTA intern

College graduation is one of the most exciting milestones of your life. I remember how thrilled I felt on my high school graduation day, and I cannot begin to say how ecstatic I am to be graduating college in May! With most college graduations just around the corner, I thought I would share some tips to help you choose the perfect graduation dress. Because we all know, that what we wear under the cap and gown is still so important!

1. Keep it simple and classy

Opt for a cute and conservative style, which is most appropriate for the occasion. I recommend a shift dress; it is stylish, flattering and comfortable! Remember- you will be sitting, a lot. A spring shift dress will be perfect and there are so many different options, from lace to bright colors to prints!

2. Practical shoes

Choosing the perfect shoe is equally as important as the dress. Pick a spring number that will be easy to walk in and will look cute in pictures. My suggestions are wedges or sandals. Wedges are just as stylish as pumps, but are much easier to walk (no chances of tripping on stage). Sandals are also easy-breezy, and a metallic color will be a nice dressy touch!

3. Statement jewelry

Compete your look with statement jewels! Statement necklaces are a fun addition to any outfit, and graduation is all about fun and celebration. You really cannot go wrong with any choice, as long as it complements your color palette.

Choosing the perfect outfit for such an important event can be tough; but remember to pick whatever reflects your own personal style and makes you feel beautiful. If you keep these tips in mind, and you will surely find the winner!

Congratulations, grads!

xo,

Blake

Mary Morin Carlin, the fashioniSTA behind the personal style blog Sweet on Style, is no stranger to Second Time Around. She loves a great fashion find, while mixing and matching existing pieces within her own wardrobe. She created the “One Sweet Find:  5 Ways to Wear It”  section on her blog to share these fashion finds and outfits with her followers. She describes her style as “elegant yet fun,” which we couldn’t agree more! She shops and sports any brand from J.Crew to Burberry, but is currently focusing on styling her little one, Charlotte. Mary is currently a stay-at-home mom, but has held all sorts of impressive positions from being an intern at Marie Claire to a Miss America contestant, then to a television news reporter. She definitely has had a hand in many industries and it reflects in how she styles herself. We love how polished she always looks and we are definitely taking pointers. Thanks for sharing, Mary!

Can’t wait to see your looks, fashioniSTAs!

Every year, Pantone announces a color of the year that is predicted to be prevalent not only among fashions but also furnishings, home décor and even weddings. Last year the color was Emerald, the year before was Tangerine Tango, and this year it is Radiant Orchid. This unique color really is radiant; it has captured the attention of designers and started appearing in spring fashions!

Although it is a bold and vibrant color, Radiant Orchid can be incorporated into anyone’s style; whether you’re fair-skinned or tanned, blonde or brunette, conservative or daring, a trendsetter or fashion follower. Test the waters by purchasing accessories in this rich hue, or embrace the color head-on with a Radiant Orchid party dress or lipstick!

Below you will find some of my favorite style inspiration for this color- it is truly eye catching.

This color is definitely one to experiment with. There are so many different styling options- it can be paired with neutrals such as nude and black, or other bright colors like orange and blue. Try something new this spring and embrace this fun color; it is sure to make you feel refreshed and radiant!

xo,

Blake

Every woman has experienced the stress of standing in front of the closet, unable to find a thing to wear. It’s 9:15 in the morning and you were supposed to leave 15 minutes ago. But instead, there you are muttering about being sick of all of your clothes and throwing them on the floor in a fury. Some of us go through this routine almost daily; it sounds all too familiar doesn’t it? It might seem like it takes a lifetime, but eventually we find the perfect outfit by the third try… or fourth… or fifth.

However, there are certain times in life where this dilemma has no business occurring. For instance, no woman should ever have to struggle to put together an outfit for an interview. I have put together a list of the 5 staple pieces that every woman should have; so that when a woman needs an ally, her closet will have her back. These pieces are versatile classics, they can be dressed up or down and I promise they will become go-tos for countless occasions.

#1. Little Black Dress

Every girl needs a LBD… it can go for anything formal, a casual date night or drinks with girlfriends!

#2. Classic Pumps

If you don’t already own a pair, invest in neutral pumps ASAP. They go with everything… the aforementioned LBD, jeans, cropped pants, dresses, skirts, etc. etc. etc. Do not put off  buying a pair, because when a girl desperately needs them, naturally she will not be able to find any.

#3. Versatile Blazer

Not only are blazers a secret way to look instantly more polished and professional, they are a great layering piece. They can be worn no matter what season it is! Blazers are so much fun, don’t be afraid to wear them with more than just trousers and pencil skirts. Pair one with boyfriend jeans,  shorts or a cute dress.  They are the most versatile staple!

#4. Ballet Flats

Not owning a pair of ballet flats is like not owning a plain white t-shirt; they are the “basics” of shoes. Flats are feminine, classic and comfortable and they definitely can be dressed up or down. Solid colors work great for everyday errands, or there are fancy options like Chanel and Ferragamo. Invest in a pair at least for the sake of running around on-the-go!

#5. Blue Jeans

Thank goodness for the invention of blue jeans. i don’t think any of us could imagine life without them, except for Anna Wintour. I can’t really say that they can be dressed up because most of us are still limited to wearing them on “casual Friday” at work. However, they definitely look awesome with a blazer and a pair of pumps! On the other hand, jeans with a basic top and cute sandals will never fail either.

These wardrobe pieces are truly must-haves, and they will make life easier time and again. When a first date comes around or a big interview, you will always know what to reach for!

xo,

Blake