NashVogue

July seems to be almost as popular as June for gorgeous summer weddings. As much as I love the beauty behind an elaborate, formal evening wedding, some of my favorite weddings are held in the early afternoon. These weddings are much more casual and intimate. Therefore, they require a different dress code altogether.

For women, a summer wedding outfit will be breezy and semi-casual. The best thing in this situation would be a cute sundress in a subtle print. You could also pair a light blouse with a pair of dressy bermuda shorts and heels.

For men, the dress is decidedly business casual. Khaki slacks and a button down dress shirt are perfectly acceptable. Since it is a summer wedding, short sleeves are perfectly ok.

Not all summer day weddings are this casual. Use the invitation as another guide to dress. If the invitation is very formal in nature, dress a bit more on the formal side. If you are in doubt, check with the bride or groom to see what they are aiming for. 

Technorati Tags: casual wedding, What to wear to a summer wedding

Summer is a magnet for family reunions. All the kids are out of school and, since you might be planning a vacation anyway, why not come see more extended relatives than you can count? Most family reunions are picnics. Plenty of things to keep the kids busy, a large open space, and cheap, easy to make food.

So, what would one wear to a family reunion? Well, think comfort first. If it’s an outside picnic in the summer, it will probably be hot. Make sure the clothing is lightweight and comfortable. You could opt for a sundress or skirt, but just keep in mind that you will be outside and might get a little dirty.

Second, if you are like me, your family is so widespread that the family reunions are the only time you get to see many of them. I want to make a good impression and show them that I am doing well with my clothing. Don’t wear clothes with holes or overly worn. You don’t have to go out and buy a new, expensive outfit, but make sure what you are wearing is nice and put together.

Finally, make sure your shoes are fitting for being outside. Don’t wear any stiletto heels that might sink into the ground outside. If you want to wear heels, go for some platforms or wedges with wide heels. Ideally, you would want to wear tennis shoes or flats, but the choice is up to you.

Most of all, have fun! You will probably hear, “I haven’t seen you since you were this big” more times than you can count, or simply “I can’t believe how much you’ve changed”. Just grin and enjoy this time you have with family.

Technorati Tags: family reunion, picnic, what to wear

It’s hard to believe that summer is just around the corner. Memorial Day, the unofficial kick-off to summer, is less than two weeks away. My personal style in the summer tends to go more towards the sporty side. I like to be comfortable and the best way in my opinion is a sporty skirt and flip flops.

Sporty tops tend to be very simple and clean. Polos, cotton blouses, and tanks are the most popular. Layering is also very common in sporty looks. Layering two coordinating tanks creates an all new look than just wearing the tanks themselves. I also like to layer a coordinating tank under my polo or t-shirt. This gives the otherwise plain top some interest.

Sporty bottoms are easy and casual. Cotton skirts, bermudas, and capris are staples in the sporty wardrobe. Give your outfit some interest by choosing skirts with fun, colorful patterns or bermudas in this seasons plaid frenzy.

When trying to find shoes, think of comfort then style. I love flipflops, especially the new FitFlops that have come out. They combine fashion and comfort ina unique way. Tennis shoes are also very common in the sporty look. For a bit of a dressier look, go with some athletic looking wedges. Keds have come out with a great wedge that look just like traditional keds with a detailed wedge. Gives a whole new meaning to “high-heeled sneakers”.

Your best accessory will be your sunglasses. Stay simple with any other accessories you choose, but go all out with your sunglasses. I love the retro-looking shades out this summer.

Whatever your personal style is, I think everyone displays a little bit of the sporty look in their wardrobe. I know very few girls who don’t absolutely live in their flip flops all summer long. What is your favorite look this summer?

Technorati Tags: Fashion Trends, sporty, summer

It seems everywhere I go recently there is something to do with graduation. Congratulation signs in yards, celebratory dinners at restaurants, and Saturday morning traffic jams around the local universities have all been staples around town. Whether you are the one graduating or simply going to celebrate with a friend or loved one, deciding what to wear can be as nerveracking as the final exam.

The outfit will be similar whether you are the one graduating or are in the audience. The best way to describe the dress code is “Sunday Best”. A sundress and heels is entirely acceptable. Slacks and a blouse work as well. Think about what you might wear to church on Easter Sunday and you are ready to go.

For the guys, the same dress code applies. Slacks, a button-down top, and dress shoes are a must. Depending on your school and personal prefence, a tie and jacket are a plus. They add an additional level of dress and formality.

What ever you wear, have fun! This is an exciting time for everyone, the graduate especially. Whether you are graduating from high school, college, or beyond, congrats and good luck!

Technorati Tags: graduation, what to wear

Spring is well under way and with it comes warm weather and baseball. Whether you are a fan or not, it is hard to avoid one of America’s favorite past times. Church or office softball leagues, minor league teams, and the majors are all filling the local news and fields with dust and fun. Whether you are going to cheer on your favorite major league team or tease the guys on your church team, there are several factors that go into what you wear.

The first consideration is whether you are going to a day game or a night game. If it is a night game, you will want to bring layers with you. Earlier in the evening, the weather will be warmer. You will want to be sure to bring a jacket or sweater to wear after the sun goes down and the air cools.

Second to consider is where the game is going to be. You can dress much nicer to a major league game than you would want to at a local game, such as your church’s softball league. The reason for this is a dirt thing. You are much more likely to get covered in residual dust when sitting on bleachers at a local field than in the stands of a professional game. Go more casual and choose colors that don’t show dirt too well.

Finally, think of the your team’s colors. Whether you are a true fan or not, it’s fun to really get into it and dress to support. If you have it, plan your outfit around your favorite team’s colors. For me, I’ve grown up to be a Philadelphia Phillies game, so my game outfit would consist of something red.

Go out and have fun. I’m not a big baseball fan, but it’s a great way to hang out with friends and family.

Technorati Tags: baseball game, day game, night game, what to wear

Dressing for a concert can be a fun experience. Of course, this depends on the concert. If it is a classical pianist requiring formal wear, well, maybe not. What I am referring to is the ever fun rock concert. You can dress up in your chic-est of all punk rock clothing. Even pop stars such as Miley Cyrus elicit a punk aura from the goers of her concerts – or so I would guess from the clothing line she has at Wal-Mart.

So the question is: What do you wear? I would start with jeans. Dark jeans give off a more “rocker” look. The skinnier the better. I do have to say a disclaimer here and say that skinny jeans are not for everyone. Pear shaped bodies really need to avoid skinny jeans. Denim capri pants are also an excellent option.

Next, I would go with a graphic tee – the more artistic the better. Don’t think “cute saying” graphic tee, think flowers and swirls. I love some of the ones over at Roxy.

There are several options next. One, you could wear a menswear style vest over your graphic tee. This look was particularly popular in the fall, and still has some merit today. Two, try a coordinating scarf. Scarves are very “in” right now and, paired with a graphic tee, have a very chic look about them.

Finally, if hats are your style, go for it. Newsboy hats are a common style in the rocker community. Just let loose and have fun.

Whether you want to dress in a rocker chic style or not, just be yourself. You may find it fun to “borrow” another style for an evening out. You may feel more comfortable in your own style. Whatever you choose, just have fun!

Technorati Tags: concert, outfit inspiration, what to wear

On Saturday, as an Easter treat to my little guy and to spend some fun in the sun with extended family, we are going on a trip to the zoo local to my parents in Alabama. It got me thinking about fun activities in the sun and what to dress my little guy (and myself) in for a fun, but hot, day in the sun. As the weather warms up here in Nashville, I plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. I thought it would be great to do a “What to Wear” post for one of my favorite outdoor activities.

For a guy, the look will be casual. Shorts are a given, paired with a polo, short-sleeve button-down, or a t-shirt. Wear comfortable shoes that will let your feet breath. If you find flip-flops to be comfortable, that would be my pick. If not, go with sneakers. Your feet will thank you.

For the girl, go casual and comfortable. Avoid skirts that may blow in the wind and be more annoying than anything. Choose shorts or capris and a tank, tee, or polo. Again, wear comfortable shoes. The last time I went to the zoo I saw some poor girl walking around in three inch heels. Her feet had to be killing her! When going to the zoo, it is ok to choose comfort over fashion.

For the kids, choose cool clothes that will protect their skin. Deck the out with hats (if they’ll wear them) and comfortable, protective shoes. Their biggest accessory should be a wide-brimmed hat to protect their faces and necks. Coat them in sunscreen and you are good to go.

Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy the day with your family.

Technorati Tags: for her, for him, kids, what to wear to the zoo

Those special little people in your life also need to get all dolled up for Easter. Since most moms and dads use this as an excuse to dress their kids up in sweet little outfits, I won’t go too much into what the casual outfit would look like (just think of something you would have them wear for an everyday or nice day out type of event).

For little girls, I would definitely recommend dresses. There are some absolutely adorable little Easter dresses out there for girls (sometimes make me wish I had a little girl). If pink if not your color, do not fret. The array of colors range from pink to green to white to even black. Complete the outfit with some adorable little sandals and a hat. If you want, you can also have her wear some adorable little white gloves and simple jewelry depending on her age.

For little boys, there are so many options ranging from “just-like-dad” to totally boy to a little on the flamboyant side. I am a big fan of the “just-like-dad” and totally boy side. Plaid overalls or shorts with a matching polo or sweater rank among my top picks. For a more formal look, you can find suits ranging from young mens to infants. Round off the look with some matching shoes and maybe a hat, depending on the boy and the outfit. (The outfit above is what I picked out for my little guy.)

Easter is an especially fun time for the kids. Dying eggs, Easter egg hunts, waking up to baskets full of candy, and visiting the Easter bunny at the mall are all fun and exciting events in the eyes of our little ones. Take some time to get caught up in their excitement and have a safe and fun Easter!

Technorati Tags: baby, Easter outfit, for boy, for girl, infant, toddler, what to wear

Shopping for an Easter outfit is probably most stressful on the woman. The options are endless, as are the silhouettes, patterns, and colors. Throw in the need for shoes and accessories, and shopping for an Easter outfit can be a highly stressful event. I even found a dress i liked, then went to another store and found one I liked better. I ended up taking the first back. I still have to find shoes and accessories to match. It can simply be a stressful event.

As with the guy in the family, how dressed up you get depends on where you are going. If it is a casual family event, don’t stress out too much. Some cute Bermuda shorts with a matching top makes a great outfit. Pair it with some cute wedges and simply jewelry for a family-friendly casual outfit.

If it is a casual church you are going to, consider a sundress or skirt with matching top. Capris and a blouse are another great option. Pair any of these outfits with some great sandals and accessories and you’ve got it made.

A formal church is where it gets more difficult. A dress is the most common outfit, but is also the hardest to fit. If you find a dress you love, but the fit is off a bit, simply get it tailored to fit. You can go the separates route, with a skirt and blouse. Simply pick a skirt that is dressy enough for the occasion. Classic, heeled sandals and matching accessories will complete the ensemble.

Don’t stress too much about the outfit. Find something you love, are comfortable in, and know you will wear again. I picked out a great dress from New York and Company that will work perfectly for going to church with my family and later on for a date night with my husband. I still have to find the shoes and accessories, but I just keep reminding myself the sales get better the closer it gets to Easter.

Technorati Tags: business casual, casual, Easter outfit, for her, formal, what to wear, Women's fashion

Easter is a very special time for me. It is a time to celebrate the day when my personal Savior sacrificed His life for me. It is also a time for dressing up, going to church, and spending a day with loved ones. Whether you believe the religious aspect of Easter is up to you. Regardless, you have probably spent some time thinking about that special outfit you will wear when you go to church or sit down to a delicious home cooked meal.

Easter dress is pretty simple in and of itself (finding the outfit is the hard part!). You simply have to figure out how dressed up you need to be. How much you dress up depends on where you are planning to go. A higher level of dress will be needed if you plan to go to church versus only a family dinner. The family dinner might even be casual dress depending on what the hostess wants).

For a man, a casual look for an Easter event can include shorts. While more of a business casual look, shorts can be acceptable depending on the style of the shorts themselves. Avoid denim shorts or cargo shorts with large, baggy pockets. There are some cargo shorts with slim pockets on the side, these are acceptable. Pair the shorts or slacks with a polo or button-down shirt. Finish the look with sandals or boat shoes.

Some churches are okay with a business casual look. If you are going to be going to a casual church, wear slacks over shorts. Even if you typically wear denim to your home church, take Easter as a day to dress up a bit and wear slacks.  Pair your slacks with a polo or button-down shirt as well.

For a more formal church, a suit and tie is needed. If you don’t already own a suit, make sure to get one properly fitted before you purchase one. If you already own one, take it to get it dry-cleaned. Choose a shirt and matching tie to your liking. (For tips on how to tie a tie, visit an article I wrote for SlideMagnet.com here.)

Over the rest of the week, I’ll go over outfits for the rest of the family. Have you found your easter outfit yet? Show me what you’ve found!

Technorati Tags: Easter outfit, for him, mens fashion, menswear, what to wear