Dress to Impress & STA

The ultimate style challenge is finding new ways to wear the same pieces that you have in your closet. Suz Stephenson, a very special FashioniSTA friend, has taken this challenge on to the greatest degree, and has enlisted STA’s help.

For the entire month of January, Suz will wear the same dress each day, using it to create 31 unique, individual outfits. Through donated accessories, she has reinvented this L.L. Bean dress into an outfit for any occasion. Whether you’re going to a job interview, a night out, a normal day at the office or a networking event, Suz is successfully proving that it doesn’t take a wonder-closet to pull off style. And one of the best things about this endeavor? At the end of the month, Suz is giving all of her donated pieces to Dress for Success, an organization that helps women reenter the workforce.

Maybe it’s our STA mantra, but we really connected with this project as a way to show people how to be frugally fashionable. Suz has encouraged women to watch their wallets while building a career-appropriate wardrobe, and we love that she’s also a fan of resale! She told us, “Shopping second-hand allows you to determine which higher-end qualities are worth spending money for… without making a large investment.”

We provided Suz with some STA-approved pieces to help her create two work-appropriate, yet stylish looks, including a belt in the first photo and the statement necklace in the second one. Check them out!

This Thursday and Friday: Westport and Greenwich Girls’ Night Out Events!

What’s better than a Girls’ Night Out? Adding shopping!

Join us this week as we host two events especially for our Connecticut ladies, complete with wine, light fare and 20% off your entire purchase!

On Thursday, January 19th, stop by our Westport store from 3-6pm to partake in the STA festivities.

Then on Friday, January 20th, we’re heading west to Greenwich for another event from 3-6pm!

Thursday, January 19th – Second Time Around: Westport
135 Post Road East
Westport, CT 06880
203-557-3733

Friday, January 20th – Second Time Around: Greenwich
6 Greenwich Ave
Greenwich, CT 06831
203-422-2808

www.secondtimearound.net

FashioniSTA File: Golden Globes 2012

This year’s Golden Globe Awards was all about bold statements and futuristic flair. From silver metallic moments – that we saw on Nicole Richie and Lea Michele – to art deco details – as seen on Selma Hayek and Claire Danes – statement accents were everywhere. Even those who donned nude gowns for the occasion ramped up the drama with oversized skirts (Charlize Theron and Piper Perabo) and large-scale jewelry (Heidi Klum). And of course fringe hit the red carpet yet again, this time taking on celebs such as Emma Stone and Busy Phillips.

Ashley’s Picks
Best Dressed: Freida Pinto in a teal, textured Prada. I’ll admit that I like when actresses go more timeless than trendy, and I think this gown had the best of both worlds. The classic shape was slightly modernized with the fuller silhouette at the bottom and the smaller accents, such as the belt and her stunning Chopard lattice choker. The texture was the perfect detail to make her stand out in the best way possible.


Worst Dressed: Lea Michele in a silver Marchesa concoction. Some people have been fawning over this risky move, and I’m hoping that those people get their eyes check out soon. Instead of a smart risk, this is too over-the-top, and Lea stirs up memories of Cher in Bob Mackie.


Rookie of the Night: Shailene Woodley’s Marchesa dress was an unbeatable mix of age-appropriateness and gorgeous detail. The structured bodice with the illusion neckline was a shining example of how to dress a young Hollywood actress.


Most Improved: Nicole Kidman in Versace redeemed herself a million times over from her missteps last awards season (remember the white Dior)? From the studs to the body-hugging silhouette, this dress proved why Versace is such a fashion powerhouse.

Kim’s Picks
Best Dressed: My absolute two favorites of the night were Salma Hayek in Gucci and Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham. Hayek may get panned for her risky art-deco choice, but I thought she pulled it off beautifully while Winslet proved that Old Hollywood is always in style… her touches of gold were flawless and her clutch was a perfect match.


Worst Dressed: Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace — seriously, how dated! I am a firm believer that one can never be tooooo matchy-matchy, but Jolie’s hideous outfit tonight has shaken that belief to its core. The worst, however — hands-down — is Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhullier. That print should never hit the red carpet, nor should it ever grace a dress so formal. You took a risk, Gellar, and it failed.


Rookie of the Night: Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen — I may not particularly like her dress, but I’ll certainly remember it. Bold lines make for a bold choice, and I’m not sure if she pulled it off or not. But it certainly caught my eye! I’d also like to nod my hat to Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci… very fitting for her character, and very well put together.


Most Improved: Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann… Swinton arrived last year in a questionable Jil Sander get-up that was part dress / part boardroom, but this year she made some major strides. She clearly enjoys going for a slightly androgynous look and this year is no exception. However, she softens the blow with a fabulously wild hairdo and beautiful jewelry by Fred Leighton. Baby steps, Swinton, but you’re getting there.

Kristen’s Picks
Best Dressed: Claire Danes – I have a love hate relationship with Claire Danes.  Yesterday it was love.  Her J. Mendel dress, coupled with simple jewelry, was nothing short of perfection, and the cut out back? Swoon.


Worst Dressed: Zooey Deschanel in Prada is my pick for worst dressed, not because of the dress necessarily, but the hair. Usually I’m all for glam throwback looks especially when it comes to hairstyles, but this custom-made bold dress deserves a simple updo.


Rookie of the Night: While I think she always looks great at award shows, my rookie of the Golden globes Goes to Sarah Hyland of Modern Family in Dolce & Gabbana.  I’m all about the lace! Sarah was able to pull off an elegant strapless dress while maintain her youthful charm.

Most Improved: Laura Dern – Known for her effortlessly hippy-ish style, she kicked it up a notch this year!  Her emerald sparkle Andrew Gn dress was just the right amount of classy and sexy, she looked radiant when accepting her award.

Stay tuned as we cover all of the other award shows this season!

Now Accepting Spring Consignment!

Can’t wait for warmer weather? Neither can we!

All stores are now accepting Spring consignment, so bring your transition pieces – cardigans, light-weight jackets, pastels, etc. – to help us get started on switching seasons! Get a head-start on your spring cleaning by weeding out your closet, then cash in on the items you won’t wear again by making an appointment at your nearest STA.

Don’t live close by? Consign online! Learn more here.

New Year’s Style Resolutions: Try New Trends

Look at a photo of yourself from five years ago. Did you just wear that same outfit last week? If so, maybe your resolution should be to infuse a little freshness into your wardrobe. New trends don’t have to be difficult or fussy, making just a few fashion swaps can brighten your wardrobe and help you put together outfits that are easy yet stylish.

The key to leaping into the fashion pool is to take it slow. Pick a trend that’s easy, such as sheer details or statement necklaces, and incorporate it into an outfit that you already wear. Adding or substituting just one piece can instantly brighten your look and open up your perspective on expanding your style. Don’t feel like you have to wait to try a trend with a specific outfit, just start with a neutral outfit and add a trendy piece to the mix. You can try the tuxedo trend with a tux-inspired blazer, a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Or you can pair patterned tights with a basic sweater dress for a basic look with a twist. For those who are cautious about trends, it’s all about easing into them.

An easy way to try out a new trend is to do so in black. It’s a safe bet when trying something new, since it goes with everything and tends to mute louder trends while staying chic. For instance, if you’d like to try out wearing colored denim, pair your pants with a black top, shoes and accessories, ensuring that your look won’t be too busy or overstated. Or take a black tweed blazer and a black pair of pants and accent them with an oversized statement necklace to take on this trend. As you begin to get more comfortable with trying out new trends, you can take it up a notch. You can integrate these pieces with more complex and monochromatic outfits, mixing textures and even incorporating more than one trend into your ensemble. Before you know it, you’ll be color-blocking your purple jeans with your red sweater and a blue belt.

An important point about trying new trends: Don’t spend your whole shopping budget on these items. If you realize that you don’t like it or it quickly goes out of style, you’ll be happy that you stuck to a budget and bought an inexpensive version. Where’s the best place to try out trends for less? Second Time Around, of course!

Have you tried out a trend recently? Let us know about it on Facebook (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/STAconsignment)!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

New Year’s Style Resolutions: Make the Most of Your Closet

Closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? That seems to be a common problem among the style-savvy, even those with stuffed closets big enough to rent out as a spare room. The best way to start with this is to make sure your wardrobe is organized (see our first style resolution blog post for tips). Once you’ve completed that, key pieces that could put together an outfit won’t be lost in the back of your closet. Put items that you’d like to wear but never do in the front of your closet to help you keep them in mind for all future outfits.

Also, look at the pieces that never seem to make it into your wardrobe rotation and figure out why. It could be that there’s a missing puzzle piece, like the right tank or accessory, to pair with the garment to make it wearable for you. This year, resolve to fill some of those style holes by picking up pieces that will complement and complete items that you already own, saving you money and helping you to get the most of what you have! You could also not be wearing these items because you don’t know how to style them. To help with this, next time you’re perusing through a magazine or you’re surfing Pinterest, be on the lookout for how people style similar pieces. It could inspire you to pair your own items with a color or accessory you never thought of before. If the pieces that you’re not wearing just intimidate you, this is the year to break them out! Become fashion fearless in 2012, you can always pack a backup outfit just in case.

Since Kate Middleton fluttered into our lives, repeating outfits has not only become acceptable, but it’s encouraged. To increase your chances of wearing the same pieces over and over, make sure you’re taking care of them in the best way possible. Start with a quality laundry detergent, even if you only plan on using it for delicate items (you can still wash your sports bras and t-shirts with the bargain brand). Try Woolite or any green detergent, like Mountain Green, none of which will harm items that are categorized as “delicate.” Wash color-saturated items inside out (such as denim) to prevent fading, and always hang these items to dry. To keep bras in their best shape, wash them in a lingerie bag rather than just throwing them in the washing machine. These bags cost about as much as a candy bar, and you probably already have one in your house. And remember, the dryer should only be used only for items that you wear to work out.

How do you make the most of your closet? Tell us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or on Twitter (@STAconsignment)!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

Style Resolutions for the New Year

Take control of the new year by taking control of your style. Start off your new year with your own style resolution, and prepare to make this year the beginning of making you even more fabulous than ever. We’ve got plans for four style resolutions to help you along the way, and we’ll be bringing you one each day in the easiest way possible. And besides, if 2012 is the last year, why not go out incredibly stylish?

Organize and Stylize Your Closet
Take on the new year with a new closet. You don’t need a new wardrobe to have this, all you need are a few supplies and upgrades to your current closet. If you’re ready for a closet clean-out, click here to get inspiration and tips! If you’re not ready for an overhaul just yet, a few tweaks can really open up your closet and make your mornings about a million times easier.

First of all, make sure you own enough hangers, and use ones that won’t break. When you switch from plastic, brittle hangers to either wooden or velvet, your whole closet will just feel better. This is a great little detail that will keep your clothes in better condition (hello, no hanger snags in the fabric) and will motivate you towards your dream closet. After picking up the piles of clothing off your closet floor, put them in order on the racks by organizing them by category. Keeping all of your blouses together, dresses together, skirts/pants together (etc.) will ensure that you won’t find a rogue Nanette Lepore halter hidden behind your winter coat once summer’s over. If it’s helpful for you to organize your clothing by color, go for it, but if you think that you’ll glaze over a section of black tops assuming they’re all the same, mixing it up might be better for you.

Don’t skimp on organizing your shoes and accessories either. Got scarves sitting in an overflowing basket? Are your belts looped around a hanger and falling off? Are your shoes mismatched and living on your floor? Grab some stackable boxes, a sharpie and some blank labels and get to organizing. Throw your scarves in one box, your belts in another, even your costume jewelry in another. Label the sides so you don’t go fishing through them in a morning rage, and you’re on your way to closet perfection! (How easy is that?) Take those shoes decorating your floor and line them up on a shelf. You’ll have all of your shoe options in front of you, giving you the best chance to create an outfit people will be talking about for weeks. If you’re short on space, picking up a one-tier shelf that goes on the floor will at least maximize the space you do have. Organize by color, occasion or heel height, whatever will help your style process the most. Grab your boots that are slouched over and put a rolled magazine in each boot to keep it standing tall.

The final details will add icing on top of your style cake, giving your closet the TLC that it needs. Line your shelves with scented shelf paper, or add sachets to your drawers and shelves to give your closet an oasis vibe (anything to make getting dressed less stressful). You can also throw some cedar chips into your closet, they’re inexpensive and they’ll keep your clothes away from pesky moths. Go the extra style step and hang an inspiration board on your closet door or wall (find out how to make one here) for an instant style pick-me-up.

Have a closet organizing tip that you’d like to share? Tweet us (@STAconsignment) or post on our Facebook page (facebook.com/staconsignment) and let us know!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

Eighth Day of Style – Just Add Sparkle

The holiday/NYE season is all about the glitz, and wherever I can get away with wearing a little extra sparkle, I’m all over it. From using a glitter topcoat on your nails to busting out the baubles, there are tons of great ways to infuse your everyday wardrobe with a little sparkle. Breaking out the sequins for a party is a great start, but add a little of that shine to your casual look, and it’ll make everyday a mini celebration.

A Pinch of Glitter From Your Head to Your Toes
When the weather gets colder, it’s easy to slide into a dark-colors-only wardrobe. Don’t worry, you can still do that and not look like you’ve become seasonally depressed. An all-black or all-navy ensemble can look great with a multi-colored or silver glitter flat. To pull together a casual – yet polished – look, start with the pair of dark denim of your choosing (boyfriend, distressed, skinny, etc.). Pair your jeans with either a black tank/blazer, or with a dark cashmere sweater. Finish off the look with a thin, sparkly headband and either a sleek blowout or a messy up-do. Glitter flats also work great with darker jewel tones, such as cranberry or forest green. For a modern look, pair your jewel-toned corduroys with multi-colored glitter flats, topping off the look with a white button-down or a lace top.
For an even subtler look, try a black glitter belt paired with an all-black, fitted ensemble. Or you can always go with solid-color flats that have a sparkle cap toe. It’ll add just a tiny dose of glam to a basic outfit. Sparkle tights have been popping up everywhere as well, and they range from slightly shiny to full-on gold sparkle. Find what you’re comfortable with and add them into your tights rotation to spice up your normal work or nighttime attire.

Layer the Glitz In With Your Basics
Got a sequin or embellished tank that you usually reserve for after the sun goes down? Make the most of it and wear it during the day! Layer it over a basic black or gray long-sleeved knit top and pair with jeans, basic pants or a neutral skirt. Dress it up with heels or dress it down with minimal accessories and a blazer for a day at the office. The neutral layers will balance out any embellishment, and the glitzy detail will provide the same accent that your jewelry normally would.
You can also break out your sequin sweaters during the day as well. Pair any sequin sweater with contrasting neutral pieces for a fresh take on timeless chic. Lighter sequins tend to work better for daytime, but a black sequined cardigan, styled with a white cotton tank and dark denim, is a great casual option that can quickly go from day to night. Got a metallic sweater that doesn’t resemble a basic cardigan and you don’t know what to do with it? You can always layer it with a blazer or other indoor-appropriate jacket to tone down the sparkle, but these pieces are also great seasonal transition items. Pair a gold sweater with a pastel skirt (see below) for a winter-sparkle-meets-spring-awakening look, which will help you transition in style by using the best of both seasons.
Sequin skirts are usually reserved for nighttime activities, but if you own a sparkly skit in a lighter color, you can also work them during the day. Pair knee-high, flat boots with a cream sequined skirt and a cream cashmere sweater for a winter white ensemble that is daytime-appropriate and wonderland-esque.

Remember, fashioniSTAs, probably the easiest way to subtly sparkle in style is to brush a glitter topcoat across your nails, it’s quick and will complement any ensemble!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

Seventh Day of Style – The Perfect Blowout

If you’re as obsessed with Kate Middleton as I am, you’ve probably fawned over her hair once or twice. Getting the perfect blowout doesn’t have to take hours or a professional hairstylist. All it takes is a little patience mixed with some practice, and you can achieve a great blowout in under 20 minutes that will look like you just stepped out of a salon. So put your flatirons away and give your look the finishing touch with a crave-worthy blowout.

Here’s what you’ll need:
A t-shirt or hair towel/turban
Heat-activated styling product (I recommend Kerastase Ciment Thermique) or a lighter serum/oil (like Moroccan Oil or Kerastase serum)
Hair dryer with an extended nozzle
Large round brush with soft bristles (such as boar)
Hair clips

Step 1: Towel Dry
Towel-dry your hair with a t-shirt or a hair towel. The rough fibers of a regular bath towel can break your hair and make your blowout frizz, so it’s important to start with a smooth towel and pat your hair instead of rubbing it. For best results, keep your hair wrapped in a hair towel or let it air-dry until it’s just slightly damp, time-permitting of course.

Step 2: Apply Product
Apply a heat-activated cream to your hair, especially if you have thick and/or curly hair. I live by Kerastase products, especially their Ciment Thermique heat-activated cream. Start underneath and work a quarter-sized amount of the product through the ends of your hair for even, light coverage. If you have fine and/or straight hair that gets weighed down easily, using a lighter product such as Moroccan oil or Kerastase serum only on the ends might be better for you.

Step 3: Pick Your Sectioning Technique
If you’re not used to blow-drying your own hair, it might be helpful for you to section off pieces for you to work with and pin up the damp sections. With this technique it is generally easier to start at the nape of your neck and work from the bottom to the top of your head. You can also start at the top of your head working your way down, pinning pieces up only once you’ve dried them. Once you get comfortable with the process, you can start on one side of your head, flipping sections over the top of your head once you’ve dried them. Before you know it, you’ll be able to work from one side to the other without pinning, flipping, stopping or missing a single section.

Step 4: The Actual Blow-Dry
Depending on which pinning (or flipping) technique you’re using, all that’s left to do is the actual blow-dry. Don’t worry, the basic prep work will make this step a million times easier. I’ve used a bunch of different tools over the years, but what I have found works best is a large round brush with soft bristles (like boar) paired with a hairdryer with an extended nozzle and a cool setting. Take a section of hair, run your brush through it, then stop the brush when it gets to the tips of your hair. Holding your hair in place on the round brush, roll the brush to your hairline. Pointing the nozzle down to avoid frizz, work the round brush slowly down the hair shaft, moving the hairdryer with it. Roll the hair around the brush to the hairline again, and repeat blow-dry technique until the section is dry. As you get more comfortable, you’ll move quicker through each section.
STA Tip: For maximum volume, start with a front section right above your forehead and blow dry it the same way you would if you had bangs. When you part your hair you’ll get instant height!

Step 5: Finishing Touches
If you have some sections that you just can’t get straight, feel free to use a flatiron sparingly. Run the iron over the section quickly, then let your hair completely cool before touching it.
STA Tip: If you are craving a little wave, divide your hair in half and twist each half with your fingers while you blow hot air onto the twist, followed by a blast of cool air to set it.

All that’s left to do is hit the town and show off your illuminating locks! Do you have a favorite blow-drying technique? Tell us about it on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or on Twitter (@STAconsignment)!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

All Wrapped Up: 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th Days of Style

To keep with the season of giving, we’re wrapping up four days of style in a neat little blog bow. Whether you were camped out in front of a Hallmark holiday movie this weekend or burning the shopping candle at both ends, here’s some holiday style cheer to brighten up your look into the new year!

Third Day of Style – Primp Your PJs
Styling your sleepwear isn’t just for opening presents on Christmas (or Hanukkah) morning. Although you might not have a photo-op every morning to make you jazz up your jammies, investing in nightwear doesn’t have to begin and end with what you wear out of the house.
Of course it’s easy to throw on sweatpants and a t-shirt and hop into bed. However, it’s just as easy – and comfortable – to throw on a satin pajama set, they’re all elastic-waist! If you’re hesitant to give up your t-shirt, I sympathize with you, so start small. The best part about stylish pajamas is the fact that they pretty much look the same on everyone. You can grab a pair of printed PJ pants or shorts from a bunch of stores, no matter what your age or body type. From Aerie to Victoria’s Secret to Neiman Marcus, you can stock up on your favorite patterns and fabrics without having to empty your bank account. Go with classic satin with contrast piping for a timeless winter vibe, or bold floral to infuse some warmth into the season, or try a quirky print by Primp to liven up your bedtime routine. For an extra dose of style, slip on a pair of lined slippers that look more like ballet flats for a polished look.
With just a quick change, I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll feel better when you wake up in the morning. Another perk? You won’t be embarrassed staying in your pajamas all day, don’t pretend you actually like putting in the effort to get dressed when the weekend comes. And who knows, maybe this will inspire you to host sleepover parties (what, you thought that you were too old for them?).

Fourth Day of Style – Braid Your Own Way
Braids have been popping up everywhere, from the runway to the red carpet to my house when my sister is there. This is another easy trend that anyone can try, plus it’s versatile enough to go from day to night.
To easily try out this trend, you can take a small section of hair from anywhere on your head, braid it, secure with a small elastic and you’re done. How easy was that? Try it out at first on a section behind your ear to take it slow, or work a piece in front for a bohemian look. If you know how to French braid, expand on the single braid by taking a small section right at your ear and do a tiny French braid that curls behind your ear. Part your hair to the opposite side and you’ve got a classic style with a twist.
To take it to the next level, you can step into the French and fishtail side of the trend. Tons of celebs – from Kristen Stewart to Miley Cyrus – have been stepping out in a low fishtail braided to one side and styled in front of the shoulder. If fishtails aren’t your thing, take a French braid into nighttime by braiding one side of your hair, stopping at the nape of your neck and gathering all of the hair into a low ponytail a la Rachel Zoe. Go asymmetrical by doing a large braid on one side, a smaller braid on the other and gathering both into the ponytail.
For the advanced hair connoisseur, go with multiple braids styled into an up-do for a unique and fresh look. You can French braid a couple small sections across the front of your hairline, then finish off the look by pinning everything into a low, tousled bun like Rachel McAdams (flower optional).
Whether you go with a basic low braid over your shoulder or an intricate French-braided up-do, this trend is a great way to subtly upgrade your regular hairstyle!

Fifth Day of Style – Stack ‘Em Up!
If you think wearing one piece of jewelry is fabulous, adding more will onlymake you exponentially more fabulous! (It’s math.) We’ve all seen the girls who wear an armful of bangles and look like they just stepped out of Harper’s Bazaar. Well, now with just a few additions, you can look just as good.

To try this trend inexpensively, first look to your own jewelry stash. Take a few bangles and put them together, making sure to mix up widths and textures. Go bold by mixing metals or keep it classic with similar color schemes and a single bright bracelet mixed in. There’s also so many ways you can wear a watch or a statement bangle, but if you pair either with a couple of thin bangles in a similar color scheme, you’ve got a fresh new look. If you happen to have a couple of really nice bracelets, those can look great as well in smaller groups so that each piece still gets to shine.
Got a bunch of thin rings lying around that you never wear? Stack three or four of them – depending on width – on a single finger and you’ve tried out the trend from your own jewelry box. You can also seek out stackable rings pretty easily, just look for bands in a uniform shape all the way around for maximum stacking potential.
This is an easy tweak for any ensemble, and it instantly makes you look chic with a few simple additions. Voila! You’re making the most of your accessories and spicing up your normal outfits.

Sixth Day of Style – On Dasher, On Dancer, On…Blazer
In the fashion reindeer lineup, Blazer would be guiding the style sleigh. I would not be exaggerating to say that wearing a blazer has simultaneously improved my style and made it a thousand times easier to get dressed in the morning.
A blazer is like an instant style-maker that can work with any outfit and make you look put-together at a moment’s notice. Feeling uninspired and just want to something easy? Throw on jeans, a tank and a blazer. Want to be comfortable? Leggings and a jersey tunic might make you look slightly homeless, but you pair a blazer with this combo and suddenly you’re a style star. Modernize a shift dress by throwing one on and adding stackable jewelry (see above). Even going out at night, arming yourself with a blazer makes you unstoppable. Pair a cropped version with a sequin dress to tone down the sparkle, or invest in a sequin blazer to pair with a basic black ensemble for a nighttime event.
Easy chic at its best can be found in the form of one article of clothing. And with about a bazillion different versions, anyone can find one that works.

Did you try out any of these trends and want to share the results? We’d love to see! Post on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or Tweet us (@STAconsignment) with photos or comments!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA