To do list: Spring Cleaning

The snow may still be falling in some areas, but believe it or not, spring isn’t too far off. In just a few short weeks, the birds will be chirping and that spring sun will start peeking out – getting you exited and ready for a little clearing of the clutter. Over the course of the year, we tend to collect things, the extra stuff piles up and suddenly we find ourselves ready to give the whole house a deep clean. The traditional “spring clean” is an institution in many households, feels great and is an incredible way to kick off summer. If you’re already thinking about what to toss and what to keep, how about also figuring out some ways to make a little cash off your spring cleaning? Ready to hit the ground running with this? Here are a few ideas.

1. Host a garage sale. If this is your year to truly unload some baggage, a garage sale is a great way to get the job done while also making a little extra cash on the side. If you find you have loads of electronics, DVDs, books and videos lying around, the garage sale is the perfect spot to offload this type of stuff. Just remember: don’t overprice your items. People are there to find a deal.

2. Consign your clothes. You may be thinking to yourself: “no one wants to buy my old clothes,” but believe it or not, when it comes to fashion, consignment is a big business. You may not be able to retire off the return, but it will put a few extra bucks in your pocket….perfect for cashing in on that bikini you’ve been eyeing for summer.

3. Got collectables or vintage pieces? There’s a big market out there for both vintage and collectable pieces – from both antique shops to eBay. If you’ve got some moderately valued items, eBay is a great place to get started, while more big ticket items might have a place with an auction house or high-end antique dealer.

4. Consign or sell furniture pieces and other household items. When it comes to vintage and antique furniture and other household items (like dishes and barware), there’s a big market out there. Local antique and consignment shops will work with you to get the best price, but there are also sites like Chairish – for buying and selling vintage home items. Don’t want to try your luck there? Or are your items more contemporary? List them for sale on Craigslist.

5. Donate your items for a tax deduction. While a tax deduction might not feel the same as actual cash in your pocket, for many people – this really does have a high value. Determine what your deduction could be versus what you can make by selling the items. Sometimes a big donation is the best way to go.

Have you ever thought about making a little money off your spring cleaning? Do you think you’ll put some of these tips to the test?

Keep styling
Angelika
www.styleupbyangel.com
(credit: L.R.)

Springtrend: Ways to Rock Stripes

Many people find stripes intimidating and, as a result, tend to avoid this pattern most of the time. It is believed that stripes can make you look wider and therefore a little heavier, too. But the truth is that stripes can actually be flattering on your figure when worn the right way. There are a few things to consider when wearing stripes and these include the size/thickness of your stripes, where you wear them and what you wear them with. If you love the look of stripes but are afraid of having them make you look bigger, check out these seriously stylish ways to wear stripes that will help you overcome that fear.

SUIT UP – If you love the look of street style outfits involving a suit but think that it’s too mature and grown up for you, try wearing a striped suit. This will give you the same sharp and sophisticated look but with a more fun and youthful twist.

DOUBLE VISION – Confused about what kinds of stripes to wear? Generally, you should wear horizontal stripes in areas that you want to look wider and vertical stripes in areas that need elongating. But if you think you need both kinds of stripes in different areas, go ahead and just mix and match, and wear the kind of stripes each specific area needs. The result will be a fun look that’s both flattering and chic.

ANIMAL STRIPES – Who says you have to stick with the traditional striped lines when you choose to wear this pattern? If you’re looking for something more interesting with just the right hint of sexy in it, why not try wearing animal stripes? Tiger and zebra stripes are among the most popular in this category but you’re more than welcome to wear other styles, too.

Keep styling

Angelika

www.styleupbyangel.com

(credit: L.R.)

Springtrend: Denim

Denim, hands down, is a fashion favorite. A perfect piece for all seasons, this classical item has been the darling in many spring collections. Brace yourself for a ‘blue’ season with these denim trends spring 2015.

PRINTED DENIM SHIRT

Denim is truly stylish by itself. But if you want to wear beautiful denim trends spring 2015, then furnish your spring wardrobe with a printed denim shirt. Keep the focus on your glitzy shirt by pairing it with a plain yet chic bottom.

DENIM CROP TOP

The crop top trend is something that won’t slow out soon. Merge the best of both fashion worlds by strutting in a denim crop top.

EMBELLISHED DENIMS

It goes without saying that the simpler, the better. But if you want to embrace the lovely denim trends spring 2015, then make sure to invest in a cute pair of embellished denims. They’re fun to wear, especially if you’re wearing a simple top.

DENIM SKIRT

Keep styling

Angelika

www.styleupbyangel.com

(credit: L.R.)

How To Wear Ankle Booties

Ankle boots are the best way to wear boots in the summer but they’re even better to wear during fall. If you’re not into high cut boots – thigh high and knee high ones – ankle boots are definitely for you. They keep your feet warm and dry without restraining movement in your legs unlike most high cut boots. How do you give them that fall-friendly look, though, you ask? Here are some ideas on what to wear with ankle boots in fall.

MINI SKIRT– a mini skirt in fall? Yes, you read that right and no, we haven’t gone crazy. A mini skirt looks really cute and sexy with ankle boots but they can leave you feeling a little cold in fall so pair the combo up with a cozy sweater or a cute jacket for a comfy and stylish outfit during the earlier days of fall. When the temps drop even lower, you can wear tights underneath so that your legs don’t freeze off while you’re out in the cold. The combination of ankle boots and a mini skirt is sure to make your legs look longer so if you’re petite, this one should be on your ‘must-wear’ list.

CROPPED PANTS – got really nice ankle boots? Well, they’re not gonna make a statement unless you showcase them in your outfit and if wearing a skirt is not an option for you, you can opt for cropped pants instead. Choose for a pair that’s about one to two inches, tops, cut above your boots. Any higher and your outfit might turn into a hot mess.

JOGGER PANTS – another big trend for fall this year is the jogger pant. If you’re going for the athleisure look, the combination of jogger pants and ankle boots is the one for you. Ankle pants will take away some of the athletic vibe of your jogger pants and give it more of a street style chic look. Depending on what look you want to achieve, you can wear anything from a simple tee to a sweater or a really dressy top.

SHIFT DRESS – need a basic foundation to layer your outfit on? If you’re looking for something more girly and posh, you can try starting off your outfit with the combination of a shift dress and ankle boots. Depending on how warm and how complex you want your outfit to be, you can go ahead and pile on the layers. This combo is fool proof and guaranteed chic, even a newbie at layering can pull it off.

Keep styling

Angelika

www.styleupbyangel.com

(credit: L.R.)

Tropical Winter Holiday - what to pack ?

If you are one of the fortunate few who have managed to book a tropical vacation for this winter, then good for you! You can finally have a fashion break from those bulky blazers, chunky coats and woolen warmers.

Although you might have managed to escape to the tropics, you should never leave your sense of fashion behind. Get the resort chic look by taking these must-have pieces to your fashion destination.

FORM-FITTING SWIMSUIT

What’s a tropical vacation without some fun under the sun? Make sure to bring the best swimsuit that complements your figure and body shape.

COVER UP

If you want to look resort chic, then make sure to bring a unique cover up. This will keep you stylish and clothed in between your swimming sessions.

MAXI DRESS

The maxi dress is one of the most convertible pieces for a resort chic look. You can wear it at daytime as you stroll along the beach, and you can wear it at nighttime for a romantic dinner or after-party drinks.

MINI DRESS

If maxi dresses are too long or conservative for you, then make it a point to show your legs in a cute mini dress. Like the maxi dress, you can take this apparel from day to night.

AN ARSENAL OF COLORFUL TOPS

If you are planning on a long vacation, then make sure to bring an array of colorful, light fabric tops. Bright, pastel-colored or tie-dyed ones are perfect for beach frolicking, while a chambray button-down is important for dressier events.

SHORTS

Achieve a resort chic look without going over the baggage limit by bringing light and colorful shorts. Heavy denim shorts should be at the bottom of your list, especially if you don’t have check-in baggage.

BRIGHT OR PRINTED PANTS

Maintain your sunny disposition at formal events by pairing your cute dressy top with light and bright (or printed) pants.

SANDALS

Sashay the beach in style with easy-to-wear sandals. For the added height, choose comfy platform sandals.

SCARF

A versatile piece of resort chic wear, a scarf can shield you from the scorching sun. It can also work as a cover up, as well as a statement accessory.

Are you ready?

Keep styling
Angelika
www.styleupbyangel.com
(credit: L.R.)

Springtrend: Leather Edition

Leather outfits and accessories are must-haves for every girl. However, most ladies only opt for the ‘traditional’ colors of black and brown. If you love leather – and if you want to stand out – then make sure to get these colorful leather pieces for your wardrobe.

FUNKY LEATHER JACKET

When the word ‘leather’ comes to mind, the first thing that pops out is the classic black leather jacket. But if you want to inject a dash of color into your outfit, swap your black/brown leather jackets for a more vibrant one. Take cue from the stylistic Jamie Chung, who used a textured green leather jacket with her pretty outfit.

SEXY LEATHER PANTS

Leather pants are undoubtedly sultry. However, the usual black leather pants can be too ‘safe’ for words. If you want to go out of the box, then sashay around town in colorful leather pants. Like the lady below, a hot pair of leather pants (in ravishing red, of course) can make you look sexy – even with a conservative outfit.

Vibrant Leather Dress 

A black leather dress, while sexy, can be too ‘dominatrix.’ If you want to soften up your image – and look bubbly as well – then go for a vibrant leather dress. Kerry Washington (aka Olivia Pope) sashayed the red carpets in a red, hot leather dress, so why shouldn’t you? xo

Keep styling

Angelika

www.styleupbyangel.com

( credit: L.R.)

Spring StreetStyle Inspiration: Silver

When you hear or see the word silver, one of the very first things that come to mind is jewelry and that’s because that is the most common way that most of us incorporate the color into our everyday looks. If you’re looking for fab street style ways to wear silver, check out the tips and ideas we have below.

SILVER JEWELRY – as mentioned above, this is the most common way to wear silver and incorporate it in your everyday look. You can choose to wear dainty silver jewelry for a more refined look or bigger, bolder and chunkier ones (in layers, if you please) for an edgier look that’s perfect for street style snaps.

SILVER SHOES – now, if you’re looking for another way to wear silver that does not have anything to do with jewelry, you could try slipping into a pair of silver shoes. Go for the metallic ones – those are all the rage right now. Wear them with a plain and simple outfit and they’re sure to pop and become the center of attention.

METALLIC BOTTOMS – want something a little more futuristic? How about rocking a pair of silver bottoms? Metallic is the best way to go if you’re taking this route. A pair of metallic silver pants can make you stand out effortlessly while a metallic silver skirt allows you to do the same but with just a hint of girly-ness.

Keep styling

Angelika

www.styleupbyangel.com

(credit: L.R.)