Outfit Ideas: 4 Ways to Wear Your Favorite Flannel Shirt November 8th, 2012
As a CF reader, I know you’re all privy to the wonderful benefits that layering can bring to your cool-weather wardrobe. Well, one of my favorite layering tools located in almost every girl’s closet is a cozy, worn-in flannel shirt.
In this post, we’re taking everyone’s favorite staple item and remixing to create a few new outfits with pieces you probably already own. Read on to check out some style tips!
Rustic Layering
The mere thought of a flannel button-down shirt makes me think of sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace in an earthy log cabin. And yes, I watch way too many movies.
Play up this wintery vibe by layering your flannel shirt with thick cable knit sweaters, utility jackets, denim, leather, or pretty much anything you find in your closet. A mix of different textures and fabrics will give you the most chic, street style-y kind of look. Below, I paired a red flannel shirt with a cream colored boyfriend cardigan, worn with skinny cargoes and topped off with a fur-lined denim jacket. Finish the look with a pair of boots and a few no-frills accessories, like this leather bracelet.
Shirt, Boots, Pants, Sweater, Jacket, Bracelet
Night On The Town
Most girls would never think of a flannel shirt as being appropriate for girls night out — but your most comfortable shirt can absolutely work: All it takes is a little bit of dressing up!
A flannel shirt can look amazing with the sleeves rolled up to 3/4 length, unbuttoned a bit (maybe even to reveal a lacy cami), and tucked into a skirt. Be creative with the skirt — anything from a fitted bandage skirt to a leather A-line skirt, or even a hi-lo skirt like the one pictured below can work! The two pieces juxtaposed together will look bold and funky, and will be even more awesome with statement earrings, heels, and a glamorous clutch. Just don’t act too surprised when the Sartorialist appears out of nowhere to snap your picture!
Shirt, Skirt, Earrings, Clutch, Shoes
’90s Throwback
If you look at my past CF posts, it’s no secret that I’m absolutely crazy for the ’90s fashion renaissance we’ve been experiencing. This, of course, is the era that flannel shirts are most closely associated with. There’s a way to get a cool, grungy ’90s look without looking sloppy or overly dated, though!
To start, try layering a flannel over your favorite graphic tee. If a concert tee is a little too Kurt Cobain-esque for your liking, go with any other graphic tee in your closet! Balance out the look with a pair of skinny-cut colored cords. Finish with a pair of sneakers and — if you’re feeling really daring — a bowler hat.
Flannel Shirt, Tee, Pants, Shoes, Hat
Outdoors and Cozy
Of course, probably the second strongest association people have with flannel shirts is a burly man chopping wood in the countryside. Well I know this sounds insane, but we can make “lumberjack chic” a cute look — I’ll prove it!
Quilted vests are amazing for staying warm in harsh winds, and can be worn either inside or outside of most winter coats. Wear one on top of a flannel shirt for an outdoorsy and functional (but still super adorable) look. Finish with a pair of comabt boots, a beanie, and chic fingerless gloves. You’ll look perfect for playing in the leaves, going to a bonfire, picking apples, or pretty much any fun (and slightly cliche) fall activity!
Shirt, Jeans, Vest, Beanie, Boots, Gloves
How do you wear your favorite flannel shirt?
I shared a few of my ideas, but now it’s your turn. What do you like to pair your flannel shirt with? How do you feel about these outfits? What other winter staple can you not live without? Would you ever wear a flannel shirt with a skirt? What about open over a graphic tee, like the grunge ’90s trend?
Leave us a comment and continue the conversation!
Nail Polish 101: Our Top 5 Favorite Glitter Topcoats December 10th, 2011
The holidays are my favorite time of year, and not just because my birthday falls right smack-dab in the middle. (It’s this Monday, in case you’re wondering.)
As such, I tend to get jazzier with my nails around this time – and what more perfect way to get festive than with glitter polish? It’s fun, flashy and adds a great sparkle to any outfit.
Without further ado, here are our top five favorite glitter topcoats to help add some sparkle to your look:
1. China Glaze Snowglobe
.70 at Amazon
These multi-colored glitter specks look like – you guessed it – the inside of a snowglobe. The glitter isn’t super-densely packed so your base color will definitely show through. What I like most about this is that it’s totally unique; there isn’t any other color like this on the market.
Wear it over: a black like Wet ‘n’ Wild Black Creme (swatch from Neverland Nail Blog)
2. Sephora by OPI Only Gold For Me
.50 at Sephora
This clear topcoat features both hexagonal and micro gold glitter. I’m obsessed with this color and I still haven’t found a shade this looks bad over – green, blue, black, red – you name it, this will just complement it.My roommate Lizzie jokes that this looks like outer space when applied over dark polishes.
If you’re not into the .50 pricetag, a more sensible option is Milani Jewel FX in Gold.
Wear it over: a pastel like OPI’s Do You Lilac It? a la Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere
3. Essie Set in Stone
.00 at Zappos
Essie’s Set in Stone is a more densely-packed silver version of Sephora by OPI’s Only Gold For Me. I not only love this shade, but I love Essie’s brushes – they are definitely some of the best when you’re applying a tricky glitter topcoat.
Wear it over: a teal like OPI Ski Teal We Drop (swatch from Scrangie)
4. Milani Gems
.49 at drugstore.com
Think of this as a cheaper alternative to OPI’s Rainbow Collection and a much less expensive version of Deborah Lippmann’s Happy Birthday. The glitter in this polish is so diverse – I’m talking fuchsia, silver, gold, sky blue, orange, electric blue and green.
At compared to or for OPI and Deborah Lippmann, respectively, this is definitely a wallet-friendly dupe that needs to be in your collection.
Wear it over: Any color – it matches everything, so go wild! (swatch from Goose’s Glitter)
5. Essie Shine of the Times
.00 at Nordstrom
When a friend saw me wearing this a few weeks ago, she told me I had to write about it for CF. In the bottle, this looks like an unassuming flake polish, but on your nails it completely transforms. I swear, pictures don’t do this color justice – depending on the light, it switches from gold to green to red.
Some hard-to-find similar colors are Nubar 2010 and Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure. If you want a unique take on holiday glitter, pick this up ASAP.
Wear it over: a dark, vampy color like OPI Black Cherry Chutney (swatch via The PolishAholic)
What do you guys think of glitter top coats?
Do you wear glitter nail topcoats? What’s your favorite shade? What do you like to wear it with? Leave a comment and let us know.
PS: Have trouble removing glitter polish? Check out tip #4 in my Nail Hacks post for easy removal tips.
