Chicer Than Sneakers

If you read my post last year about the benefits of thrift shopping, you know that secondhand is the way to go-- why buy one, mass-produced item for $40+ when you can go on an adventure and discover something unique for $2?

Whether you take it or leave it, here's my best advice for thrifters, no matter your level of experience.

2. If you wear sandals to the thrift store, bring a pair of socks along with you, in a pocket or a purse. When you check out the shoe section, you'll be glad you have them.

3. Always give yourself enough time-- usually an hour or more. You don't want to feel rushed, and the best part is looking through every rack. How can you know if there's anything new if you don't go through everything?

4. For optimal fun, go with a friend. Sure, you can thrift by yourself, but part of why I love thrifting is how much you can laugh at the things you find. The craziest pieces end up in thrift stores. Model the most ridiculous outfits for each other, giggle over how certain shirts ever made it into production. And, you can talk each other in and out of reckless buying: it's easy to over-purchase when everything is cheap. A friend can offer a second opinion on whether or not you really need that 80s denim dress.

5. Be organized. Start at one end of the store and work your way systematically along the rows, so you don't miss anything.

6. Try everything on. I've mentioned this earlier, but I repeat, you'll want to try things on. It's cheap, it looks good on the hanger, but will it look good on you? I know used clothes can seem really sketchy, but its worth it to try it on quickly, then buy and wash it. Otherwise, you'll end up with a lot of junk you'll never use. As you see things you think you like, grab them, and try them on either periodically or after you finish the clothes section.

7. Always browse the book section! When I thrift, I always comb through the clothes, books, CDs, and DVDs. You can find great quality books, especially classics, in thrift stores.

8. Try not to go with expectations! If you're looking for something specific, odds are you'll leave disappointed. Thrift with an open mind. Focus more on the journey--searching through a store's hidden treasures--than on any preferred result.

9. Don't buy things you don't really like. Yes, it's super inexpensive, and that can make you reckless-- especially your first time thrifting. Resist the urge to buy something you only kind of love, just because it's $5. Will you wear it? Will you wear it often? $5 of closet space is still closet space, no matter how little it cost you.

10. Return often! When new donations or inventory are put out on the racks, it's an entirely new adventure, ripe with entirely new treasures.

Thrifting makes me so happy, and I hope you can derive some joy from it, too. Happy hunting!

Got any other tips? What are your thoughts on thrifting--stories, opinions? Share with us in the comments!

White pants are a no-go for me. Before or after Labor Day, it does not matter--I very seldom see a white-pants-outfit that works.

The issue is this: white draws too much attention. While black is a slimming color, white is blinding. It draws the eye, it is too bright and big and glaring. In my opinion, white is too loud for pants. There are a few exceptions (check out our fashion Pinterest board), but the general rule is this: white pants don't have a place in my style.

There are also the logistical problems. White dirties easily, undergarment colors show through, and it's all-around stressful--which is, again, something fashion should not be. Fashion is an escape, not a box.

My philosophy: let white be your go-to for interior decorating--paint, furniture, etc. But for clothes, pick black.

All photos were found on Pinterest and are not the property of the author, nor of this blog.

If you like white pants, tell us why! We'd love to hear your perspective. If you don't, share with us your thoughts. Thanks for reading our blog, and keep on keeping it chic!

As I've grown older and paid more and more attention to how I dress and why I dress the way I do, I have come to notice that my style, although not dictated by any initial rules, inherently follows several unwritten, unintentional guidelines. Through deliberate introspection, I have isolated twenty of these, and outlined them below to give you, reader, a better sense of what sort of fashionista I am. *Just remember, style is individual-- you don't have to follow any "rules" unless you so desire. Keep in mind, too, that there are always exceptions to every "rule."*

Now, without further ado...CTS's 20 Clothing Commandments:

3. No white pants. (They're too bright and therefore too loud.)

4. Base outfits in the default color black, not white. Build up from a foundation of black.

5. Wear jewelry/accessories only if they contribute to an outfit’s overall completeness. Be as minimalist as possible, or you may look as though you are trying too hard. I only add a simple necklace if it is something the outfit needs.

6. Be simple, but choose minimalist pieces which are unique and fashion-forward. Why buy three pairs of ordinary jeans when you can buy one pair of cool but simple navy culottes? Your unique basic pieces are what will set you apart from the crowd.

7. Don’t buy anything in any material you don’t enjoy feeling on your body. Don't buy something unless you'll be excited to put it on in the morning and then to wear it all day. Fashion should make you happy, or else it you are doing it wrong.

8. Don’t buy/wear anything which required large alterations (for modesty, for example). An application: shrug sweaters are tacky, nine times out of ten. Just wear something else. Don't buy something unless it is absolutely ready to wear, as is, or will be after only minimal work. If you want a project, go for it, but don't try to force a square peg into a round hole.

9. Too much skin is not cute. Moderation in fashion is so important, in order to introduce and preserve class. Really great stylists and fashion icons recognize the happy medium, when it looks good to show a bit of leg or arm. (Related to tip no. 1.)

10. Balance is key. (See no. 1 and 9.)

11. Don’t mix patterns. That creates an outfit that is too busy, too loud, too confusing, too distracting...

12. Don’t mix colors unless all but one is a neutral. Maintain subtlety.

13. Don’t mix varying shades.


14. No denim on denim. I don't care what ASOS wants to sell you; only the greatest of talents can make it work.

15. Don’t shop when you’re feeling rushed or stressed. Not good for the creative juices, nor for your wallet, nor your closet.

16. Make trends work for you, not the other way around. Pick and choose, rather than miserably fitting yourself into the mold. My fashion journey began as a way to fit in-- I picked trends that were the most popular, even when they made me miserable. For example, jeans in cold weather irritate my skin horribly, but everyone at school was wearing skinnies in December. What did I do? I wore leggings under skinny jeans and was horrifically uncomfortable all through high school. Then, I changed my mind. Now, I follow trends only so far as they are serving me, not the other way around. If you are a slave to trends, you're doing it wrong. Fashion and style should enlarge you, complete you, magnify you and your happiness, bring you absolute joy...not make you shrink down into a cramped mold.

17. Always add a special touch that is all your own. Plain, average outfit? Add a dash of the unexpected, a signature flare. Interesting socks poking out of your shoes, a silk scarf, a vest...the possibilities, as I like to say so often, are endless.

18. Always dress a little nicer rather than a little more casual. Sets you apart from the masses, and gives you a safety net for social situations. An easy way to eliminate the worry of accidentally dressing down.

19. Don’t go outside unless you feel confident in your outfit. A good presentation means one less thing to worry about during the day and can really help you to have a positive experience in whatever you do. As a girl with anxiety, this philosophy goes a long way for me.

20. Turn a problem into a fashion statement. Approach everything with the mindset of meeting a creative and artistic challenge. Hitting some limits or wardrobe constrictions? Let those issues stimulate your imagination and do something truly fantastic.

Of course, my cardinal rule is: dress for you, not for anyone else. Happy creating, artists!

Got any "rules" or philosophies of your own? What unwritten beliefs guide your style? We'd love to know! Share in the comments.

Autumn is in full swing and each day brings colder weather. The fun thing about the cooler seasons is the creative opportunity that comes with trying to stay warm! There is no need to look like a giant marshmallow or Disney robot-nurse character; you can still maintain fashion along with function. Let me share with you some of my personal favorite ways to layer your clothing in the fall for both a great look and a great time:

Add a sweater. (Get really wacky with it if you want!)

If you feel like it, pull over a vest.




Next, add a jacket/coat! (Jean, leather, suede...anything goes.)









Then, a scarf. (A fall staple, in my opinion.)




And there you have it! Finish with your choice of footwear (I suggest boots). Warm, cozy (the ultimate autumn objective), and ready to go. Get out there, jump in some leaves, and feel good about the way you look.

What are some other ways you like to layer? Please, share with us in the comments!

All photos were found on Pinterest and are not the property of this blog, nor of its author.

As I have discussed previously, there is a fine line between looking stylish and looking silly. Just as in the art of rhetoric and persuasion, it is necessary in the art of fashionably dressing to gauge your audience. An important part of fashion is analysis.

For example, in Europe, trench coats are all the rage. It is perfectly normal to see a person walking down the street in a long, beige coat. However, in Middle-of-Nowhere, Wyoming, where cowboy boots and denim and hats are the more common accessories, a trench would cause you to stick out like a sore thumb. You'd receive odd looks and may or may not be mocked.

When deciding what to wear, consider: Where am I going today? What sort of clothing will be appropriate in those situations? With whom will I be interacting?

For example, for a job interview, pass on the jeans and joggers. Go for a dressy look, not an artistically casual one. For a picnic, however, you most likely should dress down. In the places where you'll be, are tennis shoes the norm? Or will it be offensive to be wearing anything less than patent-leather loafers? Don't show up to a symphony concert in leggings and a long sweater. Just as you'd wear a swimsuit to the beach, you would not wear a swimsuit to a graduation ceremony. Pay attention to dress codes. (Tip: it's always better to be more dressed up than too dressed down.)

Another, oft-cited example is Europe: don't wear cargo shorts or Nike sneakers or hoodies or fanny packs...because it will make you stand out as an American tourist and you will be in greater danger of theft from pickpockets. Do your homework, blend in.

By "blend in," I do not mean "look the same as everyone else." I simply mean, play by and follow the rules of the society, for your own safety and sanity as well as others'. You can dress in your own style, but rein it into the appropriate category for the circumstance. True fashionistas can make any type of outfit their own and dress appropriately without losing that unique touch.

Be bold, but not insensitive. If you don't mind looking moderately to extremely absurd, then wear that trench coat in rural western America. But if you'd like to dress smartly, observe the style dynamic of the area first. Partly, it's respect for local culture and, partly, self-preservation. Push boundaries, but do it with sensitivity and foresight.

Honestly, fashion has nothing to do with the clothes you wear-- it's all about how confident you are wearing them.

That's why crazy outfits like jeans + a t-shirt + a dress (see below) get fashion week coverage. If I were to have worn that to school in any grade, I have no doubt that I would have been ridiculed from the building. However, high fashion names are able to sport such "out-there" ensembles because, besides the fact that they have fashion credibility, they act as though their outfit is already the peak of style. The world is their runway. With confidence, a person (male or female) can get away with wearing anything. (Note: this rule especially applies in big cities-- more to be said on this in an article coming soon.) Style is about combining the unexpected and wearing it against all odds. Confidence is ultimately what determines whether you look dumb or daring.

Do you feel your closet becoming cluttered? Do you find you have more clothing than you wear? A sure-fire way to feel refreshed and unburdened is to clean out your wardrobe!

Earlier this summer, I went through my bureau and closet and donated approximately 50% of their contents to charity organizations like Goodwill and Salvation Army. The majority of what I got rid of was clothing that, although still looking cute and stylish, was not worn very often-- due to the evolution of my personal tastes since I'd bought an article, the texture of an item's fabric, etc. For example, in the past year, I've moved away from brightly colored tops, making my ninth grade wardrobe buys no longer relevant: those pieces were the first to go.

All I can say is, giving things away never felt so good. After I finished gutting my closet and stuffed the pile of discards into a bag, the feeling of space and freedom and confidence was wonderful. Minimalism is definitely the way to go for a healthy frame of mind; I completely understand the draw of "less is more."

Now it's your turn to deep-clean and re-organize your wardrobe. Not sure where to start? Here are a few simple questions to get you started:

1. Hold up the first piece in your closet/dresser drawer. Is it damaged (stained, ripped, etc.)? If the answer is yes, and you don't want to/can't fix it, put it in the trash pile. If not, move to question 2.

2. Does the article still fit your style? Is the color/pattern/shape still something you like to wear? If yes, move on. If no, it should go to the donate/sell pile.

3. Is the material comfortable? Don't waste closet space on clothing you don't enjoy wearing. If you're not going to wear it, don't keep it. It doesn't matter if it was expensive, a gift, or the "it" article of the season. Please yourself. Don't force yourself to wear something that will irritate and distract you from the activities of your day, and don't let clothes sit in the back of your closet that could be worn and loved by someone else. Life is too short to be spent in an outfit you don't love.

4. Does it fit? Yes: move on to number 5. No: donate/sell.

5. Have you worn this in the past year? If no, it's unlikely you'll wear it in the next year.

6. Can you make an outfit with this article? Think of two outfits which could use this piece. If you cannot, place the piece on probation, and donate/sell it after a month or so if it goes unworn during the probationary period.

7. Will you wear this item in the upcoming season? If it's a sundress and winter is approaching, the answer is probably no. If yes: put it into the keep pile and return it to your wardrobe. Congratulations, the piece has passed the test! If not, store it away and get it back out for the proper time of year.

Pro Tip: Try to avoid keeping things based on nostalgia alone. If you're keeping a t-shirt because it went with you to Paris, remember: YOU went to Paris, too. Don't hold onto useless things for artificial reasons.

I hope you find a closet detox to be as liberating as I did. Share your experiences with us in the comments below!

The aim of this blog is to provide style tips in a way which won't break your wallet. Fashion is an expensive field! And yet there are ways to dress well, in good quality items, without having to spend your rent money and live off of ramen.

One of these ways is called...thrift shopping.

Audrey Hepburn once said, "Never throw out anyone." I like to apply this quote to fashion. I am a huge believer in reusing clothes-- changing it into something else, giving it new life! Every article always has some leftover potential.

"But I don't live in a big city, we don't have many thrift stores, etc, etc..." That doesn't have to stop you! I live in a town of 60,000 people, surrounded by a lot of nothing. We have a couple of consignment stores, but my favorite thrift store, the place where I find the majority of my best thrift buys, is actually Salvation Army. Thrift stores don't have to be fancy-- in fact, it's often the sketchier places that offer the most adventure.

Thrift shopping is wonderful because, first of all, you can buy clothes very cheaply. For example, I bought a very gently used (if used at all) London Fog trench coat from Salvation Army for about $7. (As I learned over the summer during my travels through Europe, trench coats are all the rage overseas and look great.) Following my purchase, I looked online at London Fog's website and I found that new trench coats from their company sell at retail for about $200.

One of the things that makes the activity of thrift shopping so fun is that it is a hunt. You never know what (if anything) you will be able to find; thrifting requires some effort, which only makes the end result more satisfying. Unlike normal retail stores, thrift stores are not organized very much, if at all, depending on the store, and there are so many different kinds of clothes all together in one place-- from denim cat-patterned jackets to wedding dresses. Not only is it fun to find good deals and style treasures, but thrift shopping and being surrounded by so many unusual pieces stimulates creativity and the imagination, and gives (me, at least) inspiration for future outfits and designs.

In thrift stores, every piece has a story. You might not know its history, but I find it to be far more exciting to wear something with a soul, rather than something new off a rack in a mainstream, chain store. Go the route less traveled! And there's another plus: you now look completely original! No one else will be wearing the same clothes as you. Sure you can buy the dress off the rack at Gap or Target, but then so can half your demographic. Odds are no one will find the same vintage leather jacket for $3 as you if you shop thrift. You will always look unique.

What cool discoveries have you made at thrift stores? Share your thrifting stories in the comments below!