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TAGStyle! Rules are meant to be broken…

ShopTags! — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 17:48:55 +0000

Yes, it is extremely cliche, but indeed some rules are meant to be broken… in fact, whoever came up with them in the first place must have been really bored! Fashion should be fun, and frankly if you’re not having fun then it’s not good fashion. Your style should always express who you are, your mood and tastes. The last thing we need are silly rules making our choices more complicated! Here are three, that should be tossed into the sea and swept away forever!

#1 Never wear white after labor day…

What’s behind this long standing tradition that originally only included shoes? There are a few guesses, one is that white reflected the heat, and in winter you need to retain heat… stupid I know. The second, more likely guess is, that in the 1950’s when more people were entering the middle class, those already there wanted to make sure everyone understood the etiquette regarding clothing. Therefore, the rule came up so no one would wear summer fashions during winter months, still stupid. So basically, there are no fundamental grounds for avoiding this beautiful fresh look during winter, and with all of the lovely white half boots, break free and go white!! We promise we won’t gasp when we see you!

#2 Never mix metals…

Rubbish! Why not? Mixed metals add interest to an ensemble, much like texture does. Try it in small doses at first, then you’ll be hooked. It’s freedom in fashion these days.. so don’t nail yourself down by colors! Make your metals stand out by keeping a monochromatic clothing scheme, like the one above.. then mixing not only metal colors but styles. Don’t be afraid to have soft with fierce, or chunky with slim.. it really works and with a teaspoon of confidence, no one will doubt you! We are our worst critics, so whatever you wear, wear it with your head high… and if you can, heels help too!

#3 My bag must match my shoes and belt…

This trend likely also stems from the 1950’s… and yes we adore some of their iconic fashion, but please please.. avoid this trap! I still come across a handful of younger women who think you must match your shoes and bag! Now clearly, you wouldn’t want a plaid bag, polka dot shoes and striped belt.. unless they were all in the same color family.. but we’ll save that for another blog! Start with your outfit and pull from there.. if it’s neutral then run with it! Otherwise, pull out some colors from your dress or top and pop it with shoes, bag and belt… they can all be different colors but are now related, by marriage you could say, with the outfit! It works great and screams fun! Just remember to keep it in the family.. and you can’t go wrong!

So instead of searching for rules to follow, find a fashion rule and break it! All you need is the confidence, and who knows, you may be starting the next big trend!

Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess. ~Edna Woolman Chase

TAGStyle! Summer to Fall… four tanks 4 ways!

ShopTags! — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:00:54 +0000

Okay, so we all know fall is coming… you can feel it in the air, thank goodness! I was thinking summer was my favorite season, but as I see the lovely sweaters coming in at TAGS I may be changing my tune. It seems like I just finished putting away the winter wardrobe, and fishing through all that I had from the last summer… now it’s almost time to clothes-swap again! The question is, do you really need to swap it out? The answer? NO!

All of those beautiful tanks, strapless tops and breezy blouses you picked up during this current heatwave haven’t seen their final curtain yet. I’m going to show you a simple, yet chic (of course) way to keep your summer wardrobe, as is, and translate it to a new language.. winter!

I’m a spaghetti strap girl, all the way… so that is the most difficult thing for me to give up when the chill rolls in. While layers are fun, and do complete an outfit best, I just love the ease of light cami’s. However, the trick is, and there’s always a trick in fashion, keeping your items through the year and making them your staples. You’ve probably heard, you should invest in those things that will last and it is very true. Let’s get started…

Four tanks, you’ve got something like one of these in your closet now… if not, well you know where you can get one!

Our first tank, a chic animal print with an asymmetrical hemline. For fall style, we’ll add a bright scarf, and please don’t be afraid to mix your animal prints. Be daring.. it will get you compliments, guaranteed! Super hot this fall, the military style jacket. This one is done in an ultra soft suede, with a modern collar and peplum in back. Dark wash, medium rise skinny jean, with short olive green boot. Sure you could substitute brown or black for the shoes, but anytime you can splash some color, do it. Keep it in the family and it’ll come out fine! (color family) A neon bright purse adds pure fun to this ensemble. One down, three to go!

Next up, Minnie! For the young, or young at heart. Any character or band tee could be easily used here. I like Minnie, and that’s that. Take the black and white tank, and the obvious to me is add red! I love the throwback half boots, they look like a modern version of something they’d wear in Anne of Green Gables, a favorite of mine, although I’m sure these are more comfy! Keep the dark denim, as it looks good on everyone, just make this one a boot cut. Electric blue for the clutch, with a bow keeps the Minnie style going, yet still subtle. On a side note, chain bags are super IN this season, you can see them on the runways everywhere, especially in color. Just because it’s fall, doesn’t mean you have to dress in burgandy and brown.

So, speaking of fall colors.. I’ll give you one done right. Keep it light and airy.. start with the nude chiffon style tank, with a detail like this one with the fabric flowers. Sometimes texture is everything in an outfit! Throw on a bright, not dark, citrus colored cardigan… and a chestnut scarf and cord skirt. Lemon yellow drop earrings brighten around your face. Another fall staple, textured tights! Don’t say “oh no!”… say “okay”… textured tights make legs look long and lean.. and add huge interest to any outfit. Key: keep them simple in black or brown… avoid the neon patterns like pink and green polka dots, leave those to the 5T crowd! Finish it off with a pair of swede ankle boots and you’re set.. for the big chill.

Last, but most certainly not least.. my favorite. We mentioned that the military jacket is hot.. well this is fierce! Our black textured tunic tank is amazing under this stylized cropped jacket with all the bells and whistles. If you are going for the bling, it works best when you keep it somewhat monochromatic. Go all out with texture and shine. Pair it with a skinny jet black jean, and uber tall gray boots with buckle details. A chunky silvertone multi-strand necklace with pewter rose earrings add some feminine details, as does the delicate butterfly hair clip. The tonal clutch, with additional bling, is like frosting on an already yummy cake!

So you see.. you do not have to run out and buy a new wardrobe for winter, nor do you need to pull all your tanks out of that closet and hide them away.. layer it up, play around with new textures and colors. Don’t be afraid to try something new this fall, and if you’re unsure about how to mix it up, stop by TAGS, we’d love to dress YOU for fall. Bring in your tanks, and we’ll help you add pieces that will last. We’re all into stretching things farther and re-using as much as we can! Good style doesn’t have to break the bank, it just requires a little leap of faith, that you are beautiful and you can do it… All you need is the confidence! (and sometimes a Tags Team member)

Style never goes out of style.

Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions. ~CoCo Chanel

TAGStyle! REduce ~ REuse ~ REcycle… how do you RE?

ShopTags! — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:04:16 +0000

By now, we all know about recycling, but are you aware of how many ways there really are to achieve this goal? Living with less of an imprint on the earth, and using less overall is a way of life for some people. There are many super simple things we all can do to help, without being too extreme. We can reduce what we use, reuse what we have and recycle those things that still have some life to give.

First, lets talk about RE-duce. Wherever possible, replace disposable items with reusable ones. Examples are, razors, batteries, coffee filters, air conditioner filters, shopping bags, and food storage. Instead of using plastic razors, invest in a rechargeable one or bring your own shopping bag along instead of taking new plastic bags. At TAGS we encourage this one, it’s our BYOB (bring your own bag) program. When our customers bring their own bag, or just decline a new bag, we donate a nickel to a local charity.. not only does it reduce our need to buy more bags, but a local charity directly benefits.. win win.

Many places offer reusable shopping bags for RE-use, and some of them are incredibly stylish too! One tip, keep them in your trunk.. it reduces the chance of forgetting them at home! You can also purchase items made from sustainable products, Simple shoes for example are made from recycled tires among other things. Buy reusable water bottles, reducing the need for new plastic ones! Find new life for things you might have otherwise tossed, take an old tool box and use it for a beautiful planter. Reuse milk jugs and metal hangers and create a bird feeder to hang in a tree, fun for the kids and reducing items headed for the landfill. If you look closely there are so many ways to re-use items that are destined for the trash!

Now, for my favorite, RE-cycle! Interchangeable with Up-cycle.. recycling items is putting them to new use, either on your own or turning them in to a center for traditional recycling. At TAGS we consider ourselves a recycling CENTER for adorable clothing, accessories and much more! When you consign, something that is old to you becomes something new to another person.. the statement is more than true, “One mans trash is another mans treasure.” By consigning, not only do you re-direct the fate of those items, benefit someone who needs it at a much lower cost than buying new, but you get a little back out of that original purchase. Consignment is the ultimate way to recycle unwanted items. Any time you buy used instead of new, you are taking one step forward for the planet!

Other ways are UP-cycling, which many of our local artists at TAGS do. We have creative women who make jewelry, and UP-cycle items, like bottlecaps and beads from old necklaces, making new and fun pieces that are totally unique! Using cereal boxes to make notepads, turning old tee’s into scarfs and jeans into handbags! The possibilities are truly endless in the realm of recycling.. many internet resources can give you more tips on reducing your personal imprint on the earth, using more sustainable products and making intelligent choices in your daily life.

It can be really fun and give you a great feeling to put items to new use or take them to your local recycle center. If clothing items aren’t in the best condition for consignment, you can drop them in a Gaia Movement bin, where the old materials (even stained ones) are used for new items, again reducing the amount of ’stuff’ going into our landfills. You can check them out and find a big green bin near you by visiting them at www.gaia-movement-usa.org

Another site for recycling ideas is www.globalstewards.org/index.htm where you can find environmental tips and sustainable solutions to food, energy, transportation, clothing and much more. So get out there and make your mark without leaving an imprint, it’s easy to do one step at a time. You can also pop into TAGS and we’d love to give you ideas for making your life more green… GREEN is GOOD!

“The quickest way to know a woman is to go shopping with her.” ~ Marcelene Cox

TAGStyle! Steampunk Trends.. Inside Alicia’s Closet…

ShopTags! — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:39:57 +0000

To quote Yves Saint Laurent, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Steampunk style has been around for what seems like eternity… although some might not want to admit it, it stems from Edwardian times. One of my favorite era’s, Edwardian, is the mother of Steampunk. With the tiny details, the fine fabrics and laces, shiny pocket watches handed down through generations, it is a style full of sentiment. We may have given up on the gut wrenching corsets (thank Heaven) but we are still romantically drawn to the delicacy of this fashion.

Delving into Alicia’s closet, you’ll soon see that her style is definitely Steampunk inspired. Many finite details and tailored cuts, modernized with eclectic jewelry and pops of vibrant color.

Steampunk is FUN!

Alicia wears it well, and we’ve all seen her fabulous jewelry collection that finishes it off like the icing on a cupcake. One of her favorite pieces is a lovely Betsy Johnson bustled jacket.. so beautifully made. The simplicity of the black fitted jacket is the base of this style, so lets start off with Alicia’s fav and build onto that!

Back view.. the bustle is not to be overlooked!

So once you have a nicely fitted jacket, with details, whether it be a bustle like this one, lace sleeves or pintucking.. you are ready to build your steampunk style. Underneath, add a cute tee, something with some color to keep it current, or more simple and muted if you are going more classic. I prefer bold, it makes the look more fun than stuffy.

Extra’s like a super bright hand bag and vintage inspired shoes add to the charm of Edwardian or Steampunk.. it is a feminine look. Always pair your jacket with jeans… or you might look ready for a job interview.. Jeans bring the jacket down a notch, so don’t be afraid to wear the highly stylized blazer.. your denim will keep it casual. Also, go HUGE with your accent pieces.. especially if your tee isn’t too busy, like the ones above. Go all out with accessories! Steampunk is all about the clocks.. so get one. A cute brooch, or a pocketwatch necklace.

One of Alicia’s jewelry favorites is Tarina Tarantino, her creations are full of life and have vintage inspired style.

She often features famous characters like Hello Kitty, Dorothy and Glinda the Good Witch, her jewelry screams fun!

You can achieve these looks with any oversized necklace.. keep the colors rich and the shapes extraordinary and unique…

So, whether you are itching for a fashion makeover, or just want to update your current wardrobe, try Steampunk… it is super fun and really easy if you have the basics. Or you can be like me, and have a new style for everyday of the week.. there are just too many great styles to choose just one! Need fashion help? Stop by TAGS and we can personally help you find YOUR style.. once you find what you like, you’ll feel amazing!

“Style is a magic wand and turns everything to gold that it touches.” ~ Logan Pearsall Smith

TAGStyle! Inside Tanya’s Closet… VINTAGE CHIC!

ShopTags! — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 05:36:19 +0000

This is the blog that almost wasn’t! Between work, family and a very magical Harry Potter birthday party, I almost bailed on this one.. but in true TAGS style we managed to pull it together in the end!

Last time we delved into Sandy’s closet, looking at how to do retro right! Now we’re moving on to vintage, whether it be true vintage or inspired.. Tanya does it fantastically. I’m always waiting for her to consign her pieces so I can snatch them up.. she’s one of those ladies you want to copy. Vintage is a hard look to pull off without the right eye.. just going into a thrift or second hand shop doesn’t mean you have vintage chic… you could just end up looking a little hodgepodge. But with a little knowledge, YOU can be a vintage chic diva too!

When I think of vintage, I instantly think of Jackie O, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and other ladies with impeccable style and grace. Attaining vintage style is all about being feminine and still strong.. unique pieces with texture and soft colors. These clothes not only look great, but feel wonderful too!

Tanya’s closet is just as put together as her clothes..

A well organized closet is the first step in looking great.. because we all know if it is easy, we will do it more often! I love the bright green pitcher.. just there to be cheerful and say “Good morning.” Tanya has bags for different occasions.. the beach, with all the necessities ready to go quick… swimwear, sunscreen, towels and a good book.. great idea!

Here is one of Tanya’s favorite tops.. it’s a gorgeous charcoal gray.. a color that looks great on most skin types by the way. A modern flowy cut, with victorian sleeves it has a lovely defined waist. Beautiful on it’s own, but of course we’ll accessorize it!

We’ve added a beautiful vintage enamel necklace and black zip up cummerbund and black rose petal handbag.. still simple but very chic.

Next up is a top I love on Tanya.. a vintage inspired knit tank, notice the main point with ‘vintage’ is the details. Most vintage pieces have lace, or buttons with tons of simple delicate details. This top with its lace rusching is so flattering and feminine.

When layering a piece like this.. keep it delicate also.. something too structured would take away the feminine appeal. We’ve added a soft collared shirt, that also has some ruffled details. A gorgeous belt to define the waist, very important! And a huge vintage beaded necklace. With all the detail, keep your accessories a simple color.

I love this next one.. a quirky vintage blouse.. I wanted to put this one in my bag…

Nothing says style like a great hat.. this one looks like it is vintage Russian! It adds another texture to this outfit.. soft silky blouse, textured knit sweater vest and a huge cameo style pendant.. the contrast between the lighter yellows and browns with the black pendant draws your eyes to the center. Especially good if you are pear shaped.. I like to have the attention upwards.. you could wear a simple dark pant or jean with this.. if you have an all over petite frame, you could go one step further and wear a chic textured brown pant.

Vintage Style is all in the details! Ruffles, vintage inspired pendants, buttons, soft materials and lace. If done right, you can channel your inner Audrey Hepburn or Sophia Loren.. feminine and lovely. If you need more style advice.. stop by TAGS.. we’d LOVE to help you find your style!

Next week: Alicia’s closet… Pop culture fun! She’s our resident Hello Kitty girl.. stay tuned to see what she’s got to share!

High heels were invented by a woman who had been kissed on the forehead.

~Christopher Morley

Lemons! Right for White!

ShopTags! — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:47:17 +0000

Lemon Fresh

Melissa recent entry on the not so basic white tee… Was truly inspiring. Truly, inspired the question: How do I keep that white ohhhh soooo white?

Well, according to ehow: Lemons can freshen white!
Frustrated by Underarm stains, ehow suggest that you do the following:

***To remove underarm stains on white shirts, cut a lemon in half, lightly wet the underarm of the shirt with plain water, sprinkle the underarm with salt and scrub the salt in with the half of a lemon. Let the shirt sit in the sun for 2 to 3 hours. Wash as usual.

***For tough underarm stains, dip the underarm of the shirt in isopropyl alcohol. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, soak the entire shirt in an oxygen bleach such as oxy-clean for 2 to 3 hours

According to Linda Cobb from her book: ” The Queen of Clean’s cleaning guide”: Lemon juice will take spots out of white clothing, apply lemon juice and lay in the sun.

Watch for more tips from your TAG TEAM! Wonderful ways to extend your wardrobe… making every day a TAGStyle day!

Need to consign? It’s easy.. Bring in your Clean, Ready to wear condition clothing between the hours of 10:00am -3:00pm Tuesday thru Saturday.

Love Re-Style!!! We have it Shop Tuesday thru Friday 10:00am -6:00pm and Saturday 10:ooam -4:00pm

Need to be in the know? Several way: Click on our Calendar here at the blog, check out our facebook page: TAGS CONSIGNMENT or sign-up for our emails… button upper left hand corner.

TAGStyle! What’s in Mel’s closet? Sneak Peek!

ShopTags! — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 06:53:13 +0000

Did you ever wonder, “What’s in HER closet?” Well, WE HAVE! And we thought it would be fun to get a sneak peek into every TAGS Team Members closet.. So I’ll be getting knee deep into everyone’s closet.. starting with mine!

I was in dire need of some organizing.. and this provided some fantastic motivation! My closet generally has three color ranges, white, black and gray. Then a few sparse colors to brighten my basics..

This might sound totally boring.. but if you’ve ever been into TAGS when I am working.. you know it’s not.. I love accessories.. and it is much easier to add large necklaces and bracelets to black or white..

You just can’t go wrong with black and white.. it really looks great on everyone.

(The color section)

I do have a couple absolute favorite finds, from TAGS of course. My all time favorite blouse I knew I had to have the moment I saw it. Mostly white, it has a vintage flair that I adore and is so comfy too, double bonus! I always feel beautiful when I wear it.. every girl should have an ‘I feel lovely’ shirt!

My second favorite thing in my closet? Yep a pair of jeans.. I’m a total jeans girl, I wear them ALL YEAR LONG. Plus, they go perfectly with my favorite shirt. These jeans were one of my first purchases at TAGS, so there’s some sentimental value too.

American Eagle, the only kind of jeans that fit my toosh!

Jeans shopping can be grueling.. so when I find a pair I stick to them. And when I find a brand, I buy as many as I can! Good jeans are like good men, HARD TO FIND!

So there it is.. my perfect FEEL GOOD outfit.. I threw in my GO TO shoes.. brown t-strap Hush Puppies.. also bought at TAGS!

What’s your favorite outfit? Or the shoes you throw on that works with just about anything? Get it out and put it on.. go have coffee or sit in a cafe and just feel fantastic! You deserve it! If you don’t have an absolute favorite.. Stop by TAGS and we’d LOVE to help you find your new favorites!

Stay tuned, next week we’ll be peeking into Sandy’s closet.. We’ll take one item and make it new again at TAGS!

“When in doubt, wear red.” ~ Bill Blass

The LBD… if you don’t have one, get one!

ShopTags! — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 07:10:09 +0000

What is the one ‘Go To’ item every girl MUST HAVE?? It’s the Little Black Dress…

Versatile PLUS chic.. the little black dress.. aka LBD is an asset to any stylish girls closet! Wear it to work, out on a date, to a wedding, cocktail hour, Christmas party.. your best friends birthday, dancing with the girls or a job interview. The LBD just might be the best piece of clothing in your entire wardrobe.

As a self confessed shopaholic, I must say I have a few LBD’s.. and you should too. I’m going to show you how to take the simple & chic LBD from work, to dancing and more… And as always, you can find everything pictured at my favorite consignment shop, TAGS!

Let’s start out with the most simple LBD shape, a shift.

When you’re headed to work, just throw on a blazer to make it office appropriate. An organic looking beaded necklace, and a light blue linen jacket give this look a soft summery feel. Patent wedges will glide seamlessly from day to night…

Stash a lacy wrap in your bag, and change it out on your way to dinner or the movies… still light and airy but a hint of sexy chic… for an added punch of twilight style, keep some metallic strappy heels in your trunk, they go with everything and change your look instantly!

The LBD is UBER fabulous for a wedding or special occasion, with a unique scarf and vintage inspired cropped jacket. Peep toe pumps, in a fun pattern add interest without chaos. Remember, if you are wearing a monochromatic look, please add a vibrant colored bag, it’s like a cherry on top of the sundae…

To travel from your special event, to cocktail hour simply ditch the jacket!

The dreaded job interview! We all despise them, but they are a necessary evil, if you like money at all. It is a proven fact, that if you feel like you look good, you do better at everything and exude confidence.. something you need in this job market! Go get your trusty LBD, a conservative, yet stylish, blazer… and some fabulous heels.. not so high you’ll be teetering around. For a splash of color near your face, bring out that lovely scarf, just a little peering through is all you need. Dress for the job you want.. not necessarily the one you’re applying for

Meeting your BFF at the cafe for some java? Simple fix.. loose the blazer, arrange your scarf over your shoulders as a wrap, fasten it on the side with a brooch.. you can find vintage inspired pins at most stores for under $5, another must have! (and easily stored in your purse, or just wear it on the jacket to the interview).

A colorful scarf and vintage inspired brooch are two other priceless pieces, if you don’t have these, stop by and we’ll help you find something special!

Bonus outfit… a go anywhere and turn many heads… simply lovely! The animal print heels take this one from chic to CRAZY beautiful!

The LBD will look great on any body type, you can choose straight fits, A-line, or fit and flare styles. Another note, if you are very petite keep your hemline a few inches above the knee.. not too short! For fuller figures, just past the knee works best and if you are pear shaped, keep the hem slightly above or just at the knee. The LBD should never go to long, it actually breaks up the line of your body.

Accessories pull everything together and you can use them to add pops of saturated color or bright shiny metallics.. here are some ideas for bags to carry with ANY of the above looks.. your bag does NOT have to match anything in your outfit.. and NEVER needs to match your shoes.. ever.. not ever!

First, the amazing Cherry Red purse… enough said. Get one

Vintage metallic bag… adds sparkle and shine.. goes with ANYTHING! Even silver.. yes I said it.. mix your metals!! Throw out those old rules.. wear white all year.. really, no one will notice except to say how lovely you look!

Last, but not least.. a fun bronze clutch and SO BRIGHT glittery gold heels.. for over the top glitz and glam.. you can even leave out the jewelry with this combo.. simple stud earrings would work well. Hollywood style all the way! Movie premier anyone??

So remember.. the LBD.. it doesn’t have to be boring.. and with a few slight changes, it can look like a NEW outfit everyday.. sometimes more than once a day! If you don’t have one yet.. pop into TAGS or your local boutique and ask for one.. we’d love to help you find your perfect match!

Shop happy.

A dress makes no sense unless it inspires men to want to take it off you. ~Françoise Sagan

TAGStyle! Nothing plain about the WHITE TEE!

ShopTags! — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 06:27:57 +0000

What does every woman have in her closet that is TOTALLY un-utilized? The versatile, classic PLAIN WHITE TEE! Whether it is Barneys, Gap, Tags or Walmart it is the best kept secret to a PERFECT outfit starter!

I set out to create 10 different outfits with the same WHITE TEE… and there was nothing plain about it! I know some of you are saying “I don’t wear white!”, or “White makes you look fat”… and I’m here to say anyone can wear these looks, of course you may change the hemline, or the accent color to compliment your personal skin tone, but the starter piece will work for anyone. Don’t worry, we’ll show you how, and you don’t have to go in debt to achieve these looks.

Look number one: Village Wanderer

Strolling down the cobblestone streets of Carmel By the Sea… chic yet totally relaxed and comfortable. Start with the plain white v-neck tee.. add a long silver necklace, beachy natural bag, metallic flats (there ARE hills to climb!) and a BRIGHT and FUN polka dot skirt… this hemline is longer, but of course you could go shorter (for those girls with great gams!) just keep the color bright and cool… just beachy.

Look number two: Lunch with the Girls

Yes, you are just going to see the girls, the women who’d love you in all your beauty or a bathrobe and bedhead, but if you are going out, anywhere, lets do it in style! Such a simple look, our white tee paired with a denim mini (we all have one, or two) and your favorite sneakers. The key here is again, pops of color.. starting with the FABULOUS bag, xoxo is always great, then pull some colors for top and bottom. That scarf at the bottom of that basket in your closet.. yep that one.. get it out, you need it! And every girl should have a fun pair of colorful sneakers.. yes ANY AGE! Top it off with a contrasting necklace.. chunky is best but as long as it is a dark color, size doesn’t matter.. in this case.

Look number three: Live Band, Will Travel

Okay, so if you don’t have a black vest, go get one! Now! Well, maybe not now, it’s 10pm here and that won’t work.. but soon! The black vest is almost as important as the white tee! You may have heard that everything looks better layered, well it is true and a black vest makes it foolproof! It can be short, long, buttons, cotton, polyester.. um, well, maybe not polyester! You get the picture… Throw it on over just about anything and you instantly look put together. When you are going out you don’t necessarily want to look like you are trying too hard.. keep to black and white with a large dose of ONE color.. Teal here brings out the blue in the denim.. remember dark wash is more chic for night! A fun printed belt says you don’t take yourself TOO seriously and the kitten heels are just a hint of sexy.

Look number four: Boho Coffee House

We all have our favorite coffee house.. not talking about the chain we visit daily to get our fix, even though they know your name .. I’m talking about the one we go to when we want to hang out with friends and hear indie music on the patio.. the coffee house with character.. The mood is always chill and UBER casual.. don’t show up there in heels, unless you want to be the center of some not so positive attention.. an easy summer dress in a watery blue, over our priceless white tee does the trick! Add a crazy unique bag, ethnic inspired is best, and some comfy but still gorgeous flip flops.. long natural beads and a free flowing belt to define your waist, whether or not you think you have one, do it, you may just love it! And voila! You are sooo ready for a night of java and strange, yet thought provoking music.. all in some serious comfort!

Look number five: Day to Night

Oh the things you will see, if you stick with me, yes yes…. it’s the plain white tee!

I have a love affair with the cropped jacket.. seriously I must have 20, different shapes, colors, seasons.. like the black vest they work wonders for that IT factor! This chic style is fluid, lightweight and not bulky at all.. a single button makes the jacket work appropriate, especially paired with some fabulous low waisted Moda trouser pants in charcoal. Yes, brown goes with grey.. we’ll talk about neutrals next time! Since you are starting at work with this look, keep the jewelry understated and simple.. pearls are always striking, just throw on a second necklace to remove the grandma feel. A bright scarf loosely tied around your neck for some color and bright pink heels make this fun and not corporate boring… the metallic bag, that you probably already have and will never go out of style, works for day or night! You’ll be ready for anything in this ensemble.

Look number six: Shopping in the City

I am a serious shopper, like when I am out and know I have money to spend, I get a total rush finding the bargain or that special piece you’ve been searching for… when you are shopping like this you need two things: comfort and ease of change… yes I’m talking about the fitting rooms. Have you ever gone on a shopping trip and realized you wore something that is totally impossible to get on and off?? I have, and believe me I won’t do that again! Luckily with this outfit, shopping is simple and you’ll last ALL DAY! Cute flats will go with anything you try on.. as will the denim shorts. Not okay with short denim? Capri’s will have the same effect, and we all have those! I feel better when I feel stylish, so don’t forget the finishing touches.. super trendy scarf, oversized bag for all your small purchases, plus your camera and water bottle.. a burst of sunshine in a short little jacket.. this could seriously be ANY hot color…some shimmery neck candy too, it’s like the icing on the cake!

Look number seven: Running the blasted errands!

You do not have to look like you just rolled out of bed, even if you did, when you take the kids to swim practice, or stop by the Big Boy to get your milk and eggs.. Grab that same white tee you’ve worn ALL week.. slip on pattered shorts, a very NON matchy printed scarf… hobo style beach bag, because you know you’ll hear “can you put this in your purse?” and throw on those metallic flip flops you got at the drugstore for 5.99! Beachy tousled hair is IN so just pin back the front of your hair and you are set for the whole day! SO SO easy, but you’ll be the envy of all the other moms who are still in their pajamas and don’t want to get out of their cars! By the way.. the plain white tee doesn’t apply when wearing pajama bottoms.. those are home only items please! PJ’s in public should always be a NO NO!

Look number eight: Wine Country

Napa valley here I come! Beauty and comfort is a must when visiting the wine country… lots of walking and wine tasting, classy restaurants, funky little shops and wine cellar tours are on the menu. Lightweight cargo pants, not your usual olive or khaki! Choose a cotton pant in a soft color, add our now favorite white tee, a super soft wrap for breezes and a stylish hat to keep cool in the sun… unforgettable embellished slip on flats take you from the country road to the candlelit dinner… a small simple bag, for your essentials and a super chunky wooden necklace. You’ll look like a resident, and NOT a tourist in this funky chic ensemble.

Look number nine: First Impressions

What do you wear on a first date? It’s been a long long time for me, but I’m sure I would have done it very wrong back then.. a lot has changed.. Most of us would want to feel good, comfortable and certainly not overdone! The plain white tee saves the day again… this time with mocha trouser style capri’s and a vibrant wrap in a bold floral print! Easy to keep on, or take off if the mood strikes…. also works to cover up any bulges, not that WE have anything like that! A delicate metallic necklace up close to your face will keep his attention where it should be, and to avoid being bland, a bright and really fun bag… always a good conversation piece. Simple slip on flats, you don’t want to be taller than him… which for me is very possible! Deep breath.. you look GREAT!

Last but never least,

Look number ten: Classically Audrey

We couldn’t do a plain white tee without showcasing Audrey Hepburn style.. yes YOU can be a princess on your very own Roman Holiday… Ruby red ballet slippers, detailed A-line skirt in linen.. sheer black shoulder wrap, a fantastic red glam bag and sparkly bangles as arm candy… no necklace needed.. Audrey style is definitely a ‘less is more’ look.. you can take this anywhere.. walk in the park, off to the movies, art gallery or just the PTA meeting.. tres chic!

Whew! Ten outfits, One NOT so Plain White TEE! The most versatile and essential item in your closet.. if you don’t have one, head out and get one from your local consignment shop or favorite boutique…

remember… you can build anything with the basics…

Stay tuned for more helpful hint and tricks.. TAGStyle for every woman.

Just around the corner in every woman’s mind – is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her. ~Wilhela Cushman

Green Days at TAGs… March Give Away too!

ShopTags! — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:35:12 +0000

: Green Time is Spring Time!

March is Green to me! Time to Wear Green- Save some Green- and Earn Some Green!

Great Selection of Green items for your St. Patricks Day and of course when you are ready to sit down to your corned beef and cabbage!

Save Some of your Green,by shopping at TAGS – Your RE-Cycling Center for Adorable Clothing! You will be green in more ways than one!

EARN SOME GREEN $$$ SPRING CALL OUTS:
- Flirty Dresses and Skirts
- Sandals and Cruise Wear
- Capris and Lounge Wear

- Hats, Jewelry and Accessories
- HURRY These in! Western Rodeo Wear including Boots, Belts, Jewelry – Rodeo Season is starting! TAGS Accepts Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00am to 3pm!

Enter to Win! Enter to Win! Enter to Win!

Two books one on HOME Style and one on YOUR Style…. March Give-A-Way this month are Nate Berkus Home Rules and The Lucky Guide to Mastering Style (We have a different and cuter cover!) So, sign up for our emails and enter to win every time you shop at TAGs! Already on our email list — No Worries — sign up for the give-a-ways every time you shop at TAGS!

Enter to Win Every Month at TAGS! May Irish Eyes Smile upon you all the month of March!