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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! 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

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

Summer Priced Right Event – Starts Now!!

ShopTags! — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:26:44 +0000

Summer Priced Right Memorial Day Weekend Event! Despite the weather, summer really is around the corner, and TAGS is proud to have one of the largest selections of summer clothing for the whole family in the Oakdale area! Shorts, sandals, capris, tee’s- we have what you need priced for any budget thanks to our fashion savvy and smart consignors!

And kicking off our Summer Promo Series this weekend,is our BOGO event! Watch for SUMMER PRICED Right events each weekend!

Buy one fabulous purse or wallet, and get a 2nd of equal or lesser value for 1/2 price.

In other exciting news, Eclipse fans all over will want to shop next week, when our Twilight inspired jewelry arrives, just in time for the June premier.

Other items you’d enjoy… Disney Couture- Alice Series This is a beautiful out-of-production piece of classic Disney meets Couture. In a beautiful Cotton Candy Pink color from the” Alice in Wonderland” collection by Disney Couture, this bracelet makes a statement. These retailed for well over $200, and is very high end with the Disney Couture stamp inside as well as the Swarovski crystal accenting the trim- this is beautiful and highly collectible, made more valuable by their out of production status, making them more scarce by the day. Our Price: $145.00 Shipping services available.

Because those who know, KNOW!
TAGS Consignment Boutique 1220 East F. St. Oakdale, CA 95361 (209) 845-9312 www.shoptags.net

Exclusive! Chauffered Shopping Experience! The Boutique Crawl!

ShopTags! — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:57:00 +0000

Saturday, May 15th, 2010 Mark Your Calendars!

Save the Date! May 15th, 2010 is The Boutique Crawl!

A Chauffered shopping experience… Gather your friends, family and best shopping savvy friends for The Boutique Crawl of 2010. Reserve your tickets at TAGs, Ritzy Rags and other fine retailers for a limo shopping sweep to several central valley destinations!

Turlock, Modesto and Oakdale all have stops on this shopping excursion. Tickets are $21.oo for a day of shopping, and introducing you to quaint boutiques you might not know about!

Call TAGS today with your ticket order at (209) 845-9312… Limited supply of tickets, So call today!

Wander into the Wonder at TAGS!

ShopTags! — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:14:32 +0000

Alice Blue

We like to think TAGs is a Wonderland! REcent Arrival of this Darling what we like to call Alice Blue dress… perfect for any occasion!

You too can be queen!

The Queens hat has arrived!

You too can be queen!

Lovely Vintage hats have arrived and we found this one to be a perfect fit for TAGS in Wonderland! Come paint the roses red with us at TAGS!

Green is the new “GOLD”

ShopTags! — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:27:42 +0000

Resale Wonders abound and You can be part of the new “Gold Standard” by shopping and utilizing your local resale/consignment shop!

Going Green does not have to be expensive, shopping green is affordable, and is true recycling! While large stores jump on the Green bandwagon by asking you to buy New, Expensive, processed green attire.

Consignment and resale store have know all along that they have saved their environment, local community/economy and friends and neighbors by offering the latest fashions in a fun, clean atmosphere!

The eco-friendly consignment store, saves wasted clothing from the landfill and saves the consumers pocket book. The responsible shopper understands, that by purchasing items from their local resale store they have put money in the pockets of single parents, saved gas by not having to drive far, saved the environment from chemicals and processes that are utilized in new clothing. The list goes on and on!

So, I applaud you our friends and neighbors for shopping and consigning at your local resale shop!

You are the Gold Standard!