The details tell the story
It’s easy to feel like every item in your wardrobe has to reflect every part of your Classic Style Twist, but the truth is, a little goes a long way. You are probably a combination of Twists. I’m Minimal Classic first and Edgy Classic second. Too much of either one means I feel off, and over the years I’ve learned how much edgy I need from day to day (because it changes!).
In each of these outfits I’m showing you that by changing just the accessories the whole tone and message of the outfit changes. Each outfit is primarily Minimal Classic, and then I’ve added accessories from the Spring Wardrobe Guide Shopping Index to show you how you can customize an outfit to tell your style story.
One Outfit Five Ways
This the original outfit 11 from the Spring 2020 Stunning Style Wardrobe Guide. It’s already pretty Minimal Classic on its own, but see how changing the details changes the outfit.
cute Classic
By changing only two accessories in this outfit, the message says, “I mean business, but I have a light, fun side.” Adding some circles in the earrings removes some of the edges in the outfit. The earrings are not one, but two circles made up of hundreds of tiny circles (the beads). The size and color add to the fun message they send. While the bag is still structured and mostly Minimal Classic, the neat, structured bow and tassels add a little lightness and fun without being childish.
Edgy Classic
Adding the diamond shaped earrings has the opposite effect and incorporates sharp, stabby points into the outfit. Anything reptile adds some edge, and the croc embossing plus the chain strap make this bag edgy. While the shoes are Minimal Classic, the pointy toe adds to the edgy vibe by not softening it. They aren’t edgy on their own, but they also don’t bring in any details that would detract from the edginess of this outfit the way a round toe box would.
Minimal Classic
Even though all the outfits and core items in the Wardrobe Guides are Minimal Classic, there are tiers of every Twist, including Minimal. For some women, the earrings AND the shoes would be too much color, so I substituted a silver wedge to match the silver bag.
Soft Classic
The warmer and brighter the color, the less of it a Soft Classic is likely to wear – greens, blues, and purples are all cooler and less vibrant, and easier to wear – so I swapped the pink earrings for the silver. The twisty details and rounded long oval shape make them perfect for a Soft Classic.
The bag is still structured, but has a gentle sag or slope to it along the top and off the sides. The tassels have structure, but swing and move a little. The wedges are suede and soft, comfortable, easy to wear, and not completely pink. Depending on the length of the pant, only the toe might show.
Sporty Classic
Sporty Classics value utility and convenience. The flat espadrille sneaker will allow her to move freely wherever she needs to go. The shiny patent surface will wipe clean easily. I left the bag because it can be carried crossbody, is big enough to carry what she needs but isn’t so big it needs a stroller.
The earrings aren’t small and sporty enough to sleep/swim/sweat in, but they aren’t so big they get in her way or impede her.
Side-by-side it’s easier to see how changing up the details in just your accessories really changes the style story. Which one speaks to you?
Strawberry Cake Recipe
In the video above I described how my family made my birthday so special, despite the stay-at-home order. Many of you asked for my family’s traditional strawberry cake recipe, so here it is!
Ingredients:
Cake
1 box white cake mix
1 small box strawberry Jell-O (dry)
3/4 c. vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 c. strawberries thawed with juice (when thawed it will be 1 cup)
1/2 c. hot water (out of the tap is fine. Doesn’t have to be boiling)
Icing
1 lb. powdered sugar
1/2 stick butter at room temp.
1/2 c. strawberry puree (thaw frozen strawberries and blend to small chunks)
Directions:
Mix the ingredients for the cake in a mixer for 2 minutes and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until it springs back in center. When the cake is cool mix the ingredients for icing and frost it.