Tips for Accessorizing your Outfits without Stress

Accessorizing is a very good way for you to spice up the outfits you have now. You will essentially be adding pieces such as jewelry or even shoes to your fashion look. The best thing about using accessories is that they have the ability to completely transform your outfit. It can also help you to get the finishing touches you need to really bring everything together. If you want to find out more, then simply look below.

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Choose Good Footwear

As mentioned above, your footwear is a huge part of accessorizing your outfit. Unlike other accessories, you will have to wear shoes every day. You might as well make sure that they suit your outfit to the best of your ability. Even though it is very important for you to have some neutral footwear options when it comes to your outfit, you do need to make sure that you have statement footwear too. This will help you to truly elevate your look and it will also make it much easier for you to get the overall image you’re going for.

Jewelry

It doesn’t matter whether your jewelry box contains a nice watch or whether it contains a huge range of bangles, statement pieces and necklaces because you need to make sure that you add some sparkle to your outfit. Start out with one subtle piece of jewelry, such as diamond studs or even thin hoop earrings, and then go from there. If you can do this, then you will soon find that everything comes together with ease. If you are stuck for accessories, why not look into boho bracelets?

Hair Accessories

Hair accessories give you a very easy way to truly show off your style. Have a look at the hair accessories you have now and find out if there is enough room for an upgrade. Is it possible for you to swap some of your plain hair ties for ones that stand out a little bit more? If so, then why not do that? You will soon find that it transforms your look more than you realize.

Handbags

Different bags, whether they are clutches totes or anything else, are very much appropriate for many different occasions. If you know that you have some handbags in a varying style of colors, then you will know that you have something for absolutely any occasion and this can really work in your favor.

Belts

Believe it or not, belts are not just for a single function. It is more than possible for you to use them to your advantage when it comes to fashion too. It doesn’t matter whether you opt for a narrow belt or a wide one because it can make your outfit look way more polished and you may even find that it can bring your style together as well. Don’t be afraid to use belts to your advantage when it comes to your accessories and always make sure that you do what you can to blend it in with your outfit and the look you are going for.

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How To Achieve Homeownership

 Do you have big homeownership dreams for your future? Good for you. Dreams captivate you and keep you motivated towards your goal. Getting there, however, can be frustrating if not difficult to achieve. Fear not. There are ways to make your dreams a reality.

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Do you dream of owning a home?

One of the goals of many generations is to become a homeowner. If that looks like an outsized task, break it down into more manageable pieces to accomplish. 

Your first step will be to take an honest look at your finances. Gather all of the necessary paperwork to assess your monetary situation. Write them down in a journal, notebook, or make a spreadsheet. Do what is easiest for you so that you can maintain the momentum. Utilize bank and credit card statements, receipts, and track your income and outflow. Once you have done that, determine your gross monthly income. A general rule among financial experts is that you should only take out a mortgage for approximately 28% of your gross monthly income.

Now that you know where you sit financially, it is time to find the best property for you. Take note of these factors when searching:

• Home size

• Proximity to work or school

• General location

• Proximity to public transportation

• Condition of home

• Age of home

After finding a home, it is time to secure financing. Your next step is to contact a lender for mortgage quotes. Find a reputable company that will guide you through the process with care and efficiency. During communications, ensure a quote will be educational and informational only and will not pull a credit check. Working with a lender means you can create a customized plan to get you the best rates possible while working within your goals.

A few items to consider.

When you are thinking about buying a home, look at whether you intend to make any large purchases in the months or year beforehand. Smaller purchases will not impact your chances of getting a home loan, but a large purchase might prove difficult. 

Having a car loan that you have paid on time for one or more years is a positive way to build up your credit and show potential lenders that you are a good risk. Choosing to purchase a new car via a loan in the month before requesting a home loan may show that you have the potential to overextend your finances. Whatever you choose to do, always do your due diligence and research your ability to pay your bills before applying for another loan. It is viable, however, if you are able to comfortably maintain that lifestyle.

An emergency fund is imperative as a homeowner. Some experts recommend having one set up before purchasing your home. Others say it is ok to fund it as you go along. Regardless of which mindset you subscribe to, it is an essential task to accomplish. As a homeowner, you will inevitably encounter major appliances that wear out, a water leak and resulting damage, shingles that need repair, and the list goes on. None of these things should lead to undue stress if you have an emergency fund to utilize when needed.

Here is a video guiding you on how to begin an emergency fund.

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You worked hard to be a homeowner, take some time and enjoy the fruits of your labor. After you have moved into your new home, make it a cozy space that suits you. 

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7 Adaptations of A Christmas Carol to Watch - 2021 Edition

 The following are adaptations of A Christmas Carol to enjoy this year, and/or look for in the near future. In other words, these are the adaptations that I, William Mortensen Vaughan, the Webmaster of DickensianCarol.com am enjoying this year, and/or hope to enjoy SOON!

1. A Honeymooners Christmas Carol, starring Jackie Gleason

As a teen, I heard of Jackie Gleason, and I knew he was considered an excellent comedian, but I never watched "The Honeymooners." I had never heard of their adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which premiered November 28, 1977, until this year, when I noticed that it was going to be released on DVD, and I pre-ordered a copy. 

I'm glad I did! This is a unique, funny, nostalgic look at this classic. It's framed as a charity play directed by Jackie Gleason's bus-driving character, Ralph Kramden, in order to curry favor with his boss. Ralph's boss is played by Gale Gordon, who played various roles in film and television productions starring Lucille Ball, including "Life With Lucy," Lucy Calls the President [Jimmy Carter], "Here's Lucy," and "I Love Lucy." By the way, Jimmy Carter is not listed among the credits for Lucy Calls the President, but his mother, Lillian, plays herself.

The theatrical adaptation doesn't have any ghosts. Four actors, including Gleason, play five roles. Gleason plays Bob Cratchit. His character's wife, Alice, plays Bob's wife; his wife's best friend, Trixie, plays their daughter. Trixie's husband plays dual roles: Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge. A Town Crier and six Christmas Carolers also appear.

My favorite seen is back in the Kramden's Brooklyn, New York apartment, where I caught my first glimpse of an ice box, the precursor of the refrigerator. Although I have heard of ice boxes since I was a child, born (and raised primarily) in Utah, I have enjoyed the convenience of electric refrigerators all of my life, and had never actually seen one until I caught a glimpse of one in this film, which was released in 1977, when I was fifteen years old. 

2. Humbug: The Unwinding of Ebenezer Scrooge (A Science Fiction Adventure) (Claus Universe Book 4). WhisperSync enabled on AudibleAudible and Kindle

This legible, audible, and/or read-along adaptation is a modern, American take on Charles Dickens' classic novel, featuring androids and fashionistas in California. I bought the Audible and borrowed the Kindle version so I that I can follow along. I find this is the best way to enjoy books. That way, I can listen while I'm painting the side of my house, or doing other things, and, if I don't quite "catch" something, or I want to know how it's spelled, I can look at the Kindle version. With the magic of WhisperSync, the Kindle version scrolls along automatically as the recording of the narrator's voice reads the book out loud. I love it!

3. Spirited, starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds

As of October 30, 2021, the status of this production, on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), has been updated to "post production," and it's scheduled to be released in 2022.

This musical should be an epic adaptation. In addition to Will Ferrell, who played Santa's human Elf in Elf, and is currently among the Top 500 people listed on IMDb; and Ryan Reynolds, who, as of November 25, 2021, is listed as #6 among all of the people listed on IMDb - this film will also feature Aimee Carrero, who provided the voice of Elena in Disney's "Elena of Avalor." She's only listed among the Top 5,000 people on IMDb, but, since approximately ten million people (dead and alive, including gaffers, etc.) are listed on IMDb, that still puts her among the top five percent of the top one percent. To put that in perspective, Lucille Ball (see above) died in 1989, but remains among IMDb's Top 5,000.

4. Humbug, starring Ice Cube

The status of this film hasn't been updated on IMDb since May 8, 2017, and no year of release is projected. Ice Cube is the only actor listed on this film's IMDb page. I fear it has gone the way of Rust, albeit more quietly. Ice Cube is also among IMDb's Top 5,000.

5. A Christmas Carol (audible) narrated by Hugh Grant 

This audible adaptation was released December 21, 2020, and is "included" for "free" with an Amazon Audible Membership; it costs approximately $8 to $14. I haven't heard it yet, but look forward to it. Hugh Grant is another member of IMDb's prestigious Top 5,000.

6. Marley, produced by Walt Disney Pictures, directed by Bill Condon, and featuring music composed by Stephen Schwartz

This musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol is scheduled to be released in 2021! Unfortunately, it's status on IMDb hasn't been updated since October 29, 2019, and remains "announced," so I have my doubts about whether or not it's going to be released this year. While we're waiting, we can still watch Disney's previous adaptations, "Mickey's Christmas Carol" (1983); and A Christmas Carol (2009), which features the voices of Jim Carrey, another member of IMDb's prestigious Top 5,000.

7. A Christmas Cop, starring Daniel Stisen as Detective Sergeant Nils Scroogesen

The status of this film hasn't been updated since March 9, 2020, the week CoViD-19 changed our lives forever. Since that time, it's status has remained "Script," and no year of release is posted yet, on IMDb, so I have a feeling that this production has also quietly gone the way of Rust. 

Blog post by William Mortensen Vaughan

How To Develop A Confidence-Boosting Personal Style

 How To Develop A Confidence-Boosting Personal Style

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It is probably safe to say that fashion boosts self-confidence. What you wear or how you look can either lift your mood or make you feel very uncomfortable. Although fashion can inspire a dose of confidence, the last thing you want to do is take yourself in whatever direction the wind of fashion blows. You'd only end up spending loads of money on the wrong fashion elements and deprive yourself of creating a personal fashion identity. So, if you want to break free from "public" fashion, here are some tips for creating a personal and confidence-boosting personal style. 

1. Accentuate your assets and love yourself

People have varying natural body shapes, sizes, and unique features. It is also important to love the body you live in and dress to suit it. Therefore, you need to know your unique physical features and how best to dress in a way that enhances and complements those features. 

Trying to make changes or sculpt your body in ways that you feel will make you look better and help you feel more confident is still a form of practicing body positivity. For instance, if you have a flabby belly or love handles that affect your confidence, you can hit the gym to get rid of it, or you can opt for a quick, no-surgery approach procedure like coolsculpting to remove the fat. 

2. Look into your closet

If you're wondering what fashion elements appeal to you or make you look and feel good, the first place to look is your closet. Take the time to go through your current collection of fashion items and separate the pieces you love best from the ones you like least. Next, divide the ones you love into the pieces you often use and those you hardly use. Once you're done, ask yourself what is about the pieces you like the least or don't wear often. 

Find out why you don't find them appealing enough. Is it the colors, the designs, or the material used? Doing this will give a fair idea of what you love in your ideal fashion. Do the same for the pieces you love and often wear and find what makes them so appealing to you.

3. Look outside your closet

Once you've looked into your closet, it's time to find outside sources of inspiration. From your favorite celebrities and fashion influencers to fashion blogs and mags, try to find inspiration from as many sources as possible. Remember that the point isn't to copy your sources but to use the tips and trends you see to inspire your style. 

4. Now recreate your wardrobe

After identifying the things you love and dislike in your ideal fashion, recreate your wardrobe by purchasing fashion items that match the things you love. This way, you can ensure that you won't waste money on something you will never wear. However, this does not mean you shouldn't experiment with new things. After all, that's one way to know if you love something or not. 

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Femme Luxe Fall/Winter Fashion

I have another Femme Luxe fashion haul* for today's blog post.

Now is a great time to think about shopping because so many online retailers have great deals, sales, free shipping offers, et cetera. 

It's always a time of year that you think about buying things for yourself and loved ones, as well.

 

The weather has taken a turn for colder here in Southern Virginia, and I don't know about you but I love to snuggle up wearing lots of different knitwear items such as those that I'll be showing below.

But today's post I have a bit of a mixed bag of items items, some of which can be worn all year around and knitwear of course since it is best suited for fall and winter.

This first item is actually a two piece set, and it is this gray sweater and legging set and the size is small/ medium.

Women's loungewear sets like this are so much fun to just wear around the house in  the fall and winter. This is definitely a snuggly set!  I am not sure about the pants, but I could definitely see wearing the gray sweater as outdoor wear and loungewear, so this is a set that can pull double duty, for sure. 

The fabric of this set is very stretchy. When I first saw the  pants I thought they looked very small but of course, as is usually the case with knits like this there was a ton of stretch. 

The Pants also have a very high waist so your midsection is not going to be left out in the cold with this set. 

This gray is such a great color, as well,  making it perfect for the winter.  I could totally see adding some beautiful silver jewelry accessories with this if you wanted to elevate the look.

Next, we have another knit item, and it is this beige V neck long sleeved sweater dress, also in a size small.  

The fabric is very stretchy and the knit is on the thinner side, so that makes this a good dress for layering and on milder days it's a great option to wear.

I am very much into neutrals now and I so enjoy how easy they are to mix and match with other neutral other neutral colors and shades, and a dress like this can be such a versatile piece as you can wear it with so many different accessories and styles of jewelry to change up your look. Beige is the new little black dress for the fall season!

Always think things like this dress are very figure flattering, as well. There's not a lot of details to get in the way, but that's what makes it just a special in its own way. 

Sometimes there is something to be said for just some classic clean lines.

And here we have this beautiful Robin's egg blue one shoulder asymmetrical ruched dress.

I think this would be especially beautiful for spring, but it's something that could be worn all year round, as well. I think I have this dress in the white midi dress version, and I really love how comfortable and figure flattering it is. 

I've mentioned this many times before, but I love clothing items that have ruching as a design detail. 

This another one that I think silver jewelry would look especially good with against the beautiful shade of pastel blue.  

I'm wearing this dress in a size UK 6 and the fit is perfect,  it's very snug but not too tight, and since the fabric has a lot of stretch in it, it is not uncomfortable in any way.

And here we have this faux leather green skirt, it is in such a beautiful shade of almost an avocado green. 

I'm wearing this in a size UK 6 and it is just a little bit snug on me, but if I had sized up I'm not sure that it would not have been too big, but just keep that in mind if you are buying and around my size.  My hips are about 35" around, my waist it's about 26" so if you're any larger than that then you probably want to size up. 

This skirt does not really have a lot of stretch but it does have a zipper on the side.  

This is a piece that could look cute all year around, as well but I'm especially looking forward to pairing this with some cute cardigans for fall and winter.  This is a great look if you want a change from wearing ripped jeans for women.

*items were gifted

SculptShe Shapewear

For today's post I have a few different items that I'm going to talk about, but are both from the website SculptShe*. 

SculptShe has different kinds of shape wear, including waist trainers and body suits, in plus sizes.

Right now SculptShe has a buy two, get 20% off code which is: GET20, and they also have other deals and special fall sales, so be on the look-out for those as well.

It's a great place to look if you're in the market for Black Friday shapewear.  Now is definitely the time to be checking out all of the many sales that will be occurring during the Holiday season.

 This first item that I'm going to be talking about is the Escort Chief Full Body Compression Garment. It comes in sizes Small to Sextuple Extra Large, and the price is $79.80. It also comes in the colors black and beige. This is another garment that has the open crotch design, which is a must for me, because I do not want to deal with the hassle of taking it off and putting it back on when I make trips to the restroom. Three front lines of hooks go down the front.

This next item is the Sculptshe 360 Lipo Foam board for Post Abdominal Surgery , and this one is only available in sizes Medium and Extra Large. The price for this one is $41.80, and it also comes in the colors beige and black. This is not an item that I have really given a lot of thought to, but now it definitely makes sense that you would need something like this to help with compression and to keep everything secure and in place after having an operation such as liposuction or a tummy tuck.

If you're not in the market for post surgical body shaping garments, there are still lots of other things; for instance, there's an  Open Bust Full Body compression garment. This particular one goes all the way down to your ankles. This is another type of shape wear that I've never seen before, so it's great to know that SculptShe has all different kinds.

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Becoming A More Sustainable Fashionista

Fashion trends come and go, and for many purchasing the latest in fashion items can mean that you have a constant influx of things that get worn a few times and updated as newer styles and changes in the industry come through.

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While there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing the latest styles, constantly buying new pieces, specifically lower cost items, can perpetuate the cycle of fast fashion. When these items are purchased, they don't get worn as much as they need to be sustainable. Aside from the harmful chemicals and manufacturing processes involved in fast fashion, many companies don't pay their workers a fair living wage in sweatshops. This, in turn, is becoming a massive problem in the fashion industry and is detrimental to the world around us.

As a fashionista, being conscious of what you buy, what you are wearing and how you care for your clothing purchases can help you make better choices. But where do you start when it comes to sustainable fashion, and can you be sustainable and fashionable at the same time?

Will You Wear It 30 Times?

When you want to purchase a new clothing item, ask yourself how often you plan on wearing it. If the answer is less than 30 times, then your purchase might not be as sustainable as you would want it to be. Some items aren't designed to be born that many times and they become damaged and unwearable before the 30 wear point; others can end up discarded due to the owner not wanting to wear them. Both can cause issues. So be honest and ask yourself how often you will realistically wear an item before purchasing.

Declutter

A well-known way to be sustainable is to clear out your wardrobe before buying newer updated items and seeing what you can donate or repurpose. Take unwanted items to a charity shop to be sold on, visit a recycling centre that accepts clothing or look on local selling sites for people who need new things or upcycle clothing.

Alternatively, head to preloved websites such as eBay or Vinted to make some money to update your wardrobe while still giving your old clothing a new lease of life with new owners.

Purchase High Quality

When you are looking at buying new clothes, pay close attention to the material each item is made from and the cut of the clothing too. Check the seams are stitched tightly, as this means they will last you longer and are made better.

Extend this thinking to your accessories too. Organic cotton and bamboo are sustainable materials for clothing and wear and wash exceptionally well. Forgo buying copious amounts of costume jewelry and invest in 22k gold jewelry, which will not only last you well but add something special to your outfits without going out of style.

Care for Your Wardrobe

Another way you can get the most from your wardrobe is by paying attention to how you care for your clothing. Washing and storing each item correctly will extend the lifespan of each piece, and not only will this h avoid excessive damage, but it can h to maintain the correct shape and comfort level.

Pay close attention to the washing instructions on the label, and always avoid leaving clothing piled up. Hang as much as you can in a cool, airy space. Try not to overfill wardrobes as this too can damage clothing. Restrict the usage of harsh chemicals and use the correct laundry products where applicable, i.e. wool detergent and non-bio washing liquid for washing machines, as this helps to get a more thorough clean, especially in hard water areas.

Shop Vintage

Vintage garments are treasures from the past, and they are environmentally friendly due to the fact that they can be worn over and over again for generations. Additionally, in addition to giving new life to a piece of clothing, many times the prices are extremely attractive – and, unlike when you shop for "throw-away" fashion at high-street stores, you can be confident that you are the only one who has that particular dress, shirt, or jacket. Look through your local charity stores or head to vintage shops and markets

There are many different ways you can become a more conscious fashionista. But the most crucial part is that you pay attention to your current shopping habits and identify changes you can make. Start small to build better habits and remember, the more you wear your current clothing, the more sustainable they become over time as you get more wear from them.

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