h&m – Ensemble of Elan

Winter Outfit Ideas That Are Anything But Dreary

Are you in a winter fashion rut? (Don’t fret, it happens to the best of us.)

By the time mid-January rolls around and you’ve exhausted the number of sweater and jeans combinations you can throw together, what on earth are you supposed to wear and feel amazing in?

We’ve got you.

Throw in a Pop of Color

Many people tend to gravitate towards neutrals in the wintertime, but you don’t have to wait until spring to start rocking your favorite hues!

Pull that brightly colored sweater out of your closet and wear it with pride.

Lavender is Pantone’s color of the year, so you might want to get a head start by wearing this shade before you start seeing it everywhere.

Wear Something Metallic

Yeah, yeah, we know you’re wondering how we can consider an almost entirely gray outfit to be “fun”, but let us prove it to you.

The key here is adding something metallic, like these sneakers.

The eye-catching metallic combined with the on-trend plaid trousers and an edgy beanie makes this look unconventionally exciting.

Rock Your Spring-iest Embroidery

Embroidery has been going strong for a while now, and it isn’t poised to slow down anytime soon.

So, look forward to spring by wearing your favorite embroidered pieces now!

A pair of embroidered booties or an embroidered leather jacket adds a fresh touch to any outfit (and will remind you that spring isn’t far away!)

XOXO,

S & H

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Hannah’s Wearing:

T’Neria Ransom’s Wearing

How to Dress Like a Fashion Blogger

Have you ever wondered how fashion bloggers manage to look a cut above the rest when it comes to everyday style?

We as bloggers do have a carefully honed ability to put together intriguing outfits, but there are a few easy secrets that you can also use to make yourself look and feel like a street style star.

Look for pieces that are ‘funky’.

Instead of searching for yet another pair of basic blue jeans or run-of-the-mill black booties the next time you’re out shopping, look for pieces that have some character. Buy jeans that have embroidery on the hip, or look for eye-catching white ankle boots to give your outfits more visual intrigue.

Never wear the same outfit twice.

Fashion bloggers look as though they are always wearing something new, but in reality, we are just good at mixing and matching our clothes to make them feel fresh. If you have a favorite statement sleeve top, don’t wear the same bottoms or accessories with it every time. Try out new combinations and mix it up!

Add something.

Coco Chanel used to say, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” We are going to have to disagree. To make your outfits look ‘Instagram-worthy,’ you have to add something to your basic outfit formula. Top off your jeans and a tee outfit or your favorite LBD with a cozy cardigan, a pair of statement earrings, or some futuristic sunglasses.

Always put in effort.

No matter if you’re going to your 8 am class or making a quick trip to the grocery store, always put in a little effort. Not a lot, but a little. Instead of throwing on a headband and wearing baggy sweatpants, quickly put your hair in a braid, pair some track pants with a soft t-shirt, and swipe on some tinted lip balm.

Clean out your closet.

It’s difficult to create great outfits if you are still hanging on to a bunch of pieces that you don’t love/don’t fit well. Donate every piece of clothing you haven’t worn in the last year, and at the end of it, you’ll find that it’s much easier to throw something amazing together when you love everything in your closet.

The main thing to remember is that you need to push yourself creatively.

Look for inspiration everywhere: Pinterest, Instagram, people walking down the street! Try everything; you never know what top with what skirt could surprise you. And finally, just have fun with it!

Sabrina’s Wearing:

Hannah’s Wearing:

Baby Steps to Runway Strides

Photos by H+L Creations with contributing photographer, Sabrina Runge.

Models honestly do not get enough credit for what they do.

Most people do not realize the level of difficulty and oftentimes discomfort (anyone remember Kate Upton posing for that SI swimsuit issue in the literal Arctic?!) that comes with posing for a breathtaking photo.

We’ve learned there is a certain technique for everything in modeling, from walking in a way that looks natural to arranging your body to get the most flattering angle, and these are not skills you can pick up in a day.

We’ve been doing this for months and we’re just now getting to the point where we are starting look and feel comfortable in front of the camera.

And for me, also behind the camera. Starting this blog was a particular challenge because unlike Hannah, I did not have much experience photographing other people.

My friends and I loved to do impromptu photoshoots in high school, but back then I enjoyed being in front of the camera a lot more than being behind it.

Hannah’s guidance has helped me come a long way with my photography skills, and now I know what lighting to look for, what camera angles to capture, and the exact ground/subject/sky ratio I need to achieve to create a visually appealing photo.

When I was seventeen and modeling in front of the camera, I really only had two faces: serious and smiling.It was not until I started watching YouTube videos and looking at modeling tutorials on Pinterest that I really began to learn how to model for photos.

I honestly felt silly at first when I tried out the techniques, like taking long strides while on the balls of my feet and constantly changing my facial expressions and hand placement while the camera was clicking.

But, I’m glad I went through the phase of feeling ridiculous because now I actually kind of feel like I know what I’m doing.

I say ‘kind of’ because does anyone ever truly feel like they know exactly what they’re doing? (No.)

-S

I’ve always been more comfortable behind the camera. It feels safe, and it’s something I’ve always loved to do. When I was young, I would jump in front of the camera every now and then, but I mostly preferred taking photos of other people.

Soon after Sabrina and I became friends, we decided to start a fashion blog, so I was suddenly thrust headfirst into the world of modeling. I thought I would have a bit of an upper hand because I’ve been photographing other models for years, but I’ve learned it’s a completely different world in front of the camera.

When all eyes are on me, it’s as if my brain shuts off, my hands get clammy, and I forget all the modeling tips I’ve ever learned.

But once I get past the first few shots and get my blood pumping, the shots start to turn out how I picture them in my head.

There is a certain energy in modeling, with each click of the camera comes a different pose, a different look; it’s a rhythm.

Find your rhythm in whatever you do.

Perseverance is key when it comes to doing anything you set your mind to.

If you want to perfect your craft, you have to work diligently at it. It won’t just happen overnight.

-H

Throughout this experience, we have personally realized the truth behind the saying,

“To be good at something, you first must be willing to be bad at it.”

No one starts off being an expert at anything.

Everyone has to start somewhere, and if you are not willing to make a fool of yourself at first, you will never get to the point where you are actually skilled at whatever it is you are trying to do.

So, don’t forgo learning how to make a flawless creme brûlée or attempting a class five rock climb because you do not have the skills to do those things at this very moment.

You will get there soon enough.

The awkward, amateur phase does not last forever, and once you get past it, you will be incredibly proud that you did not quit halfway through.

“A river cuts through a rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”

Sabrina’s Outfit Details

Dress: E. Leigh’s

Boots: Zara

Watch: Plato’s Closet

Sunglasses: Rue 21

Clutch: Gift to Hannah

Hannah’s Outfit Details

Dress: Goodwill

Sweater: H&M

Boots: Zara

Sunglasses: Rue 21

Clutch: Gift from friend in Europe

Earrings: Dollar Jewelry Galore