How To Take Your Style From Summer to Fall

Anyone who knows me knows I’m ALWAYS cold.  I love the heat of the summer BUT I do love the change in seasons.  Fall with the beautiful colors and the crisp air.  Is it crazy I am a hot weather girl but LOVE to wear sweaters.  Don’t try to figure it out.  LOL.  I gave up a long time ago…

Too hot for sweaters, too cold for spaghetti straps. What’s a fashionista to do?  I’ am by no means a fashionista so I am glad I was able to grab some tips from Thirty One‘s top fashionistas….

When the calendar says fall but the weather report hasn’t quite caught up, dressing for the season can be a challenge. There are some simple swaps and creative styling, which can make your summer staples work well into autumn!

Try these seven tips and tricks to transition your wardrobe as we head into fall:

1. Start with simple swaps. Begin your summer-to-fall transition by packing away your flip-flops (OH NO!!!) and bringing out the suede booties (staple in my closet) , or trading an airy cardigan for a structured blazer at work. Add a breathable scarf to any outfit for another signal fall is on its way.

2. Do a style switch-up. Trade your summery Studio Thirty-One flaps and straps for a neutral color palette to take you from August to September and beyond. Ikat Bazaar, Twill Stripe and Dotted Geo Pebble are some of our picks.

3. Maximize your maxi. You live in them all summer – so why not stretch maxi dress season? Top your dress with a jean jacket (they go with EVERYTHING!) or flowy cardigan, or try a long-sleeved tee under your dress for more coverage.  Have you tried a tee under your dress?  What’s the best one?  I can’t seem to get that look to work for me…

4. Throw out the color rules. Bright shades like our Fields of Gold Pebble or pastels like Rose Blush Pebble have their place in fall, too! Pair Fields of Gold with navy or turquoise tones and wear Rose Blush with olive tones for a look that transcends season.

5. Play with coverage. When there’s a slight chill in the air, re-purpose your summer staples. Wear a longer knit tee under your favorite crop top, rock a wrap dress over jeans, and break out the tights (or leggings) to keep your summer skirts in the rotation.

6. Carry your bag into fall. Was our Statement Canvas Shopper your go-to bag this season? No need to leave it at the beach! Neutral materials like canvas, rope and twills can transition your tote seamlessly from your summer getaway bag to your everyday fall tote.

7. Add some edge. Stay warm, look cool! Cut the sweetness of summer sundresses and rompers with a military-style cargo jacket in taupe or olive, or a cropped moto jacket. This look can be easily dressed up or down with your accessories – think chunky jewelry or sneakers vs. heels.

8. Style your home. It’s not quite time to break out the pumpkins and leaves, but you can subtly show the change of seasons with something as simple as our Statement Canvas Pillows. We especially love our succulent-themed print designs!

What is your best tip or trick for transitioning from summer to fall?  I hold onto my flip flops as long as possible BUT my tootsies do get cold quick.  Share your tips with us…

 

Campus style: College fashion bag trends

I know High schoolers and younger are not thinking about going back to school BUT I am sure the college students are gearing up for their new life.  The summer Belinda went off to college was a whirlwind of craziness….

Of course, changing colleges just two weeks before heading off for the first extended trip away from home did help either.  She went from attending Johnson & Wales in Charlotte to Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.  I wasn’t sure how it would work out but it was the best decision she ever made.  I miss her like crazy since she is 12 hours away but I am so proud of the woman she has become.

From backpack purses and messenger bags to slouchy totes and crossbody wallets, this year’s hand-picked campus trends will take you back to college in style. Read on to discover the hottest bag fashions designed to be super-functional, keeping you organized semester after semester.

Trend-right mini backpack purses

A small backpack purse is the perfect combination of hands-free and on-trend. Choose one with sturdy hardware and plenty of pockets – the one you pick will need to hold a ton and stand up to your busy daily routine. Don’t go too bold with this one: choose a solid color in an elevated finish to maintain wearability and lend a timeless air to an of-the-moment style. Thirty-One Gifts’ own Boutique Backpack comes in a luxe, faux-pebble fabrication in your choice of four colors with contrasting striped handles for a pop of fun!

Brand new for Fall 2018, our version of this fashionable, hands-free bag is available early (and at a great price!) to Customers who invite their friends to shop Thirty-One Gifts together this July! Connect with me to learn more about shopping and sharing this great style when you host a party. And as always, personalization is free on Hostess Specials – so make your backpack really stand out with an embroidered monogram or initial in color-coordinating thread.

Campus fashion tip: Wear it over a flowy floral top or dress, and tie a light cardigan or denim button-up shirt around your waist for those college lecture halls that seem to perpetually blast the AC.

Hands-free crossbody wallets

Whether you’re biking to class in the morning or hitting the town at night, hands-free is where it’s at. Choose a sleek and slim crossbody wallet to keep your phone, credit cards, ID and other essentials close at hand. And if you find one with a removable strap like our chic Tons of Funds, snag it – these styles easily transform into an everyday wallet for your larger bag, or clip on a Wristlet Strap for a cute clutch. Three great uses – all without unpacking your things!

Campus fashion tip: Skip the jewelry and sling a brightly colored crossbody wallet across a simple striped tunic and leggings to add a trendy visual pop.

Versatility is key when you’re selecting an everyday tote for class. Our slouchy and stylish Retro Metro Collection features a few stand-out pieces perfect for campus life: Try the Retro Metro Hobo Crossbody in black-and-white, vintage-inspired Twill Stripe. The long, flexible handle means it can be worn as a crossbody, or knot the strap to shorten the handle drop for a relaxed shoulder bag.

Need something with more room and a bit more structure? Our Retro Metro Fold-Overshares the same comfortable styling and durable construction, but features a shaped base and reinforced square corners for more of a messenger bag look. It’s available in cotton or canvas, perfect for toting textbooks, tech and more.

Campus fashion tip: Pair a slouchy bag with a fitted blazer or jean jacket to balance the casual vibe.

What better way to achieve exactly the campus style you’re looking for than by designing it yourself? For a true messenger bag in a chic, upgraded finish, check out our Studio Thirty-One Modern purse. The large magnetic flap is removable so you can switch up your look from semester to semester…or even day to day!

We love the classic sophistication of a monochromatic Caramel Charm Body and Flapwith a stylish pop of black-and-white webbing in the crossbody strap. And be sure to check out our Studio Thirty-One flaps from the Global Inspired Collection featuring bright, graphic prints.

Check out even more hot Studio Thirty-One combinations, or jump right in and start designing your own! Bonus: Each one of these purses is polished enough to take you from class straight to your internship. (Grown-up points!)

Campus fashion tip: Wear it with an olive green military-style jacket and cute ballet flats to punch up your favorite jeans-and-tee combo.

Bonus accessory trend: Lightweight scarves

Want another great college-friendly fashion tip? Think beyond the bag! A square, rectangular or infinity scarf is a key element in your back-to-school wardrobe. Tie it on your bag to add stylish flair and a shot of color, or wrap one loosely around your neck to make a fashion statement in any season.

There are as many ways to wear a simple scarf as there are prints available in our long and lightweight Avenue Scarf: a quick search on Pinterest turns up tons of creative tying methods, from simple knots to fancy braids, head wraps and even belts!

Campus fashion tip: It’s easier than you think to turn a rectangular scarf into a stylish kerchief: you’re just seconds away with this four-step tutorial we love!

Thank you ThirtyOne for today’s blog post.

Tasty Tuesday: Southwest Chicken Kale Salad

Thank you Hungry Girl for another AMAZING recipe.  I never get tired of salad!

This is a refreshing compliment to summer’s hot dogs, hamburgers, and other BBQ fare.  This zesty recipe makes two huge and satisfying meals… but it can also double as a multi-serving side dish!

1/2 of recipe (about 7 cups): 307 calories, 3g total fat (0.5g sat fat), 827mg sodium, 39g carbs, 9g fiber, 12.5g sugars, 34.5g protein — PointsPlus® value 7* — SmartPoints® value 4*  MAKES 2 SERVINGS

Prep: 15 minutes     Chill: 1 – 2 hours

Ingredients:

Salad
8 cups chopped kale leaves
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped red or yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup seeded and chopped fresh jalapeño peppers
6 oz. cooked and chopped skinless chicken breast

Dressing
1/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar
1/2 tsp. taco seasoning mix

Directions:

• Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well.
• In a medium bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until uniform. Add dressing to salad, and toss to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate for 1 – 2 hours, to allow flavors to develop.

Whether you are taking your salad to work for lunch or eating it outside on your porch, the perfect thermal to keep your drinks cold is Thirty One’s Bring a Bottle Thermal.

Celebrate Thirty-One’s 15th anniversary year with this Customer-favorite bring-back style! Use this handy single-bottle thermal for school, work and travel. Our insulated drawstring cooler pouch keeps up to a 20-oz. bottle of water, milk or other drinks cold on the go. Includes a carabiner to clip on your gym bag, diaper bag, bike, golf bag or sports bag.

It will even hold a 750ml bottle of wine.

 

 

 

 

Add a strap from the Studio by Thirty One collection to make it hands free carrying when you are walking.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

How To Find the Perfect Sunglasses

In your search for the perfect sunglasses, the first thing to ask yourself is “What shape is my face?” Faces come in all different shapes and sizes, and not all sunglasses work with every type of face. Do you have a pronounced chin? An angular jawline? Small, delicate features? Yep, sunglasses were made to help you see, but they were also made to be seen in. Make sure you’re in the style that helps you look your best! (Hint: It’s all about balance!)

Round Face? Avoid circular frames! Angles are better.

If the width of your face is about the same length as its height, then you have a round face. People with round faces tend to have softer, less dramatic features, so they need frames that add angles and definition. Square frames like wayfarers are a good choice, while round shapes should be avoided. Anything which actually mimics the shape of a round face only makes it look even rounder.

Square face? Balance out angular features for a softer look.

Faces considered to be square have strong angles, such as defined jawlines and chins. These types of faces benefit from sunglass shapes which are rounder and softer. Additionally, if you have a large face, you should wear large glasses extending beyond the widest part of your face. This helps with overall proportion.

Heart-shaped face? Tapered frames are the way to go!

If you have a face wider at the top but tapers to a more angular chin, it’s considered to be heart-shaped. Unlike people who have round or square faces, those with heart-shaped faces want to mimic their features in a pair of sunglasses. Frames are typically wider at the top but curve into a narrower teardrop shape tend to look best on heart-shaped faces. Aviators are a good example of this style.

Oval face? Try them all, but keep it in proportion!

If you have an oval face, consider yourself a lucky girl. Oval faces have a great blend of features – not too round, not too square, not too heart-shaped. Any sunglass frame shape can work on you, as long as it isn’t too wide for your face or too big for delicate features. Ideally, the perfect pair of sunglasses will be the same width as your face. If they are wider, they will look out of proportion. The same goes for oval faces with small, fine features. If you have delicate features, frames that are big and chunky will overwhelm your face.

Once you’ve selected the perfect pair of sunglasses, you’ll need a nice carrying case, too! Our Pinch-Top Eyeglass Case has an exterior zipper pocket, a padded interior compartment for safe keeping and a D-ring attachment for a wristlet strap (sold separately). It’s sized to hold your glasses, keys, cell phone and more. Tuck it away inside your favorite Thirty-One purse!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

March Is Roaring In Like a Lion

I know the weather forecast doesn’t show it but believe me, it is SPRING at Thirty One Gifts.  I love seeing all of the NEW spring prints and products with even more arriving in April but I don’t want to spoil any surprises!  You will just have to wait!

Let’s do a “flashback” to a time when you got new outfits for Easter.  Remember those new shoes, new dress, a hat and of course, the cute little purse.  My daughter may kill me but I actually love this picture of the two of us at Easter.  She wasn’t a “bag girl” but she definitely was a hat girl who loved to have her picture taken.  

Yes, I squirrled for a moment, the norm right?  Why am I talking about Easter and purses?The March Customer Special at Thirty One is all about purses……

I love the Studio Thirty One!!!!

But I will always be a Retro Metro Girl.. I have been having fun with the new Retro Metro Hobo Crossbody and the Super Swap It Pocket

  

Want to get your hands on a NEW Spring catalog?  Simply click the link below and fill out the form…

SEND ME A NEW CATALOG, PLEASE

With just a $200 party (6 orders), you can get the Studio Thirty One purse for half price!  Have a texting party or a 31-minute Facebook party, which one will fit your lifestyle?

Do you remember those AMAZING roller totes we had – the Away We Go Roller and the Rolling Cooler? Check out the video on how you can get one of them with a $600 party (or a fundraiser)!!!

Maybe, you want it all but would rather NOT have a party.  How about a monthly club?  Advance notice on sales, monthly happy mail and we will work out a budget plan which fits your needs.  Click the link below and fill out the form…

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE MONTHLY CLUB

Have you ever thought “I can do what she does”?  Of course you can!  Whether you are just looking for the discounts for you, your friends and your family or a part-time job or maybe you need a break for some girl time; Thirty One may be the answer for you.

Check out the TWO enrollment kit options with over $400 in products for just $99

I will do your launch party via Facebook (or a home party, if you are local).  Start making money as soon as you enroll.  One of my newest recruits earned a $175 commission check, $175 in business credits, $100 in free product, and the February product incentive with her online launch party.  The base commission is 25% but you could make up to 40% with the NEW Thirty One marketplace.  Lots of options to help you design a business which works for you.  I will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Which option will you pick – joining my team, hosting a party, the monthly club/ budget plan or just shopping?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!