The Convertible Dress… Styling Video!

One of the styles we are most excited about here at metrostyle is the new Convertible Knit Dress. In a nutshell, it’s a pull-on style dress with two attached fabric sashes you can wrap, twist and tie in countless different ways to create different looks.

In fact, when our stylist got her hands on this gem of a dress, she whipped up a dozen different styling options in just as many minutes! Of course, she is a professional, so it left us asking…how easy is it to style this dress for the average woman?

To test it out, we gave the dress to our intern, Lauren, to see how she would style it. In the video above, Lauren demonstrates 4 easy ways to wear the new Convertible Knit Dress. Tell us which ones you like the best by voting on the poll!

Special thanks to our intern, Lauren, for modeling/demonstrating, and for the metrostyle blog team members for shooting and creating this fun video.

Bring Out the “U” in You

By Guest Blogger: Tara T.

Okay, so spring is definitely here, summer’s right around the corner, and it’s time to spice up that wardrobe. MetroStyle has some awesome new fashions that are dying to become a part of your wardrobe this season. It is clear that you want something fresh, vibrant, and totally you, or else you wouldn’t be a part of the MetroStyle family. Here are my fashion tips that are sure to bring out the U in you.

Spring and summer are the time for whites and other vibrant, cheerful colors and MetroStyle’s springtime line is the place to shop. If you’re a daring type of girl you want to make sure you check out MetroStyle’s New Summer Collection. Keep in mind ladies that you can be daring without being too revealing and this is why MetroStyle is the place to shop.

Remember in my first blog post when I told you it is best to not buy an entire outfit you saw on a manikin, and instead just buy the pieces you really have to have? MetroStyle allows you to do this. Their models undeniably own the outfits they are wearing, but remember only pick a piece or two and then move on.

I saw the Cap Sleeve Knit Top item # 0808-93233-1042 (which is a real steal at $19.99) in the color Horizon. I just love this shirt because I have love handles and this shirt hides them perfectly. I matched this shirt with a pair of Metro Slimmer 360 degree skinny jeans, item # 0811-14041-1079 in the color white. These jeans do something for me that no other pair of jeans would do for me, and this is hiding the areas I can’t hide with other jeans.

Then I matched both shirt and jeans with the Toe-Thong Slide item # 0836-84779-1042 in the color silver , added some silver accessories and my goodness; the compliments rolled in faster than I could handle. The reason I chose silver shoes is because picking the same color shoes as your shirt is what people did 3 years ago, and this shirt begged me to pick silver shoes. We all know that white compliments silver and vice-verse so you just can’t go wrong.

I hope these tips help you as I am sure you will pick fabulous clothes for your new wardrobe. Remember be daring, innovative and new when choosing your new wardrobe!

How to Create a Unique Hookup

By Guest Blogger: Tara T.

Hello my beautiful ladies of fashion!

This blog post may not come as a surprise since Spring…Did I say Spring? Yay!!! Yes, Spring is right around the corner. Many of us are already working on our Spring wardrobes; while others are still trying to get our Winter wardrobes up to par (lol).

With Spring right around the corner we all want to look our best, and in my opinion, different. Now, I don’t know about you, but I just love to look different. I am called the trendsetter of my town because no one will never know where to find each piece of clothing I am wearing. I have a few fashion tips that will be sure to help you get your gear up.

Tip #1: We all have gone shopping and went into a store simply because of the outfit we saw that was perfectly coordinated on the manikin in the window. There may have been a few times when we just had to have the exact same “hookup” that the manikin in the window was wearing; even down to the accessories. Ladies…This is a fashion NO-NO!

Never, ever, and I mean never, go into a store and ask to buy every last piece of merchandise that was displayed on the manikin because, guess what? The same way you saw and just fell in love with the outfit on the manikin, is the same way hundreds of other women did the same thing.

Do not buy everything you saw the manikin wearing, and instead pick out the piece of clothing you like the best and purchase that. Then, take whatever you bought, whether it be the shirt or the pants, and take that into another store with you. Now, sometimes you have to check your purchase in at the counter, but beg the sales rep to let you take your purchase in so you can match it. Offer to let them hold something else of yours if you have to, but do not enter that store unless you have what you are trying to match.

Once you have found the shirt to go with your jeans, both items purchased from different stores, go to a completely different store and accessorize. Now, I am not saying that by doing this no one else will have what you have, but the chances are far less of someone having your identical outfit on if you follow these steps.

Now you don’t have to worry about walking into your job and having the same outfit on as your rival counterpart (that person who has fashion battles with you). I have been doing this for over 10 years and I have never seen anyone wearing the exact same thing as me. I have seen someone wearing maybe the shirt or pants that I was wearing, but they complimented me about my outfit because of how I coordinated it.

Stay tuned for more tips from Tara...coming soon! Next up? Shopping for shoes!

5 Things NOT to Wear to Your Work Holiday Party:

What Not to Wear #1: Tacky Holiday Sweaters
OK, self explanatory... Sweaters are a great choice for a professional holiday party, especially if you live in a colder region. Even guys can pair a nice sweater and slacks to look stylish and professional for the big bash. But avoiding shirts that showcase holiday animals and characters is the way to go for a professional holiday soirée.

#2: Things That Blink and Buzz
If your outfit requires batteries, look past it and onto something less distracting for adult conversation. If it’s bling you’re after, try getting the same glittery effect on a sweater, shirt, necklace or even earrings.

#3: Barely There Skirts
Think about how your shoes compliment your skirt. The higher the shoe, the longer the skirt should be. The flatter the shoe, the shorter the skirt can be and still look professional. Be careful wearing super high heels and a super short skirt.

#4: Your Child’s Clothes
What really intrigues you about your child’s clothes? Is it the sparkle of the necklace or the funky one shoulder? Take what you like about it and see if you can rework an outfit that you’ll feel good about and flatters you and your best assets.

#5: Santa Suit
Unless you’ve been asked to wear it, the joke is on you. Once the initial “Santa surprise” is over, there’s not much left to say. If feel you need to make an entrance, put on a Santa hat or a pair of antlers. You can take them off after a few minutes.

Q&A: What tops would make me appear smaller and taller?

I'm a 53 year young women, 5'' 2 inches tall and big breasted. What tops would make me appear smaller and taller at the same time, without having too wear 6 inch heels ? I do a lot of walking on my job. Thank you for any suggestions you can give.

- Sharon Douglass-Green


Hi Sharon,

Thanks for writing in. Here's what we recommend:

Try a surplice style top (like item #71823...it's one of our customer favorites). The deep V-neckline of surplice styling is flattering to the bust, while side ruching on the top gives the illusion of a longer torso. We offer a metallic colorway which is good for parties of special events, but we also offer black in white which can be worn to the office or in more casual settings!

Given your height, opt for straight-leg or bootcut pants and jeans. Pinstripe pants and pants with a front crease or seam can also give the illusion of a longer, leaner silhouette. Try our Pinstripe Pants (#66690) for work and Seamed Jeans (#72200) for a casual look.

Last but not least, when it comes to blazers (such a hot look right now for work or weekend), you'll want to make sure you get a style that hits right at your hips for the best effect. A blazer that is too long can make your legs look short, while a cropped blazer may over-emphasize an ample bust. The Seamed Leather Blazer (#13014) might be a good fit for you.

Hope these tips help!
April

Do you have a fashion dilemma that you need advice on? Our fashion experts are here to help. Just send an email to: metrostyleblog@gmail.com

I Adore Velour

Today is a cold, miserable, rainy day…the type of day in which I’d much rather be wearing my favorite warm, cozy velour set.

Of course, when I mentioned this to my coworker, April, she reminded me that velour is perfectly acceptable for the office…if you style it right!

So in honor of April's suggestion, I looked through our photo files and found several clever ways to style velour...all of which I'd rather be wearing right now!

Tips on How to Wear Leggings

Afraid to wear leggings? Well below are some fashion tips on how to look your best wearing leggings?

-Do not expose the bottom or the gap between the mid-thighs. Choose a longer length top which hits the mid-thigh. This elongates the torso and gives proportion.

-Choose a good thick quality fabric. This will keep its shape and thicker leggings not only makes you look slim it will add shape and support.

-Go for black or gray for a more slimming effort.

-Make sure you buy the correct size, one that fits comfortably around the middle.

-Footwear should either be flats, boots especially thigh-high boots to look supper sexy or high-heels like the high-heeled gladiators which are great for a party look.

Now you don’t have an excuse not to buy leggings. Have fun shopping!

By Diane

Have you stumbled upon it yet!?

StumbleUpon.com has been my source for entrainment and relief from boredum lately. It’s an Internet community that allows its users to discover and rate randomly selected web pages. And the best part is you can even set a personalized recommendation engine. When your engine is personalized it shows web sites of only the things that you are interested in.

Fashionistas? Discover new designers and the hottest trends. Art enthusiasts? Discover and explore pages of up-and-coming artists by looking at their portfolios and more! ANYTHING your into... StumbleUpon will find for you!

Here’s a few of my recent favorite stumbles...

Fashion & fairy tales

Chanel Bag (haha)









DIY Skinny Jeans

DIY Beaded Tights

Paris style sightings

What will you stumbleupon?
(If you find another good site leave it in the comment box for us! thanks!)

Happy Stumbling... :) More to come soon...

Are You Scarf Challenged Like Me?

Last weekend I was watching my stepdaughter getting ready to go out and I noticed she had this cute black and white checkered scarf that she was putting on. I watched in amazement at how many different ways she tied it and propped it in various ways (all of which looked good to me) before finally settling on the perfect position. Her outfit looked so much cuter and pulled together, I was in awe. I’ve always thought scarves looked great on other people and I have even bought a couple that I just had to have – until I tried to put them on. I would practice in front of the mirror, tying it so many different ways, but none looked right. I would wrap and unwrap my neck so many times I was lucky I didn’t end up strangling myself. In the end I would end up giving up and burying the scarf so far back in my drawer, never to be seen again.

So am I doomed to be forever scarf challenged? Is this a genetic thing, or do you have to be young and ambidextrous to safely secure a scarf in place? Scarves are making a huge appearance among celebrities and anyone following the latest trends.

All I can say is thank goodness for the web, this is what I learned for tying a simple knot around the neck:
1. Fold scarf lengthwise to desired thickness.
2. Place the middle of the scarf at the back of your neck so the ends drape in front.
3. Take both ends, knot and pull the knot up to your neck.
4. Optional: fluff some of the fabric over the knot so that the fabric covers the knot.
5. Optional: Pull the knot to the side of your neck.

For the looped effect:
1. Lay the long rectangular scarf across the back of your neck and let it hang, but leave one side slightly longer than the other.
2. Next, take the side that is longer and wrap it around your neck, moving it around your head in a counterclockwise motion. The scarf should end where you began turning it, now having a loop around the neck and the scarf ends hanging down across the chest on both sides. You can also stop the twist of the scarf end half way and leave one end hanging in front and one end down your back.

Lastly you can wear a scarf as a belt by folding a long oblong scarf into the desired width, draping it around your hips and positioning it as a sash. Adjust it as you like. This will draw the eye downward and make your waist look smaller.

I hope these basics have helped you. Do you have a favorite way of wearing scarves? Maybe this year I won’t get all tied up and I can join the scarf trend! Check out some of the other scarves offered by metrostyle.

By Izzy

Why Pay More for the Hottest Trend this Season??

Why pay $158 for skinny leggings, one of the hottest trends this season, when you can get them at metrostyle.com for $24.99!!! They look great with a tunic, sleeveless for summer/layered for fall. They have plenty of stretch for everyone's curves and are comfy and sexy at the same time! Don't forget to accessorize with a cute pair of sandals or pumps, jewelry, and sunglasses!!!

metrostyle leggings $24.99 compared to Beyonce's designer leggings for $158!

Hair Tricks

After reading "Hair-Brained Idea" I thought I could elaborate on some hairstyling tips. Everyday that I get up and get ready for work, I deal with the same thing…WHAT do I do with my hair?!?! I have really big, curly (most of the time frizzy) hair. I am always looking for new tips on how to style my hair, new products I can try, or ways to create a new look. If you are like me…here are some tips for our kind of hair:

1) Ask for a “dry cut” at the hair salon. Instead of having your hair stylist wet your first, just let her go right in for the kill! Trust me it works…I have had one hair stylist my whole life (my dad…yes you read that right my DAD) and he was a little weary about doing this saying that it wouldn’t come out right, but when your hair is as curly as mine…it doesn’t matter if every strand of hair is exactly even at the ends. It gives it a much more natural flow and I was very happy with the outcome of our dry cut experience that we decided to attempt around 9 pm in our kitchen. Quite humorous but successful!

2) Experiment with gels and creams and mousse galore. I find that the cheapest of hair products are the best! I go through a can of mousse at least every 2 weeks…so if you are paying over $10 a bottle for your hair products you better check yourself. I use a variety of different brands but they are all under $3 a bottle. (and they work just as good as anything you can buy at the salon.)

3) If you wash your hair at night, put whatever products you would normally in your hair, but then pull it back with bobby pins at the crown of your head and sleep on it like that. When you wake up, take the bobby pins out. You will have a relaxed look without all that frizz around your forehead!

4) Never use a blow dryer…repeat never use a blow dryer!!! Use a diffuser. Either a whole separate thing from your hairdryer or you can attach one to your hairdryer. If you want to look like a lion, go ahead and try blowdrying your hair without a diffuser.

5) While in the shower, comb out your hair with a wide tooth comb while the conditioner is still in it. Works great but you’ll have to clean out the shower drain after you’re done…

6) Lastly, for any kind of hair…make sure you do get a trim every 6-8 weeks. This will prevent split ends and help to keep healthy hair!

So what do I do with my hair in the morning? Usually I just let it do whatever it wants…those are the days I get the most compliments! When I go out of my way to spend extra time on a do…no one even really notices. Doesn’t make much sense to me. Does anyone else have any hair tips to share or quick ways to style your hair in the morning before work? I’d love to hair more…get it?

By LB

Desk to Dinner

If you’re like me, you often have to go right from work to your dinner plans without a minute to think about what you're wearing! It is easy to find something to wear that is acceptable for work and stylish for dinner when you shop metrostyle! Today, I am wearing our Striped Chiffon Halter Top, it is just so colorful and eye-catching. While I am at work I have it on underneath a solid color jacket, (which I will leave in the car when I go out for dinner!) I have this look paired with white capris and our purple Fringed Sandals. With this ensemble you’ll be ready for the entire day, whether you're hard at work at your desk or out to dinner enjoying yourself! Isn't it nice to know you don't have to think about what you have on and concentrate on getting to dinner on time?? Let me know how many compliments you get…you can thank me later.

by LB

Q&A: How do I deal with puffy eyes?

Dear fashion team:
I love makeup and especially eye make up, but what can you do when you have a lil' puffiness under your eyes? Please tell me what I can do to make it less noticeable. Thank you! ~ Franchesca

Hi Franchesca. Thanks for writing in. Our expertise lies more in fashion, but being a bunch of girlie girls ourselves, we do have a few suggestions that may help you.

To prevent puffiness:

Drink lots of water. Puffiness can occur as a result of being dehydrated.
Get some sleep! Simply being rested will help...try to get a good 7-8 hours a night.
Replace your eye makeup every 2 months. Bacteria from old eye makeup can cause inflammation. So toss any old mascara and eyeliner...you know you want something fun and new anyway!

To disguise puffiness:

Apply a cold compress to the puffy area. Slice up some cucumbers, put them over your eyes and relax on the couch for a while!
Try hemorrhoid cream. Now, you should know that there is no clinical proof that this works, but some people swear that a dab of cream under the eye will reduce puffiness. (If you try this, let us know, we're curious to know your results!)
Use makeup to accentuate your upper lid and downplay your under eye:
1. Use a darker shadow in the crease of the eye.
2. Dab on a highlighter shade in the inner corners of the eyes.
3. Use eye liner to line your upper lashes only. Avoid lining under lower lashes, as that will just accentuate any puffiness.
4. Use mascara on your upper lashes, especially the outer lashes, and none on lower lashes.

Q&A: What's the best style for me?

Dear metrostyle fashion team:

I have skinny legs. I love dresses, shirts, shorts. What is the best style for me? ~ Gloria

Hi Gloria.

There are lots of different styles of dresses shorts and skirts you can wear. The key is to keep the style in proportion to your silhouette. So if you have skinny legs, you'll want to look for "skinny" or straight silhouettes. Avoid styles with a lot of volume: full skirts, wide legs, etc.

For dresses, a sheath or chemise style would be great on you. Of course, if you don't want to show your legs at all, the maxi dress is a super hot trend that works on almost anyone!

For skirts, look for a pencil silhouette or even a column silhouette if you prefer a longer length. The key here is to show just the right amount of leg...avoid ultra-short mini skirts and anything with too much volume.

Last but not least - shorts! Here, it's particularly important to stay away from styles that are baggy. Instead, look for Bermuda shorts or walking shorts that fit close to the leg...both styles are super hot right now, so you'll have a lot of options.

Hope this helps!

Allie

Got a fashion question you want answered? Click on the link under the pink "?" in the right hand column!

Fashion Question: What boot will make me look taller?

Got a fashion question? Email us at: metrostyleblog@gmail.com and one of our fashion experts will respond to you!


I'm short-5 foot. and I'm pear-shaped to boot. What boot is appropriate for my size and shape? Something that will make me look taller and longer-legged-but not any more pear-shaped? Thank you, Miranda


Hi Miranda,

The good thing about boots is they will only accentuate your legs and will not add any extra curves to your shape.

Try a bootie with a higher heel...the heel height will give you the slight added height you crave while the bootie will elongate your legs...try this will a skirt or a dress.

If you want to be a little more classic, then wear whichever boot height you love, but wear them with black pants. Black pants and a high heel will give you height and keep you comfortable in your sexy curves!

Be bold, have fun, love your look!

Answered by: Beth

Spicing Up Date Night

Anyone who has been in a long-term relationship knows that you’ve got to get a little creative every now and then to keep that spark going. So, I decided to create a “date night.”

I leave for work before my husband, so one morning I left him a card...and it was a "sexy " card...asking him to meet me that night at a local restaurant/bar at a specified time.

I thought I should dress a little sexier than I do at work, so I rummaged through my closet and found a cold shoulder top from metro as well as my new bling jeans. Normally I don't put them together, but I wanted to punch it up for the occasion. To push it even further, I bought a cheap wig in a fun cut and in a completely different color than my hair. My husband was totally blown away!

It was really fun! I love how a simple change of clothes can make you feel like a whole different person. Lucky for me, metrostyle has a lot of styles I can experiment with!

So tell me ladies (and gentlemen), do any of you ever have date night and dress a little different than normal? What do you do to keep the spark going in your relationship?

By Guest Blogger: Lolita fro Boston, MA

Wacky Weather!

Anyone who has ever been to New England in the “Spring” knows that the weather can be variable from day to day even hour to hour. This creates difficulty when getting dressed in the morning. I frequently ask myself will I be cold if I wear this t-shirt or am I going to sweat to death in this sweater.

The solution to this apparel conundrum is to layer, layer, and layer. I will wear a tank top under a short sleeve shirt under a cardigan or light weight pullover sweater.

By Sara

How To Avoid The Muffin Top

The first important thing to avoid the dreaded muffin top is to wear clothes that fit you. Pay close attention to the size of the clothing you purchase especially low waisted skirts and jeans. In fact they can make a muffin top look even more pronounce and make us look heavier than what we really are. Instead choose mid-rise skirts and jeans so that the appearance of a muffin top can be concealed. Secondly if you decide to wear a belt make sure it’s not belted to tightly which can encourage the appearance of the muffin top. Wear the belt loosely but comfortable so that you do not feel constricted or position the belt below your waistline so that the belt rests loosely on your hips. This can give a leaner look to a woman who has a muffin top. Also you can add flirtatious accessories such as a handbag to draw the attention away from the midsection. If, despite the tips above, you still find that your muffin top is visible, try one of the many body-shapers that are on the market today. Choose one that is high waist to completely smooth the tummy.

By Diane

Buttons...Buttons? Buttons!!

You know how whenever you buy a garment with buttons or sequins it always comes with extra ones?.....yeah I save them too, as does every other woman I know. There are a rare few who will ever use those extra buttons on the garment it was intended for. So, I still have about 10 years of buttons even after the last purge. Buttons are cool and all, but now what?!?

There are countless articles floating out there on the net of all of the nifty things you can do with buttons. I read some of these articles and I’m sorry to inform anyone who might be reading this that owes me a birthday present, but I do not want a button wreath for my birthday, please cross that off your list; Nor would I like curtain tie backs or a bookmark, though that one is starting to look more appealing as I have a few books I’m right in the middle of reading.

A few things I did find interesting were: making your own jewelry out of the buttons or sequins, or even embellishing some jeans or putting new buttons on a shirt that could use a new look.

If you’re like me and thinking, “Wow that sounds like fun! I’d like to do that, tell me more about it. Maybe my BFF will come over and we can make jewelry together and eat nachos!” Don’t panic on my behalf.

I have two choices-

I could invite my friend over as planned, bake something and make some earrings and bracelets with basic elastic and ear wires from a craft store, get restless and decide “this is hard” (which its not, I’m just lazy) and quit after making a piece or two of jewelry, which I think is productive. Then revisit this button bucket issue next year; Or I could give my buttons to a friend and let them figure out what to do with them.

That reminds me. I need to call my sister. :)

Happy Buttoning!

-Kyndall

5 Basic Rules to Remember When Shopping For Clothing

We all know that us ladies love to shop. Well here are some basic rules that we should all keep in mind when shopping for clothing.

1. First check to see what is in your closet. Buy items that will work with what you have.
2. Buy accessories for the clothes you have to spruce up your wardrobe.
3. Look for clothing that can be worn through out the season especially bottoms.
4. Buy classic design items. You don’t want to buy items that will be out of style within the year.
5. Always check the care label. Buy machine washable items.

So, the next time you go shopping remember these basic rules. Your shopping experience will be much easier.

By Diane