GIVING TUESDAY-Fashion with a Cause

It is the season of giving thanks- Being thankful for our families, friends, and our many blessings. Many of us want to make a difference in the world and might not know where to start, but even a small act of kindness or contribution to a good cause can make a difference. No amount is too small or act to little when it is done with a good heart.

This holiday season, we hope that as you give thanks for what you have, that you will keep in mind those who may not be as fortunate as you. Whether it be by donating your money to a charitable cause or volunteering your time at a local shelter, every little act of kindness and good intention makes a difference. Here at Carnaby Street Style, we take pride in promoting lines in our store that give back to good causes and takes steps toward creating a better world.

Pura Vida is a line of bracelets that we are very passionate about since the company not only provides full time jobs for artisans in Costa Rica, but also donates to over 200 great charities with their Charity Collection. A portion of each bracelet sold goes to specific cause or charity of your choosing, such as Breast Cancer awareness, Adoption awareness, Anti-Child Abuse awareness, and Anti-Domestic Violence awareness. We stock over 50 of the charity bracelets in the store.

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Good Work(s) Make a Difference is another line that helps good causes here in the United States. With each bracelet, candle, necklace, or journal purchased 25% is donated to feeding the homeless as well as supporting after-school programs for underprivileged children. Each year Good Work(s) selects a different charity to donate to.

Last but not least, Far Fetched is a Fair Trade company that we proudly support. Far Fetched is known for designing fun, creative and heartfelt jewelry, rich in culture and craft. They are committed to conscious business practices with their motto being: be a positive influence on the world. Each handmade piece of Far Fetched jewelry is made by artisans in Mexico and Far Fetched is part of the Greater Good family, donating over $35 million to charitable causes since 1999. Every piece of jewelry purchased is a beautiful and unique keepsake that supports people, pets, and the planet.

As you are holiday shopping this year, we encourage you to give gifts that not only bring joy to the receiver, but also give back to those in need. Thank You for continuing to support good causes!

 

We're FALLING for......

Mixing IT Up

Mixing IT Up

It is no secret that flannels and plaids are on trend this season; they are simply everywhere, in every color and form. We love a good flannel with boots and a chunky scarf, but we want to challenge you to try mixing it up a bit! It might seem silly, but mixing different prints and patterns is actually a challenge for some of us. It can be tricky to get the right print combo without clashing or over doing it, but don’t worry, we have some tips to help that we are sure you will love!

 

It can be a lot of fun mixing different prints and patterns together in one look. If you haven’t mixed prints very much, we suggest that you pick one dominant print then add on a more subtle print or pattern as an accent. For example, we picked an Aztec print shift dress and added on a cardigan that has a pop of plaid in the collar. Another example is having a graphic scarf and pairing it with a top that has checker print on the sleeves. Even if the prints are quite different, staying within the same color family helps them to complement each other without clashing.

 

One of our favorite combinations is pairing stripes with polka dots or different stripes together. We recommend playing around with the scale of these prints and patterns. If you want to pair different stripes together try pairing narrow and wide stripes together or stripes that go in opposite directions from each other.

 

So many scarves are on trend with the mixing print trend this fall. We love plaid winter scarves that have hounds tooth or herringbone patterns on the flip side. You can pair this mixed print scarf with a flannel of like colors, or wear it with a solid color top and add animal print shoes or color blocked leg warmers with boots.

 

Other Tips:

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  Treat stripes as a neutral that can be paired with any print.
• Tie a plaid shirt around the waist of a printed outfit for a funky touch.
• Mixing prints or patterns with different textures; such as cutouts, fur, leather, and chunky knits.
• Try pairing similar prints that have boldly contrasting colors.
• Pick two different prints, like floral, that share a single color. Can tie them together even more with a solid color shoe bag that matches that color. 

The possibilities are endless, it’s fun to try pairing many different prints and see what creations you come up with.

From Blahhhhh to Ahhhhhhh

We’ve all heard the sayings “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” and “Dogs are man’s best friend,” but here at Carnaby Street Style, we believe that girl’s true best friends are Accessories!

 Accessories have the power to turn a pretty simple or plain outfit into one that catches your eye and makes people go “Ahhhh!”…well at least in their minds! There are so many different items to choose from to spice up your outfit of the day; from necklaces, earrings, scarves, headbands, bracelets, boot toppers, to belts, and more! Even if you wore the same black tunic with leggings every day you could make it look like a different outfit just with the use of different accessories and a little creativity.

There are so many hot accessory trends this season that we have fallen for! Wearing chunky gold accessories on black and tan clothing items is a classic look that will always be in style. Blanket scarves are one of the biggest trends this fall and we love the look of matching a blanket scarf to a pair of boot toppers!  Color coordinating your eye makeup or lipstick color to a printed scarf, bag, or shoes is a playful, cute way to pull your look all together.

If your look just needs of pop of print and color, an added touch of texture, or a bit of bling, there is an accessory out there for the job!

Happy Accessorizing!!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with ARM CANDY!!

Bangles, cuffs, wraps, and more…bracelets are one of the trendiest accessories of the season. There are endless different styles, materials, colors, and sizes to choose from; so you are sure to find something, or many things, that tickle your fancy.

Here at Carnaby Street, we have a sweet tooth for some Arm Candy that can only be satisfied by Pura Vida, Goodworks, and Far Fetched, our favorite accessory lines. There are no rules when it comes to making your own bracelet set. You can mix and match colors, metals, textures…just be creative and make it your own!

Each of us here at CSS sports our own favorite sets of arm candy!

“I like Pura Vida so much since they can be worn in the shower and can adjust on my small wrists to be tight and not move around. I started with gray bracelets, and added on others one at a time. When my dad was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, I bought burgundy PVs for myself and each of my family members to represent our unity with him as he fights cancer. My bracelet set became very personal to me because of this. I added in a braided PV that had gray, burgundy, and black in it to tie the colors all together, and added a black one with that. These colors not only mean something to me, but go with everything I wear since I wear a lot of dark colors.”  -Eliza

 “Every morning when I’m getting dressed, I always make sure I have my arm candy on. Without my bracelets, I feel somewhat naked. Each bracelet is special to me for a different reason. I wear three Far Fetched cuff bracelets everyday- the first cuff is inscribed with the saying “Do what you love, love what you do.”- a saying that resonates with me. The next cuff reads ‘love’ in 7 different languages. The final cuff reads “Sisters….Forever” and was a gift from my sister and sister-in-law- the three of us all wear the same one. Finally, my wrist always has Pura Vida bracelets on it stacked alongside my Far Fetched cuffs. Pura Vida is a company I am proud to carry at Carnaby Street Style, and I think they make great accent pieces when you’re looking for just a touch of color to add to your wrist.” - Emma

"My bracelet set reminds me to live the life that I have dreamed of. The mint green Pura Vida bracelets are special to me because they remind me of a beautiful day this summer in England spent with my family and friends."- Lesley

Come in and satisfy your arm candy sweet tooth today!

        

A Pop of Pride this Homecoming Weekend

As Dorothy said in The Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home.” With Kent homecoming this weekend, we are ready to proudly represent our state, Ohio, cause let’s face it; there really is no place like your home. A company that we love, Be Ohio Proud, was started by two Ohio natives with a desire to make a product that Ohioans could wear to showcase the state that they love. For men and women, Be Ohio Proud offers short sleeve and long sleeve tees as well as crewneck sweatshirts, hoodies, tees for your toddlers and even onesies for your little ones.

If you are a proud Kent Stater, don’t miss out on all of the fun downtown this weekend and wear your Gold and Blue! If you just want to show a touch of KSU spirit, our blue and yellow Pura Vida bracelets are the perfect accessory for the job. Blue and yellow camis or tees add a perfect pop of pride to represent your KSU love. And if you need a crossbody or wristlet in blue or gold for the game, we’re happy to help.

Have a great Homecoming week Golden Flashes and Welcome HOME!!! #flashforever #beohioproud #bekentproud

Trending-Boot Toppers

With sweater weather quickly approaching, so is the time to dust off our fall boots and put those sandals away for the winter. Tall riding boots are the perfect match to wear with oversized sweaters and leggings, but sometimes they need just a little added touch to complete this stylish look. We have gone head over heels for the boot topper, a trend that was introduced last fall and is back this season. Boot toppers are the just the thing to add some extra warmth and hot style to your fall wardrobe. There are so many great color and style options to choose from this season. Our favorites are the earth tone toppers with lace and button accents.  Add some sass to your step and stay stylish all season long with a new pair of boot toppers. 

A fashionably fabulous fall in oversized knits

Frosty mornings, cooler air, and everything pumpkin- fall is on the way. Not only do the leaves change but the fashion changes too. One day we’re in sundresses and sandals and the next we’re rocking sweaters and high boots. Ponchos, blanket scarves, arm candy, layering, leggings and all earthy tones are just a few of the trends you can look forward to this fall, but one of our absolute favorites has to be the chunky oversized knits. What could be cozier in chilly weather than a soft, warm, oversized sweater? Especially if that sweater is paired with some fleece lined leggings, it's impossible not to stay warm and comfortable. Pairing leggings or skinny jeans with chunky oversized knits complements a feminine silhouette, and throwing on a high boot gives the illusion of a longer leg. When you cuddle up in a cute oversized sweater, read a good book and sip on pumpkin spiced latte, fall gets a lot more fabulous. Enjoy your fashionably fabulous fall!

The Complete CSS Scarf Guide

Scarves are a timeless accessory that are a must-have staple for any wardrobe. Just one scarf can change the look of any outfit. There is only one rule when it comes to wearing a scarf: be creative!

Scarves are great because they are so versatile- you can wear them in so many different ways. In the pictures below, you’ll see handful of various ways you can style your scarf, but the options are nearly endless! (Stop by the store anytime and we will be happy to demonstrate how to tie any of these scarf creations).

Infinity scarves are great as shrugs and can also be worn as “the donut,” “the Knot,” “the loop,” and in the “infinity pretzel.” Any oblong scarf can be tied together along the ends to be made into an infinity scarf, too! Tie a scarf on your handbag to add a pop of color or turn your scarf into a vest and change your outfit completely.

This coming fall and winter you’ll see huge scarves taking the stage again. The blanket scarf arrived on the scene last winter, but this fall, they’re back and better than ever. These oversized knitted scarves are one of our favorites and the perfect fashion accessory to cozy up in on a chilly Ohio day.

So pull out your scarves and start getting creative, because this trendy accessory is here to stay.

Trending- The Poncho

Fashion trends always seem to recycle back onto our runways from past decades. This trend slipped quietly back into the scene last fall, so you might not have noticed it last year, but this season it is back in full force!

One of this Fall’s must haves; the poncho is the perfect grab-and-go piece that is sure to keep the chill out and warmth in, while keeping you in style. An extremely versatile staple, a poncho can be thrown over any top, including blouses, long sleeve tees, or tunics, and looks great paired with jeans and boots.

To say ponchos are comfortable is an understatement, some people even liken ponchos to wearing a blanket- but this trend can still be comfortable while maintaining your feminine figure. Pair a bulky oversized knit poncho with leggings or skinny jeans to keep a slender silhouette or synch a solid poncho with a belt to create a shapely style.

There are so many different styles, colors, and silhouettes of ponchos to choose from…which can make the decision a little difficult, because you are bound to want them all. Our favorites have fringe, unique knit patterns, prints, and cowl neck lines.

The versatility of the poncho makes it the perfect addition to any wardrobe this fall. No matter your age, style or occupation adding this fall favorite to your closet will bump up your comfy cute flair this fall.

Wishing you all a fun and fashionable fall!

From Summer Sun to Autumn Chill-Make a fashionable transition

As much as we would like to deny that another short summer coming to its end, the evidence that the shift in seasons is around the corner cannot be missed.  With leaves already browning, clouds sweeping in, and cooler winds blowing our summer away…many of you may be planning to switch out your summer wardrobe for your fall faves-- but don’t put those dresses and tanks away just yet! We have some helpful tips and tricks to making your wardrobe wearable for longer!

Living in Ohio comes with its ups and downs. One of the downs is dealing with unpredictable weather shifts, which means, you can never over layer. If the day starts off chilly and turns to blazing hot in the afternoon, you can always remove a layer or two to adjust to the temperature changes. Cozy sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and leggings, probably make up half of your wardrobe but that doesn’t mean you don’t love summer dresses, skirts, and tanks, too.

When it starts to get chilly out, and you’re reluctant to put away those summer staples, get creative with layering and you can stretch out the season for your favorite summer styles.  

Whether they are strapless, spaghetti strapped, or cap sleeved, dresses may seem like an exclusively summer style, but adding a layer to them gives you a fresh fall look. Throwing a sweater or cardigan on over your summer dress gives you more coverage in cooler weather without overheating you. If the sweater is longer, simply knotting it up in the center or on the side gives it an asymmetrical hem with more flattering proportions to wear with a dress. Adding a belt to the sweater accomplishes an hour glass shape.

Enough about arms…legs need some coverage as well! Leggings are the go-to item for fall and layering—perfect for those cozy oversized sweaters, but work fabulously under dresses too! Especially as it gets colder out, the fleece lined leggings are a must!

But what about those adorable graphic tanks we’ve loved all summer long, can they make the transition? This fall, flannels, denim and gingham button-ups are taking over the fashion world- slide one of these on over your graphic tanks and you’ll have a transitional and trendy look or throw on a cardigan to warm up this summer style.

Last but definitely not least, a transitional piece that needs no introduction…... The scarf! Scarves are a staple accessory for any season because they effortlessly assist in the seasonal transitions. They can change the look of any outfit and they also add a little warmth on those chilly fall afternoons.

So don't pack up all your summer styles yet- just add a layer, throw on a sweater, add some legging or spice it up with a scarf. The days of dresses and tank tops are not over yet!