Pantone Color of the Year

New years bring new trends. Incorporate this new color into your wardrobe repertoire and see how it inspires new looks.

Every year and every season sees to new trends and new styles. The runway introduces us to new ensembles, looks, and introduces us to new ways to wear things. Usually, a color palette emerges with each season, a new set of colors that will define the future fashion trends to come in the following months. The pantone color of 2014 has already been decided: Radiant Orchid. This shade is perfect for spring, which is now officially here, and can easily transition into summer and fall as well.

This color is bold yet soft and pastel at the same time. Purple has always demanded attention and has a certain lingering air of regalia from the times of Romans when they were worn by people of importance and later worn primarily by European monarchs. This color still demands the same admiration today, and this particular shade is both bold as well as demure. The softness of it is perfect for spring. Pastels are great once the weather gets warmer, imitating the emerging flowers in bloom as the earth slowly grows greener. Pastels work great as undertones as well as bold accent colors depending on what other colors they are worn with. They can be used to undertone patterns and compliment like colors, but they can also stand out when worn with paler colors or with neutrals. They add a splash of oomph while remaining soft and supple, and this shade of radiant orchid does just that. It is light while still bringing with it the power of purple. It can stand out more or less depending on what it is paired with, but will always make a statement.

You can try to gather outfit inspiration from this radiant orchid to make your 2014 outfits look equally radiant. One great way to incorporate a trend into your wardrobe is to gather a few pieces that can be mixed and matched. One safe way is to get t-shirts or camisoles in the color to use when layering, that way it can be used as either an accent or a main staple depending on how you wear it. Accessories also work well. Try to snag a light chiffon scarf or a new handbag in this shade to sport now that spring is here. You can also go for the statement route, which may mean finding a statement necklace or perhaps even a versatile blazer in radiant orchid in order to bring it into your other, already existing outfits while still allowing it to stand out and be noticed.

The best thing to do with anything new fashion-wise is to experiment and to mix and match. See what pieces work for you by trying them on in the store and seeing how they mesh with pieces you already own. If you ever feel unsure but are still eager to try something new, always start small and see how you feel. Who knows, you may be influenced to run back out to the store and grab more items in that color!

You can find great accessories in this trendy color at Chicastic.

Radiant Orchid Clutch

Office Wear Fashion Accessories

The office demands a certain style and presence that is more professional, prim and proper. But contrary to popular belief, there is still wiggle room to be fashionable. While workplace attire differs from workplace to workplace, there is a general idea of office and professional fashion that blankets the working world. When it comes to office wear, neutrals tend to take center stage. Whether you’re shopping for suits, pants, skirts, or blouses, they tend to feature navy blue, beige, black, and white, sometimes with red mixed in. While these are all staple colors, they are not your only option. While all of these colors are associated with the professional world, they can be worn with contrasting colors or prints. A silky printed scarf, say a leopard print chiffon scarf, is a great accessory for the workplace. It can be worn in a knot at the neck or even draped over the shoulders to add some style while still looking sophisticated. You can also choose a shoe in a similar fashion. A conservative shoe in an eye-catching color or pattern will add that necessary oomph to an otherwise ordinary outfit.

When it comes to jewelry, choosing pieces that are elegant but still stand out are great. A bold statement necklace in a bright color adds dimension and color to a neutral blouse. Not to mention, it can be worn after work hours and blend your day and evening looks seamlessly. Remember, keep it to a minimum. If you’re wearing a statement piece, stick to that one piece. And if you’re going with a set, still stay away from adding too much bling to your ensemble. And when it comes to bags, try to stay away from formless, slouchy handbags or crossbodies. Go with the firm office flow and go with a leather handbag or hardcase clutch. You can even play around with color and style when it comes to bags as well, just make sure that it’s not too loud or distracting, but still fun and able to transition from the workplace to a night out on the town.

When it comes to dressing for the office, it’s best to remain on the conservative side. Feel free to accessorize and play with color and prints, but keep it minimal. That way you stay looking professional and you let the fashion speak for itself. The same goes for dressing outside of work as well, but there is a certain level of decorum that is expected to be upheld. Check out Chicastic for great office appropriate fashion accessories. 

Office Wear Fashion Accessories

Chain Strap Purses

Handbags are an important fashion accessory, and more so than many of us might think. Aside from fulfilling a more practical purpose, the shape, size, color and print of a bag makes a huge impression and are essentially a key element to any outfit, whether it’s intentional or not. While most of us tend to lean toward buying handbags that suit our style or are in a fairly neutral tone or color to best be worn with a wider variety outfits and for multiple occasions, they can be way more fun than that. Handbags don’t have to be loud or bold to make a statement or instill itself into an outfit and feel like more of an intentional addition.

Chain strap purses serve multiple purposes. Not only do they have the capacity to hold our daily essentials or conveniences, but they add color and depth to an outfit. Unlike other bags, the chain strap purse has its namesake to set it apart. The chain strap can act as more than just a shoulder piece and can double as more of a jewelry accessory as well. Taking on the roles of both handbag and jewelry accessory, they have a similar effect on an outfit as a necklace might but does so in a different and more dynamic way. Depending on the color and design, these straps can match most outfits and looks, especially if they are made of a simple gold or silver. If you opt for a more unique look, it can make just as much of a statement about your sense of style as any other piece of clothing. No matter the exact style of strap, they can be accentuated with similar jewelry such as rings or earrings in a matching style, tying your ensemble together and giving you a more purposeful and put-together look.

Most bags featuring a chain strap allow you to switch out the given one with another, oftentimes sold along with the bag. To change up a bag you might use often or if you’re wearing an outfit that demands a different set of accessories or accents, then try using multiple chain straps or pairing a chain with a leather or fabric strap to add depth and dimension. Get creative and experiment with different styles, colors, and combinations. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, you might just end up with several reincarnations of one bag that can give the illusion of several. Chicastic has a great collection of chain strap handbags and evening bags. Visit us now!

Chain Strap Purses

Cocktail Party Accessories

Cocktail parties are a great opportunity to show off your glamorous side while also having fun and without being too formal, but they might send any of us in a frenzy over what to wear. Like any occasion, there are some more appropriate styles than others but it shouldn’t give you pre-party anxiety (aside from the excited kind). Cocktail parties are about having fun while still being a little glitzed up and feeling glamorous but it doesn’t need to be stressful.

The fun thing about cocktail parties is that these days it can mean a large, swanky catered to-do or a small get-together with a group of twenty friends at a fancy restaurant. This means there is a lot of room to play with and you don’t have to wear a formal dress. Wear a chiffon dress, mix and match a formal top with a loud patterned pencil skirt, or even sport an elegant romper with heels and a hot clutch purse. Depending on the type of get-together the cocktail party is, you can determine what would be appropriate or not, but some things tend to work for any occasion.

The little black dress should be a staple of any girl’s closet, but it doesn’t have to be the backup. This little number can be dressed up or down depending on how you choose to accessorize it and can be worn to any sort of glitzy party, no matter the level of glam. The little black dress is safe and secure and can be daring and bold if you want it to be, though it doesn’t necessarily have to. But when it comes to wearing anything else, if you aren’t sure what to go with or if you’d be dressing up or down, be sure to go with an upscale fabric. That way you’ll look chic no matter what, whether its chiffon, silk, or lace.

And let’s not forget about accessorizing. Cocktail jewelry seems like a no brainer when it comes to accessorizing for a party and they can be worn with just about anything as well. Depending on the type of dress you’re wearing (color, cut and neckline) a classy statement necklace is also a great addition that can either add some flare or some class depending on the type of eye-catching look you’re going for. If you want to go for bold, try a brightly colored or patterned geometric necklace, and if you want to emit more of a glamorous aura go for a gold and/or beaded piece. Chicastic has a large variety of cocktail party accessories. Buy what suits your style now!

Gold Octagon Clutch Purse

Color of the Year Radiant Orchid In Your Outfit

Every year sees hot new styles, new hot patterns and new hot colors. It’s hard to keep up with the latest thing without breaking the bank, but there are easy ways to incorporate current trends into an already existing wardrobe. Radiant Orchid, or a deep violet, is the hottest color on the runway right now. Wear it casually, formally, or just as an accent. Like any color, it suits some more than others but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work for you.

Before you begin to assimilate a new trend into your already existing style, you have to assess your overall style and your current wardrobe first. Sometimes we just need a refresher and sometimes we find that a new trend suits us perfectly. So first thing’s first, where do you stand? Are deep, rich colors your thing? Do you currently have any in your wardrobe? Or perhaps your wardrobe is monochromatic or mostly neutral? There are plenty of ways to try and incorporate a new trend to suit you. If you find yourself agreeing with the latter, this rich orchid could be the thing for you. It’s simultaneously subtle but bold. When paired with neutral colors, its true richness stands out without being too over-the-top yet is still classy and eye-catching. Even if you wear a lot of black or dark colors, orchid will fit right in by adding a hint of color to your already edgy look. If you’re going for a more outrageous look, pair this color with an animal print or another neutral toned print or pattern. If you already dress with a lot of color, you don’t have to stray away from this deep tone, in fact, if you tend to wear a lot of bold colors, this darker color could tone down and balance out your look if paired with complementary colors such as yellows or even greens.

Once you’ve concluded where your wardrobe stands color-wise, you can move onto items. If the color looks great with your skin tone, go ahead and rock it with a blouse and printed pant, or perhaps the other way around with an orchid skinny pant and monochromatic top and flats. If you’re not sure whether you want to commit to an item of clothing, there are always accessories. A deep violet handbag is edgy but elegant, it’s dark but has that hint of color that can add to any ensemble. And no one can have enough scarves. Try a solid scarf or try to find a pattern that incorporates it. An orchid statement necklace would look stunning against any neutral top, especially any little black dress.

The possibilities are endless, but when it comes to trying new trends, always start with small doses. Try out some accessories and perhaps move onto bigger pieces if you’re unsure, but don’t be afraid! Have fun and experiment, that’s what trends are all about. Chicastic has a lot of fashion accessories available in Radiant Orchid. Visit now!

Purple Evening Clutch Purse

Winter Fashion Accessories

When we think of winter accessories we usually tend to think of hats, scarves and gloves. While there are plenty of run-of-the-mill winter accessories made only to keep us warm, we often forget that they can be chic and stylish, too. Not only that, but there are some bits of jewelry that work best in winter that can add some glam to the wintry season.

Scarves are a great go-to winter accessory. They come in multitudes of styles, colors, prints, and fabrics and can be worn for any occasion if you accessorize correctly. A big, comfy knit infinity scarf always goes great with an over-sized sweater and leggings, while a silk scarf can still keep your neck warm when you’re heading to work or a formal event. It’s always good to have a small collection of scarves, in different colors or prints that suit you that you can use no matter what you’re wearing, where you’re headed, or how cold it is. Hats are also fashionable, whether you’re sporting a modern beanie or a retro felt cloche, and even though they can be removed once you reach your destination, they are perfectly acceptable to wear continuously. Gloves are versatile, too. You can go with simple knit gloves or mittens for a casual outing, or you can slip into some fur (or faux-fur) lined leather gloves for a more polished look.

You don’t have to discount wearing dresses once the winter months set it. Leggings and tights are hot accessories all year round and add some oomph while keeping your legs protected and warm despite the weather. A patterned or bold colored tight can make any winter outfit pop, and leggings are always comfy when paired with over-sized sweaters, or even with dresses and skirts as well for extra warmth. Layering is always in, and it definitely comes in handy when the weather calls for it. Don’t shy away from skirts, dresses, or any other leg-flattering pieces, especially when there is a whole world of leggings and tights to explore.

And of course, winter accessories can refer to winter jewelry as well. While jewelry trends change with the seasons, jewel-tones are usually synonymous with winter fashion, and while silver and gold are always in style, playing up these styles can really parallel the glittery frost outside your window and add that glamorous wintry shimmer to your look.

Like any season, winter has it’s share of accessories and styles, so don’t be afraid to mix and match and, most of all, stay warm! Chicastic has some fun winter accessories for women, that can be worn casually or formally to stay warm yet look fashionable.

fun of winter dressing

Accessories For the Little Black Dress

We all have that one little black dress we turn to for certain occasions. They’re reliable, they’re always in fashion, and there’s never much to think about, right? But like any item of clothing, or any outfit, you don’t want to be seen wearing the same get up to every occasion. A little black dress is always handy, but how you accessorize and itemize, you can give your favorite little number new life.

No one can deny the power of accessorizing. A new bold necklace can make any little black dress pop, adding color and dimension to any length, cut, or style of dress. This classic clothing item becomes a canvas backdrop for any statement piece, allowing it to define your outfit while still keeping you looking chic and together in a simple, go-to dress. The same goes for any way you decide to accessorize, and even wearing the same piece with different accessories on different occasions will give the illusion of an entirely new ensemble. Pair it with some colorful pumps, add some dazzling bits of cocktail jewelry and you’re set for a night on the town. Worn with a simple pearl necklace and an elegant clutch bags makes your outfit ready for any formal occasion.

But it doesn’t just stop at jewelry. Of course handbags and hats can change the entire feel of an outfit, so can additional clothing. Wearing this classic ensemble under a flannel or floral button down (tied at the waist or worn loose) with a cross-body and some sandals can make the perfect casual first date outfit. Wear it with patterned leggings and ankle boots, and you’re suddenly rocker chic. Add a big floppy hat, cat-eye glasses and pearls and you’re now rocking that Old Hollywood vibe. Accessorizing with clothing is just as powerful as wearing a chunky bracelet or a layered necklace.

What’s really great about the little black dress is that it is essentially a blank canvas. You start with a great standalone piece, but by adding accessories or additional pieces of clothing you can turn it into an entirely new entity that can suit almost any occasion imaginable. The possibilities are truly endless. If you feel like your go-to piece is losing it’s luster, it may not mean finding an entirely new dress. You probably have a multitude of accessories, shoes, and layering essentials that can bring new life to an old favorite. Chicastic has a lot of great fashion accessories for reviving your little black dress. Buy now!

Accessories for the little black dress

Statement Necklaces

Statement necklaces are all the rage right now. Even if they’re your only chosen accessory they can pack a real punch. They range from casual to formal and eye-catching to outfit-popping. The great thing about this piece, no matter what the style, is its versatility. They can add depth to any outfit really pop. They can be worn with anything: they can add color and glamour to any little black dress, brighten the collar of any solid patterned shirt or sweater, and even dress up the the ever classic casual jeans-and-a-tee shirt.

These bold accessories come in handy in a pinch. They can be worn without any other accessories, yet can do as much work as an entire jewelry set when worn alone. Bolder pieces are best worn with more understated clothing pieces, such as solid colors or very subtle patterns, or against bare necks and shoulders when wearing a strapless top. Try wearing colors that compliment your statement piece but allow it to stand out against the rest of your outfit. If you’re wearing neutral colors, opt for a bold or bright statement necklace that will pop against your canvas of an outfit, making it brighter and more dynamic. Alternatively, if you’re wearing a pattern of any kind, choose a necklace that’s subtler but still adds some glam, such as a bib necklace in gold or silver. This way, you’re still making that statement without clashing patterns or colors.

As mentioned earlier, a great thing about statement necklaces is their versatility. If paired with a dress, they can be classy and chic, and if paired with something more casual it can  make anything appear more put-together and purposeful. Not only that, but they can give any piece of clothing new life. Depending on the combination of pieces, you can make any favorite shirt look brand new again when paired with a one of these pieces. They can change the face of an entire outfit without forcing you to overhaul your entire wardrobe.

Statement necklaces are great for any occasion. They can dress up any old outfit when you’re meeting an old friend for coffee or give an old dress new life if you’re suddenly asked out to dinner. Like any other fashion accessory, a bold neck piece can change the face of an entire ensemble if paired with the right items and can make any piece look fresh and new again. Chicastic has a great variety of statement necklaces. Check them out now!

Gold Tone Tassel Multi Chain Chain link Collar Necklace

Duster Knuckle Clutch Purse

Duster Knuckle Clutch Purses took the fashion world by storm and this is one storm you don’t want to be left behind in. Sometimes it is better to be part of the elite crowd than just be an audience. Chicastic has the widest and the best collection of duster knuckle style clutch purses at great prices. There is definitely one that needs to be part of your wardrobe. So, don’t waste any time and get one for yourself. Be the fashion queen !!

Black Glitter Metallic Duster Knuckle Clutch Evening Bag Purse With Rhinestones

New Year, New Wardrobe!

Every new year brings new fashion trends and we always want to keep up with them. There’s no need to throw out the entirety of last year’s wardrobe but there are ways to update it that saves money and the life of the things you already own. Not to mention, those post-holiday sales are upon us and the coming of the new year is no better time to reinvent ourselves.

First thing’s first: clean out your closet! Donate or swap out the items you find yourself not wearing so much anymore or pieces that feel outdated. Also, chances are you have some hidden gems hiding in your wardrobe, perhaps a trendy item from yesteryear that’s found it’s way back to the fashion forefront. Fashions come and go and trends are fleeting, but there are always those select few classic items that are always in style. You probably have a good handful of these such items. These are great because their versatility gives them new life and they can always be revived with new fashion accessories, scarves in trending prints, or any number of additional accents. A staple item, such as a little black dress can be worn with new shoes or paired with a new bag. There are thousands of combinations. Perhaps what your wardrobe needs is a new bold cocktail clutch or a jewel-toned chiffon scarf. Scan the magazines and see which accessories speak to you the most, determine which trending styles best match your personality and go from there.

The good thing about these staple items is that they can easily be matched with other new and popular styles, such as a bold print shoe, snakeskin clutch or a jacquard print jacket. Mixing and matching is the best way to make anything look new and gives you far more combinations and fashion possibilities for years to come.

Be sure to choose wisely, though. Sometimes trends only last a season or two and are quickly booted out of fashion. When it comes to both fashion accessories as well as clothing pieces, be sure to choose versatile items that can be matched with much of your wardrobe and personal style. That way, even fleeting trends can be made staples when paired with the right things. This also makes it easier for you to keep up with future trends, when they come.

Remember, you don’t have to completely overhaul your closet or your wallet to create a fashionable new wardrobe to bring in the new year. With careful planning and sticking to what you like and works best with your personal style, you’ll always stay ahead of the curve. Find some great items for your new closet now, at Chicastic!

Women's accessories

Women’s accessories