Tuesday's Trendy Tip - Shorts To Flatter Every Body

Well, we are halfway through summer time and just as it happens every year, there comes a point where it is just too hot to say "I don't wear shorts".  The time has come to give in...but don't worry, we are here to help you find shorts to flatter your figure - and they are all 30% off right now!!

Charter Club - sz. 4

Shorts that have low pockets tend to draw the eye downward, so if you are trying to hide a bit of a belly, test out a similar style.

Bebe - sz. 00

Any bottom that flares out and causes a bell-like effect will add some curves to an otherwise straight figure. The peplum waist on these satin shorts definitely do the trick.

J. Crew - sz. 2

If you have curvy hips, diagonally cut pockets will help slim and balance this area. Putting on a fancy top will draw the eye up and away.

Courtenay - sz. 8

To slim fuller thighs, look for enlongating pinstripes.

Tuesday's Trendy Tip: How to Wear Red

        Although everyone has an idea of which colors and shades clash with their complexion, hair, and eye colors, one of the most misunderstood colors is red. With an attention-grabbing color like this, it is crucial to choose the right shade for you. The wrong tone can accentuate skin blemishes or make you look sick.  Luckily, Renewal is here to help you determine which shade of red is right for YOU.

Here's a pantone chart to help find the right shade:

    Picking the right tone is heavily influenced by your hair and eye colors.
               - Women with dark brown or black hair, dark eyes, and an olive complexion look best in strong, dark reds. Stay away from reds with orange undertones. [Brick Red or Ladybug Red]
               - If you have dark brown or black hair with lighter eyes (blue, green), try a bright red. It is the perfect medium between your dark hair and your light complexion. [Cherry Red or Lobster Red]
               - Redhead women with lighter complexions should go for reds with orange undertones. Blue-based reds will wash you out and make your red hair appear orange. [Pepperoni Red or Tomato Red]
                - Ladies with light blonde hair and light eyes should try a pale red with a blue undertone. Try and avoid shades too close to orange. [Rose Red or Beet Red]
                - Women with dark blonde or light brown hair look good wearing reds that are less vibrant and more muted. [Radish Red or  Velvet Red]
                - Ladies with ash blonde or grey hair look best in blue-based tones. Try deep reds with a purple tone. [Pomegranate Red or Chili Pepper Red]

Feel Fresh Friday: Color Pop

Although summer generally calls for bright colors and bold prints, there is still a time and place that requires a more chic and professional look. Neutrals are perfect for accomplishing this, but can be dull day after day. Try mixing differnt shades of neutrals with a pop of color. The color is just enough to brighten up the outfit and still keep it chic. Here are some of Renewal's items to help you take this trend to your closet.

                 Tank: Free People, sz. Med;  Capris: Theory, sz. Sm;  Heels: Ann Marino, sz. 9

                   Romper: B.C.B.G, sz. 0; Sweater: Free People, sz. Sm; Wedges: Enzo Angiolini, sz.7

Blouse: 213, sz. Sm; Jeans: Mossimo, sz. 4;  Wedges: American Eagle, sz.7; Purse: Eric Javitz

Tuesday's Trendy Tip: How To Shop A Sale

When a huge "SALE" sign outside a store catches your eye, do you feel overwhelmed after walking in?

No need to be! At Renewal, we can help you hone your shopping skills to maximize each purchase, whether it be at our store or across the mall. Here are some tips to help you become a smart shopper and take full advantage of every sale.

Even though you don't want to think about sweaters in July, shopping in the off-season can bring great rewards. Some off-season sales can be up to 70% off.

Shopping right at the end of the season gives you a good selection and even better prices. You can also still wear these pieces once you buy them!

Always look for classic items such as a pencil skirt or a plain tee. A timeless look will get more wear than the most current styles. 

Often times you can put together an outfit from the sale rack. If you like the pieces together, chances are you have other things in your closet that you will be able to mix and match them with.

A sale is the best place to find excellent deals on designer clothing, like this Max Azaria sweater dress, which sells for hundreds of dollars in department stores.

Another huge tip is checking to see what you can wear multiple ways. A tank top is a staple as it can go under anything or be worn alone. Throw tights on underneath a skirt and you have a year round outfit. A solid color knit dress can be worn casually or dressed up for a night out.

Hurry in to Renewal today to scoop up great deals from our $5 racks and learn about our tremendous weekly sales!

Feel Fresh Friday: The Life Aquatic

         Another big trend on the runways this year was the aquatic trend.  Tapping into our love of the deep blue sea, designers utilized a broad spectrum of aquatic shades.  With deep blues and sea-foam greens, its hard not to find at least one way to adapt this trend into your wardrobe.  Think sandy browns, iridescent whites, and bright corals.

Found at fabsugar.com

Here at Renewal we have all the right pieces to integrate aquatic fashion into your closet.

Tanks: Free People - XS

Skirt: Forever 21 XS  Dark Jeans: Bullhead Sz. 3  Light Pants: EX Jeans Sz. 5

 Striped Tank: So Sik Sz. Lg  LS Shirt: Express Sz. Lg  Tie Dye Tank: Kensie Sz. Lg

Love this trend but these SO aren't your colors??  

You can always bring it into your wardrobe with accessories!

 

Tuesday's Trendy Tip: Fitting Room Tips

8-Tips to Trying on Clothes:

We're all guilty of it....having clothes in our closets that still have the tag on them.  This became more apparent to me than ever when I started to work resale.  Many of the items we get here at the store are brand new, and while we love receiving them, I'm sure you felt a pang of guilt each time you saw it in your closet.  Maybe you were in a rush and left the store without trying it on, or perhaps you tried it on, but it didn't seem to fit as well or look as good when you brought it home.  Any way you may have acquired said items, Renewal is here to give you some tips on how to choose only the best pieces and avoid buyer's remorse.

 1. Care Label: The biggest tip we can give is to read the care instructions carefully before purchasing. Some items may be dry-clean or hand-wash only...which can be a pain if you don't have a lot of time on your hands. Choose items that call for care instructions that you can handle.

   2. Wrinkle Test:  I'm always disappointed when I put on an outfit that looks great as I'm getting ready in the morning, but is a wrinkled mess by the time I get to work.  No matter how you commute, the train or car-ride to your job can leave wrinkles in un-flattering places, causing you to look frumpy and disheveled. Avoid this by conducting a wrinkle test before you buy. Scrunch the item in your hand and hold for 15 seconds, if the fabric is wrinkle free when you release, it's less likely to be wrinkled at the end of a long day.  If it stays wrinkled after releasing, you may want to rethink this purchase.

3. Create an Outfit:  While many of us like to be comfortable when shopping, and probably wear sweats and a tee, it can alter your perception of certain pieces.  For example, if you're trying on a fancy silk top, it will look great next to the pair of sweats your donning, but may be all wrong when actually incorporated into an outfit.  We recommend grabbing the necessary counterparts and taking them to the fitting room too.  Even if you aren't planning on buying the additional pieces, it will give you a better idea of how the top looks in the way you were planning to wear it.

4: Do a mental run-through of your closet:

We tend to stick to colors and styles that we like the most. While shopping, do a mental run-through of your closet to make sure you're not wasting your money on a piece that too closely resembles something you already own. This will also help you decide if it fits into your wardrobe at all...Do you have a skirt or shoes that match that top? Maximize your shopping experience by buying items that can be mixed and matched with a variety of pieces you already own.

5. Get a Rear View: It's important to know how the piece fits from all angles, and not all stores have a three-way mirror. Using even a small compact mirror can be a big help. Standing with your rear facing the wall mirror, hold the compact out in front of you and glance to the mirror behind you. This can give you a rough idea of how the piece looks from the back. Does the material drape correctly over your rear end? Is it too tight across the shoulders?

6. Seek out natural lighting & mirrors:
Fluorescent lights that are found in many retail locations can change appearance of the color of the garment, or wash out your skin tone. Likewise, dim lighting may stop you from noticing if a piece is see-through. Natural light is best for determining how clothing will look once you take it home.  Mirrors can also distort your view of an item.  Tilted mirrors can elongate your figure, making clothing appear more slimming than it really is. Seek out mirrors that are flat against the wall for the most accurate reflection.

7. Move around: You're not going to be standing still the entire time you are wearing a garment, so it is important to move around when trying it on.  Does the skirt ride-up too high when you bend over? Does the button or zipper dig into your side when you sit down?  When purchasing clothes, it's crucial to make sure you will be comfortable in them all day long.

8. Check the Details: This may seem obvious, but check the garment for loose threads and buttons before buying it.  Small details are the easiest to miss but can make a big impact.  What's the point of buying a skirt if the hook & eye rips out of the fabric the first time you wear it?  This will help increase the longevity of the pieces you buy.

Feel Fresh Fridays: T-Shirts

          With the hottest days we've had all season finally upon us, the last thing I can think about is putting together an outfit. As I'm sure it is for everyone, a t-shirt and shorts is my go-to outfit on days like today. Many may think a t-shirt is too casual for certain summer events, but with an abundance of styles, a t-shirt is one of the most versatile summer staples you can have in your closet. Here are a few of Renewal's t-shirts to keep you care free this summer.

Tee's that cover your rear-end:
With a longer back panel, these t-shirts are great for those of you that might not be as comfortable wearing shorts. They cover the rear-end and come in cute patterns and designs.

1: Aqua, sz. Med;  2: NY&Co, sz. Sm.; 3: Chaser, sz. Large

Embellished Tee's:
These tees are great for barbeques and parties. An embellished neckline makes the shirt a bit fancier, while still feeling casual and cool.

1: PinkRose, sz. Sm;  2: Loft, sz. Large; 3: Loft, sz. Large

Tee's that make me happy:
Try t-shirts that have fun and colorful designs on the front. With a nice summer feel, they pair perfectly with shorts.

 

1: Delia's, sz.XS; 2: Juicy Couture, sz.Sm; 3: Loft, sz.Sm

Tee's with Cap Sleeves:Like the embellished tee, these shirts are great for dressing up shorts or a skirt, without accentuating the bust.
    

 1: Soprano, sz.Sm;  2: Rendez-Vous, sz. XS; 3: H&M, sz.Sm