Jun
2011
10 fashion lessons learned from living in the desert
115 all week long. And to top it off, it’s kinda humid too.
I have to carry my dog out just to get to the grass so she doesn’t burn her paws. People around me are cranky and hiding out in a/c to hide from the convection oven the heat outside.
Yeah, it sucks. Do you ever get used to it? No. But there are some takeaways in the form of at least 10 fashion lessons I’ve learned from living in the desert.
Come on now, no one dresses like this in real life!
1. July sales are your best friend. Seriously.
Come end of July, stores across the country start clearing out their summer merch to make room for fall. Luckily for us, this means we can stock up on summer styles for 75% off or more and we’ve got THREE more months of hot weather for us to wear it!
Before you think about splurging on a new maxi dress or those white pants, consider waiting just one more month where you’re likely to find it at least half off.
2. Uggs, cardis and scarves come out at 70 degrees
It's 75? Bust out the boots!
Our four seasons tend to be as follows: Hot, hot, less hot, and kind of cool. So it’s no surprise that as soon as it hits the 70s, scarves, light sweaters and the dreaded Ugg boots come out to play. Every year, without fail. You’ve been warned.
3. Boutiques have the lifespan of a DWTS celeb
Not all fashion lessons have a happy ending. And that’s exactly the case for the lifespan of Scottsdale boutiques. They’ve come and gone quicker than most reality show celebs. Hopefully, the next batch will be here to stay.
4. Bling will never die
Seriously, why won't this just go away??
At my birthday dinner the other night, my boyfriend and I could not help dying laughing at this poor man sporting an otherwise normal button down with…two giant diamond WINGS on the back. Oh yes, that’s Scottsdale style for you. Bling is especially a hit among cougars, divorced doctors and sorority girls transplanted from the midwest.
5. Forget about summer whites
If you don’t sweat, go for it. White is awesome at keeping you cool since it reflects light and it’s pretty too. If you do sweat, just forget about it and instead, read this post.
6. Less is more. Or so they think.
Men are not the only fashion offenders around here, women around here seem to love anything short, tight and sheer. While I also love short, tight and sheer, I tend to not wear it ALL together. Remember, it’s about balance. If you’re going to wear something short, don’t also have a plunging neckline. You can be sexy and tasteful without looking like a streetwalker.
7. Tank tops are your best friend
Stock up on tanks! You'll need plenty
If you find something you love, go ahead and buy it in another color. This rule definitely rings true for good tanks; if you find some you love by all means, stock up! They are a summer desert lifestyle essential. Just be careful not to get caught in the tank top style rut.
8. Stash a cardi in your car
Movie theaters, malls and workplaces all tend to stick somewhere around sub-zero temps in the summer. It’s no wonder people catch colds in the middle of July!
Always, always stash a cardigan in your purse (if it fits) or your car for those triple-digit to sub-zero temp transitions.
9. Sweat happens
You’re going to sweat. The sooner you can accept and adjust accordingly, the better. Try shopping for breathable summer styles or other sweat-free summer fashions. You’ll also want to be prepared with beauty products to help stop the sweat.
10. You really don’t need a coat
Forget coats. A light sweater will do just fine.
This one is hard for me to accept because I absolutely love coats. I buy them like I live in the North Pole when the reality is, I could survive winter just fine with a cute leather jacket or layered winter styles.
Did I miss any? What are your fashion lessons learned from desert living?
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