Category: FASHION TIPS

ACCESSORIES, CASUAL LOOK, COLD WEATHER OUTFITS, FASHION TIPS, Uncategorized

Glamorous ways of wearing a Poncho – Fashion

authenticallyritah

Why buy something if you can’t rock it in different fun ways??

Today I’m all about showing you how you can get the most out of your ponchos..yes you got me right….ponchos!

Hey everyone! I hope you are keeping warm and cozy during this cold season! I cannot believe that we are left with only a few days to elections here in Kenya! Your vote counts so remember to vote wisely!

Back to fashion,,,,,besides being fashionable, ponchos are cozy, versatile and absolutely chic. They come in different colors, prints and patterns. They are a season to season wardrobe essential. They actually come in handy during those chilly mornings/evenings and most especially during the cold season. Another mind blowing fact about ponchos, is that they pair really well with almost all body types.

I’m going to be showcasing a double layered poncho in mastered paired with heavy jeggings and a basic black body suit but…..dresses pair well….skinny jeans pair well……..skirts pair well…basically anything pairs well with ponchos. (This is just what I’m pairing it with today)

Soo…..here are a few glamorous ways in which you can wear your ponchos:

Look 1: Wear it open

This is what I call easy peasy because it’s the most effortless way to rock a poncho.You basically layer it over your shoulders and voila you are good to GO!

Don’t you think it’s amazing how you can transform a look by just adding a layer.

Look 2: Adding the Brooch

You can give your poncho a different spin by accessorizing it with a brooch. You can either add a brooch at the center or on the side so as to drape your poncho over one shoulder.

Look 3: Belting it up

You can level up your poncho by belting it up. Anyone can pull it this look. You simply get your poncho and layer it over the shoulders. You then get your favorite belt and wrap it around your waist area but above the belly button for that chic look.

The belt can either be slim/wide depending on your silhouette and there you go! You just elevated your poncho! What you will love about this look is the fact that it cinches in your waist area elegantly giving it some definition.

Look 4: Scarf it up

Another way of rocking a poncho is by wearing it as a scarf. With this look you basically get the poncho and toss it around your neck. You can opt to let it drape beautifully or just layer it all around your shoulders.

You can actually rock your Ponchos in numerous other different ways. I just shared how I love rocking mine and I hope it inspired you to experiment with your poncho or to get one if you’ve not yet .

What’s your favorite way of wearing a poncho? I love mixing my styles but belting it up takes the lead! It’s actually my favorite way.

It’s great to invest in versatile wardrobe pieces where you have different approaches of rocking them. Ponchos are a true go to wardrobe piece and I feel the fact that you can wear them differently makes it a worthy addition to your closet! I think every fashionista should have this piece!Do you agree?

I will be uploading a YouTube video on “How to wear a Poncho” over this weekend. I feel like at times it’s easier to watch someone rock an outfit practically to get a better insight. So if you’d like to watch a video on this, Subscribe to my YouTube Channel so as to get notified once I upload the video.

I hope this post has encouraged you to rock one of the coolest wardrobe pieces for the Cold season.

If you enjoyed this post, you might love this video

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DENIM, FASHION TIPS, Uncategorized

4 tricks to spot high quality Jeans

authenticallyritah

A great pair of jeans is a wardrobe staple. Raise your hand if you agree with this …lol. Raise your hand again if you agree that selecting a great pair of jeans can be challenging!

Jeans are one of the most preferred casual outfit by not only women but men as well. They come in different colors and designs and the beauty about them is that they can be paired with so many outfits . Unfortunately, with so many imitated jeans around which are susceptible to wear and degradation, it can be tough knowing what to look out for when selecting your jeans.

If you are one of the people who find it hard to differentiate between high quality jeans and low quality, worry no more because on today’s blog post, I’m summing up tips you can incorporate when shopping your jeans for that good quality pair. So without further ado, lets dive in:

1.Strong Durable Denim Material

You can tell a lot about the quality of jeans by the strength of material. While shopping for jeans, ensure that you feel the material diligently with your hands. High quality material should be strong to the touch. In case it feels loose, weak or otherwise cheap, they are probably low-quality jeans and, thus, should be ditched without much thought.

2. Non-plastic Buttons

Weather it’s one or several, most jeans have buttons. The quality of buttons is another thing to watch out for as they will also tell if the jeans is high quality or not. Good quality buttons are secure and not made of plastic or cheap aluminum which tends to fall apart or break easily. Good quality jeans features premium quality material such as steel, copper, alloy etc.

3.Good Quality Stitching

Don’t forget to check out the stitching at the edges of jeans while shopping. High-quality jeans should be durable to reduce chances of wear and tear when you put them on or wash them. Firm, uniform and even stitching is one sign of good quality jeans. You can always test the quality of stitches by gently stretching them at the seams. If the stitches are pulling apart hence loose and there is no uniformity, you are most likely looking at a poor quality pair of jeans and should ditch it instantly.

4. Strong Rivets

Ninety percent of the jeans we wear have rivets. Besides threading, rivets are small fasteners used to hold and reinforce seams together on your jeans. You will find them mostly around top of your pockets.

While shopping for good quality jeans, check them out too because you can easily differentiate between premium denim from low-quality denim by simply looking at the rivets. Premium denim has durable, heavy-duty rivets while low-quality denim while low quality ones, have cheaper weak rivets.

If you enjoyed this blog post, you might also love this video:

Fashion and Style, FASHION TIPS, Uncategorized

Splurge vs Save – Wardrobe Edition

authenticallyritah

Suddenly you have a million and one responsibilities, hence need to operate on a tight budget, but still want to update your wardrobe once in a while. Does anything ring a bell!Lol..you are not alone darl! The big question is how do you strike a balance in all this!

Learning when to splurge and save can actually be of help!

At times if you spend a little more initially, you will actually save much more long term and still on the flip side there are certain pieces which you can easily get away with when you save on.

Hey and welcome to Authentically Ritah!

In today’s blog post I’m going to talk about what I think is worth being splurged on and what needs to be saved in the wardrobe. Before i delve into this please note that splurging and saving looks different for different people based on so many factors such as lifestyle, age and much more so adjust accordingly.

So where should you splurge?

First things first, splurging means allocating a little bit more of your budget on certain pieces.

Splurge worthy pieces are those which mostly act as your wardrobe basics and can easily elevate the simplest of outfits. These are pieces which you actually incorporate in most of your outfits and though not all most tend to be everyday wears. Definitely the more you wear anything, the more they get exposed on wear and tear so you need to spend a little more for quality on such pieces.

Here are a few things which i consider splurge worthy:

  1. Classic jeans – It is definitely worth spending on that classic blue, black or white jeans which won’t wear easily. These three colors are timeless and complement with most wardrobe pieces.
  2. Undergarments – Small but mighty, good quality undergarments make a whole world of difference. They act as foundations to your outfits and can make or break the overall look. They are totally worth the splurge.
  3. An everyday bag – A good quality bag in a neutral color which can be carried almost everyday and doesn’t wear out quickly is definitely worth an extra effort.
  4. That Little Black Dress – This is such a true classic and can be styled with so many pieces in your closet. I definitely would splurge on this for extra mileage.
  5. Nude shoes – Nude shoes are classic wardrobe pieces which helps you get the most out of your wardrobe. Good quality sandles, heels or ballet shoes will complement your wardrobe effortlessly.
  6. Gym/active wear – Since these are likely to be worn almost every other day, i feel they are worth that extra coin and could take you for years so you don’t have to keep replacing them every now and then.
  7. Boots – Be it’s an ankle, midi or knee high boot i feel you deserve good quality ones which won’t wear as fast
  8. Designer Sunglasses – Of course if you won’t break them. I would definitely splurge on designer sunglasses which have sun protector
  9. Timeless accessories -I would spend abit more on a small selection of those timeless accessory pieces which don’t tarnish and I can go with to almost all events
  10. Leather Jacket – a well made classic leather jacket cannot miss on this list. It is a piece which has actually stood the test of time as it is a very versatile wardrobe piece. Definitely worth a splurge
  11. White sneakers – These are versatile casual essentials which can be rocked with most outfits in your closet. They are worth the splurge too.

and where do you save?

Saving can be done on pieces which you wear less frequently. These are pieces which may or may not be incorporated in your everyday outfits.They could also be seasonal pieces. They are generally not exposed to wear and tear that much.

Like I earlier said, these pieces again could vary for different people. Here are afew ones which I feel could be saved on:

  1. Anything trendy – anything trendy is not worth a splurge in my opinion. Trends come and go and the most they could last if you are lucky is one year.I don’t recommend avoiding trends all together but just don’t blow a lot of moo la on them
  2. Colored jeans – worn once in a while because not paired with most of the outfits. Not worth that extra coin
  3. Basic Tees – I know these ones are worn almost everyday as layering pieces under your coats or blazers. I feel they are not worth a splurge because you can get inexpensive ones which will still serve you the most

Others areas you could save include:- Floral Shoes, Colored sneakers, Sweaters, Hoodies, stockings and sweat shirts

Final Thoughts!

When deciding on whether to splurge or save, the first thing is to make sure it’s something which sparks joy to you! You don’t want to put your hard earned money on just anything. Whatever you buy should be that one piece which elevates your overall look.

I hope you found this post helpful. Where do you spend? Where do you save? Feel free to share your thoughts down below!

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FASHION TIPS, Uncategorized

Do this before you shop your outfits online

authenticallyritah

In today’s post I’m going to share with you 5 tips to consider when shopping your outfits online. These tips are going to help you make more informed buying decisions the next time you shop online for an en joyful experience.

Hey welcome to Authentically Ritah 🙂

If you take a look at what has been happening in the past few months especially in 2020, you will notice online shopping is on the rise. Besides getting your items delivered at the comfort of your location, there are so many numerous benefits of online shopping. But unfortunately shopping online can be disastrous at times in so many ways.

The tips I’m sharing with you, are tips which I’ve learnt in the process of shopping online and been able to navigate through by making some really good purchases. So without further adieu lets get started:

  1. Measurements

The first thing you need to consider before shopping your outfits online is having your measurements handy to enable you do an effective comparison with the size guide on the online store. There are two easy ways of getting your measurements;

The first one which most of us know is by using a tape measure. Get measurements of key areas such as your shoulders, bust, waist, hips. While at it ensure that the measurements are up to date. You don’t want to use measurements which you took 6 months ago since at times we gain or lose weight.

You can also check size recommendations from bloggers or you tubers who have probably done a try on haul or a friend who has tried an outfit from that store. This information can help you make great decisions.

2. Research about the store

Before you buy any outfit online do some research about the store which you are about to make a purchase from especially if you are unfamiliar about the store. Read reviews or ask for referrals. There are so many scammers who are creating copy cat clothing stores and so many unsuspecting people are buying from them only to find out that they have been conned when it’s too late.

Some of the features which you can check out are the URL. If it doesn’t match content of the store or has some spelling errors, then this should be a red alert. Scammers use similar but misspelled letters to mimic genuine sites. Another element to watch out for is if the URL starts with HTTPS and has a padlock. They both indicate the site is encrypted so you can comfortably use your personal details.

The website copyright should also be updated.

3. Get to know the Return Policy

A good clothing online store should have a reasonable return policy. Return policies are essential when shopping online because they indicate that what the retailer is selling is most likely guaranteed to be exactly what it is.

Get to know their return policies by checking details such as what can be returned, for what reasons and the time frame within which returns are accepted. This can really save you a big deal. The return policies are always indicated clearly on the website.

4. Pay attention to Fabric
When buying outfits online, you don’t have the luxury of touching fabrics and getting to feel them. Some fabrics look good online but in reality they fall apart easily.

Avoid fabrics such as polyester. Go for natural fabrics which age well and don’t shrink as fast as synthetic fabrics.

5. Pay attention to your personal style

Always keep your personal style in check. Know your body type and what works for you.

Most retailers win online shoppers by color theory. It is very important to pay attention to which colors work best on your skin tone. This will help you know if the color looks good on just the model and not you.

Also know your body type. If you have unique features it’s better to be cautious about this and practice mindful buying. Like for example i know Im tall. If i see a model rocking an outfit i will check the length of the outfit. A dress might be a maxi on her but a midi on me.

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CASUAL LOOK, Fashion and Style, FASHION TIPS, Uncategorized

Styling White sneakers + Jumpsuit

authenticallyritah

Great to have you here again. As always, it’s another fashion post!

I started a series on 6 ways of styling white sneakers and in this post, I’m serving you the second look!This time round, I’ll be styling white sneakers with a jumpsuit. The look which I’m showcasing in today’s post is not only chic but very comfy. So if you are the kind that loves style and comfort all at the same time, you are most likely going to love this outfit.

Hey welcome to Authentically Ritah!

If you are here for the first time, this blog is all about Fashion and Style Content. Feel free to check out my Fashion YouTube Channel for videos on fashion tips, try on hauls and much more around this theme. Just in case you missed the first look on 6 Ways of Styling White Sneakers, you can check the post here of cause after reading this one first.

Look 1: Strapy jumpsuit + white sneakers
Look 2: Strapy Jumpsuit + White Sneakers

I talk a lot about versatility and cannot stop emphasizing on how white sneakers are one of the most versatile wardrobe pieces which you could ever think of. The sneakers being styled are Umbo ladies sneakers from Shop Zetu. They are very comfy & easy to clean. If you wanna shop them, the link is in the comments box.

I find this second style to be such a chilled out effortless look. Who ever imagined that one can actually wear sneakers with jumpsuits? Not this lady right here but the beauty about fashion is that it’s an art and you can explore! Wide legged jumpsuits work best on plus sized women. This particular jumpsuit has a lot of movement which makes it super comfy. The black and white stripes give it such an interesting look. Whether plain colored, floral or striped you can go for any wide legged Jumpsuits of your choice if you want to achieve this look. I threw in a belt to help define that waist area.

A while ago I shared Life Changing Tips to Consider When Buying Your Jumpsuits as a Plus Sized Woman. In case you missed the post, check it out right here. You can also add layers to your jumpsuit Incase it’s chilly. If going for a blazer, just be sure to pick one which is slightly above your hips for that chic look since the jumpsuit is a wide legged one.

Overally this is such a great look if you like your feet comfy and at the same time want to score high in terms fashion.

I have put links to all the stores where I got the outfits. You can check them out but Incase you miss you can always recreate your look with similar outfits of your choice.

Feel free to tag me on Instagram with your sneakers & jumpsuit look. We can have conversations as you wait for my next week’s blog post.

If you enjoyed the post, don’t forget to give it a thumbs up, comment & share.

Stay tuned for look 3, 4, 5 & 6!

Till next time, Have a lovely day. Cheers!

DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST?

I post every Wednesdays! To get notified once i post FASHION TIPS, HAULS & IDEAS do SUBSCRIBE by clicking right here.

Authentically Ritah is now on YOUTUBE! You can consider checking out her channel and subscribing right hereFor more fashion inspiration visit my Pintrest Boards .

You can also connect with me on Instagram for more fashion content

Outfit details:

Strappy Diani Jumpsuit – https://shopzetu.com/products/vivo-diani-strappy-jumpsuit-beige

Umbo Ladies White Sneakers – https://shopzetu.com/products/umbo-ladies-sneakers-white

casual, Fashion and Style, FASHION TIPS, Uncategorized

6 ways of styling white sneakers – Outfit 1

authenticallyritah

Today I’m starting a series on “6 ways of styling white sneakers”

One of the reasons why white sneakers are considered versatile is the ability to pull different looks with them. You can style them with so many different outfits for that effortless chic look.

The most obvious way to rock sneakers is with athleisure outfits but with a little tweaks here and there, you can rock them in numerous casual looks as well hence the inspiration behind this series.

The white sneakers which I’m going to style are Umbo Ladies Sneakers from Shop Zetu. What i love about these sneakers, is the fact that they are super comfy. The shoes are currently in stock so if you’d like to nab them in your size, I will put a link to the store in the comment box.

I find white sneakers to generally be perfect for days when you are traveling, have a lot of walking to do but still wanna pull a cute casual look.

To kick it off I’m starting by styling the white sneakers with a fancy dress.

Fashion Tip : It is very important to evaluate the fitting of the sneakers before buying them by first putting them on with the socks which you normally would wear them with then trying to walk around. This helps reveal discomfort if any. A good sneaker should feel secure around the heel without slippage.

The fancy dress has a decent amount of stretch which is very key when it comes to comfort for plus sized women. Love the white stripes going on. I feel the yellow adds some edge to the overall look. This is a look which you don’t have to spend a lot to achieve.

I find this look to be simple yet stylish. The most amazing thing about it is the fact that its super comfy. . You can recreate this look with any fancy dress which you already have. The goal is being frugal by not spending too much on shopping every now and then . The fancy dress is a find from Beauty Boutique. Not sure if they still have it in store since I bought it a while ago.

If you however want some options of where to get fancy dresses you can visit BelaBstyles or Lyl Fashions. The good thing about these stores is that they keep restocking so you can always find if not similar something even better.

Stay tuned for look 2,3,4,5 & 6. I post every Wednesdays. Consider subscribing for instant notifications once i upload.

Thanks alot for stopping by! Have a lovely day and remember to wear comfy outfits. Until next post.

Cheeers!

FASHION TIPS, thrift shopping, Uncategorized

How to Thrift Shop Your Outfits like a Pro

authenticallyritah

Second hand shopping can be fun but frustrating at the same time! I know this because the struggle has been my reality in the past. I actually used to hate thrifting because besides being so cumbersome, I just seemed not to find good stuff.

Oh , incase you’re wondering secondhand outfits can also be refereed to as preloved outfits or thrifted outfits.

With time however, I’ve learnt few tricks and anytime I buy something which has been preloved, I get so many compliments. Some of my friends don’t even believe that what I’ve bought is secondhand.

This time round we are talking about how to thrift shop your outfits like a pro!

Heeeeey, glad to bring you another Fashion Blog! You can always expect a weekly Blog post from me every Wednesday.

Incase you are new, this Blog is all about Fashion & Style. Feel free to check out my Youtube Channel right here for more content. You can always connect with me on Instagram for daily Fashion Conversations as you wait for my next post. If you are a returning subsciber on the other hand, thanks alot for the massive support. I really appreciate it!

The tips I’m going to share with you will make your secondhand shopping easier. Lets face it..we are humans and have the tendency to forget so you can actually bookmark this blog post for later as your ULTIMATE THRIFT SHOPPING GUIDE. You can always go through it before you visit a thrift store.

Without further ado,here are the tips I use when buying secondhand outfits:

1. Being Open minded

Be open minded while shopping second hand! Some pieces can look a million dollar with a few tweaks here & there.

Sometimes we miss out on great pieces because we are not open minded. You might be surprised if you adjusted few elements on that secondhand outfit for example changing buttons, removing the inner lace and much more.

2. Time

Never go for second hand shopping when you are in a hurry expecting to get everything instantly. You will end up being frustrated. This is an activity which requires enough time if you are to benefit from it! At times you may even be required to go through several outfits for you to get something tangible.

3. Try everything on

Learn to literally try everything on even if it’s your size! This way you get a feel of how the outfit looks on you exactly. Sometimes an outfit on display may may not match your expectations once you try it on and fittings can be different too!

4. Inspect the garment

Ever bought an outfit thinking it’s a specific color then once you reach home you find the color is totally different? Or ever bought an outfit then the next day you notice it has so many holes and stains which you didn’t see while buying? Inspect for wear and tear that you know you might not want to put effort in repair.

Additionally, shop where there is enough light. With this you are able to see most detail on the outfit you’re buying.

5. Major Restocking

Most secondhand store replenish their stock almost daily but there is a day when they do a major restock.

If you really want to make the most out of your secondhand shopping, the best time to shop is after a major delivery hits the store. With this you get to pick the best pieces. You can inquire about the major restocking dates from those working in the store.

6. Wear what you can easily remove

When going for secondhand shopping you are basically going to spend most of the time trying on new different outfits. Always make your life easier by wearing something which you can easily remove and wear again as you try new stuff or something which you can easily try other outfits over. This means no jumpsuits or Lacey shoes. I find tights, a t-shirt and slip on sandles to be easier.

That’s all for today. Just incase you have more tips, feel free to share them down below. We can still learn from each other.

7. Shop with a list

Shopping with a list is usually more successful than heading out with none at all. Before going out for that secondhand outfit, always analyse your wardrobe and find out what is missing. This way you just don’t settle on the first deal that comes your way. A shopping list actually makes you enjoy a guilt free purposeful shopping.

Watch video version of this post on my YOUTUBE Channel!

There you go those are my secrets. Give this video a thumbs up if you learnt something new and don’t hesitate to share your tips. We can all learn from each other.

In case you missed my previous blog post, I shared 4 top benefits of shopping secondhand Outfits. You can check out the video below:

Did you get any value from this blog post?

If yes you can consider subscribing to this blog right here so that anytime i post fashion tips, try-on hauls and basically style inspo you get instant notifications.

Have a lovely day ahead!

blog, Fashion and Style, FASHION TIPS, Uncategorized

Fashion Lessons Learnt – So far

authenticallyritah

Happy New Year!

To me a New Year feels like an New Opportunity to improve on myself. I see it as chance to reflect on the past and adjust accordingly.We all collect lessons as we go through different life experiences.

I’m so excited because on my very first blog in 2021, i get to share with you some really valuable fashion lessons which I’ve learnt over years. These are lessons which have generally improved the quality of my life.

The essence of sharing this is because I feel someone might learn if not all at least one or two things. So without further adieu let’s dive right in:

Fashion Lesson 1: You don’t have to invest in every fashion trend

A while ago, I’m the kind who used to invest in almost every trend that popped up. As long as i could afford it i got it. Lol,,how ridiculous was that!

You don’t need to invest in all fashion trends. By this i don’t mean that you must avoid all trends completely. Yes, fashion evolves and you are likely to look frumpy if you don’t pay attention. Check out fashion trends but don’t let them dictate your personal style in any way whatsoever. No! its never that serious! Invest only in what works for your body type.

Fashion Lesson 2: De cluttering is Key

This has been a major shift for me. I’m the kind of person who has been de cluttering my closet in such a shallow way. Thanks to Marie Kondo, an organisation expert from whom i’ve learnt some really awesome tips on de cluttering and ever since the quality of my life has greatly improved, trust you me!

Did you know that a cluttered closet actually places a lot of visual stress on your mind subconsciously? Through an effective closet de cluttering, not only I’m i able to trace my items easily, but I’m also able to reduce visual stress in my closet because i get to keep only what i truly love.

You can check out a video which i did a while ago on 4 easy steps of de cluttering right here.

Fashion Lesson 3: Comfort is King

When i was in my early twenties, I was the kind that sacrificed comfort for style. I would go to the extent of rocking short tight dresses that kept pulling up when walking to skinny jeans which I could hardly enjoy a square meal in without discomfort!

Never ever sacrifice your comfort for style. If those clothes aren’t comfortable, your body language will tell whether you like it or not.

A quick tip for you when shopping for your outfits, is fit them and walk around with them just to double check comfort. You can still look really good and embrace comfort at the same time.

Fashion Lesson 4: Investing in versatile pieces


Over the years, I’ve also learnt the importance of investing in true classic wardrobe pieces which can be styled with different outfits.

Versatility is all about getting more with less. For example investing in pieces such as denim whether blue or black gives you room for endless styling possibilities. Leather Jackets, the little black dress and white tees are other classic wardrobe pieces with which you can get more for less.

Feel free to check out a video where i styled one blue jeans in 5 different looks right here.

Fashion Lesson 5: Investing in quality

I’ve learnt to practice mindful buying. Cheap is always expensive. I know quality means different for different people. By quality here I mean pieces which are made while paying attention to details.

I’m no longer looking for the very cheapest deals in the market because I learnt the hard way that most compromise on quality. Instead of buying three outfits which are very cheap because quality has been compromised, i’d rather save and buy one piece which has been stitched to perfection with good quality material. Actually, i’d rather have afew quality pieces than a wardrobe full of junk outfits. Value for money here is the focus in other words.

Fashion Lesson 6: Accessories are Powerful

I’ve learned to play around with accessories because i noticed they are so powerful when it comes to elevating your look. Accessories could be scarfs, chains, bangles etc If you put a number of people wearing a basic outfit in a room the only person who has accessorized well, is the one who will stand out. Have fun with those accessories and thank me later.

I did a video of my favorite all time fashion accessories. I will put a link in the description box down below just incase you want to have a glimpse at them.

Fashion Lesson 7: You don’t have to show too much skin

When I was a little big younger I used to think showing too much skin was stylish n cool. But I’ve learnt this is actually not classy. A woman’s beauty shows when she is showing just alittle skin. There is a thin line between tasty & trashy.

Choose one part to show skin and don’t overdo it. Like for example if you show some skin on the upper part of your body, go slow on the lower part and vice versa.

VIDEO VERSION OF THIS POST

Final Thoughts!

I hope you enjoyed this video. If you have any fashion lessons that you’ve learnt so far, feel free to share below. See you in my next weekly post.

DENIM, Fashion and Style, FASHION TIPS

What no one tells you about JEANS – 5 closet mistakes

authenticallyritah

Whether you like it cropped or not, jeans are one of the most versatile pieces of clothes which can elevate your look from fab to fabulous. In case this is your first time here, Authentically Ritah is a Style and Fashion Blog . You can consider subscribing right here to get instant notifications once i upload a blog post.

Today I’m going to share with you what no one tells you about jeans! Grab a cup of tea or what it is that you like and lets do this!

I don’t know about you but if I invest my money anywhere, i want to get value back. Whether its 2$ or 2000$, i want value for my money. My closet is not an exception either. If you want jeans which you’ve invested with your hard earned money to last you longer, you need to take good care of them.

Here are 5 closet mistakes that destroy your jeans:-

Jeans Mistake 1: Not pre washing your jeans in vinegar

Do you soak you jeans in vinegar when you first buy them?

It is always a good idea when you first buy your jeans, to pre wash them in vinegar. This step is very crucial because it helps prevent the dye from running off by locking in the color. What you need to do is simply add a cup of white vinegar into cold water then soak your jeans for one hour. Vinegar contains a mild acid called acetic acid which helps to lock in the dye hence preventing further bleeding.

If you find out that your jeans are still loosing color after doing this, you can give them an overnight vinegar soak. The beauty about this step is that white vinegar is easily available in your local store.

Jeans Mistake 2 : Not washing your jeans inside out

Washing your jeans without turning them inside out, directly exposes them to detergents and a lot of friction which makes the color fade so fast. Always ensure that you wash your denim inside out to prevent the color from fading.

Jeans Mistake 3: Washing your jeans too often

You don’t have to wash your jeans too often. Don’t get it twisted! This doesn’t mean that you don’t have to wash your jeans completely. The concept is if you wash your jeans too frequently, you wriggle them alot which causes unnecessary wear and tear.

You can probably consider washing your jeans after 3 to 4 wears but again this is very dependent on the kind of activities which you engage in. Some activities can expose you to a lot of dust and mud. Wash your jeans following the manufacturers special instructions.

Air drying, steaming your jeans, spritzing them with diluted vinegar or Spot cleaning stains where you use water and a piece of rug to clean your jeans are great alternatives to cleaning your jeans with water. The good thing about vinegar is that it helps neutralize any bacteria and it’s smell goes away so easily.

Jeans Mistake 4 : Hanging your jeans rather than folding them

Apparently, storage is another very important step if you want your jeans to last longer. Hanging your jeans actually destroys their elastin. When it comes to storage, you can consider folding your jeans instead of hanging them to help maintain their structure.

Jeans Mistake 5 : Washing your jeans in hot water

Heat destroys the elastin in your jeans, making them stretch out faster hence loosing shape. Using hot water is very common among st people who use washing machines with the wrong settings. Taking time to learn your machines specific settings is never a bad idea. Ensure that you use cold or lukewarm water and again remember to use mild detergents if you want your jeans to last longer.

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Final thoughts

Jeans may seem like a very tough fabric but it actually need delicate care if you want them to serve you longer which in turn means getting value for your money. Incase you know any other hacks that help jeans last longer, i would be so humbled if you shared your thoughts in the comment box down below!

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FASHION TIPS

How to purge your closet: 4 simple steps

authenticallyritah

Good morning and happy Wednesday!

Like i promised in the previous post, today I’m sharing with you some really simplified steps on how to purge your closet. I will also throw in few awesome tips for an effective closet purge that i don’t want you to miss.

The benefits of doing a closet purge are so tremendous. In case you missed my previous post on ‘‘6 amazing benefits of having a closet purge”, i suggest you pause first, go read it right here then come back and continue with this one. Trust me, it’s very key!

As i wind up each year, in anticipation for the next, i tend to feel the need to root out what’s no longer serving my life and this includes my closet as well. What a great time to write this blog now that 2020 is almost over. Closet purging may seem overwhelming but trust me the benefits are totally worth it.

I used to do my closet purges so shallowly before i got wisdom from Marie Kondo, a Japanese organizing consultant who has made life easier by sharing the art of de cluttering using the “KonMari” method. I totally resonate with her sentiments and I’m seriously continuously streamlining my closet with the aim of having few versatile pieces.

I strongly believe less is more. So without further ado, lets dive right into the exact simplified steps on How to purging your closet:

HOW TO PURGE YOUR CLOSET : 4 SIMPLIFIED STEPS

1.Take everything out of your closet

The first step is to completely empty your closet and collect everything in one big pile. By this i mean everything goes out. When you collect everything in a big pile, it helps you have a clear perspective of the magnitude of work ahead. In case you have clothes probably in another room, make sure you include them as well for complete results. This step is very crucial and should not be skipped.

At this stage, things will look messier but it will get better with time. Hang in right there.

2. Separate into batches

After everything has been collected centrally, it’s time to carefully analyze each piece. What truly sparks joy to you, is what goes back in your closet.

The essence here is quality and not quantity. What makes you truly happy is what will make it’s way back into your closet. You can actually end up with 6 out of 66 pieces This seems ambitious right! But honestly why keep something if it’s no longer serving you!

Extra tip: At this point, it’s advisable to try on what you’ve not worn for the longest time. This could probably be that dinner dress you’ve been keeping aside for over 1 year saying i’ll wear this as soon as i go to Dubai for holiday! Lol!

To make this step easier,separate the items in lets say dresses, trousers, jewellery etc then categorize in THREE DISTINCT BATCHES as follows:-

Batch 1: I love it

This will include what you truly love and would even want to wear instantly. This is what you return back to your closet.

Extra tip – As you return what you love back to your closet try to arrange your pieces vertically rather than horizontally. This way your closet looks neater and consumes less space. For those very sentimental pieces, find a special way to store them.

Batch 2: I probably love it

Does it fit you correctly? are you keeping it because you bought it so expensively and feel guilty giving it out?

This category of pieces can be gathered and put in a separate place. If you find yourself wanting it before 3 months, then get but on the other side, if you stay for a whole three months without feeling the need to have these items, then it’s time to eliminate them.

Batch 3: I dislike it

This are the pieces which you automatically remove from your closet without having a second thought.

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3. Evaluate whats left

This steps greatly help you have some style clarity. Everybody has their own style. What you need to do is find it. As you carefully evaluate what is left behind, you are able to clearly know what you truly love. While at this you also identify the gaps in your wardrobe. The trick is to pen them down for future shopping just in case you forget them.

Extra tip: Closet purging may generally take quite some time. The best thing is to undertake it when you have enough time because you might need to try on some pieces. Some people complete it within two hours some two days. Additionally this totally depends on what you have in your closet. If you have a lot you may need more time to analyze.

4. Shop strategically

The final step is to shop strategically for what you are missing and truly require. Since you’ll have identified your style clearly, let it be of help to you by make more intentional purchases.

This doesn’t have to be done immediately. Our lifestyles are different. Some people work from home, others have white collars jobs while others have blue collar jobs hence what you require now may vary. Ensure that you strike a balance between casual and official.

Final thoughts!

I cannot emphasize how closet purging is key. I don’t know about you but i find it to improve my overall quality of life. Do you do your close purge any easier? How often do you do it? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment box below!

Don’t miss a post from me!

I post every Wednesdays! To get notified once i post FASHION TIPS, HAULS & IDEAS do SUBSCRIBE by clicking right here.

Before I forget, Authentically Ritah is now on YOUTUBE! You can consider subscribing right here

For more fashion inspiration visit my Pintrest Boards . You can also connect with me on Instagram

Want to learn more about Marie Kondo, the decluttering expert? Check her out right here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAC4sprfqgU