It’s the start of a new year and you told yourself that this year will be different.  You’ve made a list of goals and resolutions and one of them is to step up your game in the office (work).  You’re going to get that promotion, reach your monthly goals and…dress for success.

Okay, great, you think.  Let’s do it.

But does that mean you have to sacrifice one hour of sleep to try on outfits only to find yourself creating a pile of “no go’s” I mean a PILE  that will stay there for the rest of the week… and still having NOTHING to wear and go back to your old slacks and sweater?

Ughh… sounds awful!

I totally get it!  Cause the recurring question of what to wear to work? is pertinent for many of us women.

However, I have some good news for you.

Our creative fashion minds went to work and we pulled together five outfit ideas and tips you can start implementing this week and this year!

And I promise… it’s not as bad as you think.

Are you ready to get started?   Let’s take some notes.

Recently I  had a request from a friend to share tips and inspiration on how to wear belts with dresses.

I was thrilled because I designed my original belt collection for styling dresses.  I was living in Buenos Aires, Argentina where women dress up for every-single-occasion.  Yes, including to take out the trash.  I’m not exaggerating… a neighbor might see them after all.

Summer days get pretty hot and sticky so a breezy light dress is the typical go-to for most women. And during cooler months, dresses are worn more for dressing up to parties, going out to dinner, museums or concerts.

But guess what… this dress is always adored with a belt.

As I was designing my one-size leather belt collection I was so inspired by the beautiful pulled together outfits all around me. And I was just imagining how women back at home, although usually very casual, would be excited to incorporate a little glam, or detailing into her outfit, especially to a dress.

A belt is that humble little accessory that completely changes a dress.

The best thing about wearing a belt with a dress, especially an ADA belt, is that it suits everyone.  It adds feminine curves to an athletic shape, defines and accentuates an hourglass silhouette. It adds color and texture, breaks up prints, it pulls an outfit together and helps it look more polished.

And the versatility and one-size concept makes it easy to wear with your entire wardrobe…but today…we will focus on dresses.

Here are a few more questions I received that I felt were important to a “dress” at this time. 🙂

Do you have any tips on wearing belts with dresses?  And what styles would you recommend?

The Cala Belt has been stealing the accessory spotlight lately and making into the wardrobes of many fashionistas.  The gold snaps all around make this an easy and versatile skinny belt to adjust and style so you can wear it high on your waist with a dress (covering up seam lines) or low on the hips through jean loops (adding the pulled together look).

I wanted to share with you how we’re styling the Cala belt.  Check out the latest from our Cala belt story below…

Please share with us your Cala belt styling by tagging @adacollection on Instagram or Facebook!

Monday

Before I get into how to tie the Wrap Belt  – let’s talk about where you should place it for your body type.

Wearing your belt on your true waist (as opposed to the top of your pants) will create a feminine hourglass silhouette. A low-slung belt over jeans or a dress can be cool and casual.

Fashion week(s) season is a very exciting time for me.  I take a few hours off from my regular crazy work schedule and I’m glued to my computer screen.  This is the time to get my creative juices flowing.

Fashion Week

I’m inspired by all the color, the artistic presentation of the shows and all the gorgeous fabrics and designs.  I’m looking at all the detail in every show- from hair and makeup to what shoes the models are wearing.

I closely study all the apparel that I could see my customers wearing.  If these pieces make it to stores, what belts can I design to take these pieces from pretty to stunning?

My friend called me the other day in a panic.

“Listen, Ada, I need your help.  I have this entire closet full of clothes yet I’m wearing my yoga pants every day.  I feel overwhelmed and end up wearing the same thing.  I just feel like I’ve lost my style.”

Do we have any doubt that denim has assumed its place as a key player on the runways?

I mean…designers are creating the most amazing  skirts, parkas, shirts, dresses. even overalls are back (which I’m soooo excited about!).

When fall comes around we’re more likely to reach for darker tones and colors, but you can look pretty in pastels year round.  When pairing light tones with leather and suede it creates a beautiful juxtaposition of sweet and edgy and allows you to stand out from the crowd.

Wondering how to incorporate these pale hues into your fall wardrobe? Allow me to give you a few ideas.

No matter where you live or your climate, I hope you feel inspired to not ditch all your light-colored pieces just yet.