Tuesday, July 6, 2010

The Belt is Back

I'm not exactly sure belts ever left, but for several years now they have definitely taken the back seat in my closet.  When I was finishing up University I had the pleasure of working for Gap International as it expanded into Canada.  Those were some of the most fun years of my early career because of the intense entrepreneurial and creative environment.  Once finished school, I accepted a full-time position with the company that ultimately launched my career into Retail, Fashion and, ultimately, Corporate Consulting.  The  years I spent with Gap are synonymous with the phrase "cinch it!".  That was only funny for so long...subconsciously I think it whispered "death to belts" for me.  Once everyone is doing or wearing something - I just don't want to anymore.  I guess it's the free bird in me.

In the past year or so belts have been catching my eye again.  They seem so much more interesting and, as a result, can really be statement pieces in any outfit.  Whether skinny or wide, embellished or plain - belts seem to once more be a great finishing touch, and have taken on a whole new and fresh appeal - at least to me anyway!

belts


I can't polyvore worth a hoot, but these belts most definitely encompass some of my favorite styles.  They can be worn over dresses, rompers or jumpsuits - some even with denim or a wide-leg trouser.   I tried to include a mix of prices to show that retailers and wholesalers, as well as designers, are doing their best to provide a little something for all of us.  

Are you incorporating belts into your wardrobe?  Have you noticed the rebirth of the belt?

Line 1 (top L-R):  Urban Outfitters - Double Strap Stud Belt, Linea Pelle - Split Belt with Studs
Line 2:  ASOS - Super Wide Elastic Belt, Topshop - Lace Detail Elastic Belt
Line 3:  Topshop - Multi Strand and Stud Belt, All Saints - Cassandra Wide Waisted Belt
Line 4  Vionnet - Leather Self-Tie Belt, Mango - Leather Obi Belt

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

I avoid belts in summer but do love them! I want to get some skinny belts to wear over cardigans and stuff...

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chloë, Wardrobe Quarry said...

I want more belts!

Anonymous said...

I just bought a floral chain belt... sounds tacky but it's adorable. Cuppie is coming your way! Address needed!! xo

Lilacandgrey said...

LOVE to ear belts! I have this nude one with a gold buckle, I wear it with everything!

Closet Fashionista said...

Oooh those belts are great!! :D I don't usually wear belts, 1. they are expensive and 2. I always feel weird in them XD
But I do like when others wear them
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

fashion clocked said...

great post-always love the obi belts from joseph and the less expensive alternatives from zara! I was just thinking today i have hundreds and dont wear them enough! fab post sweetie.xxxx
fashion clocked
would love you to visit!
kisses katie.xxxx

erica said...

I absolutely love belts, but tend to look awkward when I wear them sometimes because I am only 4'11. I own a bunch... for the purpose of buying them lol. However I can never actually pull off a good belt look.

What a bummer that you live in California and the weather wasn't great. I hate when it's yucky weather over the 4th that's when you want to be outside. One thing I hate about PA is that there are NO beaches... seriously that is one of the worst things ever. I am from Michigan and grew up around beaches. You can be anywhere in the state and there is a beach 10 miles away. That's the life that I learned to love. Not to mention in college I did my homework on the beach. Sitting pool side isn't the same. At least the girls at the store were wearing cover ups. I went into Macy's on Sunday to look for a dress I saw in the ad and girls there were just in their string bikinis which I think makes them look hookerish. It's a mall for goodness sakes!

Hope you get some sun time this week!

xo

k said...

I do love the belts!! I like how it gives me a more curvy look =) Except - I just wore a wide one with a cotton dress when I was outside all day and the sweat band around it was really cute :p

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

I love love belts! I like the obi belts you featured. I have one, though I always seem to have trouble making a worthwhile knot.
I am glad you may be giving belts another try. Maybe it will be fun.

Hope you had a fabulous holiday!!!

Jess said...

Totally agree. I love the belts with the studs!

Unknown said...

Oh, I think your polyvor-ing abilities are pretty good! (I can't do it, either) I love your picks!

xx,
Anna Jane

http://seejaneworkplaylive.blogspot.com/

Valerie said...

Carrie, it's like you read my mind sometimes. Lately I've been stocking up on all kinds of belts and pairing them with practically everything! It's the best way to change up an outfit without putting much time, effort, or money into it. I love your selection, especially the studded belts! Hope you had a great weekend!

xo
Valerie

Unknown said...

I have been rocking belts as of late too. Skinny, wide, black, orange, etc. I dig em! Thanks for your sweet words about our wedding invitations - it means a lot!

Anna Walker said...

I love belts, but I haven't worn them in a long time, considering that I haven't worn pants, besides yoga pants in about 2 months (I love wearing dresses during the summer)

Marcie said...

Carrie,

I have never been a belt person, but I am seeing the EVERYWHERE lately. I am thinking that I may have to buy a few to spruce up my outfits. The ones you've chosen are so great!

xo Marcie

Iva Messy said...

I agree! I feel like belts are everywhere lately! Love it! :)

La Société de Mode | The Fashion Society said...

wow..corporate consulting..that is pretty much my dream job! I'd love to hear a more in-depth account of what this job entails, the path you took exactly to get there, etc.

As for belts..I've always been a huge supporter. Perhaps the best way to show my love for belts is with an anecdote. I was walking down the streets of Paris and there was this woman who walked by in a plain black coat, it was literally 0 degrees out and no one seemed to care about looking stylish. However, she had THE cutest green belt on that just made her coat look EXPENSIVE and her look so well put together and stylish at the same time. I stopped to ask her where her coat and belt were from, her belt was actually more expensive than the coat!!! But it was worth every euro, she looked amazing.

laurenne said...

I am the worst at styling/fashion! The free bird in ME just says, 'Can't you go naked to work?'

Maria at Bachman's Sparrow said...

Cute picks! I've definitely incorporated more belts into my wardrobe lately :)

xoxo Maria

Leia said...

You know, I've noticed that they've risen in popularity recently, too. I love belts but I have so few, and I always forget to wear them! :\

Leia's Delights

Tatum-LeTard said...

Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog! I am loving this post... because these days, I am LOVING belts! I could wear them everyday I bet! They are the perfect way to tie an outfit together! Have a great rest of the week!

Unknown said...

Like you, I have pushed most of my belts to the back of my closet, preferring to wear my shirts long and over the loops...maybe its time I rethink this look and find my waist again! :)

J. said...

I'm slowly rebuilding my belt collection - I haven't wore them in years but now everything is boyfriend fit this and boyfriend fit that, so now I need them!

http://jammer10am.blogspot.com/

Gorgeous Glam said...

I love belts, I have a million and never seem to wear them enough! hugs doll!

Lainey said...

I don't have a lot of belts. but I feel like I need more in my closet, because I have a ton of dresses that I need to be belted, and I just don't have any.

heather said...

I especially love those studded belts! One of my aunts used to have a leather company, called Prestige Leather, and created many awesome belts and leather goods, which the grown ups would all receive as gifts. Such beautiful days!

Poppies and Sunshine said...

I seem to admire them more than I use them, even though I love the look! I knew I spotted that first belt before. I am at Urban way too much :)

Closet Fashionista said...

forgot to let you know earlier that I gave you an award!
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/2010/07/awarded-and-tagged_06.html

Unknown said...

"i can't polyvore a hoot" — you crack me up! i have definitely noticed a resurgence of belts, especially the obi options on the runway for fall. cute assortment!

Teresa said...

I never was into belts until late. Now, it seems like an outfit isn't complete without one. I particularly love vintage cinch belts and that classic woven leather belt. They go with almost everything! :)

Josie said...

The Urban Outfitters and All Saints ones are to DIE for! So cute. I have only recently gotten really into belts but now I want to wear them EVERYWHERE!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

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