YOU WILL NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

Plan your outfits: 10 tips to save time and always look great!

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How often do you stand in front of your closet full of clothes, trying to figure out what to wear for that date you have in an hour, and decide you have nothing to wear? As you might have already figured out, pulling the right outfit has nothing to do with the number of items you have hanging in your closet. That is how the concept of a capsule wardrobe became so popular. Do you want to know all about it? Read on and see what you need to become a fashion master!

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This term became popular a couple of years ago and consists of a compact closet, that is, a minimum number of items that match each other. The idea behind this concept is to have several possible combinations of items to pull all kinds of looks that can be adapted to different events.

The benefits of the capsule wardrobe are mainly two. On the one hand, it saves you time, regardless of what you grab, all the items match each other and you will have a stylish look at the end. On the other hand, you save money, or better, you can save your money for special and unique items that are usually expensive but elevate your wardrobe.

Capsule wardrobes go against fast fashion and require classic and timeless pieces that we all have or buy at some point in our lives. Here are ten items that can get you started on your capsule wardrobe.

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This item may seem dull at first, but there are probably a thousand shapes or styles, and you can benefit from all of them.

A classic white t-shirt is a staple in any capsule wardrobe. It can be dressed up or down effortlessly, and pair perfectly with a great variety of items. A white T-shirt with tailored trousers for a professional look, or jeans for a casual vibe, are just two of the multiple options.

If it is a long-sleeved shirt, you can roll up the sleeves and knot it at the waist for a chic twist, or layer it under a sweater for added warmth in colder weather. The options are endless.

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Trench coats come from the military world as they were specifically designed for British Army officers. However, they broke all kinds of boundaries and became widely popular as a staple. A classic trench coat is both stylish and practical, making it a must-have item.

Choose a neutral color like beige or khaki for maximum versatility, and opt for a lightweight fabric that can be worn year-round. Layer it over everything from jeans and a sweater to a tailored suit for a timeless outwear option that never goes out of style.

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Whether it is wool or cashmere, a sweater is a must. A neutral color will always go a long way, but you can pick a neutral and a colored one to optimize your looks. A cashmere sweater is a luxurious yet practical addition in any form or shape.

Neutral colors can be easily mixed and matched with other pieces. You can layer it over a collared shirt for a preppy look, or pair it with jeans and sneakers for a cozy weekend outfit. The softness and warmth of cashmere make it perfect for layering in cold weather, while its timeless appeal ensures that it will never go out of style.

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This item has been around for the longest time and we’ve got Levi Strauss and Jacob Devis to thank. In a century, we have seen jeans take all kinds of shapes and there are probably more than one that flatters your figure. Whichever it is, pick that one and get it in a dark-washed color to get a wide variety of looks.

By themselves, they can be quite informal, but you can dress them up with a blazer and heels, or dress them down with sneakers and a sweater for a laid-back weekend look.

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Blazers are usually seen in office looks and used when trying to elevate an outfit. And that is the case, but it is much more versatile than that.

A well-fitted blazer instantly adds polish to any outfit. Choose a neutral color like black, navy, or charcoal for maximum versatility. Layer it over a dress for a sophisticated office ensemble, or pair it with jeans and a t-shirt for a smart casual look. The structured silhouette of a blazer can also help define your waist and elevate your overall appearance.

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Coco Chanel has made immense contributions to the fashion world, but the little black dress is probably one of the best. Every female capsule wardrobe should include a little black dress that can be worn for a variety of occasions.

Choose a silhouette that flatters your body shape and can be easily accessorized to suit different dress codes. Whether you are attending a cocktail party or a formal event, a well-chosen LBD is always appropriate and effortlessly chic.

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Denim jackets add a cool factor to any look. Its timeless appeal lies in its versatility, making it a staple in both men and women's wardrobe.

Their rugged yet stylish appearance adds a touch of edge to any ensemble, whether you are going for a casual daytime look or dressing up for a night out.

One of the key benefits of this item is its ability to layer seamlessly over a variety of outfits. Throw it over a t-shirt or sweater for an extra layer of warmth on chilly days, or wear it unbuttoned over a dress for a relaxed, laid-back vibe.

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Investing in a pair of well-made tailored trousers is an investment in quality craftsmanship that will stand the test of time. Look for trousers crafted from high-quality fabrics like wool, cotton, or blends that offer durability and longevity.

They are designed to flatter your figure with careful attention to detail in the cut and construction. Whether you prefer a slim, straight, or wide-leg silhouette, tailored trousers enhance your shape and provide a comfortable yet chic fit.

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This versatile footwear works for both men and women, but the latter may also need to add a pair of black heels to complete the shoe part of the capsule wardrobe. Loafers add a touch of sophistication, they are a timeless addition.

The versatility of black or brown loafers lies in their ability to transition seamlessly from day to night and from casual to formal occasions. And there is no objecting to their slip-on design which makes them comfortable and convenient for everyday wear.

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As the last item in today’s list for a capsule wardrobe, we included a pair of sneakers. They will bring comfort to your look at the same time they can be quite chic.

With tailored pants, the look can take a more casual turn while, with a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt, they are the perfect option for a relaxed weekend at the park, for example.

Contrary to other items, like loafers or a denim jacket, sneakers can be your statement piece in the ensemble so, even if neutral tones are always a good first choice, colored sneakers are equally versatile and can elevate any look.

A MEAL FOR YOUR BRAIN

Did You Know These 10 Mouth-Watering Idioms Related To Food?

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A cookbook isn't the only type of book that can make you hungry: We guarantee that at least one of the ten idioms on this list will make your stomach rumble. While you might expect these idioms to mostly involve eating, they prove that food is an incredibly versatile linguistic resource.

These are ten of the most interesting and down-right baffling food-related idioms we could find. Looking for something fun to say at the dinner table? Keep on reading and enjoy!

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We’ll start with one of the most baffling ones. In case you are not familiar with this idiom, to "bring home the bacon" means to be the top earner in a society or organization, whether in your job or family. Why this particular cut of pork symbolizes earning a decent living remains a mystery.

The origins of this idiom are not completely clear. Many state that it comes from an English tradition that dates back to at least the 12th century, on which a local couple was awarded a flinch of bacon for their devotion. However, most historians agree its modern use comes from a 1906 boxing match between Joe Gans and ‘Battling’ Oliver Nelson: Before the match, Gans' mother sent him a telegram urging him to win the fight and "bring home the bacon".

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This one is rather self-explanatory. One of the defining features of a good pancake (which applies to pretty much all pancakes, given how delicious they are) is its flatness. After all, one of the most enjoyable things to do with a plate of pancakes is to stack them on top of each other before eating a massive multi-layered piece.

In that sense, since this idiom’s meaning is abundantly clear, it is particularly hard to trace back its origins. Most linguists agree it arose simply from common usage, owing to the widespread popularity of pancakes as a breakfast choice.

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The first derogatory idiom in this list, this phrase is typically uttered by disgruntled mothers complaining about their teenager’s lack of physical activity. If you happened to enjoy lazing on a Sunday afternoon indoors watching your favorite movie, then you were at risk of being called a "couch potato" by discontented parents.

This idiom is closely associated with excessive television watching. One possible origin can be traced to a 1979 article published in the LA Times, which talked about "Couch Potatoes who will be lying on couches watching television". Another theory states that the first appearance of this idiom was in a '70s comic book about two anthropomorphized potatoes lazying on a couch.

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You might think being called "cheesy" would be as derogatory as being labeled a "couch potato", but let’s face it: There’s something charming about a particularly corny, cheesy one-liner. The term 'cheesy' describes anything that is overly sappy or romantic, to the point of being either extremely off-putting or weirdly endearing.

The origins of this idiom are obscure. While we don’t have a definitive answer, some believe that it comes from the 20th century, in which cheap or tacky things were considered appalling and shocking, in the same way that some types of cheese have unpleasant odors.

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This idiom sounds slightly goofy, doesn’t it? Especially when you consider its meaning, which refers to something particularly difficult to understand or solve. For example, let’s say that Sherlock Holmes leaned over a trail of notes and, after taking a long drag from his pipe, said "This is a hard nut to crack." Don’t you feel this would make the image of the world’s most famous detective a little sillier?

But the truth is, this idiom makes perfect sense: Some nuts are particularly hard to crack open. In that sense, the origins of this idiom seem only logical and are rather hard to trace. However, some believe that the first recorded use of this phrase comes from none other than Benjamin Franklin: Apparently, this Founding Father used it in a letter written in 1755.

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Have you ever had some chocolate chip cookies and thought "These are the brainiest and wittiest snacks I ever had"? Of course, you haven’t- no one has. While delicious, cookies are not particularly known for being smart (And for that matter, no food is known for its intelligence), so the origins of the idiom "one smart cookie" are not as clear-cut as we would like.

However, while we can’t give you a definitive answer, most linguists agree that this idiom comes from America during "the Roaring Twenties". According to this theory, the term "cookie" was used to describe someone particularly delightful and sweet, as you would expect from this sugary snack. Therefore, a smart cookie is someone who is not only appealing and lovely, but who also shines through its intelligence.

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Is it really surprising that pancakes made it to this list twice? They are the quintessential breakfast comfort food and have evolved into an American cultural icon. Bearing that in mind, this next idiom perfectly capitalizes on pancakes' popularity: Whenever something is extremely successful and profitable, you can say it is "selling like hot cakes".

Apparently, this idiom comes from church bake sales: Known as "hot cakes" or "Johnny cakes", these pancakes sold extremely fast since they were much better eaten hot. This phrase can be traced back to at least the 1830s when it was used in an article published in The Buffalo Bulletin.

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This one seems to come straight from the world of "Snow White". This fairy tale princess is not the only one who should be wary of apples, at least according to this idiom. You might be surprised to learn that the phrase "one bad apple" is actually an abridged version of another idiom, which states "One bad apple spoils the whole barrel".

This is rather interesting because, in modern times, this idiom is used to signify that the actions of a single individual don’t reflect the actions of the rest: A single "bad apple" is not a faithful representative. However, what’s curious is that this idiom’s original intent seems to suggest the exact opposite, and it rather describes how someone’s bad behavior can influence everyone in a group.

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This idiom is a rather roundabout way to suggest that someone is pregnant. The imagery is quite clear: In this picture, the "bun" represents the baby growing metaphorically in the "oven" that is a woman’s womb. Should you want to tell someone about a pregnancy while avoiding the ears of a noisy child listening, this phrase is perfect for you.

Curiously, the very first recorded use of this idiom comes from literature. In his 1951 novel The Cruel Sea, British author Nicholas Monserrat uses this phrase to describe the pregnancy of a sailor’s wife.

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We’ll end with what we believe to be the most interesting origin story in this list. The idiom "to butter someone up" means to flatter and treat someone nicely, often with an ulterior motive. At first glance this phrase is utterly flabbergasting: How could covering someone with this greasy milk product award you anything but their contempt? However, many historians suggest it might actually originate from an ancient Indian custom.

According to this theory, many believers throw balls of ghee (a type of clarified butter used in Indian cooking) at the statues of Hindu gods to gain their favor. While this origin has not been completely confirmed, it appears this literal act may have inspired the popular idiom.