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Either you know exactly what I’m talking about when I say O-ring belt, or you have absolutely no clue.  If you don’t know, it’s one of those belts that fastens with nothing but a single ring on one end of the belt.  If you’d like, you can check out the selection I have available in my shop.  No buckle, no fasteners, just the belt looped through the ring.  If you do know what it is, you may have wondered how in the world you put one of those things on, or for that matter, how to keep it on.  They are surprisingly easy to wear once you figure out the knot, and I absolutely adore how versatile they are!

Step One

The first step is to put the belt around your waist, then pull the loose end through the ring.

Step Two

Then loop the loose end behind the ring.  Pull it up until most of the slack has tightened.  You don’t want it too tight, because you’ll need some room for the next step.

Step Three

The last step is to pull the loose end back down through the leather in front of the ring.  You’ll want it to be behind the leather, but in front of the ring. 

And that’s it!  The finished knot is pictured in the last photo.  You can tighten or loosen the belt and scooch the extra length through the knot to get the desired tightness.  What I love about this design is how forgiving it is.  You can gain or lose weight without having to punch extra holes.  You also have the option to wear these belts high on the waist or slung low on the hips.

Style Guide

Below I’ve given some examples of ways that I’ve styled this belt.  I originally started making them because of their popularity in the reenacting crowd.  I honestly had never heard of them before this.  I’m noticing this style of belt popping up more and more in high fashion as I scroll through my Pinterest feed.  In fact, as I’ve mentioned before, I was once approached by a New York based fashion magazine (that will remain nameless!) to photograph my belts on models for a possible placement in one of their issues.  Long story short, the photos never ended up making it to print, but it really opened my eyes to the potential these belts have!

The first style, I’m sure, most people aren’t routinely going to go for, but I had to add it.  Even if you’re not into reenactment I wanted to show just how versatile this belt really is.  I’ve used mine at the medieval combat events that we attend, but also to accessorize costumes and attend the local Renaissance faire. This past Halloween I decided last minute to go to a small costume party and was left scrambling to put something together. I paired this belt with a tunic, leggings (these are seriously my favorite thing ever. I wear them every day!!), my belt pouch, some boots, and a head scarf. I managed to pull off a very quick and, if I do say so myself, successful pirate. I mean, at least everyone knew what I was attempting to portray!

The second style would be a cute and flirty date night outfit.  I paired the belt with a loose flowy dress that was really quite shapeless.  Cinching the belt in high on the waist really accentuates your curves and gives a beautiful silhouette!  If the evening is chilly this ensemble could easily be paired with a cardigan, bolero, jean jacket, or leather jacket depending on the occasion.  Throw on some dangly earrings, like these feather ones from my shop, and heels and you’re all set!

The next outfit is meant to be worn in the office (you know, if you ever get to do that).  The button-down shirt tucked into the fitted skirt is a very classic and timeless business casual look.  I love how the skinny belt ads just a touch of stylistic flare without distracting from the entire outfit.  You could definitely add a pull-over sweater for a cozy fall or winter look.  When I worked in an office, I really loved this outfit!  I always wore brown wedges or nude colored heels with this one.

The last outfit would be great for a casual night out.  This classic ruffle neck blouse and denim jeans combo can be a little boring and overdone on its own.  I think adding the belt breaks up the look.  I would do leather sandals in a similar finish to the belt to bring the whole ensemble together.  For chillier weather you could do a cardigan and ballet flats which could also be great for casual Friday at work! If you wanted to dress this up for drinks with the girls after work you could pop on some heels and dangly earrings. Then, bam you’re set for a night on the town!

I could honestly go on forever about how handy these belts can be!  Seriously, with one belt I can go from pirate at a costume part on Saturday, office ready on Monday, drinks with the ladies on Thursday, and a dinner date with Hubby on Friday!  I’m a pretty low-maintenance gal who hates having too many different pieces of clothing.  I love looking cute and put together, but I don’t want to mess around with storing and caring for a million different pairs of shoes or belts.  Obviously having a variety is nice, but knowing that I’ve got a quality leather belt that I can use for so many different occasions is a winner my book.  What’s also nice is I know my belts, with their simple design, have less parts to break down over the years.  The leather is also the real deal, it’s durable and not just a cheap veneer.  I know that even though I may wear this belt a lot, it’s going to see many years with me and my wardrobe!

Thank you for joining me today, and as always, life’s better with leather!

jess

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