What does everyday fabulous even look like?! A fair question and a loaded question! I’m going to throw out a few criteria to consider or ask, and then you can share your thoughts and feedback in the comments… Do you agree or not? Did I miss the mark? I ventured out for a few client errands and worked my outfit around my super comfy camouflage Tieks! My outfit was doing-the-most with navy and olive. Did it work? I’d say yes
Let me get two things off my chest first: (1) I am of that age so I am speaking from experience (ugh!) and (2) to get through this rough patch with your style intact it will require the following, “Embrace your shape exactly where you are – the sooner you get comfortable with what you have or don’t the sooner you can focus on finding your style true north.” Read my full style advice on AARP’s The Girlfriend!! The two clothing
In today’s business environment, there are three levels of business attire: Which business environment do you work in most days? As a rule, your closet should consist of 75% of those types of clothing. The remainder is for you to decide but if you believe that “you should dress for the job you want” then the majority of the remainder should likely be in that category/level. Using myself as an example, I live in the Smart Casual category most days however, I
I have a client who shall remain nameless who is utterly against jumpsuits due to flashbacks from a former boss but I cannot say I blame her. Until last year, I was pro-run-the-other-way when it came to jumpsuits. Everything has changed after cracking the formula on doing it right. I now own two. One is a zip-through and the other is a button-through front. One is denim and the other is an olive-colored print with a ruched waistline. On any
Some of you may instantly give me the side eye or a snarky laugh but is your” homewear”, loungewear, or #wfh attire ready for the inquisitive eyes of the internet in the form of your mailman, the coworker you’re Zooming with, or the random run to your local coffee watering hole? If you’re using COVID as your cover then the answer is no. Don’t feel indicted – it’s just facts! But, more importantly, how you dress while at home influences
Yep- I said it… Make this the year of subtracting “stuff” to multiply your happiness! Look around you (assuming you’re at home), you have so much stuff! When I say stuff, I mean tchotchkes, bits, novelties, candles, containers, clothing… If truth be told – it’s a quiet moment between you and your maker – you don’t even use half of it. So, here’s my proposal and I’m going got do it with you: every day, find ONE thing to subtract
Colorblocking is a fashion technique that involves combining two or more solid colors to create a fashion statement and, to do it, right, there are a few basic rules to adhere to. If you know me then you know I love a good list! There are a few ways color blocking can go off-the-rails but if you follow just a few fashionable insights, you can level up your style statements on a regular. I’m going to share a step-by-step list
The question of whether pockets are a fashion yes or no is something I pondered to myself for about two days before I decided to write this article. The answer is”it depends” but that’s not really satisfying, so I am sharing my insights and experience in a list of considerations. We’ll approach this with three lists: considerations, exceptions, and general rules. Considerations- while I believe there may be more questions to consider, this list is a fairly exhaustive first pass:
Here’s the skinny: creating a capsule collection is a great idea but to do it well, you need to understand the purpose and use of a capsule collection. A capsule collection is NOT for everyone! A capsule collection is NOT: Do not ‘feel indicted‘, ‘a certain kinda way‘, or like you’ve been called out. This is not that. What this is is an opportunity to get clear on what you’re jumping into before you drown in the deep end of
Did you create your fashion goals for the year ahead? Did you even think about it? As my mother used to say, “You are 100% likely not to achieve a goal if you don’t create one.” Wise woman! But even as you look at those superfluous ‘new years resolutions’, the best way to achieve them is to make them part of a larger, long-term aspiration, make them SMART (I never fully appreciated this framework until about six years ago!), and,
The white button-down is still as classic as ever but must have this feature to ensure its versatility. It’s still a wardrobe essential, one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe arsenal, a core component of your “elusive” capsule collection, and as awesome as ever! Everyone wants to make a fuss over “something new” but the classic white button-down is here to stay and doesn’t need to reinvent itself. Find YOUR perfect one, buy it in multiples, and love
At this moment, the pound looks over the dollar like a boss with a cruel hand! Buying anything overseas especially England is just asking to pay more…except for those items native to the country! One of those items is the designer brand, Burberry! Long established as THE trench to have and something that has been on my Lust List for years!! Well, I recently went to London and while there, did some try-ons and got educated! Three fits to consider
The older I get, the more I enjoy the holiday season because I’ve come to understand there’s a reason for this season. Yes, I enjoy it more now because business slows down and the frenetic pace comes to a halt. But it also means that smiles and good cheer turn up even if for a day or week. We get to show up as our best selves in loving each other just a touch more! The widely held belief is
After having one made, I now realize every woman should own a tuxedo. It doesn’t have to be custom but, a tuxedo is such a great way to do elevated and chic while keeping it somewhat low-key. An evening gown can’t go as many places as a tuxedo can. My tuxedo works… Consider a tuxedo first as an alternative to a formal gown that can be mixed-and-matched. Mine is midnight navy (my favorite color!) and fashioned after an old blazer
Color psychology is the study of how colors affect our moods, behaviors, and interactions with others and ourselves. Since I can remember, my two favorite colors were navy blue and camel. More recently, I have added hot pink or cerise and vibrant/kelly green (see my specs!) to that list. Now, I am a wardrobe stylist and personal branding expert so I am aware that colors affect moods and, more specifically, how we show up and move throughout the day. In
Did you know there’s a formula that can help you layer properly?! We are officially cold on the East Coast so, no better time than the present to learn how to layer right. Layering is the smart choice for a few reasons: Take a peek at my pictures above: I’m rocking a sleeveless crewneck tee, an oversized white button-down (WBD), a short trench with a lining, and a multicolored scarf. I have color using my scarf, the tee is thin,
Hosiery – in this case, patterned tights – can elevate your style and outfit! We are in the perfect season to talk about tights and, more specifically, patterned tights! They are an easy way to get a little warmth – DC temps have dropped! – and add a bit of zhush! And this applies to men too – fun socks are a way to inject a little personality into any outfit. The real beauty of hosiery is that they are
Tchotchke’s Edition While I think I’m a great gift-giver, I also think it takes a lot of time and energy! But don’t worry, here are a bunch of small treats all under $50 that will bring joy to the recipients! This Tchotchke’s Edition is for anyone who has a girl’s Xmas party, a White Elephant Exchange (where did that name even come from??), gives out gifts to the mailwoman or mailman (I do!), has people that drop by and bring
Shoe clips give your shoes a new lease on life! they are meant to provide instant zhush and create something new with visual interest. In this case, I needed to attend a holiday awards dinner and while regular heels would have worked, the customized feather shoe clips added just a little extra in recognition of the occasion and season. You do NOT have to go as feathery as I did but even small ones can change the trajectory of your
You frame your face because it’s the first thing people see when they look at you! Besides having a wonderful smile, glowing skin, and hair ‘on fleek’, one of the easiest ways to frame your face is using accessories, namely earrings (and eyeglasses…but that’s for another post)! The goal (of all of it) is to draw the eye of the onlooker in. I have a few favorites including these super edgy studs by Erickson Beamon, and a vintage pair of
What I & 3 Fashion Editors Scooped For four years or so, we’ve gotten together [ir]regularly to discuss issues, trends, events, solutions, and whatever else people in style and fashion do. And most recently, one had a novel idea of talking about what each other bought and why. That quickly blew up into, “Show me what you got!”, “Did you see this?”, and “OMG if you want X then you need Y!” So thanks to our collective consumption habits, you
What does your everyday outerwear look like? Is it cozy, long, short, colorful, worn out, “ordinary”, statement, or elegant? Think about the words you’d use to describe the outerwear you rock most days because outerwear is one of the first elements people see when they create a ‘first impression’ of you. So, what are you wearing? If we move from the premise that you don’t need a lot to look great then as an executive or entrepreneur, you really need
Take some pressure off yourself trying to find the perfect “holiday” outfit – keep it simple with this ONE trick: add something metallic or sparkly! And one of the easiest ways is with accessories like earrings, belts, scarves, ties, socks, hosiery, and headwear. 💥 Done! Sparkly stuff and metallics elevate any look. You can even pair them with neutrals and you’re still ready to rock. We found a couple of photos showing sparkles + an everyday, neutral piece but still
What signals fun and festive more than a pair of sequin pants?! Especially during the holiday season, we should all be looking for ways to add a little ‘festivity’ to our everyday looks. Sequins and metallics are an easy way to level up your everyday during the holiday season. The ones pictured above are from many seasons ago but the style still exists. The sequin palazzo pants are available in wine or black sequins (I would favor the wine color!).
Black Friday & Holiday Attire The crazy thing is when I grew up – I’m dating myself! – Black Friday and the sales didn’t start until AFTER Thanksgiving. This year they started at least a week beforehand… go figure! Enjoy the Black Friday Shopping List and here’s what you’ll find: It’s for men and women alike – because you may see something for someone else I’m sharing some unusual suspects to elevate your “festive ‘fits” for holiday parties The list has a few fun gift recommendations to
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