Weekly Roundup: Not an Expert, Marriage Equality, and Bad Pants

Weekly Roundup: Not an Expert, Marriage Equality, and Bad Pants

Via

This article resonated with me so much. When our adoption fell through last spring, I thought something very similar, something along the lines of "well, now I'll always be able to help women who have lost a baby some way or another!" or, at the very least, "now I'll never ask what might be painful questions of other women about babies." Come to find out? Not so much. To paraphrase the article, one failed adoption does not an expert make. I've found myself asking the exact questions that bothered me so much except I'll ask them all sneaky, which is even worse! "Do people ask you when you're going to have a baby?" I've asked that question! Out loud! Isn't that awful? I've asked women if they want to or plan to have a second baby even though I hate that question about a first baby. Of course I want one!! I want to scream...and yet, there I am, asking away.

On the other hand, I have this almost morbid curiosity about pregnancy, being a mother, being a co-parent. I want to know what it's like so much, and sometimes asking questions helps me to feel closer to that experience. I want to ask things that I don't: do you have stretch marks? How do you feel about them? Are you nervous about breastfeeding? Will you work full time after he/she/they come? What does it feel like when the baby moves? How did you know what it was the first time? Are there things that surprise you about being pregnant? About being a parent? Are there any "golden rules" you had in your head before you were a parent that you have since broken? You're having twins-did you do IVF? Yup, I want to ask that. Yup, I'm aware that might be insensitive, but I do wonder, and I still find this shroud of secrecy around something that it so common. 

I could go on and on. 

Loss of an expected child (children) put me into a club that I didn't know existed, and a few women have spoken to me about their losses, their miscarriages, their hopes...but that doesn't make me an expert. It makes me a student to my own experience, and hopefully to theirs. 

This article came out awhile ago, but I still re-read it because it warms my heart. 

And I thought this piece by Man Repeller on why she wears "bad pants" was really interesting. 

Glass Ceilings, One Size Fits Who?, Moon Magic, and You Learn Something New Every Day: A Roundup

Glass Ceilings, One Size Fits Who?, Moon Magic, and You Learn Something New Every Day: A Roundup

Via

Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? We are seeing the Vienna Boys Choir on Saturday, and I have a white dress I bought on Black Friday that I can't wait to wear. I hope the event is as magical and Christmasy as I'm imagining it! On Sunday we're meeting friends for brunch at The Gryphon, and otherwise we're just hanging out with the dogs and each other. I have a little more wrapping and decorating to do before we head out of town next week. I hope you have a great weekend!

Here are a few things that caught my eye in the past week or two:

Did you read or hear Shonda Rhimes speech? I've been thinking about it a lot since I did.
I found this article on what "One size fits all" looks like on a few different body shapes really interesting.
This wedding took place in my home town of Burlington, VT, and I love the look of it, don't you?
And last, did you know that some women dye their underarm hair?!

Weekly Roundup

Weekly Roundup

Happy Friday, friends. What are you up to this weekend? As I write this, I have no set plans, and I couldn't be happier. I anticipate time with my dogs outside, time cooking for the week, and maybe even tackling my cluttered craft room/studio! 

Great tips that I use all the time via

I'll leave you with some of the things I loved from around the internet this week. 

This is some good advice, and it applies to more than just dating, I think.
I loved what Meg Keene had to say about habits long after they stop serving you.
One of my best friends said the other day that the idea of lingerie had never occurred to her. This is for her-and for you, too, maybe?
I'm now searching for sweaters to make these adorable hats for people for Christmas-and I think you should, too!
"Go to the door! Go to the door!" "It looks like a little forest!" I loved the balloon idea at about minute 7:00.

Weekly Roundup

Mid week roundup

Happy Friday! And, for many of us, happy long weekend!

Did you see this adorable idea last week? It would be so fun for kids-or adults-at a party! Maybe a retirement picture even!

Also I loved some of the ideas on this post on what to wear to a wedding and think they could easily apply to winter parties so while fall sales are on you might think ahead to festivities! Let's all wear this jacket.

Fall red lipstick comparison? Yes, thanks!

How to roll your jeans above booties. Agreed.

Waffle iron baked apples? Whaat? I might need to buy a waffle iron...

And last, thanks to Ashley for sending me this incredible article. What you think, you are. 

Weekly Roundup: DIY Boho Boots, Giant Pom Poms, Finding Tiny Shoes, and More!

Weekly Roundup: DIY Boho Boots, Giant Pom Poms, Finding Tiny Shoes, and More!

Happy Monday! I'm coming off a weekend of a dinner date to see The Giver (just as spooky as I remember the book) with my husband, a solo movie night on Friday to see Skeleton Twins, a trip to the outlets and a NOVA vineyard with a girlfriend, and my first facial ever! It was my treat to myself after what was a long week last week.

The temperatures are falling (pun intended) around here, are they in your neck of the woods? What do you have planned for this week? I'm taking a personal styling client whose closet I did a few months ago shopping for fall clothes tonight, and I can't wait! I'm trying some new recipes from my Paleo Lunches cookbook in an effort to ditch the never-ending salad rut I've gotten into.

If we were having lunch together and talking style, I'd talk to you about these jewels from the past week or two.

Did you see

Monday Roundup: A Book You Must Read, Hate Comments, Happy Dresses, and Pattern Mixing-and Why I might Watch HSN

 Monday Roundup

Good morning! Happy Monday! I'm just back from a long weekend in Las Vegas with my husband, and I will share some pictures with you later this week. I don't gamble at all, but I do love to eat well, see shows, and hang out by the pool!

I'm breaking with my pattern and mentioning something that wasn't just out last week and is, in fact, a book. I mentioned last week that I was packing the book Tiny Beautiful Things, and I can't say enough good things about it. I could have devoured it on the flight to Vegas, but I milked it until my return flight. I didn't want it to end! I highly highly recommend it for women-and men. It might be under the Christmas tree for everyone I know-so get ready!

I loved how compassionate she is; I loved the advice she gives; I love how she is able to see the deeper questions that people were asking. I just can't stop thinking about it. If you want to preview it or can't wait to get it, the book is a collection of advice column entries from what seems to have been an incredible anonymous advice column called Dear Sugar. I had never heard of it. Some of the letters were published for the first time in the book, but you could get started there, too.

I thought the interactions that Kelsey Miller had online with an anonymous commenter were really telling about this day of over-media-saturation and the danger of hiding behind the screen, and I loved that she wrote about them. Sometimes I think all I want is for more people to care about what I write and for more comments, but then I read something like this and realize how hateful that can be, too. Good for her for standing up for herself!

Monday Roundup: Fall's Upbeat Mood

Monday Roundup: Fall's Upbeat Mood

I really love it when fashion takes a whimsical turn, don't you? Last winter there were lots of foxes on sweaters, and this fall I've spotted some similarly cheery items. I for one love to feel the difference between Work Clothes and Play Clothes, and these stand out to me as things that would feel sufficiently like The Weekend. Also, I'm always a fan of bringing a little piece of weekendness to work clothes so I appreciate touches that feel playful.

Here are some favorite things-fashion and beyond-that caught my eye last week. Let's sit on the back deck with a grapefruit paloma and chat, shall we?

In this era of hyper bullying awareness, I love this shirt from Zara. If you lived near me, I'd be roping you into going to the new Zara store opening soon at the mall near us. I'm mostly not buying anything for fall until they open.

Via Zara

Then there's this awesome shirt by Asos, which I of course love. I taught in the Bronx, and it will always have a chunk of my heart.

I'm not usually very impressed by NY & Co's quality, frankly, but this dress is on sale and is a (universally flattering if it hits you in the right place) wrap dress in a funky, playful print. Why not?

While we're talking about waists, this wrap belt might be the coolest belt of the season. No, wait! This fox one is!

It was hard for me to choose just one of these minimalist manicures to share today because I loved them all (ok, except the evil eyes), and they all look completely doable at home with minimal skill.

And finally, I really liked this infographic on Cup of Jo to help you decide whether to say goodbye to the host of a party of whether to "ghost" and just leave the hosts to enjoy themselves! I hated saying hello and then goodbye to nearly every guest at our wedding. Maybe it's polite, but it felt like the party was over just as it started, ya know?

I hope you have a wonderful start to your week!

Monday Roundup: Contouring Basics, Ideas for Kids to Play in Your Yard, Incredible Sandals, and a Sibling Gift for a New Baby

Monday Roundup: Contouring Basics, Ideas for Kids to Play in Your Yard, Incredible Sandals, and a Sibling Gift for a New Baby

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? I took it easy after last week's disgusting bout with food poisoning, which meant trips to the dog park and the farmer's market mixed with reading magazines and putting away laundry. I hope you had a great weekend that was just what you needed!

I'm excited to share an eclectic grouping of favorite posts from last week. First up, makeup!

You see, contouring with makeup is one of those things that I am sometimes interested in doing but then decide that it's too much work or looks too made up. So I thought this post on Contouring Basics on A Beautiful Mess about simple contouring using 3 shades of concealer was worth a look! It seems like something most of us could do with what we already have at home or after a quick Target trip. I wouldn't spend this much time every day, but for a special event like attending a wedding these are some great tips. This is a "during" shot, by the way!

I loved The Mom Edit's tips on what to stock up on for kids to play in your yard. Whenever we have kids visit our house, I feel badly because we have lots of dog toys but no real kid toys. This made me think about how to have a fun yard for visiting kids with things we already have!

Monday Roundup

Monday Roundup

Happy Monday! I'm just back from a couple days spent in PA to celebrate my cousin's baby girl on due in September! Of course, I took some pictures to share with you later this week.

Today, I'd like to start off the week sharing some of my favorite links from what I read online last week. First, the fashion. I loved many of the new Boden pieces (no surprise!) for fall, including this gorgeous 1950s-inspired jacket. I know lots of you love vintage looks, and I think you'll love this whole collection!

H&M also put out a fall preview, not in stores yet, and one of my favorite bloggers had a sneak peek. I giggled at

Monday Roundup

Monday Roundup

This Virginia wedding looks gorgeous and full of life and fun, but I'm also sharing it with you because one of the brides has the most perfect back to a pixie cut you'll ever see. If you have or might ever want a pixie, save this image! For some reason, the perfect length in the back is hard to find!

Betty was sharing this image for the sunglasses, but I can't stop looking at that perfect, just-had-a-popsicle lipcolor! Divine. The key to replicating this look at home? Make sure your skin looks flawless and don't wear any blush or bronzer. Let the color shine.

You may have figured out by now that Byron Katie is one of my major gurus. I loved this from her blog! If you start listening to her podcasts, reading her books, and/or watching her videos, this will crack you up at the truth of it!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Monday Roundup

Monday Roundup

Good morning my sleepy bears! Don't you just feel that way on Monday morning sometimes-like the weekend was this great hibernation period, and now you're stretching and coming out into the bright sun? I can't wait to tell you more about the "staycation" that my husband and I had in DC this weekend! We stayed in a Kimpton Hotel (our favorites!) called Hotel George. I'll share pictures later this week.

Let's get down to my favorite things that happened in the style, body image, and even fashion, realm last week online. All week long when things catch my eye that I'd love to sit down over an iced (flax milk for me) chai and talk with you about on my back deck, I tag them. Then I pick my favorites and share them with you here.

I have to start with one of my very favorite people in the entire world! One of my best friends, Hannah of Love Always Hannah, is the inspiration for my business. It was through her eyes that I saw that I could take something I'd done for friends and family for years and introduce it as a personal styling business to the public. Last week I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek of some of the outfits that she planned to wear for her recent photo shoot. She's re-branding and re-launching her event styling & coordination business, Picadilly, and I can't wait to see what she's got up her sleeve.

I loved every single outfit she chose, and I can't stop looking at how gorgeous she is! You HAVE to go look at the rest of the images she shared in her sneak peek!

Summer Wedding Guide: Maternity Clothes that won't Spend Baby's College Fund

Summer Wedding Guide: Maternity Clothes that won't Spend Baby's College Fund

Via Pink Blush Maternity

I have a few friends who are pregnant right now (!!!), and so I wanted to round up a few great sources of fashion inspiration for you. I have only ever styled one pregnant friend, but if you'd like to be my first pregnant client, please let me know!

Hello Hue knows how to mix colors and get the most out of individual pieces. If you love her clean lines and bright, modern colors, check out Asos maternity line.

The Daybook had the best pregnancy style last time around-and she's pregnant with #2. I can't wait to see what she wears this time.  Her style tends to be trendy and easy-to-wear (she has a son, too). Try H&M's maternity line for similar pieces.

Being pregnant doesn't stop Walking in Memphis in High Heels from wearing, well, heels! Leopard print to be exact. But, follow her for laid back, easy-to-wear style, which reminds me a lot of what A Pea in the Pod has this season for dresses.

The Little Blonde Book shares my love of stripes and hats. So I love her.

I loved this lace top on Cella Jane. I'm looking forward to seeing her style develop along with her bump. Motherhood Maternity, a bit more expensive but great for a gift card for a loved one who is expecting and found in many malls, has quite a few lace dresses this spring.

I can't imagine wearing heels while pregnant for more than just snapping a photo, but if you do wear heels for a more casual special event, perhaps a bridal shower or for brunch the day after the wedding, do it like this! 

Side note: I love how women look when they're pregnant, even if you don't always feel great. Take solace in the fact you can get away with basically anything, in my view! Don't feel pressured to dress up just because these ladies do it for a few photos on their blogs. Just let the images inspire you, then look away and remember how strong you are for just showing up! 

Pre-Christmas RoundUp

Pre-Christmas RoundUp

This is going to be a light week here on StartCloseIn because my husband and I are going up to visit my mom, her sisters, my uncles, and my cousins in PA and then the two of us are going skiing! (Born and raised in Vermont, I think it's cute that PA has skiing...) So to ease myself into a short break from blogging, here are some of my favorite things I've read about holiday style lately. I hope you like them, too! As always, the links are below the images.

6 Show-Stopping Holiday Looks (That Are Also Comfortable!) on Babble

3 Easy Holiday Hairstyles from Real Simple

12 Gift Ideas for Your Masculine-of-Center Partner, Not-Wife, or Husbutch

Wise Words Jewelry Roundup

Enjoy these last few hours before Christmas! I'm off to pack my bag full of an eclectic mix of plaid, SmartWool socks, faux leather leggings, sequins, and silk long underwear and then make some chili with gluten free cornbread-and maybe some sugar cookies for neighbor deliveries or to bring to work. Or maybe gluten free for me!

Ok, and because I love you all, here are a few more ideas for the last minute parties, gifts, etc!

Favorite Party Ideas from Oh Happy Day

The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat From My Incredible Neighbor

For Those With Snow (Kids Not Required)

Also, I did this with the holiday cards we received last year and put it in the box with our ornaments. It was fun to pull out when we put up the tree and see how much everyone's kids have changed in the past year! And I dream of making this (with gluten free oats) for breakfast the next time we host Christmas at our house!

6 Flattering Holiday Dresses

6 Flattering Holiday Dresses

Via

Via

I love these dresses for their defined waists! For their versatility! For their bright, seasonal colors! There is nothing more flattering than cinching in a waist and showing off the curves around it. These dresses are also versatile and could be worn with tights and boots or a blazer to work just as easily as to a party. When you think about how often you could wear each dress, the cost-per-wear looks better and better!

Weekly Roundup: Statement Necklaces for Fall & Winter

Weekly Roundup: Statement Necklaces for Fall & Winter

If you're going to wear a "statement" necklace, then it better make a statement! One thing I have struggled with is how to wear a bigger necklace in the fall and winter because I prefer them with maxi dresses or a simple t-shirt. Of course, anyone can wear one of these beauties to fancy up a simple dress, but what about styling a focal necklace for regular wear with layers?

The Contenders

This first necklace is the most gorgeous thing ever. I love it. The others are gorgeous-and yes, also expensive. They would be a great gift idea for that very reason because they fall into the category of "not something I would spend the money on for myself, but I would love to receive it."

Stella & Dot

Weekly Roundup: Puffer Vests for Non-Teenagers

Weekly Roundup: Puffer Vests for Non-Teenagers

I did some research yesterday in the name of fashion. It was tough, I know, but someone's gotta do it, right? Here's what happened and why.

Puffer vests are awesome. 

Despite the joke about vests being made for the unlikely event when your arms are hot but your body is cold, I will go on the record as loving a good puffy (puffer? do we really have to say that?) down vest. There we go. Down. A good down vest. Here's why: I am often, if not always, cold. And while part of turning 30 for me was about just swallowing my pride and wearing warm boots even when everyone else was in short sleeves, it still bothers me to wear a heavy coat in the fall. Where do you go from there? Enter the vest.

Oh, no. No, no, no. Not like that. I'm not sure if it's more the fake fur or the way they've styled it, but everything about this vest screams high school, maybe college, to me. She's even got vaguely PJ-ish pants on, and not in a cute grown woman track/harem pants kind of way. So, what's a woman to do?

Great vests can be hard to find-or very expensive

The thing is, I found the perfect vest. I pinned it last year, actually, and it's haunted me ever since. There she is, on the left, with the big $$$ signs in front of her.

All links available here.

That innocent-looking gray herringbone vest that's not too puffy but not too thin is like the Goldilocks of vests, right? She's also over $400. That's right, with two zeroes at the end. The polka-dotted chevron from the Gap is not a bad substitute, but somehow it is both sold out on line and not in stores yet. Fail. UPDATE: the gray dotted is NOT sold out-and is fantastic! The navy dottie above right might be a comparable substitute, but I'm afraid that it might be shiny fabric based on previous years of "research" over at the old Gap is great-yes, a bit more slick than the gray, but a feminine fit with a deep color. I still prefer the gray, but the navy is a nice second.

Also, I agree with Aint No Mom Jeans-look how cool the Gap is lately!

Weekly Roundup: Transitioning to Fall Fashion

Weekly Roundup: Transitioning to Fall Fashion

Here's the deal: I like fall just fine. The problem is, I really dislike winter. I am, as my husband pointed out the other day, one of the few people who likes to be hot. While everyone spends the summer complaining about the heat, I am happy as can be. So no, I'm not thrilled with fall sneaking up on us because it's a slippery slope to winter, which means constantly being freezing. I grew up in Vermont-I know about cold!

However, one great thing about fall is the fashion. I have turned my cold hands and feet into the perfect excuse to own far too many hats, jackets, scarves, gloves, and boots. And today's post is a celebration of one of them: jackets, blazers, and coats in lots of sizes, all mixed together, all on sale. Let's not go too crazy here and talk about real winter gear, just something you could put on soon-over your cropped pants, maxi dresses, or other remnants of summer. Sigh.

Sale alert! Save 15% off ModCloth Party Dresses with the code PARTY15. Until 9/13 at 11:59AM PST. 

Size XL only

This blue faux leather is just gorgeous. Wear it (or something like it that you already own!) over a maxi dress for a little feminine edge or with a similar color jeans as a nod to Fall 2013's blue-on-blue obsession. 

1

Sizes 2-6

I have a similar jacket from The Loft, and it's become one of the most versatile things I own. Wear this over contrasting colors, over blues, or with summer's stripes in similar tones. Add some coral lips now and deep burgundy lips in another month. You won't regret it.

2

Size 8 only

Oh, size eights! Everyone else wised up to this little number and scooped it up! Now it's on sale and calling your name. This is a great office item because it goes over everything (wear it with this winter's pastels), looks insanely comfortable, and still manages to look polished. It's basically the trifecta of sweater/jacket/tops. 

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Size 12 only

If I had a size 12 client right now, I would purchase these for her and insist that she take them and wear them. They're that good-and on sale. Now I feel like a drug pusher, but seriously, these are just gorgeous. The military buttons on the left are both trendy and classic. I've actually been meaning to update a jacket I already have (boring black blazer) with a whole bunch of buttons in a little DIY action. And the fur shoulders to the right? They made me break my promise not to get too far into winter, but they were worth it! I love how she's wearing all neutrals and a skirt that's just a hair longer than the jacket to really let it shine.

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Virtual Shopping: Maternity for Fall/Winter

Virtual Shopping: Maternity for Fall/Winter

This week, you heard from stylish a mother of two about her tips and tricks and then got some big-picture questions to ask from me to think through what your body might look like in the coming months, how to use what you already have, and how to dig through other people's closets. Now that you've taken stock of what you might need and what you have that already works, let's get down to what I would suggest you buy if you were my client in her second trimester now before fall/winter. That's right, it's virtual shopping trip time!

Let me start with a story. Last weekend, after my shopping trip with a client, I stopped by Old Navy and Destination Maternity to shop for my friend. Since she's just in her second trimester, I haven't said her name here. Well, I felt like a teenager who is experimenting and starts to talk to an adult, "I have this friend...who..." In this case, "who is pregnant, and she's not sure what to wear..." I don't think they believed me, and I know some of you don't either! Rest assured, Pregnant Friend exists, and it's not me. If it's you, too, here's what to buy.

Dresses

Dresses are going to allow for the drastic changes your body is about to make. Right now, you might still be covering up a little with a cardigan, but when you're ready, you can wear these with a belt tied over your belly. I love the un-fussy patterns and the sleeves. All from Target because you might not want to spend a lot right now until you get a better sense of your shape.

Weekly Roundup

I'm constantly seeing amazing deals or fantastic items that I'd love to share with everyone I know who is that size. Well, this is it! My weekly roundup will feature those items in a variety of sizes and styles. I hope they inspire you not only to shop but to shop your closet for similar items! Then, check out some styling ideas here!

Size XL-3X. Every time I hear an ad for "back to school," I cringe. I still have first day of school nightmares, even years after stopping teaching full-time. My solution for this in-between time is to wear dresses, and I think you should, too! What better way than to celebrate the fact that it is still summer while also wearing something you can transition into the fall with tights, boots, jackets, and sweaters? I love these two from Forever21.

Size Large (only). This skirt is the perfect way to continue wearing the most comfortable piece of clothing ever (maxis) into the fall because the colors aren't too summer-y. Wear it with a t-shirt and a moto jacket, a blazer and a tank, or a sweater and boots once it gets chilly. 

Size L only, was $89.50, on sale for $49 with an extra 40% off through 8/13

Size Large Maternity (only). The color! The shape! Add a light cardigan and plan to skip tights since you'll be nice and toasty anyway!

On sale for $48.88 plus an additional 40% off

Maternity. I'm not sure of a size for this, but I think this dress would work really well for maternity since the comments say that it's fairly shapeless. Also, the little belt would look adorable worn over the top of the bump! The fall colors mean that you could wear this with a blazer or cardigan well into fall.

$59.88 Was $89.50, plus an additional 40% off

Sizes XS-L. This modal tank would hide bra straps or look adorable without a bra for those who can do that. I love the dark green for fall! This would look great tucked into the skirt above, with a blazer, or just with white or patterned shorts while it's still hot outside.

All sizes, was $34.50, now $29.00 plus an additional 40% off until 8/13

 Size Medium (only). This is a splurge even on sale, but it's also striped and cashmere, so I had to include it. I really like it with the white jeans on the CM website, but I'd also like it with a dark denim and booties for fall and some chunky, dark jewelry, maybe wood? You could also JCrew it up with a button down buttoned up to the neck underneath (and a pencil skirt!), although it would be a pity to miss having that cashmere against your skin!

XSmall or Small. This dress is available in all sizes and seems to run about a size small based on the comments, but with the thin straps, I think it's probably best for a smaller size. Flowers on black are still a strong trend and could easily transition into fall with a little jacket and tights.

Was $89.50, now $49.88 plus an additional 40% off

That was so fun! I love virtual shopping for you all!