Easy Work Outfit Template

Easy Work Outfit Template

I was reminded of my client, Debbi, the other day because of this snapshot I took of her. 

The outfit that I put her in here was a revelation for her, and I think it's such a simple template that many of you could follow, too. Here's the formula for an easy template that you can wear with endless combinations:

Neutral Pants that Fit You Well + Tshirt + Lighter Neutral Blazer

That's it! It could be tan pants, wide leg pants, skinner pants, jeans, a graphic tee or something with a pattern. It could be dark pants and a jean jacket. Grab whatever you've got in your closet that fits into each category, then lay them all out on your bed. Mix and match until you find something that speaks to your heart.

If your office is as cold as mine is, a tshirt can be in a lighter color and feel more like spring, but a long sleeved one can help keep you warm!

Extra points for adding bright lipstick or an accessory!

An Amazing Blazer Shape to Look For

An Amazing Blazer Shape to Look For

So last weekend I bought a blazer that is more expensive than any other I've ever bought. However, I love it. I'm so excited about it! The picture does not do it justice, you really have to see the fit in real life. I highly encourage you to seek out a blazer that has a defined waistline that's at your natural waist.

See how there's a seam horizontally at the natural waist and how, as a result, the waist flares out a bit? It's even more exaggerated in person, and it's so flattering and unique. Look for that in a blazer!

Also, this particular jacket zips instead of buttoning, which adds a little edge that I love. The fabric is ok, pretty consistent with Limited's quality. I will likely try to dry clean it not that often if I can get away with it.

I also liked this one a lot because, well, I'm obsessed with stripes. And with that cute cut in waist, which you can see on the back. See that horizontal seam there and how the bottom flares out? That' going to accentuate your waist and create that womanly hourglass I love so much.

I love the idea of either of these blazers with a white tshirt and dark skinny jeans, with a white bottom of any type, or with navy or red, or...ok, you can see why I love them. I do not, however, love those weird jeans they paired it with here! The waist is not flattering here. Someone give this model a belt!

Here are a few blazers I've found with this same flattering shape. You can search by terms like "peplum blazer" or "flared blazer," too. Halogen makes a traditional suit with one,  Asos makes a really casual no button blazer with a great cut, and Torrid makes a faux leather jacket with a ruffle peplum. They're out there! Just remember, look for a horizontal seam just below the middle of your back and a slight flaring out of the blazer below that.

My Top 5 Posts of All Time

My Top 5 Posts of All Time

Recently I was checking my blog stats to see which posts have been the most popular. Since I regularly get new readers, I thought you might like to see what readers have liked (come back to, read, shared, pinned) in the past almost year of my writing this blog. Here are snippets of my Top 5 Blog Posts of all time!

1. Jeans and a T-shirt Upstyled

Today I'm talking about two of my favorite things: t-shirts and jeans! As my best friends and husband will tell you, I love t-shirts. I may have too many of them, actually, but this isn't about me! Right?

I have many clients, including Miss Mustard Seed, who are creative people who work for themselves and it makes most sense for them to dress casually and comfortably. I also have many clients who are active mothers and grandmothers, and they spend a lot of their time in casual, comfortable clothing, too. But, I think there is a way to be comfortable and wear what is actually (or essentially) a t-shirt and jeans and also reflect your personality and feel more polished. Here's how. Keep reading here.

2. The Post About Jennifer

Typically, my in-person client posts have less dramatic names, but I feel dramatic about this post and this client. Today's post is about Jennifer, my last client of 2013. If you follow me on instagram, you know that Jennifer was an incredibly special client.

To tell you about Jen, I first need to tell you that when I was driving to her house, I was more than a little worried that I was about to be kidnapped-or worse. Or at the very least punked. I take safety precautions before going into anyone's home, but on that day I had extra measures in place. You see, the email that Jennifer's husband sent to me (the day after Veterans' Day!) was, well, seemingly too-good-to-be-true. Here is an excerpt:

I am requesting a personal home and shopping experience for my wife.  She read about you on one of her favorite sites... Mrs. Mustard Seed.  Her 40th Birthday is December 9th and I am throwing her a surprise get together with a few friends on the 7th.  THE ONLY THING SHE WANTS FOR HER BIRTHDAY IS AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOU :)!

My wife is a very special person to everyone, but especially to me.  You see...I am a retired disabled vet.  I went through (and continue to suffer from) medical issues caused while serving.  Just diagnosing the issues was a long drawn out process that took years and let alone the surgeries to try and resolve them.  My wife, Jen, was by my side through it all.  I am sure you have heard stories like that before, but to be honest she was more than by my side.  She saved my life...just by being the most awesome and supportive friend I have ever had.  

This person went on to describe that his wife, Jennifer, is also active military. While he can no longer work, she continues to serve. He told me that they were soul mates. He told me that he wanted to have his family pool together money for me to take her personal shopping in lieu of any other gifts. He wanted to know if I would accept her as a client. Accept her!? If she was real, I would marry her! (Side note: I waived my fee and had Jen add it to her spending amount, which I only mention to tell you that Jen's response was to ask me if I would reconsider and make it a fund for another woman to get six hours with me. She's amazing.)

That is how I ended up meeting Jennifer on the weekend before Christmas. She was real, and this is how she looked when I arrived..Continue reading here.

3. Halloween Costumes for Women Who Don't Want to be Naked?

Today's post is a bit different than the usual. We're talking about a very specific type of clothing to put on our bodies today: costumes! I find what to wear for Halloween to be increasingly complicated: I'm past the point of "going out" like I once did to a club or dancing, but I still want a fun costume. Our neighbors throw the best Halloween party (they start decorating their home over Labor Day weekend), and, oh yeah, it's my birthday...Read the rest here.

4. Reader Q&A: How to Wear Jean Skirts

Earlier this week, I Kelley posted a question for me in the comments section of my post about fresh ways to wear jeans, and I loved it!

Hi! I've not been following for a real long time, and I immensely enjoy your great advice and tips.
I don't wear jeans, but I do wear jean skirts. Could you do a post on jean skirts?
Been wearing more belts, Kelley

I love this question because  I think jean skirts have the potential to be a very versatile piece of clothing for every age, but I also think they can go downhill fast. Here's why.

5. Reader Q&A: What to Wear While I'm Pregnant

Yesterday, my best friend talked about what to wear during early maternity-and beyond-from a mother's perspective. I haven't ever been pregnant (and am not currently, just in case you were curious! Did you wonder?), but I have what might be an abnormal interest in maternity fashion. I just think that pregnant women can get away with things that the rest of us can't when it comes to clothes, and I love that! And there's nothing that says that you must wear clothes from a maternity store while you're pregnant. So darlin', here' are the five questions to ask yourself. Find them here.


That's it! My Top 5 posts of all time. I notice that you all tend to like posts written in response to reader questions and posts that tell a good story like Jennifer's. So please do continue to ask me questions via email or in the comments because other women are thinking the same thing and want to hear an answer! Keep it comin'! 

 

You Sparkle Holiday Shoot

Our You Sparkle Holiday Shoot

Recently I had the most fun day hosting a photo shoot at my house. Love Always Hannah did all of the party styling, and the incredible Lauren Modny shot the film.  We were also lucky enough to get to put the models in holiday jewelry from Lou Lou Boutiques! The theme for this shoot was all about the parts of the holidays that make this time of year special-from time with friends to baking cookies, to the obligatory holiday part photo booth, we captured it all.

Here's Hannah's take on what she accurately called "more fun than should be allowed."

Why You Need A Blazer Now

Why You Need A Blazer Now

I'm sometimes asked about what "essentials" all women need. Here's the thing: I don't really have a list. If I know about your lifestyle and the clothes that you like to wear, I can certainly come up with a list for you. Earlier this week I talked about some of my own basics (v-neck t-shirts, dark jeans, scarves), but I don't think those are the same for all women.

However, I think you need a blazer. Or a cropped jacket or whatever you want to call it: you need a structured top to put over things that isn't a cardigan. Here's what to look for and why.

Look for a Blazer with Well-defined Shoulders

Even pregnant, Girl with Curves knows that a blazer creates definition and shape for her body. Her shoulders look defined, and her arms look toned. Also-the curve on the edge is incredible and really shows off her shape. You'd be surprised how many blazers you can find with great details like this in the front or in the back. Those are the things that make a blazer un-boring!

Via

 Choose a Blazer in a Neutral Color

 

There are some gorgeous leopard print blazers out there-don't buy them. I don't care that much about trends (more on that soon!); what I care about is something that looks great on your body and makes you feel like a badass. Wearing something recognizable and memorable over and over again (Hey, there goes Leopard Blazer Girl) will not likely help you feel like a badass. A neutral blazer goes with everything-from a t-shirt to stripes to polka dots or leather. Get yourself in one.

What Not to Wear will tell you that a two-button blazer is best for women with a larger bust. I say try one and two buttons on-see which makes you feel best. The blonde below doesn't seem to have particularly big boobs, but the two buttons look menswearish and, frankly, great. I have a one-button that's a bit longer than a classic blazer, and I love it. Just try a few one with some cute shirts from the store and see what you like.

 All via BodenUSA

 

Pick a Blazer with Fun Sleeves

 

Yes, this is a thing. I would rarely if ever buy a blazer whose sleeves I could not scrunch or roll up. Look for stripes or a contrasting color on the inside of the sleeves so that when you roll them up it looks intentional. Or, see if the sleeves will stay up if you scrunch them. The look reads as active, ready-to-go, and stylish all at once. How can you not love it?

 Both via The Loft

 

 Consider a Blazer for Fancier Events

 

My mom has been ahead of the game on this one for years: be inspired by menswear for fancy events. Anytime where most of the women will be in dresses is a good opportunity to stand out from the crow a little in a great tuxedo jacket and pants. This one below from Garnet Hill looks just as good with a grown up t-shirt and casual pants as it would with a silk shirt and dressier pants. Since a good blazer is pricier than a cardigan, it's good to look for one that you can wear multiple ways, like this.

If I've convinced you, check out many outfits with blazer that I love here.

Street Smarts: Celebrating the Personal Style of (extra)Ordinary Women

 

I'm thrilled to debut a new feature: Street Smarts! There are many incredible street style blogs out there, but I think there's a need for showing off some of the incredible style of (extra)ordinary women. Not women in their twenties, not college women, nor women in Europe dashing around to fashion shows. I want to showcase women who I know or who I meet who live regular lives-with their own beautiful sense of style. For me, style is about empowerment and feeling confident in your own skin. Feel free to email me with pictures if you'd allow me to show you off here!  Don't be shy!

Hannah, October 10, 2013

I love the details in her outfit, don't you? The metallic circles on her shoes are echoed in the metallic rings of her necklace. And the belt, ohhh the belt! The skinny belt is divine with the skinny stripes-and the preppy glasses and rolled sleeves on the blazer. It's just too good.