Showing posts with label easy holiday style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label easy holiday style. Show all posts

Friday, March 27, 2015

Simple Easter Style

Simple Easter Style


Via

Bear with me. The caps on this post are going wild for some reason!

Dressing for church on easter is one of those things that stresses me out. First, i'm not catholic, like my husband, or even christian, like my mother-in-law. I'm very spiritual, but i was not raised attending any kind of church. Now i find myself spending easter every year with a family for whom going to church on easter is the norm. The first year i went, i almost bailed at the last minute because i had worked myself into such a tizzy. I was so unsure of what people would wear and so worried that i'd wear something offensive. Everything was tossed on to the bed as too tight, too conservative, too casual, too dressy. I think i had a full on suit on at one point. I can't even remember what i wore eventually. 

Thankfully, i've now been to church many times, and even on several easter sundays. But i'm acutely aware of the internal pressure we can put on ourselves to wear something that feels special yet natural. Combine that with things like walking half mile to get to a church or basting a special cut of meat in the oven before and after or chasing kids around as they find eggs, and it can be stressful! 

Here are my ideas for outfits that you can plan ahead with and not stress out like i did. 

Friday, December 5, 2014

Graphic Tees for the Holidays: With Something Decadent

Graphic Tees for the Holidays: With Something Decadent 

Via
Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? My mom is visiting, and we're putting up our Christmas tree, babysitting a friend's baby, and attending Friendsgivemas with friends, too! I'm excited to try a few new recipes.

But I can't leave with without another idea, another one of my favorite ways to wear a graphic t-shirt. This way is to take a t-shirt with something printed on it (with a neutral background, preferably) and pair it with something decadent, something fancy. Something you'd normally think "well, that doesn't go with a t-shirt!" But then you put them together, and something magical happens.



The something decadent could be a fabulous tuxedo jacket like the incredible Life and Style of Jessica has on in the first photo or a fabulous skirt to twirl in like Love Always Hannah above. Look around your closet, do you have something you've worn only a handful of times because it's too precious to take out on a normal night? That's it. That's what we want. Take that out!



Can't you just tell that gold sequined skirt doesn't get enough love? And if I had that awesome bold belt below, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't typically pull it out to wear on, say, a Tuesday. But, the way they're styled with a tshirt makes them feel welcome in so many more outfits! I'd love the below outfit with a graphic something on that tshirt.

Via


So here's what the formula is: graphic tshirt + something decadent + accessories that relate to the decadent thing

For example, sequin pants with a bag that's also metallic (notice that I didn't say matches! The pants could be gold and the bag bronze!) or a big, bold belt and a pair of earrings that shine, too.

If you're looking for sequins specifically, this season is for you. Check every department store and most online retailers.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Graphic Tees for the Holidays: With a Blazer

Graphic Tees for the Holidays: With a Blazer


I'm pretty convinced that there are two things that you already have in your closet that are all you need for holiday outfits: a graphic t-shirt and a blazer/jacket. If you look at these two outfits below, they're basically the same outfit. There's a tough element (skinny black pants, boyfriend jeans) + a graphic tshirt on a neutral background (which I think is the most grown up way to way a graphic t-shirt) +a blazer with some structure + something whimsical, playful, or that makes you smile. On the right, it's the dots on the rolled up sleeves and the white Chucks. On the left, it's the big sparkly necklace and the boho hair and the glasses.



So that's it: something tough+ graphic tee + blazer + something whimsical 

I think this combination could take you to several events this time of year-shopping, to a holiday party, baking cookies with friends, or going on a December or January date. I'd love for you to wear a leather skirt as the "something tough" or sub in velvet leggings on the bottom and wear a leather jacket as the "something tough." You could also wear a big full skirt (whimsical, makes me smile, unexpected in this outfit), a leather jacket, the graphic tshirt, and you're done.

If you don't have a t-shirt in mind, try somewhere cheap like Old Navy or make your own. Don't spend a lot if this isn't a style you typically wear. Just get something soft on a neutral background and wear if a few times to see if you like the look.

Want more ideas for spending the holidays in style? Check out my ideas from last year!

Top Photo Credits
Photography: Lauren Modny Photography
Party Styling:Love Always Hannah
Stylist: StartCloseIn

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

(More) Natural Beauty Buys

(More) Natural Beauty Buys

One of my recent goals has been to clear out my house, to get rid of stuff that just isn't serving me in my best version of myself. This includes makeup. I love makeup, and I'm not interested in letting it go, but I do know that I could be using products that are more healthy for me. I cringe at the thought that everything I put on my face is absorbed by my skin when I read some of the labels of my products.

So I've made a few switches (healthier face wash, sweet almond oil for makeup remover, coconut oil for moisturizer along with lots of Burt's Bees products, etc.) lately that are very easy to have made. Then came the makeup, and I've been resisting change, frankly. When I think of less toxic makeup, I think of sad, beige products that don't work that are sold at health food stores. Having grown up basically in a health food store, I resist.

Boy was I wrong. I've slowly been trying out products, and I have hit on a winner!



Monday, November 24, 2014

Holiday Pieces that You Can Actually Wear More Than Once A Year

Holiday Pieces that You Can Actually Wear More Than Once A Year


We've reached that time of year when everything is basically on sale-and you have 100 things to do. And while I try not to just enable everyone to shop for clothing all the time, that is kind of going out the window right now. Because here's the thing, most of us have some invitations coming in the mail this time of year. Whether we're getting in cars or on planes (headed to Charleston this week myself!) or having people come to us, we're going to be seen. And what will we wear? Most of us can get it together for one event, but when there are a few in a row it can start to feel overwhelming. That's why I'm here! To help. So you can do the fun things-like baking cookies to leave on a neighbor's doorstep!

Here are some ideas for things to buy, but also some things to look out for that you might already own. My idea is that you can look out for one statement piece and then pair it with basics (jeans, black pants, a pencil skirt), or do the opposite and just look for really flattering, simple pieces that you could pair with basics (or get crazy and pair them with sequined pants!), or even wear a monochrome look. And no, it doesn't have to be all red. Or all green.

And I've included pieces for women who wear plus sizes, nursing women (but those choices work for non-nursing too), and women of all ages. Because my friends come over in all shapes and sizes-and sometimes needing a way to breastfeed without a fuss! 

Sometimes all you need is one great piece: 

What about a gorgeous wear-with-everything blouse
an edgy, but comfortable sweatshirt
a sweet graphic t-shirt to dress up or down
a jaw-dropping dress (in curve sizing)
the coolest elastic waistband pants anyone ever wore to Thanksgiving ever
Or their slightly fancier but still cooler than your black work pants twin
A cheeky sweatshirt to wear with a sequined skirt or with PJs in the morning
A stunning top that you can wear with literally anything on the bottom
A t-shirt that's just a joy to wear
A sweet as candy sweater that you could edge up with ripped denim
Needing nursing friendly options? What about a nursing friendly cardigan (love the styling here)

Let's be realistic here. If you're going to wear this more than one time, you need to keep it simple (and washable):  

The most gorgeous, simple dress you can wear every day like it's leggings-or heck, even with leggings!
Just the most simple, stunning blouse
Is there anything sexier than off-the-shoulder? And curves?
Wear these dots with bigger dots on a skirt, with stripes, with plaid, with jeans, with a skirt...with green ham
Nursing mamas: wrap dress with rouching? Oh baby, this is calling your name!
 Moonbeams indeed. This is gorgeous.

Don't be afraid to get down with monochrome (even in a color other than black!)

Who says pink isn't for Christmas?
I love this cranberry multi layered top so much, I want to marry it.
I love the words elegant and forgiving in describing a sweater that I'll eat a huge meal in.

Photography: Lauren Modny Photography
Party & Prop Styling: Love Always Hannah
Stylist: StartCloseIn



Thursday, December 12, 2013

Easy, Stunning Holiday Style From Head To Toe

Easy, Stunning Holiday Style From Head To Toe

Today, I'm continuing with my ideas for easy, stunning holiday style from the neck up-this time from the top of your body! Here are a few tips for feeling your best this time of year (despite the cracked skin and cold feet-is it that just me?)

Draw Attention to Your Face With a Stunning Necklace and Bold Lipstick

 






Both of these incredible necklaces are from Lou Lou Boutiques. Check out more of the gorgeous jewelry we used for our holiday photo shoot on Love Always Hannah today!

In the top photo, I paired Anna's bright, happy dress with an eye-catching, but neutral necklace that wouldn't compete with that incredible color in her dress and on her lips. In the bottom photo, I played up the gold and flecks found in Ashlynn's dress with a sharp, angular gold necklace that cleverly looks like two necklaces layered together.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Easy, Stunning Holiday Style From Head To Toe

Easy, Stunning Holiday Style From Head To Toe

I've got some really special ideas for you this week, guys! I have a new client to show off later this week and some great ideas for you to consider for the holiday season! Today, I'm sharing my ideas for easy, stunning holiday style from the neck up.

Photo Lauren Modny Photography