Playing Virtual Dress Up on Etsy

Playing Virtual Dress Up on Etsy

Sometimes I search on Etsy as though I were shopping for a different version of myself. It's better than window shopping; it's like virtual dress up! I've gotten to the point of shopping online for myself (and others) very easily because I have a good sense of what will work-or not-on different bodies. This is the opposite of that. This dress up is about imagining if I wore a totally different style and were shopping for that version of myself. This is for a woman who works in a studio cooperative and rides her bike there-even in a very long skirt.

I recently found an inspiring Etsy shop where my alter ego would absolutely shop. It's YL1dress.
The Chinese designer works from scratch to design these incredible clothes, and I just love them. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OK, this bottom one I might actually wear in my current iteration. I love how the designer behind this particular shop styled this coat with the blue boots and quirky little gloves.

Don't you love her style? And, of course I want to know: where do you go to "play dress up?"

How to Layer Textures this Fall

How to Layer Textures this Fall

Yesterday I shared some of the incredible photos from the recent shoot I did with some of DC's finest creative minds. Today, I'm excited to get into the details and share with you one simple trick for creating a unique look for yourself-without spending a dime.

What's the trick to creating a gorgeous, individual look for fall that is unique, stylish, and-dare I say it-comfortable, too? It's all about layering texture. My clients often ask me about mixing patterns, and I think that's not quite the right word. I like to think of it as layering texture instead. Let me show you what I mean.

Layer Textures within One Color Family

For Chelsea, the stunning redhead on the right, I created visual interest in a monochromatic (blue) color palette: smooth suede booties, rough interior jean cuff, wooly blazer with jagged zipper details, and soft, knotted scarf against her smooth, feathery hair. Add a slick of blue-hued nail polish and lip stain in a contrasting color, and she's covered in texture from head to toe.

Take a look in your closet and pull out everything you have in one color palette, then start layering textures: smooth, soft, hard, jagged, knotted, rolled, rough. 

Layer Textures in a Neutral with a Pop of a Pattern

For Anna above, her shoes, legs, and skirt are all a similar tone, but they're interesting together because of the textures of the entire outfit. Her shoes are smooth leading up smooth legs but the ruffles on the toe provide some texture and visual interest; the sequins are full of rich texture, and they contrast nicely with the softness of the flannel shirt, which is offset with the hard, cool necklace. Adding the cape in the bottom shot meant layering even more softness against that hard necklace. I love it.

Take a look at something in your closet that you might not consider "work appropriate," like this flannel shirt, then layer on neutrals in different textures. Extra points for pairing masculine (flannel shirt) with feminine (sequined skirt, cape with feminine details, red lips)!

Look for Texture All Around You

The setting at Georgetown University was incredible; texture was all around us and served as a big inspiration! 

Take a close look at spaces that you love and see if there are elements of those spaces that might inspire how you dress today. Here, the architect layered brick and it's been contrasted with the smooth floor and round light fixtures, much like a structured blazer paired with a smooth, round necklace. Below, the stone is monochromatic, yes, but its rich texture serves as inspiration for how to create visual interest-even if you're wearing all gray!

Thanks again to our amazing team for putting together this gorgeous shoot! I'm ready to get out my book bag again after this!

Contact me soon if you'd like to take advantage of personal pricing for October! I'm looking forward to working with you to create a layered, individual look for fall and winter.

Photography : Lauren Modny Photography
Modeling & Design : Tomboy
Personal Styling : Start Close In
Creative Concept & Direction : Piccadilly (Love Always Hannah)
Location : Georgetown University

Back to School: Fall Fashion for the Rest of Us

Back to School: Fall Fashion for the Rest of Us

Recently I had the incredible opportunity to style the fall fashion for a photo shoot with what really was a dream team: Hannah from Love Always Hannah was the creative director, the creative minds behind Tomboy modeled and created an incredible piece of artwork for us, and Lauren Modny shot the amazing photographs. I can't say enough about how creative, professional, and wonderful these women are. I highly recommend that you visit each of their sites and consider working with them in the future.

While many of us are past the years of going to school each fall ourselves, we still get excited about fall fashion. Today's post is all about indulging in that prep school, classic fall fantasy. And, of course, since this is StartCloseIn, we're also going to talk about how to re-create some of fall's trends with clothing you might already have in your closet! Today I'll be talking about the trends generally, and this week I'll show you more of the gorgeous shot and talk about specific outfits and why they work well together to give you some inspiration for your own fall fashion so be sure to check back in tomorrow!

Try Gold Accessories

We saw it last year in home decor: gold and bronze are back. For the cooler months, gold accessories work to warm up your skin tone in a way that silver just can't. Dig through your jewelry and see if you have any statement pieces that you can wear layered up together while the temperature drops, whether multiple rings or several necklaces.

Embrace Booties & Keep Rocking Leopard Print

While it's tempting to revert to knee-length boots from seasons past, it's time to embrace booties for fall. They're more polished than a longer length boot, and they're incredibly versatile. The trend is to wear boots that feel androgynous, more toward menswear, so don't look for a lot of frill with these. A good desert boot is an excellent choice. One good way to keep them from feeling too masculine is to roll up your pants-you can even let a great sock show on top when the weather gets cooler!

While you might want to invest in a new little bootie, the good news is that you can still wear leopard print this fall-this is one trend that's not going anywhere! I styled it here with a more prissy look since I love the contrast between classic (the cape, the bow, the red lip) and the edgier leopard pump.

Play with Plaid

I love plaid for fall for many reasons: it's classic, plays well with colors and other patterns, and, although it's a trend for fall, plaid is not going anywhere. While the fall trends have shown plaid in a grungy 1990s way, too, there's absolutely room for a prep-school approach to plaid. Just make sure the colors are classic (navy, camel, red, gray), and the shape is feminine.

And don't be shy about pairing it with unexpected touches, like the playful colored nails above or the sequined skirt below!

Add Victorian Details 

Fall fashion this year celebrates ornate details and masculine-meets-feminine touches so dig through your grandmother's closet or a local thrift store and see what you can find! Pair a Victorian-inspired watch or ultra-feminine tulle with classic preppy fabrics, like patterns, ruffles, plaid, and polka dots, for a beautiful, layered look.

See you tomorrow for more gorgeous looks from these amazing ladies-and more tips on how to incorporate these fall looks into your own rotation!

P.S. Check out this incredible typetreatment that Tomboy made for us to share! I can't wait to print it and frame it for my craft room!

 

Photography : Lauren Modny Photography
Modeling & Design : Tomboy
Personal Styling : Start Close In
Creative Concept & Direction : Piccadilly (Love Always Hannah)
Location : Georgetown University

Black is Back?

Black is Back?

All links here.

The word on the street for Fall 2013 is that "black is back." I took advantage of this to showcase one of my favorite looks-all black. I would argue that it was never gone-therefore has nowhere from where to return! But, I'll take it.

I'll admit to loving black; white, black, gray, and tomato-to-coral are my favorite colors to wear. This summer, I went so far as to ban all of the black from my closet for almost two months, and it was painful. I love black! And hey! It's back-so you should, too.

Can You Rock a Midriff Top in Your Thirties?

Quick Tip: Tie Up Your Shirt to Rock a "Midriff Top" in Your Thirties

I'm not into wearing a midriff top that bares my stomach at my age; I'm just not. But I think that the look can be adapted. Here's how: tie up a button-down and let it either hit the top of your skirt or pants or tie it over a dress. I love this over a maxi dress, for example, or even a slightly fancier dress like Lauren has on in the middle shot.

How to Dress for this Crazy Weather

How to Dress for this Crazy Weather

Via

Sull? Fallmmer? Whatever you call it, here in DC area (and beyond, I'm told), we are having some wild weather. One day it felt like fall was here to stay, and everyone had out their sweaters, tights, and booties. Then the last few days it's been hovering around 90 degrees. Personally, I love it. I am one of those few people who loves to be hot. But, it can be a challenge to figure out what to wear to work. Here's my idea for how we can milk this warm weather for all that it's worth while not looking like we're reverting back to July...not that there's anything wrong with that!

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

Q&A: Why Are Belts the Most Important Thing in my Closet?

Q&A: Why Are Belts the Most Important Thing in my Closet?

Ok, I may have added to the original question, which was "Can you talk about wearing belts?" The thing is, I think they're the #1 thing you have (or maybe don't have) in your closet for fall/winter 2013. My relationship with belts has been hot and cold. At one point, I owned easily over 40 belts. Then the whole long shirt, skinny pants thing (Round One) happened, and I abandoned my old friend. Coming round to today, I'm back on the belt fan wagon. Yeah, that's a thing.

All via

But why? Imagine each of these outfits without the belt: the cute expecting mama would be lost in her scarf-top, the incredible woman in the middle would be drowning in what looks like a too-big-coat, and the badass in pink on the bottom would look way less curvy and way more like she's wearing a men's shirt. It's all about the belt.

Belts add shape, cinch in waists, and highlight the narrowest part of you. They instantly tie together patterns or help colors relate to each other. Also, they can easily serve as the third thing that helps tie two pieces of clothing into an outfit. A skirt and men's shirt are clothes-with a belt, they're an outfit. Those amazing oxfords don't hurt, either.

Would You Wear Overalls (again)?

Would You Wear Overalls (again)?

The other day, as I strolled through the Juniors section of Target, I was hit head-on with an ironic situation. I was looking for a retro-inspired dress with a full skirt and small repetitive pattern. Ideally, 1950s-inspired. I even sent my mom a photo of a dress that was so frumpy it made us both cringe. Oh, the irony, then, when I came face-to-face with the late 90s. Stone-washed denim, midriffs, and bared shoulders. "Nooooooooooo!" I wanted to shake every teenager I saw with a grunge-y flannel tied around her waist, "Don't do it!"

But then, this week I was reminded of one of the most comfortable things about that time period: overalls. Yes, bending over in them was uncomfortable, and they're certainly not right for every shape, but do you remember how comfortable they were? And, more importantly, would you wear them again?

All links here

Like the first time around (or maybe the third?), they look best with not much underneath. The newer fit is tapered in the leg or rolled up, but you can skip the awkward platform sandals on the left: just stick with the same Converse we wore the first couple times around and what the heck, might want to try them out with a flannel while you're at it.

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!

How to Do a Closet Cleanse: Part III

How to Do a Closet Cleanse: Part III

We've talked about how to tackle your closet and organize your closet by color. Today, I'm excited to talk with you about one idea for what to do with some of the clothing that you take out. Of course, you could donate it, host a clothing swap, or sell it on EBay, but if you are like me, it will never happen. Your clothes sit there in a pile/corner/box in the corner of your room or in your car until you finally find one of those clothing donation boxes. End of story.

Enter Twice. It's an online site that buys and sells clothing, like an online thrift store. It's kind of genius, actually, right? I ordered my first free bag to fill up this week because I have some items that qualify to be sold on their site. I'll update you when it arrives and throughout the process!

Here's what the adorable Rachel (there she is-being goofy!) had to say about it:

via Twice's homepage

"Twice is the easiest way to convert clothing into cash — we take care of everything for you! Just order a bag or prepaid shipping label through our site, pack up your past-wears and send them on over to us for free! Just be sure your brands are on our brand list, damage-free, and no more than 5 years old.

Then our team of quality experts will review your package and make you an offer on all of your items. You can collect your earnings in cash (via PayPal), paper check or get 25% more in Twice store credit. Whichever items we don’t accept, then get donated to Goodwill or sent back to you for a $5 fee."

How easy is that?! I'll have to update you once I've sent some stuff in, but it seems like a great way to get some cash (or credit) for items that I'd normally keep around. They advertize having sizes 0-16+, and when I've logged on the size variety has been stronger on some days than others. What they do consistently have are pants, including jeans, in lots of different sizes from high quality brands like Citizens Of Humanity, Calvin Klein, Levi's, Gap, etc. Those are a great buy since once you know your size in those brands, it's easy to order online.

Here are few tips to get you paid as much as possible:

- Use their fun calculator that shows your earnings per item;

- Carefully inspect your items and wash them prior to sending them in so they don't get rejected;

- Fill your package to the brim (the more you’ll send in, the more they’ll pay;

- Only send in their accepted brands —check out the full list here.

What to do with that store credit

So the second fun part about Twice is their clothing: they've got good quality brands with current styles for a lot less than retail. Here are some of my favorites from when I checked their site on Monday. If these aren't there, I'm sure you'll find some great items!

Anthropologie, Size 12 Price: $43.95 Originally Priced at $153.55 Buy it for 70% Off

Madewell, Size 28

Price: $25.95

Originally Priced at $69.00

  60% Off

 

 

Jcrew, Size 4, Originally Priced at $134.99 Buy it for 65% Off

 

True Life: I'm a Fashion Blogger

True Life: I'm a Fashion Blogger

Today's sneak peek needs to be filed under the heading "Is this really happening?" Yesterday I had the honor to style the fall fashion for a photo shoot shot by the incredible Lauren Modny, styled and artistic directed by the incomparable Hannah Marsh and modeled by the beautiful, creative women behind Tomboy. It was a dream come true. 

In a couple of weeks I'll have the professional shots for you and some fall fashion tips, but here are some behind the scenes shots I just couldn't wait to share! Someone pinch me. 

I can't wait to show you the professional shots. We had the most fun. Want to be in our next photo shoot?