3 Tips for Rocking Business Casual

3 Tips for Rocking Business Casual

When people learn that I do personal styling, they sometimes think that I must be judging what they're wearing. And it's not true that I'm judging it, but I am always noticing what women around me wear. And sometimes, the outfits are just so damn good that I take mental notes to share with you what I'm seeing. Here are three ways that I've noticed women of all ages around me just rocking business casual. 

Bye-bye, navy cardigans and beige pencil skirts. Hello, personality! 

Left/Right.

Don't shy away from color. With black pants, the above left would be a bit of a sleeper, but those pants! Those pants! And her hair, of course, but I can't buy that. The pants, though, I can help you out there. Once you've got your basic black pants, try something brighter and just sub it into outfits where you'd normally wear black pants or even jeans. Jcrew has some great bright wools (in talls, too) this season, and Asos has brights in crepe and curve sizes, too.

Start with a great dress. What could be simpler than putting on a great dress with a classic shape? The obvious key here is to not wear anything too revealing. The not-as-obvious is to go for statement dresses. I think we can all default to neutrals because we think they're more wearable, but a printed dress can be worn a lot of different ways-and you can start to build your own personal style. I love Modcloth's dresses. 

 

Left/Right.

Wear a midi length skirt with something edgier like low boots or strappy shoes. The rest of the look should be really covered up (long sleeves, high neck) and then BAM! Fun shoes. I'd need to add tights underneath, but a midi length is really forgiving of all kinds of warm layers you might need to add. If you're looking for a neutral, wear-with-everything work appropriate knee length boot, these are incredible. If you live somewhere warmer or tend to switch into flats at work, I love this yellow. 

And I wrote about it before, but you have to check out this tumblr. Every time I look at it, I choose more fun outfits for at least the next few days! 

Client Update-Still belting and Scarfing!

Client Update-Still belting and Scarfing!

Remember my beloved client, Lynne? Well, I got this text from her the other day and had to share it with you. It said, simply, "Still belting and scarfing!" With this gorgeous outfit.

I want to be Lynne when I grow up!

Fall Boots-an Update!

Fall Boots-an Update!

Remember Rose's question about fall boots? Well, she got some and was sweet enough to send me a picture and an email! And they're adorable. Here's Rose!

I finally got boots! And I am wishing I could show them off to you in person. They are so beautiful (also I have the fleece lined timberland's you recommended from last season for weather). Thanks thanks thanks for advice. The thing that's really great about these is that unlike the last pair of Fryes I bought (seven years ago probably) they have rubber treading on the soles so they aren't super slippery. And they seem like they'd be narrow, but really they aren't! Anyhow, I am feeling great about them with pants and dresses alike.

I'm so glad, Rose! And good to know about Frye-I've been considering some, too, but worried because they always seem so narrow.

If you have a question you'd like answered, please contact me.

The Bold & The Bohemian: Go Boho in Two Steps

The Bold & The Bohemian: Go Boho in Just Two Steps

Add a Kimono

If you don't already have a kimono that you love, this is the place to start. I've been wearing my mom's vintage kimono from Japan for a few years, but there are also some great new ones out there. I purchased one this summer from TJMaxx, for example. The thing that I love about a kimono is that it's light and airy but also provides a light layer for a trip to the movies or on one of these fall days when the day is hot but the night is chilly.

Via Asos

Look for one with colors that you typically wear so that you can throw it effortlessly over jeans shorts and a t-shirt or a maxi dress. At this time of the year, I'd recommend that you look toward neutrals or dark colors because this is something you can easily wear over jeans or leggings in the fall and winter. See how the rest of her outfit is not boho, but she still just looks cool?

Or, go whole hog and boho up the whole getup!

Desert Wanderer Kimono

Layer on Necklaces

Part of the appeal of this laid back style is that it feels gathered, not pre-conceived or pre-fab. If you've got this much to layer on laying around at home, do it up.

Via Style Lovely

If not, or if you'd rather dip your toe in the trend instead of jumping in, look around for a couple of necklaces to wear at once.  This Etsy store has some real beauties.

Enjoy your Monday! I'm trying to get my voice back after a few loud nights in Charlotte this weekend and nursing my sunburned face. It was supposed to be cold at the football game, but joke was on us! I hope you had a wonderful weekend, too.

Fall Finds: Plaid, Fall Skirts, Capes, and Wool Panama Hats

Fall Finds: Plaid, Fall Skirts, Capes, and Wool Panama Hats

Since coming back from the perfect summer weather of New Orleans, it feels like fall is officially really here. I found myself feeling a little unprepared, did you? I went from wearing a few fall things to suddenly needing an extra layer in the mornings and even later. 

I've gotten many requests for personal shopping so I know lots of you are panicking about not having the clothes you want to be wearing for fall. Here's my thought: look through your clothes to see if you already have some fall basics, the things that are in style every fall. If not, I've got some affordable ideas for you. But don't feel like you need an entirely new wardrobe every season-that can get very expensive! Instead, look for basics that last year to year and top them off with a few fun pieces. 

Via

Plaid. My husband's reaction to a new plaid shirt the other day was to say "don't you already have that one?" I panicked for a minute thinking that I might have actually bought two of the same shirt. Silly guy! What he meant was that I had another plaid shirt. A few other ones more accurately. If your collection could use another plaid shirt for fall,

How to Stay Warm with Lean Layers for Fall

How to Stay Warm with Lean Layers for Fall

Come winter, I'm fine with bulkier layers. A girl's gotta stay warm, right? However, this time of year I'm still mourning the loss of warm weather, and I'm just not ready for wool. However, as previously mentioned, my office is freezing, and I need to be warm! So, I had a great idea: I'm focusing on lean layers that still pack on the heat. It's almost like taking lean meat and rubbing spice all over it before grilling it. Hmm...sorry. Maybe I need some more dinner! 

Wear a thick sweater over a long, lean dress and pants.

I went to the Leesburg outlets here in Northern Virginia the other day to put my plan into action. I was on a mission to add long, lean layers to my closet in place of the light shirts I typically layer with. This fall, I decided that they just aren't going to cut it. My office is too cold! My apologies in advance for the changing room selfies. Here's how I showed up (gotta love my unicorn nails still done from the party, right?)

This is an American Eagle cardigan, and I'm going to wash it by hand and as little as possible, frankly. I love the print but don't expect the quality to hold up for very long. It's fairly thick, but it flows away from my body so much that I could layer on a thicker, long top underneath. The bottom layer is this long dress/tunic thing from Target. With my high waisted Old Navy jeans, I felt nice and tucked in around the middle. When I got too hot shopping, I could still wear the whole outfit minus the sweater. And yes, those are my good-for-my-back Danskos.

Treat a Light Sweater Like a T-Shirt

At Banana Republic Outlet, I found several light sweaters that I've decided to wear in place of the cotton button downs and long-sleeved t-shirts that I typically pull out around this time of year.  These sweaters are warmer, but they're still light enough to layer up. I imagine wearing them under blazers for long, lean layers. I love the look of a sweater poking out on the arms, longer than the rolled-up arms of a blazer. I also liked these pants from Banana in a size down from here to avoid that bunching.

Match Similar Weights and Colors

Here, I put together a thicker sweater with a thicker jacket. However, the jacket is lined so it doesn't pull on the sweater, and the cut of the sweater is narrow enough that it works. Frankly, this sweater isn't typically one I'd wear to work since it was quite close to my body (ie my chest was too prominent), but with the idea of using it as a layering piece, it suddenly became the perfect thing.

And yes, I wanted the sweater to be longer below. You don't have to do that if it's not your style, but it's absolutely fine for the two not to "match up" in length.

Happy layering!

Reader Q&A: Fall Boots?

Reader Q&A: Fall Boots?

Via

Rose wrote in with the following: I wanted to suggest that your adoring readership (or the women of the Northeast US, or maybe just me) could really use some advice on boot trends right now. 'Tis the season.

Happy to help, Rose! I've been drafting a post on Ugg alternatives for those of us who are always freezing, and I'll include some of that here. But you are a New Yorker with a great sense of style so I won't fill this up with the sad tales of those of us who rely on a whole string of Superfeet to keep us upright. I've included a few pictures and TONS of links of various price point boots for you to click through and see what you like. If you want to skip the post and find the coolest boots? Visit Pikolinos for the $200 range or Nordstrom's for a mix of prices.

Oh! For those of you interested, this is the type of email you'd get from me suited to your personal style if you book me for online personal styling. Just sayin'.

Here are three questions I'd like you to think about before you buy boots this fall:

Does Edgy Pink Exist?

Does Edgy Pink Exist?

Spoiler alert: yes, yes it does.

You see, I'm not a pink person in general. I love coral and every hue of orange, but I don't tend to reach for the pinks for my clothing or my surroundings. However, I do recognize that many people love pink, and I'm always striving to push my own boundaries around it. And, it's become fall 2014's color of the season so why not have some fun with it?

4 Easy Ways to Feel More Stylish This Fall

4 Easy Ways to Feel More Stylish This Fall

Recently I read an article about a trend forecaster. First, that's a thing?! How fun! Where do I sign up? Second, this blog post is not that. This blog post is about looking at what you already own and making it cooler with very little effort. Maybe about buying one new thing (shirt, belt) and wearing it with pride. Not about hats made from one piece of fabric to wear to fashion week. Although, that would be cool...

1. Wear a belt not in belt loops. Wear a belt over a skirt. Wear a belt over your cardigan around your waist. Wear a belt over a dress. Wear it, wear it everywhere! Do not match your belt exactly to any other item you are wearing, including shoes, bags, etc.

2. Wear one thing that's baggy and one thing that's tighter. This could be a loose shirt and skinny jeans or a pencil skirt and a comfy sweater or wide leg pants and a fitted blazer.

3. Cuff your pants. Cuff them above booties or sneakers or (if you're currently doomed to comfortable shoes like I am) even clogs. (Yes, Ashley. I said clogs on my blog.) Works with boyfriend jeans, skinny jeans, and slim leg trousers. (See how I said both clogs and trousers there?)

4. Tuck your shirt in. Whether you do the half tuck, the side tuck, or don't know what the TUCK I'm talking about, take a piece of your shirt or your entire shirt and tuck it in. Don't wear a belt with it.

You can find all the links from today's post on my Fall Finds board.

Friends Don't Let Friends Wear Bad Plaid

Friends Don't Let Friends Wear Bad Plaid

I rarely say a categorical no to things on my blog. I'm not someone who categorically says "Don't wear X" or "Never wear X with Y." I think there are things that aren't suited to every body type or every moment in life, but that's pretty specific to the person. Even things that I won't wear myself (I'm looking at you the second time around, Berkinstocks with socks!) might be right for you.

However, I have to take a stand today. A stand against bad plaid.

No, don't laugh. I'm serious.

That's better. Here's the thing, I grew up in Vermont. In the 80s and 90s and all the way to 2001. I think that makes me uniquely situated to weigh in on the subject of plaid. And bad plaid is out there, my friends. Here's what I think bad plaid is: it's pretending to be flannel and cozy, but it's thin. I'm not talking about sheer nouveau plaid (that's fine), but rather about low quality plaid. It's too busy. I'm a bit of a purist, and I think plaid (and you can find it at all price points!) should have a nice, big, graphic pattern, preferably a buffalo plaid. Too many stripes and boxes and lines defeats the purpose of a bold pattern, I think.

That's it! Simple. Bad plaid=thin fabric, too busy. Good plaid=thick, lush fabric and a bold print. Aside from that, any color goes, from classic red to pinks, greens, whatever. Got it? So, please, don't let your friends (or your best friend, yourself!) wear bad plaid.

Oh! Looking for great plaid? Try this adorable Asos coat with cape sleeves, DIY this unisex infinity scarf, pair these Asos pants with white ankle Converse, get fancy in this saucy dress, pick your favorite color of this classic buffalo plaid Gap shirt, or layer plaid-on-plaid like I did in the top photo in this photo shoot (yes, that's a green plaid jacket over a red plaid shirt!) with this cozy vest. And say yes to these adorable loafers. And to everything that's happening here.   


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

4 Ways to Wear An Oversized Scarf

4 Ways to Wear An Oversized Scarf

The other night, I met up with a new blogger friend who also lives in Northern Virginia. Beforehand, I did some window shopping at Anthropologie and ended up buying yet another scarf. I'll deny it if my husband asks me directly if I bought it, though. He has this crazy idea that I have enough scarves! Is that even a thing? Enough scarves...what a nut!

I think a dual sided scarf is a brilliant idea for fall for all of us because, really, it's two scarves in one! Tie it loosely around your neck with a basic like a white button down, letting one side show more than the other. 

Ok, so I'm wearing my sunglasses here because I felt like I looked tired. Bear with me-I got over it in a few shots below. These next two are very similar ways to tie a scarf, but the top one is looser.  Put one end of the scarf around your neck, then wrap the rest of the scarf around your head and tie it in front.

Here, I turned the scarf as I wrapped it around my neck, making it tighter. I'd normally tuck the tag in or be sure to tie it on the other end so the tag didn't show.

This next one is perhaps my favorite thing to do with an oversized scarf: wrap it around yourself by putting one corner on your shoulder, then throw the other edge of the scarf over the other shoulder. You can pin the shoulder if you want it to stay, but I don't usually. This can take a boring or plain dress or outfit to a fancy level for a wedding or chilly indoor function.

That's it! I hope you have some scarves in your life that you can take out and play with, too! 

Don't forget your sunglasses!

Fall Wardrobe Basics: A Light Jacket

Fall Wardrobe Basics: A Light Jacket

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

 In the coming weeks, I have virtual and in-person personal shopping sessions booked with several clients. For the virtual clients, I'll be getting a sense of their lifestyle and the kinds of clothing that they like, then I'll do some virtual shopping for them and send along the things I recommend that they purchase. Afterwards, we'll have a video call together so that I can help them mix and match the things that they've purchased.

In person is a bit more straightforward, and I'll go shopping in person with these women, pointing out as we go along how they can build pieces from each store into a cohesive outfit.

I thought I'd share a little bit of that thought process with you, my dear readers, since we're not scheduled to go shopping together (at least not yet!).

One basic that I really encourage everyone, of every age and in every geographic location, to have is a light jacket for fall. For my Texas readers, you might find yourself pulling it out later in the season than my New England readers. But, either way, this is something that should be in your closet in a fit, style, and color that you like on your own body.

Here are a few ideas for different styles that will work for women of every age and lifestyle.

Military-Inspired

The key things to look for in a military-inspired jacket are the details: buttons, pockets, flaps on shoulders, etc. These are the things that help this type of jacket to look cool, and that's the goal here. You want a jacket that feels a bit cooler than a lot of the rest of your clothing. That way, you can pull it over basics like jeans and a tshirt or toughen up a summer dress.

The Death of Skinny Pants?

The Death of Skinny Pants?

Something's up, guys. Something really interesting is up! Pants are getting less skinny, have you noticed? I love it! I personally really like fitted pants, and I think they're a great look on many women, but I also love a bit of variety. It makes me really happy to see pants like these cropping up!

Via

Via

The Bold & The Bohemian: Go Boho in Just a Few Steps

The Bold & The Bohemian: Go Boho in Just a Few Steps

Add a Kimono

If you don't already have a kimono that you love, this is the place to start. I've been wearing my mom's vintage kimono from Japan for a few years, but there are also some great new ones out there. I recently purchased one from TJMaxx, for example. The thing that I love about a kimono is that it's light and airy but also provides a light layer for a trip to the movies or dinner in a chilly restaurant.

Via Asos

Look for one with colors that you typically wear so that you can throw it effortlessly over jeans shorts and a t-shirt or a maxi dress. At this time of the year, I'd recommend that you look toward neutrals or dark colors because this is something you can easily wear over jeans or leggings for fall. See how the rest of her outfit is not boho, but she still just looks cool?

Or, go whole hog and boho up the whole getup!

4 Ways to Love Leather

4 Ways to Love Leather

I love how leather (faux if you please) looks for the end of summer and early fall. There's something so appealing to me about the shiny, slick look of leather with something softer next to it. Here are my ideas for how to wear leather in the next two seasons.

Mix Plaid and Leather

My goal as a personal stylist is to facilitate an environment in which women empower themselves. Leather feels powerful to me and is a quick way to unleash my inner badass. I think that's particularly why I like it mixed with something masculine, like plaid. I like the way women can play between masculine and feminine in style (as in life!). We're powerful shape-shifters like that, aren't we?

Layer It Up

Another way to mix soft and hard, shiny and wooly, is with a great leather jacket.

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!

Fall Finds, Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom Fashion, Maternity Style that Doesn't Suck, and All Black, All the Time

Fall Finds, Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom Fashion, Maternity Style that Doesn't Suck, and All Black, All the Time

Boy-oh-boy does food poisoning suck the life out of you! My sister visited from Sunday night to Wednesday, and the first day and a half of her visit were fabulous. We shopped, we breakfasted, we giggled and talked in sister code, and then...and then....we ate thai food. And it all went to Hell in a hand basket.

On nearly the other side of it all, I'm easing back into the online world with some good old fashioned pinning! I have a few Pinterest boards that I've been adding to lately that I want to share with you! I have to say, the whole "back to school" thing really bums me out. I love summer above all other seasons, and I tend to get a little blue in the fall. This year, I'm trying to combat that by getting excited about fall fashion. Here is a sneak peek of my Fall Finds board, which I'll continue to update with pieces you might already own or want to buy and images that have me inspired for fall.

Via

I love the moody florals in this jacket and, of course, her hair.

Trend Alert: Pom Poms for Fall 2014

Trend Alert: Pom Poms for Fall 2014

Via

Pom poms have been popping up with a vengeance since early 2014, and I'm thrilled that they're here to stay for fall 2014 on hats, dresses, scarves, and for your house. There's just something about these little guys-they're so happy! Even when you wear them with your serious model face...

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