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!

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?

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.

Fall Weekend Style Ideas

Fall Weekend Style Ideas

Don't get upset! It's NOT FALL YET. Let's make that clear, but I do know that the fall stuff is coming to stores, and you might be looking around. Here is what I want to wear this fall on the weekends. Let's pick pumpkins, sip hot apple cider, and make winter vacation plans for somewhere warm and by the water, ok?

This Jcrew tshirt would look great with jeans, a puffy skirt that was overly feminine in a nice contrast with this shirt, or patterned harem pants like they did here.  

Or this Born to Boogie tee, maybe Vote for Love on Saturday and this on Sunday? I'd love this with a blazer and a tight skirt for a date night out with my husband. Put on some heels and make him turn his head.

 I have loved the look of multiple rings since I was a kid, and I still love this look.

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.

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

In Person Styling and Personal Shopping: Shaunie

In Person Styling and Personal Shopping

Last week I went to Pennsylvania for a marathon personal styling day with the funniest client yet: Shaunie. We spent the day together, and we cracked each other up!

I had no idea that one person could have so many versions of the same necklace! And she had no idea that I would suggest that she wear more than one shade of blue! We were quite the pair, I tell ya! Here are a few tips from our time together (in her closet and also out shopping at the mall) that I thought might be useful to you, too.

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

3 Affordable Fall and Winter Jackets to Buy Now

3 Affordable Fall and Winter Jackets to Buy Now (and one fantastic splurge)

Today's post is going to be very light because I am still recovering from co-hosting a shower/girls' weekend for one of my best friends in the world. But, I couldn't help myself from coming over to share one of the cute jackets that we spotted today while shopping at Target. It would be great for the Virginia and farther south areas into late fall-or even winter if you are comfortable layering up.

The Tribal

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I made a blanket out of a similar fabric, and people are always asking me where I found the fabric (JoAnn's) and saying they want a jacket out of it. Target is ready to make that happen for you! The muted colors of this jacket make it subtle enough that once the tribal trend is truly gone, you can still wear it proudly. I love the collar on this one.