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. 

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)

poncho

or perfect plaid with edge shirt

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

Black Tie Dresses That You'll Actually Want to Wear & Holiday Dresses that Shine

Black Tie Dresses That You'll Actually Want to Wear & Holiday Dresses that Shine

Via

There was a time when I was constantly being invited to black tie, formal events. I never knew what to wear! I've never been a big fan of buying one expensive dress when I could buy several for the same price-or less. Black tie events seemed to require a statement dress, and I didn't have one just waiting in the wings. I've often found acceptable ones at TJMaxx, Marshalls, and even Kohls in the past. 

However, if I were invited to any kind of formal event now, I would leap with joy and buy one of these. So please, send those invites! And, as always, if I ever have a sponsored post, I'll let you know. This isn't one. 

Left, Right similar in plus size here

The beautiful thing about these statement dresses is that they would require little to no other styling: simple shoes, hair, makeup, and accessories. Wouldn't that be the nicest way to travel to an event? Just bring the dress, wash your hair, and you're ready to go. Looking for something brighter or shorter? It's expensive, but man is this a gorgeous dress! I love that (or this in plus size) for an Indian wedding.

Speaking of statement dresses, if you're already anticipating getting invited to (or hosting!) a great holiday party, these dresses could be for you. 

Via

For a holiday dress, I have two simple requirements: I need to be able to dance and eat in it, and I need to be able to wear it for more than one holiday season. That means I tend to look for dresses that are forgiving around the waist in a classic shape and/or fabric. The dress above, for example, is a classic black, and when have sequins ever not been in style? The sleeves temper the shortness so I think I could get away with it for awhile. I love these options, too!

Via

Via

I also have to mention this fun jumpsuit if you want an alternative to a dress. I wore a jumpsuit to my best friend's wedding in January last year, and I felt so comfortable and stylish at the same time. 

And I'm sorry to be talking about holiday parties so early on. I'm not an advocate of speeding the seasons past at all, but I do know that we women like to plan ahead so I thought I'd share these dresses yesterday and today in that spirit. 

Also, if you're looking for a bridesmaid dress that won't get shoved in the back of your closet, this is brilliant. 

Fanciful Dresses for Whimsical Events

Fanciful Dresses for Whimsical Events

Free People

Every so often, I get really excited about the dresses that a store has or that are out for a particular season. This is it! I'm excited. Today's dresses have me wishing that someone would invite me to a whimsical party-in a barn, at a library, on the steps of City Hall, or even a fall baby shower. 

I imagine each of them pulling off two styles: each could be worn "dressy" with quirky heels and a short bolero jacket or with booties, tights, and a felt Panama hat. Any dress that automatically brings to mind two styles is one worth buying if you ask me! And, of course, during this season's last warm days, you could wear these with sandals and a jean jacket. 

Left: Asos Curve Shift in Lace, Right, Asos Wrap Back Dress

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.

How to Enjoy the Holiday Season-in Style

How to Survive Enjoy the Holiday Season-in Style

 

I've got some ideas for us-and they've got nothing to do with survival. I don't like the hype that the period from Thanksgiving through the New Year is stressful because I think it sets us up to fail. Instead, I'd like to reclaim this time period as one of hope, renewal, togetherness, and, yes, style.

I think too often we as women put ourselves on the back burner. We believe the narrative that this time period is about doing as much as humanly possible. Somehow, if you're not occupied every moment of the day baking cookies, caroling, or wrapping endless piles of gifts with a glass of champagne in your hand, you've failed. I'm not buying it.

Here's what I'm going to do this year, and it might shock you: focus on me. That's right. What do I like to do? What makes me happy? What feelings do I want to seek out so that on the first and the second days of 2014 I feel healthy, refreshed, and enriched? Here's my simple, five-part plan for my holidays. I'd love to hear what you do every year or plan to start this year to keep yourself balanced and cared for.

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."

Easy Holiday Sparkle: Part I

Easy Holiday Sparkle: Part I

Today I'm running around prepping for a holiday photo shoot that I'm styling the clothes for (at my house!). Love Always Hannah is styling the shoot, which means that my house will look gorgeous-I can't wait to see it through Hannah's eyes! And Lauren Modny is taking the photos. If you haven't visited her site before, I highly recommend that you do.

She shoots in a candid documentary style, which enables her to get the most beautiful, authentic shots. She shot our Fall Fashion shoot, and I would love for her to shoot something personal for me, too. I've thought of doing anniversary photos with my husband-wouldn't it be fun to recreate a pose from a past photo? Like this one from 2009 when we were "just friends" but secretly in love with each other? Love that tinkle in our eyes.

I'm really excited about this shoot because we have three incredible women as our models, and we're using their clothes! As you know, I don't really buy into the idea that you have to buy something new to wear once or just because it's the holidays. I'm all for setting aside money if you want to spend it, but I'm also excited about re-imagining and re-styling what you already own in ways that help you feel confident and, yes, even sparkly!

Stay tuned! And check out a sneak peek shared by one of our models!

6 Flattering Holiday Dresses

6 Flattering Holiday Dresses

Via

Via

I love these dresses for their defined waists! For their versatility! For their bright, seasonal colors! There is nothing more flattering than cinching in a waist and showing off the curves around it. These dresses are also versatile and could be worn with tights and boots or a blazer to work just as easily as to a party. When you think about how often you could wear each dress, the cost-per-wear looks better and better!