My Top 5 Posts of All Time

My Top 5 Posts of All Time

Recently I was checking my blog stats to see which posts have been the most popular. Since I regularly get new readers, I thought you might like to see what readers have liked (come back to, read, shared, pinned) in the past almost year of my writing this blog. Here are snippets of my Top 5 Blog Posts of all time!

1. Jeans and a T-shirt Upstyled

Today I'm talking about two of my favorite things: t-shirts and jeans! As my best friends and husband will tell you, I love t-shirts. I may have too many of them, actually, but this isn't about me! Right?

I have many clients, including Miss Mustard Seed, who are creative people who work for themselves and it makes most sense for them to dress casually and comfortably. I also have many clients who are active mothers and grandmothers, and they spend a lot of their time in casual, comfortable clothing, too. But, I think there is a way to be comfortable and wear what is actually (or essentially) a t-shirt and jeans and also reflect your personality and feel more polished. Here's how. Keep reading here.

2. The Post About Jennifer

Typically, my in-person client posts have less dramatic names, but I feel dramatic about this post and this client. Today's post is about Jennifer, my last client of 2013. If you follow me on instagram, you know that Jennifer was an incredibly special client.

To tell you about Jen, I first need to tell you that when I was driving to her house, I was more than a little worried that I was about to be kidnapped-or worse. Or at the very least punked. I take safety precautions before going into anyone's home, but on that day I had extra measures in place. You see, the email that Jennifer's husband sent to me (the day after Veterans' Day!) was, well, seemingly too-good-to-be-true. Here is an excerpt:

I am requesting a personal home and shopping experience for my wife.  She read about you on one of her favorite sites... Mrs. Mustard Seed.  Her 40th Birthday is December 9th and I am throwing her a surprise get together with a few friends on the 7th.  THE ONLY THING SHE WANTS FOR HER BIRTHDAY IS AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOU :)!

My wife is a very special person to everyone, but especially to me.  You see...I am a retired disabled vet.  I went through (and continue to suffer from) medical issues caused while serving.  Just diagnosing the issues was a long drawn out process that took years and let alone the surgeries to try and resolve them.  My wife, Jen, was by my side through it all.  I am sure you have heard stories like that before, but to be honest she was more than by my side.  She saved my life...just by being the most awesome and supportive friend I have ever had.  

This person went on to describe that his wife, Jennifer, is also active military. While he can no longer work, she continues to serve. He told me that they were soul mates. He told me that he wanted to have his family pool together money for me to take her personal shopping in lieu of any other gifts. He wanted to know if I would accept her as a client. Accept her!? If she was real, I would marry her! (Side note: I waived my fee and had Jen add it to her spending amount, which I only mention to tell you that Jen's response was to ask me if I would reconsider and make it a fund for another woman to get six hours with me. She's amazing.)

That is how I ended up meeting Jennifer on the weekend before Christmas. She was real, and this is how she looked when I arrived..Continue reading here.

3. Halloween Costumes for Women Who Don't Want to be Naked?

Today's post is a bit different than the usual. We're talking about a very specific type of clothing to put on our bodies today: costumes! I find what to wear for Halloween to be increasingly complicated: I'm past the point of "going out" like I once did to a club or dancing, but I still want a fun costume. Our neighbors throw the best Halloween party (they start decorating their home over Labor Day weekend), and, oh yeah, it's my birthday...Read the rest here.

4. Reader Q&A: How to Wear Jean Skirts

Earlier this week, I Kelley posted a question for me in the comments section of my post about fresh ways to wear jeans, and I loved it!

Hi! I've not been following for a real long time, and I immensely enjoy your great advice and tips.
I don't wear jeans, but I do wear jean skirts. Could you do a post on jean skirts?
Been wearing more belts, Kelley

I love this question because  I think jean skirts have the potential to be a very versatile piece of clothing for every age, but I also think they can go downhill fast. Here's why.

5. Reader Q&A: What to Wear While I'm Pregnant

Yesterday, my best friend talked about what to wear during early maternity-and beyond-from a mother's perspective. I haven't ever been pregnant (and am not currently, just in case you were curious! Did you wonder?), but I have what might be an abnormal interest in maternity fashion. I just think that pregnant women can get away with things that the rest of us can't when it comes to clothes, and I love that! And there's nothing that says that you must wear clothes from a maternity store while you're pregnant. So darlin', here' are the five questions to ask yourself. Find them here.


That's it! My Top 5 posts of all time. I notice that you all tend to like posts written in response to reader questions and posts that tell a good story like Jennifer's. So please do continue to ask me questions via email or in the comments because other women are thinking the same thing and want to hear an answer! Keep it comin'! 

 

How to Wear Denim on Denim?

How to Wear Denim on Denim?

I had a reader question recently about wearing denim on denim, and I'm excited to talk about my answer today! I tend to think about a few things when putting a client in jean on jean or when wearing two shades of denim myself: shade, shape, and statement.

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Shade

I think that jean on jean can work as long as the shades of denim are different. Here is what I don't like:

The outfit above is from JCrew, which is a good reminder that even stylish stores can go awry. I just think that the shades of denim here are too close for comfort, too reminiscent of the old cowboy tuxedo. Not only that, the brown and brown accessories violate my last point about statement, but you'll have to continue reading for that!

Instead of choosing two shades of denim that very closely match each other, look for some contrast. Look for a washed out shade with a darker one or a brighter blue with a deeper one.

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So, take a look in your closet and see if you have a darker jean bottom (skirt, jeans, leggings, dress that you can layer over) and see if you have a denim shirt that you can wear on top-if they're different shades. Or, if you're on the lookout for one of the many denim/chambray shirts that are currently on sale, wear your favorite jeans to be sure that they're not the same shade.

Shape

I've noticed that denim on denim can sometimes result in a sloppy fit. For whatever reason, women often wear ill-fitting jeans together with a baggier denim shirt. I don't think that has to be the case! There are ways to wear denim and denim that still emphasize your shape and that can even read as semi-professional.

I think it's important to pay attention to the fit of your denim, especially when you're wearing more than one piece. One way is to layer it with other pieces that flatter the skinniest part of your body, typically below your last rib. For example, what about adding a blazer on top? Many women I work with have sleeveless tops that are chambray, and this could look great with those tops!

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There's nothing at all sloppy about this, and I love how she used a third shade of blue in her purse. Very cute for a date night or a casual work environment!

Statement

When wearing denim on denim, keep in mind that your outfit is making a statement. Two shades of jean can look sloppy if they're just thrown on without any accessories or way to tie them together. If you go this route, be aware of making a statement and wear it with pride.

The look can read a bit cowgirl or a bit 70s, so it's fun to play around with pieces that echo that without looking like you are literally going to a rodeo (unless you are! in which case-yeehaw!) or to Studio 54. Think about bright pinks and great boots or big round hats, depending which way you go with it. Here's an adorable interpretation. 

 

She's wearing two distinct shades of denim, she's emphasizing the shape with a high waist and a tucked shirt, and she's making a statement with her belt, hat, and glasses. I would love for her to wear a different color shoe (maybe red?), but overall this is lovely. Yes, you could button up a bit more in the real world or even layer on a tank underneath. Also, for those where the weather is already warm, you could absolutely do this with cropped jeans or a chambray sleeveless top. 

So remember, shade (two distinct shades!), shape (emphasize yours!), and statement (you're making one. Own it!). I'd love to see how you rock denim on denim if you ever want to send me a picture!

UPDATE! Thanks, Hannah, for posting this gorgeous picture of you wearing denim on denim! I love the skinny belt, too!