Easy Work Outfit Template

Easy Work Outfit Template

I was reminded of my client, Debbi, the other day because of this snapshot I took of her. 

The outfit that I put her in here was a revelation for her, and I think it's such a simple template that many of you could follow, too. Here's the formula for an easy template that you can wear with endless combinations:

Neutral Pants that Fit You Well + Tshirt + Lighter Neutral Blazer

That's it! It could be tan pants, wide leg pants, skinner pants, jeans, a graphic tee or something with a pattern. It could be dark pants and a jean jacket. Grab whatever you've got in your closet that fits into each category, then lay them all out on your bed. Mix and match until you find something that speaks to your heart.

If your office is as cold as mine is, a tshirt can be in a lighter color and feel more like spring, but a long sleeved one can help keep you warm!

Extra points for adding bright lipstick or an accessory!

For the Love of Cropped Pants

For the Love of Cropped Pants

On Monday, I wrote about bringing a little edge to the office. A key component to that look was cropped, or ankle, pants. I don't know why, but I just find that lately cropped pants are the answer to every outfit question that I have: how can I show off these cute new shoes? Cropped pants. What can I wear to the office to make this outfit feel less boring? Cropped pants. What can I wear to convince myself that it's almost spring? You got it. 

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I particularly like how a shorter length pant, preferably with a narrow leg, can go anywhere, with any shoe, on many body types. Here's what I mean.

How to Bring A Little Edge to the Office

How to Bring A Little Edge to the Office

Happy Monday! Thanks for bearing with me as blog posts have been a little lighter lately. I'm working on a few projects that I can't wait to share with you, but they've been taking my attention away from this page. My apologies!

Today I'm off to a work conference, and I'll be wearing a suit. However, that's a rarity for me these days. Mostly I wear business casual, as I know many of you do. A look that I love lately for work is a little bit rock 'n roll.

What if you started with a bad ass jacket, something with zippers, something a little boxy or even with leather sleeves? 

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Then, add a little bit of edge on the bottom, maybe cropped pants with a pattern?

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Now that you've balanced out the boxier on top with a narrower bottom, add a great heel or wedge for a little height, and maybe a bright t-shirt to add some color? Jcrew Factory has some incredible color this season, too!

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To recap: consider adding one piece (like a jacket with leather or zippers, a leather skirt, or edgy shoes) that feels rock and roll in with classic pieces, bright colors, and neutrals. I think it's a fun way to think about office wear this spring, don't you?

Spring Outfit Inspiration from Old Navy

Spring Outfit Inspiration from Old Navy

I love a good Old Navy bargain, especially at the change of season. I'm never 100% committed to what I'll want to be wearing when the weather first changes, and so I don't usually want to spend a lot of money on things that I might not want to wear by July. I often think of Old Navy as a standby for simple pieces that will last a season.

But, guys? This season Old Navy has some downright inspirational styling for spring and early summer, too! And some cute poses for a Facebook profile or Instagram pic!

Stay Warm in the Spring Chill-or Cover Up in the Summer Sun

 

What I love above is that they've chosen to cover something up (3/4 length sleeves, knee length dress, camo jacket, denim vest) and reveal something (wrists and ankles, shoulders and feet, arms and ankles, legs and wrists) in the same outfit. It's grown up spring style done well. Of course, you know I love a straw fedora, too.

Pack Easily for a Weekend Trip to the Beach

Below are four outfits that would be perfect for a weekend trip: the red skirt for an evening out (worn directly from work if need be), the ripped jeans and stripes for the farmer's market in the morning, the jean skirt for a glass of wine at a restaurant on the coast, and the shorts for brunch and a few last hours at the beach on Sunday. You could easily do this with two pairs of shoes since the ripped jean sneakers would love to be friends with those jean shorts.  Throw in a swimsuit and the perfect sleeping slip and you are set! Quick tip: buy a more expensive bikini top that offers the right amount of support (hard to find in a cheap one) and an inexpensive bottom that's from the same color family or matches one of the colors in a patterned top.

Keep it Simple

For summer, is there anything better than a sweet maxi dress that you can wear from sun up to sundown? Not in my book! I love a denim top for summer, too, since you can take a dress and turn it into what looks like a skirt and top-or wear it tied over cropped pants on a cooler day.

I'd also wear all of these to one special beach rainy day spot: the outlets! It makes it so much easier to try things on when all you have to do is slip off a dress or remove a top or bottom to try something on.

Old Navy's not a sponsor. Not getting paid. Just liked it.

How to Make Mad Men Modern

I had a reader friend ask me a question the other day that really got me thinking: how can she make Mad Men-inspired fashion modern? For those unfamiliar with the show, it has so far focused on vintage looks with high waists, covered arms, and curve-hugging dresses. It's a fun style to play with because it's very flattering for curvy shapes while at the same time being fairly covered up. That makes it appropriate for a wide variety of settings, including work and date nights!

Here's my take on how to bring that Mad Men flair into the modern age.

Play with Unexpected Color

Take a classic shape, like a full skirt and a cropped jacket, but play with color. Try something from your closet that's the brightest thing you can see, and then build an outfit around it. Here, the skirts are the stars of the show, and the pieces they're paired with are much more modern in fit and color.

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Add an Edgy Touch to a Classic Shape

Make Mad Men Modern: A Loft Skirt Preview

Make Mad Men Modern: A Loft Skirt Preview

Those of you who follow me on Instagram may have seen the striped linen skirt that I got yesterday  at Loft during my lunch hour (for 40% off!). Tomorrow I'll be answering a friend's question about how to wear a "Mad Men" look without feeling too costume-y. While putting together options for how to wear this skirt on Tuesday, I realized that I was putting some of my tips for a modern Mad Men into action.

Sorry for the bathroom selfies-my husband was still working last night and unavailable to take photos of me. 

At first, I imagined that the tomato red cardigan on top would be the perfect fit with the nautical striped skirt. I got that cardigan around Christmas, and in my mind it's been stuck as a winter sweater. I wanted a way to bring it into spring, and my office was freezing today so I thought it could work. However, it felt too much like a literal interpretation of a vintage look for my preferences.

On the other hand, the bright chartreuse cardigan on the bottom did just what I wanted: the full, high-waisted skirt is a nod to vintage but feels modern with a v-neck t-shirt and unexpected color. Oh-and I also put on a better bra for the bottom shot since the one I was wearing on top was feeling a bit droopy. I didn't go for the pointed Mad Men style, though, since that should be saved for Halloween only!

What do you think? I can't wait to show off some modern Mad Men looks later this week!

  

Spring In Your Step: 4 Trends Worth Trying

Oh my goodness! What an honor! Today I’m honored to have been asked to the Beautiful You Blog.
Last year when I attended the Conference with my friend Hannah for the first time, I was so inspired by all of the beautiful women there. This year, they're even asking women to donate shoes to women and children. How incredible! There is nothing more inspirational than a group of women getting together to change the world. If I can inspire you to look and feel your best this spring while you're out changing the world, that would be amazing! So let’s get down to it and talk about spring trends.

Pick From A Fresh Crop of Jackets

A cropped jacket is the perfect transition piece: you can wear it now with longer layers and pants and in a few months with a long, flowing maxi skirt.  Pair a floral print with stripes to toughen up a feminine print or stick with solids to toughen up spring’s skinny white jeans or a full skirt.   I find that graphic t-shirts with white, black, or gray backgrounds look the most current and the least like a teenager would wear. Continue reading here! 

Spring Ahead with Feminine Touches and Repeating Patterns

Spring Ahead with Feminine Touches and Repeating Patterns

On Tuesday, I guest posted over on Love Always Hannah. Here's a sneak peek of what I wrote about. Be sure to click through to Hannah's blog for the rest (and stay for her insightful-and beautiful-posts the rest of the week)!

Hi! I’m Ella from StartCloseIn Styling. My passion is helping women fall back in love with the clothing they already own. And what better time to fall in love than during the spring?
It’s almost spring-right? Right? I know that in the DC area, we’re all a bit nervous that it will never come! Here’s my take on it: fake it ‘til you make it! Let’s talk about how that translates into clothing. Look in your closet and find something that screams spring, like these gorgeous bright pants.

Then...Read the rest here!

Simmi: Classic with a Twist

Simmi: Classic with a Twist

Last week, I have an incredibly fun personal styling session with Simmi. She works in a stylish office and also has two young children so she wanted some outfits that were ready to go to the office and come home for playtime.

When I work with clients, I start to think about an easy phrase or description in my head that helps me to define a consistent look with them. For example, I have clients whose closets and lifestyle strike me as Modern Prep or Vintage, Collected Ease, or Casual Comfy Chic.

These words help me to foster a cohesive look for my clients; if something does not fit at all within their style, I question whether it belongs with them. Of course, I go to great lengths to make sure everything they already own can be used, but sometimes we all fall into the trap of buying a perfect shirt or dress...that's perfect for someone else!

Here, what I found with Simmi was that she loves classic, clean lines that are kept young and modern with a twist. For example, a bright color or print or a snakeskin shoe. She also needed fresh, modern outfits that feel like spring is coming and can move into summer, but she also gets chilly easily. I understand that completely since I freeze in my office all summer long, but I don't want to continue to wear things that look like they're too wintery.