In Search of Ikat Pants

In Search of Ikat Pants

About a year ago, Natalie from The Tiny Closet posted a picture that I haven't been able to forget.

I loved those pants then, and I love them now. I can think of more than a dozen personal styling clients and friends who I'd love to put in these pants right now. The problem is?

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

There was a beautiful old firehouse in Northern Virginia that was recently turned to dust, its location destined for a newer, more modern building. We dreamed that it would be turned into a much-needed breakfast spot, complete with fire pole. For years, we walked the dogs past it, and the firemen would come out to admire them. I felt sad to see it go and caught some pictures on the last day. 

How to Host A Clothing Swap in 5 Simple Steps

How to Host A Clothing Swap in 5 Simple Steps

Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? My mother-in-law is coming to visit us for Easter, and I'm hoping for warm weather, great food, and lots of relaxing.

Last weekend, I was asked by a dear friend (and client) to come help out at the clothing swap/brunch she was hosting. It was so much fun! 

I've hosted a clothing swap usually twice a year in every city I've lived in (Philly, NYC, Houston, Chicago, Northern VA), and this friend attended the one I held around my birthday last October. She picked up on a few keys to hosting a successful clothing swap there--and brought her own party hosting prowess to the table, too!

First, be clear about what you're asking. Invite friends over to a clothing swap. Ask that they bring clean clothing and accessories to the location. All sizes and items should be encouraged, including wild card items that can be used for costumes!

Second, divide up the items by size and category. This weekend, our host had little cards near each area for tops, bottoms, jewelry, etc, and cards showing each size category. This makes it easier for everyone to set their items out when they arrive as well as have a general idea of which areas to "shop."

Third, have something to eat or drink. Our host went above and beyond here with mini egg muffins, a yogurt parfait, scones, veggies & dip, mimosas and more! I've had just wine and snacks before, but it's good to have something for everyone to nibble on. Partly it serves as an ice breaker, and partly people need something to break up the time just trying on clothes.

Fourth, encourage guests to wear a tank top so that they can easily try on tops, but have some areas available (bathroom, closet) for guests who are not comfortable changing in a crowd.

Fifth, provide bags for guests to bring clothing home, and be ready to donate lots of leftover clothing! I think it's smart to let guests know ahead that you'll be donating anything left at the location so that they can decide whether they'd like to give things to family members or donate themselves later. You could always all decide to consign items and donate the proceeds, but that's a lot of work in sorting what things consignment stores will take. Up to you as the host!

That's it! Let me know if you have any questions before you host your own. If you're considering hosting one in the DC area, let me know if you'd like me to come and consult on outfits and choices with your guests. We had so much fun!

Fresh Spring Fashion

Fresh Spring Fashion

It's pretty rare for me to see something in fashion that takes my breath away. Today on Instagram was one of those rare moments. I gasped. Of course high fashion and runway often make me pause, but this gasp was different from the kind of tilting my head to the side and going "Hmmm..." This was more like WOW! LOOK AT THAT! THAT'S NEW! AND WEARABLE!

The reason was this shot from Essentiel-Antwerp.

Not only did I want that top, I wanted it for many of my clients and friends. I love the shape and the color, and I love it styled with those shorts! I was giddy, knowing that the website would have even more clothing like this. My only worry--would they ship to the US?

They do! Through a third party so not cheaply, but they do! And the goodness just kept coming. This shirt looks cut similarly, and I love the boxiness of it with shorts for spring and summer!

Hello, lover. I have seen the idea of a "short suit" created from two bold, matching pieces before, and I love it. I love this particular pattern, and I'd like to see women of all ages embrace the idea of buying double of a great pattern. I bet you'll find options for tops and bottoms this season at H&M and other "fast fashion" spots, too! And if you're not into the bold and bold look, they can remind you how absolutely stunning bold pants can be with a neutral shirt.

And you'll see neoprene dresses in lots of stores, too, so make a note of how to style one casually like they did here!

They don't just do casual inspiration well, either. I love their looks to inspire us all for dressing for the office for spring. For example, I love this slouchy, boyish shirt with this full, floral skirt. Sign me up! I know I can re-create this at home!

And you know how much I love stripes with florals. It's the gateway to pattern mixing because it always works. Every time.

They're styling a lot of sandals that are very trendy right now: Birks, thick soled sandals, and wedges. But, I love their take on these wedges because it makes me want to paint a bright line on the bottom of my cork soled shoes!

Looking for standout wedge sneakers instead? They've got those, too. 

So lessons learned from this post would be: take a second look at shorts that you have and try wearing them in a different way this spring. Try a boxy shirt. Try a pattern that contrasts. Or try wearing a shirt or jacket in the same exact print.

Also, try a boxier shirt with a feminine skirt to work. Extra points for pattern mixing!

Cup of Jo's 9 Spring Fashion Trends: Where to Find Them

Cup of Jo's 9 Spring Fashion Trends: Where to Find Them

Earlier this week, Joanna of Cup of Jo posted 9 spring fashion trends (will you wear them?). It got me thinking about where you'd find them at different price points and how you might make them your own. I'll be addressing each trend in the coming weeks. First up, flared jeans.

Joanna has a couple of suggestions from Nordstrom for $135 and $255.  If you want to spend that much on a trend, go for it. However, I'd suggest something a little different: when trying a trend, even if you've worn it before (in the 70s or 90s for this one), don't try it out in the most expensive version possible. That way, if it doesn't become a staple for you, you haven't overspent. I used to try the cheapest version, and that can also backfire. It might become something you really like, but now you have to buy twice since the quality isn't good enough.

Here are some less expensive ways to try out the flare trend (again).

Since they're so flattering on many body types (the very short woman is one possible exception) given their ability to balance out hips, they can work in dark washes or light. I especially love flares in high waisted version, whether you tuck in a shirt or keep the high waisted secret to yourself.

Try Asos Curve, Kohls (below), or Forever 21 (above) and a lighter wash here for curve sizing.

H&M (below) should always be a thought when you're trying on a trend, and they're on the flares train, too, this season.

Lucky Brand has a skinnier leg with a kicky little flare. So does Asos (below). I love their styling with a simple gray t-shirt. Joanna suggests that all you need to try out flared jeans is 'a striped shirt and braid,' but they can go more edgy than that.

If you're not feeling the dark wash, try Macy's version. Want a low rise? You might go cheaper that route since it's not quite on trend and try Forever 21.

Nordstrom Rack is running out of sizes for their flares (below), but I like the look of this one, especially if styled with spring's slouchier button down, which would be a little baggier than this one.

Next up for Joanna? Maxi dresses. Tune in next time!

Clothing Swap Sneak Peek

Clothing Swap Sneak Peek

On Friday, I'll be sharing 5 tips to hosting a clothing swap, but I wanted to share this adorable picture from the clothing swap that I helped a client friend host at her home last weekend!

My thoughts before hosting a clothing swap are always: hoping people bring enough clothing, feeling relieved to have the emotional weight off my shoulders as I bring clothing to swap (or donate), too, excitement to meet new potential friends and clients, worry that someone will feel left out of sizing or style, interest in what people will bring. 

This swap was no different! I'm so touched to have been asked to come help out, and I loved some of the conversations I had. We had a beautiful conversation about embracing our bodies now and as they are instead of waiting until a day that may never come. I found the references to what our significant others think about our bodies (very positive!) such an interesting contrast to the remarks made about ourselves (much less positive). Maybe we have something to learn from those around us?

Be Inspired By This

Be Inspired By This

I was so inspired by this beautiful mother & father-daughter photography project that I had to share it with you. This couple is dressing up their five year-old as different strong African-American women and documenting it in photography. I've seen riffs on this theme before, but these were particularly powerful.

See more on her father's Facebook page. 

Have a great weekend! I'm spending some quality time with my friends and my little one-year-old "nephew," hosting a clothing swap party for a client, and possibly meeting a styling client in the evening on Sunday, too!

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. 

On Bridal Hair

On Bridal Hair

Did you see this Buzzfeed article featuring women who wore their hair natural for their wedding day? It really got me thinking about something that has been on my mind since we got married a few years ago. While I'm not the first person to write about short hair for brides, I do have a personal experience with this.

Via

At the time we got engaged, I had chin length hair, and I immediately began to grow it out. I think I didn't feel like I really had the option to keep it short. It sounds silly to say that now, but I bought into the idea that I'd have more versatility if I had longer hair. In the end, the way that I felt on our wedding day didn't feel quite like me, and I wish I had at least considered keeping it short or even cutting it shorter.

Via

Of course, a wedding day often feels a bit like theater, not quite like real life, but I wonder if having hair that I identified as my own style would have helped me feel more grounded?

Via

I really love the images I see lately of women rocking their own hairstyles on their wedding days, whether it be short or natural or long and a weave! I hope they feel like themselves. They seem like they do!

Via

Via

My advice to you, whether you're getting married, attending a wedding, or just headed to the salon? Look back at pictures of yourself that you like the most, and start there. You just might surprise yourself! Because, in the end, I loved our wedding, and I DO look like myself, even if the hair isn't quite me. There's no hiding goofiness!

More of our wedding pictures here

Spring (Heart-Shaped) Things I'm Noticing

Spring (Heart-Shaped) Things I'm Noticing

Via

Have you noticed heart-shaped sunglasses popping up everywhere, too? It's one of those things that once I paid attention to it, I saw them everywhere! I love how playful they feel!

Especially when made up to be really pin up girl.

Via

Happy Monday! I heart you!