Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!

Let's dress up and go somewhere fun.

Summer Wedding Guide: Neutral Party Shoes Under $100

Neutral Party Shoes Under $100

I found so many shoes that I loved that I just couldn't fit them into another of this week's wedding posts. I know, I know, you're all terribly disappointed about a whole shoe post. Ha! Oh, and the icing on the cake? They're all neutrals so you can wear them with any of the outfits you have planned for the party (or even that you end up wearing after Plan A doesn't work out). Of course you can absolutely wear shoes in colors to a wedding, but I just found these all to be stunning-and versatile.

Pair with a maxi dress or A-line skirt.

Via

Wear with a menswear-inspired look-or a very feminine skirt or dress.

Via

MAke a pencil skirt more playful or to push a whimsical outfit over the top to fit the party's theme.

Via

Match with cropped pants and dance the night away.

Via

Looking for a hint of soft-serve-ice-cream-color? Try these mint beauties.

Summer Wedding Guide: Maternity Clothes that won't Spend Baby's College Fund

Summer Wedding Guide: Maternity Clothes that won't Spend Baby's College Fund

Via Pink Blush Maternity

I have a few friends who are pregnant right now (!!!), and so I wanted to round up a few great sources of fashion inspiration for you. I have only ever styled one pregnant friend, but if you'd like to be my first pregnant client, please let me know!

Hello Hue knows how to mix colors and get the most out of individual pieces. If you love her clean lines and bright, modern colors, check out Asos maternity line.

The Daybook had the best pregnancy style last time around-and she's pregnant with #2. I can't wait to see what she wears this time.  Her style tends to be trendy and easy-to-wear (she has a son, too). Try H&M's maternity line for similar pieces.

Being pregnant doesn't stop Walking in Memphis in High Heels from wearing, well, heels! Leopard print to be exact. But, follow her for laid back, easy-to-wear style, which reminds me a lot of what A Pea in the Pod has this season for dresses.

The Little Blonde Book shares my love of stripes and hats. So I love her.

I loved this lace top on Cella Jane. I'm looking forward to seeing her style develop along with her bump. Motherhood Maternity, a bit more expensive but great for a gift card for a loved one who is expecting and found in many malls, has quite a few lace dresses this spring.

I can't imagine wearing heels while pregnant for more than just snapping a photo, but if you do wear heels for a more casual special event, perhaps a bridal shower or for brunch the day after the wedding, do it like this! 

Side note: I love how women look when they're pregnant, even if you don't always feel great. Take solace in the fact you can get away with basically anything, in my view! Don't feel pressured to dress up just because these ladies do it for a few photos on their blogs. Just let the images inspire you, then look away and remember how strong you are for just showing up! 

Summer Wedding Guide: Finishing Touches

Summer Wedding Guide: Finishing Touches

Via

If you’re pressed for time (who hasn’t been asked last minute to attend or assist at a wedding?), here are a few wedding-ready-tips I like to keep in my back pocket.

Bring a conversation piece. Even if the rest of your outfit could have been better (even above, she's wearing a simple dress, a plain belt, and a cardigan, but that floral crown and curled hair really make the outfit!), wearing something that women will want to talk with you about cures all last-minute-outfit evils. Think shoes with bows on them, bright lipstick, two or three necklaces worn together, a parasol for an outdoor event, or cowboy boots under a dress. Also, if you plan to use your iPhone to take pictures, consider a fun, cheap case!

Borrow from the Guys. My mother is the queen of the menswear look. She has several tuxedo jackets, and I love when she wears one to a wedding with skinny black pants and a simple white shirt. If you have a really structured white jacket, that can work, too. I also love women in vests-or a tie if you can pull it off. 

Via

Dress Per the Wedding’s Theme. If you’ve been invited to a costume wedding, then that’s a whole other post! But, even the most casual City Hall wedding often has an implicit theme, and if you can capitalize on that, you’ll feel right at home. Take cues from whatever materials you’ve gotten from the couple: an invitation, a website, or just what you were told. If it’s as simple as “Brooklyn, City Hall,” for example, then you know anything quirky and playful is called for. Break out those cat eye sunglasses! Black and white? Play it up in the details! Boho beach couple throwing a bash? You know what to do.

Via

And if the invite is as formal as formal can be (we have a lot of that in DC), check unlikely sources for floor length dresses; I’ve spotted a few great ones lately at Marshalls, Ross, and Nordstrom Rack. And remember my tips from above: a simple black maxi dress can read as a formal dress with the right accessories. When in doubt? Borrow something amazing-or go vintage! I’d much rather end up with a dress I spent less than $50 on and abeautiful little purse or fun watch I’ll use again and again.

Summer Wedding Guide: Yes, You Can Wear Pants

Summer Wedding Guide: Yes, You Can Wear Pants

Via

Don't ignore pants for a spring or summer wedding, especially any cropped ones. I think floor length pants can feel a bit severe for warm weather weddings, but I guess it depends on the pants. If they're bright like the red below, go for it!

If you do decide to wear pants to a special event this spring or summer, I'd recommend following the tips I laid out on Monday.

• Try a special pair that you don't often wear.
• Or, pick something you consider "work pants" and pair them with a bright, patterned shirt) (look at Anthropologie for inspiration, then shop TJMAxx or Marshalls for something similar.
• Try an outfit with several shades of the same color.
• Or, play with colors by using something contrasting on top and on the bottom. 

Via

 Recently, lots of stores have gorgeous patterned pants, and a wedding would be a great time to test a pair out!  Or, wear a really special top that can carry the whole outfit.

If you were my client

Via

You might wear something like the look above to work, and for a wedding I'd then want you to add something special: orange-hued lipstick (pick the best hue for your skin tone here), intricate earrings (love these from Lou Lou Boutique), or a big, bold necklace that brings in some color. I love the idea of that particular necklace since it would bring the blue out in the sleeve but doesn't "match" it exactly.

Oh! And you could also funk up the shoe choice a bit. What about something like this with a color instead of metallic? If you did the blue necklace, why not a contrasting color like a red, orange, green, or yellow? It's always fun to invest in a DIY project that you can wear again later.

DIY via

Since I know you'll ask, ideally, a cropped pair would show off your ankles, accentuating the length and narrowness of your lower leg. And, no, you don't have to wear heels-look at flats or sandals depending on how fancy the wedding seems. One option, if you're not quite sure, is to wear one pair and then switch to a second for dancing. I have a pair of fold up flats (you can find them on Zappos; these were from Gap- I actually wore them for our wedding) that are perfect for fitting inside a small bag in case my feet get tired or I've really misread the formality of the party.

Summer Wedding Guide: Skirt the Issue

Summer Wedding Guide: Skirt the Issue

Via

Try the options I suggested with dresses yesterday but with a skirt you have or are considering purchasing: try something fancier, then make it funky with a more casual piece. For example, what about a floral A-line skirt (like this one from Asos Curve) with a button down or, for spring, a cardigan worn buttoned up like a sweater? What about a statement skirt with a simple silky tank or a shirt you could also wear to work after the wedding? Or a bright skirt like this one paired with a jacket in a similar hue (like the one above!)

Summer Wedding Guide: Inspiration for Brides and Guests Alike

Summer Wedding Guide: Inspiration for Brides and Guests Alike

This week, I'm going to be sharing my ideas for what to wear to spring and summer weddings. I know that I'll have some women reading who are getting married or celebrating a union this season, and I wanted to share some of the most beautiful images I've found with you.

I also find it very helpful to get inspiration from images of other people's weddings. So if you're attending a wedding this year, check out some of these truly gorgeous images to see what folks are wearing. To find your own guest style, you might notice what stands out for you in these images. Then, go to your closet or your local shop and see if you can find something that captures a similar feeling.

Rock N Roll Biltmore Wedding

For example, I'd never suggest that a guest wear an actual wedding guest (unless you've been asked to for some reason), but you might look at something and decide to riff off of it. Love that low back and her messy hair? There's no reason why you can't replicate that with a non-bridal dress-or a top with a nice, low back! 

Via

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did!

Art Deco Austin Party

Rustic Barn Ceremony

East Coast Beach Wedding

Bohemian Gathering

Vintage in the City

City Hall Ceremony

Beach Destination Bash

Rooftop LA Union

Outdoor Farm/Ranch/Picnic Get Together

City Cool Wedding

Edgy Rockabilly Vintage Vibe

Oregon Camping Binding of Hearts

Summer Wedding Guide: Dresses that You Will Actually Wear Again

Summer Wedding Guide: Dresses that You Will Actually Wear Again

My dear friend Rose asked me on Instagram about what to wear to summer weddings. What a good question! They’re not so much on my mind lately since I’ve passed that stage when I had six or seven weddings to attend per summer. But, I’m glad you asked because lots of you are attending weddings this spring and summer, and I have one invite myself!

When I choose clothing to wear to a wedding, I almost always think of the same thing: I want to look (and feel) special, even whimsical. For the couple getting married, this is an incredibly special day, and I want to help to create that magic. I think that’s why choosing something to wear to a wedding can be hard because the usual things in my closet just don’t feel special enough.

That’s not to say that you can’t wear something you already own-not at all! But, I think keeping that sense of newness and wonder in mind can be very freeing, actually.

Let’s think about what you might already have in your closet.

Channel Your Inner 27 Dresses

Maybe you have a really beautiful dress that you haven’t worn yet for one reason or another. If so, pull it out! If it feels too fancy, try it with sandals and a pashmina wrapped around your shoulders to disguise a little bit of the fanciness. Also, remember that people at weddings often look fancier than you expect so it might be just the right thing.

I love this patterned dress, especially for a boho beach wedding. This little striped number would be adorable with a big hat and sandals, too.  

Keep it Simple

If you don’t have a magical dress waiting in the wings, what about something more simple or even plain? I think a solid dress (black is fine for a fancier wedding and in many cities, just check with the hosts if possible before wearing it) can be a great base for a statement necklace or to showcase some long, dangly earrings. Try a classic shape that you can actually wear again, but pair it with a vintage clutch in a bright color for an outdoor Texas event like this one.

Via Modcloth

Do you have a dress that you consider a “work dress” since you’ve worn it so often? The folks at the wedding might not know you in your work clothes so it might be a better option than you think! Pull it out with a necklace that you rarely wear or with earrings that feel just a bit too over-the-top for it. Then, pick a pair of shoes you’d love to wear more often. Got a feathered or floral headpiece? Get it out. Now is the time, especially if one of the brides might wear something like this!

Via

This can also work with a simple sheath or even a gorgeous maxidress. I once wore what looked like a maxi dress but was actually a nightgown to a friend’s wedding. Look around-what is simple and comfortable will put you in the mood for red lipstick and dancing-and isn’t that what every host wants from a party guest? Love this H&M dress, and wouldn't you actually wear a dress like this again?

Or, pull out two pieces that you wouldn't normally wear together. What about the coral dress above with a light pink jacket like this one? Love this drapey option in sizes 14-24. Pair a simple jacket with a statement shirt.

What about adding some texture with a jacket for a chillier spring wedding or a summer wedding by the water?

Via

Print it Up 

Via Nordstrom

 On the other hand, a beautiful print goes a long way at a wedding, and prints often photograph very well, too. Try something long with simple sandals or a wedge (no tripping!), especially if the even it outside. It will be stunning in the wind. For spring, carry a pashmina, moto jacket, or even a structured blazer with you to put on top when the night gets chilly.  Garnet Hill has some of my favorite printed dresses, and they're on sale through May 13. You'll find some gorgeous prints (sizes 8-22) at Simply Be, too. And, if you have the budget for it, no one does print like Anthropologie.

Check back in tomorrow for an exciting release-and for more tips on being your gorgeous self at summer and spring events!

Love.

  

And-welcome back from the weekend! If you want to know what the highlight of my weekend was, check out Love Always Hannah's guide to a perfect Saturday morning near Eastern Market, DC. If you're planning a party or just wanting to make your life more beautiful, start with Hannah. She's truly able to bring out the beauty in the world. Thanks, Hannah, for always making me laugh-and capturing me in the middle of it! Love you to the moon. 

Friday Round Up: Favorite Swimsuits for 2014

Friday Round Up: Favorite Swimsuits for 2014

I'm rounding up a week that included a few summer and beach posts with my round up of current favorites. Some are affordable, others are pie-in-the-sky suits. But, I will say this: they're all gorgeous. I think no matter how much you're spending on a swimsuit, you're more likely to want to wear it if it fits well and is beautiful. And I'm all about getting everyone in the water and romping on the beach!

B&W Beauty

Not only does this suit by H&M have a gorgeous high-waisted bottom that goes along with it, it could also easily be paired with your favorite black, white, or bright bottom. Divine! Want a print that's not B&W? You can't beat this leopard print number.

Even just picking something like black and white can help to narrow down your choices, which might make trying on bathing suits less daunting. Kohls has some great, mid-range options this season! I love the dotted one piece above. I especially like how Kohls has talls and maternity suits, too.

Not Your Teenage Daughter's Tankini

This top is so cute! I've written about my love for layers on a bathing suit before, and it has not waned! As a woman with a chest that needs a bit of support, I used to shy away from strapless, but I have a suit from this store that stays up very well. I think with the middle covered, it can be nice to have a bare shoulder. Also, this is a pricier top, so I'd skip the bottom it comes with a sub in any black bottom (or a red for fun!). If you're looking for straps, this one seems to come in a D cup, too. This Magicsuit tiered ruffle is still my personal favorite-I wear my hot pink one with unmatched bottoms all the time. Kohls has a similar one for far less (in plus sizes, too!) in more patterns. I'm pretty fascinated by this one, too.

Want a strapless bikini and don't need much support? This one is stunning. 

Boho on the Beach

 

The crochet racerback on this pistachio colored suit is what makes it incredible. I can't seem to save that image, but it's worth clicking through to see. Looking for a louder print? Try JCrew.  

Sporty for Petites

I love that this bikini looks like it would actually stay on during swimming, and the smaller cup size is great for my A and B cup friends. But, it's the color and that cool shoulder action that really caught my eye!

A similar show stopping option for A or B cups here or try Old Navy's balconette.

One Piece Marvels

There are so many cute one pieces that I just adore this season! But, pressed to pick a favorite, it would be a polka dot like this one from ModCloth. But, I also love the draping on this beauty from H&M! And this ruched tank from JCrew is just gorgeous.

May Day Sale for Personal Styling Services!

May Day Sale for Personal Styling Services!

 Book a personal styling or personal shopping session with me from May 1-May 5 for $45 (a $75 value). 

This is for a three hour session, or $15 per hour. Does not include mileage. 

Session can take place anytime but you must book during this time period. 

Valid for in-person or virtual sessions.

Can be booked as a gift for another person.

Read comments from my clients here.
Email me to book your discounted session at startclosein (at sign) gmail.com