Current Mood: Come On, Warm Weather!!!

Current Mood: Come On, Warm Weather!!!

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Amiright?!

The Details

The Details

I took these pictures of my client in a really simple outfit to show how important fit and details can be. On the left is how Jen was dressed when I arrived to help her "shop her closet" since she wanted to focus mostly on work outfits. 

The first thing I said was that if she were going to buy pants in the near future that she needed a size down (or even two). However, since those were the pants she had, we'd work with them, of course! 

First, I pulled them up and tightened her belt. I think women often wear our pants too low, which can cause us to look wider across the hips. It also raised the rise and the pant length to a more appropriate length for her. 

Then I did one of the most important things for most women: rolled up Jen's sleeves! It's amazing what a difference this simple thing can make. The whole shirt suddenly seems to fit her better, doesn't it? 

It's just really flattering to show off the skinny parts of your body: ankles, wrists, neck. For a real outfit, I'd have given her a necklace or bracelets to fill in the space that we created with that neckline and rolled up sleeves. 

I also gave her a military tuck for her shirt, which helped to cinch in the sides. While I might have liked for her to go a size smaller on a new shirt, she also worried about having a gap in the chest if she went a size smaller. A good tuck and some rolled sleeves can make up for that!

That's it, just a few tweaks, but they can make such a difference. Give them a try yourself!

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!

Open Back Tops for Women Who Need to Wear A Bra

Open Back Tops for Women Who Need to Wear A Bra

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Around this time of year, every year, I start to stare longingly at pictures like these. They feel like summer to me--warm and free, open backs and all. Then I remember that I've worn a bra every day since I was 11 give or take a few days when I didn't leave the house or wore a bathing suit all day.

I just never thought I'd feel comfortable in a top with an open back, but lately I've been starting to put those mental images above together with some of these below.

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And this halter beauty, and this one! Do you smell what I'm cooking here? I think there's hope for wearing something like this

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with one of the gorgeous bralettes above. Of course I'm not saying we'll all be doing jumping jacks or anything because they're not going to give a ton of support, but it gives me hope for a boho kind of summer! Want more inspiration? I've got it here.

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

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

UO via Cup of Jo

Recently, Joanna of Cup of Jo posted 9 spring fashion trends (will you wear them?). It got me thinking about whether I think we should all try them out (or not) and, if so, where we might find them for more reasonable price points. First I talked about her first trend: flares. You may have gathered that I love that trend because it's extremely flattering on most women.

Next up for Joanna? Maxi dresses. Joanna says:

2. Maxi dresses. This year, they go ALL the way to your feet (no ankles allowed!), but have slits or bare backs that feel irresistibly sexy. Picks: This, this and this.

Her examples (gorgeous! gorgeous! and a little too much sideboob, respectively!) are $105, $268, and $59. So there's a range, but it's a steep incline up to a pretty high price point for a statement-making dress. My thought on these dresses is this: anytime you wear a dress with a slit uptohere or an open back, it's going to get noticed. That might make it worth the money for you, or it might make you less likely to wear the dress as a staple, in which case you might not want to splurge on it. If you want a video on how to make a double slit skirt at home (and mental notes on how high you want to go-or not!) find one here.

I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of the slit leg on a casual dress. If you're going formal, maybe, but the slit is really awkward to wear on a dress with a flowy skirt in my experience. The bare backs are more doable. Here's a much cheaper white open back maxi dress from Wet Seal.

This one is less open and slightly more sophisticated.

My overall feeling? If you love this trend, you're going to either get a cheap version and wear it a few times, or you're going to need to spend on it. Why not find a gorgeous maxi skirt (there are so many) and pair it with this season's plethora of open back shirts? That way, you can wear the top with shorts or jeans, too.

I'll be talking about open back tops for women who wear bras tomorrow so don't fret.

Next up for Joanna (and for us)? Spring's swing tops. Tune in next Wednesday!

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!