80s in October!

Just when you think its Fall...

You finally made the switch to sweaters and boots. You get more used to the idea of covering up the feet and legs only for it to be 85 degrees. Now what? Its still Fall so you can't exactly pull out the shorts again. Here's what I suggest for keeping cool while still maintaining a Fall look.

Layer. You know it doesn't start off 80...it started off as 46 this morning. It isn't supposed to get to 85 till 5pm. I am wearing jeans. However, they are a lightweight summer jean. I'm wearing a fitted tshirt under a thin sweater with a fall scarf. As the day goes on, a layer will come off accordingly.

I also suggest some Fall dresses perhaps without the tights. Flats instead of boots so that most of your foot is exposed to the beautiful air. Some sandals are still ok.

Just keep in mind the colors of the season and make that a priority. Saturated colors like burnt orange, deep reds, rich purples, army greens, browns, creams, grays.

Cardigans are the best for this weather...in New England where the weather changes every minute- the on and off of a cardigan is a lifesaver!

Good luck today!

Some Fall Looks

Here are a few shots of what I've been wearing.

First, just a turtleneck sweater with bootcut jeans and dark brown booties. Just a simple fall look.

Next is a nice sweater with a long tank, leggings and tall brown boots. When I went out that night to a friend's house to hang out I added my green waxed cotton jacket.

At my friend's house, she played with makeup and gave me a new look (I realize its not the best picture but I wanted to show the look).

The last look was a dress from work that I added tights and boots to. It was a warmer fall day so the lighter material was perfect!

Fall Fashion

Welcome to Fall! My most favorite time of year! Bring out the boots and sweaters- its time!

Here are some things that are big for this season along with things I just love. Poncho sweaters, fur vests, and tall chunk-heel boots are in. I love fall colors too. The colors that are in for this season are camel, deep reds/purples, and grays.

I love the look of this cross-body too. I've never really been into them until now. Perfect for on the go and hands-free!

I've also attempted breaking the rules. I was told (and continue to tell others) that you can break the rules as long as you act like its the right choice. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Last night I felt like it worked. I wore black leggings, white button-down tunic, gray sweater, and brown boots. Mixing browns and grays was the rule I broke. I also added an army green jacket. I loved it! (Forgot to take a picture but I will and will post soon!)

Have fun- fall is a great time to play with fashion!

This Weekend in Clothes

So I am working with what I have right now. Mixing new and old and taking old pieces and making them work with my new style. So this weekend I worked with purple cardis...

The first purple cardi is with a gray tunic (borrowed from a friend), dark bootleg denim and brown booties. That was for a dinner we went to with friends on Saturday.

The long purple cardi was with a white tee, scarf, medium wash denim, and wheat sandals. That was for church yesterday. (And I got a compliment on the scarf! yay!)

I like simple. I don't like to fuss over my clothes. I felt really comfortable in them. I'd love to buy new clothes- especially for the fall season but this is what I have right now- and it works.

Suggested Amounts

In response to the comment about how much to own...

-Jeans: basic casual wash, darker casual wash, and a dressy denim (nicer "going out" jeans)

-Basic tees, tanks, camis

-Some sort of chino

-A couple sundresses

-One or two cocktail dresses (depending on your lifestyle)

-Cardigans: neutral colors(black, white, navy, tan/brown), at least one color, and at least one print

-Skirt

-White collared shirt

-Nice trousers

I believe anything else is added for fun and variety. Like I have a couple silky tank blouses that are nice for dressing up in a pinch. I like having a blazer to switch up the cardigan look. I would go with some basic pieces and add on to them. Accessories are cheaper (well, can be) and can change the look of an outfit without as much thought.

Think of it as buying a neutral couch and adding colorful pillows and throws. That way it'll be cheaper to stay current.

Hope this helps. If I think of anything else I will add :)

Cost and Worth

This is about finding clothes that might cost some money but in the end will make you feel worth more than you spent.

Don't look at the price tag...if you like a piece, try it on. That's how you will figure out your true style. Don't feel limited on what you can afford. Limiting yourself to trying on only cheap clothes will never solidify feeling like you have a style.

If it ends up being too expensive, you will at least know what works and what is you. You can then find the same type of thing for less money. Find the same style on sale somewhere else. Just shop around. Or wait and save. If you choose to purchase the item(s) you will also (hopefully) not buy as much which leads to less confusion when getting ready. Simplify your closet by only having a few key pieces that make up different outfits.

I had a client that bought her first pair of expensive jeans. (Luckily they were on sale) She said she never realized the difference because she never let herself try the expensive stuff. It made her feel better about herself. Like she was worth more. She was also able to identify her personal style. Hunt for sales of the good stuff- not cheap things cheaper. You'll end up spending the same amount of money (based on how long the cheap ones last verses how long the pricey one lasts). This woman bought cheap cheap cheap jeans her whole life and never loved anything she had. Her first time in the nice jeans she couldn't stop smiling because it made her feel good about herself.

You want to look and feel expensive- not because of status but because it makes you feel worth what you wear. After starting to redo my wardrobe, my new clothes make me feel important. I just feel good about myself. Others will feel that you are more approachable and will enjoy your confident company.

Whether costly or inexpensive, if the garment looks and feels pricey and fits your style- you will feel better about yourself.

Save up and buy smart. You are worth more than cheap clothes.

My Own Revamp

I'm very excited to tell you I did my own closet clean out and am starting over! Finally!

This week I cleaned out my closet of the things I felt overwhelmed with. Too many choices and too many cheap clothes. I bought them because they were cheap and current but they ended up being actually cheap and went out of style as fast as they unraveled. They were way too complicated for me. I knew it wasn't fully my style and tried very hard to make it so. Some of it was, but trying to keep up with current trends left me feeling guilty for spending the family's money so recklessly.

I got the guts to just clean it out like I have so many other women do. Man does it feel good! I was so happy to get them out of there! Clothes hold way too much emotion. My friends are very excited that I am cleaning out the closet so they can benefit from it. I realize that they are still fine clothes but all the frustration attached to them is too much for me to handle.

I started over. Something I've wanted to do for a long time and just didn't know how. I feel like I have found my style. I put these new clothes on and instead of thinking, "well its in and its cheap", I thought, "Wow, I didn't know I could feel so beautiful." Its simple. And I don't have much to choose from which let's be honest is helpful. This is a time where less is more. I actually feel good about myself. I feel like I'm somebody.

It was an amazing weight to let go of. I actually feel lighter. I'm standing taller and taking more pride in caring for my body. Its incredible how clothes can change your whole thought process.

Taking Pictures

So, I've learned in the past year that what I see and what you see are two very different images! There are times I think I have picked a great outfit and then see it in a picture and wish I hadn't walked out of the house wearing it. I've started taking pictures of outfits I am unsure of to see what you see in order to make my decision.

The same goes for shopping. Have you ever bought something at the store thinking it was fabulous and put it on at home only to realize it must've been a skinny mirror in the fitting room? Or maybe even a completely different garment? What happens between the store and home? When you are in the fitting room, take a picture. Walk away. Look at the picture while you're shopping. If you love how it looks in the picture then you'll probably still love it when you put it on at home. It cuts down on impulse buying and you'll appreciate it more.

Easter Dress

Here is my Easter dress. I had planned on wearing it with the papaya cardigan (which had I worn, I would've had my army green watch strap) and then remembered I had the sea mist one. I would've loved my 5 year old's hot pink cardigan but that was a no-go.

I know the lighting makes it kind of hard to see but which one do you like best?

Now the shoes. I wore light brown snakeskin sling backs to church. But now that its warmer and I'm going to my parents' house for a more casual dinner, I'm going to wear a bronze/brown slightly gladiator sandal.

Either way, I'm so glad its sunny and warm!

Happy Easter!

Brights

This is an outfit I put together the other day for work. It had been a long day and while I was trying to get ready the kids were following me, whining and very clingy. Its very hard to get ready when they are like that. I didn't pay too much attention to what I threw together. I liked the colors. The lighting is not so good in this shot but hopefully you can tell they are all bright colors. No where in the cardigan is there teal. But my teal shirt seemed to compliment the warmer colors, hence the combo.

I felt fine when walking out the door. When I got to work everyone had some sort of striped outfit. They all seemed to get some memo that I missed. Everyone seemed to have outfits that flowed. I felt a little left out and "last year". I told a girl at work that I wanted to run to the dressing room and change and she said, "Really? I was just about to compliment you...I love what you're wearing."

Another friend confessed, "Why does it always have to be one or the other? If she looks good, I can't. You know that feeling of always having to be the one that looks good? Why can't we both look good?"

I loved that thought. Yeah, why can't we share that? So, just because I thought the other girls looked better didn't mean I looked bad...just not the same.

In the end, this outfit works. It was a nice pop of color during such a cold and rainy week.

Spring!

So here are a few accessories I've found for spring. I love the simple elegant look right now. I love how clean and crisp these all look. I also love having the delicate looks mixed with some heavier earthy pieces. I had gone very bold with jewelry this past year but I'm looking to go very fine this year. The simple chains with small pendants. And of course my favorite thing for spring this year are the Aviator sunglasses. They are easy glam. Whatever outfit I imagine with these accessories, put on any of those shoes to change the look depending on the occasion. Flats for day, espadrille to spice it up when going somewhere and the heels for a spring/summer date. The belt goes with everything from pants and shorts, to skirts and dresses. I love it! It adds just enough earth to any delicate, girly outfit! I can't wait for spring to finally warm things up!

Shoes- Piperlime.com

Watch and sunglasses- Michael Kors

Ring- Juicy Couture

Scarves, necklace and belt- J. Crew

Before and After

These area few shots of my client. Her before and afters. The tank and jeans are her going out, modern woman look. The library picture is how she dresses as Mom. They both represent her personality. I was amazed at her transformation. How much younger and thinner she looked! She stands taller, smiles more, and has a seemingly new energy about her. I can tell how its changed how she sees herself. I love that she takes time for herself now and she's being a great example to other moms and her daughters.

The next set of pictures are about a shirt she had that she didn't really know what to do with and I showed her how it would look good. The first picture is

about how she thought to do it. Its not bad...but I liked it with darker pieces.

There's nothing cooler to me than transforming how a woman feels through clothes. The power it can have to change your stance and attitude is simply amazing!

All photos by ejr-photography.

Check out ejr-photograhy.com!

the one that touched my heart

"I didn't think I dressed that bad"

"I've actually gotten written up for how I dress at work"

"Its hard for me to like other people because I don't like myself"

"I've just never thought about it"

"Now I understand why I can't get a good job or a good man"

I was watching an episode of What Not To Wear and I'm usually emotional over them because its amazing to see the change in a person when they go through this transformation. But this particular time really struck me.

It was a single mom who was dressing tough and lazy. She looked cheap. Above are the things she said at the beginning of the episode. I'm amazed at how many women settle with their appearance. Most people like to say others aren't even looking at them. Or, they hide. Or, they don't want to be judged. Stacy and Clinton are quick to remind them that its natural to be judged on appearance...we just are. You can't hide from it.

By the end of the transformation, this woman had really thought about everything and changed her ways. Now, I know its not "just" the new wardrobe that she had, but its the way those clothes made her feel. Wearing the right clothes can completely change how you feel, act, and how you are treated.

So, after the show here is what she said:

"I know my friends will be impressed with how I look now"

"I'm gonna have to pick a different type of guy to go out on a date like this with...I'm too good for those little punks anymore"

"I'm going to take the things I've learned and apply it to everyday life"

"Before the makeover I wasn't very confident, but now I am"

"I have respect for myself now where before I didn't have any. I used to fear that my son was going to leave me just like every other man has ever done. But now I know he's gonna love me forever. I have respect for myself now and he sees that and he's not going to leave me"

And my favorite thing she says, the one that really touched my heart:

"Im not going to put up with the booty calls and any of that. I'm going to demand what I'm worth."

Isn't that amazing? A new found strength. She is worth something. We all are. We all deserve respect and shouldn't settle for less. We were all meant to be somebody- not to just blend in and hope not to be noticed. I just think that was such a huge step and I got really excited for her. What a life changing experience for this woman! Not only for herself but the people around her. Especially, her son. He will respect her and other females now since his mom respects herself and expects respect from other men. She is improving their lives.

Yes, true beauty is on the inside...so make the outside match!

Jeans for EveryBody

So, as you can see there are plenty different jean styles. Starting with wide, then flare, bootcut, straight, and lastly, skinny. Skinny was "in" for a long time...longer than I really cared for. I remember going into a store and they only had skinny. Great! If you don't have hips. I do though. And I know a lot of moms do...kind of comes with the job. If you take a look at all these pictures you will see the shape of their body. That's what you want to focus on. You want the jean to fit the widest part of your hips and then go down from there. Can you see that with the skinny jean it emphasizes the hips? So, for those who don't have much in the hip area, this is a great jean for you. I have big hips, I'd say thats the biggest part of my body. But then I remember that I have even broader shoulders! So, regardless, the top half of my body will be bigger. I like wide leg and bootcut. I do wear skinny ankle jeans which can work depending on my top. I don't know why, since it goes against all the rules, but I do it! With flare, it can be tricky. Its very in style right now, but the fact that it inverts by the knees...not always flattering. So, regardless of the style that is current...find what fits your body type. You'll look current just by looking good. Trends come and go. Your body however, that's a different story.

Mom's Transition

A friend recently asked me what to do when you've just had a baby and are in the "in between" stage of your body. Its hard because you finally have your body back only its not the one you remember. It takes time (sometimes a long time) to get back to your "normal" size. If thats not enough, add on being sleep deprived and having a little one that might grab your clothes or spit up on them. What do you wear?

My easiest solution is to shop somewhere inexpensive. This fits both categories. For one, its less money to spend since you don't plan on being that size/shape for too long. Two, is that if its less expensive, it can be machine washed (which means you don't have to worry about all sorts of baby stuff getting on it). The off chance it actually gets ruined- it was just a transitional piece anyway.

I do find it easiest to be mom to little ones while wearing yoga pants. If I'm actually leaving the house that day I will wear something nicer like jeans. You have a wide variety of tops to choose from....just make sure they're easy to wash!

When I was in the transitional stage, I wore a lot of "flowy" tops. Just make sure there is some structure and definition somewhere. If you dress too big then you look big.

Places I suggest are Target, Old Navy, Marshalls, TJMaxx, Forever21, and H&M.

They are all inexpensive ways to be stylish-

perfect for your transition!

If you are concerned with your baby belly, one tip would be to draw the attention elsewhere. Example would be bold jewelry (as long as your comfortable with it around the baby), or fashion scarves. nice shoes... anything that might take the attention away from where you are worried about. Colors help, too! Here are some examples of all that.

Don't wait till you loose a certain amount of weight...you'll be happier if you just dress for how you are at the time. Even if its just two new outfits...make sure you can mix it up and you'll feel confident in how you look. Taking the time to think about your outfits will help you emotionally, too. This all takes a different amount of time for every mom so start small and keep going.

You can certainly still be stylish while being a comfy, happy new mom!

Fat Day(s)

Everyone has 'em. I tend to have them once every other month (and by once I mean several days of that month). This month was no exception. And when I say "fat day" I don't mean I feel fat but look fine, I actually look 4-5 months pregnant. (I've actually fooled people with this...)

I gain a good 5-10lbs during this time and it all typically sits at my belly.

This becomes a problem when most of my bottoms for work are tight skinny ankle jeans. I put on a pair :*( They didn't fit and I'm pretty sure I stretched them out. My shirt showed my flub and I got discouraged. Then I thought how dumb and useless it was to get down on myself. Its not like I ate a bunch of junk food....its my ovary's fault. So, chin up, I grabbed another pair of pants and a different top. It looked totally normal. I looked fine!

I tell women that its not about your weight. You can look good at any size as long as you dress your body correctly. People tell me, "I'll ask for your help when I lose "x" amount of pounds". Why wait? Don't you want to look good now?

So, whatever fat day you're having, just remember you don't have to slub it....you can still look just as good with the right outfit.

Growing Up

I overheard the mother of a dance studio owner/instructor that she always wanted to own a dance studio. She's always loved dance. And when you see shows about famous musical artists or actors, the parents often say, "Its no surprise they do what they do- they've been singing/acting since they were 3!" I have always thought, "What the heck have I done since I was three that I could make a career out of?!" If there wasn't anything I could think of, was I doomed to never have a dream which meant I'd never get to live a dream? For the longest time I thought there must not be a dream since I didn't consistently care about anything for that long of a time. Then I thought of something.

As I looked back at pictures of myself (out to prove how horrible I was at fashion all growing up) I realized I wasn't sooo off. I was just thinking differently than others. I found that I tried hard with what I was given. I remember being in 6th grade English getting made fun of for my pants that were too short. But I went outside the box that day to be fashionable. Those pants went with the outfit. I didn't think EVERYONE would notice how short they were. My other pants just wouldn't do.

Clothes were not at the forefront of my parents' minds. I don't blame them...they had four kids to clothe. But for me, there was always something special about clothes. I usually got hand-me-downs from my older sister which was fine but when my mom bought something just for me- especially a complete outfit- I was thrilled! I loved going to the store and picking things out. I loved back to school and wore the new fall outfit even though it was 75 degrees. Its funny looking back at how much it meant to me over the years. I wasn't always good at it, as the pictures show, but I do remember it being very important none the less. And that I was always determined to get it right.

So, here are some pictures of me as I grew through fashion. If you have a dream, you should go for it. Whether its something that started at a young age or something brand new. Though I do encourage you to look back at what really meant a lot to you over the years...and let me know!

Shoes

There's nothing in the fashion world that makes me happier than shoes. I had written a post about finding that new shoe. I found these heels and bought them for $50 with a couple gift cards. When they came they were beautiful. But (and I never thought I'd say this because it sounds silly) they made my feet look fat. Weird as it sounds, it can happen. So I returned them and somehow got cash for them. I looked around for another pair. I ended up finding these boots for $13! I had set out to find a riding boot but it turns out they look weird on me. So, I bought these. They are more me. And I still have enough money left over to find the sandals or heels I've been searching for.