It's Officially Fall And It's Still Hot...What Do I Wear?!

It’s officially Fall and it’s upwards of 85 degrees in Florida! This is the time of year when I miss New England the most. I miss the leaves changing colors and the drops in temperature. I miss wearing chunky sweaters paired with boots and lighting fires. I especially miss Fall in New England when I have to remind myself that it is in fact October here! It’s still sooo hot. There isn’t a transition into Fall Fashion and we don’t have “sweatah weathah” yet.

Our first Halloween in Florida. I remember how odd this looked to me.

I remember selling our snowblower to a man relocating from Florida to CT. His exact words to me were “You’re kids are going to hate it, it will be too hot to wear Halloween costumes!” My reply to him? “Well, yours will be as equally unhappy because they will have to wear a coat over theirs!” Well, as much as I know I was right, he was right too! We have been pretty fortunate this Fall, it has been much cooler for September than I can remember in the past couple of years.

So, how do we dress for Fall and still keep cool until the temps drop a bit? Here are a few of my tips to look “Fall” in warmer climates and still keep cool.

Not quite ready for a full on boot…I suggest bringing out mules of all heel heights.

Link to Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&SMgqj

I have tried wearing boots when it was 80 degrees and I thought I would die. Not only was it too heavy, but it was too hot! My suggestion here would be to wear backless shoes and boots known as mules. There are so many cute styles right now and lots of heel heights. Your toes are covered so you feel like you have a full boot on but your heel is out so you’re still cool! Can’t beat that!!

Wear lightweight, short sleeve or sleeveless toppers.

Link to Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&SrUs5

I pull out very light, airy toppers. Kimono style toppers always add a nice finish to a tank/tee or shorts/denim. Choose kimono’s with deeper jewel tones to feel more “Fall.” Vests are always a great option because they add the 3rd piece of interest to complete a look (without a lot of weight). My favorite is this short sleeve denim jacket…it doesn’t owe me a penny!!

Speaking of Color…Choose tees and tops in Jewel Tones. The weight will still be the same but the color will make you feel like your seasons are in fact, really changing.

Link To Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&S3EiX

Solid colored tees are always very easy to find. They will easily coordinate back with neutral bottoms or jeans. Finish it off with a cool rayon fabric scarf or wrap.

Choose Cotton/Poplin Casual Pants instead of Shorts.

Link To Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&SaJLJ

I’m always a fan of cotton/poplin pants for a casual look. Khaki is a great neutral option but I love the deep hues offered for Fall. This denim skirt is super cute and can take you almost anywhere too! There are many crop pants out there with fun side stripe details to add a little flair. Consider it a nod to the military trend that’s so popular right now.

Bring out the “Winter Whites” and soft neutral tones.

Link To Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&S5pU8

This is not to say that I don’t think you can wear white or it’s wrong to wear white. I personally just don’t wear white come October(ish). I love pulling out winter whites and creams and combining them for an overall soft tonal look. The lighter colors will certainly be cooler but the layered look will “feel Fall.”

If you’re experiencing your own “personal Summers” and the thought of trying to “transition to Fall” in the higher 80 degree temps just isn’t your thing….

Link To Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&SBtA0

There is always changing up your nail color!

I hope you enjoyed my Transition Picks! See you next week when I’ll chat with you about Fashion Regrets!

Fashionably yours,

PS Little heads up…some of my suggestions may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more but I may earn a small commission, which helps my keep the lights on! Thank you!

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What Is The Value In Hiring A Stylist And Will It Actually Save You Money?

How often do you feel like you have nothing to wear, and at the same time feel like you have no room in your closet? Hiring a stylist might be the best thing you could do for yourself. 

How often do you feel like you have nothing to wear, and at the same time feel like you have no room in your closet? Hiring a stylist might be the best thing you could do for yourself. 

I bet you’re thinking… well, what will a stylist really do for me? Why should I spend money on a stylist? I should be able to do this myself. It shouldn’t be that difficult. We all have that kind of guilt now and again; the one that makes you feel bad for not being SuperWoman.                                                           

Of course, you can do anything if you put your mind to it. However, you wouldn’t think twice about hiring a caterer for a wedding, or a carpenter to renovate a room. Leaving things to a professional relieves the pressure and stress. Watching the way someone works through the process can teach you a lot.

It may not be something you need every time you get dressed. You may choose to do it once a year or seasonally. 

So, why hire a stylist? Where is the value in it? 

Stop the Madness-Never say “I have nothing to wear again” and save money in the process!

Throughout my years as a stylist, I’ve found that one of the most common problem for women is repetitive buying. So many clients have told me how much I’ve helped them end the cycle of buying repetitive looks. 

Gravitating back to the same old designs and colors that you are comfortable wearing doesn’t refresh your look, nor does it save you money. In fact, it perpetuates the feeling of “I have nothing to wear.”

It can be frustrating to look at your fully stocked closet and feel like you can’t find anything to wear. If your wardrobe is getting larger and you still find it difficult to find variety, it’s because as you continue shopping for new looks, you inevitably end up purchasing things that look very similar to what is already in your closet. The vicious cycle continues!

With a fresh set of eyes on your wardrobe, a stylist can tell what items are being purchased over and over. We often tell clients “Do not buy ANY MORE black trousers!” or ”You don’t NEED another white tee shirt!” Having a stylist take an in depth look at your style and your wardrobe will bring you variety and comfort knowing that you have different options to wear.

Shop Your Closet! Have a curated closet tailored to your style, getting use out of pieces you already own!

I know it sounds obvious, but it’s more complex than you may think. A stylist will take you through your wardrobe and discuss what’s getting the most use and what you aren’t using and why. She will pair your items in different ways to create more looks.

This is where you will together determine where to allocate your budget. Think of it as a trip to the grocery store. You wouldn’t go to the store without a shopping list and your closet should be no different. What are you missing? What do you need to purchase to complete more looks in your wardrobe.

Sometimes a single piece of clothing can look entirely new when styled differently. Adding a piece of statement jewelry to a simple navy dress can transform it in seconds. Wearing a shirt dress as a duster with jeans may bring your dress back to life.  

Another problem I see is women buying outfits they feel they should be wearing, rather than styles they love. It may be tempting to follow trends to the letter and create an eclectic collection of outfits, but if you’re not in love with what you’re wearing...you may never wear those clothes or more importantly never feel yourself in them. We dig deep to determine your style, or styles so that this doesn’t happen to you!

Time...Precious Time.

Hiring a stylist won’t just save you money, it will save you time. Think of the time you spend getting dressed in the morning, how long does it take you to pick out an outfit? It may feel like a daunting task, so oftentimes we fall back on the same old outfit just to save time. If you already have outfits planned beforehand, that is extra time you could be giving to other aspects of your life like spending time with your children, partner, and meeting your friends for coffee before work.

Working with me, you’ll have access to an exclusive app that makes this process much less frustrating. The app allows us to  photograph each item of clothing in your wardrobe and then pair them together  into “lookbooks.” (Catalogues of looks we create from your wardrobe!) We can create looks for specific occasions; evenings out, luncheons, or even PTA meetings. It takes the the guesswork out of finding the style you want to wear for the day, and the time you save on all that planning can be put towards many other things. This is all on your phone or tablet, right at your fingertips. You don’t have to stand in your closet trying to figure it out!

My Process. Feel the Frustration Drain Away.

We will work together to fill out an extensive questionnaire. This will help me get a real taste for your lifestyle, personality, likes and dislikes. Then, we will spend a couple of short hours delving into your wardrobe to see what can be re-styled, and what needs to go. Taking the time to “shop your closet” will help you become in tune with what potential outfits are in there and will save you a lot of time in the long run.

I love getting to know my clients. Putting a finger on why you need to rework your closet is key to how the journey progresses. We often times become good friends because I take the time to get to really know you, your style and your comfort level. In turn I like for you to know that I take the time to listen and not just create a look for you but help you discover what your look is!

Fashionably yours,

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Taking Runway to Everyday...Fall 2019

How will you wear your skin and animal prints this Fall?

Spring and Fall are my favorite times to watch the upcoming Fashion. The runway shows and extra large editions of my “go to” fashion magazines are packed with the newest designs. I love seeing the artistic expressions from so many designers. I’m not a “trend chaser.” I look to new seasonal “trends” for inspiration. I think it’s important to change up a wardrobe seasonally and find different ways to wear basics. If there happens to be a new look I’m attracted to, I like to find ways to incorporate it into every day life.

A couple of weeks ago I talked about some of the Fall 2019 trends that caught my eye. (I also talked about the ones I’m staying away from!) This week I will be sharing my way of translating these looks to every day life.

The items below are pieces I found that work well going from casual to work and then out to dinner. They are all takes on Runway looks that are showing up everywhere. With a few tweaks, like changing from denim to trousers or kicks to pumps these items can be so versatile. You’ll also find that some of the pieces I share overlap on more than one trend!

Suit Up And Strong Shoulders.

This is one of my favorite looks. I absolutely love using a topper on any outfit. It always makes me feel so complete. The navy blazer comes in a variety of colors and is a knit fabric. It is super comfortable and is under $100!

Checks and Plaids.

Checks and plaids when done right are timeless. I love how each of these has a unique point of interest. The kelly green in the pant would be beautiful during the holiday. The patchwork trench will do more over any outfit than just your average camel colored basic! The window pane cardigan will go miles…literally. On the plane and then mixed with skirts and denim for different looks when you’re off the plane

Dark Florals.

Why keep florals for Spring and Summer? When using darker prints or backgrounds, florals can add just enough color to bring some fun to your Fall and Winter wardrobe.

Showing Your Spots.

Every Fall Season animal and skin prints make their way back onto the runway. I am especially impressed this Fall with the added colors to the traditional prints. Check out the zebra print maxi dress below! The blouse below from CAbi mixes florals with skins. This is an example of overlapping trends.

Trench Coats.

I love how unique these two trench coats are. Anyone can show you a basic khaki trench. Why not have your topper say more about you than I need some protection from the rain!?

Lovely In Lace.

When adding lace to your outfit, keep everything else simple.

Maxi Skirts.

Maxi skirts and dresses are almost always for the warmer months. Not these! I love the weight of the knit ones. Paired with boots and turtlenecks they will go well into Winter.

It’s Not Easy Being Green.

I love green as an accent color. This Tory Burch Cross Body Bag doubles as a wallet if you ever tire of it as a bag!

Camel and White Combo.

Probably one of the richest trends right now. I love how classy this combo looks. I can’t wait to try it out!

And, finally Knits.

Knit pieces can last a lifetime when cared for properly. This turtleneck dress is timeless. There’s that navy blazer again! Wait until you see all the colors it comes in. Don’t miss it!

If you’d like the links to the catalogs above, sign up for my weekly emails below and I will be in touch. I’d be happy to share them with you and show you how my new virtual closet works. We share your personal items in an app and I help you create outfits from your existing pieces. I can also suggest new pieces to change your looks around! I am so excited to share this with you!

Fashionably yours,

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How To Stay Cool and Still Dress Professionally!

I miss the days of a professional look. Even when I was in retail and had more leeway with my clothing, I loved “dressing for work.” It’s no secret that, upon first glance, people “size you up” and make assumptions about you based on “how” you look.

I just talked about this in “Teaching My Teens How They Dress Matters.” I tell my kids all the time, it’s important to think about what you wear and what it says about you. When working in a professional environment, you should dress how you want to be perceived: knowledgeable, mature, and experienced.

I have to apologize. How could I go through Summer and tell you how to dress cool in the steamy heat without covering professional dress?!

So, how’s your summer wardrobe? I don’t mean your weekend casual looks of sundresses and beachwear. I have been thinking about your office. Life in Florida can be so casual that I often forget about professional dress! I met my friend a couple of weeks ago, outside an office building, to snap some photos for the blog. I was a little early, so I was walking around looking for some areas to take pictures. I couldn’t help but notice women coming in and out of the building and what they were wearing. It was upwards of 95* but I was surprised by their outfits. Flip flops? Really? Ribbed cotton tank tops? It is fair to say that I don’t know how “casual” the offices were in the building and there are so many office “dress policies” maybe this was “ok?” Maybe not.

You might not be the woman wearing flip flops or tank tops. However, you may find it difficult to find items that will keep you cool and also look professional. If you aren’t sure, follow my list of guidelines below to help you dress in a professional manner that will also help you stay cool.

So, here it is, my list of Do’s and Don’ts for the office.

• No Flip Flops, or for that matter any sandal that exposes all of your toes.

• No Shorts.

• No Spaghetti Strap Tops. No Tops where any part of your bra is exposed.

• No Mini Skirts. Skirt lengths are difficult because there are so many and even really long skirts can look unprofessional. I would suggest going as close to the knee as possible.

• No cleavage.

• No strapless tops, strapless dresses or tube tops.

• No sheer fabrics, unless it’s a top with a cami underneath.

• No to anything that has a naturally wrinkled look. I love the lightweight washable linen items but save those for the weekends.

Okay, so what’s left?

• Peep toe pumps, wedge peep toe shoes, loafers, ballet flats.

• Ankle pants

• Breezy blouses. Washable silks are always great because they don’t have to be dry cleaned and are super cool.

• Sleeveless knit tops or blouses. Be sure to look under the arm to make sure your bra doesn’t show.

• Pencil skirts.

• Lightweight fabrics and lighter colors are important

• My favorite professional, keep cool items to recommend are dresses. They are the easiest items to wear, they don’t require extra layers. If they are sleeveless you can always add a cardigan or blazer to wear over them in the ac.

I love dresses so much I created a “catalogue” of looks that are all shoppable. You can access them here…Professional Summer Dresses!

These are the dresses in my shoppable catalogue-Professional Summer Dresses!

While I will always select the best items for you, some of the links included may be automatically affiliated. This helps support my business. If you choose any, thank you!

Happy Shopping and Keep Cool!

Fashionably yours,

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"Which Shoes Should I Wear With This Outfit?" The Best Shoe Styles To Pair With Today's Most Popular Pants.

I wish I had a dollar for every time I have been asked “What shoes should I wear with this?” It never fails, we find the perfect outfit to wear and we get so excited! Then we start to think about what shoes will complete the outfit!

I hear this all the time from clients. I can’t possibly cover the right shoe for every outfit in one blog post, so I’m going to start with trousers and jeans.

As with all of my styling advice, the first question I ask is where will you be wearing this? It’s important to think about the setting when considering my suggestions below. Once you know where you’re going, you can decide on the level of dress and heel height.

Then we pick the shoes!

For Cropped Skinny/Tapered Leg Pants…

I would suggest any of the following shoes for this style. Be sure to wear your cropped pants right at, or just above, the ankle.

The cropped skinny pant is one of my personal favorites because it is so versatile. If your crop pant is denim or a more casual fabric, sneakers, ballet flats or even “loafers” are great options. You can also choose a wedge, ankle boot (closed or open toe) or heel if you want the height. If you choose a boot or wedge, I would stay with a simple style so you don’t disrupt any look that would elongate. I would steer away from ankle straps for the same reason. Be sure, when wearing a boot, that your pants and boots don’t touch. When your pant bunches up against the top of the shoe it draws your eye right to that point instead of elongating.

Here are some suggestions for the cropped ankle pant/jean.

Suggestions for the Crop Ankle Pant. Everything here works well with denim and casual pants. For a dressier look opt for the suede mule, snakeskin or leather options.

For Full Length Skinny/Tapered Pants…

If your skinny pant is full length, shy away from the flats and definitely no sneakers. I would also suggest a simple heel. It doesn’t have to be high. If you opt for a boot, try something that hugs the ankle like the one below.

Suggestions for Full Length Skinny Pant… If you must do a flat keep it very simple! Again, ankle hugging boot to elongate the leg.

For Crop Boot Cut…

A simple sneaker with this crop boot cut works, just remember to keep the colors similar.

Make sure the flare is just above the ankle bone. If it’s too short you will look like you have “cankles” and if it’s too long it won’t look right with any shoe. I recently had a flare crop jean that didn’t work with any shoe because it was too long. I finally had it hemmed and I was able to wear it with quite a few shoes in my closet!

I often choose a more simple shoe for this look. Choose a ballet flat or a basic sneaker. A wedge, mule or block heel could also work. If you opt for a shoe that has more detail along the vamp, try to keep the colors similar between shoe and pant. (See photo at top of post)

Suggestions for Crop Boot Cut.

Notice how the tip of the boot is the only part of the shoe that shows!

For Full Length Boot Cut…

No flats here. This cut needs a heel, even if it’s just an inch. I always keep my boot or flare pants a little longer so that I have more shoe options. I made the mistake of cutting one of my favorite jeans too short and now I can only wear them with a 1” cowboy boot. When choosing a heel height you want the pant to skim the top of your shoe like in the picture to the right.

Suggestions for Full Length Boot Cut Pants/Jeans or Wide Leg Palazzo Pants

For Wide Leg/Palazzo Pants…

For a more casual wide leg you can try a platform sandal or sneaker.

I would always choose something with height! If it’s a super casual pant like the “sweatpants” to the right, then a platform can keep the look casual but still give you height. It doesn’t have to be super high but should give you a lift to compensate for the flowy fabric.

Any of the shoes shown above for Full Length Boot Cut would work for Wide Leg Palazzo Pants too!

For Boyfriend Jeans…

With my favorite boyfriend jeans and one of my boyfriends ;)

I love Boyfriend jeans because they are also pretty versatile! I prefer to always wear my boyfriend jeans rolled. At some point I’ll offer a video on my “rolling techniques”! Pair these with all sorts of fun sneakers, ballet flats, heels, wedges and ankle boots. Remember to roll enough so the jeans and boots don’t touch!

Suggestions For Boyfriend Jeans.

I know this is a lot of information so I’d love to offer a Free Consult. Sign up to receive my weekly emails and I will contact you to make some suggestions for a pair of pants that have you stumped. I will work with what you have in your wardrobe. If we can’t find something there I will make some suggestions! If you’re only interested in the links to some or all of the shoes in this blog I can send you those too! Even if you’re on the email list sign in below. I’ll make sure you don’t double up!

Fashionably yours,

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