Take a walk on the wild side - how to tastefully wear animal prints!

I love animal prints but always hesitate to wear them…I feel like someone is going to confuse me with Peg Bundy of Married with Children!

So, let’s do this tastefully! Animal prints are beautiful and we shouldn’t have to worry about looking tawdry!

The key to wearing any print is to wear it simply. Make the print the focal point and don’t add a lot of extras. Keep the jewelry, handbag, and coordinating clothing items paired down.

I love the look of this high slit Topshop python (ok, it’s a reptile but I’m keeping it in the “animal” class for today). high waisted skirt. I always want to be able to take things from casual to dress. And, this skirt is super versatile. I paired it with my Fall obsession accessory color, burgundy ankle sock booties from Steve Madden. Super comfortable and I love how the “sock” grabs the ankle and keeps the leg line smooth. Dress it up with a bow blouse and sling back or simple pump.

Another Topshop fav!! Under $100 this python can take you from luncheon to dinner out! Super flattering side -zip, waist accentuating band. Two slits over each leg are pretty flattering and not over the top high!

Is all this print a little too much for you? How bout a simple scarf tied into a low pony. I love the oblong length of the one from Cabi’s Fall/Winter line this year. It’s great wrapped around the neck and tied on the side with sweaters or blouses. Don’t hesitate to wear it with denim either!!

I find the easiest way to bring in an animal print is with a tote or handbag. This one from White House Black Market is a great pattern. I would wear it year round and as a neutral. The soft white background and gold accents make it easy to go from everyday errands to a night out. And, who doesn’t love a tassle?!

I’m not necessarily a big AC/DC fan but I loved the orange accent on this tee and in the Summer, in FL, for me there is no better way to keep cool than with a tee and capri’s or shorts. I like to add graphic tees as my interest piece. And, why not take the “Highway to Hell” by throwing a leather jacket over the whole look for Fall?!

So, release your inner Peg and add a little roar or hiss to your outfit and have some fun!

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Do you have "Winter Clothes Fatigue?" 10 tips to help you get out of the Winter Doldrums.

“Winter clothes fatigue,” according to Chacha Olivia, is the frustration brought on by the short Winter days, lack of sun and freezing temps that have one wearing the same items over and over. One is dressing to stay warm and not dressing for joy. “WCF” can bring on feelings of boredom and sometimes “meh.”

Having been in Florida for almost 4 years now, I often forget the feeling of dread I would have waking up in the morning. I remember not wanting to get out from under the covers. The chill when your feet hit the floor goes right through you! Your outfits revolve around what will keep you warmest as opposed to what makes you feel alive and bright! I guess I could equate it with how I feel in Florida in October? Maybe not.

So, my friends living in cold climates, what are you to do?!?!

Here are some of my tips to make you feel a little lighter and cheerier. And, if you don’t experience “Winter Clothes Fatigue,” you might want to try them anyway! A midseason refresher is always a good idea! And, some of these don’t even involve clothing!!

1 Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. There is nothing like feeling moisturized in the dry heat of our homes. If your salon offers a paraffin treatment…go for it! Choose a light color or even a bright one.

2 Go for a facial! Choose one that will offer extra hydration. Pampering ourselves is great any time of year!

3a and 3b Take all your salt stained boots and shoes to the cobbler for a freshening up! This one is pretty simple. I always feel better when I have repaired or refreshed items that were in desperate need of some TLC! Clean your Winter Outerwear. Dry clean your winter coats and wash your fleece pullovers and jackets. Over the course of Winter, outerwear can really take a beating. You will feel a lot fresher when things are clean.

4 Try wearing some scarves as an accessory to your outfit and not just a way to keep warm. Look for different ways to tie them to freshen things up. I love this video from Wendy's Lookbook and it’s quick! 25 Ways to tie a Scarf! In under 5 minutes :) (I would also suggest following her…she’s amazing!) The important thing to remember is to use different scarves! Don’t be an outfit repeater…go dig out another scarf in your closet…I bet you have one!

Shopping at Vagabond Apparel in North Palm Beach, FL. Love this great little Valentine cashmere sweater from Minnie Rose. Perfect pick me up, even in Fl!

5 Purchase a “pick me up!” Find a good sale at one of your favorite stores and purchase a new sweater or matching hat/gloves and scarf set. Choose a bright color or something that makes you smile.

6 Start looking at new Spring trends. January is the best time to start checking out Spring fashion trends in magazines. What is the new Pantone color of the season? Are prints going to be small or large? What are the heels and toes like in the new shoe trends? Keep a list of things you may want to add to your wardrobe. Spring lines hit the stores in February…the best bags and shoes come out early and they sell out quickly! Act fast!

7 Try layering different items of clothing in your wardrobe. Tired of wearing the same old sweaters? Don’t really want to purchase any more “cold weather attire”? Try layering a short sleeve tee (maybe a fun graphic) over a solid long sleeve tee. Pair it with your favorite denim. Thinner items can offer a lot of warmth too. You can also check out my post "Are You An Outfit Repeater?"…and see different ways to “shop your closet” and get more use out of the items in there!

8 Try out a new fitness routine. Have you tried spinning or Pilates or how about Lagree? Try out a free intro class and wear some fun athletic wear-NOT BLACK! 

9 Plan a Winter getaway. Start packing or creating a list of what you’ll bring. See my "Not your Average Pack Like a Pro" Post. This will brighten your spirits and give you some warm weather to look forward to. Nothing like getting off a plane and feeling the sun on your face and looking up at the palm trees!!

10 Not traveling? Host a party! Serve some signature summer cocktails (with umbrellas), offer up a great summer music playlist and a fun game of limbo! Encourage Summer attire…even if it’s a hat or Hawaiian shirt. Maybe you can plan it around that new Spring outfit you just picked up!!! (wink wink)

Whatever you do, hang in there, Spring is around the corner!!

January is the best time to look at magazines for Spring Fashion Trends.

Start thinking about what you’d like to add to your wardrobe this Spring.

What needs to be replaced? What needs to be updated?

Theo-Chacha Olivia

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Back to School and New Starts.

Every start to the school year is like New Year’s Day to me. It’s a time to reflect on new beginnings, not just for my children and for us as a family but for what I’d like my school year to look like. It always involves exercise plans, cooking healthier meals, cleaning out closets and organizing our home. How exciting, right?!  

This Fall there is a lot more on my mind. Our son is starting to look at high schools and our daughter is starting middle school! What happens when those “guppies” (as I call them), leave for school and it’s not the drop off line, it’s college drop off?! It’s not like I never thought this day would come...it’s just getting here a lot faster than I anticipated.

I guess this is the  “oh boy-what am I going to do with the rest of my life when they are gone?” phase. I suppose if I had been working all during my motherhood years this wouldn’t be such a difficult question?  Maybe not? But it certainly has made me really reflect on what I love most. What brings me joy? What is my “why”?  

My life and clothes…

I don’t know about you but I can’t remember a time when what I was wearing or what I was going to wear wasn’t important to me. I recall past events by first remembering the outfits that I wore to them! I have friends that can totally relate to this and others who love me in spite of it.

As a child, I remember loving certain outfits and the way they made me feel. I can recall certain shoes and how exciting it was to get new ones! I would wear layers upon layers of necklaces and the jazzier the earrings, the better! And don’t even get me started on Halloween!!! NO COSTUMES FOR THIS GIRL! I just wanted to dress up and call myself a princess. I think you get the point and I could go on but there are a lot of examples because I’m 51 and that’s a lot of ground to cover!

It’s probably important to tell you that not much has changed in this area...I still have favorite outfits, shoes still excite me, I don’t pile on the jewelry like I used to but I’m not afraid to add a couple of extra bangles. I still hate wearing costumes on Halloween. The good news is..I don’t refer to myself as a princess anymore!

So, now what?

Although I majored in Psychology and minored in education, all of my working career was in women’s retail...jewelry store, bridal salon/European clothing boutique, intimate small designer boutiques. I even worked an “out of the home” clothing business for a while.

In every single one of these roles the most important thing to me was helping women find the item or outfit that made them feel really good about the way they looked. I would help them plan outfits for special events and for traveling. I took the stress out of their lives when it came to coordinating their clothes. They would come back and tell me about their event or travel, show me pictures and tell me about how comfortable and confident they felt in their choices. I loved that my customers became my friends. I met them when their children were small and watched them become empty nesters. I mostly enjoyed watching their style and self-image evolve!

Throughout all of my childrearing years I have had friends and family rely on me to help them find the outfit, pick the shoes and plan the wardrobe for the trip or even the season. It is no longer just about me and my love for fashion. It has evolved into a calling to help women find items and wardrobes that are unique to them and their stories. This brings me so much joy.

I’ve realized that, just like the new school year is a fresh start for my kids, it’s time for me to create a fresh start for myself.

The signs are all there.

People have always asked me…”when are you going to open a store?” I come up with excuses all day long. “The face of retail has changed”, “I’m too busy, how could I pull it all off?” “I don’t want to miss out on anything with my kids.” I see retail vacancies in great locations and think “that would be a great spot for a store” and lo and behold, a couple of weeks later there is a store going in!

And then one day, my husband and I walked into a local coffee shop. There was a woman there who paints inspiring messages on rocks and leaves them around North Palm Beach for people to find. She was telling us her story. She took a rock out for each of us, a complete stranger, and handed me one that was painted with “dream”.  My eyes filled. My husband noticed (he’s one of my biggest fans) and here we are!

So, a new journey begins...Chacha Olivia

Named for my daughter’s nickname as a toddler, Chacha Olivia is my new start. It’s my way to take my many years of buying and personalized styling experience in the fashion industry, and help women (initially through the online world) find a refreshing, effortless and authentic shopping experience.  

Through my blog, I will help you identify and develop your unique “look” through fashion advice, wardrobe building, wardrobe deconstructing, closet organizing, travel/packing planning and event specific outfit planning.

During  my travels I always seem to “find” wonderful artists and small designers and I’ll bring those special items to an online boutique section. (I tell my husband “it’s not shopping-it’s doing research!”)

I will highlight some of my favorite designers and introduce you to some of their newest pieces so you aren’t the one having to search! I will also introduce you to my “go to” retailers so that you can see why I am so inspired by them.

I will be on the lookout for a physical location to house Chacha Olivia. My dream is to have a spot for you to come and try and touch and feel! Online is convenient but personalized service is so important to me and I want to share that with you!

Please follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

I look forward to seeing you there! WE are going to have a lot of fun!!

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I don't feel like being a fashionista today.

Today was just one of those days. I wanted to throw on my skirted leggings, my “people matter” tee and layer it over a shelf tank, no make-up and my Birks. This is what I like to call my “walk the dog” outfit.

So, what’s wrong with that?

Wait, I’m supposed to be a fashionista and an influencer! I’m supposed to inspire people to look their best and put together great looking outfits. These days don’t happen often. But, it happened today and in retrospect, I’m glad it did.

“Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing. ”

— Alexander Wang

Why didn’t I want to put in the effort today? I knew I had one errand after drop off and then I would be home for most of the day, doing laundry and working in my office. It was getting late, I had to get the kids to school and, then the whole thought process and idea of “what to wear” started to snowball! I was having flashbacks to my childhood when my mom would run to the market for a couple of quick things, in a different version of my “walk the dog” outfit. She would almost always come home with an “Ugh, you’ll never guess who I bumped into?!” So here I was, ready to head out and bump into that person who you just don’t want to bump into when you’re in your “walk the dog” clothes.

So, what did I wear?

Just that…the comfy, goto, Sunday morning, walk the dog outfit. And, I did bump into someone and she actually commented on how cute the whole look was!

I realized a couple of things today…

Keeping it real on this site is very important to me. Every day is not a fashionista day. I won’t pretend that it is. And, that just may mean a day without makeup or a day in my workout gear (or “walk the dog”) outfit all day long (shudder).

Most importantly, I don’t want anyone to feel like they have to follow a trend or have the latest and greatest from whatever fashion week just happened all the time. I want women to realize that life is life…sometimes you chauffeur, run errands and cook dinner!

So what is my style advice here? Get yourself a couple of really cute “walk the dog” outfits! You know, for those days when you will be home most of the day, or maybe just going to Home Depot or Target! Let’s find some pieces that can be casual “go to” pieces that you will feel comfortable and polished in!

Start with your most comfortable bottoms…and no, I don’t mean your sweatpants that you might wear when you’re home sick! Remember, the goal here is to not worry about bumping into someone and feeling that “ugh” feeling. Maybe stretch jeans are your “go-to” — I would aim for tapered legs so that you can wear flats, sandals, sneakers of even a boot. Here are a couple of my favs…

1. The Farrah/high waist/ankle skinny…great with a multitude of tops. Anything from sweaters to tees and blazers. The tapered and fitted style allows it to go from sneakers and boots to pumps. The stretch in this particular cut from AG makes it super comfortable!

2. I also love a more relaxed boyfriend look. Again, great belted with tees or sweaters and blazers. Lots of different shoe options here too! (This rolled hem works even in the colder climates).

3. Finally, if denim isn’t really comfy enough for you….try these…one of my “fav go-to’s” The skirted legging from Athleta. I love this look because you have the comfort of leggings but won’t look like you never got home to shower after the gym!

Then I’d aim for comfy tees or sweaters. I don’t like to bulk up if I’m running errands or cooking. So, here I would suggest tops where the sleeves can be pushed or rolled up.

4. I am a big fan of Wilt Clothing. Their tops wash and wear really well and they have little extra flair. This one has a cute uneven hem and I love the button detail. I like this one for the denim options. There are many other options to choose from so check them out!

5. I always like to have one item that makes me smile or feel unique. It can be as simple as a statement earring/necklace, scarf or graphic tee. Something like this from Chaser is great for the cooler climates. It has a little more of a sweatshirt feel and adds a little bit of interest with the graphic. There are always lots of graphic options from Chaser so check them out too!

6. I am a huge fan of this top from Athleta! It is so flattering with the little ruching on the side. (Hides my own “personal ruching) Great with the Athleta skirted legging above. Add a scarf or this…

7. little open cardi, the “nirvana wrap,” to top it all off!

8. Don’t feel like layering up? I love the simplicity of this little knit sweatshirt — isn’t the bubble sleeve cute?! Cute and comfy! And looks like a sweater!

Finally, let’s talk shoes! I love heels but not for days like these! My newest obsession is fun “kicks” — not sneakers that I’d exercise in but more like these…

9. + 10. They add a bit of interest — so when the rest of the outfit is pretty simple…throw on these sequin kicks or dog lace ups for some fun!

Style to me is finding a look you love and incorporating it into all areas of your life! Don’t stray from “

your look” even when you’re not in fashionista mode! Just because you’re casual doesn’t mean you don’t have to be sylish!

Theo Pace-Chacha Olivia

Would you like me to help you curate a look to save for those days when you just want to roll out of bed and not think about much?! Check out the different ways you can work with me.

Keep up with all of my updates and posts by joining my mailing list here.

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A New Take on the Dreaded Closet Purge.

So many people offer suggestions on how to take on this project...probably because it is (in my opinion) one of the worst jobs to tackle. Interestingly enough, I could purge my kids closet, a friends closet or my mother in laws closet with no problem. I am great at telling people what to toss, what to sell and what to keep! When it comes to my closet it is a whole different story.

This is such an overwhelming task. And, quite frankly, I don’t find it fun.  It was actually Anton (LOML and biggest fan) who suggested tackling this with some friends. I love this….we are always looking for ways to get together with girlfriends, right?  And, if you’re reading this blog you are probably all about fashion, right? And, we usually hang with like minded women, right?

Here’s how you go about it….

1. Pick 2 of your closest friends. You know, the ones who know you best. The ones who get your lifestyle and your fashion sense. The ones who aren’t afraid to be honest with you.

2. Make arrangements to have a “girls night in.” Find a sitter. Buy some champagne or wine and some easy appetizers that you don’t mind serving in your bedroom.  

3. Before the guests arrive…pull out all the “question marks” in your closet. This means anything that needs altering, anything you haven’t worn in a while or anything that you are having trouble pairing up with other things in your wardrobe. You might find a rolling rack and a folding table helpful.  

4. Start a donate bag and a toss bag. You can also start a “sell section” for online consignment to get a little cash back.

5. No need to waste time on things that are worn out or stained.  Start the “toss” bag before the guests arrive. If it’s something that you love and you need to replace because you wore it alot, start a “need to replace” shopping list. The same goes for worn out costume jewelry. Toss it!!!

6. Shoes are a little different. If they really hurt and you don’t wear them or can’t walk in them... life is too short for uncomfortable shoes!  Leave these out for a suggestion on donate or “sell” or maybe one of your friends will find them comfortable.

7. When the guests arrive…put on a fun playlist and start a fashion show...remember the scene from “Sex and the City?” Let your friends help you decide...is it worth it to alter it?  Maybe they can pair up that item that’s not getting wear? Or maybe they will  tell you to “just let it go?”

8. A nice thank you for your girlfriends could be a gift card to a favorite store, or
gift them  a couple of your “donate” or “sell” items. I think it’s always fun to see
someone enjoy something that I wasn’t wearing and make it their own.

9. Pick a friend to bring the donate bag to the donation drop. If it hangs around
you may be tempted to pull things out.  Don’t look back!

10. Have fun and maybe your friends will ask to host the next one!

If you need to tackle this project alone, I totally get it. It can be done! I’d love to send you my list of helpful tips on how to make this a painless solo project, see below.

Keep up with all of my updates and posts by joining my mailing list here.

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