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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Are you an "Outfit Repeater?"

I am! It takes effort to dive into my cave of clothes and come out with new ways to create looks with things I already own.

Couple this with the fact that I am always looking for what’s “the new look or the new color” and it’s so easy, in this online world, to be inundated with emails from stores where I shop. They do an incredible job at capturing my attention with catchy headlines and beautiful photos. I find it exciting to add these new pieces to my wardrobe for the season and, truth be told….I then tend to wear that “look” a lot. Hence, I become the “outfit repeater.”

My aha moment! “Shop my closet!” I keep saying I’m going to get better about “shopping my closet” So, I decided to challenge myself.

I pulled out a dress to wear, that I purchased at the beginning of Summer, that I hadn’t worn. It was pretty easy to style. It’s a bit of a fun print so it didn’t need much in the way of accessories and I paired it up with a pair of platform white sneakers for running around to all the after school activities. I wish “I had a dollar for every compliment I got that day!” Guess what happened next? I was totally motivated to wear something else that I had yet to wear...ta da!!!!   I mean….shame on me!!! “I have nothing to wear” should never cross my lips.

It is pretty easy to grab the “go to” pieces in our closets. But, all of those other items are in there because you liked them enough to buy them. I want to encourage you to get use out of them! I want to challenge you to “shop your closet”!

So, here are a few ideas on how to style something that has been waiting for some attention from you….most importantly….start with something easy first!

1. Maybe take a dress that you haven’t worn in a while. Is it a “shirt dress?” Try wearing it open with a tank and pair of skinny or tapered jeans, throw on an easy ballet flat and viola!

2. Do you have a denim blouse or plaid blouse that hasn’t seen the light of day? One look I love to wear is a pair of jeans with a basic tee or tank and tie the blouse around the waist. Throw on a fun pair of “kicks” and there you go...you’re wearing the blouse! (kind of ;))

3. How about the silk scarf that usually just goes around your neck with a blazer? Try tying it round your wrist as a bracelet?

Why not tie it onto your handbag strap for a little added color?

or around the waist of your favorite jeans as a soft belt?

4. I love suits and it seems like they are making a little comeback! It’s hard to hear the word suit and not think of an office and a briefcase. Why not make it casual? Put it on with a classic crewneck tee, maybe pull out that scarf again as a belt and instead of heels or ballet flats put on a fun pair of sneakers…(not your running shoes but a fun flat form) like these…

You don’t have to style something new every day. Don’t make it stressful.

Try it once and I bet you will want to start getting more use out of those things you aren’t wearing. With all the clothes in our closets we should never get in a clothing rut. It’s ok to be an outfit repeater...just try not to have a static uniform!

Still struggling?...Consider working with me! There are a variety of ways we can work together to pull your style, closet and outfits together. Check out the options here.

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I just had the most refreshing shopping experience!

It wasn’t the clothing that caught my eye…it was the mannequins. They were “normal.”

I very rarely get to a mall and actually go into chain stores. However, I found myself at the mall the other day, and as I was walking past Athleta, I was drawn to the window. It wasn’t the clothing that caught my eye at first, it was the mannequins. They were normal! Normal looking shapes of actual people who are in my life. I was also drawn in because they have an entire “young girls’ section. My daughter was with me, little Ms. Chacha herself, and I loved that she got to experience this too!

The Mission—The Salespeople

So, aside from having fun shopping together in the same store…we had the best salespeople. They rattled off Athleta’s mission as soon as I commented on the mannequins. “To ignite a community of active, healthy, confident women and girls who empower each other to realize their limitless potential.” How positive and powerful!

Versatile Clothing—Fabulous Return Policy

We found an incredible selection of “clothes that transition from workout to work to weekend” and a return policy like no other….”GIVE-IT-A-WORKOUT GUARANTEE. Work it out. If it doesn't perform, return it.” I’ve "worked out, traveled and lived in it…and it performs!!!

“The Power of She” Campaign

With the launch of their girls line, Athleta unveiled “The Power of She,” an incredible campaign “inviting women and girls to stand together, collaborate and put an end to undermining. Through the launch of this campaign, the brand aims to create a sisterhood of women and girls fueled by the core belief that alone we are strong, but united we thrive.” I love that with the launch of a young girls’ collection the company felt the need to also empower girls to be the best they can be. Not the sexiest or hippest but most supportive and positive!

Athleta took the plunge….their marketing, their catalogues, their mannequins and employees all represent normal women.

There is always so much talk about the fashion industry and it’s impact on young girls and even those of us who should know better. The models on the runway and on magazine covers are still, for the most part, not your average size woman/girl in the states. There is definitely a shift happening but it certainly is taking a long time. Athleta took the plunge….their marketing, their catalogues, their mannequins and employees all represent normal women. I found this so refreshing!

Alex and I had so much fun shopping. We both needed a few things for our upcoming trip. There were going to be a lot of outdoor activities and the climate was going to be much different than in FL. We found a lot of great items to travel and explore in. AND, we looked really cute at the same time.

Here are some of my favs from this shopping trip!

1. The Gramercy trouser has proven to be a great travel pant! It has these fun snap details on the legs to wear open and show off those fun “kicks.” I pair it with the 2. Pacifica wrap top. This top is so flattering on-it has side ruching that hides some of my own “natural ruching” It comes in short and long sleeve also! I also pair this top with many of my workout bottoms, especially tennis skirts. I layer the whole look with the 3. Baja UPF Jacket. This is a nice lightweight jacket with side slits so it’s easy to get into pockets if it’s zipped up! Athleta thinks of everything! I have it in both the grey and the black!

The 4. Stellar Trouser is super flattering on. The side placket has stretch and goes from super casual to dress in a heartbeat. I could pair this with a tank and kicks or even a heel and blouse. Love the side slit at the ankle! Super cute!! I paired this with both the 5. Hayes shell and the 6. Switchback Pullover sweater. The Hayes shell is super comfortable with zip detail on the side. I love the stretch in the fabric. The Switchback Pullover comes in a few different colors and is great layered with a tee or blouse or just alone over a tank with a scarf. I also pair these two tops with the 7. All Over Gleam Tight. Add a bit of pizazz to your run around legging. I love these for after school activities and travel! 8. Nopa Shirt is another great blouse (long sleeves this time) which is great if you don’t want to layer. It has cute button details along the side and has the same stretch fabric as the Hayes.

For the actual workout gear I chose the 9. Camo contender 7/8 Tight and these AWESOME 10. Foothill tanks! I’m obsessed with camo but we will save that for another post. This workout tight is so comfortable and flattering at the same time! The tanks are in Athleta’s “unstinkable” fabric. They come in so many great colors and have a cute split in the back that leaves you just as cute going as coming!

If you haven’t already checked out Athleta….I strongly suggest you do! I’m a believer!!!

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

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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.

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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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