Release your Inner Roar-My Personal Picks for Animal Prints

I thought you might like to see some of my favorite animal prints. The best part is with the exception of the shoes they are all under $100!

The Leopard Dress (1), is a different color version of the one I wore in a post called "Take a walk on the wild side...". I love the fit - it has a side zip and is super flattering. It can be worn casually with a flat, dressed up with a strappy sandal or pump and year ‘round if you add a boot. It’s super versatile! The Python Skirt (2), is faux leather and another great Topshop piece. The slit may be a bit too sexy for the office, but it depends on where you work…fashion, arts, retail- you’d be ok. I’d love to see it paired with a denim jacket or turtleneck on the weekend. It’s another piece that could go year ‘round. The pleated Python Midi Skirt (3), is so pretty! I love the color combo. Again…Topshop allows you to be a little trendy without breaking the bank. Pair it with a silk top or tee shirt and go from casual to dress in a heartbeat. One of my favorite Paris street fashions was a skirt similar to this paired with a white tee, shoe boot and leather jacket. Uhhmmm, yup…loved it!

On to the Leopard Clutch (4), it adds a little pizazz to any outfit. Wearing jeans, a tee and a blazer? This clutch adds some interest. Sporting your LBD (Little Black Dress) out for the evening?…add the clutch and it’s useful and acts as an accessory too.

The Leopard Scarf (5), can wrap around your ponytail, your neck or even your handbag. Scarves are often overlooked as an accessory and the prints can offer a nice way of shaking up an outfit. Check out my post on "Outfit Repeating" for some suggestions on how to wear one! I love the weight of this one, it’s silky and light.

I like to wear a patterned shoe and these two, the Cheetah Sandals (6) and the Leopard Flats (7), are subtle enough that I don’t feel like all you see is feet! Pair these with denim, shorts, trousers and/or skirts.

Enjoy the picks… and most importantly, let the print be your statement piece. The rest of the outfit can be fashionable but you don’t need to add much more to accessorize. The key to wearing these prints is to keep it simple!

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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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Boutique of the Month-Curate!

It’s quite obvious-I love to shop! I love to find great boutiques that offer unique items and I’m a true believer in supporting local businesses.

I’d like to take time in this blog to highlight some of my favorite haunts. Having been in retail for, well let’s just say, for a very long time, I hold the bar pretty high. I look for the things that I like to offer my clients both now (as a personal shopper and stylist) and when I managed stores in the past. I love a store and a team, that offers fabulous customer service, honesty, friendliness and genuine interest in my taste and lifestyle.

When I frequent a store it’s not just for the clothing and accessories - it’s the whole package I’m looking for! I want to feel confident when I recommend a store to a client or friend.

Curate, North Palm Beach, FL-You fit the bill!!

Kerry Diaz, owner of Curate and I had a nice interview about the story of Curate! You will see why I love shopping there. I think Kerry and I have a lot in common!!

Kerry (right) with her mom behind the scenes at a charity Fashion Show.

1) What sets your store apart?  (i know the answer to this but…)

We think our job is to uplift women -- and we do this in several ways.  First, customer service -- we are honest, kind, and gently nudge women to look their best, even if it is just trying a new style or realizing how beautiful they are (inside and out).  We also feel we need to do good, or at least limit harm in the clothing industry, so we focus on American produced items and those that are part of a special cause -- either a local emerging designer, or a product that gives back to charity or preserves a  time honored handcraft where the artisans are paid a living wage. 

2) What is the mission behind curate?

It’s really our name -- to look at all the amazing things that a woman can bring into her wardrobe and her life and select those that we think are most special.   We are curators -- we select items that we think would be great additions to someone's look and life.

3)  What is one thing you think customers should know about your store that they may not be aware of? 

We usually only purchase one size of each item, and we purchase every size available -- so you don't see yourself everywhere you go, and we accommodate most sizes of women, xs to xl.   

4)  What are a few of your must-haves? 

A good updated denim jacket that is either fitted, has special hardware or embellished in a unique way, - for "winter" or over air conditioned restaurants, (a denim jacket is a also a good way to make a "dressier" outfit or dress usable for every day,  girlfriend (wider leg, but not as big and sloppy as a boyfriend) jean, mules in a solid color - perfect year round in Florida, sunglasses that protect your eyes,  fit your face and make a statement.

5)  What is your professional background and how did you get into retail?

I am trained as an attorney, and have licenses to practice in 3 states but spent most of my career in policy and nonprofits.  I got the fashion bug in high school, as a member of the Fashion DECA club, which put us in local state and national competitions -- I got first place in the county and state and 2nd place in the nation in Marketing and Merchandising. I still have the trophies!  But I tried to be reasonable and went to Villanova, earning an English degree and then on to law school back home at Florida State.

6) I always see you supporting different benefits with fashion shows etc? It's clear that giving back is important to you! How do you do it all???   

None of us do it all!  Social media just makes it seem like we do.  Giving back is part of my DNA and its part of our family ethos, so the store is just a natural extension of how we live our lives.   I am a big believer in community and creating a village that supports people in need.  As former foster parents, we are especially drawn to causes that help foster children, the homeless and vulnerable children.

7)  What do you do for fun in your down time?

 Read historical novels, Watch my boys play sports, travel as a family, create flower arrangements, exercise and spend time with family and friends.

Having fun shopping with Lindsay, Assistant Store Manager! And she is fabulous!!

8)  What is a typical day like with your team?

It is always different, but it is almost always fun.   We believe in creating a culture and environment that is fun, forgiving and warm so each day starts with reading the notes left by the team member who worked the day before.   It is both informative and inspiring -- our team is so supportive of each other and our clients.  We then follow up with clients who have items on hold or have placed special orders.  Then the day takes on a different path every day.....this can include receiving new merchandise, ordering new merchandise from designers, steaming clothing (which also provides a "free" facial!), working with clients to find a gift or specific outfit, or creating a whole travel wardrobe for a client.  Then there is re-merchandising the store, changing the mannequins, taking pictures, posting on social media and tweaking the back end of our computer system. 

9) Can you share a hint of what we will see in your store for Spring?Summer?

Off white and Color! both warm and cool, so there should be something for all skin tones.  I am really into green right now, as are our designers, so look for amazing shades that are unexpected but amazing.  We are also offering a slightly higher denim rise (but not too high!), and "muscle tees" -- its less structured than a basic tee and more coverage than a tank.

Our style also gets more casual and usually a lower price point in the Spring and Summer.  It’s a lighter take, because our lifestyles are lighter in the Summer.  But we will of course still have special event dresses for "seasonal" charity events, weddings, and graduations.

10) Do you have a favorite fashion era?

I am obsessed with the 50s right now because I am watching the show The Marvelous Mrs. Mazel, set in New York City in the 1950s   I love the cut of the dresses, which are feminine and sexy in a very obscure way, the hats, the beautiful gloves and of course the jackets -- I am obsessed with jackets!  A jacket can define a look and elevate any outfit.

11) Do you have a particular style icon crush?

Thats easy, Iris Apfel.  Not because I would necessarily dress like she does, but I admire that she trusts her instincts, wears what she wants and what makes her feel good and she is willing to take a risk.

If you’re local and haven’t been you should check out Curate at
12224 U.S. Highway 1
North Palm Beach, Florida
(Juno Shoppes, 1/2 mile north of PGA Blvd, next to 3 Natives & Yankee Peddler)

You can also find them online at..Curate-Website

Curate-Facebook or Curate-Instagram

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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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Not your average "Pack Like a Pro" post.

I have never been the best packer, I always pack a little too much. I often come home with some items that I didn’t wear. But, really, what’s so bad about that? If I can still fit it all in a carry on for short trips and keep it under the weight limit for longer ones why do I obsess over “packing light?”

But 3 trips in 3 months... a family vacation to Utah, a drive up North to visit family and friends, and a fun “work” getaway to Europe with my husband…forced me to look at how and what I was packing. And it led to a big realization….I love my clothes and I want to wear them. I want to “dress” (when I am away) the way I would “dress” when I am at home. I am not interested in having the same 2 pairs of pants take me through a week. I LIKE OPTIONS! It was such a relief when I finally came to terms with this!

How did I finally arrive here? I took the time to really think about my travels.   

Not the answer you were looking for? I know. I didn’t think I’d be writing a post like this either.

It would be easy for me to offer up a capsule of 3 bottoms and 3 tops and tell you that you had to wear each item 3 times. Then I could show you how to mix and match them. But, the chances of you having those 3 types of items in your wardrobe wouldn’t be that great and, you might not even like that particular look! I could also give you lots of ideas for different kinds of vacations and different lengths of stays. And, at some point I will probably offer up these types of posts. However, if you struggle with packing and always find yourself procrastinating until the night before a trip I do have some ideas to help make this process less daunting.

I was always finding packing so stressful. I was determined to find a method to take the stress out of it. Vacations are supposed to be about relaxing and having fun, right? Why not start de-stressing before you leave?

My Hard-earned tips for better packing:

1 Don’t procrastinate!!! Start thinking about your trip as soon as you know it’s going to happen! Taking the time to think about things in advance really helps!

2 Pack yourself first. I would always pack myself last….this is something I don’t do any more. I find it much easier to pack for my kids and if I pack them first I am almost always pushing my own packing to the night before. BIG MISTAKE! I now think of it like the oxygen on the plane. Pack yourself first!

3 Create a list of staples to bring. I keep a list of cosmetics and a list of staple clothing items that I take on every trip. I always keep one in google docs-that way I can refer back to it without having to write it all over again for the next trip. Everything should be on this list from toothbrush to underwear. I offer a copy of this list at the end of this post! Packing for more people than yourself? Start lists for them too.

Now create a list of things specific to this trip!

1 Keep an eye on what the weather is going to be like at your destination. Will it be a rainy/cool season? Will you need a jacket? Keep a running list of these items that you need to bring.

2 Jot down your itinerary. Will you have a “formal” event? Do you need something dressy? Will you be hiking? Will you need hiking shoes or will sneakers suffice?  If you aren’t committed to activities or tours what types of things do you see yourself doing? Do you have outfits in mind that you’d be comfortable doing them in? Add these items to the “need” list.

Now create a list of things “you’d like to have with you”

3 Are there items in your wardrobe now that you’d really like to take with you? These types of items tend to be my “go to” pieces at home. They are the pieces I am most comfortable in and  I can easily coordinate with lots of other items. For instance, I have a favorite pair of jeans, a layering tank, a basic tee and some sort of sweater/topper that I always build outfits around. These items inevitably wind up being my plane outfit. Add these items to the “would like to have with me” list.

4 Speaking of plane outfits...plan that too.  

5 Decide on the luggage. If the trip is for a week or less and you can do laundry, a carry-on should do it! A couple of weeks away and I will check my bag. Even if I can do laundry-I don’t want to, and really don’t want to rely on having to!

6 A couple of weeks before you head out... Set aside some space, maybe in a spare bedroom, and pack the cosmetics. Lay out all the “staple,” “need,” and “would like to have with me” items. I like to use a small clothing rack, it helps me to see everything hung with coordinating shoes and accessories.

7 Now here’s the really important part! Pull out the matching shoes and accessories. Start coordinating ways to mix and match items with other pieces in your closet. One great rule of thumb is 3 tops to a bottom! You won’t necessarily take everything you lay out. You will find, as you go along, that you can take out pieces because some items will go with more than one outfit. Take the time to do this in advance and I promise you, you will not overpack.

When all the outfits are ready and you can actually start putting them in the suitcase you can decide if the couple of extra items that you’d really like to take will fit in, or, you can just leave a little room in that suitcase for some “vacation finds.” ;)

Want help with your carry-on packing? Check out my list of “Carry-on Musts”, available below. In it, you’ll find my list of the things I pack to bring on every flight…things you won’t want to forget or leave at home!

I have included some of my more detailed carry-on packing ideas. You’ll find clothing I like to travel in, packing accessories that maximize organization, and ideas that will get you through security with more ease!

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