Keeping up with Wardrobe (and Hairstyle) Trends

On a recent visit to my hairdresser, I heard that side parts and skinny jeans are officially “dead” (as decreed by Gen Z). Well, my side part and skinny jeans are hear to tell you that is a personal choice. Wear what you’re comfortable in and what you feel you look good in. This is my philosophy now and always. If you feel good, if you like what you see in the mirror, your whole mood will lift, you will shine and smile bright. And that is pure beauty.

However, if we’re talking about the latest trends… middle parts and straight jeans are what is on display. Now, you can still buy your skinny jeans at your favorite retailer. I understand that trends can take some getting used to. And maybe you feel you’re not quite ready yet to make the switch. (You’re not alone - still seeing plenty of skinny jeans out there.) If you’re sick of your skinny jeans and ready to try something new, there is plenty to choose from.

I normally don’t post about denim because I find it incredibly personal. Denim is the furthest you can get from one size fits all (no disrespect to the Traveling Pants). And the denim industry is forever innovating, adjusting and changing everything about the jeans we wear. Whether it’s the pockets, the fabric, the fly, the cut, the length, the list goes on and on. Believe it or not denim styles are fluid and we are at the mercy of the designers to find what looks good on our bottom half.

If you find that purchasing a new pair of jeans is overwhelming for you, you are not alone! It’s an incredibly painful and frustrating process for so many women. I recall being a teenager and dragging at least 10+ pairs of jeans into a dressing room and then having to come out and get more. I think the only reason I don’t do that anymore is because I don’t have the time. But one lesson I have walked away with is that I don’t need to be so hard on myself. I can have more fun with my clothes and wear what I like instead of only what’s trendy.

With that in mind, I will share what works for me and the styles I am currently loving to offer some inspiration for your wardrobe. I purchased the below pair of jeans from J.Crew last fall. These 9" demi-boot crop jeans are so flattering and fun. I was looking for something a little different and this pair delivers. I like the button fly detail and boot cut style in a crop length. The crop length works particularly well for me as I am petite and find that I always need to have jeans hemmed. Bonus: these jeans are available in petite and tall!

If a boot cut style is not for you, I also found a flattering straight leg option at J. Crew. These are the 9” vintage straight leg jean in Rinse wash. These jeans offer a little more classic look that will pair easily in your wardrobe. This slightly higher waist line is comfortable and supportive and totally on trend.

Whatever your preference when it comes to denim, look for what makes you smile. It might be the most comfortable fit or the most flattering or both! One of the best aspect of today’s denim is that it is available in endless fits, styles & colors. You can pick a boyfriend denim in a light wash in a petite size. You can pick a curvy fit in a cropped length in a dark wash. Mix and match all you please until you find your perfect combination. If all these choices seem overwhelming, start with what you love most about your current jeans and go from there. Change what doesn’t work for you. Shop from a retailer that you are already familiar with so you know what to expect from their product. And don’t forget that some of the best jeans we’ve owned are “broken in” so give it time and good luck!

The Colors of My Wardrobe (or lack thereof)

I read an article recently that indicated based on the day I was born that my lucky color is red. It also indicated my unlucky color is blue. My jaw fell. The majority of my wardrobe is blue. And I own almost nothing in red.

I don’t usually put my stock in these sorts of things but it did get me thinking. How different would my life be if I wore more red? Why do I always gravitate towards blue? Should I be adding more color to my wardrobe? Should I be concerned that my favorite red is the one in my wine glass?

My wardrobe is made up of mostly neutrals with some pops of color. That is in fact a conscious decision. I personally like the way I look in those colors and I find it easiest to coordinate outfits in this way. I also do not choose to wear red because I find it a tricky color. There are many shades of red. Depending on your skin tone, it can be difficulty finding the shade that compliments you best.

Not every color or shade looks good on everyone. And you shouldn’t feel as though you need to represent all colors in your wardrobe. I remember a couple years ago around the holidays standing in a retail store waiting to pay and I overheard a woman next to me who was purchasing a red sweater. She told the sales associate that she found the sweater festive even though she didn’t feel the color was the best compliment to her complexion. She was buying a red sweater that she didn’t even think looked good on her just because it was festive. It took all the restraint I had not to yell “DON’T BUY THE SWEATER”.

If you don’t think that an article of clothing flatters you in every way, do not purchase it. You will wear it once, if that and then it will sit in your closet for all of eternity. When we get dressed, we gravitate towards the items in our closets that (1) are comfortable and (2) look good on us. Make your purchasing decisions, accordingly.

Today, as my mind was wondering, I realized that while I don’t own much red in my wardrobe, half of my pajamas are red! Ok, yes, I wear pajamas to bed. I have actual pajamas (not just an old t-shirt). And for some reason, red is my pj color of choice. I find this baffling. Am I subconsciously making up for not wearing red in my wardrobe by putting it in my sleepwear? This, I have no answer for. But I can tell you that I love my red pajamas.

An example of one of the few reds in my wardrobe. Though I only have a few, I love the ones I have. I want the same for you!

Time For A New Start

Happy New Year! I know I’ve been missing for weeks now. I took some time off. Last year really challenged me in so many ways. At the end I needed time to step back and just let myself unwind. And that was harder than I realized it would be.

I can get so worked up that it takes a long time to un-do the stress. I tried to spend some time listening, absorbing and relaxing. As I listened, I heard others discuss what they were learning about themselves from the challenges of 2020. So many it seems were trying to find the silver lining in an otherwise disappointing year.

I’ve always approached life from a place of gratitude. Even in 2020, there were things to be grateful for. But I also struggled with the reality of the challenges I was facing day to day. And that hasn’t really changed. I have hope… and I know there is a light at the end of this long dark tunnel, but I am running low on the patience I need to have to get there.

And I know so many of you are struggling, losing patience, taking a breath and trying again. We can do this. We can. Let’s try to take this new year as a new opportunity to start fresh.

I’ve taken some time to think about what I want for this website and this blog in 2021. I’ve decided to take this blog back towards fashion and style tips that will support your wardrobe and make you feel fantastic each and every day. I think that we can each find a style that flatters our figure and fits our lifestyle. And that will make all the difference in your day.

I’ve also decided to work towards a new website layout that I hope you will love! So, please have a little patience with me as we make this transition into a new space that I am excited to share with you.

As we start this new year…. let’s start thinking about your style goals for 2021! More to come on this but I think now is a great time to start looking at your closet with a more critical eye. Time to filter out items that don’t feel quite right. Trust your gut. I’ll help you to develop your eye on what to look out for. We’re in this together.

There’s lot of tips, tricks, idea and inspiration to come but for now let’s focus on what makes you feel good. It can be the cozy sweatshirt that you wear as part of your uniform or the broken in jeans that fit just right. Maybe what makes you feel good are your black leggings or a boyfriend flannel shirt. Maybe it’s not just one item. For me, it’s my crewneck sweaters. Turns out that I have a number of them. And they are my go to items. And I wear them often.

Let’s build on the feeling you get from that item in your wardrobe that makes you feel good. I am not suggesting that you need to multiply that one item… as in my obvious sweater obsession… bur rather build a wardrobe that gives you that feel. Suddenly we’ve taken some of the stress out of your morning. We’ve improved your mindset and reset your perspective. Ready to get started? Let’s go!