The Current Fall Dress Trend

Whether I like it or not, Fall is here. For some reason I'm having a hard time letting go of summer this year. A late September trip to Florida didn't help me let go either! But I'm starting to take out my fall/winter wardrobe and see what I can incorporate back into my closet. First question is whether or not it still fits. Second question, is how does it fit into this year's trends?

One of the trends that I've seen this fall almost everywhere is a twist on the traditional shirtdress. It started out as the drawstring dress. But this style can be tough to wear. The drawstring waist is not flattering on every body shape and tends to look best on a long and lean figure.

Tahari Crepe Shirtdress

A slight twist on this dress makes the silhouette more flattering. It looks feminine and trendy. It takes the elements of the shirtdress style (longer sleeves, defined waist and shorter skirt) and re-invent the trend for 2016. These dresses are versatile (think day to night) providing options in your wardrobe. These dresses are perfect for brunch, dinner or evening out!  Add the appropriate shoes and accessories and you're on your way!

Zharah Peasant Dress

Daytripper Dress

Ann Taylor Loft - Hydrangea Blouson Dress

If you're not comfortable with something that hugs your waist, try a silhouette that mirrors the styles below. You still get the same blouse like features in a longer sleeve and a shorter skirt but without the defined waist. These dresses can be just as versatile. Dress it up or down and you'll get plenty of wear this fall!

Charles Henry Ruffle Neck Shift Dress

Theory Marah Starry Print Silk Dress

How do you define beauty?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

We all define beauty in our own way. This is especially true when defining beauty for ourselves. We each have our own style and opinions on what we think look good. I'll give you an example. I have naturally curly hair. Most people are surprised to hear that since I never wear my hair curly. Since I graduated high school I have been blow drying my hair straight. I prefer it that way. I don't know how to style curly hair and I simply don't care for it on me. With that said, I've had both friends and strangers tell me that they like my hair with a natural wave to it. This usually happens when it's been too humid and my hair starts to curl. While others are admiring this, it's driving me crazy! I don't like the texture and I don't like how it feels. But apparently to some, it looks very attractive. So even though I know others like my hair curly, I always blow dry it straight. I do this because it matters more what I think. If I like the way I looks, it will be reflected in my positive attitude and confidence levels.

When I meet with clients, I keep this in mind. What matters most is not the conventional definition of beauty or the rules of fashion. What matters is the way that you define beauty for yourself. I want you to feel beautiful and confident every day. I work with my clients to achieve the best versions of themselves. When they do, they will beam with confidence and beauty.

I went out to dinner with my husband this past weekend to a fairly new and very cool place in the city. We were dressed up as was everyone else in the place. I happened to notice a couple sitting near us that stood up to leave. Her husband began to walk behind her and she stopped, let him pass and started walking behind him. She did not walk with an air of confidence. She walked behind him as if she wanted to not be noticed. She wanted to be an afterthought. There was a small part of me that wanted to walk right over to her and say "pick your head up, throw your shoulders back and walk with confidence!" I don’t know the reason why but everything about her demeanor screamed uncomfortable, intimidated and self-conscious. By contrast there were two girls sitting the next table over, when they stood up to leave they strutted out of the restaurant like they owned it. They were smiling, heads up, confidence beaming! And they looked gorgeous. But it had less to do with what they were wearing and more to do with how they wore it.

We can be our own worse critic. I know I am. It's easier to focus on what we need to improve than on what we have going for us. We think about the weight we need to loose, and the teeth we need whitened and the hair we need dyed! We focus on the wrinkles in the mirror and the bags under our eyes. We don't need someone else to critic us. We do a pretty good job of that on our own. But how often do we compliment ourselves or think "wow, I look great today". I'm sure it happens but not nearly as often. What if we did that more often? What if we could find a way to feel more confident? What if we could share that feeling with others? That's what I have attempted to do with this business. I want you own your style, your confidence and your beauty so that you can walk with that Beyoncé swagger every day.

Cuyana

There are always smaller brands that are popping up and trying to make a name for themselves. I love learning about new brands that work hard to produce a beautiful product. Some brands have been inspired by social awareness. Other brands drive social change. I love brands with a story behind their product. For example, a family business that is born out of a particular need or awareness can help a customer to connect with them on a personal level. This develops a bond that transcends trend or season.

I recently learned of a brand called Cuyana. I came across them on Pinterest. They offer gorgeous apparel and accessories. In particular, I love the look of their handbags. I started to reach more about the brand and here is what I found when I googled them:

"Fewer, Better Things. Timeless apparel and accessories for the modern woman made with the most premium materials and finest craftsmanship..."

Cuyana means "to love" in Quechua (which is a Native South American language spoken mainly in the Andes). They want you to love everything in your closet and everything in your life. They believe in a philosophy of Fewer, Better which extends beyond fashion and into life as a whole. Everything about this brand is focused on simplicity from their classic product style to their website. They are consistently delivering a clean and simple message.

I invite you to browse their product and read more about their brand and their philosophy.

www.cuyana.com

Here are a few highlights from their current product offering:

If you have brands that you connect to that you'd like to share please send me a email or add it to the comments. I'd love to hear from you!