A Little Summer Warmth

Well, it has been awhile! I’ve missed you all. I needed some time to get use to my new reality. It hasn’t been easy. I have a full time job, I now home school my kids, and I’ve taken on a lot of other responsibilities I usually outsource (such as cleaning my house). The amount of laundry has somehow multiplied. I also spend way too much time in my own kitchen. Overall, I’ve been through a range of emotions and I still struggle but I have also made peace with my current situation. I know this is temporary and I am also doing my best to “self-care”. I do yoga, take walks, and force my kids to play soccer with me outside as much as possible. I color… at this point, maybe more than my kids.

I know that you have also had to find your own way around this new reality. We are all meeting new challenges in unique ways. But I think we can all agree that one of the things getting us through this is each other. My family and friends have remained close… through email, phone calls, texts and social media. Those connections have meant everything to me. I hope you have also found a similar outlet.

When we get back to our '“new normal”, what will it look like? I have so many questions. But one thing I’m certain of is that retail will be changed. We have already heard about retailers filing for bankruptcy. We have seen brands dropping prices. We have gotten a little more comfortable with “online” shopping. Even when retail re-opens we are likely to shop differently.

Our retail needs have changed. I will most likely not be heading back into my home office for quite some time. I suspect that there are others in a similar position. As such, “work clothes” are no longer on my radar. I’m much more interested in purchasing “lougewear” or “activewear” for my work from home situation. I wonder how may of you feel the same way and how that might impact the retail landscape.

It’s finally memorial day weekend and the weather here in New England is improving. Being outside is lifting my spirits and I hope it does the same for you! Let’s try to see the upside as much as we can. And let’s focus on things that will help us to feel better if not our best.

Now for those of you who have pressed pause on shopping but are thinking of adding some additional pieces to your wardrobe, there are still Memorial Day sales to be had. Here are a few of my favorites to inspire you this holiday weekend.

J. Crew Embroidered Cotton Poplin Top

J. Crew Silk Tunic

J. Crew Eyelet Flutter-Sleeve Top

Vineyard Vines Island Eyelet Tiered Swing Dress

DOLAN Collection Tiered Maxi Dress

Manuela Embroidered Midi Dress

Corey Lynn Calter Doriane Midi Dress

This holiday season I wish you a little time.... for yourself

By now I’m hoping that the holiday gift shopping rush is over for you. I know that for most of us there are still those last minute gifts you need to pick up but maybe you feel like you’re in a more manageable place? This month is always crazed for me but this year especially so and I’m not sure why. Part of it could be as my kids get older there are just more activities. I now have school plays and concerts to attend as well as hockey and basketball games. The calendar is jam packed with appointments and activities and I am EXHAUSTED. ( I know you feel me.)

Believe it or not, it’s almost over. So now is the time to crank up the Christmas music and enjoy those holiday treats. Oh and get back to thinking about yourself for moment. Because we all know that we only get a moment for that. We’re always taking care of everyone else in our lives. This time of year especially. But if you can find a moment…take a moment for yourself.

So I have to ask… what are you wearing this Christmas? I have to admit that I’ve never been one to dress “festive”. I don’t own much red, it’s not a color I tend to gravitate towards. But if you’ve been paying attention at all this season, “festive” patterns are everywhere! And they look really nice. Only down side, which I feel the need to point out is that these items tend to be seasonal. So while you can wear them for the month of December, but January you most likely won’t feel like wearing them again. So if you are going to pick a festive piece for your wardrobe, it’s a great idea to get it on sale. And from what I have seen, sales are happening all over!

If you happen to be more interested in a dressy but less “festive” pattern, there are options for you too! Plenty of choices to be made - not just in red and green but across the color palate. What if you want to look festive but not commit to a full Christmas plaid pattern? Add red or green to your accessories for a nice touch of the holiday spirit! What about a fun pair of red pumps? Those are a little more versatile and can be work all winter long.

Whatever you choose, find something that makes you happy. You want to be present for the holidays and not annoyed by an outfit that doesn’t fit right. Whether it’s an old faithful from your closet or something shiny and new, it should make you feel like the wonderful confident person you are. For inspiration, take a look at a few of the options below from J. Crew.

Tops for Fall

As we are now fully into fall, it may be a good time to take a moment and review our wardrobe. Is your closet a culmination of pieces that you’ve collected over the years? Do these pieces even make sense for your current wardrobe needs? If you feel that perhaps your closet seems “outdated” one way to update your options is to start with your tops. Let’s take one piece at a time to feel less overwhelmed by our choices. The tops in your wardrobe tend to be the most used and most in need of an update. These pieces can be the most versatile options in your closet if you know how to wear them.

Make the most of your fall tops by creating a collection of pieces that flatter your style and work well with multiple bottoms. Each of the options below answers a wardrobe dilemma with a versatile option. Invest in pieces that can work for more than one occasion. Feel “fall” in your wardrobe choices, whether that means inviting in that which is cozy and soft or the perfect color trend for the season. Find what speaks to you and build from there. This will ensure that the wardrobe you create is one that you love.

This classic crewneck sweater could come from almost any retailer. This happens to be my one of my favorite fall pieces because of it’s versatility and timeless style. See a couple of similar sweater suggestions below.

Boden Antonia Sweater

This printed fall sweater comes in a perfect fall color palette. Neutral so it can still be easily paired but not boring. It’s a neutral that stands out on it’s own.

Boden Long Sleeve Breton Top

This top is just a hint of trendy on a classic tee. In the spring, we tend to see the horizontal stripe trend take off. This slight twist brings a little bling to your otherwise classic wardrobe staple.

Boden Marina Blouse

This blouse fits the in between needs of your wardrobe. You have casual wear or athleisure on one end. You have the dressier outfit that you need for an event or evening out. But what do you wear in between? Lunch with friends or a date to the movies, for example would fall in this category. When you need something to wear that it nicer than your leggings and sweatshirt but not your LBD, here is an option to consider.

J. Crew Tippi Sweater

This classic crewneck sweater is a must have in your fall wardrobe. The versatility of this piece answers all your wardrobe worries. Its lightweight fabric keeps you warm without overheating. Its classic style pairs well with any bottom.

J. Crew Ruffle Front Top

This blouse is perfect for when you need to step it up a little this fall. Whether it’s a business event or an evening out, this blouse gives your outfit the added stylish boost that it needs. Depending on the event you may opt for this lovely pop of pink or prefer a black or white option for a more subtle choice.

J. Crew Puff sleeve Fuzzy Crewneck

This sweater is a perfect example of what a perfect fall sweater should be. It’s cozy, classic and neutral with a texture that gives character to this universal style. This simple crewneck sweater is inviting and flattering. It’s simplicity makes for a versatile piece that can be worn at the office or on the weekend.