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!

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!

Dress the body you have...

A new year is a great time to clean out your closet and organize your wardrobe. This can be a daunting task. A great place to start is by trying things on. We often hold on to clothing that we have sentimental attachments to, or that we anticipate will fit us in the future. Maybe we are waiting until we lose a few pounds. Or perhaps we are just waiting for the right occasion. In the end we will benefit most from creating a wardrobe that fits the body we have today for the lifestyle we live in the present.

Over the course of our life our bodies will change. After pregnancy, your body will change. Perhaps you’ve had a surgery that might also alter your body. Maybe your weight has fluctuated over the years. Maybe gravity is taking over. There can be a number of different factors that impact how our bodies change over time. As a result, even if you hung onto clothes for 5 years, chances are they don’t fit you the same way today as they did 5 years ago. That’s not to say that we can’t hold onto investment pieces. We just have to be aware of how our bodies change and what that means for our wardrobe.

When organizing your wardrobe, be critical of your clothing. If something doesn’t fit you, don’t hold on to it. You want to create a wardrobe full of clothes that you can wear now. You can do this. But you need to be honest with yourself about what looks good on your body and fits properly.

When it comes to retail, we have more choices than ever to find clothing that will fit our bodies. Most retailers will carry petite, tall, curvy, short, slim, straight, flare, high-rise, low-rise and many other styles. With so many choices, you can quickly be overwhelmed. By starting with your own wardrobe, you can begin to identify how things fit and how that fit can be improved upon. For example, perhaps you try on a pair of low-rise skinny jeans that no longer support or flatter your post baby body. You can quickly identify that you want something with a higher rise and maybe a loose fit. Instead of skinny, slim might be a better choice.

Perhaps you own a pair of jeans that fits great all around but needs to be taken in at the waist. This type of fix can be handled by a seamstress. If your clothing item just needs a small adjustment to fit that’s where it’s worth taking to a seamstress to have it tailored to fit you. There’s a good chance that even an item you purchase off the rack might not fit you perfectly. Every body is different and you might require a little tailoring to have an item look tailored to you!

To make the most out of your closet cleanout, consider inviting a friend to help. Getting someone else opinion on how things fit is invaluable. As much as we look in a mirror it’s still only a two dimensional view. Another person can see the fit all around and offer a third party perspective. If you must be on your own, considering taking pictures of yourself in a full length mirror. (Be sure to always use a full length mirror to see your entire outfit.) Looking at a picture will let you be a little more critical of how you look.

As you build a wardrobe that reflects your current needs, start thinking about what items will compliment what you already have to create a full wardrobe that provides options for all your upcoming engagements.

Below are a few items that you might find to be welcome additions to your current wardrobe staples.

J. Crew Sophie Open Front Sweater Blazer

A blazer is a great layering piece and can work as a jacket in warmer temperatures. It instantly elevates an outfit and provides structure to your style.

J. Crew Quilted Downtown Field Jacket

New England weather requires us to wear a jacket most of the year. Chances are if you live here you own multiple jackets. These require a closet cleanout every once in awhile as well. They get worn and won’t fit like they use to after awhile. Look for a neutral color and classic style when shopping for an everyday jacket so it can get you through more than one season and still look on in style.

J. Crew Pointelle Crewneck Sweater

A simple crewneck sweater is universally flattering but watch out for the details. Where do the sleeves fall? Is it too short, too long? Color matters. Find the one that best compliments your complexion.

Anthropologie: Puff Sleeved Sweatshirt (RD Style)

The puff sleeves give this sweatshirt a little added detail that makes it less gym staple and more weekend chic. Look for these types of details in your clothing choices to add personal style to your wardrobe.

Anthropologie: Cassia Buttondown (Cloth & Stone)

A simple classic buttondown is a versatile piece to have your closet. With the right accessories you can make this basic piece work for any number of situations.