Time For A New Start

Joan King

January 15, 2021

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!

Joan King

November 16, 2020

Shopping and Dressing in 2020 Has Changed.... Versatility is Key

Joan King

November 16, 2020

These days most of us are doing the majority of our retail shopping online. The experience of shopping online is unique to that of being in a store. You can’t feel the fabric or try it on. Colors sometime look different online than they do in person. Even if a style is shown on a model she may not have the same body type as you so it can be hard to tell what will flatter you.

In spite of these drawbacks, there are a few perks to shopping online. In addition to shopping at times that are convenient to you from the comfort of your home, you can easily price check items for the best deal. If you can’t find the size you need at the site you’re on, it’s fairly easy to search for that same item across the web for the size you need.

So what are you shopping for? Our wardrobe needs have changed during this pandemic. We’re spending more time “at home” which allows us to indulge in our leisure-wear. But many of us are back to some kind of routine… whether we’re back to work in a classroom/school, running our small businesses, going to work in new ways, participating in “socially distant” activities … our lives are taking us in all kinds of directions and we’re looking for a wardrobe that can keep up!

To support all these different activities and changing routines, we need versatility. We need to have a sweater that can be paired with a skirt, jeans and sweatpants! We need fashionable sneakers and jeans that are both functional and trendy! We need to have fun with our wardrobe in a time that is so dark and feels so monotonous.

When the pandemic began, I lived in my leisurewear for months. I was homebound and lost. The summer brought us out of the house and into a fantastic warm weather wardrobe which for me personally was transforming. I needed that light to shine on me. As we head into winter once again, I have a different perspective. I realize that my energy and attitude when I get dressed for the day is more positive than when I shuffle around in sweats all day. When I look and feel put together, it makes a difference in my overall attitude.

Once you figure out what items will work best in your wardrobe, find the best way to obtain them. Shop around: try different styles, colors and sizes until you know what works best for you. Find the style you love and the fit that flatters you best. Here are a few of my favorites so far.

Madewell Kickoff Trainer Sneakers in Leather & Spot Mix Calf Hair

Lou & Grey Signature Softblend Sweatshirt

J. Crew Factory: Button-collar Pullover Sweatshirt

Joan King

November 24, 2019

Thanksgiving Dressing

Joan King

November 24, 2019

It’s Thanksgiving Week! This week is always a whirlwind of food, family and holiday spirit. For those of you who have found a way to keep Christmas at bay, that will be over this week. There’s no tuning it out once we get past Thanksgiving. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

As we prepare for the week ahead, one of the last things you’re probably thinking about is what you’ll wear on Thursday. So consider this your reminder to think ahead and plan that outfit. Need a little help? That’s what I’m here for.

What you wear for the Thanksgiving holiday will completely depend on how you are planning to celebrate. You might be the chef and hosting dinner. You might be a guest in your in-laws home. You might be headed to a casual family get together. There are a variety of situations in which you might find yourself. Let’s breakdown the options.

For those who are hosting, I recommend a print blouse and jeans or a pair of dark pants (depending on whether your event is more casual or more dressy). If you’re hosting you’ll be in and out of the kitchen, finishing up cooking and serving dinner. Darker print tops are more likely to hide spills or splatters. A machine washable option will set your mind at ease should a spill take place.

For those who are attending a more formal Thanksgiving dinner as a guest, you can also go with a print top and pants or better yet, a print dress that is on trend for fall. A floral or animal print is popular this season and easy to find. There are also plenty of fall colors on display to complement your complexion. Find what suits you best.

For those who are looking for something more casual, go with a simple jeans and sweater combination. To stay on trend for fall, find a sweater in a gorgeous jewel tone that will bring life to your outfit. Dress it up or down with accessories as you feel appropriate.

Thanksgiving offers a wide variety of options for what to wear. If you need inspiration see the items I have highlighted below. You want to be comfortable and confident. Then turn your attention to your family and friends and the meal you have the pleasure of sharing together. Happy Thanksgiving!!