Thankful

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I think it has to do with the simplicity of sharing a special meal with loved ones. I like having the opportunity to take time to be grateful for the wonderful blessings in my life. Life moves so fast and time passes so quick that I wish I could share these special moments with my loved ones more often.

This year I am especially grateful for the amazing women in my life who empower me every day. I am surrounded by strong, confident, beautiful women that I lean on and share so much with. These are women who build me up, remind me of my own strength, encourage me, nurture me and love me. Having women like these in my life has meant everything to me.

All the love and encouragement that I have received is in part why I started this blog/business. I want to help others to feel the confidence that I know is possible. I know that when we feel empowered we are capable of achieving greatness. I know that a little positivity goes a long way. My meeting with my clients this is what I try to pass along. And even a little goes a long way.

My first example of a strong sophisticated lady was my mother. She did it all and made it look easy. She was my fiercest protector and constant cheerleader. She has been a role model for me from how to be a good daughter to how to be a wonderful mother. For starters, she taught me to lead by example, always be polite and the important of being a good friend. Her lessons are endless and her strength is extraordinary.

The next woman in my life to exemplify a strong, independent spirit was my sister. She's always been a fighter and a lover rolled into one. She taught me that the only opinion that truly matters is your own. She showed me that compromise isn't a sign of weakness. She's shown me that there is more than one kind of way to love.

These two ladies are more than enough for a lifetime of positive influences but they are only the beginning. From my childhood best friend to my mother in law, my book club to my babysitter, my school mom friends to my friends from work. I am surrounded by amazing women. These ladies have battled personal struggles, work challenges, family tragedies and so much more with a grace and dignity that I strive for every day.

I have the benefit of being reminded of how powerful we are as women. Our strength lies in our ability to support and band together. This Thanksgiving, remember to be grateful for the women in your life that help to keep you motivated. We need each other now more than ever.

How to Prepare for the Holiday Season: Back to Basics

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. I'm hosting this year. Which makes it even more real to me. There's LOTS to do to get ready. With that said, I know there are many of us with full plates this season. It's go,go,go until the new year. So how do we make getting dressed for all our upcoming events just a little easier?

Having a few basics in your wardrobe can make getting dressed a lot easier. With versatile basics, you can pull together outfits for whatever your day brings. From office wear to night out or casual weekend, basics will have you covered. If you have these in your wardrobe you’ll never be caught without something to wear.

What makes a great basic? Versatility is key. A piece that is neutral and classic will make for easy pairing. Think of the colors that you wear most often in your wardrobe. Think of the color pairings you gravitate towards. Understanding which items you use most often will help you to come up with the best group of basics.

Most of us will have the variations of the same basics in our fall wardrobe. Fall basics to consider including this season are nude pointy toe pumps, black pants, a pencil skirt, neutral blouse, classic sweater, dark jeans, simple t-shirt, blazer, and ankle booties. This is not to imply that you have to have all these items in your closet. Rather, to give you inspiration for the types of items that make great basics. For example, the classic sweater should be in a style that is flattering to you. Choose variations of these items that will work best for you. Using the items listed above you can dress for a variety of occasions.

Weekend casual: jeans & classic sweater

Day at the office: pencil skirt and blouse

Dinner out: black pants, blouse and blazers

Brunch with the girls: jeans, t-shirt and blazer

Add a few accessories (think jewelry, scarves & bags) to any of the outfit pairings listed above and you’re well on your way to having a great wardrobe with real choices for real life. Feel free to add color and style and make your basics match your personality. Focus on what makes you feel good when you look in the mirror.

Your clothes should make you feel beautiful. This is especially true for your basics. They are your safety net. They need to be there for you when all else fails. Make sure you have items that flatter you. Don’t put them on because you have to. Put them on because they make you feel wonderful!

 

J. Crew: Drapey Wrap Top: simple and classic, this piece will pair with almost any bottom

J. Crew: Drapey Wrap Top: simple and classic, this piece will pair with almost any bottom

J.Crew Perfect Fit V-neck T-shirt: a simple tee can go a long way in your wardrobe as a layer or stand alone - personalize by finding the right neckline for you

J.Crew Perfect Fit V-neck T-shirt: a simple tee can go a long way in your wardrobe as a layer or stand alone - personalize by finding the right neckline for you

J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt: this style is perfect for work or dinner out, but find what style works best for your body

J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt: this style is perfect for work or dinner out, but find what style works best for your body

J. Crew Tippi Sweater: available in a variety of colors this sweater is a staple & the crewneck-line is universally flattering

J. Crew Tippi Sweater: available in a variety of colors this sweater is a staple & the crewneck-line is universally flattering

Ann Taylor Leather Moto Jacket: instead of a classic blazer, add a moto jacket to your wardrobe and utilize it in the same way

Ann Taylor Leather Moto Jacket: instead of a classic blazer, add a moto jacket to your wardrobe and utilize it in the same way

Nordstrom Sam Edelman 'Telsa' d'Orsay Pointy Toe Pump: a nude pointy toe pump is a must have item to finish off any look

Nordstrom Sam Edelman 'Telsa' d'Orsay Pointy Toe Pump: a nude pointy toe pump is a must have item to finish off any look

 

 

The Sweater Dress Comeback

Do you tend to keep pieces from year to year in your closet or do you purge and refresh your wardrobe? I like to purchase quality pieces that I love so I tend to keep items for years that I may only use infrequently. Items that I overuse tend to get worn out and those are the ones that I have to refresh more often. But I have a couple of sweater dressed in my closet from years ago. One is a Banana Republic sweater dress with puff statement sleeves. Talk about back in style! The other is a simpler straight knee length sweater dress with a cute stipe print and solid bottom. If you have any of these sweater dresses sitting in the back or bottom of your closet… time to dig them out! They are back in a big way this season!

Sweater dresses are everywhere this fall in all kinds of style, colors and prints. They are incorporating the latest trends, from off the shoulder, to statement sleeves and turtlenecks. (Yes, turtlenecks are coming back too.) Chances are if you’ve held on to items over the year, you probably have a sweater dress or two lying around. This is one of things that I love about trends, they come back around and you can always incorporate what you have back into your closet rotation.

While I love the versatility of the sweater dress for almost any occasion, I am here to give you a little advice before you throw it on and head out the door. The sweater dress for all its comfort lacks form. It takes on your form. So be conscious of the fact that your sweater dress may require the appropriate undergarments to look its best. Yes, I’m taking about spanx. No matter what most of us can use a little “smoothing out”. All we’re looking to do is get spanx to smooth out the bumps. That sweater dress will reveal and highlight your gorgeous form. A pair of spanx will help to enhance that. Undergarments are key to ANY outfit.

So what if you’re new to the sweater dress game? What to look for this fall? You have your choice of necklines, colors and textures. There’s a style for everybody! If you’re not sure what will work best on you, try on a few different styles. Simple is probably the most versatile but you can find sweater dresses with any variation of detail that might interest you. I would recommend sticking with a solid color opposed to a print. A print on a sweater dress can be overwhelming due to the lack of form.

If you’re wondering where you might find these dresses the answer is …everywhere. Right now, I’ve seen sweater dresses in almost every retail store. You don’t really need to go looking for it because I promise it will find you.

Here is some inspiration to give you a feel of what you might find in stores. Happy shopping!

Ann Taylor Options:

Off The Shoulder Bell Sleeve Sweater Dress

Off The Shoulder Bell Sleeve Sweater Dress

Ruffle Sleeve Sweater Dress

Ruffle Sleeve Sweater Dress

Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Dress

Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Dress

Slit Sleeve Flare Sweater Dress

Slit Sleeve Flare Sweater Dress

Banana Republic Options:

Ruffle Cuff Sweater Dress

Ruffle Cuff Sweater Dress

Button Front Ribbed Sweater Dress

Button Front Ribbed Sweater Dress