Inspiration Overload

I ran into a friend on Saturday morning at my son’s karate class and we started chatting. She said “do you have any plans tonight?” and I said “actually I’m heading to New York this afternoon to attend an event for New York Fashion Week”. She stopped dead in her tracks and I watched her eyes bug open. She looked at me, smiled and said “your head must be ready to explode”. And she was right.

I only found out a few weeks before that I was going to have this opportunity. But what an opportunity it was. It was my first NYFW event and I have to say it was definitely memorable. I learned a lot that I am excited to share with my clients and my blog. I saw so many inspiring styles, not just on the runway but in the audience too! The crowd really does dress to impress and I was overwhelmed with the amazing styles and fashion risks.

I saw outfits that looked amazing on the person wearing them even if they were something I would never wear. I saw outfits that pushed against the edges of over the top yet totally worked for that individual. I saw so many women using accessories to make statements and bold colors to draw the eye. In all of these cases, I saw women walking tall and exuding an air of confidence that I found intoxicating. In all of their looks, the key was how they worked it. What they wore reflected their personal style and as a result, enhanced their beauty. My take away from this? As much as looking good is about dressing for your body, beauty is truly about how you feel inside and how you carry yourself. I stress this with my clients and will continue to impress it on those I work with. The key is to feel strong and confident about the person you are.

So I might look at these high fashion outfits and think “that’s not for me” but that doesn’t mean there isn’t inspiration to be drawn from the crowd. How colors, fabrics and textures are combined can give you ideas about your own wardrobe. A white dress with gold booties. A leopard print faux fur coat over a white jumpsuit. Neon used to accentuate and highlight. I have to say that I walked away inspired by the uniqueness of the looks I saw. Each woman was speaking very genuinely to her own style. That alone is inspiring!

I have so much more to share about this past weekend… stay tuned for an upcoming post on my new favorite brand Tibi and their Spring 2019 runway show!

For now see some of the amazing outfits from the audience at the Tibi Spring 2019 Fashion Show from NYFW:

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A Great End of Summer Sale

Wasn't I just blogging about the beginning of summer? Somehow now it's already Labor Day weekend. Whether you're back to school or your kids are back to school or maybe you're seeing back to school signs everywhere... we're all feeling fall will be upon us soon in spite of the steamy temps. With any luck it will still be warm for awhile but I know you're starting to think about that fall wardrobe. And if you've been in any retail store, you've seen a preview of the fall trends. 

By now, most of the summer items are gone but if you're still in the market for a summer steal, you might be in luck. Labor Day Sales are about your last chance to snag a summer piece at a deep discount. Maybe you're looking to pick up something for an upcoming vacation or just for next summer. Either way, this is the weekend to shop. With that said, most stores will likely be low on inventory. You might find more versatile styles and sizing options available online. 

This deals to be had this weekend might make for a great opportunity to try something different. Step outside your element to try a different style. Add something unique to your wardrobe. Find an item that would make a great standout piece but also blend in with the rest of your wardrobe. 

If you're looking for a little inspiration check out the pieces that I found on sale at Anthropologie this weekend. These could make for great summer pieces but a few could also transition well into fall. Happy Labor Day!

Molly Texxtured Stiped Dress

Molly Texxtured Stiped Dress

Prespa Pleated Dress

Prespa Pleated Dress

Ruffled Linen Jumpsuit

Ruffled Linen Jumpsuit

Morave Printed Buttondown

Morave Printed Buttondown

Patchwork Midi Dress

Patchwork Midi Dress

Nacala Silk Wrap Blouse

Nacala Silk Wrap Blouse

Floral Swing Blouse

Floral Swing Blouse

The Perfect Summer Touch... A Simple Straw Tote

One of the biggest handbag trends this season is the straw bag. Even if you haven't purchased one this season there is a good chance you already have this style in your closet. This classic bag has been around for years and a popular summer trend. Now the straw bag is available everywhere in every style, color and size you could want.

With so many options how do you choose? Make it personal. For me, I decided to go back to my roots. I was looking for a little twist in my straw bag this season and I found it in a new line of Peruvian straw bags called Isanka Peruvian Bags.

I have family in Peru and I grew up traveling there every year. When I heard through friends about this new handbag line I was so excited to add one to my wardrobe. This is a family business and the bags are well made. The designs are very classic with variations in embellishments. The colors, textures and fabrics are all very true to the Peruvian style. 

I chose the oversized clutch pictured below with plenty of room for my wallet, keys, phone, lip gloss, tissues and whatever else I might need. This is a great versatile piece for evening out or daytime event. It's also the perfect summer accessory!

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Be sure to check out their Esty shop @ https://www.etsy.com/shop/IsankaPeruvianBags

Also follow them on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/IsankaPeruvianBags/