Kristen's Wardrobe Makeover!

My gorgeous friend Kristen has great taste. She loves trends and keeps up on what's cool. Whenever I see her out and about, she has a relaxed and hip vibe that is utterly Hawaii. But she found herself struggling to inject her vivacious personality into her work wardrobe. Instead, she found herself teaching at a local elementary school in a boring uniform of white tees and khaki pants day in and day out. She called me over to check out the contents of her closet and see what we could do to transform her work wear. 

First, I had her pull out five favorite pieces and tell me what she loved about each one. She pulled a few fun patterned skirts, a favorite dress that fits like a glove and a pretty printed top. Like most people, she loves looks that are comfortable, but she is also fearless with pattern and color. However, she wasn't sure how to mix pattern and color, so she often paired a plain white tee with her bold skirts, feeling like nothing else would match.

As far as shoes go, she has a killer assortment of towering platform heels, none of which she can wear to work because they also kill her feet. This collection of sandals are pretty much her only shoes for work. There were some cool pieces to work with here- lots of pretty embellished and gladiator style numbers, but she needs to fill in with some flats and maybe even low heels or wedges.

Look at all the pattern and pizaaz in her closet! Kristen didn't need much help with organization, because she already had a good system in place and knew what she had really clearly.

This is a girl who loves color and print, but was saving all her fun clothes for her own time. It was literally divided in half. Work clothes here, play clothes here. Work is a huge part of her life, and I wanted to help her enjoy getting dressed for it every day. My goal was to show her that lots of her play clothes could go to work and some of her work clothes could go out on the town!

It's this kind of flexibility and creativity with your wardrobe that make it fun and tailored to your life. I really believe this helps you to bring your whole self to your professional life, coming to work with joy, enthusiasm and confidence. Who knew your closet could offer you all of that?

Next, I asked Kristen to pick out a piece she loves but isn't sure how to wear. This fun ruched skirt was a perfect example. The black and white stripes made her feel like she should pair it with a simple black or white top. Instead, we tried this simple purple tee from her play clothes. It adds a pop of color and suddenly this outfit is a lot more special. We paired it with white earrings from her beautiful jewelery collection and some studded white sandals. I'd love to see it with a wide woven white belt to make her waist look even tinier. She has such a perfect hourglass figure!

Part of rooting through a closet means some duds. She loves this corduroy skirt, but it's a smidge too big. She's also often drawn to the boxy drapey silhouette of this top, but it doesn't really work with this skirt, making her look top heavy. Back to the drawing board.

She just found this luscious blue silk skirt at a vintage shop, and it looked so gorgeous with her skin! We had fun creating several looks with this piece, pairing it with a vibrant striped coral top and a pretty pendant monogram necklace for work. A braided belt defines her waist even more and matches perfectly with her platforms. We made a note to find her some caramel colored flat shoes that would complement this belt so she can wear this look to school. With a pretty shoulder baring top, the same modest skirt is suddenly way sexy for date night.

You can check out my pinterest inspiration board for this project here if you like.

What are your challenges with your wardrobe? I've been through this process with several friends now and it's fascinating to see people through the lens of their clothing. It's deeply personal, and therefore can be really transformative. I have several more makeovers in my backlog to share with you, so stay tuned.

Simple Pleasures: Friendship Bracelets as Fashion Statement

I've been collecting pretty friendship bracelets over the past few months, (my Mum bought me a few while she was here!) hoping to recreate a more affordable version of these beautiful cuffs from Deloris Petunia. I had plans to embellish them myself, but when I stacked them all on, I was pleasantly surprised with the glam surfer girl effect. The sparkle of the rhinestones and zippers really elevated the look, keeping it from getting overly casual. What do you think? Too bohemian or just right?

Taylor Swift's Just Right Style

Being here on the mainland for a few weeks has given me a chance to brush up on my trashy magazines. It's amazing how living in far flung places has changed my perception of the Hollywood look. The tabloids show women that look hopelessly done up to me now. Too much make up, to much hair do, too much platform heel, TOO MUCH!

Taylor Swift has that charming ingenue thing going on- still a bit overly styled perhaps, but she looks pretty, modern and youthfull without looking like she has narrowly escaped the maw of the Tropic Tan and a team of stylists wielding peroxide, chicken cutlets and baby oil.

All that to say I love the Tracy Reese dress she wore to her fragrance launch. I'm always a sucker for anything sheer and black for evening, but the delicate little sparkle and fine stripes added a little wit and panache too. I think she looks smashing without looking like she tried to hard.

What kind of looks do you like for evening? It's always the most fun to dress for a night on the town, don't you agree? Are there any celebrities whose style you admire?

The Darby Shoe from J Crew

I can't help but imagine Coco Chanel loafing around her apartment in a razor sharp white shirt with these patent leather slipper shoes from J.Crew on her tiny little feet, omnipresent cigarette wafting smoke behind her. Becky Kazana could pull it off too I think, minus the stink of nicotine. Now where does a girl find a quilted smoking jacket these days?

Giddy Giveaway: Vintage Pearl Evening Clutch from Ranch Vintage

Due to a slight mix up, I ended up with this pretty vintage clutch from Ranch Vintage. I thought we'd turn it into a giveaway in order to send you all peeking in her shop (which is chalk full of the cutest collection of vintage milk glass!) It's in excellent vintage condition, with no beads missing and a dainty scalloped edge. It's the perfect size to stash your evening essentials and would add a little girly flair to a little black dress or jeans and a chiffon top. (And in all white, it would be just right for the right Bride to carry her lipstick in on her big day too!)

First, please take a peak around Ranch Vintage. Then, Why don't you leave me a comment describing a fantasy evening out? What would you wear with this pretty pearl clutch? What would you put inside? Who would you be out with? That kind of thing!

Please leave a thoughtful entry since I'll be picking my favorite comment to win. Don't forget to include your e-mail address so I can get in touch if you are the lucky winner! (No email, no entry darlings. I can't chase you down to give you goodies!)

Good Luck Glamour Girls!

Pretty Tulle Shopping Bags

I love the diaphanous look of these tulle shopping bags from Bankeladen. All of my reusable bags are quite hideous compared to these whispy little things, and I bet it would fold up into a perfectly tiny square in your regular handbag until you needed it.

Do you avoid single use plastics? Ever since I learned about this, I do my best to avoid, recycle or re-use them.

P.S) This is an amazing project devoted to clearing plastics from our planet's oceans.

Ballet Flats with a Mousy Twist

As I was unpacking our earthly possessions during this last move, I discovered that I am drawn to objects that have a function, but are shaped like something else. Particularly animals. I own a teapot shaped like an elephant, a cream and sugar set shaped like cows, a salt and pepper shaker shaped like a pair of mushrooms, a measuring tape shaped like Pinocchio, and of course, a lollipop holder shaped like a peacock. You know, truly practical, every day items. Giggle.

So obviously these Marc Jacobs Ballet Flats that look like a Mouse are right up my alley. I saw an adorable Japanese girl wearing a pair in Vienna this summer and felt a pang of jealousy stab right through my stomach and shoot out my spine. So cute. And yet, so cool.

Hers were a soft looking suede, but this studded version reminds me of a very tough biker rat. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to mouse hunt on ebay.

Missoni for Target: Will it be A Hit or A Miss?

I'm sure it's already all over the blogosphere that Target is doing a collaboration with Missoni. Hooray Design for All! Of course it looks great in the publicity photos (save some rather curious styling for the womens wear!) but I'll reserve my final judgement until I see it in stores.

The highly anticipated Liberty of London roll out ended up looking schlocky. It felt like regular plastic junk covered with those famous Liberty prints. I'd rather save up for one piece of the real thing than have something that's just a sloppy imitation. That said, here are a few of my favorite looks from the slideshow via Cut Blog.

With such a bold seventies inspired print, I love the idea of keeping everything else very restrained. (Also, looks like this make me I wish I could wear tights in Hawaii! Far too hot.)

If those towels look that plush in real life, I want one of each to take poolside.

Fill it with shiny red apples and this bowl would make a glamorous centerpiece on your Thanksgiving table.

A perfect pop of color and pattern for you feet.

Round it all off with a sexy little nightie and robe. These goodies will be in stores on September 13th. Will you make a special trip to check them out?

What do you think of the collaborations between high end designers and box stores? Which have been the most successful? Have you bought any pieces? Are any still favorites? (I still have favorites that Isaac Mizrahi did for Target way back in the beginning!)

Advanced Style

Hello my dears! I've jumped back into my old routine head first and between substitute teaching for the first week of kindergarten (ACK!), primping our new pad and shipping out Love Birds for my newly re-opened shop, there hasn't been much energy for posting.

However, my lovely Mum has come to the rescue by sending along a link to the amazing blog and video series "Advanced Style". This blog is dedicated to women who haven't let growing older stop them from expressing themselves through fashion. To me, that's what fashion is all about- expressing yourself, having fun and celebrating this beautiful, far too short thing we call life.

A special thanks to my Mom who showed me from the beginning that fashion was not frivolous, but a way to be more present in every day and savor the beauty of life. I'm practicing.

Enjoy!

A Quest for Gorgeous Opal Jewelery

My birthstone is an Opal. This stunning gem comes in an incredible assortment of colors (from the bottom of the ocean blue to the palest seashell pink) and has an ethereal shimmer, but I have rarely seen it featured in a piece of jewelry that I like. They are often made from cobbled together inlays and embellished with dark woods or silly flourishes. Usually one sees white opals set in sterling silver which look washed out and cheap, like bubblegum machine mood rings. Internet searches were futile since I didn't have any descriptors to clarify what I was looking for. I would know it when I saw it.

While in Vienna, I saw some extraordinary examples of Art Nouveau jewelery, including several breathtaking pieces showcasing opals. Now I knew which search terms to enter: antique and Art Nouveau. That search turned up this beauty.

I love everything about this piece (except the $10,000 price tag.) I love the scale of it first and foremost- dainty jewelery is not my thing. I like over-sized, exceptional statement pieces. I love how the stone itself is the showpiece- one giant, unbroken hunk which can catch the light and dazzle. The teardrop shape is artistic and sophisticated- it reminds me of something Georgia O'Keefe would have worn in turquoise. The square cut sapphires and emeralds on either side enhance the design and accent the colors shining from inside the opal itself.


Then while catching up on my pile of summer magazines, I clapped eyes on these showstoppers in Martha Stewart Weddings. There is no price tag featured on either the website or the magazine- price upon request is never a good sign for people on a teacher's budget. Nevertheless, what I love about these earrings is how the opals are the star- not upstaged by other elements. And of course, it doesn't hurt that they are my two favorite colors on earth- blue and green.

What is your birthstone? Do you have a piece of birthstone jewelery you are in love with? From the looks of these picks I'd better start saving immediately if I want an incredible piece of opal jewelery for my 30th birthday the October after next. (Actually, it may have to wait till 50!)

Roman Holiday: Harem Pants, Yay or Nay?

Harem Pants. All the girls here are wearing them. I kindof love the look, but is it too close to the hammer pants I swore to never wear again? Also, I will try to be brave enough to get a photo of someone from the front. I don't know how fashion bloggers do it- it feels so rude!

Summer Bags from Mar Y Sol

Have you already heard about Mar Y Sol? These adorable raffia bags are handmade in Madagascar and help talented weavers there earn a living without harming the local environment. This rainbow clutch would be perfect for my Hawaiian wardrobe.

Though fringe is always hard to pass up, and despite my longing to be a clutch only kindof girl,

The reality is that I always find myself toting big berthas like this one. (And sale prices seem to trump all else.)

What kind of bag do you carry in the summer? (Or do you carry one bag all year long?)

Etsy Stories: Tropic Isle

It looks as though Eric and I will be moving house once again and true to form, I've already begun imagining what our new space will look like. I'd like it to feel soft, clean, sophisticated, tropical and inviting. See my complete collection live on Etsy here.

Bone white limestone Tealight holders feel beachy but streamlined.

I'm crazy about this Parrot Pillow- especially the softness of the color story. Sometimes "tropical" gets translated as "garish".

This pretty Tassel Pendant would put a little "swish" in my step!

I love ornate details and these Glass Beaded Sandals have it in spades!

I like the cheerful mix of colors and pattern on these Chevron Dinner Plates -just the thing for a light summer dinner on the lanai.

What are you daydreaming about lately? Have you done any re-decorating of late?

A Lacy Leather Bag for Summer

I just saw a very chic tourist carrying this tote at the beach the other day. She looked so elegant in her giant straw hat and white tunic. One would think leather at the beach would be too much, but the metallic sheen with the lazer cut lace pattern over the top of it seemed right at home in sand and surf. I managed to track it down- it the Garnet Shopper from Ivanka Trump (who knew she was doing bags?). The last thing I need is another giant bag, but I had to share it. So cool! What's catching your eye lately?

Easter Bonnet: A Celebration of Le Chapeau!

I think it's a shame that hats have been relegated to the beach alone. They are such a whimsical addition to a wardrobe. If you are hat shy, there is no better occasion than Easter (closely followed by Derby Day!) to try one out. Here is a collection of Easter Bonnets to get you inspired for Sunday! Vive le Chapeau!

This Medusa Print is quite elegant. (Don't you love the idea of tying a scarf underneath a hat for a bit of extra panache?)

A trio of cheery red vintage Hat Stands to display your collection like the works of art they are.

If you aren't brave enough to wear a dramatic hat, consult your reflection in this Pocket Mirror until you screw up your courage.

This Floral Hat is the perfect botanical specimen for spring. (It would look smashing with a pixie cut!)

I love the texture of this Woven Hat and the jaunty pop of the over sized pearl hat pin!

This Pink Cloche is perfection. Her modern smokey eye make up keeps it from looking too costumey.

Yellow Cabbage Flowers and tulle are a match made in heaven.

It's like a party- for your neck!

Are you bold enough to wear a necklace as wild as this one? I think I could pull it off- I've been so drawn to pops of coral red lately. (Also, it's on clearance and has the word "confetti" in the title. Sold.) What's on your wish list lately?

Fezzes are Cool.

Fezzes are cool. Need more convincing? Check out my Fez collection! Add a smoking jacket and some velvet slippers and you're ready to relax. (I think it's the giant tassels that really get me!) Learn more about the history of the Fez here.

Gwen's Wardrobe Tweak: Part Two

Remember Gwen's wardrobe tweak? Well, we also took a shopping trip. On her list of things to add to her wardrobe:

Black & Neutral Ballet Flats

Brown Cowboy Boots

Wide Brown Belt

Skinny Belt

Updated Denim

Leggings

Cardigans

Little Black Sheath Dress

A few more tops

Another Blazer

Gwen is not a big shopper, and when she does hunt for clothes, she likes to hit thrift shops for eco and budget friendly options. I love thrift shops also. But for a project like this, I encouraged Gwen to try department & discount stores. How come? For one thing, they have wide color selection in a range of sizes. New things are more likely to be of the moment. There are usually great sale options. And finally, you can return them if they don't work with what you already have at home. Once we had the basic pieces of her wardrobe filled in, we would hit thrift shops for quirky accessories and unique one of a kind pieces. She had a budget of about $300 for this project and though we didn't get everything on the list, we managed quite a haul for about $150 thanks to the sale racks at Target and Macy's.

One of the finds Gwen was most excited about were these dark wash skinny jeans. She had never tried on a pair. One of our strategies on shopping day was simply to try on a ton of stuff. The point of this is to break out of the "that doesn't work on me" rut. There are many options that we tell ourselves we can't pull off, but unless you actually try them on you won't know for sure. Sure, not everything will work. But some things will surprise and delight you. Updating something as basic as jeans transformed Gwen's whole wardrobe, making it much more now. Look how great her favorite tee looks with these new jeans! The embellished ballet slippers were one of her new additions as well. Add a quirky bicycle necklace she already had and you've got a fabulous look.

Here is a look we put together for a little party that afternoon. Look how adding a simple scarf gives this look an extra dash of thoughtfulness and transforms it from "just a tank and shorts" to a real outfit. Accessories demonstrate intentionality- a big part of being well dressed!

We finished our afternoon by styling Gwen's hair with hot rollers. These babies are my favorite tool because you can put them in and then wander around the house getting your breakfast or tidying up. In ten minutes it's done- no standing at the sink chained to a flat iron or hair dryer. Gwen doubted she would do this very often, but she did go out and get a great haircut that will be no fuss to get ready each morning. I love how smooth and soft her hair looks her. We also did a quick five minute face. I'm not huge on make-up and neither is Gwen. (Thanks to adult acne, I'm wary of most foundations. I love my Daniel Kern products from Acne.org. They are the only prouducts that ever helped my skin.) but I almost always curl my eyelashes, do a swipe of mascara and add a little lipstick. It makes me feel ready for the day.

If you find yourself falling into a hum drum wardrobe routine, set aside an uninterrupted block of time, have a trusted friend come help and try to create different combinations. (Pop open some bubbly and make it a party!) How many shirts do I have that go with these pants? Maybe this dress could work as a skirt if I layer it with a tee shirt? Which shoes look best with this length of bottom? Not everything will work together. But keep an open mind and keep experimenting. Some things will surprise you.

Take photos of the winners for reference. Print them out and keep them in an easy to reach spot. (I made Gwen a little look book to keep right in her closet!) Now your outfits are "ready made" and all you'll have to do is pull the pieces in the morning. You will be shocked at how many possibilities you have in your closet already, and you will start to have a lot of fun experimenting with new looks that express the person you are. That is the whole point of fashion after all.

Etsy Stories: Easter Sunday

See the entire collection of Easter finds live on Etsy here!

On Easter Sunday the birds are busy singing sweetly in the blossoming trees.

A little dish of hand painted Wooden Easter Eggs reminds her of the season.

A pretty Easter Bonnet festooned with flowers is just the thing for the early morning church service she is attending with her neighbor.

This Embroidered Doily inspired the brunch menu she'll serve afterwards.

Soft boiled eggs kept warm with knitted caps and served with scalloped potatoes, ham, warm rosemary biscuits and a healthy slathering of gravy. And it wouldn't be brunch without fresh squeezed orange juice, steaming hot coffee and a round of very spicy bloody marys.
Even though today is really too cold for her chiffon dress, she couldn't resist wearing it when she saw all those bravely blooming bulbs poking their heads out of the snow and mud. Her pretty folkloric Sweater goes surprisingly well. It must be the contrast in textures.

These Leather flats are her house slippers for now, but once the mud and rain are gone, they will be her go to shoes. (They fold up to pack in her purse just in case!)

Do you celebrate Easter? What are your favorite traditions?