No matter what kind of body type you have, it's likely that you've spent a healthy amount of time looking for that perfect pair of jeans. Flimsy fabric, waist gaps, tight calves, blingy back pockets, and worse -- fake pockets -- are only a few examples of what women run into on a regular basis when shopping for denim. Unless you've found your brand (if you have one, you know what I'm talking about,) you're still looking for that just-right pair of jeans that you can love equally in every color. This particular post goes out to the hourglass ladies. Round bottoms, violin hips, thick thighs -- We're talking about the most common female body type in the world (especially in North and South America,) If your waist-to-hip ratio falls more towards the Kardashian end of the spectrum, odds are you’ve experienced one or two of the following issues when shopping for denim: jeans that should fit your waist, but get caught mid-thigh, fading and whiskering in all the wrong places, and, of course, the dreaded waistband gap. Yep, the struggle is real. Photo the round-upAs an hourglass shape myself, I've done loads of research on this topic and have been on the endless search for that "perfect" pair of jeans. After watching review after review on YouTube, trying on upwards of 100 pairs of jeans in person, and having owned most of these brands at one point in my adult life, I've rounded up some of the BEST options for women who are in the same boat as me. long-lastingAnn Taylor LOFT $69.50 online and in select Ann Taylor LOFT stores Hudson $189.00 online and at select department stores including Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack ultra-comfyraving reviewsGood American, $159.00 online and at select Bloomingdales stores
American Eagle $49.95 online and in select American Eagle stores
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This is no professional blog by any means. I've been blogging (not consistently or successfully) for about 3 years now. Articles about how to dress on a budget, where to shop for your frame and shape, gift guides, color advice, and more trickles out every few weeks (or months -- sorry.) And I just realized... I've never written a post about my own personal style. Shoot. Some stylist I am. So, as an ode to myself, I've compiled some of my favorite brands, a couple items on my wish list, and even some of the pieces I have in my closet right now (hello, affordable!). Links to shopping are included as always. workLuckily, I work in an environment where I can express myself with my clothes. When it comes to being a stylist, the two most important things that I look for are comfort and how flattering an item is. I'm on my feet 90% of the day, so comfort is key. I look for lots of flowy garments to stay comfortable and cool (your girl runs hot). But I always make sure to show off my shape by cinching the waist -- that either means wearing something high waisted, belting a garment, or buying a dress that is already an hourglass/fit-and-flare shape. Vince Camuto striped dress | Zara floral patchwork dress | Zara floral patchwork top | Mango pleated pants | French Connection booties | Marc Fisher Flats | Oasis ruffle skirt | Banana Republic camisole | Invicta watch | Furla tote playAt a glance, you'll probably see notes of overlap and similar styles/silhouettes between these two boards. Just because it's may day off doesn't mean I'm dressing like a different person. Your style should be consistent no matter the occasion or what you need to get done that day. That doesn't mean wear a full length dress to ride your bike. And it doesn't mean wear a denim mini skirt to your networking event. Just remember that there are 2 main elements (among many other little things) that make up one's personal style -- a consistent, flattering silhouette (or two), and a honed-in color palette. After all, there are few things more rewarding as a stylist than hearing someone say, "I love your outfit. That's so you." Banana Republic black skinny jeans | Adidas sneakers | Schutz boots | Mango t-shirt | Mango jumpsuit | River Island skirt | Topshop lace top | River Island jacket | Massimo Dutti crossbody Want to read more about my personal style? Have questions about your own wardrobe that you want to see answered on the blog? Take a minute to shoot me an email at [email protected]. Or, book an appointment for your own personal styling session!
It's 6:15 am and your phone blares a generic tone for the third time. That's your last chance to snooze, and it's still pitch black and freezing cold in your room. The last thing you want to do is roll out of bed and get dressed for the work day. If only there was something that could motivate you to spring out of the right side of the bed... What if I told you that getting dressed in clothes that make you feel good could change the direction of your entire day? You've heard it a hundred times from me, and probably a thousand times from other fashion outlets -- but when you look good, you feel good. It's that simple. So give yourself a reason to get excited for the day! (Not that your morning small talk with Becky at the water cooler doesn't excite you enough.) Whether you work in a traditional work environment, sit at a cubicle, spend time hands-on with clients, or spend most of your days on your feet, there's always a way to put a twist on your workwear to boost your mood. Let's take a look. dress updateIt's easy to fall into the same routine: black dress, favorite heels, and whichever cardigan or blazer you have hanging over the back of your chair at the office. Update your dress look by investing in a black floral number. Not only is it easy to find in your fave fast fashion stores and designer boutiques alike, but it's a timeless pattern that will be around for quite a while. That, and the fact that you can play with the colors in the flowery pattern, make this an extremely easy piece to style. Pair your new bouquet-esque dress with modern, simple jewelry and trendy suede knee-high boots. A chunky heel makes these easy to walk in for all-day wear, and keeps your legs warm without having to opt for leggings -- or god forbid, pantyhose. Photo Credit | Alice + Olivia dress | Ann Taylor boots | See by Chloe crossbody | Mango coat | Melissa Joy Manning earrings | Madewell stacking rings | Chanel nail color rock that turtleneckLet's face it. You're either a turtleneck girl, or you're not. Now if you can stand the uber-high neckline (unlike myself,) a solid colored turtleneck is a winter must-have. Choose a light-weight sweater in your go-to shade and tuck it into high waisted pants or a pencil skirt for the work week. Pair it with any jeans from your closet for a weekend uniform. Wear it any time, any place, and layer it with almost anything you like. It's the ultimate wintertime blank canvas. If you're not a fan of the thin turtleneck material and only want to go for a chunky cable knit, don't worry about tucking it in. Any extra bulk underneath a sleek trouser is a bit too unsightly. But if you're covering up your waist line, remember to show off a little bit of skin to compensate. A cropped pant to show the ankle or a rolled up sleeve to show off the wrist are two easy options. Photo Credit | JoosTricot turtleneck | See by Chloe high-waisted trousers | Burberry tote | Zara heels | River Island coat | Henri Bendel earrings | Givenchy lipstick street-style suitIs anyone as stoked as I am that it's slowly becoming more acceptable to wear t-shirts in the office? Maybe your workplace isn't ready for it yet, and that's okay. But if you're working in a creative or more lax environment, chances are that you can rock a look like the one below. Embrace your inner androgynous girl and layer that sparkly graphic tee that you saw in the Zara window under an oversized suit. Work-appropriate due to the lapels and the pleats, but comfortable enough to totally forget that you're wearing a suit. Yeah, I'm in. If you'd rather not look like Ferris Beuller's mom at 9:00 am on a Wednesday,Try a more modern print or even a solid color. But the ultimate key to achieving a successful tee look for work is to completely lean into it. Make it stylish (no old t-shirts from high school softball), make it trendy (by completing the look with equally-trendy pieces like patent leather chelseas) and make it your own. It can go both ways; you only look your best if you feel good, too. Photo Credit | Mango trousers | Mango blazer | Zara t-shirt | Rebecca Minkoff boots | Uno De 50 necklace | Uno De 50 ring | Steve Madden tote | Gucci sunglasses Thanks for being so patient in between posts! I'll try and be better about replying to blog post requests in the future. Remember that if you'd like to see a topic featured (or updated from an older post,) feel free to drop me a note from my contact page!
Searching for colorful inspiration for the sunny months ahead? It's very easy to fall into an easy and uninspired "uniform" on a daily basis. Especially if you live in New York, your year-round uniform probably consists of 90% black and denim. Style those pieces for summer by adding one of the hottest trends of 2017 - Crayola brights. Royal blue, fire engine red, emerald green, and butter yellow. Just a few of the shades that sprinkled SS17 runways. Don't wait for the saturated hues to be on every mannequin in every store - ride the initial wave and add brights into your already-existing wardrobe. Start with accessories, and work your way up! Earrings, sunglasses, heels and tote bags are all perfect pieces to try out if you're not sure how to incorporate these colors. Whether you're wondering how to style a orange statement necklace or a head-to-toe turquoise look, it all starts with shape and fit. Make sure that you're investing in pieces that show off your body, enhance your favorite features, and choose colors that make you happy. Need initial help to determine your shape, colors, or anything else? Consultations can be booked here. dress up your denimPhoto Credit | Issey Miyake skirt | Current/Elliott shirt | Zara bag | Fendi sunglasses | Benefit lip color | Valentino heels | Zara earrings | Lisa Marie Fernandez crop top | Topshop woven sandals The beauty of denim or chambray is that it acts as a neutral. Let the bright yellow of the skirt be the statement of your outfit. Not feeling like muting it with a neutral? Go for an equally-bright top! Stylist Tip: Let some skin show if you're comfortable. Head-to-toe covered up in color can be a bit much. pretty patternsPhoto Credit | Equipment blouse | Dolce & Gabbana floral skirt | Sam Edelman heels | Thom Browne sunglasses | Givenchy lipstick | Chelsea28 bag | Carven ruffle skirt | Oscar de la Renta earrings By mixing prints and patterns in the same color family, you create a sophisticated level of visual interest that many others don't know how to achieve. This is a difficult skill to master, so try it out with one solid, one print in the same family first. Then once you're comfortable, test out some other prints! In this case, trust your gut. If you look in the mirror and don't feel right, chances are, it's time to change. blazer babePhoto Credit | Max Mara blazer | Fausto Puglisi blouse | Zara pineapple tunic | Skagen watch | Ann Taylor sunglasses | Zara jeans | Zara bag | Aldo mules Oranges and yellows are everywhere this season, so it won't be hard to find the perfect blazer in your budget. Mix and match these citrus shades for a fresh take on workwear.
Want to see something on the blog? Get in touch. It's that time of year again. Daughters, sisters, best friends and girlfriends are graduating and getting that diploma! If you're struggling with the decision of what to get as a gift, I've put together some great ideas that she'll actually love, appreciate and use. When gift cards seem to be your only solace, check out the gift idea collection below for all budgets. These gifts say, "I actually know you, thought about what you want and enjoy, and went out and got it." $10 - $49
Kat von D lip duo Kate Spade stationery set Givenchy crystal bangle 30-minute 1-pot Meals cook book Gift Boutique cocktail shaker $50 - $99 Kate Spade wallet Nudestix eye palette Marc Jacobs perfume Cloverpost earrings $100+ Bose bluetooth speaker Michael Kors watch T3 featherlight foldable hair dryer Patty leather briefcase bag Tumi overnight duffle Spring is in full swing. Do you have the essentials? I'm not talking about that floral sundress stuffed in the back of your closet or your worn out white tee. I'm talking about the newest trends that you can count as instant classics, no matter your shape or age. It's all in the cut, how you style it, and the brand you decide to buy. Need assistance finding the perfect fit that's age appropriate and flattering? I can help! cropped blue jeansWhether they're boyfriend fit, wide leg, or a classic skinny cut, a classic blue jean is essential to your spring wardrobe. Faded blue jeans are very trendy right now but if you're interested in a more classic shade, go for true blue. Cropped jeans give you a bit of height by showing your ankle - just remember to pair with a flatform (platform flat in a slide or sneaker style) or stilettos to elongate the leg. Style it with a tucked-in tee, longline jacket or blazer, off-the-shoulder blouse, crop top, or oversized sweater if you live somewhere with a chilly spring. H&M jeans | Aldo earrings | Alexis embroidered top | TS.2 sunglasses | Steve Madden studded sandals | Aldo pumps | Sole Society tote | Olivia Burton watch graphic teeIt may seem counter-intuitive. A graphic tee? Fashionable? Yup. It works when you style it in an interesting, flattering way. Tuck it into high-waisted jeans or a fit-and-flare skirt. Dress it up under a blazer and pair with heels. Or, go the younger, casual route with ripped jeans, a bomber, choker, and white sneakers. Pick a tee that expresses your style, whether it's in a flattering color, your fave band is screened on front, or it has a unique abstract print. longline jacketI'm not talking about a floor-length wool winter coat. I'm talking about a lightweight, springtime jacket that hits somewhere around the knee. A long line like this can make you appear taller if styled correctly. Want something classic that you can invest in? Go for a camel or blush color for spring time. If you're feeling more risky, find a trendy option like a boyfriend blazer at a cheaper price. Belt it to show off your waist during your commute, then leave it open to show off your outfit during the day. Don't take it off, though! It's part of your outfit, more than something to keep you warm. Topshop jeans | Zara pink t-shirt | Loeffler Randall mules | Chloe handbag | Topshop coat | H&M sunglasses | H&M longline blazer Questions? Need help with your spring wardrobe? Get in touch for expert styling tips.
Now that we've had ample time to soak up all things Fashion Week, I'm sure everyone has their own favorite trends and looks. Aside from over-accessorizing (hello, 2001) and a strong shoe game, one of my favorite trends has to be the head-to-toe monochrome looks. I say "monochrome" as an all-encompassing term, as it doesn't only include shades of black and grey anymore. Photos Source Stylists often refer to monochrome looks as anything that's all one hue or color, but in different shades. This can be accomplished by mixing different fabrics as well as pieces from different seasons. A good way to assure you're in the same color family is by purchasing these pieces on the same shopping trip, so you can see what they look like against each other. If you're going for an ensemble that looks like it isn't the same exact shade, make sure it's on purpose. Example: Pairing two navy pieces - they should either be the exact same color, or different enough to look intentionally separate. Photos Source The photos from the runway are probably a little to outrageous for most people to wear on a daily basis. No worries - you can still accomplish the head-to-toe look in one color without having to wear shoulder pads, six-inch heels, smocks, or mesh. Look for classic silhouettes like jumpsuits, midi or long dresses, and pant-suit combos. For some inspiration, I've put together a few looks so you can get the idea. Stay on trend and create runway-worthy looks for yourself, from the comfort of your own closet! the original monochromeTopshop trousers | Reiss coat | Bailey 44 turtleneck | Sophia Webster mary janes | Michael Kors kitten heels | Karen Millen bag | Kate Spade hoops feeling greenGAP jumpsuit | Michael Antonio heels | Toga flats | Anthropologie bag | GAP sunglasses | Rumba watch | Vanessa Mooney earrings plum happyOlivia Pope and Elizabeth McCord have given office-trudging women everywhere hope that fashionable workwear still exists. The problem, though, is channeling these powerhouses and turning their stylish ensembles into real life options. So many times, women opt for a black slacks + cardigan combo or a shift dress with flats because it's easy. It's what they know. While that's fine, these women aren't making statements in the workplace. What you wear is a huge portion of your impression to others, so it's important to make it count. So, where to start? It's a common issue among working women everywhere. "I don't know what looks good on me," or "I could never wear a stiletto to work, so I can't be sexy," are excuses that stylists hear again and again. Throw away everything you thought you knew about basic workwear. "Basic" will no longer be in your vocabulary. Stand out every single day with these sexy, trendy, and totally appropriate outfit formulas for the workplace. the patterned pant suitReiss suit jacket | Reiss trousers | J. W. Anderson handbag | Topshop heels | Bottega Veneta flats | French Connection blouse | Echo scarf the statement printTopshop asymmetrical skirt | Mango bag | Milly pencil skirt | Max Mara black blouse | Mango white blouse | Zara heels | Tory Burch watch | Tory Burch earrings the sexy classicGirlfriend, wife, mother, sister, or best friend. Whether you prefer to exchange small gifts and gestures, or take Valentine's Day to the max, every girl appreciates receiving something that lets her know you care. Are you the romantic couple? The goofy couple? The couple that loves to travel? Whoever your special girl is, a gift to say, "I love you" can be easier to find than you may think. Cheesy? Yes. Worth the gesture? Also yes. With the hottest trending gift options of right now, to investment pieces for later, I've put together a little list to ignite your shopping inspiration. For Moms
Diane Von Furstenberg scarf $191 Dyptique candle in Orange Tree $62 Wine soaps $28 For Best Friends Kate Spade watch $195 MAC beauty set $62 bkr water bottle $35 Illume diffuser $29 For New Loves World Market throw blanket $60 Kate Spade earrings $59 Estella Bartlett pearl necklace $34 What I Love About You book $10 For True Loves Marc Jacobs wallet $230 Valentino fragrance $133 Slip night mask $45 Our coat closets are full of trenches, peacoats, and parkas. Those are the classics. But what outerwear trend is storming stores this season? If you've been keeping your eyes peeled, you've noticed that puffer jackets are everywhere. High fashion brands like Moncler, Balenciaga and Stella McCartney (and more) introduced the trend and few seasons ago. And now the downy, cozy puffers are available everywhere, from Nike to H&M and Uniqlo. Now, don't cringe and automatically think "Randy from A Christmas Story." When styled correctly, puffers are chic and sophisticated. More importantly, they come in a million colors, lengths, with or without fur, in many different weights, and they come in every price range. You're bound to find the perfect one if you search long enough. Or if you'd like a stylist to find one for you, you can book an appointment and have them do all of the heavy lifting. I've done a bit of research for you, so you can picture what the style would look on you. Everyone needs an easy daytime classic every once in awhile. And if your personal aesthetic leans towards sportswear, puffer jackets are going to be your new go-to. Daytime ClassicCoach puffer jacket | Topshop jeans | H&M boots | Rebecca Minkoff t-shirt | Lacoste sneakers | Mango earrings | Steve Madden bag | Ray-Ban sunglasses | Oasis sweater | Mango rings Luxe Sportwear |