Closets & Couture: February 2012

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Peer Pressure

In my previous life, before children, I was fortunate to work in the fashion industry surrounded by brilliant merchants and talented designers. I was privy to trends before the rest of the world and traveled to far away places all in the name of fashion.
I traded it all in for the glamorous life of a stay-at-home mom.

My Girls

Photo taken by Kristen Weigel Photography

I wouldn't switch places with my old self, but what I miss most of my former life is dressing up. Not that I did all that much since I was able to wear jeans, but I could put on a skirt and heels, a full face of makeup, and blend in a sea of other fashionistas like myself. Now I'm swimming in a sea of sweat pants and jeans, Target tee's and Loft sweaters.

Loft

So boo hoo - poor me, right? I know at the end of the day it doesn't matter what I wear or what outfit I put on, but I miss that part of my old life. I miss the materialistic fashion industry that raised me from a wee twenty-two year old to a wise thirty-something year old. I miss the heels and the pencil skirts, the dresses and the dress pants. What does a stay-at-home do to find inner peace with a closet full of clothes and no place to go?

I started following several fashion bloggers about a year ago. I was mesmerized that people take pictures of their outfits daily, post them on the Internet, and in some cases make money by doing so. Retailers send them clothing to wear and fly them to fabulous cities to talk about their outfits. How could I compete with this? Where are they going in these pencil skirts and 5 inch $800 heels? Does their vajay-jay show when they bend down? Who can realistically wear leather pants or a sequin skirt?

http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com

I started really looking at these girls. They are girls. Twenty-somethings with no kids and all the time in the world. I should help women like me find the perfect balance between fashion and mommy hood. Taking pictures of myself brings about all kinds of mixed emotions, but if it is a way to help speak to other women/moms like me than why not?

So here's my solution. I'm going to take pictures of me for YOU! And, when I work with a client, I'll (with permission of course) post outfits I've created with them to help show you how to remix your wardrobe, what to wear to events, what to buy, etc... That way you can see all body types, all price ranges, and several lifestyles of woman whether working outside of the home or full-time at the office.

My Mommy Outfit Yesterday

"SPARKLE"

Layer a little sequin tee over a white button down and add some color with a cardigan.

Top - J.Crew, Cardigan and Shirt - Loft

And of course - a great pair of jeans is a perfect staple in any woman's wardrobe.

Jeans - Gap

So here I am, giving in to peer pressure and blogging about my outfits. I hope it will inspire you to take charge in your own closet and put your best foot forward even on those days when you just want to drop your kids off in your pj's.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Lacking a Jewelry Wardrobe?

Accessories are an afterthought for many women when getting dressed. So many of you wear the same few pieces of jewelry everyday. You take them off (or not) before bed and then put them back on when you get up in the morning and head out the door.
So why not try a fun new pair of earrings or a new necklace to spice things up?
To get you started, here are a few tips for building a jewelry wardrobe.

1. Try "Gold" Jewelry
I cannot tell you how many times I've heard, "I don't wear gold". It's like the fear of the 80's is returning, planning to take you back to crazy town, and make you the mayor. Gold is not a bad thing people. It is actually quite pretty. A simple gold earring is all you need to take a baby step in the right direction.

Stella & Dot - $44

Coin Drop Chandelier - $13

Target

Pave Hoops - $22

Cusp

2. Make a Statement
I've used this line before, but buying a bold piece can change a look instantly. Try a fun necklace with a basic T-shirt and jeans. You won't be disappointed.

Stella & Dot - $89

Kate Spade - $148

Piperlime

Cascade Necklace - $29

Urban Outfitters

Sequined Bib Necklace - $50

Zara

3. Layer your Bracelets and Necklaces.
Pull all of your jewels together and practice layering. Layer anything and everything. Mix cheap and expensive. No one will notice the difference.

Blair from atlantic-pacific

Stacked by theglitterguide

http://www.saucyglossie.com

4. Get Personal
Try a piece that reminds you of your husband, grandparents, parents, kids, or whatever gives you the warm fuzzies. Wear it around your neck to keep them close to your heart or wear as a bracelet and see Tip #3.

Stella & Dot - $16-$49

Build your own - Charm Collection

Build Your Own - $18-$24

Fossil

5. Go Long

Try a pendant necklace. They are really stylish and effortless when worn with shorts and a tank top in the summer.

Rebel Pendant - $79

Stella & Dot

Spring Pendant - $49.50

Banana Republic

Hive & Honey Pendant - $22

Piperlime

Colored Locket - $50

J. Crew

6. Add Some Color

Tired of the same old silver and gold metals. Add a little color to your jewels.

Tribal Trend - $28

Cusp

Serenity - $49

Stella & Dot

Enamel Flower - $60

Banana Republic

Assorted Bangles from the Loft

Coming Soon!

Enamel Link Necklace - $49.50 (on sale)

J. Crew

It is okay to switch things up. You don't have to wear the ring or necklace that your husband gave you on your anniversary EVERY day. You don't have to wear your kids birthstones EVERY day - I'm sure you will not forget about them if you wear another piece of jewelry. Have fun with it and try something new today!

Which tip will you start with? Happy Shopping!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Spring in a Nut Shell

If there were 30 hours in a day, I'm still not sure I would get my "to do" list tackled. Since I haven't finished the trends for Spring yet, I thought I'd give you a cheat sheet to take shopping if you are looking to update your wardrobe.

Spring 2012 Trends by jmewbourne featuring a metallic shirt

Happy Shopping!

Monday, February 6, 2012

"The List" Part 6: Silver Shoes

A metallic shoe is like a basic with a twist. As with black or brown hues, metallics can be worn with just about everything and sometimes look even better than their basic counterparts. According to Neiman's, silver shoes are a hot trend for spring and the hottest (and most expensive) designers strutted their way onto the list of things to buy for the upcoming season.

INSPIRATION

Manolo Blahnik - $595

Yves Saint Laurent - $795

Stella McCartney - $495

As beautiful as these shoes are, they are not very realistic for everyday. Here are a few less expensive and more versatile options for the real world.

REAL LIFE