Spring Dressing part 2

I refuse to believe Spring is not  around the corner.  I know it's not even 40 degrees here in West Michigan but the sun is shining and I know Spring is coming.  We are essentially half-way through March so, again, I know Spring is coming.  As I begin to pack away my winter wardrobe I can sense Spring coming even more.  As I've mentioned before, there are a few fashion rules I follow for my style including - I don't wear wool once March 1st arrives.  I don't wear white before Easter, I don't carry a straw bag until Easter.  Just a few.  Just me. Just my style.  

As I start to transition to a Spring wardrobe I add cardigans and jackets into heavy rotation in my wardrobe.  Living in West Michigan in March the day can often start with 30 degree temps but end up closer to 50 - a girl needs to be prepared.  I think a short-sleeve top or sleeveless top is the perfect "starting layer" when dressing this time of year.  I recently picked up the cutest sleeveless top from Loft during their last 40% off storewide promo and I love it.  The 3 things I love the most:  the pattern, the cut, and the mix of fabrics.  I wore it first for a casual day doing some work volunteering and then some appointments.  The next time I'll wear it for a date night or a girls night out.  I've already tried the two options, here are some quick looks:

Casual

paired with a simple cardigan and distressed skinny ankle jeans.  On my feet?  The cute velvet shoes the Mr. bought me for Christmas.  (shop the look below - similar items linked if originals are no longer available)

Casual

2nd look

Date Night or Girls Night

Wearing the same sleeveless shirt and jeans.  This time I added a faux leather bomber and a great pair of Jeffrey Campbell block heel shoes that I adore.  (similar items linked below)

Date Night

2nd Look

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If  you read my musings and Instagram posts regularly (if you don't ....why?? sign up now- box to the left of this) you already know - I love versatility in my wardrobe.  I want to know pieces can be worn in different ways to get the most from my closet.  This sleeveless top is no exception.  Spring dressing is tricky, here it must be done in layers.  I love the addition of this floral print to my wardrobe and the ability to wear it so many ways, especially with my Spring staple layering pieces of cardis and jackets.  I have to say, it was a stretch for me to add the velvet shoes today and I loved the look!  What are you adding for Spring?  How are you dressing for the beginning of the new season?  I'd love to hear.  

Spring Dressing Part 1

Not so long ago in another post I mentioned some things regarding buying something when it's on sale.  Basically, I said if it isn't something you know you will wear, even at a discount that's not a bargain.  Which brings me to today.  I went on a Target run today, just sure as I was buying the normal "Target stuff" I was sure to come across something from either the WhoWhatWear collection or the "A New Day" line to brighten my Spring Closet.  I did carry a dress in my cart for quite some time but didn't end up purchasing it.  At the last minute I decided to take a quick pass thru the clearance area.  I have to admit, I don't do this often at Target.  Why?  I'm not sure the hunt thru there is ever worth it :)  Well, today it was.  I came across this dress - no idea of the original price- but it was marked down below $10!  It is Mossimo, which I don't often buy.  It's a brand that doesn't usually fit me well so I don't even look at much of it when I am shopping at the store.  The dress is maxi in length, maybe to some would be almost midi.  It has a beautiful print on the shell of the dress with a yellow background.  There was a yellow slip dress attached underneath, which has already been removed.  The front of the dress has small pewter colored buttons all the way down the front.  It has a drawstring at the waist and bell-sleeve detail.  I have been looking for a dress similar to this one for quite some time.  I had not, however, envisioned the dress would be this long.  I wanted a dress like this to wear over leggings and skinny jeans, worn mostly open to the waist with options for layering.  For me, I needed to bring this one home and try it on with some of the options from my closet to be sure it would work.  If it would in fact work out, this was going to be great just for the bargain!  Again, though, even at less than $10, it isn't worth it if I won't wear it.  

I came home and immediately pulled 2 looks together.  I have already thought of a couple more since trying it on.  Obviously, it's a keeper !! 

Dress with Leggings

I have on a black tank and black leggings underneath for this outfit.  There is a khaki green color running thru the pattern and that's color of shoe I have worn in this look.  The shoes are a great pair of Jeffrey Campbell peep toe heels I picked up from one of the best consignment stores in Grand Rapids.  (www.myurbanexchange.com)

Dress with Leggings

The dress worn with the top buttoned and below the waist left undone.  The black background around the bottom and on the cuffs makes black underneath perfect. 

Dress with Leggings

The back view.  Obviously the dress is sheer so the black pieces underneath are a great compliment, I think.  I may try white at some point but I am usually not a fan of white so I doubt I would like it, for me. 

Dress with jeans 

I paired it here with the same black tank, switched the leggings for distressed jeans cuffed, and added black mules for the shoes.  I love this look.  This was my original purpose in wanting a dress of this style.  I will also try this with dark skinny jeans and possibly change out the color of the tank at some point. 

Dress with Jeans

Just another view.  

The other ideas I'm already thinking about?  Either look above but adding a cropped black sweater over.  Either look above but adding a yellow sweater I already have in my wardrobe :).  Also - for Fall and Winter?  Pair the dress with skinny jeans, boots and again a fun sweater over the dress.  I always look for more than one way to wear to an item when I'm deciding whether to buy it.  I love the possibilities I have found in this one.

What's something you want to add to your wardrobe for Spring?  I'd love to hear more!

A Glimpse at February.

February is a true Winter month here in West Michigan, at least for me.  It's generally cold and snowy and I don't think this February was any exception to that.  February is also typically the month in which I start to get bored, tired, and sometimes annoyed at my closet.  Again, this February did not disappoint on any of those fronts.  Here is a glimpse at what I wore this past month.  

Cashmere is always a good idea

I think cashmere will always stand the test of time in both style and wearability.  This sweater I purchased a couple of years ago but is still available (http://shopstyle.it/l/AR2Y).  I love it because it can easily be worn dressed up or more casual.  It can be more classic with some pearls or add some "edge" with boots and chunky jewelry.  

At Home for the Day

Even on the days I stay home, for me, it's important to get dressed and ready for the day.  On this day I wore a casual outfit of comfy wide-legged pants and a cute tie top.  I gave my skin a break and went make-up free which is always a great idea.  When I need to accomplish a lot from home, I will not get it done in my pjs, but that's just me. 

Winter Uniform

I've talked before about the uniform.  We each have one, to some degree, for each season.  My winter uniform, forever, has been a turtleneck with some sort of pants.  Currently it's denim.  There is something about the simplicity and ease of the turtleneck that makes me love it.  Here, paired with a Calvin Klein belt fresh from TJMaxx and my boot cut Lauren jeans I'm ready for the day (along with Stuart).  

Empty Nester Dinner 

Some of our very best friends formed a dinner group after our youngest kids started college.  Each time we get together we each bring a dish we have prepared and the host chooses a theme.  This time the theme was "cooking with wine".  I had to match the theme so I pulled out this gem from my storage.  A beautifully pleated wine floral skirt.  

My love/hate for leggings

I really am okay with leggings as long as they are worn with a long shirt or tunic or dress or whatever - that covers far enough.  This was a snowy Saturday full of chores and errands.  I layered a long sleeve tshirt, distressed denim shirt, and a cashmere cardi along with snowboots, for full day.  

Faux Fur is always a good idea

This faux fur vest was an impulse buy from Target - I don't even remember how long ago.  I will continue to wear this vest every year.  Again, it's a piece that can be dressed up or worn more casual.  It can worn as a layering piece or even as outerwear on a warmer Winter day.  

My favorite pant silhouette

I've mentioned enough...I love the wide-legged cropped pant.  This pair is no exception.  When I purchased them I was determined to wear them all seasons.  I paired them to wear for a day of merchandising with a lightweight gray sweater and my danskos.  

Long Cardi

This beautiful cardigan was a gift from the Mr. last year for Christmas.  It has a removable fur collar that chose not to wear on this day.  The muted colors in this sweater make it easy to wear with almost anything.  I have a turtleneck and distressed jeans on with my danskos and I was cozy and comfortable. 

I am so looking forward to Spring and dressing a little lighter.  I would love to hear what you wore in February as your favorites.  What are you most looking forward to for Spring?  

My Current Makeup Favs

As you know, I usually only post about fashion, what I'm wearing, loving, how to get the most from your wardrobe and all that fashion stuff.  Today I thought I would share my latest favs from beauty and what I'm currently wearing.  As is the case with my style in dressing, the same goes with my beauty routine.  I mix both drugstore items and some items that have a higher ticket.  I base my decisions for makeup choices much the same as my clothing choices.  To me, there isn't necessarily a correlation between high ticket being better product.  I have listed only the make-up I am currently wearing and basically in the order I apply it.  I don't think I need a disclaimer but just in case - I am NOT a makeup artist or skincare professional so the products I mentioned are of course only based on my opinion and my style.  You won't for example, see any products for contouring, shading, sculpting, etc.  Much the same as botox and the like, none of those products or routines are for me - I am 54 years old I have lived, I have some wrinkles and some character :) .  

I have recently started using a primer/pore minimizer prior to applying my foundation and the Porefessional from Benefit.  It really does make a huge difference not only in the appearance (or lack thereof) of my pores but I think it eases in the application of the foundation as well.  

The most expensive items are my foundation and my eyeshadow palettes.  As is the case often though, the expense is fair based on quality and amount of wear from it.  I think the hunt for the best foundation for your skin is always a quest...until you find it.  I have found a great one - it's the Estee Lauder water foundation (link below).  What I love:  it has an spf of 30, it's water based, it's buildable, easy to apply, wears fantastic.

Concealer:  current and long time fav is Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer.  Love the applicator (sponge), the wear, and the ease in applying.  

Setting Powder:  I am currently using Coty Airspun and will be for awhile since it came in a 2-pack from Amazon!  Why I like it? The coverage is perfect.  It can be applied over entire face with fluffy powder brush and you can easily bake the undereye with a beauty sponge.  I also have to say I am a bit nostalgic and the scent alone brings me back to my childhood and playing dress-up.  I also really enjoy Laura Mercier powder as well but again with the double pack it will be awhile before I change. 

Blush:  new favorite is the Flower Beauty Flower Pots Blush in Sweet Pea.  (it's not the shade that shows in the link below).  Sweet Pea is a pretty soft shade of rosy pink.  I love the big size of the surface of the blush itself - it makes it super easy to use a blush brush for application.  

Eyeshadow:  I love palettes because you have so many more choices every day :).  The 2 I use the most are both from Too Faced - The Peach Palette and the Chocolate Bon Bons.  A close runner-up is actually the Grav3yard Girl Palette from Tarte.  What I love about the Too Faced Palettes:  the variety of colors,  the pigment, the variety of shimmer vs. matte, the wear time.  You can create so many different looks from simple and natural to quite dramatic with any of these palettes.

Eyeliner:  I prefer a pencil.  I am currently loving the gel pencils from Ulta and my favorite shade right now is Mink.  I love the price, the colors, the ease in application, and the length of wear time.  

Mascara:  I am a huge fan of L'Oreal mascaras.  My current fav is Lash Paradise.  Why?  No smudging, no flaking, lasts all day, easy to remove.  I am not a fan of any waterproof mascara so I can't speak to any of those options.  

Setting Spray:  I like the Pixie Setting Mist and the Mac Prep and Prime.  I do believe both of these extend the wear of my makeup.  I like the scent of the Pixie more, as the Mac really doesn't have a scent.  

Many of the products I am wearing are because of recommendations from bloggers or youtubers or friends.  I would love to hear some of your favs, maybe they will become mine.  

The tale of the silver shoes ....

I love shoes.  And handbags.  And perfume.  And.... you know how this goes. Quite a long time ago I spotted shoes from Sarah Jessica Parker's line - SJP that I would love to own. 

I could think of a ton of different ways to wear them and really enjoy having them in my wardrobe.  Although I'm sure I could find the size to fit, the price doesn't fit in my budget right now. Whenever this happens to me - when I find something I love but cannot afford - I am inspired to find a similar item that would fit in my budget or save save save to buy the item I do want  (see post from last week regarding whether to buy or not).  I gather my inspiration by figuring out what attracted me to the item in the first place.  So, back to the shoes.  I love:  the sparkle, the square heel, and the color of the shoe.  I was picturing myself in these shoes with some jeans and a cute top for a night out. I had me in the shoes with a little black dress for a party.  I was wearing the shoes with my wide-legged black pants many different ways.  The idea I love the most is pairing something more casual with something more dressy or sparkly and I knew these shoes would be perfect.  I also try to follow my own advice so I just kept the idea in the back of my head for a time when I might spot an pair of shoes that would come close.

Soooo I am driving a cart thru the aisles of TJ Maxx the other day and look what happened!  There, in the clearance section minding their own business were these sparkly beauties:

This pair is silver, has some sparkle, and the square heel.  These are from Bandolino, a great brand available widely at several retailers.  They are not the SJP level of quality and all (obvi) but they are still awesome.  If you are a shoe lover and specifically a lover of the SJP brand you know the shoes are made in Italy, leather (usually including the sole), exceptional detail and hardware, and the trademark grosgrain ribbon adorns the backstay of every pair.  I do own the SJP Carrie in black and love that shoe.  Once again, I digress.  Back to the sparkles I found at TJMaxx.  the shoes were my size and seemed like a "sign".  I tried them, they fit great.  The best part?  THEY WERE ON CLEARANCE FOR $15 bucks!!!  Come on!  So, they are mine.  I will wear them much the way I have planned to wear the inspirational SJP pair.  I will wear with my jeans, dress them up with a little black dress, maybe with my pretty full pink skirt I love, with my black pencil skirt and with my cropped wide-legged pants.  I was actually set with an outfit for today, but alas it's raining so that's not happening today.

Finding something that inspires you to add that to your wardrobe to fit your style is what it's all about.  What's inspiring you these days???  I would love to hear about it.  

Northwest Mountain Living & Style

So, I'm trying a Style Link Up - let's see how this goes.  I love a community of women building each other up and all of us talking about how we each own our style. 

Should I buy it though?

It's that time in the "old"season when all the cute, new things from the new season are starting to show up in stores and online.  Let's say you're going shopping for some of these new delights.  Let's say also, that you've accomplished some great pre-shop activities such as:  looking at your next season wardrobe (in this case, Spring) and a quick inventory of a couple things you would like to add to your wardrobe to freshen it up a bit, maybe even eliminated a couple of things no longer necessary.  Let's say now you're shopping and you find something you want to purchase.  I suggest you stop and ask yourself 4 or 5 questions before you press purchase or step to the cashwrap (whichever way you prefer to shop).

1. "Will it work with other things in my closet that I'm currently loving?"  Can you already see it  worn with something you own?  
2.   "Does it fit me?"  This is obviously easier if you are in the actual store.  If you are familiar with the store and their brands you should know which size is best for you.  If you are ordering online and you aren't sure - check reviews to see what others said about the fit.  Is it something like a pair of pants that will need hemmed?  If it is - a word of caution here - if you are someone that isn't great at tailoring follow-thru DON'T purchase anything that needs altered.  You won't wear it because you won't have it altered and therefore, it's a waste of your clothing budget dollars.  
3. "Is it worth the price tag?"  This doesn't mean is the item too expensive.  Base the cost on how often you will wear the item.  For example, if you are a person that lives in denim, spending upwards of $150 on a pair of jeans may well be worth the money.  If you are a weekend denim wearer only - maybe that $150 would be better spent or split on a couple of different things you will wear.  At the same time, if the item is marked down it doesn't necessarily mean it's a great deal - If you spend $19.99 on a shirt that was originally priced at $150 but you hate the fit, it wasn't such a bargain because you are never going to wear it.
4. "Does it fit my style and my lifestyle?"  This is a HUGE question.  Don't let outside influences (i.e., friends, fashion magazines, social media posts) convince you of what to wear.  No one knows you better than you.  Don't try to be someone you aren't by wearing something not you.  (incidentally, if you are trying to discover or even rediscover your style - I would love to help - contact me)  I have said repeatedly, you need to own your style because you need to feel confident in what you're wearing.  
5.   "Can I see more than one way to wear this item?"  I'm not saying you should have 5 complete new looks planned in your head prior to purchasing a new piece, but you should be able to picture at least a couple of different ways you will wear it and enhance your wardrobe. 

Just a couple of things you don't need to ask:

1. "Will my _______ (fill in the blank - sister, bff, boyfriend, husband, partner, etc) like it?"   It just needs to be you that loves it.  When you love it and you wear it make that enough.  
2.  "Is it trendy?"   I mean...it shouldn't probably have shoulder pads from the 80's, but you make it YOUR trend.  
3.   "Is it on sale?"  Instead ask "Can I afford this?"   Huge difference that I mentioned earlier.  Just because an item is on sale doesn't mean you should buy it.  Instead, let's say there is a dress you are dying to have in your wardrobe.  Let's say it's totally off your wardrobe budget even if you spent all of the season's budget on that dress.  Watching for one markdown on that is a better idea than buying-the -thing-on -ridiculous-markdown-that-you-won't-wear-but-you-bought-because-it's-on-ridiculous-markdown.

So, head on out there to shop but take just a couple of minutes and check yourself :) before you purchase.  

What are some things you are loving for Spring???  I would love to hear.  

Staying at home for the day ...

It snowed ALL weekend and the Mr. was sick.  What that means for me is, I didn't leave the house.  I am a true driving chicken if the roads appear too "bad" for me.  Staying home though, for me, if I want to get anything done but binge watch tv, means I still need to get dressed for the day.  Pajamas all day don't work for me.  I like to have clothes that look presentable and won't scare an unexpected guest or the UPS person.  More important, I like to dress so I"m motivated to get stuff done.  I am posting a pic of some of my "stay at home clothes".  Some folks in my family call them "house clothes".  You may have a different name, I don't know.  I suggest if you're staying in for the day, dress anyway.  What I wear at home I could easily throw some shoes on with and still run an errand and not be worried or embarassed.  

Below is a link to the pants I'm wearing.  The top is not available.  I would also love to add the leggings to my wardrobe for home -- love them!

This is an outfit from the Gap that I actually purchased for this specific reason.  I have a couple of outfits that I have just for stay at home days.  It's great news for my skin on days like this too because they are  "fresh face" days.  It's a great time to do a mask or facial treatment as well.  But, I digress - back to the outfit.  As I mention often, I believe how you dress truly has an impact on how you feel,  your self-confidence, etc.  This is why I pay attention to what  I wear on stay at home days (or weekends) just as much.  I think this is even more important if you work from home every day. You have to go about a work day at home the same as you would if you were going outside the house to work.   I would love to know your work from home wardrobe favs or your "I'm staying in today" wardrobe.  

Hey! How about a white blouse??

I've written and made a couple of videos on the 7 essentials I think everyone should have in their closet.  One of the best 7 is a simple white shirt.  Based on how you #ownyourstyle your white shirt will be all about that.  A couple of examples would be: if your style is more classic and tailored you white shirt is probably a tailored, simple white button down blouse.  If, on the other hand, your style is perhaps boho your white blouse may be fuller cut or loose, and have more interesting details such as a bell sleeve or possibly embroidery details of some sort.  Regardless, I do believe you should have a white blouse in your wardrobe and wear it!  

As we head in to Spring now is a great time to take a look at the one you own or buy one if you don't have one already.  I put together a list of just a few of my favorites including the version I talk about in the video, which I have also added below.

The top 5 ways to get the most wear from your white blouse are easy, here they are:

1. Wear it simply with your favorite jeans or casual pants.  Make it your own.  Add accessories that define your style.  Perhaps a chunky necklace or several necklaces layered together.  Maybe a scarf tied close around your neck or maybe just a simple delicate necklace.  Instead of a necklace maybe a pair of big statement earrings is more your style. 
2. Layer it under a short-sleeved dress!  So cute.  It adds more wear-time for the blouse and the dress from your closet.  

3.  Over a Strapless (or spaghetti strapped) dress.  Worn unbuttoned and tied over a strapless dress on a cool evening is great alternative to a shrug or jean jacket.

4.  Under a Sweater or Turtleneck.  This one may seem like an obvious option but is often forgotten.  I love the look with collar just creeping out of a turtleneck sweater.  This is also great for under a vest or cropped sweater.

Not always a sweater - but I love this look.  

5.  The last look is either achieved by borrowing from a man's closet or buying a tunic style white blouse.  I love to complete this look by rolling the sleeves back to a cuff or better yet - french cuffs and adding cuff links is awesome.  #ownyourstyle with your cuff links.  Use brooches or pins instead of actual cuff links!

Don't forget about the white blouse in your closet.  I would love to see a pic of how you are wearing yours.  Add it to the comments section and share your style!  

Here is the video from last year I mentioned:

What I Wore in January ....

Today I wanted to share some of my Outfits of the Day (ootd)  from January.  Not to say "look what I wore", but instead to say "How can I inspire you?"   January in West Michigan is usually full of surprises when it comes to weather and this January was no exception.  By the time you reach this point in the season it's a great time to try out new looks with the same pieces as well as adding a couple of new selections in to the rotation.  As I've mentioned often, it's also a great time to give pieces you haven't worn a lot another try.  If you do this, and you don't enjoy wearing it this is when you wash it and get it ready to give away or store until next fall for consignment.  By doing "try-outs" like this now, it will be easier to move and change over when Spring finally arrives. 

Now, on the outfits:  

If you follow me on Instagram or my facebook page - you know this dress is on repeat and I love it!  You'll see it again with booties :)

The sweater is a beautiful cashmere given to me for Christmas from the Mr., along with the shoes - both are new favs :) 

Oy - life is real and messy in the background but this was a great casual day look and the top was a gift from the Mr. as well.  I love the simplicity of the tee but the "freshness" of the bell sleeve.  I also love the color, especially at this time in the season.

It was a warm January day so I broke out one of my favorite jean/pant silhouettes - cropped flare - and paired them with a simple black blazer and graphic tshirt.  On my feet?  My Dansko clogs of course.  

I think a "utility" style jacket is always in fashion. This one is updated with a bit of a high-low hem.  Perfectly combined with a simple tshirt and slightly flared jeans for an everyday look. 

This skirt was a great consignment find that will be seen again in Spring.  When paired with white or a lighter color the blues and greens will pop even more.  

My favorite distressed skinny jeans tucked in boots with a great cashmere sweater layered with a tshirt was the perfect combo for date night.  These jeans are great for wearing with either fashion boots or snow boots - which seems to be a repeating theme for February only 5 days in :) 

Here's the gray dress again.  This time dressed differently to celebrate my favorite film student's birthday.  Paired with tights and floral booties - love this!  A simple dress in a neutral color can really be worn so many different ways.  

Adding a pop of color to a dreary January day is a must as we work our way thru the rest of Winter.  I will wear this top easily in the Spring with a lighter pant for sure!

Another bright pop of color with patchwork jeans for a cozy date night.  One of my "Winter Uniforms" tends to be a turtleneck and jeans.  The turtleneck is often black or gray - it's nice to mix it up a bit with this great color. 

There was finally a run of a few days where I could wear my new shoes - I love the color combo of the shoes with the soft pink cardigan.  Because the cardigan is longer I am comfortable pairing it with a skinny jean.  

Heading to work in handbags this day so I need to be comfortable but no jeans for sure.  I layered the little jacket with a (you guessed it) black turtleneck but not a full sleeve.  Once I get to the stores I can either leave the jacket on or take it off to work, whichever is more comfortable.  I love my clogs with almost any pant and these are no exception.  It's my style.  

What did your January look like?  What were some of your favorite looks you kept on repeat or better yet - what pieces did you pull out and give another try?  I would love to hear in the comments!  I always love hearing how you ownyourstyle :)  

Psssst....

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I'm really hoping that Spring is not far behind that.  I love to create gift guides to help a special someone find the special gift, which I still may post.  In the meantime, though, I did want to suggest (some would say self-promote) to my local friends perhaps it's time to receive the gift of a wardrobe service.  If you live outside the West Michigan area we can get creative and do some virtual style/shopping boards or even a Skype style call.   If you live in West Michigan I do want to spend just a bit of time letting you know more about 2 of the possibilities/packages for you to add to your wishlist.  

 Spring is so close and it's that time in the current season where you are getting tired of your Winter wardrobe.  Area consignment stores will soon be accepting Spring goods which is a sure sign it's almost time for the season closet change over.  As I mention often, now is the time to at least purge the items you currently own that you know you won't wear next Winter.  If all of this feels overwhelming I would love to work with you in a Closet Restyle package.  The best part of this is making new outfits from clothes you already own.  Here are a couple of pics of the Restyle "in progress":

Creating new options !!  A girl needs options!

Making outfits from clothes already in a client's closet!  

The Closet Restyle package allows us to spend 3 hours pulling everything out of your closet, purging what will not go back in, and then creating new outfits from what remains.  In addition you will receive a photo lookbook of all the outfits we created along with a shopping list for some things you still need.  This is probably my favorite service that I offer.  

Another idea, which is really a combo of a couple of options, is something I recently did as a surprise for a client's wife. They were going on vacation and he contacted me to put together (and shop for) several outfits for their trip!  This.  Was.  So.  Fun!  I created virtual styling boards, sent each to him for approval, and once approved I purchased the items.  Next, I put the outfits together and wrapped them in "daily outfit packages".  In each box I included some styling tips for different ways to wear each item beyond the vacation.  I think she really loved it all!  How thoughtful was he to do this????  

Wrapped and numbered.  The gift giver has a "cheat sheet" that describes what's in each box.

The styling card give some tips...

If you're ready to get started on a new season or just a new closet and live in the West Michigan area, I would love to work with you.  Comment below or contact me directly and let's set a custom package for you.  If your Valentine needs a little help with the perfect gift give them my info and we can do that as well.  Here is a quick link to my services page http://bit.ly/2qW5odj  

The story of the $12 dollar skirt

A few months ago on a trip to one of my favorite consignment stores I found the cutest skirt.  It didn't have a label in it and looked to be a one-of-a-kind beauty.  I immediately loved the print of the fabric and the cut of the skirt itself.  It is an A-line skirt and the print is a blend of patterns with blues and greens.  As I talk about often, I love it when a gem in my wardrobe can be worn in different ways.  Not only can I wear this skirt in different ways and in different seasons, again I mention, it was $12 bucks! 

Here is how I wore it first:

In late November I wore it with a black turtleneck, jean jacket, tights and my all time fav MaryJanes.  Everything I'm wearing isn't available anymore, but here are some suggestions that are close 

Here is how I wore it today:

Today I wore the skirt with a simple gray long sleeve tshirt, a black cardigan and black boots.  

The t-shirt is still available here:  http://shopstyle.it/l/vY6N and the cardigan here:  http://shopstyle.it/l/vY7v  Both are on sale!  (p.s. these too are affiliate links, just so you know).

I am looking forward to Spring (I mean is anyone not???).  Here is one way I will be wearing the same skirt when Spring finally shows her face:

This is a simple tie waist white shirt from Chico's (no longer available) and my favorite pink Dansko clogs (also not available).  I did post some items similar for you to check out

All three of these looks are easy to duplicate.  Choose a great skirt and wear it with some simple closet basics - a long sleeve tshirt, turtleneck, white blouse and layer (depending on your preference) with a cardigan or jean jacket.  Add your favorite shoes or boots - simple or with a pop of color or flair and there you have it.  A fun, easy to wear skirt is the star of all of these outfits - it just happens to be a bonus because I got it for such a great price and it's wearable in any season.  Check your closet - if you wear skirts - I bet there is one you can pull from your wardrobe, match with the same items as I have, and wear it multiple seasons.  

Have fun putting together a new look and of course, owning your style.

** just a note - there are affiliate links in this post.  Not comfortable using them?  No problem just google for the items or shop for yourself at your favorite sites.  

Still dreaming of Spring, this time handbags...

With temps in the 30's I am happy to be looking ahead to Spring and dreaming of a new handbag.  I.  Love.  Handbags.  I have a collection of them and take good care of each of them.  They are stored in the dust bags that arrived with them or in cotton pillowcases for extra measure.  I have certain criteria that, for me,  a new handbag must meet in order for me to purchase.  I am not brand loyal, but rather choose handbags based on my likes and my preferences.  I do not choose the handbag based on the brand, the monogram on it (or not on it) but more about if I like it.  If it's a satchel, it needs to have "feet" on the bottom to protect it should I sit it down.  If it is made with a "leather look", for me, it needs to be leather.  If it's a soft fabric I prefer nylon as it is more durable.  As with my clothing, I love versatility and options in a handbag.  One that converts to be worn in more than one style is a real bonus for me.  I like both the simple, classic styling of a satchel or a kitschy print of some sort.  I enjoy a large or oversized handbag as much as I like a small clutch, if not more.  However, for me, a larger bags just invites me to put more "stuff" in it which isn't always best.  I have been looking around a bit for Spring and here are a few of my fav picks for handbags:

First up is the Jetsetter from Henri Bendel.  Full disclosure - I do own this bag already but I would love the gray nylon one :).  I love this bag because it can be worn as a backpack, carried by the handles, or use the shoulder strap and easily wear it cross body.  There are sooo many options for fabric and color there has got to be one you would love as well!

Next, the Patricia Nash Ticci bag.  It has a boho vibe for me and I love that.  Again, it can be carried by the round handles or by using the long strap can easily be worn over the shoulder or as a cross body.  Last summer it was available in white as well so hopefully that will be an option again. 

Next up is a nylon satchel from Kipling.  As I mentioned before, I love nylon handbags.  I think the fabric lends itself to any season and is so versatile because of that.  If you are going to choose a fabric bag I think you have to have one that is easy to spot clean and this fits the bill.  This bag can be carried as a satchel or comfortably as a shoulder bag as well. 

The Coach Cooper.  Though I am not brand loyal, I do love Coach handbags.  The quality of the leather is superb.  I have Coach bags already in my collection but none with this silhouette and I love it.  I seem to be drawn to large satchel - tote - handbags lately and I just love the look of this one.  For Spring, the pink tone seems perfect to me.  

The Calvin Klein Lola.  How could you not carry this bag and be happy?  The floral print just reminds me of Spring.  Without meaning to sound like a broken record, this bag can be carried as a satchel or shoulder bag for more options.  The color is neutral so this bag would go with everything in your Spring wardrobe!

I hope this short list inspires you to find a new bag for Spring that speaks to you and helps you own your style!  I had so many choices it was difficult to narrow it down.  I may just pick a bag already in my collection, tie a pretty scarf around the handle and pretend it's brand new :).