Closet Clarity

I want to talk for a moment today about style motivation. It's been said that women dress for other women and I believe that’s true. I think it can be a really positive force when it moves us to put more pride into what we wear because when you look better, you do feel better. However, when it causes us to adopt trends that don’t flatter us or to become a carbon copy of someone else, we risk losing who we are.

It helps to have something that reminds you of who you are and who you aspire to be, a touchstone that can bring you fashion clarity. My friend, V. has a little photo album filled with pictures torn out of magazines. I have a collage that hangs in my closet. It says to me, “Hey you…yes, you about to reach for the worn out gray hoodie. Why not take a cue from one of these looks instead?” Sometimes, its just the motivation I need to be the best version of me.

So, what's your fashion motivation?

Change It Up!

So I decided to look through my InStyle and Vogue magazines with a purpose. I wanted to see how I could update my last fall's wardrobe spending little to no money. I found a few looks that I think will do the trick.

Last fall the belt around the exterior of a few layers was a big hit. I think this is still a great way to change up your wardrobe. Here is another great way to bring new life to an old outfit, a scarf tucked into the belt. Most likely you already own both accessories - belt and scarf. If not, you can pick either or both up for a few bucks a piece. If you like the look, but think it might be too bulky for you, try it out with thinner layers first.

Here's a look that made an appearance last year. My prediction is that we're going to see alot more of the ankle, mid-calf and over-the-knee socks this year. I am anxious to try this out since I already own several pairs of dress socks that I usually wear hidden under boots. I'll admit that I'll probably have to warm up to this look with a neutral colored pair of socks, like grey, just to try out the look then maybe graduate to something with a little more color to add that extra pop to a neutral colored outfit. If you like this look, but feel that your calves are too curvy to pull it off I suggest sticking to an ankle sock and wearing a shoe with some height. I think you'll be surprised how feminine you'll feel. If you aren't quite sold on this look you might like my next find...

Tights under shorts! I think that this is going to be my favorite way to change up my look this fall. This look is great since you can use your tights from last year and you get extra wear out of your shorts that you would have otherwise put away for the winter. This look looks great with a variety of shoes, as you can see in the picture, so feel free to play with the shoes that you already have in your closet. I also think that shorts with tights is a great alternative to the mini-skirt, for those of us who refuse to go there.

Casual Sunday

I see it every time I go to the grocery store and I still don’t understand it. Women are running errands dressed in spaghetti strap tank tops and pajama bottoms with their feet clad in sheepskin slippers.

Don’t get me wrong-I’m not judging. As a first time mom to an active 8 month old, I know there have been days when I’m doing good to get a shower and brush my teeth much less make it to the grocery store. But if you do go out, a few quick upgrades can take an outfit from sloppy to fashionable.

Take myself for example. Last Sunday morning I headed out for my weekly grocery run wearing a cute black tank dress and green Havaianas (best flip flops ever but that’s another post). Certainly nothing wrong with that outfit but could it have been called “put together”? Hardly.

Since hindsight is 20/20, here is what I’ll do next time to look a bit more polished but still errand-running appropriate. Swap the flip-flops for some cute flats like these glossy Kenneth Coles.

Add a long necklace and a small shoulder bag. I love that this one looks like a vintage coin purse.

These changes are easy and quick and best of all, you won’t feel like hiding behind the tortilla chip display when you run into an old high school classmate.

So, what’s your go-to weekend outfit and how can you make it better?

A Good Rule of Thumb

I saw this quote by Charlotte Dellal in the October 2010 issue of Vogue today and I thought, 'what a good rule of thumb!'

I'm sure "a bit of glamour" means something totally different for Ms. Dellal than it does for most of us. No matter, we all have that one necklace or bracelet, that one pair of earrings or shoes, that one stick of red lipstick or lovely smelling perfume that we never have anywhere to wear it to. I know I do. This week I'm going to use that one glamorous thing that I never get to use, even if it's to the grocery store!