Today's magnificent cold crisp weather got me very excited about coat and boot appropriate weather. I have a personal obsession with coats- colored coats, vintage coats, faux fur coats and the last few years leather and vegan leather. When I moved across the country years ago, I only shipped my electronics and my coats. You can imagine the space that storing these coats takes.
Read MoreWho hasn't been there? You roll over in the morning, look inside your closet and feel utterly uninspired. Worse. You feel overwhelmed. Whether you are overwhelmed or underwhelmed, sometimes we all just want something new. And, sadly, our bank account is not hearing why we MUST have that new pair of boots.
What to do?
Read MoreI'm lucky to work with all different types of clients and I've learned that each of us has our "thing." We may not realize it until we are talking about it. Sometimes it's a certain type of clothing, for example tailored or boho. But, more often than not, it's something a little bit more unexpected: Does the retailer have a fair return policy? I really like fabrics with birds on them. Or, I prefer if the retailer has a generous charitable giving program. It's pretty incredible, as each client's desires offer a new challenge as we embark on updating his or her style.
Read MoreAnd neither does your car or your house or your job. Who you are is defined by your actions, your words, your thoughts.
Your clothes are tools to communicate to others who you are and how you see yourself. For those of us who love clothes and shopping, they can also be a creative expression -- what is more gratifying than finding the exact pair of shoes to go with a dress?
Are you funky and unconventional as a recent client of mine described herself? Or sophisticated, vibrant and inspiring confidence? Do you value yourself enough to invest some time into looking and feeling great each morning? Or are you in a constant battle with the clock to prioritize your needs in the overall balance of your household? It's not always easy, but how we look does impact how we feel and how we behave. It also greatly impacts how others treat us.
So, as we head into rainy weather and the half yearly sale at Nordstrom, I thought it might be nice to pass along a few tips to help you, dear reader, feel good about how you look out in the world, even if you only have a few minutes and even less motivation when getting ready.
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Chicks who wear glasses are hot. True story. Sadly, I've always had incredible eyesight and just sat on the sidelines as other ladies rocked some spectacular frames. I know. Clear lenses exist, but it just didn't seem right.
Read MoreFor those of you who have been around me, you undoubtedly know that one of my very favorite things is telling random people how to find something I'm wearing that they like. Yup. Conversations commonly go as follows, "I love your (let's go with dress)."
"Thank you so much. I got it at (let's go with Target). You should go get one. They have several colors and it was only $28."
Read MoreIt is about time. If you are like me, you have a million ideas about how things could be easier if only someone were to invent X. One of my personal favorites is the, "why hasn't someone invented a GPS for my handbag or my keys?" As it turns out, your friend can call your lost cel phone, but she can't dial up your handbag.
Look no further.
Read MoreI am loving all the real world fashion questions that people have been asking me lately. My good friend, Sara, was so kind as to post one on the Facebook page. A challenge! I'm in.
Read MoreI am obsessed with these pants and I don't bike.
Read MoreWelcome to autumn in Seattle. With the recent cold foggy mornings, it's no wonder we hear the call of our favorite yoga pants. If you're a mom of young children, the call might be more like a shout.
Don't give in. You can still be comfortable and look great. One answer: the maxi skirt. It's just as easy to throw on as a pair of sweat pants. Pair it with the same v-neck t-shirt and a cardigan you were planning to wear, add a scarf and you are suddenly chic.
Most maxis are super functional, but take care to find the one that fits your needs. A few of my favorites:
Read MoreClient after client seems to think that current trends are for someone else. Not true! Of course, it is imperative that your style reflect who you are and not just the latest fad. But, your look can be authentic & current. Often times, you just need one new piece to change everything. Such as:
Read MoreToday I'm surfing the world wide web on the behalf of a client who falls into that small corner of the style world between preppie and edgy. One of my favorite corners, if I do say so myself.
On this venture I stumbled upon the term, "Treggings." I'm sorry what? Yes. Treggings. Thank you, Top Shop for making sure we have ample opportunity to latch onto this one. I thought I'd make sure that you, dear reader, are never in the dark at a dinner party or on a shopping spree when the various iterations of leggings come up.
Read MoreThere are few things as satisfying as a beautifully coordinated look on a man. The right shirt, the perfect tie, a pair of high quality shoes. In Seattle, layers are essential. And, taking pride in your clothes is a big trend for men that will undoubtedly continue to grow.
Personally, I'm currently obsessed with coordinating the following pieces: undershirt, button up collared shirt, tie and a slim fitting over shirt made from a heavier fabric. You can see several examples from a recent client of mine in his gallery. Here's one for now. The grey jersey over shirt pictured is from Relwen.
Read MoreWhen our son was born, we couldn't imagine a time when he'd be drawing or painting. Now, his toddler artistic career is in full swing. We wanted to display his pieces, but found that we were quickly overwhelmed with the sheer number of them. We needed a solution that highlighted the work, but kept everything looking organized and esthetically appealing. (We're like that.) Plus, he really enjoys seeing his work and talking about when he made something.
So, I offer to you not one, but two genius solutions:
Read MoreA huge thanks to the folks at Elegant Affairs for sharing Poplin with their blog readers. As a special thank you, today's blog post answers one of the most common questions brides ask: I have the perfect dress. Now, how do I stay warm on my wedding day?
Answer: The faux fur shrug. Let's face it, few things are more on trend right now than leather, faux fur and animal prints. But you can bring an unexpected, sophisticated AND uber practical touch to your big day by rocking a quality (hand-made in Seattle!) shrug like these one from Foxglove Bridal. This one even has pouches for your hands!
Read MoreYes! I did find this dress at a vintage store. Thanks for asking. I love it, too. Oh, the hem is coming out in back? Oh, dear. Oddly, my office doesn't employ a tailor.
With a long career doing public speaking, there were a number of times when I discovered that my hem had come loose or my button fell off immediately before heading off to present to hundreds of people.
So, over the years, I've discovered a number of quick fixes. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites:
Read MoreThe fall always reminds me of the beginning of the school year and stocking up on supplies. Looking for lunch boxes and bags for kids gets easier all the time. (My first lunchbox was a Bee Gees metal box when I was 5. I was very proud.) This got me thinking of my struggle last Christmas to find the perfect lunch bag for my husband.
He is a web designer and landscape photographer. He's also an incredible cook. What he is not- is someone who should be schlepping one of our reusable grocery bags to the office to hold his lunch.
This was no easy task, but I was determined to get him the perfect lunch bag. And here it is:
Read MoreRecently, my husband and I were at a party for his team at work. One of our friends arrived looking glamorous, as usual, and carrying a Coach clutch which perfectly completed her outfit. Clearly, the bag was not an afterthought. However, when she arrived, she needed to find just the right place to set it down so that should could eat, drink and enjoy the party.
Tragic. The clutch completed the outfit. But, in order to enjoy herself, she had to put it somewhere else.
This is when I was reminded of a trick of the trade: coordinating your cocktail and your clutch at a party.
Read MoreAbout 10 years ago, a group of friends and I started volunteering to prepare meals for the kids at YouthCare, a local nonprofit that serves homeless youth. We would shop for the items, cook, then head over to the old site of the Orion Center and serve the food. Despite already having worked in nonprofits, it was a powerful experience. I was struck by two things:
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