5 stages of fashion grief

It is a special milestone when you come of a certain age, and a trend comes back. One that you lived through, that you survived. 

These are the 5 stages of fashion grief.

1. Denial - There is no way I am old enough for this to be 'retro' . This is not really back "in". It will go away. I will not pay any attention to the stone-washed denim, keds or neon. 

2. Anger - WHY?!? Why are people wearing super high-waisted shorts again? We spent years suffering with the long butt look and we found a better way. Why would you go back? 

3. Bargaining - Okay so maybe it doesn't look that bad. I guess I could try it if I were younger. 

4. Depression - am I going to have to wear these again? 

5. Acceptance - maybe we get here, maybe we don't

Really, everywhere I go I see more and more of these. 

I'm all about accentuating a smaller waist and I am not condemning high-waisted shorts, this is just not my favorite way to do it. If it is yours, keep on keeping on. Fashion is an individual expression - have fun!

My Favorite Things

I have been meaning to use this topic to create a page since the start of my blog. I will use this post to start that page and add to it!

I thought of it today because I had to dig out a cardigan because it is CHILLY here - feels like fall. 

My favorite cardigan is made by MOD.lusive by Bobeau - available at Nordstrom. It is the softest cardigan I have ever had. And oh my gosh they are on sale right now! I have both the Open Front Cardigan in black and the Ruched Sleeve in white. They are PERFECT for travel, lightweight but warm because they fit snug to the body. I was very picky about my cardigan - many were too long, too bulky, to flappy in the front. Anyway, these are my favorite. (Special note - wash the black one alone in cold water before you wear to prevent bleeding)

Jeans. I am constantly searching for the next best pair of my favorite jeans, all the while telling myself that I have enough jeans. At the top of my list right now is the Avedon Slick in Blitz by Citizens of Humanity. I got them last Spring at The Clover - a local boutique here in St. Louis that has a niche for denim. I explained I wanted a comfortable pair of 'everyday' skinny jeans and these were prefect. They almost feel like sweatpants they are so soft. The description says Soft, super-stretch denim. 44% rayon/29% cotton/25% cupro/2% polyurethane. I did go up a size in them as they are definitely a skinny fit, but they do stretch a bit as you wear them. And since I was planning on wearing them almost everyday, they were a bit of an investment. 

Next on my list is probably these shoes - Sperry Angelfish in Metallic Gold. I love them. They do need a day or two of breaking in, but then they are like a slipper. And they are the perfect in-between - not a flip flop, not a tennis shoe and since I have them in gold the shine always helps add to an outfit.

And my last item for this post is the Basic Jersey Tank from H&M. I typically am a bit overwhelmed by this store, but I ventured in one day and these were on sale for $5.00 (reg $5.95). I bought one in black and white and they are the perfect mix of soft and stretch, nice enough to be worn by themselves or as a layering piece. And they cover a normal bra strap, too! I have countless layering tanks from Target and Old Navy, and none of them have been as perfect as these. 

I will use these to create a page and update with new items as I find them! If only I could be like Oprah and give you all one of each!

Summer Sales!!

Well even though it just feels like we have settled into summer (and I JUST posted about swimsuits) - you will soon start seeing transitional or fall merchandise in the stores. Which means summer stuff is ON SALE!! 

Everyday I get multiple notifications about sales - 40 %, 50 % 60 % off summer styles. This is a great time get a deal on a summer trend or something you have been pining for - maybe a jumpsuit like I mentioned here ? Or maybe you have been holding off this summer waiting to see what trends become most appealing? We have a solid 2 months of summer weather left here in St. Louis, so you will have plenty of time to wear your new summer purchases. IF it is an item you think you will not wear that often in the next 2 months, try to think ahead and make sure you will love it next summer OR if it has year round wearability. 

Some great summer sale items to look for that can be worn year round
- layering tanks and tees
- skirts that can be paired with tights and boots in cooler months
- jeans (always)
- printed tops that can be versatile for work or play - check out this post for more info
- dresses - of course. Think ahead to next year - do you have a wedding or big occasion you need something a little bit fancier for? Now is a great time to get a deal. 

If you are already tired of your summer wardrobe use the sales to spice it up with 1 or 2 new pieces to carry you through. For me a top gets me more mileage than a bottom. If you really can't wait until fall, a lightweight jacket/blazer or some booties can help bridge the gap. I was skeptical about the bootie a few seasons ago, but I have become a fan. It is a perfect item for in between summer/fall and spring/summer. Peep toe booties are wearing on me - they are adorable but I find the window of wear in this climate too small for money I would have to spend for a pair, but I feel my resolve crumbling. Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog had some GREAT deals on boots and booties. 

And it is not too early to start editing your wardrobe - get rid of summer clothes you haven't worn since you got them out. De-clutter your closet. Message me if you want help!

A Suit That Suits You

Well summer is in full swing, and I just got back from the beach, so I feel compelled to share some thoughts on swim suits. 

The first thing that comes to mind is that there are so many more options than there used to be. Anything goes. So first and foremost, pick a suit that suits you. Who cares what "everyone else" is wearing? Choose one that you like, that you are comfortable in, and that is flattering for your body (this applies to all clothes really). I LOVED the message in this blog post I saw circulating - put on that suit and play with your kids. 

Swim suits are like separates these days. Your top and bottom do not have to match! How liberating! We are not all the same size on top and bottom - another great reason to purchase them separately. I found a top I loved at Nordstrom, but the bottoms that came with the suit didn't fit right, so I found some simple ones at Target that coordinated with the top and viola - half the price and they fit me better.  Buying your suit this way also allows you more flexibility - buy some neutral bottoms and two different tops to get more bang for your buck. And you can choose the size or style that fits your body. Pick a triangle/string bikini top and hipster bottoms, or a string bikini bottom with a halter top. 

One-pieces are making a come back!! I didn't quite believe it when I heard it last year, but they made it back this year. I struggle with the one-piece because of my specific body proportions (short torso) BUT I have not tried really hard to find one - I'm sure there is one out there. And of course there is always the tankini that can be worn like a one-piece. And the skirt - I remember thinking as a teenager that I would "never" wear a swimsuit with a skirt because it screamed "mom"  - but never say never. I think they are so cute these days - a bit shorter than back in the day and super cute  - Target called this a "skirtini"  - I'll go for it. I think it can make your behind look cute flirty. 

A few other trends I see...
- The bra top seems to be making a come back - you know the kind that looks like an underwire bra? I like this style for push up and for full coverage and support - make sure it doesn't gape at the top. 

- I love the fringe bandeau top or ruffle top to help those of us with a little less up top. Try them on - not all fringe is created equally.

- Retro cut, high-waist bottoms. I'm not sure if these are super wearable, but I love that it makes such a statement. If I had a real party to go to and had to wear a swim suit - I would pick this - adorable from Top Shop/Nordstrom. 

- a lot more cheek. I am all about being proud of your ass-ets, but be careful where you wear them. And I don't mean to offend anyone, but I am not a fan of the ruching in the crack. 

If you aren't sure what you like or what fits - try them on!!! Order them online from some place that has free returns. Make sure to pay attention if there are specific instructions with returning swimwear - you know keep that piece of tape in the bottom. 

Happy Summer - Happy Swimming!!