Playing Dress Up

It is finally fall here in St. Louis!! Bring out the sweaters and boots!! This is also the time of year when it is socially acceptable for adults to play dress up - Halloween. I heard somewhere that the Halloween industry gets bigger every year. It is no longer just a children's holiday. Adults my age seem to enjoy dressing up more than ever and have turned Halloween into a giant party. We have outgrown the need to use Halloween as an excuse to wear slutty clothes. Instead this is a true competition of the creatives, cultivating unique costumes sourced on Pinterest, and ordering bizarre merchandise from Amazon Prime. I had a blond wig and peter pan collar at my house in 48 hours!

I like to play dress up all year long. Sure there is an element of  personal style that is tied to your authenticity and true expression of yourself, but the other side of that coin is playing dress up, trying on different costumes, experimenting with new looks and having fun!

I played dress up this morning for church. I bought this grey skirt from Ann Taylor at the end of the season last year and couldn't wait to wear it now that is finally below 80 degrees. I started with black tights, grey skirt and a black shirt. I told Jason I thought I looked like a nun (no disrespect, just not the costume I was going for). So I added some accessories: some sassy over-the-knee boots, sparkly statement necklace, tartan plaid shawl, wool hat, and finally THE purse - the one from my first return to the blog. My parents are amazing and they surprised me with this purse.

I swore I would never wear the over-the-knee boots. I thought they made my legs look even shorter than they are. Sometimes a trend wears me down and I give in. I'm only human. I loved this costume!

Go play dress up in your closet. Challenge yourself to wear something you haven't worn in awhile or dare to differ from your normal uniform. You might be surprised to find out how much fun you have!

a new day

a new day  or and ea wy

Have you been to Target recently?  This is their new clothing brand and it is adorable, despite confusing the hell out of me with the name.  Read vertically..... see what they did there? Apparently I'm not the only one. I tried to tell my friend Lori about these cute ponte pants I thought she would like from Target and was confused about the brand.  She found the explanation on Facebook

Anyway, of course I went to Target for a 3-ring-binder and some vitamins, and just cruised by to see what was new. There was a whole new clothing line, and it is great! It is current, but not too trendy and perfect for work or play.  My only criticism is that it is not quite cut for a petite frame.

I am terrible at taking selfies. It is one of my least favorite things about trying to share my love of clothes with you. So here are some cute outfits laid out on my floor - and clearly I'm not that great at staging these shots on the floor of my closet.

I love this printed blouse - it gives you so many colors to build your outfit. I show it with the navy ponte pants. If you're not sure what those are, check out my old post: all leggings are not created equal. Gold sweater and jean jacket are super old. Metallic Gold shoes are from paperdolls - perfect way to add shine and this men's style loafer is gaining popularity.

This jade, jewel tone top is one of my favorite colors for fall. I tried it on and it made me look a bit too stocky, but I loved the style. Same pants and shoes from above.

I had to show this navy dress . Although, as I'm linking to this product, I could have just showed it on this girl. Oh well. So it is a midi dress - and that length will never be worn by me. I'm 5'2" on a good day, if I stand up really tall.  You can see it is too long for me, but I thought it was so adorable. I'm obsessed with navy - it is my black.

Target also had this adorable new fitness line called Joy Lab. So cute! By the time I made it back to this department, I was in a hurry.  Jason would know if I was at Target this long, surely I was buying more than I "needed". I quickly felt a few pieces and they seemed like great quality! I snagged this Moto jacket. You wouldn't even know by looking that it was performance fabric. It has great wearability.

There. I just did a style blog all about clothes from Target! Husbands - you're welcome.

Everyday Me

Creating is cathartic - and that is my purpose for this blog - my creative outlet, my cathartic outlet. So I was trying to think about what I could post this week, and I realized I haven't  gotten dressed in a real outfit all week. Part of my reason for sharing this blog, is to be real. I want more real-ness in the world, so I'm putting some out there. When I am out and about I often hear, "you always look so cute." This feels great to hear, but I have begun responding with. "I wear sweatpants sometimes." This I my way of saying I'm real. I don't wear this all the time. You do not have to look good or put together or do your hair and makeup all the time. I'm a working mom with 3 kids and I can't do it everyday. I marvel at the women who can, but I think to myself, that must be exhausting. If she is doing it for herself - more power to you! You do you! But don't do it for anyone else. 

As I think more about this, I get more complements from my husband when I am 'dressed down'. I look for the compliments from him when we get all dressed up to go out, but it always shocks me a bit when I'm wearing what I consider nothing special and he says, "You look cute today." What? This ? Perhaps it is because I look more like everyday me - less like someone dressed up for everyone else in the latest trends. 

Here is everyday me today in my favorite jeans and white t - telling Jason nevermind quit taking photos

Footloose

I watched the movie Footloose last weekend - the real one from 1984. I have been dreaming about Ariel's red cowboy boots ever since.  I remember wanting them as a child when I first saw this movie. I feel like they are a perfect expression of her rebellious nature and confidence. They seem to say, "Oh yeah?  Watch me!"  I mean how hot is Lori Singer in those boots!

A quick google search will help you find some. 

These look amazing from Nordstrom

We can use clothing and accessories to express our personality. You can make the outside match the inside. It can be a direct link to how you are feeling that day, or aspirational. For example, earlier this week I was completely exhausted.  I wore sweatpants - real, old fashion elastic waist and bottom sweatpants that said Truman Football - to go pick my son up from soccer practice. I was not ashamed. I was tired.  On the aspirational side of things - I often 'dressed up' in college when I had a test. It made me feel more confident if I looked put together. If I'm feeling a little down, a cute outfit can help put me in a better mood.  A little touch of leopard print always makes me feel a little feisty. I can't imagine putting on these red cowboy boots and not feeling like I could go kick a little ass!

What clothes or accessories do you have that are tied to your mood or personality?  Play around and have some fun! As always, #youdoyou.

I'm Back

I'm Back. It has been over two years since I retired as a fashion blogger. Ideas and thoughts and little nudges from the universe to return to this space have been coming at me for the last year, but it was while reading Jen Hatmaker's latest book, "Of Mess and Moxie" that put my fingers on this keyboard again....after I figured out how to log back into Blogger.

I will put her full passage about creating at the end of this post, but here are the words that hit home, "It can simply be for the love of it. .......If the only person it saves is you, that's enough."

I quit posting because of fear, because it felt frivolous and narcissistic, a cliché, because I was trying not to spend money on new clothes, and because I felt it didn't matter. But the truth is, I still love clothes and fashion! And I'm not talking New York Fashion Week fashion - although I enjoy that from an artistic point of view. I'm talking digging through the racks at Marshalls, playing in my closet to put together outfits, or helping a friend shop or clean out her closet. Clothes are my artistic expression. I can't paint or draw or decorate my house - but I love putting together a look. It brings me joy - and that's enough.

So onto the fashion.....

When I go shopping lately, I have been a bit disappointed and confused. I hate so much of what is out there right now. Hate is a strong word, but allow me to be over-dramatic for fun. I'm done with oversized flowy tops, shoulder cut outs, crop tops, high-waisted pants, lots of ruffles, baggy jeans, the list goes on. I mean there was an article in the Wall Street Journal style section last week about the return of pleated, cropped, wide-leg khakis. Are you freaking kidding me?!?!?  Where do these people work? They seriously tried to bring back overalls.

Okay the rant is over. All of this leads back to one of my core tenets  - fashion is different than style. And when it comes to style - you do you. When you shop, buy what you love, what you think looks good on you, what reflects your personality.  Do not buy something because you think it will make you look 'in style'.

I recently had a soul restoring weekend with my college roommates. Plans were loose but we knew we would go out for a nice meal and some drinks. This is a photo from our night out - and it makes me laugh because we clearly do not look like we are going to the same place. Everyone looks fabulous, and like an individual!

My sequin top was  $9.00 on clearance from Target. You have to dig to find a bargain!

My daughter and I roamed around Marshalls yesterday and I found this beautiful purse. I didn't buy it, but I wanted to. It had no recognizable brand name, but it was beautiful, and I felt it looked 'like me'. This version of me dresses in pencil skirts, silk blouses and impeccably tailored blazers when she carries this purse in the crook of her arm. It doesn't quite fit the majority of my lifestyle, but I still love it.

So when you shop some Labor Day sales or some Summer Clearance this weekend - you do you.

Here is the full passage from Jen Hatmaker's book:
"There is something courageous about acknowledging your ability and right to create, even in the midst of "a real job" or mothering or managing. Women have the innate capacity to nurture their own art without a paycheck, audience, outside permission, or charitable intentions. Do you understand what I mean by charity? You are not required to save the world, or anyone for that matter, with your art. It isn't valuable only if it rescues or raises money or makes an enormous impact. It can be simply for the love of it. That is not frivolous or selfish in the slightest. If the only person it saves is you, that's enough."    - Jen Hatmaker, "Of Mess and Moxie"

Spring

Happy Spring! I know it has been awhile, but I was busy hibernating until Winter was far, far away. It is officially Spring and that makes everything better.  I LOVE Spring and its clothes. Here are few thoughts I have been collecting. 

Here is Reese Witherspoon rocking a perfect Spring outfit. This is just perfectly put together, but without looking like you tried so hard. Floral pumps, jeans, navy sweater and adorable yellow bag. Navy, Yellow, White or Navy, Kelly Green and White are some of my favorite color combinations for this time of year.

Here was my take on a Spring outfit. Versatile outfit for work, day or night. Royal and Coral are my 2 main pops of color, and the necklace pulls them together by featuring similar colors and tones - it does not 'match'. Necklace from Stella & Dot. The jacket I'm wearing is my new favorite - you can find it here.

The most important Spring fashion event at my house was Easter. Here is the fam all dolled up. I was so excited for the final season of Mad Med to begin, I went retro with the dress and hair. My dress from leopard boutique.  The boys shirts are from Lands End and the bow ties are from here Sydneybelle Boutique  - you can't tell from the pic, but Jack's is Star Wars! And my poor daughter - her dress is beautiful. It is from Monsoon - a wonderful brand I stumbled upon that actually makes age appropriate clothes for girls! I could have a whole separate blog about that topic. 

What else....I am so overwhelmed by the amount of crazy prints out there. I walked into two stores today and I felt like all I saw was this...

Jury is still out for me on the return of Palazzo pants. Like the Maxi Dress - a trend I want to love but it is just not for my body type.  Do not feel pressured to follow a trend if it doesn't feel authentic to you or doesn't flatter your shape.

These are some of my favorite, new shoes. I seem to get compliments on them frequently and the best part is they REALLY are comfortable. The leather is so soft and the heel is great. You can find them here.  At the time I'm posting this they are on sale. 

I know we have been basking in the spring for officially for a little over 6 weeks, but it will feel like summer soon - on to shorts and swim suites - yikes!

Buongiorno! Packing a Family of 5, for 15 days in Italy

Last fall, I had the opportunity to help a friend prepare and pack for her family of 5 as they embarked on an amazing, 15 day trip to Italy! This adorable couple has 3 kids, ages 8,6, and 3. Traveling with children can be a daunting task, especially in a foreign country while navigating planes, trains, and automobiles. The last thing they wanted was a ton of luggage weighing them down. As Sarah said, "One of our major concerns was not having a TON of things at the train stations when we were trying to manage 3 kids and keeping track of all of our stuff." So our first objective was to get everything in 1 large bag to be checked bag, and 1 carry on. 

Here they are strolling through the train station. You can just see the size of the one checked bag -the red rolling duffle that Patrick is wheeling behind him. Jack, in the orange jeans, is rolling the small carry-on, and each child had their own small bag for snacks and activities.

The second objective was to dress appropriately - "when in Rome...." or at least Italy. "One of the biggest challenges to packing, was packing more dressy clothes for the whole family, and especially a little nicer than the kids were used to wearing on a daily basis," said Sarah. Their plans included visits to museums, theaters, Mass at St. Peter's, and restaurants. Italians, and most Europeans, dress more formally that we do in the US. You don't see too many people walking around in lounge wear or workout clothes, and sometimes you don't want to stick out as an American tourist.

We planned about 3 weeks before the trip so Sarah had plenty of time to purchase any additional needs. I took pictures of everyone's clothes laid out across the bed so Sarah could easily reference them while packing. The trip was in October, so temperatures were expected to be 50s at night and 70s during the day. Each place they were staying had a washer, but no dryer, so things could definitely be washed and re-worn. 

Luckily this family has amazing style, so finding great clothes to choose from was not a problem. We started with Patrick, and we started from the bottom up - shoes. My suggestion was 2 pair of shoes per person with a possible third if there was room. Shoes might be the most important thing you pack for any European vacation where you will most certainly be walking A LOT! We chose his awesome pair of Frye boots as they are sturdy, comfortable and could be worn on dressier occasions, as well as pair of trendy Converse high tops. People outside the US DO wear tennis shoes - but they are not the same as the ones we wear to the gym. We chose 4 pairs of pants - 2 pair of dark jeans, 2 pair chinos (olive and grey) and a pair of grey lulu lemon pants that could pass as slacks similar to these . Basically these are to men, what leggings are to women. Then we picked about 4 fashion T-shirts, to be worn alone or for layering, and 4 long sleeve dress shirts with neutral patterns that were easy to mix. 1 grey marled sweater and 1 sport coat for dressy events, i.e. Church. And somehow I do not have a picture of Patrick's clothes! Here is a great pic showing off the his cool shoes and adorable kiddos. 

Next we did Sarah's wardrobe. We tackled hers a little less methodically. I asked her to start by choosing her favorite pants/jeans with the goal of picking 4 pairs - 3 jeans, dark wash, black, grey and a pair of black leggings. You are going to be wearing these clothes a lot, so it is wise to pick your favorites. Then we just started pulling out more favorites and laid them all out on the bed. We did a lot of moving things around and eliminating from there. Below you see the 3 jeans, along with 2 tanks, 1 short sleeve blouse, 2 cardigans, 1 v-neck sweater, 2 sheath dresses, 3 scarves, and 1 grey leather jacket (not pictured). The idea here is everything can mix and match. The dresses can be dressed up or down, the scarves help add color and pattern, and the cardigans are perfect for the varying temperatures throughout the day. For example the Navy dress can be worn by itself, add the blue print scarf (see Sarah below), with the navy marled cardigan, or the under the coral V-neck sweater - you get the idea. And of course Mom gets 3 pairs of shoes - AGL black loafers, retro Saucony tennis shoes, and a Sam Edleman suede bootie. For  other accessories, we picked 2 or 3 simple gold necklaces, some gold bangles and gold watch. You do not want to travel with a ton of jewelry. We kept fit, comfort and laundering in mind.

This dress and scarf is one of my favorite outfits!

Now onto sweet Harper (3). She might have the best 3 year old wardrobe I have seen.We did a lot of Ts, knit dresses and leggings. Stripes, polka dots and color! 1 cardigan and 1 sweater/sweatshirts. And her 2 pair of adorable shoes. Her tiny clothes don't take up a lot of room, so it could be easy to over-pack. 

And finally the boys. 

This is where we had a bit of challenge. Like most little boys, they often wear T-shirts and athletic shorts. We wanted the boys to be comfortable, yet dressed appropriately. So we tried to meet in the middle with Quinn (8) by picking clothes that wear like play clothes, but don't necessarily look like them. We chose 3 pairs of pants (jeans, olive and khaki chinos - added camo later) and 2 pairs of shorts (chambray and grey ) and then we picked about 6 soft, comfortable T-shirt and 3 collared polos. Every piece can be mixed and matched and nothing was too 'fancy' to cause complaint. A collared shirt and chinos would suffice for Mass at St. Peter's. 2 pairs of shoes - bucks and tennis shoes. 

Jack (6) loves clothes and all things artistic, so there is a little more variety in his selection. We chose the colored jeans as well as dark wash and black, and 2 pairs of shorts. A few more collared shirts, but several T-shirts as well. Bucks and tennis shoes. 

I left Sarah's house the day of this planning hopped up on Starbucks and joy! I had so much fun helping her pull all this together. I know it doesn't matter what you are wearing to enjoy a trip to Italy, but if it can help reduce some stress, then you are able to enjoy the trip that much more! Sarah shared, "All in all - using you made packing a breeze and took so much stress out of packing for 5 people. I would definitely recommend it!"   Thanks for the kinds words, Sarah. 

At the end of the trip Sarah said they could have used even less clothes. The weather was unseasonable warm, so some of the heavier sweaters and long sleeves were not needed. And they had to buy swim suits at the end of the trip and were able to enjoy the beach. 

So the moral of the story is pack less, and always throw in a swimsuit! 

Ciao!