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!! 

Stuck in work or workout clothes?

Do you ever have a few days go by and think, I haven't really gotten dressed in days! You start by putting on workout clothes hoping you will find some time to go to the gym, and if you do, you fully intend to change after you go to the grocery store, after you pick up the dry cleaning, after you pick up the kids, after you get dinner started, after you put the kids to bed.... and on and on. OR do you wear the same thing over and over to work even though you have a closet full of clothes?  It can be easy to get stuck in a rut.

I had a few days living in my gym clothes and I was dying to put on some real clothes today. I am by no means passing judgement on wearing lounge clothes or workout clothes for days in a row - it happens and sometimes it is really the most practical thing you can do (and they keep getting cuter). For me, getting dressed helps me feel better. Now I am not talking about anything that takes a ton of effort OR is super time consuming. I needed a pick me up today, so I threw on the outfit below to go nowhere in particular.  

And yes I had a super photographer - my 6 year old, and yes we were at the playground. And no, I don't normally dress like this to go to the playground. We were killing time while Sam was at piano. Anyway it is really just a T-Shirt, skirt, and necklace - not a ton of effort. But it is a put together look. This is a box pleat skirt in cream with light blue stripes from the Limited with an orange T - I treat this skirt like a neutral that can be worn with almost anything. The shoes are my 'everyday wedges'. I struggled to find a neutral wedge of low/med height that was really wearable for daily use and that didn't look frumpy. You know by now I am short, so I like a little height, but all of my other wedges are too high to comfortably run errands. So these are from Born - purchased at DSW. They are super soft, BUT if I were to do it again, I would buy something with a strap on the back. 

And just to show that this is really not that fancy, I changed up the look with a relaxed denim shirt and flat sandals. This is totally wearable for women on the go. Again stellar photography by my children - and I didn't mean to look sad. 

So if you feel like you are in a rut with work clothes or workout clothes - peruse your closet and pick an item you haven't worn in awhile or that maybe an item that you are 'saving' for something - and wear it today! I find myself saving clothes for occasions that never happen. Have fun with it - you might find it makes you feel better!

Jumpsuits & Rompers

Whew it has been awhile! Crazy summer life happening over here but I am enjoying it. On with the post.  

At first when you saw the title, you might think I was going to talk about baby clothes. But no - there are rompers and jumpsuits for grown women. I have been casually looking for a jumpsuit all summer. I say casually because of course I don't really 'need' one, but I think it is such a fun piece to have in your wardrobe, especially in the summer months. My younger self dared to wear a beige, strapless jumpsuit - and while I don't have the body for that gem anymore, I LOVED it. So I have seen them resurface a bit here an there and was just waiting for the perfect one to find me. 

My first internet search brought me to several graphic print jumpsuits. These are adorable and very on trend right now, but I would choose a more classic styling for this kind of unique piece - black, navy or white. That way you can change your look with a jacket or jewelry and make it last a little bit longer. If I had some extra cash, I would buy this one - it even comes with straps you can attach! (Macy's)

My obsession is this one Beyonce rocked - but I believe it is Gucci and I don't have Beyonce's budget. (I saw this in Us Weekly online  - I feel obligated to cite)

Others that I found have the same bottom style pant as the 'track pant' that I talked about here. I would have to try that on and see how it looked. If someone is reading this has - let me know. I feel like it would look cute as long as it was draped close to the body. Several versions featured a wide leg, like this one from Macy's (NY Collection), and I think this would be very chic and very wearable. 

I love the belt feature of this one - also from Macy's AGB. The belt help break up that "column of fabric" look that I fear when putting something on that covers head to toe. And I love that it is in NAVY!

Now onto Rompers. This is an item I first scoffed at. But the more I see them, the more I want one! The biggest problem I see - besides the fact that there is no easy way to use the facilities while wearing - is that they are all SO short. And the fact that when I was searching for them, the first site that came up was Forever 21 - and I am Almost 35 - so I have to really make sure I am being smart when I am drawn to things I see in there. I mean I am not the only one holding onto a bit of my youth through clothes, am I? Don't get me wrong - it is a great place to get a deal on a trendy piece you don't want to spend too much money on, but I know myself and I have to tread lightly. 

So here is an adorable one from Forever 21 - I like the long sleeves, I think it makes up for the short shorts part (although I would ditch the lace trim). I believe it was the wise Jessica Simpson who said that you can't show boobs and legs - pick one or the other. 

Here is a nice one that could be for a nice night out to dinner - also from Forever 21 - and a bit longer length - very nice.

I searched and searched for more - and I think so many of them are so cute, but the voice in my head is going "hmmmmmmm I don't know" - that one looks like lingerie, that one looks like it belongs on a child, etc.... I can't decide. Interested to know what you all think. I bought one from Target and am telling myself I will just wear it as a swimsuit cover- up. Maybe that is a good compromise.

Must Love Dresses

I know, I know, more about dresses. But last weekends WSJ style section validated my feeling that summer is the perfect time for dresses. (in the fall I will drone on about jeans and blazers/jackets). The article was titled "Summertime and the Dresses are Easy." Exactly. When it is 90+ degrees outside you don't want your outfit to be too 'fussy' - too many pieces, too many accessories, etc... The right dress can solve everything.  

Now I could only afford 1 of the dresses they featured in the WSJ, so I thought I would just post some of my favorite styles and shapes AND highlight some sales.

Gap featured this adorable fit & flare in their email blast today - noted 40% off some dresses. It can be easily dressed up or down. 

This is one of the best shaped, sheaths I found - love the half-cap shoulder and shapely fit. Some sheaths can look too formal or stiff. This one is from Banana Republic - called the Sloan Fit. They have some things 25% off. 

I love a shift as much as a sheath. A shift hangs almost straight down from your shoulders and has a looser fit - kind of a 70s vibe. You can wear a shift a bit shorter than normal since it isn't curve hugging. I found this cool printed one at Zappos on sale for $50.99. I have never ordered clothes from there but I have had success with shoes.

Nordstrom has a ton of dresses - quite a few in my 'affordable' range. I love this one - doesn't it just scream relaxed summer? only $78 - and you gotta love the free shipping and free returns.

Limited has BOGO 50% full price. Here is a great statement dress - work or party. They have lots of cute strapless ones as well - but I know that is not super wearable for everyone. And they had a navy and white eyelet sheath - be still my Charlotte York heart. 

This is a sweet dress from H&M  - I mean like cute, sweet - not "saweeeet". Only $35.00 - that is saweeet. They have a quite a few jerseys dresses that could be great casual dresses, but sometimes the jersey is too thin, then you have to wear a slip, and that can be too much fuss. But I will say when in doubt - wear a slip. 

I would always recommend TJMaxx and Marshalls - and of course your local boutiques. Sometimes they have just the thing that is different enough, but perfect for you. 

And I will just through this out there - I am not sponsored or linked or anything to any of these stores. If I'm lucky enough to get to that place eventually, I will let you know. 

Go Dress and be merry!