Can Shelter in Place be a Happy Time?

Happy Shelter in Place week 3… That’s how an email exchange from one of my clients started. And I’ve been thinking about it. It’s not that I’m unhappy, per se, but rather that I’m uncertain. And that uncertainty is leaving me VERY unmotivated and uninspired creatively.

For instance, I have NO IDEA what to write about this week. All of the content I had lined up for you seems irrelevant and unimportant in light of the pandemic and subsequent isolation we are all facing. And so as I’m procrastinating writing (hello, I mean I have nothing else to do except clean toilets) I’m thinking about what I’d want to see if I were you reading this…And the answer is I JUST DON’T KNOW.

Even though stores are having CRAZY sales right now (like Nordstrom 40% off,  JCrew 40 % off, Madwell 30% off, Saks 25% off) it personally feels weird to shop for clothes right now considering there’s nowhere to go. 

Making the Most of It…

As I mentioned last week, these are unprecedented times…The Covid19 pandemic has changed EVERYTHING. Staying the f*ck home,  Flattening the curve. Whatever you call it, things are different right now. And while work continues, albeit differently, we need to adapt. Meetings are not happening in person, it’s all on video and high def video at that…

I’ve been virtually styling my work from home clients that are finding themselves in a new upside-down universe. Literally the polar opposite from the rest of us living the #quaratninelife. While we are in pj’s or sweats all day long, they’re on video call after video call. And not just with their officemates  – but with clients and bosses and board members, it’s like having a huge presentation every day, but on video.

Video Meetings vs. Real Life Meetings

And the rules about what to wear to a virtual meeting are different than for an in-real-life meeting, at least in some ways. I mean, some of the rules are the same, like dressing for the audience you’ll be speaking with. It would be weird if you were holding a yoga class and were dressed in a suit. And equally weird if you were meeting with a potential investor but dressed in a ripped sweatshirt. The same rules apply in the virtual meeting world.

But then there are other rules that many of us have never even considered, until now…

The Outfit Rules for Video Meetings…

For Now, It’s Quarantine Life

Cute comfy clothes and a pandemic quarantine is not what I was planning to write about this week. And I am sure being housebound is not how you were planning to spend your week (or weeks) either. But this is our reality right now and there are a few things that are helping me make the best of a rather yucky situation

Yes, I’m kind of freaking out, but I’m also trying to practice self-care and not put my current anxiety on my kids. Btw, pretty sure I’m failing on the latter, but I am trying…

Comfy Clothes

I’m 100% that person that changes into their comfy clothes the minute I get home. And for that matter take my bra off, as long as my kids don’t have friends over. And I’ve written about comfy clothes both HERE and HERE in the past. However, I think this whole quarantine thing gives comfy clothes a chance to be in the spotlight again… And many of you asked for it… So here ya go…

Spring Trends to Look For

This might be a grab a cup of coffee and stay for a while kind of post. I’m talking all about spring trends and there is a lot to share. I contemplated breaking this up into a few posts but I figured it’s easier to have it all in one place. So, that being said, thanks for taking the time to take a look – I poured my heart into it this week you guys!

Last week’s post briefly mentioned the top 8 trends to look for this spring. And whether you’re an avid reader of fashion magazines/blogs or just read the bare minimum (like this blog) to get what you need to know and move on to the things that really interest you…You might be wondering how I compile the trend lists I share with my private wardrobe styling clients and publish on this blog.

And that’s a totally fair question. While fashion and style are more of an art than a science, I’m kind of a fashion nerd…

Did You Say SPRING SALE?

Every year Shopbop has this big spring sale. I’ve been writing about it year after year but somehow it never gets old. Probably because it’s timed perfectly for when we’ve all had ENOUGH of the winter stuff. And we are all anxiously ready and waiting for SPRING to arrive.

But What’s “IN” for Spring?

Sometimes looking at a sale ahead of the season (think Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale) can be overwhelming. First, there’s so much to choose from. And then you’re not really ready to wear it yet. And lastly, a new season means new fashion trends, so it can just be a lot.

Let Me Help

Let this be a quick, down and dirty spring trend guide AND a pick of my favorites from the Shopbop Spring Sale

Spring Break is Right Around the Corner

Spring break is right around the corner, and, even if you’re NOT going anywhere NEAR a beach, Spring Break still means that warm weather will be here soon – serious fingers crossed on this one, considering the odd winter we’ve had – there’s honestly a part of me that thinks it might be snowing in July, like some kind of cruel payback, but I digress… So if you’re planning for a getaway, or just planning ahead for the summer months, this post is for you…

Over-packers Anonymous

The question of what to pack sends many people into an anxiety-ridden tailspin…

My 5 Go-To, Non-Boring, Wardrobe Staples

I was thinking about the pieces in my closet that were on the heaviest rotation. My favorites,  my best-of list. The pieces that I go to over and over again that never disappoint. What surfaced were 5 go-to, non-boring wardrobe staples that always give my outfits that finishing touch. And the perk is they’re timeless and THEY’RE ALL AFFORDABLE.

So what about these 5 wardrobe staples makes them so useful? And so versatile? IMHO, it’s because they’re pieces that easily add a little oomph to an outfit, BUT not so much oomph they couldn’t be worn again because they were just too memorable.

One important note – these pieces are available at all different price points. So, if you want to spend $20, $200 or in some cases $2000 you can find all 5 items at all of these prices, and everywhere in between. The looks will be similar but the materials used (rayon vs cashmere) or the designer label (Mango vs Gucci) are what account for the huge disparity in price. I’ve linked products that run the gamut price-wise, so be sure to click the photos to find the item and price that’s right for you.

A Short and Sweet Valentine’s Day Post

This is quite possibly the lamest blog post I’ve ever done, so I apologize in advance. The flu has knocked me out, hard. So this is a bare-bones, short and sweet one. What to wear for Valentine’s Day. It’s a holiday that happens every year so the question that comes up every year too.

What If You Don’t Want To Go All Out for Valentine’s Day

What if you want to give a nod to the Valentine’s Day holiday but not go all out with hearts and pink and red? Personally, I think it’s kind of fun to acknowledge the day (even though the hubs and I typically avoid the crowds and spend the night in). But there is a difference between paying homage and dressing in a costume.

Here’s a quick, down and dirty, full-proof formula for a Valentine’s Day outfit that’s not too over the top but still celebrates the Hallmark Holiday of love is this…

Sweats for the WIN-ter

It’s that time of year when I truly want to stay in my PJ’s all day long. I don’t know about you, maybe it’s the cold, or lack of sun, but my motivation level is waaaay low. If I have a day that I can be a homebody,  a lazy day outfit is on the docket for sure. And if I have to actually get dressed and go out (which is most days) then THE MINUTE I get home the comfy clothes are on.

Loungewear and pajamas that are presentable are a must-have for a zillion real-life scenarios, I went in-depth on that subject last year. And, I’ve updated those links so all the items highlighted should be in stock.

Sweatsuits are IN Again

2020 seems to be the year of the sweatsuit. Not athleisure, or loungewear or joggers, but full-fledged, matching top and bottom sweatsuits.

And those sweatsuits can look super cute out of the house too.

You may have noticed a lot of celebrities stepping out in matching sweat sets and that tells me it’s only a matter of time until we see it in a more mainstream way.

Did You Know I Post an Outfit of the Day on Instagram?

Well, almost every day I do. Or at least try to. When I’m leaving the house I make a quick stop at the “Selfie Mirror” in my bedroom and snap a quick pic. It’s actually a tip I give my personal styling clients as well. Keeping photos of the outfits you’ve worn helps so much when it’s time to recreate those outfits for packing or other occasions. If I’m being honest, I’ve scrolled through my own Instagram #OOTD highlight to jog my memory when getting dressed on more than one occasion. He-he, it really works!

They’re My Real Clothes, From My Real Closet

When I post my Outfit’s of the Day (#OOTD) on Instagram I’ll often get dm’s asking about items in the outfits.

Here’s the thing… the clothes I wear in my #OOTD’s are my real clothes from my real closet. Meaning, I’ve collected them over many years – even decades. So, many of them are old, or resale or vintage, and not easily linkable. So when I answer the DM with the brand or store name, it’s often a wild goose chase for you to find the item.

And, my job is to make shopping easier for you, not harder…

So, I’m doing an experiment. I’m posting links to similar items to those in the OOTD photos – at all different price points. And the exact item if it’s fairly new and available. My hope is that it will make it easier for all of you.