New Virtual Styling Sessions to Put a Smile on Your Face

So, to say we’re living through turbulent times is quite the understatement. In addition to actively supporting causes I care about, I also focus on helping my clients because, honestly, that makes me feel happy. Building new virtual services has been a welcome and fun distraction for me.

If a little wardrobe TLC might put a smile on your face right now, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can customize any service to meet your needs and budget. See all of my new offerings by using the navigation tab “Virtual Services” at the top of my site and watch this short video to see what an entirely remote closet edit and personal shopping session looks like. ✨ Bonus: you might find some good inspiration in the video for outfit combinations that you can make using items hanging in your own closet right now!

How to Holiday: the 2020 Version

This year will be like no other. God-willing, there will be parties and socializing again next year. For now, I’m counting each and every blessing no matter how ordinary and hoping to spread some positivity and encouragement. One thing I know for sure, getting dressed will make you feel better. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it certainly should be comfortable. Whatever you choose to wear for Thanksgiving or any holiday moment in the next few weeks, make it intentional. When we look good, we feel good (there’s science behind that). And when we feel good, we do good (there’s science behind that, too).

For the “do good” part, consider shopping locally more than you typically would. Small businesses make each community unique, vibrant and special. I’ve curated choices from three Greenwich-based, woman-owned small businesses to help make your holiday shopping easy. I will donate 10% of any purchases you make from these local vendors to Kids in Crisis. This important organization supports the Greenwich community in countless ways. Click each photo for shoppable links. When ordering online please use the code MT10 in the comments or code section of the websites. Or, if you shop in person just tell them that Maria sent you so I can keep track. 

Additionally with this code (or when using my name):

Greenwich Blues: mix and match anything from this board to create a lovely gift set or Zoom-ready outfit. Click here for all links.

Greenwich Blues: mix and match anything from this board to create a lovely gift set or Zoom-ready outfit. Click here for all links.

Pretty Pink + Gold Coast: any one or two of these would be welcome gifts or additions to your own holiday outfits. Click for links.

Pretty Pink + Gold Coast: any one or two of these would be welcome gifts or additions to your own holiday outfits. Click for links.

Black Beauties in Connecticut: add any of these classic choices to your holiday list. Click to shop.

Black Beauties in Connecticut: add any of these classic choices to your holiday list. Click to shop.

If you’re reading this from outside of Greenwich, consider this an opportunity to add some ‘Greenwich style’ into your holidays!

Thank you in advance for always supporting me, my business, and my efforts to help the community I love.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Dining Out...side

Eating out with friends and family is one of our few ‘safe’ activities these days. Whether you’re around the fire pit on someone’s patio or near the heat lamp at your favorite restaurant, here are 3 ideas for dressing well and warmly all at the same time. Click on any photo to see all the details and links for each outfit. Wishing you all good health as we move into November, December and the Holidays✨

#1: Choose a Great-Looking Coat

This seems obvious, but take a look at your coat wardrobe and see if it could use a little boost. A coat or jacket with a lot of personality is useful these days.

Click any photo to link to everything in the outfit.

Click any photo to link to everything in the outfit.

#2: Wear a Poncho (with a jacket or vest underneath)

I love to teach people to ‘layer under.’ Often, we think we need to pile more and more layers on top of our outfits. But start with a poncho you want to show off and then wear a lightweight puffer jacket or vest underneath (plus performance pieces to keep you extra warm).

Click any photo to link to each piece of these outfits.

Click any photo to link to each piece of these outfits.

#3: Forego a Coat Altogether

If you layer enough warmth under a top and pants, you may not need a coat at all. Think performance tights, stockings, long-sleeve base shirts plus wool and cashmere sweaters. Pro tip: tights under pants make a world of difference when you’re sitting outside for a few hours!

Click any photo if you want to see more details!

Click any photo if you want to see more details!


What to Carry in a Mending Kit

Thank you, Kap Ashworth, for the suggestion to write about this! I love that so many people replied to my Instagram post about mending with their own stories of how they mend and sew and who taught them.

In terms of what to have in a mending kit, there are two ways to go: 1) the old-school sewing box (mine has everything from snaps to thread to pattern making equipment in it) and 2) the on-the-go pouch for quick fixes. I’m going to talk about number two in this post. I can throw this into my purse or other bag when seeing clients or taking a short trip (remember those? Pre-Covid!). You can make something similar to easily carry with you or have at your fingertips at home.

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  1. Needle and thread—obviously. I carry a light and dark color of thread and a few different sized hand needles (I put them onto a small piece of fabric for easy transport—the orange camou in the photo).

  2. Seam ripper—to open up problem areas before repairing (as well as pockets sewn shut or vents in blazers—hate it when I forget to open that stitching before wearing!).

  3. Topstick—two sided “fashion” tape. Topstick is my absolute favorite and it’s actually two-sided toupee tape. Fixes just above everything in a pinch—hems that fall down, if you lose a button on your blouse (tape the gape shut!)—plus it holds bra straps in place. Always good.

  4. Measuring tape—just in case you want to be accurate in the repair.

  5. Small scissors—good for everything!

  6. Extra large safety pins—these also fix just about anything and are great for marking alterations and not falling out (for the other stylists out there!). Add a few extra buttons onto one of the safety pins in your pouch. Never be at a loss when a button flies off in the middle of your day.

  7. Needle nose pliers—the piece de resistance! Fix any and all jewelry mishaps with this little guy! Can’t tell you how often I use these. And they’re pink and cute. Gotta love that.

Virtual Style School at The Perfect Provenance

And please join me tomorrow, Thursday October 22 at 12:30pm EST on Zoom for a Virtual Style School held at The Perfect Provenance. I’ll be using their beautiful pieces to teach how to layer the right way for Fall and what to wear during our Autumn of Covid for both men and women. Tickets are $25 and will benefit California Wild Fire Relief. Click here to register for this 45 minute session. Hope to see you then!

How to Turn Your Workout Clothes into a Cute Fall Outfit

Typically, I like to share some ‘Trends to Try’ for both the Fall and Spring seasons. This Fall feels anything but typical—if you’re shopping, it may be for everyday basics or classic investment pieces that will look good on Zoom. Having said that, there are so many cute trends out there this year and if you don’t want to miss out on them, here are some ideas for how to wear a few of them over your workout gear and Lululemons right now (thank you, Susan Williams, for the great idea to post about athleisure wear!). Although trendy this season, these pieces are versatile enough to be worn in many different ways, God willing, when we are all through this thing!

INTERESTING KNITS

Choose a boldly patterned cardigan that can be closed (either belted or buttoned) overtop of your workout outfit. You can keep your sneakers on or choose a combat boot for a little extra style (and height—always good!). Remember the big scrunchy socks from the 90s? Use a pair of those over your leggings and allow them to peek out from the top of the boot. Don’t forget stud earrings for the finishing touch.

Click here to shop all of these plus lots of other sweater choices.

Click here to shop all of these plus lots of other sweater choices.

STATEMENT SLEEVES

These have been a trend for a while (flutter sleeves, bell sleeves—you know, all those things that fall into your dinner plate!), but now the entire sleeve has a lot of interest. Blouses, T-shirts, sweaters and sweatshirts are all sporting cute details on the whole arm. Throw a big sweater or sweatshirt over your leggings + T, add the combat boots again and a little earring. You’ll be ready to run errands, meet the other home-schooling moms, grab a coffee or do the million little (but important!) everyday things at home that women do. You’ll feel pulled together and confident (even if you haven’t showered).

Click here for links to all of these and more…

Click here for links to all of these and more…

PRETTY PATCHWORK

Upcycling and sustainability have resulted in patchwork becoming a huge trend. Some designers use only deadstock and create one of kind pieces, like this magnificent Bode blouse. Choose soft, feminine colors and add a sweatshirt or jacket with pretty patchwork in the design over your workout gear. Again, you can keep your sneakers on—here’s a patchwork sneaker if you’re interested—but I love the choice of a combat boot or neutral hiker to add a bit of height, style and nod to the changing seasons.

Click to shop these pretty pieces!

Click to shop these pretty pieces!

And, local friends, if you’re cleaning out that closet:

Did you know that Greenwich has started a textile recycling program? Click here for all the info, but in a nutshell—drop off textiles in any condition, with exception of stuffed animals, rugs and pillows, in bins located at:

- Arch Street Teen Center (at entrance)

- Eastern Civic Center (parking lot across from center, M-F 8:30 am - 4:30 pm)

- Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility (next to office trailer)

- Nathaniel Witherell (right side of building toward secondary parking lot)



Over 40? The Two Things You Need to Know when Choosing Shorts

As we get older (but better!), there are really only two things to keep in mind when choosing a pair of shorts: length and width. But how much of each and in what combination?

If you want to go shorter, then make sure the width is just a little bit loose. Or, it can be very loose. The thing to avoid is short and tight. That’s really hard to pull off unless you have a specific body type. How to know if the shorts are going to be loose around the thigh? Look for a cuff at the hem or a hem with a little curve to it. Pleats are making a comeback—and they really can look good on you as long as the shorts are high waisted. The pleats ensure that the width is going to be wider around your thigh. You get to define what “short” shorts are: 2 inch inseam? 5 inch inseam? It’s up to you, how long your legs are, how much leg you want to show, etc. In general, keep in mind the principle of short + loose at the hem and you won’t go wrong.

If you want to go longer in length, then look for a more slim silhouette. Bermudas are having a big moment. If you find a pair you love, but they feel too wide at the hem, have a tailor taper them just a bit from mid thigh to the end. Long and wide is very chic (and also having a moment), but those require a bit more styling and intention—a heel or flatform (or really long legs—hello Tall girls out there!). If you have a pair of jeans at home that you’ll never wear again, cut them off just above the knee: instant long jean shorts. For easy-to-wear everyday looks, keep in mind the principle of long + lean and you’ll look great every time.

SHORT + LOOSE

Click here to link to these choices.

Click here to link to these choices.

Add a white T-shirt and you have instant outfits↓

Click on this photo to link to all of these choices ↑

Click on this photo to link to all of these choices ↑

LONG + LEAN

Click here to see these Bermudas plus more.

Click here to see these Bermudas plus more.

Imagine adding a white eyelet top for more instant outfits↓

Click the photo to see all of these options ↑

Click the photo to see all of these options ↑

REMINDER: Summer Style School starts next week!

At this point in time when many aren’t feeling very excited about getting dressed, I’d love to rekindle that sense of fun around your closet and wardrobe. Please join me for three, short virtual style sessions that will be bite-sized and full of flavor: affordable in terms of time & money, but packed with tons of info, ideas and practical tips you can use immediately. Click here for all details.

How to Choose the Right Swimsuit for your Body Type

This Summer, like everything else in 2020, will not be what we expected. Challenges remain all around but at the same time there are still daily, small moments of meaning and joy. Buying a new bathing suit is a small thing that can make Summer still feel like Summer. I know that for many women, swimsuit shopping and trying on is not the most joyful event 🙂 For this reason, I want to offer guidance and curated options and tips to help you choose the right suit for your particular body. From Speedo to Marysia, from bargains to splurges, here are great options I’ve put together for you. You’ll notice that some of the suits can be found in more than one category. Knowing the design details to look for is what matters the most. I hope you find these suggestions helpful!

If you’re small on top…

then look for a ruffled neckline, triangle top or bold pattern. You have the freedom to have fun with this!

Click here to link to all of these beauties.

Click here to link to all of these beauties.

If you have curvy hips…

then find a plunging neckline or eye-catching top to draw attention upward, minimizing your bottom half; and/or, a higher cut on the legs.

Here are links to these options.

Here are links to these options.

If you’re larger in the bust…

then choose a suit that runs by cup sizes, has wider straps or hits higher in the back.

Click to see all of these.

Click to see all of these.

If you want to conceal your tummy…

then opt for ruching, surplus styles or high-waisted bottoms.

Click here for these.

Click here for these.

If you’re straight through the middle…

then look for suits with cut-outs at the sides or other details that create interesting lines across the body.

Here are the links for all of these.

Here are the links for all of these.

Other tips:

  • many one-piece suits come in ‘long torso’ lengths. You don’t have to be tall to have a long torso. 

  • too much fabric will cause gapping. Don’t buy a larger size just because you think it will give you more coverage. Look for a good fit.

  • accept your beautiful body! No one is perfect. The swimsuit models are airbrushed. Try a few different types of suits, based on my recommendations above, and then go have fun with friends and family. If this year has taught us anything, it’s that life is unpredictable. I’m embracing my squishy belly, leg veins and un-taut upper arms more than ever this year—feeling very thankful just to be here!

  • and, for my final tip: Navy. This color looks great on just about every skin tone, so here is a collection of navy suits and accessories for you to consider.

Click here to link to all of these choices.

Click here to link to all of these choices.

Father's Day Basics, Elevated

Here are some outfits from my recent styling/fundraising event at The Perfect Provenance. Click the links below each photo if you’d like to shop for Father’s Day. I talked about color stories, explained which fabric and design elements to look for and offered specific styling tips using the great selection at this wonderful, local, woman-owned business. For the first example, I showed how to make a basic polo shirt and cotton pants look pulled together.

Tonal Outfits

Click here to shop these pieces from The Perfect Provenance plus more to create all-blue tonal outfits.

Click here to shop these pieces from The Perfect Provenance plus more to create all-blue tonal outfits.

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Start by choosing items in a similar color tone. Next, think of the fabric. This polo shirt is made of T-shirt fabric so it’s drape-y and comfy for working from home all day. These cotton pants have just enough stretch plus the great drawstring that reminds me of joggers. To really bring home the jogger pant feel, twist and roll the hem. And for the final styling tip: French tuck this soft shirt into the pants. Simple pieces, similar colors, great fabrics, styled right = elevated outfit.

Combining Colorful Pieces

Click here to see these pieces at The Perfect Provenance plus a few more colorful tops and pants that work well together.

Click here to see these pieces at The Perfect Provenance plus a few more colorful tops and pants that work well together.

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At first glance, these pieces seem like they can’t work together. But, the layering works because both tops are very lightweight and drape-y fabrics. Comfort is key: he won’t wear it if it’s not comfortable. The pink and gold colors remind me of a beautiful Florentine villa or fresco. When combining interesting colors, think of your favorite artwork. Then, set off the color with a bright white linen short, again with a drawstring so that they are comfortable and easy. These aren’t too long and aren’t too short. And finally, add the great shoe which pulls in the brown of Bob’s hair and adds a bit of texture to the overall look.

Grey, Tan and Brown = Not Boring Neutrals

Click here to shop this outfit and more pieces like these.

Click here to shop this outfit and more pieces like these.

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Combining a grey top and tan chinos is not revolutionary. But, using the dark charcoal T-shirt under the pale grey linen shirt is one of the design choices that makes this outfit look so great. The contrast is important, the dark grey near the face is important and the details of the belt and shoes is important. The belt and shoes don’t match. That adds to the interest of the outfit. The buttons opening to create the inverted triangle shape create a landing place for the eye. And the sleeves rolled to look like a short-sleeve shirt with the simple bracelet are the finishing touches to this easy-going and great-looking outfit.

Thank you again to Lisa Lori and Tiffany Mezzone at The Perfect Provenance for helping me bring this idea to life. I’m so happy to have held my first Style School via Zoom at this beautiful shop and to know that we raised enough money for Neighbor to Neighbor to buy approximately $1500 worth of food for our friends and neighbors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic right here in Greenwich.

Check out artist, Bisa Butler, at The Katonah Museum of Art. You’ll have to see these virtually for now, but I’m hoping that the doors will open soon so that we can see these gorgeous textile pieces in real life. As the artist says on her Instagram: “there is zero paint in this artwork.” She uses family memories and forgotten figures in African American history to create narrative social statements. And, each person depicted has style galore ✨


Swap Your Closet During Social Distancing

At this time of year, I’m typically in clients’ homes helping them move out the Fall/Winter and bring in the Spring/Summer pieces to their closets. Since we’re in a new normal, I want to share some practical steps for you to take on your own. Over the years, many women have told me that having an organized closet makes them feel more in control and less anxious despite what’s going on in other areas of their lives—feeling a bit of calm and control right now can only be a good thing.

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Step One: Colors and Fabrics

Pull out the dark colors and heavy fabrics. We’re still in that transitional period of the calendar so leave a few long-sleeves and lightweight cashmeres in there for now. Again, think COLOR—if it’s burgundy, rust, bright red, anything that feels Autumnal or Holiday, then it’s time to go on Summer Break. Do this for all sections of your closet (tops, dresses, pants, shoes and handbags, too).

Step Two: Categorize

Make piles for 1) Dry Cleaning 2) Launder at Home 3) Straight to Storage and 4) Give Away.  Put your give away pieces into shopping bags or clear plastic garbage bags to donate at a later date (when local places are open again) or if you have consignment-worthy pieces, then arrange a pick up from The Real Real. Here’s the list of what they accept.

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Step Three: Move It Out

After pieces are washed/cleaned, you should ideally put the Fall/Winter items into a separate closet. Those of you who’ve worked with me know that I love my rolling racks for moving from one room to another. If that’s not an option, then use clear storage bins in another room—the (dry) attic or basement, or under the bed. If that’s not an option, then move the Fall/Winter items to the back of your closet. The goal is to have current season pieces front and center when you open that closet door.

Step Four: Move It In

Move your Spring/Summer pieces into all that beautiful space in your closet! If these have been stored well, they should be able to move right in. If you want to do a quick edit, this is a good time: anything you really don’t feel you’ll wear, pull it out now and put it into the Give Away pile as described above.

Step Five: Enjoy!

This is definitely work, both physical and mental. I’ve always found hard work very gratifying—I hope this project makes you feel good, too!

Below are some of my favorite tools of the trade 😊 if they can be helpful to you:

Click here to link to all of the above.

Click here to link to all of the above.


Getting Dressed in order to Feel Better

I’ve been reading a lot about how what we wear affects our mood and behavior. Researchers at Northwestern University coined the term Enclothed Cognition to describe this phenomenon. In the spirit of boosting the collective mood, here are some of the outfits I’ve been wearing at home. These are easy for you to copy from pieces you most likely already own—cardigans, pajamas, T-shirts and accessories. If you’re up for some retail therapy, I’m including shoppable links, too. The Coronavirus has us all feeling uncertain and unsteady. One thing I know to be true: when I feel afraid, I need to bring myself back to the present moment and then ask myself what I can share with others that will be helpful and useful. Here is what I’ve come up with for today—I hope you like it!

A long grey cardigan over grey sweatpants/pajamas/joggers feels great all day. Wear it with a real T-shirt (not something you sleep in) and some cute accessories. I always tell my kids that as long as I’m wearing actual undergarments, then pajamas magically become loungewear!

Click to shop this outfit + more choices like it.

Click to shop this outfit + more choices like it.

This is probably the easiest Work From Home or Zoom Meeting outfit you can make. I wore my black workout top and leggings all day and then added my plaid blazer when I was sitting at my computer. I removed the blazer in the middle of the day and did a few Downward Dogs and then put it back on and went back to work. Sparkly earrings and fuzzy slides kept me smiling!

Click to shop a bunch of choices like this.

Click to shop a bunch of choices like this.

If any of you follow my Instagram, you know I’m really into this duster! It began life as a 1980s Liz Claiborne dress. I opened the front seam, finished those edges and now wear it as a duster. Such a fun way to complete super stretchy jeans + a white T-shirt. I think I need to add to my duster collection! Click the link below to see a few more on my radar.

Shop more dusters here.

Shop more dusters here.

And some days, I just need to stay in my pajamas ALL. DAY. LONG. Adding earrings + a sweater and my favorite Tretorns + real undergarments makes my PJs feel like an actual outfit.

Shop pajamas from Target to Moda Operandi 😊

Shop pajamas from Target to Moda Operandi 😊

I would love to know if you’re going to copy some of these! Please keep me posted and know that I’m sending well wishes to all of you 💪🏼 💕 ✨

Field Trip: Shopping Abbot Kinney Boulevard

For those of us who love the West (possibly Best 😉) Coast, here are some shopping destinations on one of the coolest streets around: Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, California. I’m sending a huge thank you to Denise Restauri (see more on her below)—my awesome guide. From sweats to workout gear to beading to denim and everything in between, check out these great shops next time you’re in LA. Or, click through on the links below to shop/browse/be inspired from home.

STORES TO KNOW

Heist for high-quality and a wide variety of styles. This corner spot is just the start of your shopping on this street. Beautiful pieces—don’t forget to check out the loft.

A few stores down is RYU. Awesome workout gear in refined colors and super-sleek styles. And their mascot is the cutest!

Cross the street and pop into Flannel for feminine shapes and fabrics. These Australian silk and lace pieces are deeee-licious. For my Connecticut peeps and the New Yorkers reading this, there’s a Flannel in Soho, too.

Aviator Nation is on the same side of the street as Flannel. Soft, So-cal cool for the whole family. Sweats, T-shirts, ski jackets, etc. Yummy fabrics! And surfboards, too 🌅

Did you say ‘leather jacket?’ For some of the coolest washed leather pieces (jackets to dusters to skirts, etc), head into Burning Torch. The vintage vibe is awesome here, but the pieces are new and fresh—clothing and shoes, jewelry and home accessories/art.

With a wider range of price points, Principessa is a great place for the young and young-at-heart. Think colorful and romantic along with great denim and sweet/sexy pieces.

Guild is chock-full of high quality, fun and funky pieces. If you like ‘the mix’—from tweed blazers to Tenderoni sweatshirts—then Guild is for you.

Cross back to the other side of the street, just past Med Men (!), and head into the salon-like interior of Satine. Curated with a great eye, this shop makes each piece feel special and wearable at the same time. So much goodness here!

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Denise Restauri—Forbes podcast host and author; Girlquake founder and CEO; What’s Under Her Coat founder—style icon and women’s mentoring guru. Thank you, Denise! Xoxo—Maria

You Have Sweet Style

Valentine’s Day is coming up—here is some inspiration to give and get for all the Valentines and Galentines in your life. Adding a touch of whimsy to your outfit next Friday could be celebration enough ❤️

Click here to access links for all of the above.

Click here to access links for all of the above.

Click here to shop these ideas.

Click here to shop these ideas.

Click to shop these beauties!

Click to shop these beauties!

The Case for Organization

My absolute favorite thing about cleaning someone’s closet is when he or she says, “I forgot I had that! I’m going to wear it [tomorrow; this week; right now]!

Knowing what you have and using it is just the most satisfying feeling. Being able to see and access it easily is a close second.

Here are some photos of recent closet edits/organizations that I’ve done. Can we just talk about the custom tie drawers (courtesy of interior designer Laura Tutun!) and on a much more DIY note, the pictures of shoes pasted onto the shoe boxes? Both are so good IMHO.

Organizing Tip #1

Go through it ALL. But do it section by section. For example, just start with your shirts or shoes. Set a timer—clean/organize for 1 hour and then see where you are. Make a plan for which section to tackle next.

Tops organized by color and all on the same type of hanger.

Tops organized by color and all on the same type of hanger.

Organizing Tip #2

Put everything in color order. Tops, pants, shoes, ties (what a gorgeous collection!).

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Organizing Tip #3

Separate Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer. Seriously, this is so helpful—it seems like it will be a pain when you have to swap next season, but it won’t be.

Same-season golf shirts and cotton shorts/pants hang together.

Same-season golf shirts and cotton shorts/pants hang together.

Below is a little ‘before and after’ fun: A coat closet gets some love and shoes are easy to organize/find when photos are attached to boxes.

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Fall 2019: New Season Silhouettes for your Wardrobe

Adding just a few new pieces into your existing wardrobe is a great way to refresh it while still keeping your personal style intact. The 3 pieces I’ve chosen to highlight this Fall are considered basics—blazers, jeans and boots. The key idea here is choosing the right new cuts, patterns and proportions to make these basics become stand-outs.

Blazers

Big, boxy, boyfriend, plaid, tweed, shoulder pads—yes to all of the above. Add a big blazer into your closet to wear over jeans, dresses, or trousers and elevate each of those to a whole new look.

Jeans

Straight, stovepipe, high-rise, slightly cropped, any wash. The straight leg is what will make your denim feel modern whether worn with heels, boots or flats. Mid- or Low-rise is fine, too; whatever works best on your body type.


Boots

Knee high, not fitted, stacked or stiletto heel, interesting color or texture. Allowing the boot to create its own shape, rather than hug your leg, is what you’re after. Wear over skinny jeans (yes, those are still in!) plus a big sweater/top or with a long, midi-length, flow-y, feminine skirt or dress.

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Pierre Cardin: Future Fashion

July 20, 2019–January 5, 2020

Brooklyn Museum, 5th floor.

I’m looking forward to seeing this and just wanted to share with you all!

Click here for details.


Sustainability and Your Wardrobe

The fashion industry creates a big carbon footprint, but every little bit helps, so give some thought to what you’re buying and from whom; and how you take care of those pieces and wear them once you own them.

Shop brands known for using environmentally friendly practices such as Stella McCartney (no leather or fur, all organic fabrics), Eileen Fisher (natural dyes, recycled garments and her sustainably made pieces can, surprisingly, work with many different personal style aesthetics), Rag & Bone or Madewell (both for denim recycling), Alberta Ferretti (just won an Ethical and Sustainable Award with her upcycled cashmere) and Dôen (natural fabrics, domestic production and just the most dreamy California vibe now with a shop in The Brentwood Country Mart).

Shop vintage and consignment stores. Many feel like boutiques—clean and open and airy. This is a great way to extend the life of a beautiful garment and create one-of-a-kind looks.

Donate pieces from your own closet. You can decide on these at the end of each season. For example, as you put your Summer clothes away in the next few weeks, collect the items you’re ready to release into a bag and keep for next Spring. When you’re ready to put your Winter clothes away at that time, your Summer donation bags will be ready to go. This approach works well for giving to local thrift shops and consignment stores; however, The Vietnam Vets and The Real Real will take any-season pieces at any time of the year.

Rent your wardrobe (or at least some special outfits). Rent the Runway started as party dresses but now you can rent an endless rotation of work-wear and just cool-looking garments. Armarium is my rental choice for show-stopper dresses, jewelry and earrings. Rebecca Taylor has started a rental service for her own line.

Mend your clothes and refurbish your shoes. This is not the most profound statement—but seriously, don’t we all have things that could just use a little love (clothing, handbags, jewelry, shoes) to make them “like new” again?  Take the time to visit the tailor, cobbler or get out your sewing box.

Upcycle clothing that you thought was a lost cause with strategic alterations.  Remove/add sleeves to a dress. Move/replace buttons on a jacket. Sew in undergarments—like a bra—to pieces that are backless or otherwise difficult to wear.

Follow Livia Firth. She’s the founder of EcoAge and The Green Carpet Challenge who asks herself, “Will I wear this at least 30 times?” before she buys anything. I love her Instagram posts where she visits her seamstress and imagines taking old garments and re-making them. Anyone who has visited Olga with me knows how fun this can be!

For further reading, here are three good books for you to consider. Click on each for more details.

How to Wear All Black, All Summer Long

While everyone else is planning red, white and blue outfits for tomorrow, let’s talk about an all-black wardrobe. My ladies who love head-to-toe black (you know who you are!) can follow these tips for Summertime-chic outfits.

To keep all black from looking boring, be sure to combine fabrics and textures to create layers of shine and tone. Don’t forget (mostly) black accessories, too. And in the Summer, lightweight and airy black linen or black cotton are your best friends. Here is some inspiration!

Add Some Summer Sunshine to Your Closet

Add one, two or all three of these trends into your closet to inject a bit of sunshine and warmth for the new season: Pinks + Corals…Slip Dresses….Tropical Prints. Click on links below each photo for more info. Welcome, Summer!!

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Create a tonal outfit by combining these pink and coral pieces into one outfit or highlight these sunset colors by pairing them with white.

Straw Bag Pink Striped Shorts Tassel Earrings Striped Shirt Peach Skinny Jeans

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The 90s are back with these simple slip dresses. Low-heeled or flat strappy sandals finish the look. A white jean jacket thrown over top any of these would keep you warm on a cool evening.

Striped Slip Dress Short Striped Dress Green Slip Dress Blue Cheetah Slip Dress

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Choose a really fun and whimsical piece with tropical details to fully welcome Summer. These strong pieces should be the focal point of any outfit—keep everything else relatively simple.

Ikat Print Top Palm Tree Tote Parrot Print Sneakers Pineapple Mules Desert Island Shirt Dress

Work that matters for people who care.
— Seth Godin

What to Wear during May(hem)

I love the month of May! But it has become as hectic as the holidays (if not more so) . Hearing it described as Mayhem made me laugh. Here is some outfit inspiration to get you through this month of wonderful celebrations and busyness. It’s all good! But it’s also good to take care of yourself and have your outfits planned in advance :) Use color, proportion and the right accessories to create looks of your own based on these examples. Instructions below.

Here’s how you can replicate:

The Graduation Look—repeat the floral motif on a dress or top in your accessories. Here it’s done literally on the earring and more subtly on the petal-like scallops of the white sandal.

The Birthday Brunch Look—combine the traditional pieces (jacket, necklace, white jeans or trousers) with a more casual platform sandal to modernize the whole look.

The Work Look—pair all-black everything with a brightly colored, lightweight jacket and scarf that echoes the color of the jacket.

The Benefit Outfit—choose details on your dress that reflect the theme of the event. ‘Masquerade’ was the theme here—the black filigree and colored earrings conjure Venetian masks.

The Committee Meeting Look—focus on one color and use different tones of it to elevate your casual look. These pants have a pale pink windowpane running through and so the T-shirt, the sweater, the necklace and even the shoes have differing tones of pink in each.

The Lunch Outfit—combine complementary colors in a sophisticated way. The cadet blue of the pants pairs well with the gold undertones of the cinnamon sweater. Similar colors in the scarf pull the look together.

The Day to Dinner Dress—use a similar color in each piece. The blue bead in the necklace and blue/grey fleck in the sandal successfully draws the eye from the dress to the necklace to the shoe and back up again.

The School Event Outfit—invest in a great jacket made in a beautiful fabric. Wear this with a white T-shirt and any pants: crisp navy cotton pants in this example, but also light wash blue jeans or white skinny jeans, too.

The NYC Outfit—wear the same color on repeat. In this example, everything is navy: the leather jacket, the crisp blouse and stove-pipe pants. Make sure each fabric is different (one matte, one shiny, one textured) and don’t be afraid to mix black accessories with navy clothing.

What to Wear on the Plane

Sometimes the “plane outfit” is the trickiest part of packing for a trip. You may start off in one climate and end in another. Or, the flight is long, you anticipate getting rumpled and the city that you’re landing in is chic. Or, you tend to get really cold (or hot)! Here are a few suggestions for layering on a plane so you look great at every stage and build of the outfit :) Buon viaggio!!

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When the flight is LONG, start out in workout gear: leggings, a comfy T-shirt, sneakers and a vest. Bring a cute cardigan and scarf in a similar color palette—mix and match and rearrange throughout the flight. Sneakers on, sneakers off, etc. Before landing, make a quick change from leggings into cute jeans—think of it as yoga in that tiny bathroom—the stretching, the twisting, the balancing on one foot :) You can layer the workout vest under the cardigan and scarf. Add an earring and exit at the gate looking fantastic after such a long flight.

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When you’re heading from one climate to another—use layers and color to make the transition. Start in a warm coat, scarf and boots (which you can ditch into a tote when you land), peel away the winter-worthy layers to end in a gauzy top, sleeves rolled up, and all accessories island-ready (shoes, too—which you’ll swap right before landing). This will comfortably get you to your accommodations where you can then change gears completely into warm-weather attire. When you (sadly!) have to return to the cold weather, repeat this same outfit in reverse for the plane ride home.

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Black + white + blue jeans always looks great. The shoes are easy on, easy off. The only color in this combination is the scarf—which can be wrapped at the neck or worn as a shawl. The outfit above can be as simple as a white T-shirt and jeans with the extra pieces (scarf and black cardigan and black poncho) stowed in your carry-on. Or it can layer up to T-shirt, jeans, cardigan, scarf with the black poncho thrown over top of it all. Don’t worry about the cardigan hanging lower than the poncho—it will look very chic to have different ‘levels’ to your outfit. When you put the poncho on top of everything, pull the necklace out on top of the poncho.

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For a shorter flight (city to city), you can start with a base of T-shirt and chinos and then add a small cardigan and fitted blazer. The cardigan can be worn over the shoulders or under the blazer. The scarf can be worn around the neck or around the shoulders (even around the shoulders over top of the blazer). The belt can be added just before landing. Slip on shoes are always helpful. Again, keep the color palette simple so that all pieces mix and match with each other.

How to Love Your Closet (in 3 Steps)

Purge. Purchase. Combine. That’s the simple formula. Here’s how to do it:

#1) Clear out items that don’t make you feel great when you wear them. It could be that they feel dated or they’re a bit worn or some other reason you just can’t quite put your finger on. But unless you put the item on and then smile, let it go.

#2) Decide what additions would be most effective. Do you need to update classics (fresh white shirts or a great pair of trousers)? Do you need a new silhouette to make your jeans feel updated?  Create a short list and shop from that. 

#3) Bring home your new purchases and combine them with the pieces you’ve kept in the closet. Set a goal of 3 different outfits for each item.  For example, how can you wear that blazer a) over a dress and b) with jeans-n-tees and also c) with a blouse and trousers.

As anyone who’s worked with me knows, I love to photograph the outfits—including the exact earrings, bracelets, shoes and sometimes even handbags. This way you have a record of all of your work and those photos make getting dressed each day simple and stress-free.