Tag: denim

Welcoming Warmth: Do’s & Dont’s for Spring 2012

As I sit amidst a blizzard in February, I’m taking comfort in focusing on the coming Spring and find myself truly ready to Welcome Warmth.  Every Fall I’m excited to start wearing my boots and sweaters, but by this time of year I’m longing for a beach vacation and wishing the seasons would change already!!!

I’ve taken in a lot of Spring’s offerings by catalogs, shops, magazines, and online inspirations… There’s much to be excited about and as always, a few trend curve balls.  My first Do is – invest in a hard working but feminine casual dress like this lovely gray one from Modcloth.  It’s out of stock now, but baby, you can bet I’m on the restock list – it’s perfect!!!

Here are my Do’s & Don’ts for Spring 2012…

Do continue to wear tights, opting for sheer pastel colors as the days get warmer.  I say Don’t do the socks with heels/wedges/clogs thing and if you choose to, you better SELL IT SISTER!  Not everyone can pull this off and I don’t recommend it unless you are a twig… let’s leave this look on the runway where it started in 2011.

And please, I can barely mention them and putting a photo of them on my blog is killing me… DON’T do acid wash jeans.  To my horror, these are currently for sale.  AT MACY’S.  Noooooo!!!!  If I have to tell you why, you really need me – call me right now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DO buy some bright, well tailored pants like the Bennet chino from J.Crew.  These will brighten up your wardrobe and can be paired with anything from a favorite flowy top and flats to a tucked in denim shirt and wedges.

Following the neon trend is somewhat okay with me – as long as it’s done with taste.  Referencing the 80′s and recreating the 80′s are two VERY different things.  Gentle referencing, please.  I advise that you purchase one trendy neon item in your favorite color – you’ll be much more likely to put it to good use long after the trend dies out.  My favorite color is green and I love this bright pullover from Anthropologie… I can see it layered over a white button down with jeans, or under a chambray blazer with cropped black pants.

Adding this lovely, unique and trendy-but-classic necklace to the gray dress above or even with a simple white tee would show that you know the trends but you also know how to stay true to yourself…

If you don’t own a pretty pleated skirt, now is the time to invest in one.  A skirt like this may seem like a special event item to some, but the more you play with it, the more you’ll see that it can be paired with your favorite T, worn with a button down and belted, layered with a different colored slip for fun, and worn with just about any shoe.  A whimsical skirt like this makes creating juxtapositions with your clothes easy and chic.  Add a black T and black booties and you’re instantly a beautiful bad ass.

What to wear this Spring with your cropped jeans, perfect dresses and sweet skirts?  You’ll need to find your perfect shoe.  This one is mine for these reasons – I prefer a heel to have a platform for comfort, and the heel needs to be thick for stability.  I love multicolored shoes, but I always stick with neutrals to get the most for my money.  These are also Naturalizers, so I know I’ll be able to run after my kids in them!  Know your preferences before you buy – you’ll avoid having the pain of a shoe that is only making your closet prettier!

And my parting Don’t… Floral pants.  Unless you are an uber hip, uber skinny college girl, or a great aunt, please let this trend go unnoticed and unpurchased!  Here’s what I’m talkin’ about…

God help us, right?!

My parting words  - don’t be afraid to brighten up your wardrobe, just do it with subtle touches here and there.  Let some whimsy in, stay classic, and call me if you want a partner in crime!

Love, Jill

 

 

 

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February 3rd, 2012
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New Year’s Resolutions – My Style Rut Look

I’ve been contemplating the year 2012 and what it holds for me personally and style wise.  I was out with two of my best girlfriends last night and we were all admitting our “style ruts”.  It’s true that once we learn to do a “look”, we do it over and over, which can be great – especially if it’s a timeless look, but that can also get boring.  Who wants to be boring??  Not me, sister!!!

So, I’ll start by confessing my Style Rut Look:  Skinnies and Boots.  There it is.  Add a cute top, minimal jewelry, and I’m out the door.  It’s just so EASY!  Sigh.

Here are my high hopes for the new year – that I’ll wear some of those great skirts in my closet with some fun tights and my good old boots (or those new ones I just got at Anthropologie – on sale – thank you Nat!), that I’ll pair my jeans with some heels once in a while, and that I’ll wear more pants and blouses with statement jewelry.  I’ve made good friends with color and pattern, so I’ll keep adding them to my closet as well.  This girl loves a good neutral, but really, how much does one need?!  I also need to have some more fun with my makeup – I’ve got a standard look, but I’m loving layered eye liner and I’m thinking I need a few more Urban Decay colors – this travel set would be a great start for anyone wanting to join me!  :)

I encourage all of you to consider your own Style Rut Look and make a plan to change things up – you deserve it!  Think of someone in your life who has great style or pulls off a look you’ve been telling yourself you can’t.  I’m here to say you can.  Do it.  Have some fun with your clothes and if you want some help, call me!

Happy New Year!

Jill

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December 14th, 2011
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I Don’t Wear Short Shorts

Girls, it’s HOT outside!!!  Even though I have a phobia of shorts, (somewhat induced by society’s demand for flawless legs, partially due to scars from knee surgery, and mostly because of cellulite), when it gets this hot, the shorts must go on…  So here’s my little survival guide to wearing the right shorts for your gorgeous legs (whether you think they’re gorgeous or not!).  We might want to show our legs from respect, they do get us where we want to go.  :)

The cut and shape of shorts is the most important thing to identify when you are looking for the perfect pair.  And as long as the shorts are longer than the largest part of your thigh, you’re gonna be just fine.

Since my body is a pear shape, I carry weight in my butt and thighs – therefore, I look for an A-line short that is tighter at the waist and flows out from the hip…  Here’s an example – I bought these shorts from Anthropologie this Spring and I have actually worn them in public which means they are as perfect as shorts are going to get for me…

If you have very thin thighs, you’ll be able to get away with “short shorts” as long as you don’t go too crazy – mind your modesty and make them age appropriate!  If you’re only comfortable in longer “walking shorts”, there are some really stylish ones out there.  I love a “DO” and “DON’T”, so I’m indulging myself here…  DO wear body-conscious shorts like Beyonce that fit well and balance her curves.  DON’T wear shorts like Kate Moss’s too short shorts (unless you’re Kate Moss, in which case you can do whatever you bloody well like).  Here’s a good rule to follow:  If your pockets are showing below the hem, THEY’RE TOO SHORT!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a few tricks to making wearing shorts a more comfortable experience…  If it helps your confidence to have tan legs, use some self tanner if you can’t get a natural tan.  Skin (cellulite) looks better when it’s tan.  Wear undies that are going to cover you, if you know what I mean.  Shave, wax, or Nair your legs.  Wear a shoe with a heel to bump your booty up and make your legs look longer and more toned.  A nude or tan shoe will also help elongate your leg.  Paint your toe nails a fun, summery color.  Head out the door and don’t doubt yourself!

And some pics of shorts I love this summer…

Whether your style is denim, distressed, clean, sophisticated, casual, comfy, military or cargo, there is a perfect pair of shorts out there for you.  If you don’t believe me, let me know and I’ll find them for you!

Love, Jill

 

 

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July 9th, 2011
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Hem Gems

I came across these fun little things the other day between hearing complaints of tailoring fees for hemming jeans and joking with a friend about tight rolling our pants to keep them dry in the cold, wet weather…  I’ve got a couple of friends who are ordering with promises to report back to me.  Maybe they’ll work magic for you?

I recommend the classic rivet gems if you choose to buy, they will last you longer and go with more of your clothes.  Unless you’re a rock star, which by all means, buy the studs, girlfriend!

Visit their site for more info on how to use and style!

Love to the shorties,

Jill

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February 2nd, 2011
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