Oh yea, turbans are in. I don’t know about you, but I’m psyched. A trend that makes you look fabulous in an instant and allows you to skip doing your hair all in one? Hell yes. OBSESSED. Obviously this trend has been around in different cultures for years, but for many the idea of adding a turban to to your look is a new (and amazing) concept. I always just assumed it was difficult and therefore annoying to even try. I was wrong. See, I can admit when I’m not right (that was directed at all my ex-boyfriends). So check you this easy tutorial I made with my favorite 4 ways to tie a turban and you too can be a turban tying expert. Say goodbye to bad hair days and start using all those scarves you own but NEVER use.

Every season there are tons of trends that the “experts” tell you are THE BEST. It often feels overwhelming because there is so much information coming at you. “Dahling this is all the rage, you will be SOOO fabulous if you buy this unbelievably expensive item!! Do it. Do it you know you want to”. Lucky for you I have narrowed it down to my top 5 favorite trends for spring 2018 and since you are reading this blog, I should be the only expert you listen to. Trust me, it will make your life much easier:)

So in no particular order, below are the top 5 trends that I’m so into now. You should never pick more then 2 trends to add to your current look. Know this: All trends are not made for all people. Do not force a trend, it should flow with your current look. Trends typically last only around 2 years unless they are super comfortable, super stylish on lots of body types and/or super realistic in actual life. For example, who thought that Ugg boots would last more then 1 season? There is a reason they are called Ugg(ly) boots. BUT, they are so freakin’ comfortable that people couldn’t give them up and Ugg’s design department understood that and created cute(er) ones so we could all be comfy and fashionable. Go Ugg. Yup, I said it.

 

 Double Breasted Blazer

 #1: THE DOUBLE BREASTED BLAZER

HOW TO WEAR IT: Love, love, love. This trend is for people who want to bring a little funk to their work wardrobe. And by “work”, I don’t just mean business casual. It can easily go with skinny jeans and heels for a Friday or weekday biz dinner. Only pair it with a fitted, skinny trouser or jean unless you are 8 feet tall and 100 pounds.

THIS TREND IS NOT FOR YOU IF: Ironically, people with breasts. It will unfortunately just make you look big.

 

 

 Trench Coat

#2: THE OVERSIZED TRENCH STYLE COAT

HOW TO WEAR IT: This is a simple and easy way to up the ante of your entire look. Throw this chic jacket on over a work or casual look to be your most fab self. It doesn’t matter what size you are as long as there is a way to cinch the jacket with a tie. You need to define your waist unless you are ultra skinny.

THIS TREND IS NOT FOR YOU IF: You are very petite. This jacket will completely overwhelm you, you should choose a more fitted option.

 

 

Gingham

 #3: GINGHAM

HOW TO WEAR IT: Just a touch or the full monty, this picnic table pattern screams spring. If a dress is too much for your delicate sensibility, choose something as small as a gingham shoe or scarf. It is a fun and playful pattern that can be appropriate for ANY situation from work to a dressy evening out.

THIS TREND IS NOT FOR YOU IF: You are not fun. Kidding. If you don’t like patterns then don’t force yourself to wear patterns. Otherwise, full steam ahead.

 

 

Sleeve Detail

#4: COOL SLEEVE DETAIL

HOW TO WEAR IT: This trend is not for the faint of heart. You need to make sure the rest of your look is super simple. You are not going to a costume party ladies so you have to make sure this bold detail is the ONLY highlight of your look unless you live an incredibly fashionable life. The above example is pretty crazy, even a basic bell sleeve is a good choice for those just dipping their toe in the cool sleeve detail pond.

THIS TREND IS NOT FOR YOU IF: You have wider shoulders. Unfortunately it will just make you look more broad.

 

 

Flare Jeans

#5: CROPPED FLARE JEANS

HOW TO WEAR IT: This is a fun jean trend that is good with a chic pair of heels, slip on sneaker or sandals. Lots of potential. It puts a twist on typical jeans and makes your denim look instantly more stylish. You appear to be very on trend when you slip these on (because you are:). Make sure they are truly cropped, I’m not trying to put old-school boot cut jeans on anybody!!!!

THIS TREND IS NOT FOR YOU IF: You have shorter legs. This style will only shorten and widen you if you are not at least 5’3″.

Now is about the time when I have fully lost my mind over the cold weather. As a New Yorker, it has been some form of cold for about 5 months. This is when the sentence, “Why do I live here???” starts to go on repeat in my head. What is the short and sweet conclusion to solving the cold weather blues? Vacation baby.

There is nothing like a quick warm weather getaway to brighten your smile and give you the dose of vitamin D your body is desperately craving. Choosing to leave your stresses behind does not mean you should now begin stressing about what to pack. The easiest way to calm your styling nerves is to remember, less is more, literally. The joys of a quick jaunt to a beach weekend with above 80 degree temperatures is that the less you layer, the better. You should EASILY be able to pack 4-5 outfits, plus swimsuit options, in a carry-on bag. If you start to think about checking something, you have gone too far. YOU DO NOT NEED 10 “MAYBE” OUTFITS CRAZY. You need 4-5 awesome looks and you should pack with that in mind.

I was lucky enough to attend my friend’s wedding in Cabo this winter making it the perfect warm getaway I was looking for. Full disclosure, the looks you are about to see are “Mexico” inspired, but it’s the concept of how I packed for this short trip that matters. You should never pack items to be styled later, the key to great packing is all about creating the looks PRIOR to going.  Yes, you will obviously throw in a few extra items for the “just in case” moments of the trip, but overall, you should have styled looks for all the “events ” ready to go. The events could be as simple as: 4 days on the beach, 2 days in town shopping and 4 dinners out. You most likely will have some idea of what you are doing even if it isn’t formally scheduled.

 

Don’t jump ahead of yourself and become overwhelmed by making the perfect outfit for every moment of the trip, take a step back. Start by asking yourself the below questions:

*Are there any pieces you love and definitely want to bring?

*Do you have favorite items that always seem to work, even if you are having a styling melt down?

*What is the temperature there both in the day and in the night?

*What activities do you plan on doing? Is this a drinking trip or will active adventure be mixed in??

*Who will you be traveling with and what is appropriate?

*What basic items do I need no matter what? Think hat, bathing suit, sunglasses, underwear……

These questions are meant to make your life easier so when you begin to think about what to bring, you will already have guidelines.

 

Next up, start pulling out the items that fit the guidelines you have already set out for yourself. You should start thinking about the questions in advance of doing this and keep a note in your phone that lists the items. That makes your packing time that much easier! After you pull out those items, start to think about pieces that could easily mix in with any of the chosen pieces. This would be something like a jean jacket to layer, a gold pair of sandals, jean shorts or a neutral colored swimsuit cover up. You MUST include items that can be re-styled with multiple outfits to save room in your very tiny carry-on (thank you annoying airlines).

 

 

Above is a great example of a typical packing list for a 5 day warm weather getaway. Obviously you should put your own spin on it by including specific items from your own wardrobe, but this is a good baseline list. You most likely WILL NOT use everything on this list, but pulling all of it out and seeing where the styling fairy (you) takes it is a good place to start. What you do not style, you should put back in your closet. I reiterate, YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING THE KITCHEN SINK!! If you do not style it at home, you do not need to bring it. Be hard on yourself by truly following this rule. You will finally NOT over pack and you will avoid becoming overwhelmed upon arrival because all of your looks are already styled.

 

Now comes the fun part, actual styling!!! Remember, you have already done the hardest part so styling is going to be a breeze….. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you CAN do this and that you are not going to rip your hair out. Lay out all of the items on your list either on the floor or on your bed. Keep the pieces to be styled multiple ways on one side and your more fun, singular options on the other. This is defined by neutrals that can easily blend in without being fully recognized and loud, individual pieces that are showstoppers. For example, the outfit above has a white tank (neutral, lots of styling options) and crazy pants (fully recognized and loud). Don’t shoot yourself if you can’t figure out the difference, just go with your gut. This makes it way easier to mix and match things knowing that you are only re-using the “to be styled multiple ways” items well, multiple ways.

 

 

I only have one main warning to clients and followers, limit your shoes and bags!!!! This is the fastest way to overpack and weigh down your suitcase. You do not need a different pair of shoes and bag for EVERY look. You need neutral yet fabulous options that can realistically go with multiple looks. This typically means the bag or shoes should be metallic or nude in color, these options give optimal styling potential! As for bags, a great beach bag, a daytime casual bag for roaming around and one evening option are all that is needed. FOLLOW THE LIST. Stop the madness, you are overwhelming yourself even more by brining TOO MUCH stuff. The only pass you get is on accessories. I’m all about switching up a look by choosing different accessories and they don’t take up any room. Lots O scarves, tons of jewelry and sassy sunglasses are always easy to stuff into your bag so bring it on.

 

The final step is styling some bomb outfits for your dope upcoming trip. This is your time to shine. Mix pieces from the loud side and pieces from the neutral side to create some fabulous options. The easiest rule to follow is this:

NEUTRAL + NEUTRAL= AWESOME

NEUTRAL + LOUD= AWESOME

LOUD + LOUD= POSSIBLY CRAY UNLESS YOU ARE A SUPER FASHIONABLE GAL

Stick to only what you have pulled based on your list and it will make your life so much easier. You can worry about jewelry later if it is too overwhelming now, you should have enough with you to make the final touches once you arrive at your destination. The most important thing is to follow your itinerary and style realistic outfits for what you will be doing. Do not style more outfits than you need, you are only making your own life more miserable. Remember, the entire point of following this system is to make you not explode! Finally, TAKE PICTURES, it will make your life so much easier once you get there and have to remember what the hell you did at home. All of the looks you see above were done following this system. Long before they were put on my body in Mexico they were styled on the floor at home in my apartment. I confidently went to Cabo knowing I would be fab, you can do the same sans the blood, sweat and tears. Go forth and pack confidently!

 

Crop Top, Cover Up, Blue Earrings, Ring, Palazzo Pants

Are you still beating yourself up about your wardrobe? Talking crap to yourself about what a terrible shopper you are? How NOTHING fits your body so you keep buying the same boring thing is 20 different colors so you don’t screw it up? Just like any bad behavior, it takes time to re-work old habits that don’t serve any real purpose in your life. Time to stop the self-loathing…..

I always tell people I’m more shrink than stylist. Literally we are talking 70% therapist, 30% fashion guru. I’m here to talk you off the ledge, remind you that fashion is meant to be fun and that screwing up an outfit will only ruin your day (maybe), not your life. It is time to re-think the stress that this part of your existence is causing you and make it fun. I constantly remind people that there is logic behind the concept of style and being “born with it” is mostly BS. I sucked at shopping and styling until I was in my mid-20′s. I should mention that I had already decided I was going to be a stylist at that point, talk about changing your mindset into awesome…..

So just like last time we are going to start with the basics. This is the first step in getting out of the rut, you don’t hate your wardrobe, you just haven’t been taught how to build it correctly. 

 

EMAIL ME WITH QUESTIONS!!! 

 

I’m sure a lot of you are going to argue that you look fat in a pencil skirt because it hugs you everywhere you hate. I’m also pretty sure you already know that I’m going to tell you that you are wrong, dead wrong. The pencil skirt was created for a gal with curves, big curves, little curves and everything in between. Actually, the irony of this piece is that the only person it doesn’t really look that great on is someone with absolutely NO curves. You don’t have to be a business woman to covet the iconic pencil skirt. Pull it out for date night with a leather bomber to edge it out. Rock it at a school function where showing the other mother’s you’re awesome looks like it comes naturally. As I have hammered this next point home before, choose a style that suits your lifestyle and personality. My black pencil skirt has a large zipper up the back for added badass effect. And, more then anything else, make sure it fits correctly. This means it should touch just below your belly button at the top, pencil in tightly at the bottom, land just above your knee and fit snugly. You will most likely think it is slightly too tight if it actually fits properly!!!

Pencil Skirt 

 

 

Next up, the LBD, or little black dress for those that are still new to the lingo of awesome style. This could literally mean anything when it comes to your lifestyle. I personally own at least 5 versions of the LBD depending on what the function is that I’m attending, from work to play, she is a vital piece in any stylish girl’s wardrobe. Almost every single client of mine has an LBD and for every one of them I restyled it in a billion ways. That is the beauty of this piece, she can go from the office, to drinks after work to a wedding. The material is really what changes it up, so picking a neutral option that isn’t too shiny or too dull is the best bet for maximum styling potential. Changing up the jewelry, shoes, tights (or lack there of), bag and layering piece changes the magic of your LBD.

 Sheath Dress

 

The single breasted, simple black blazer is dope. It can be worn with anything. You name it, jeans, pants, skirts, dresses….. From casual to dressy, this item will be worked to a pulp. This tuxedo style is super sassy and definitely will not work for everyone, but I really wanted to make sure you understand the concept of “making it your own”. Most people would choose a more demure option, most people aren’t me. My basic black blazer is a tuxedo style and I wear it with everything. Mine has a slightly smaller lapel so it doesn’t make quite the statement the one above does. Even I have my boundaries! Pick a style that has just enough flare to take you to the edge, you always want to push yourself slightly while keeping in your comfort zone with your foundation items. Basics do not = boring.

 Blazer

 

Your bag is like the trunk of your car, except this one you take inside with you so it better be good. You throw your life in it, most times it isn’t organized and you lose things you swore were in there. Your bag is essentially the most important thing you own so making it functional and obviously stylish is SUPER important. This is the biggest “cost per wear” item in your entire wardrobe. If you shop correctly, you will truly only need one neutral bag for everyday. Before I even discuss style with clients, I discuss function. What do you do everyday? Where are you going? What are you carrying? Do you need to be hands free? What annoys you about your current bag? You have to start by being honest with yourself about your life and how your bag can help to make it easier. Then start focusing on styles and colors that you like. Yes, color! Your everyday bag does not have to be black. Neutral can mean a whole bunch of different things to different people. A great bag is like the cherry on top of the sundae of your outfit, it truly can make the entire look that much better. Spend moolah on this piece, it is will make everything you have on look more expensive…..

 Tote

 

 

And drumroll please….. For our final piece of the TOP 10 FOUNDATION ITEMS TO OWN, I introduce to you the basic shell! Everyone should own a black and a white shell. This means simple in style, a round neck line (V neck is way to difficult to style with everything) and silhouette skimming. The world should know you have a body under there. If you are having a moment and cannot figure out how to style something, it will ALWAYS go with a basic black or white shell. Always. So this is truly the no-fail piece in your wardrobe that will make everything else work.

 Shell

Are you still standing on the ledge? Back up, your style world has just become a lot sunnier. You now know how to begin this journey and broaden the horizons of your current wardrobe without all that much effort. Focus on building your foundation pieces and put a hold on the “trendy” part of your wardrobe. You need the glue girl to hold it all together! Shopping for foundation items is going to be more fun then you think. What really brings the joy is when you get home and you realize you CAN STYLE THINGS and that you don’t suck as bad as you thought you did. You just didn’t own the right things yet…..

EMAIL ME WITH QUESTIONS!!!

 

 

 

 

I hate shopping because I inevitably buy the “wrong” pieces and spend WAY  too much money on things I don’t love.

I try to style fabulous outfits, but I always end up not quite liking what I put together. It’s my fun way of pissing myself off.

I cannot figure out how the hell to dress my body! I’m damned if I have big boobs and damned if I don’t. Should I mention my derriere? 

EVERYONE FEELS LIKE THIS, YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL. OK, so you are special, but not in reference to feeling overwhelmed, aggravated and deflated when it comes to shopping and styling clothing for yourself. I want to help you. I want you to know you don’t suck and teach you how to overcome these feelings and how to actually be confident in your choices.

Shoot me an email back if this sounds like you. I want to know your pains, your issues the things that make you say, “I hate everything I own”. You probably don’t, you’re just having a moment and you are allowed to do that. But let’s get you back to reality and figure out why you think you “hate everything you own” and fix it.

EMAIL ME HERE!!!

The first step in conquering these feelings (aside from emailing me) is to make sure you have the right foundation items. It is a common phrase of mine to say, “you can’t build a house without a foundation, how could you possibly build a wardrobe without one?”. Once you own the right foundation items, you can essentially build any outfit with any other item in your wardrobe. These items are the glue that hold every outfit together. So, right here and now, let’s chat about what the top 10 foundation items are every gal should own. You get a glimpse into 5 pieces with this post and  5 more coming up in my next post…. I love to keep people wanting more!

 

 

Oh the nude patent leather pump, she is a beauty. She goes with EVERYTHING and makes your legs look a mile long. Yes, please. The key to a great nude pump is to make sure that the nude color matches your skin. Nude does not necessarily mean the color above. Pick a heel height that is actually realistic in your life, you don’t want to be hobbling around, that ain’t sexy. I prefer pointed toe because it screams vampy, sexy bitch. If you are a more sweet and feminine lady, go with round toe. You always want to tailor each foundation item to represent you and your style!

Patent Leather Pumps 

 

 

 

The long cardigan might be a surprise visitor on the foundation item list for many, but I swear, she is insanely useful. That’s what foundation items are all about! The ability to re-style it a billion ways without having anybody bat an eye that you are wearing the same freakin’ thing again. No one should even notice you are wearing it again if you do it right. Again, your choice of long cardigans is strictly up to you, your lifestyle and body type. I prefer oversized and fabulous, but most of my clients veer toward a sleek style that is neutral in color. Neutral does not necessarily have to be black or white, this cranberry color definitely falls under the neutral umbrella. The long cardi is great for casual weekend days with jeans or buttoned up with a sheath dress for work. She can go everywhere!

 Long Cardigan

 

 

So yes, I love cardigans so much that there are 2 on this post. Well that isn’t exactly true, but they do serve very different purposes when styling and it is why I suggest that most clients have both options. I consider both cardigans, the long and waist length one category item. The longer option appears to be is a little more edgy and laid back while the shorter version seems a little more severe and buttoned-up. The truth is that a huge purpose of the shorter, waist-length cardigan is to define your waist, it works wonders! Most would consider the shorter cardigan part of their “work wardrobe”. Don’t. Wear it on the weekend with funky jewelry and dressy sneakers. Throw it on with a T and ripped jeans. Stop pigeon-holing your wardrobe!!! If you just stopped assigning your clothing a destination and specific audience you would have twice the amount of clothing. Head blown.

Cardigan 

 

 

 

Dark slim straight ankle jeans are your new best friend. No seriously, this is literally the only pair of jeans you actually need to own. But I HATE skinny jeans, I look fat!!! No you don’t, you actually look way skinnier than those out-dated boot cut jeans that only out-dated people think look good. Throw them out, they are never coming back in style. You want to find a dark blue pair that is super fitted until just below your knee and hemmed at the ankle bone. This means you can wear them with flats or heels because the length does not affect your shoe choice. It also means that you can tuck them into high boots without having a baggy knee. That is not a look people. They are universally flattering and have the most styling potential like a foundation piece should!!!!!

 Denim

 

 

Black ankle pants should have the same general fit as your new, awesome jeans. The only difference is they should be silhouette conscious (meaning I can tell you have a body under there) and not skin tight in the thighs. They should still be higher waisted and ankle length. Just as I have been promoting throughout this post, make them your own! My black ankle pants have a stretch waist, slight pleating and a tuxedo stripe down the leg. I don’t work in an office people, why would I dress like it? If you do, choose a more conservative style. Make your foundation pieces your own, it’s YOUR wardrobe.

Black Pant 

 

 

 

 

And to round out this post let’s focus on one of the most important things ALL of my clients own, neutral layering tank tops. Basically no one is ever really going to see these, but they can change the life of an outfit. I have one on almost every day. You really only need a black and white one, they are not meant to be a focal part of your look so you don’t want to draw attention to them by choosing bold colors. I prefer lycra ones because they act like a smoothing agent (not quite Spanx, but in that realm). They help if your shirt is too low, if your button from your pants is showing through your blouse, if your top is just a bit itchy, if your sweater is too hot to pair with a long sleeve shirt, and so on and so on and so on…. You get the idea.

Layering Top

Time to start your shopping engines ladies! You have the first 5 items on your list, 5 more to come. And remember, you are not along in your frustration, we all go through it. All you can do is breathe, remember you are awesome and EMAIL ME WITH QUESTIONS!!!!