Vested

blouse via // vest via // denim // similar wedges // backpack

Happy hump day guys!

I’m excited to share my StyleME program is about to re-open it’s doors, and several of these pieces featured in today’s post you’ll find on the essentials shopping list {and I’m betting you’ve got most of ’em, or something you could easily work with, in your closet already}. 

I wore this look for a meeting with a client, to a lunch date, to the library, and a park play date with my bug. It was perfect for a chic casual style, but it can dress up with a few quick changes: which I include in styling tips when you are part of the StyleME program.

  You can find all the nitty gritty deets about StyleME here, but basically if you’re new around here, it’s a comprehensive month-long style program in which you receive a shopping list of essential pieces that work for the season at hand, but will carry over and fit into every season, a link to purchase if your closet is lacking or you don’t have a favorite store or boutique to buy from, a weekly style board with a checklist of the items needed for that week, style tips to putting the looks together, and notes explaining why the looks work for virtually everyone. And you can continue mixing and matching all the pieces from this season’s list {and other season’s if you’ve participated or would like to purchase as well} for the entire summer and beyond!

When I say ‘essentials,’ I mean items that are timeless, classic, work for all seasons {along with some trendy pieces for fashion fun} and can work for nearly every gal. It’s an opportunity to have your own personal stylist at an affordable price. Style only the looks you love, step out of your comfort zone and try something new, and/or get new inspo for pieces you’ve run out of style ideas for.

If you’re a StyleIT Insider and receive Haven Street’s email newsletter, you’ve received super secret information about this season’s StyleME session… Psst: it’s not too late to sign up as a StyleIt gal and get that secret info, but hurry because it only lasts until midnight the 30th and then it self destructs ;P.

Style Note: Casual enough for running errands, this look also dresses up easily and is super chic. If your workplace requires a bit of a dressier style, slip on a cropped jacquard pant and sleek pump. Voila!

Will I be seeing you inside the StyleME session?//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22columns%22%3A6%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22showBrand%22%3Afalse%2C%22showRetailer%22%3Afalse%2C%22showInfo%22%3Afalse%2C%22showPrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22showSalePrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22size%22%3A100%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid2529-25378273-21%22%2C%22productIds%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22type%22%3A%7B%22name%22%3A%22Type%20of%20Widget%22%2C%22list%22%3A44781376%2C%22model%22%3A%22userlist%22%7D%7D

Wear 3 Ways

Hey loves! I’m always talkin’ about how you should find different ways to maximize pieces within your closet {and I’m guilty of wearing out favorite pieces}, so I thought I’d share some styling tips on just how you can stretch pieces.

I love this dress because it’s so comfy, and though you wouldn’t necessarily think of dressing up thermal {or cotton dresses for that matter}, you totally can!

Keeping it varying degrees of casual, I really only changed out the accessories, yet these looks work for a business casual setting, a relaxed date night/girls night out, and super sporty for running errands!

Sporty– dress down with a sneaker and a fashion backpack. Keep the look clean and fresh, but do make sure your sneakers are in good condition so you don’t look schleppy. 

dress // backpack // chucks

Date night– with summer on the cusp, pair with a great wedge sandal. Add a few jewels to take it up a notch, still keeping it easy and laid back. 

military jacket {old, similar} //clutch via // similar wedges

Business casual- for my busy schedule, this is perfect for an on-the-go stylist. Pair with a fancy flat and add something of interest {great piece of jewelry, or in my case a fringe clutch and studded flats}.

flats via // denim jacket

Style Note: You can make this office appropriate for a dressier workplace with a great blazer and heels, and by adding some gold jewels and a mini detailed cross body like this one, you’ll have a classy style.

Which look is your favorite?
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Travel Style

tank {old, similar} // pant via {similar} // jacket // slip-ons // backpack

Traveling as much as I do, I’ve come up with an almost no fuss style that keeps me feeling chic without sacrificing comfort.

I’m always amazed at the ‘style’ I see in airports and it’s so simple to be comfortable without looking like you just rolled out of bed!

Style Note: Here’s a few of my secrets for traveling in style.

1. A soft slack to keep it chic yet comfy.

2. Go for layers.

3. I always find flats are super easy for getting through security, or if packing light, opt for your heaviest shoes.

4. A chic backpack is superb for carry-on’s and roomy enough for your laptop.

As long as we’re talking travel, are you planning your summer trips?

I’d love to help you further with your summer travel style by offering you my tips and a vacation packing list, so to find out how to receive them be sure to get on the IT list! Sign up in the pop up window, on the side bar or by using the StyleIT tab up top. 
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Mother’s Day Style

jacket // cropped tank // shorts old {similar here} // clutch via // gladiators

My girl was actually with her grammy the night before, so I slept in a little and woke up to a game of chess with the hubs and coffee. When Amélia did come home, they brought me tea and a card {she wrote her name in it entirely by herself!} Though she learned chess pieces and moves before being able to write her name, I’m proud to say she can write her name now all. by. herself. We spent the rest of the morning relaxing. Pure heaven.

Our afternoon was spent with my mom and mother-in-law bbq-ing. Since our weather has been crazy: hot to cold to hot again and back to cold, I chose these Anthro shorts and opted for a bleached denim jacket. Sunday was beautiful… not too hot, so I went with a chic casual style. A even got to swim a little!

Hope all you mommas had a fabulous day being celebrated for all that you do!

Style Note: when choosing cropped tops {at any age} you can keep it modest with a higher-waist on your denim/shorts/skirts.
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Bleached Denim Situation

vest // chambray shirt // shirt dress // skinny bleached denim // bleached jacket // flares // cutoffs // bleach wash top

Hey loves! Don’t you love how fashion recycles?

I’ve always had a secret love affair with bleached denim and the recent situation has me super excited! {I even wrote a fashion article you can read here about this trend making a comeback.} 

These are just a few of my favorite picks…

I’d love to hear from you…


What do you think, yeah or nay on the bleached trend?

Style Note: combine this spring/summer’s trends by standing out in a bleached high-waisted flare jean and front tuck a flirty blouse for a modern 70s vibe. Add a lace up sandal to complete your laid back look.

  

Red Hot {or Not} Red Carpet Looks at the Met Gala

If you’re not familiar with the Met Gala, let’s get acquainted, shall we?

The Met Gala, Met Ball, or Costume Institute Gala is an annual fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. Each year the Costume Institute debuts their fashion exhibit. This year’s China: Through the Looking Glass ‘explores the impact of Chinese aesthetics on western fashion…’

We saw a lot of styles that ran the gamut; everything from A LOT of dress…

 like Rhianna in Guo-Pei

to BARELY there as Beyoncé’s Givenchy,

 Kim Kardashian’s Roberto Cavalli, and JLo’s Versace; all examples of the less is more that just isn’t working for me, and of course everything in between. 

However, I did love this look. This Roberto Cavalli, seen on Joan Smalls takes a risk, but is still classy…

We also gazed upon the very ornate like Sarah Jessica Parker in H&M

and Katy Perry in Moschino… which I get it, I do. It’s an art museum, this is art. Though my 4 year old loves Katy Perry, I’ve got to pass on this look.

My picks for spot-on fashion?

Amal Clooney is wearing Maison Margiela and there’s just something classic about this modern gown.

Helen Mirren is simply stunning in this Dolce and Gabbana gown. The cutouts lend detail to a classic red dress and keep the legendary actress chic and classy.

Such an elegant gown that makes a gorgeous statement. Alba Rohrwacher shines in Valentino.

The Chinese aesthetic of this dress is just beautiful. Though this dress had an elegant train, the dress was restrained beauty, and Bea Shaffer pulls off this Alexander McQueen perfectly.

Dr. Lisa Airan, dermatologist to stars, stunned in this all white, caped gown. I think this just may have been my favorite of the night.

What can I say about Emily Blunt’s Prada dress? Perfection.

And Lily Aldridge’s Carolina Herrera? Another hands down favorite. Classic, stunning, and a gorgeous color.

Kerry Washington was one of those who took the MORE dress route, and I say winning! She was definiteley the princess of the ball in this Prada.

I love the colorblocking. This dress is simple yet stunning detail. Ruth Wilson killed in Oscar de la Renta.

Elizabeth Banks kept strategic cutouts sexy without revealing too much in this Michael Kors dress. Well done.

How ’bout the guys? I know they can’t really mess it up, but these were standouts for me from the normal tux… 

Usher in Calvin Klein.

Justin Beiber rocks Balmain.

And the couples who really grabbed me…

Joshua Jackson in Alexander McQueen and Diane Kruger stunning in this detailed Chanel Haute Couture pant suit. This was absolutely my favorite non-dress option.

Chrissy Teigen is classic in St. John with John Legend.

Though I’m not really fond of this look together, separately, Alexi Ashe is gorgeous in this abstract gown by Carolina Herrera, and I love the choice of color Seth Meyers went with in Brunello Cucinelli.

There were so many great looks, you guys. Here’s a few other noted ladies and gents: Jessica Alba, Reese Witherspoon, Ivanka Trump, Matt Bomer, David Beckham, Behati Prinsloo, Jaime King, gosh too many to list!

So, what do you think? 

Denim on Denim

tank c/o // denim jacket // cutoffs // backpack

Hello, loves. It’s been a few hectic, but amazing weeks and I can’t wait to share a bit of exciting news with y’all. But for now, this is one of my favorite denim on denim looks and a fantastic summer outfit {and literally a tank I’ve been livin’ in!}  It’s perfect for my busy schedule: a day filled with everything from meetings and styling to a weekend of fun with my fam.

I love the twist, with a bleached out denim jacket and white denim cutoffs as a play on the typical denim on denim style {which we usually see in blue washes just shades apart}.

Style Note: Add a feminine flare and interest with details: an asymmetrical cut or a cutout tank is fab this season. You can still be modest without revealing too much with strategic cutouts. This tank, with it’s tangerine color is also perfect for summer and will look great on blondes with lighter skin tones or darker complexioned gals.

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1 Fashion Rule Worth Breaking

Hey gals, have you heard everyone say that vertical stripes are more flattering than horizontals? Some may’ve even said stay away from the horizontal stripe altogether. That’s been an age old myth, yet some are still following that advice.

Maybe you’re old school, that’s OK. But if you’re hesitant about horizontal stripes… lady, you’re missing out! I’m in love. And I do mean in Love with my stripes. I can’t get enough tees, dresses, more tees. I swear I have an entire section in my closet for stripes! I know, it’s a problem. Or is it?

Let me break it down. This is one fashion rule worth breaking.

Myth: Horizontal stripes go ’round and add pounds.

Truth: Horizontal stripes can be flattering.

The science of it is this: vertical stripes begin to contort over certain body skimming areas, like the hips, confusing the eyes and making the brain work harder to process what it sees. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, wrap around creating an unbroken line, so there’s no time for the eye to stop {like on the hips}.

Check out these two dresses.

photo credit

There are a few things going on here.

1. Both utilize horizontal stripes at the waist creating a slimming effect {this is great!}.

2. With the vertical striping on the bottom half of the dress at left, my eye gravitates to the hip {not so good if that’s a problem area… as it is for most women, especially after childbirth}. The dress on the right utilizes horizontal striping, thus creating an unbroken line and my eye keeps moving.

Style Note: You can see more free examples along with style tips to pulling off horizontal and vertical stripes by signing up for the StyleIT Insider newsletter.

Imagine vertical striped pants. Even with a small hip, vertical stripes will leave the eye focusing on the hip area, giving the perception of a wider hip.

Does this mean you shouldn’t wear vertical stripes? Not at all. I suggest being careful with stretchy fabrics and the width of the stripes. A great tuxedo pant with a stripe down the side creates a long, lean line. In short, don’t overdo the vertical striping and stick to thinner lines.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

1: top, middle, bottom // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11

Alright, so I may have created this gift guide based a little on what I’d like for Mother’s Day ;x {hopefully the hubs is reading this}, but everything is on trend and super stylish for a mom on-the-go.

My top 5 must-haves for chasing after the kids, running errands with everything at your fingertips, and still looking stylishly chic are outlined below with a Style Note:

Espadrilles– Perfect for summer activities when you need the function of a comfy shoe like a tennie, but are opting for fabulous bright, bold style.

High-waisted flare denim trouser– This season’s hottest denim style. Don’t let the high-waist fool you, these are no ‘mom’ jeans. Such a perfect spring/ summer color, you can chase the kiddos in style without giving up comfort!

Tote or Backpack– Perfect for stylishly throwing all your stuff {and inevitably your kids’ stuff} in, and great for shopping trips!

Statement ring– If it’s the only piece of jewelry you wear, complete your outfit with a great statement ring

Cotton Tee– Sometimes days just call for casual, and sometimes a plain white tee is too risky for little fingers. These tees are inexpensive, perfect for pairing with all your denim, and a bright color is a complete mood changer.

Hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day and are treated like the Queens you are! Mothering is one tough… mother! 



…a few more pieces I’ve fallen for at pretty great price points
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