Bridal Party Style

With end-of-summer and fall weddings upon us, I’m sharing some style secrets to getting the most out of a wedding party’s attire. 

I’ve recently written an article about adding depth, color, and individual style to your wedding while considering body shaping and skin tones of those in your bridal party; creating a picture perfect look while staying true to your style, and incorporating the comforts and style of your individual bridal attendees…

It seems as though wedding season truly has no end and no beginning and a bride planning for her big day may feel like it’s a never ending saga of colors: the flowers, dresses, tablecloths. It’s a sea of style that can become overwhelming.

Even under all the pressure to see her day become a reality of what many dream as the fairytale story to a life of happiness, a bride puts in a lot of thought making sure her day is picture perfect.

When working with brides, I’ve found that the one thing she often overlooks in her planning is the individual body shaping and skin coloring of the bridesmaids, which is just as important to completing the bigger style picture. Of course, this isn’t something intentional, but one of those factors that can really make a difference to the overall bigger picture and literally the photography of the day.

Of course, if this is about bringing a fairytale to life, you can bet brides mull over their color scheme, but I don’t know many brides who consider how those colors or dress styles will flatter her maids.

As important as who’ll be standing beside her on one of the biggest days of her life, so is the color scheme a bride chooses for her bridal party. However, those two things are often decided independently of each other.

When considering those factors together, a bride can essentially have her cake and eat it too. She doesn’t have to forgo her favorite color because it may not flatter one or two of her maids, but rather mixing and matching allows for more style, color and depth in a wedding palette. She’ll add a gorgeous, modern and ever-so stylish twist; an alternative to the matchy-matchy days of old. Not to mention, choosing contrasting dresses in different lengths and cuts is a fantastic way to cater to different shapes and colorings of a wedding party.

Here are a few tips to pulling off mix-and-match bridal style when selecting colors, tones, fabrics, and styles.

1. Don’t choose one hue. A hue is the same as saying the color of the dress. When deciding on colors, rather than opting for all blue dresses or green gowns, discuss tones. A tone is the color family, like champagne tones. By opting for the same tone, you’ll find a beautiful palette of dresses in the same color scheme.

2. Introduce patterns, sequins or lace for a very fashion forward take…

Read further for tips to styling your mix and match bridal party here.

September Wedding

tank // skirt via // clutch // necklaces here and here // similar heels

So September isn’t really a great month for me. I try not to get too personal here, since this is a style blog after all, but I lost my dad 6 years ago September 12th, and my grandmother a week later. Fast forward several years and my uncle passed as well within the first 2 weeks of September, so death this month is something we’re all too familiar with. 

It was a nice change of pace when my cousin from my mom’s side married a few years ago, and now another cousin from my dad’s side married this month as well… in fact, both cousins married the same day! Just different years.

Wedding style, to me, is so personal. Yes, there’s etiquette, but you also have to wear what you feel confident in. I chose brights because I just always feel so happy when I’m wearing them. Because we’re on the cusp between the end of summer and the beginning of fall, this gorgeous orange was a definite; a popular color for this coming season and verging on neon {neons will be a big trend carrying over to fall}. I had some ideas in mind when I set out shopping, but when this skirt turned up I instantly fell in love and knew I had to have it. 

Style Note: Go neon for a sophisticated yet bold statement. Wearing neon can be tricky, but pairing it with a neutral like white or ivory keeps it fresh and modern. And mixing in another complimentary neon color gives you a style statement completely your own. This orange is popular and you can bet you’ll be seeing more of it this season, so give it your own twist to stand out from the crowd.
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Wow Factor – Bomber Love

jacket // tee // distressed ankle denim // heels {sold out, but LOVE these and similar here} // similar clutch // necklaces here and here 

Some days call for a simple jeans and tee look, but I’m never one to be ordinary, so this bomber paired with a hint of snakeskin adds interest and makes the outfit perfect fall transitional style.

This is truly my every day casual style… with the exception of sky high heels! Those aren’t always conducive to running after a 4 year old or chasing down styles in a showroom or client shop, but I can’t resist their awesomeness for a dinner with the fam or girl’s night.

ps… hey my lovely IT gals, if you’re receiving Haven Street’s StyleIT Insider newsletter, you should’ve received an update about this fall’s StyleME challenge with EARLY ACCESS! This season’s StyleME session will open to everyone on the 15th, but if you’re an IT gal, you’ll get a bonus… so become an IT gal today!

Style Note: When putting together a casual look, you can still look chic. This look focuses on wardrobe basic essentials. When looking for basics, there’s two keys: fit and the ‘wow’ factor. Everything has to fit well to look good. Even if the awesome factor is hallelujah amazing, if it doesn’t fit well, it won’t look good. Period. The awesome factor is really a matter of personal choice. If it’s visually appealing to you, fits in with your style goals, and you feel just, well, awesome in it, then you’ve got your ‘wow’ factor. It should be a confidence booster and something true to your sense of style.

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Fall Sneak Peek

Hey, loves! I’ve put together a quick sneak peek of the hottest fall picks you’ll want to try out… 

I said I’d only be giving you 5, but you get 6 of my favorites and a sneak look at several others. If you’re interested in finding out what else is trending and what staples you’ll want to add, join me for the next edition of StyleME. Sign up as a Haven StyleIT Insider and you’ll be first to hear when the doors to the StyleME session open, plus get a few more picks and tips!

Doors open soon and only StyleIT Insiders get early access, so don’t miss out.

lush longline vest blazer {similar here} // DIY denim 

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Pre-Fall Fab

{all pieces are from previous seasons so I’m linking similar items} 

tee // similar shorts // booties // leather jacket // vintage bag {similar here}

100 degrees isn’t stopping me from thinking of fall… Ok, more like dreaming of it because it’s so damn hot!

This, however, is pre-fall fab; the perfect combo for the southern California 100 degree desert and a yearning to don fall clothing. You may shy away from longer sleeves, and I normally would too, but I couldn’t resist… and a lightweight cotton really isn’t so bad. And as the temperatures start to taper off {it’ll happen eventually!}, you can mix summer staples with fall pieces. 

This outfit combines some great transitional pieces, staples, and fall trends, is chic enough for keeping me feeling pulled together, comfortable enough for a day with my daughter, and just the right amount of edge for a dinner out.

I took a cue from one of my favorite designers, Marissa Webb, for the color combo: olive and cobalt. The olive gives a sense of fall, but the cobalt infuses just the right amount of vibrance. Stripes are always a staple and I love the little gold detailing; somehow, I feel like I don’t need any jewels for this outfit. The shorts are a life saver in this summer heat and the booties, a bit edgy, but so comfy, are perfect for heading into fall. 

It’s worth mentioning that this entire outfit was created out of pieces from my previous season’s wardrobe … once again proving that you can invest in pieces and wear them from season to season!

Style Note: Create your fashion cocktail with a stand out color + a complimentary color and a little bit of rocker edge. 

I’ve got a little video coming, that if you follow on snapchat {havenstreet}, I hinted at. It’ll be a sneak peek at some of my favorite pieces for this fall… stay tuned!

I hope your week was fabulous, and whatever your day looks like, I’m wishing you air conditioned happiness! 😉//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%3A45269034%2C%22model%22%3A%22userlist%22%7D%7D

Oh, Hey!

tank // cargo pants // denim jacket // lace up sandals // bag

Oh, hey! Does it seem like it’s been a while? I’ve been a little MIA on the blogfront lately between styling projects, travel, and well, just life.

I’ve said it before that I won’t inundate with posts, but gosh, I feel like such a slacker!

With all the travel, my style’s been about finding comfy yet chic clothing that dresses up or down easily… of course, it’s awesome for mom life, too. 😉 {And this lil photobomber is the norm these days}.

This outfit is a great example of staying chic on hot summer days, but transitions well for a relaxed sushi dinner date.

I hope you’ve all been having a super summer and as always, I appreciate you sticking around!

Style Note: Cargos don’t just have to be a casual piece, you can dress them up with one simple accessory: a heel. Transform cargos into chic, dressed up style with a summer heeled sandal. I’ve linked a few below…
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Bump Style: Maternity Shoot

dress c/o // earrings // similar bracelets

photos by Erica Rose Photography

There are several key factors to keep in mind as your body changes through the months and you’re trying to style the bump, comfort being the most important. However, you should be staying true to your style.

When it comes to styling for special occasions, I always keep in mind my clients pre-pregnancy clothing options. Yes, things will change a bit, but if you’d normally wear a body con dress, then by all means accentuate that beautiful bump.

When it came to styling this beautiful momma’s maternity shoot, things were no different. She was looking to be comfortable, relaxed for the environment of the photos, but she still wanted to maintain her personal style. As she should.

Maternity clothes may seem like a double edge sword. You want to be comfortable and accommodate a growing bump, but I hear every one of my pregnant clients say they don’t want to feel frumpy. Or that some of the maternity clothing on the market are a little less than trendy. I’ve even heard some say they feel like they’re wearing a tent!

This shouldn’t be the case; especially when you’re looking for that perfect cute maternity dress for something special.

In fact, when I set out to help this beautiful momma find the perfect maternity maxi dress for her photos, her biggest concern was staying true to her style with something flowy, but not so loose she and the bump get lost in.

Something as important as documenting her beautiful pregnancy should really portray her style, beauty, and excitement. Worrying about clothing falling short, or worse yet being unflattering takes the focus away from this exciting time.

As I set out to style her shoot, I knew the vibe would be relaxed as it was to take place beachside. With that and some ideas swirling in my head, I immediately thought of one of my favorite maternity boutiques, PinkBlush. I settled on a coral color to really compliment the scenery and her skin tone, but to also stand out and allow this beautiful momma to be the focal point.

PinkBlush’s maternity selections are quality, beautiful pieces that any trendy or even non-trendy gals can find something to suit their style whatever the occasion.

Remembering that maternity style is really no different from regular style, and keeping in mind what you like, it really becomes more about understanding how your body is changing to tweak the fitting of your favorite pieces. Though you may have to play with the fit, you don’t have to trade in a style you love for something you’d never have worn pre-pregnancy. This is especially true with special occasions and maternity photos in particular.

Style Note: Stick with what you like. A changing body doesn’t have to mean a dramatically changing wardrobe, and even when shopping for special occasion pieces, keep comfort in mind, but also stay true to your style. Just as you’d shop for non-maternity pieces, it’s important to choose colors that flatter your skin tone, and if you’re opting for flowing styles, find a neckline that enhances your breasts and draws the eyes up. If you’re looking to accentuate the bump, lycra is a wonderful choice.
For more bump style notes, sign up as a StyleIT Insider and receive the FREE newsletter! 

As part of my style partnership with PinkBlush, my client was gifted this maternity dress, but all opinions are my own.

Macramé

dress via // wrap sandals {save, splurge} // watch // similar sunnies

Right now my life is all about this dress.

Who doesn’t love a comfy, chic summer dress? Seriously, THEE comfiest.

Now, you may be thinking ‘Macramé?,’ ‘Isn’t that something my grandmother would be in to?’

Seriously, it may conjure thoughts of this:

photo cred

or I swear my grandmother had something similar to this hanging on her wall.

photo cred

But trust me, it’s taken on a more ‘modern chic’ vibe and looks much better on clothing ;), translating into perfect boho style!

Style Note: It’s been a season of 70’s revival. If you’re not into high-waisted, flared denim maybe something a little more romantic and flirty is your style? Achieve a sleek aesthetic with a macramé piece and make it your focal point. 

#NSale

leith floppy hat // zip back chambray // pocket tote // adrianna pappell dress // sam edelman bootie // topshop faux fur vest // loafer // when in doubt… pajama set // michael kors watch // puffer jacket

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with this time of year. Usually, it’s so hot I can’t stand it… but it’s dead of summer and only been in the high 80s, so all I want to do is layout by the pool. Yet, all I want to do is think about fall clothing pieces and when it will cool off so I can style and wear them!

That brings me to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale… It’s like Christmas in July!

As I sit sipping my perfect winter dream tea latte with a few splashes of sugar free vanilla and almond milk in my Mammoth mug nonetheless {seems like it’s a habit this week}, a few pieces I’ve purchased and a few I’m lusting over, I’ve put together my top pics from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for you all. 

Inspired by my upcoming fall session of StyleME, I’ve chosen pieces that can work now and transition well into fall, plus there are several from the summer session, and just a few more {below} faves that are on major steal…

Happy Anniversary Sale Shopping!

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10 Best Undergarments for Tricky Summer Wear

Summer is synonymous with skin, skin, and more skin! But what do you wear underneath those sexy cutouts, plunging necklines, tees, sheer fabrics and backless styles?

I can’t tell you how many clients I’ve had that are frustrated when it comes to choosing that trendy jumpsuit with the plunging neckline or the wrap dress with barely-there boob coverage, and how quickly they shy away until I share my undergarment secrets.

I’ve compiled my list of the top 10 best undergarments and I’m sharing with you how to keep covered and supported without having to forego those fashion-forward styles. {I have a few more up my sleeve, and will be sending them out with more details and tips in the next newsletter FYI, so you may want to sign up quickly ;)}

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

First up is the seamless panty. It’s a serious game-changer. It works under every style and comes in thong, boy-short, or brief styles. You’ll definitely want to snag several in neutrals, and a great nude is important for those more sheer fabrics.

Shaping underwear is a must for just the right amount of extra smoothing. Opt for one with compression technology, but not overly fitted. You want smooth, not bulge. 

 Ok, ladies… tap shorts, anyone? If you’re wearing mini dresses or flared styles, go getchya some! What exactly are tap shorts, you ask? They’re a type of lingerie, often called a dance short, sometimes with side-slits and they’re essential for keeping you’re nether regions covered.

A nude t-shirt bra is the basic tee of a bras! You’ll live in them, so buy at least 3 to rotate through to extend their life. 

A J-Hook bra is a bra with a handy-dandy little hook on the back that converts your bra to racerback in a snap… erm, a hook! 

As long as we’re talking convertibles… these bras go from crisscross back, one-shoulder, halter, and strapless. It’s the all-in-one you should have on hand.

Self-adhesive? Push-up? Perfect for strapless and backless summer styles? Yes, please! Need I say more? You can find them in styles like the Nubra that stick to just the front and are perfect for cutout styles, low arm cuts, and backless styles. Try a U-Plunge for plunging necklines. Even try an adhesive lift fashion form like this.

You know you’ve been eying those plunging necklines of the cutest jumpsuits or wrap dresses. Fear not about what to wear under them. Try a plunge bodysuit like this! Just as the plunging backless styles, you can snag a great plunging style that isn’t adhesive if your piece is only low cut in the front.

Wearing a ton of white? Especially for those white or sheer fabrics, opt for a cami slip like this. It’s a life saver.

The half slip, the shorter the better, is great for both midis and maxis… And go nude for versatile styles.

For more of my favorite undergarments, tips to fitting, purchasing and wearing, sign up as a Style IT Insider. The next newsletter will be covering this topic in more detail.

Style Note: hand wash your undergarments and hang dry to extend the life of them!

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