Unique and Effortless

Okay, so this is a bit of a different post today. 

I decided to tackle the question of why one might consider a stylist for a couple reasons:

1) Over the holidays, I’d been asked this question with some confusion as how it could ever be that a women wouldn’t know how to shop!

2) When meeting new people and being asked what I do besides staying at home with my daughter, some don’t even seem to know anything about styling… which I think leads back to #1!

First, let me ask you a few questions:
Do you ever stand staring endlessly into your closet? Do you find yourself saying ‘I have nothing to wear’ a few times a week? Do you try on several outfits before settling on one and then only feeling just okay in it?

Ultimately, I believe everyone wants to dress uniquely incorporating trends without being a slave to them, while doing this effortlessly and not fitting a predetermined mold.

I can give you all my checklists of must-have’s for each season. You can know whether you’re a winter or summer color palette, a rectangle or hourglass shape, or even how to take an office-appropriate day look to evening by swapping the shoes and your handbag just by following a few fashion rules…

And yet following fashion rules doesn’t mean you’ll achieve a style uniquely your own and effortless to create. Sometimes rules are made to be broken. But which ones and when?

It’s my belief you shouldn’t be a slave to trends or try to fit a particular mold you are not. By understanding what trends can work for you, or how to modify a trend to work for you, there’s no doubt you can incorporate them if you like. But you should be comfortable in your own clothes. Trying new things is always great, and as your stylist, I will help you step outside your box; pushing you ever so gently… hey, you never know what you may find! But molding you into something you’re not should never be the goal. Stepping up your style? Highly encouraged!

One of the first, and important, questions I ask clients is how they want to feel.

While writing this post, I pondered the question for myself. If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed my style seem to flip-flop: one post may be super girly and the very next a more casual, even sporty, look. This may be due to the fact I’m a gemini and my inner twins are in conflict! But seriously, though my outfits may change based on occasion, my overall deep down feeling of style is the same… I always want to feel confident, happy, chic, captivating, and tasteful. And you can do this in a multitude of ways through style; whether your overall look fits a type of style or you move between styles.

sweatshirt {ON SALE!} // denim {ON SALE!} // chuck taylors // scarf c/o {ON SALE!} // watch

 blouse via francesca’s {similar} // faux fur vest // denim // camo flats via justfab // clutch via maison scotch {similar} // rings //similar vintage ring {my grandmother’s} // lip in scarlet empress

snake print top c/o // midi skirt c/o // necklace c/o // heels 

tee // plaid button down {similar} // card c/o // skinnies // earrings {love these} // sneaks

shop by jmv paisley blouse c/o// paige denim {Major SALE!} // maison scotch clutch // justfab heels // similar cuff // similarnecklace // essie polish in tart deco & mint candy apple

Though the above outfits are all a bit different, those feelings I describe as my ‘style,’ I feel in each.

Basically, this all boils down to one thing: style isn’t just all about what the heart wants; it’s also about your head… which simply means that feeling stylish {whatever that is to you} and pulling it together is about having the knowledge of what works, why, and how to create it with pieces you love. As your personal stylist, my mission is to empower you with that knowledge, guide you along the way, and be there as your style sounding board.

There are lots of ‘secrets’ and style tweaks out there to help you with what you want to wear, know when to wear it, and how to pull it off, and I’m here to break that all down for you.

This is a new year, and a great time to take your style to a whole new {yet your perfect you} level.

Plaid Sparkle

blouse c/o // skirt c/o // coat via cabi {similar} // similar heels // rings // bag

Last Saturday, I was thrilled to celebrate with John and his re-grand opening for his vintage clothing store, SHOP by John Michael Villa, and a party calls for sparkles!

I’m glad to team up with LeTote, again, and put this plaid sparkle skirt to work!

It’s Friday, so that means a little fun. Hope y’all have a wonderful weekend.

Style Note: A pencil skirt isn’t just for the office. The right texture/colors can take you from day to night or even be styled super casually. I dressed this look up with a bright cobalt blouse to really give the muted skirt tones a pop, but kept the look classic with black kitten heels. I didn’t want to be overly dressy, so I chose my new favorite Asos satchel to keep the style relaxed.

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid2529-25378273-21&faveList=44501874&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

3 Winter Essentials

beanies: topshop ribbed knit beanie // rag & bone cashmere beanie // north face knit beanie
faux fur: asos faux fur infinity scarf // boohoo fur trim cape // bench faux fur trim vest // topshop snood
boots: ugg button boots // sorel arctic boot

After spending some time in the snow before Christmas and dreaming of a snow vacay before our mountains dry up, this week’s style board is all about my 3 winter essentials…

Style Note: 
Beanie- stay warm while looking cute. A beanie definitely kept me warm in colder weather and they are, in my opinion, the ultimate snow accessory. There are so many cute options, you can display your personality while all bundled up.
Faux fur- such a trendy piece; glam up your winter wardrobe with any piece of fur {I prefer faux}. This gives an instant style statement and adds a feminine touch to an otherwise plain silhouette so many layers creates.
Boots- I mean, if you don’t wear these in winter, when are you going to wear them? If you’re planning on trekking through snow, I recommend a warm boot like Sorel, but I even packed my Uggs to Mammoth and they kept my feet comfy warm while walking over packed snow {I do recommend spraying with a water protectant}.

What’s your winter must-have?


…find a few more styles that fit these 3 winter must-haves below…

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California Winter

sweater // denim wearing size 26 {SALE} // similar boots 

A’s OUTFIT: ralph lauren dress {can’t find online, love this} // leggings from this set // booties {MAJOR SALE}

I don’t know why it is that I’m drawn to blacks and greys in the winter… 

I posted yesterday that we’d actually had chilly days; even some rain and were down in the low 50s! So that’s about as wintery as we’re going to get.

On days like those, I just want to be super cozy. I love this French Connection sweater {size down, I’m wearing a small and feel like I’m swimming in it}. It’s super soft and the zipper detailing is just so fun.

Style Note: When choosing a monochromatic look, define it with a great detail. In this look, I love the way the zippers on the sweater add interest to the high-low hemline and break up the look. I also played with mixing metals as the detailing on the boots are silver versus the gold zippers on the sweater.

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid2529-25378273-21&faveList=44498449&width=7&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

When the Days are Cold

sweatshirt {ON SALE!} // denim {ON SALE!} // chuck taylors // scarf c/o {ON SALE!} // watch

When you find pieces you just love, what do you do? Wear. Them. Out!!

We don’t get many ‘cold’ days in the inland of sunny so. Cal {of course as I say that, we’ve had a few chilly days}, but when we do, I grab my most cozy pieces and wear them on repeat. 

I’ve preached before about mixing and matching great pieces to extend your closet, and I definitely practice what I preach! Yes, I do shop A LOT and wear things once… maybe twice, but I also hold on to fabulous pieces when I find them and create new looks by interchanging them with different pieces in my wardrobe. And when I need quick, perfect style for running errands or chauffeuring my 3 and 1/2 year old to activities? They’re great go-to’s. 

You’ve seen both the leo sweatshirt {here and here} and double-sided scarf {here and here} a few times… promise this is it ;P. 

Style Note: Casual chic… or looking put together without being overdone just means following a few easy steps:

1. begin with basics- a great pair of skinny jeans {or boyfriends or even leggings} and a fitted tee or sweater

2. grab a strategic add-on- top off basics with layers {scarf, vest, blazer}

3. choose your shoes wisely- a well chosen pair of shoes completes the statement. What’s your statement? Relaxed? Go for sneakers messily laced or a slip on. Opting for polished? Grab a heel or ankle bootie

This is definitely easy and polished for the mom on the go.

How do you do casual chic?

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2014 Outfit Recap: Year in Review

There were so many outfits of 2014!

What’s your fave?

Weekend Casual Vibes

sweatshirt: H&M {similar} // pants: Old Navy // tennies: Nike // bag: Asos // similar sunnies // watch: Rumba // lip in i rose you

After the holidays, some travel, and a little down time, it’s back to reality. But we had a great weekend exploring Seattle, and a Sunday afternoon back home with family.

I wanted to take a moment to thank all my followers and clients for all of your support. AND because it’s a new year, and I’m so grateful for all of you, I’m offering my styling services at new special rates! 

It’s pretty common to conduct style appointments in person, but I’ve been working on a progressive approach through the wonders of Skype, email, and dropbox and am offering all my ‘in person’ services through e-styling appointments… which save you even more $$$!

My calendar is booking up quickly, so be sure to email me to get started.

Style Note: Florals and pastels aren’t just for spring! Add a little softness to the harsh winter days with lighter tones on basic neutrals, add a soft pink lip, and throw on a sneaker to keep your look casually cool.

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid2529-25378273-21&faveList=44494708&width=4&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Linked up with Fashion Friday.

New Year Wish List

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

Two looks I’m in love with, and in my opinion never go out of style… The first: this whole idea of what I’ve been wearing forever; a bit suburban mom and a little 90s grunge, affectionately dubbed ‘normcore.’ It’s all about understated luxury. Punching up everyday wear like sneakers, high waisted jeans, trousers, tees… you know, basics, and adding a high-end watch or bag. The second: ‘urban chic.’ Stylish and classy with an every day feel.

Style Note: Normcore is all about unisex dressing. Add a long maxi cardi in camel for the perfect lightweight add of warmth, and style to punch up your every day basic white tee, black trousers and sneakers/boots.

…and because I spent time where it was actually winter, and now I’m back to sunny, warm Cali dreaming of winter, I’ve added a few coats and cardis to the list below
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Exploring the City

^^A’s first monorail ride… she got to honk the horn TWICE on our last day!

^^I just love that face!

^^She was either not impressed or disgusted. I snapped this quickly before she decided she didn’t want to stand next to the gum wall

^^I’ve been deathly afraid of heights my entire life, but somehow this girl got me to go on the gondola… and I wasn’t even a little scared!

We had the most amazing view of the needle from our room, so the bug and I had a dance party New Year’s Eve… poor girl made it till 1115pm and then passed out; missing the fireworks completely 😦

^^vvI can’t stand her cuteness. On top of the needle for lunch

The park near our hotel had the most amazing zipline… yes, I tried it out ;P

^^Little ham at the EMP

^^I just love these two!

^^Her poses! Killer!

MY OUTFIT: leather jacket {similar here} // tee h&m {similar} // denim // scarf SALE! // gloves // rainboots // bag

AMÉLIA’S OUTFITS: jacket // denim // tennies // fleece // tee {similar} // leggings // sweater {similar} // leggings // rainbows {similar} // pullover fleece // denim gap {similar}

CHRISTOPHER’S OUTFIT: henley // denim SALE! // tennies // scarf // watch

Happy New Year, loves!

This is my first post of 2015 as we’ve been quite busy with the holidays and travel. We kicked off the new year perfectly with an amazing fireworks show on the Needle in Seattle, and though it’s mostly work for the hubs, A and I are fortunate for the travel opps.

We spent our days exploring, playing in the Children’s Museum, doing a little shopping, and just being silly around the city. Seattle is one of my favorite places… it’s not NYC, but I love big cities and being able to walk just about everywhere or catch public transportation to get around… 

I hope you all had a fabulous new year and I’m excited for what 2015 will bring!

Thanks for your constant support ;x.

Style Note: Stay warm, comfy, and cute with a great blanket scarf. These oversized scarfs are one of my favorite winter staples, and I love them so much for adding warmth to my face and neck while staying cute! I literally used it as a blanket for the plane, too! I’ve included a few below and brinabox has some of my favorites on sale here… If you haven’t joined this bandwagon, I highly recommend grabbing one, two, or five!

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid2529-25378273-21&faveList=44493005&width=8&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Linked up with Trend Spin.

Holiday Attire

outfit 1: long sleeve tee // sparkle skirt c/o // necklace c/o // similar belt // pumps {SALE!}

outfit 2: snake print top c/o // midi skirt c/o // necklace c/o // heels 

outfit 3: dress: BRFS // sweater: BRFS // belt: Target // bootie: {similar} // lips: YSL

outfit 4: top: older White House Black Market {similar} // skinnies: Current/Elliot // blazer: old similar {love this} // cuff: cher bracelet c/o Kitsy Lane // shoes: {save, splurge}

outfit 5: blouse via francesca’s {similar} // faux fur vest // denim // camp flats via justfab // clutch via mason scotch {similar} // rings //similar vintage ring {my grandmother’s} // lip in scarlet empress

Ah, I feel like I’ve completely neglected the blog for the past few weeks. With Christmas and travel on the agenda {not to mention the fact that I was super ill for 4 days last week and missed 2 of our 3 Christmas festivities}, I’m just now getting back to this space.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas full of love, family, and friends, and all your wishes came true.

We’re celebrating the New Year in Seattle with an annual fireworks show on the Needle, and I’ll have a special outfit post about it soon! Until then, here are a few ideas to help you celebrate in style. Most of these pieces you should have in your closet, and I’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a dressier or more casual option. All these are also up on my app for easy reference!

Style Note: New Year’s Eve is no greater time to sparkle and shine, so if you’re going fancy there’s no better time to choose a sparkly skirt or sequin pants. Prints are a bold way to standout, and animal print is perfect! Dress it up with sparkles and bright colors, you party animal ;). Another great option is a poofy skirt; it gives just the right amount of dressy and girly and is flirty and fun. Of course if you want a less dressy option, go chic with a great black jean, blazer and a pump or a little faux fur over a great blouse with a standout flat.