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the unsung hero of your wardrobe

3/9/2015

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When you are trying to improve your style, it makes sense that you would focus on the items of clothing that are visible. Except in the case of a major fashion faux pas, your undergarments should be, well, under your clothes. However, they do play an important supporting (pun intended!) role and deserve more thought than we normally afford them. Today I want to remedy that and talk about bras. 

I have always found bra shopping to be an incredibly frustrating experience. This frustration seems to be a near universal experience, but my own particular brand of difficulty comes from the limited options available in cup sizes D and larger. It felt like I had to either resign myself to a granny-style bra or make due with a less-than-ideal amount of support. I wanted the support, but the "old lady" bras severely limited what clothes I could wear because of their wide straps, bulky designs, and coverage that seemed to reach up to my neck. No bra is great enough to justify never being able to wear a tank top or v-neck blouse! Here's the thing about a great bra: it makes you feel confident from the moment you put it on and helps your clothes to fall in a flattering way. 

Even if no one else will see your undergarments, it is likely that you are going to want a variety of patterns and colors. While basic beige and black are staples, I like to have something a little bit more fun to boost my mood on a grey day. The tagline for this blog is "love what you wear everyday" and that shouldn't only refer to your visible clothes. But sometimes it feels like the styles that fit are doomed to only come in bland colors.
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Shopping for bras online finally let me find great fitting pieces in fun colors and patterns!
For probably the past decade, I have been on a constant hunt for a better bra and although I have found some decent options along the way, it has never been easy. This past summer I went into Macy's looking for a racerback bra and when I asked for help, I was informed in a not very nice tone that "no one makes that style in your size." That might sound harsh (and I did call my mom crying afterwards), but it was not an outlier experience. Since most bra sections are set up by brand, not size, it feels like an impossible task to sift through everything and you are forced to rely on the expertise (or not) of the sales associate. 

In a fit of desperation last August, I resorted to online shopping for bras. At the time I was sure that it would be an utter disaster since I had spent many hours in fitting rooms trying on bras just to come out empty handed. However, Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns on all online purchases and I figured that at least I could endure the humiliation of poor fitting bras in the privacy of my apartment instead of being cajoled by sales associates to show them off to the entire fitting room. This is going to sound like an exaggeration, but the entire experience was magical. I could filter search results by size, read reviews from other customers and when my order arrived on my doorstep, I could try each option on with multiple tops and dresses. No more searching through racks of bras and no more wondering if the bra would look okay under a variety of fabrics. I was on such a roll that I then headed over to the Bare Necessities website, which also has a good return policy. Not all of my purchases fit, but the success rate was well over 50% and I discovered my new favorite brand, Freya (which is carried at both Nordstrom and Bare Necessities). 

Freya is based out of the U.K. (so check that size conversion chart before ordering!) and is great for women with large chests. It was the first time that I put on a bra and really felt like it had been made with me in mind and wasn't just a bigger version of something designed for an A cup. I didn't realize the importance of that until I finally experienced it and now six months later I can say that the excitement hasn't worn off. There are quite a few pieces of clothing that I feel much more confident wearing because my undergarments aren't interfering with the fit. I especially love their longline bras which have fabric that extends about an inch and half below the bust because they help smooth out my sides and back. But the most important thing is that I feel like there are options for me to choose from, not just a style that I am stuck with. (An added bonus is that they also make swimwear in their bra sizes!) 

This is embarrassing to admit, but I used to wear camisoles with built-in bras over my bras so that I would have extra support. Now all of those camis are sitting unworn on a shelf in my closet. It is freeing to be able to throw on only single layer. Before I could only do that if I was willing to wear an undergarment that resembled armor more than a bra. You can probably imagine that my outer layers also look better without the added bulk underneath. There are probably a few of you who have also made compromises or modifications because you couldn't find the perfect fit. You shouldn't have to settle. 

If you are looking to try a variety of brands (which I suggest if you go the online shopping route), I have also had success with Wacoal (though their larger sizes come mostly in neutral colors) and Cleo by Panache. For sports bras, I am a huge fan of Lynx Sportswear which creates an incredibly supportive bra that is unlike any other you have tried (seriously, watch the video and you will be amazed). 

When you are updating your wardrobe for the new season, take a moment and evaluate your undergarments. They are unseen most of the time, but their importance should not be underestimated.
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3 ways to look stylish while staying warm

12/8/2014

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The current season requires us to be bundled up in warm coats and cozy accessories, but until we get another polar vortex or a foot of snow on the ground, your winter attire can, and should, still look stylish. These three items will improve your look without sacrificing warmth or comfort:
1. Great Pair of Ankle Boots
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Pikolinos Brighton Boot $205
Snow boots are great for the snow, but the rest of the time a leather ankle boot will be your best friend. They look equally great with pants, skirts, and dresses and come in colors and patterns that are sure to brighten up even the dreariest December days. This is the perfect footwear option to complement your holiday social calendar because it will keep your feet protected from the elements (unlike pumps or ballet flats) and garner you tons of compliments!
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Boden Chic Ankle Boot $178
2. Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves
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J. Crew Tech Gloves $98
Leather gloves add a polished touch to any outfit and with a cashmere lining you will never want to take them off. While there are plenty of leather gloves available in black or brown, I prefer a bolder color to add a pop to your outfit especially if your winter coat is a dark, neutral color. The nice thing about your outerwear accessories is that they don't have to coordinate with every outfit that you own; they only have to look good with your visible clothing. So as long as your coat, hat, scarf, and gloves look good together, you will look great. If you aren't feeling very color confident this season, choose grey instead of black. Both styles featured here are available in grey.
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Lands' End Leather Gloves $69
3. Patterned Scarf
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Boden Skye Scarf $58
Of all your outerwear pieces, your scarf is the most likely item to end up in photographs. With a prime location next to your face, it will be visible while ice skating, caroling, or just taking a stroll through the snow. Choose a color that you love with a bit of pattern. Remember that your coat will cover up most of the scarf so you can go with a bold choice without overwhelming your look. I prefer an oversized scarf so that if I get caught outside without a hat, I can wrap it around my head and keep my ears from freezing off. This is especially helpful when going to holiday parties where it can be easy to lose track of your cold weather accessories.
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Banana Republic Diamond Knit Scarf $79.50
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new resolutions, new wardrobe?

1/3/2014

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It is the third day of the new year and the time to start putting together action plans for all the resolutions you made after a few glasses of champagne. If you're like most people, you resolved to lose weight, eat better, or exercise more. Those are all great goals but there is one pesky side effect: while your body is in transition, few of your clothes will fit, but you won't want to invest in a whole new wardrobe for what is expected to be a temporary period. Here are a few tips for looking great without breaking the bank:

1. Get a great fitting pair of pants for the middle of your journey. Very few people actually enjoy trying on pants so it is tempting to just "make do" with belts and long shirts to cover ill-fitting bottoms. Don't do it. In a workplace, ill-fitting pants make you look unprofessional and in your personal life, they make you look sloppy. All you need is one pair of black work trousers and one pair of denim to get you through a transitional phase. 

2. To subsist on just a few basic pieces of clothing, accessorize and pair pieces in creative ways.  For example, one day you can wear a black knit sheath dress with a cardigan and a bright scarf. The next day you can wear that  same dress layered over your white oxford shirt and with a belt defining your waist. Then you pair the belt, oxford, and cardigan with your black pants for work and then again on with denim for a weekend look. 

3. Don't give away/throw away all your clothes the second your body shape/weight changes. Less tailored blouses and sweaters will probably still be wearable for a longer time than your pants, so make sure to try everything on before it heads for the door. Also, keep in mind that there will often be unforeseen fluctuations. So while you may be tempted to purge everything in a now-too-big side, I would suggest keeping a couple basics folded away on the top shelf of your closet.

4. Shop for lower quality pieces. This is the time to head to Old Navy and H&M instead of to Banana Republic and J. Crew. Although the pieces won't last as long, you won't feel bad about retiring them after you get to your final goal size. 

5. During a transition phase you will probably be able to wear the same size for several weeks, if not months, at a time so you want to make sure that you can still put together appropriate outfits for all your professional and personal obligations. Here is my list of "the basics" that will keep you looking stylish:
          -1 pair black work pants
          -1 pair dark wash denim in your favorite cut
          -1 black sheath dress
          -1 patterned skirt
          -1 button front oxford shirt
          -1 cardigan in a solid (not neutral) color
          -1 blouse
          -1 long sleeve tee (not black)
          -1 patterned scarf
          -1 neutral belt

Don't think you can look stylish with only 10 pieces in your closet? I will be posting all the outfit combos later this week!
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the color camel

10/10/2012

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As soon as the leaves start to turn you can be sure that camel will start popping up in window displays. The color camel that is. A soft wool or felted camel piece is as much a part of fall as apple cider or candy corn. This year my favorite way to wear this classic color is in a short jacket.
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Felted Wool Moto Zip Jacket

Ann Taylor $198

Wear to Work: Pair with brown or black trousers or a brown tweed skirt. Layer a burgundy or deep plum silk blouse under the jacket.

Casually on Trend: Follow the formula of the outfit shown in the photo to the left. For an outfit with more of a pop, trade the plain white tee for a winter white & camel striped one.

Evening Out: Pair with a jewel tone skirt and a cream silk shell. Accessorize with a short, chunky gold necklace and a pair of patent heels.

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Wool Blend Belted Jacket
Ann Taylor $198




Donegal Tweed Blazer
in Camel Herringbone

L.L. Bean $139
Milano Rib Blazer in Chestnut
Lands' End $94
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the versatile lbd

10/9/2012

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The little black dress has become the essential piece that nearly all women can agree on. The prefered style of a LBD differs greatly from person to person, but you would be hard-pressed to find a woman today without one in her wardrobe. Yet I rarely see the LBD used to its full potential. It seems that many women only pull out this piece for cocktail parties, weddings or other special events. If you feel beautiful and confident in your LBD, there is no reason not to wear it on a regular basis.
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Nina Seamed Sheath
Banana Republic
$120

Seasonless Black Sheath Dress
WHBM
$150
Ottoman Cap Sleeve
Sheath Dress

Ann Taylor
$128
Banded Knit
Skater Dress

WHBM
$160
Faux-Leather
Trim Dress

Banana Republic
$130
Here are five ways to style your favorite LBD so you don't look overdressed for your everyday life:

1. Pair with colored tights, a skinny belt worn at the waist and a colored cardigan (I like to match my tights to my cardi). Finish off the outfit with black riding boots for a chic lunch-date look. Keep jewelry to a minimum so the outfit feels more relaxed. Not sure what pop of color to try? Teal is perfect for fall!

2. Layer a white oxford underneath a black sheath dress. Cuff the sleeves of the oxford and belt at the waist. Accessorize with a narrow bracelet and a basic black pump.

3. Wear a light brown tweed jacket over your LBD and cuff the sleeves once. Pair with grey tights and light brown riding boots for a mix of neutrals that is anything but boring.

4. Pair with a plum cardigan and flats. Button the cardigan at least halfway up and accessorize with a patterned scarf.

5. Layer a striped long sleeve tee underneath a black sheath dress. Belt at the waist and finish off the outfit with grey tights and black riding boots.

Pro Tip: The easiest way to dress down your LBD is with a casual shoe (flats, riding boots, etc.) and by layering with long sleeved shirts, sweaters and/or tights.
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