chic style in a sensible manner

Friday, November 28, 2014

Raffle Winner

We have a Winner!


Thank you to all our raffle participants! Please call or come by magnolia for your gorgeous Sheila Fajl earrings!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

What to Wear To Thanksgiving

What to Wear To Thanksgiving

So if you know our families you know we dress up. Here is a similar look to what I plan to wear to an Oyster Roast, Thanksgiving lunch (and dinner) for that matter. One Thanksgiving meal in a day is for quitters! Wish me luck. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I am so thankful for all my family and friends as well as the joy of being together for the holidays.

Loft Sheath Dress
loft.com


Express Black Tights
express.com


Sam Edelman Black Booties
 - harveynichols.com


J Crew Pearl Necklace
jcrew.com


Spice Kit
surlatable.com






Monday, November 24, 2014

Earring Give-Away with magnolia



The Closet Coach + magnolia
Give Away! 

It is the time of year when we all want to polish our look a bit. These Sheila Fajl hoops are just the ticket from magnolia. They are light weight and the brushed gold is so chic.  You can spot me in the gold or silver any day of the week. I am partnering with magnolia to raffle off this pair of hoops to one lucky reader. 

How to Enter:
1. Go on Instagram
2. Follow both @therealclosetcoach and @magnolia_roanoke
3. Tag two friends in the comments section

Contest ends Wednesday night, at midnight,
10/26/14.



Saturday, November 22, 2014

Cranberry Salsa


Recently I was looking for a yummy fall hors d'oeuvres and came across a recipe for cranberry salsa. The reviews were fabulous so I decided to give it a try and tweaked the recipe a bit. Do yourself a favor and make this recipe. You will blow your family's mind at Thanksgiving. Plus, it makes a delicious relish for leftover turkey sandwiches. Here is my version:

Cranberry Salsa:
1 bag of cranberries, rinsed
1 navel orange, (zest beforehand) and chopped
1 1/2 T. crystallized ginger (coarsely chopped)
2 jalapeno peppers (seeded and chopped)
3/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2-3/4 cup sugar to taste 


Chop (finely) the cranberries in the food processor. Remove to a bowl. Put all the other pre-chopped ingredients into the food processor with the sugar. Once blended mix all in the bowl. Chill for at least two hours. Enjoy with tortilla chips.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

On My Wish List: Leopard Loafers


I am obsessed with leopard accessories. They elevate any look. Here is a classic and comfortable way to rock an elegant print and shoe: the leopard loafer.  I have lost count of how many clients I have encouraged to buy these loafers! They are perfect for both casual and work outfits.

ECCO Perth loafer
Zappos, $150.

Land's End Vivian Calf Hair Venetian Flat
$64.99


Sam Edelman Kalinda Loafer
$98. Revolve


Monday, November 17, 2014

Glamour Paris Linked the Blog!

A huge shout out to Glamour Paris for linking The Closet Coach!


As a long time fan and francophile I am so excited! Here is
the article so you can check it out!


Garden and Gun Gift Guide


This weekend I had the opportunity to meet Rebecca Darwin (also an alumna), the Founder and CEO of 
Garden & Gun, at the Journalism School, U.N.C. Chapel Hill. 


       

What an honor to meet such an intelligent, accomplished, generous, and authentic woman. She stood and spoke with us for a time and was genuinely interested in our lives and inquiries. It was such a delight to be learning on campus at my alma mater, even after all these years.


My family has long given books as gifts. They are wonderful for the receiver, and then later bring joy as they are passed on and reviewed. Garden and Gun just published two books in time for the holidays.  The Southerner's Handbook, would be the perfect gift for the resident prep in your life. It is full of editorials, tips, and some recipes. Their second book, Good Dog, is the prime gift for pet lovers. 


For a well edited selection of luxury gifts and beautiful gift inspiration, check out G & G Mercantile + Co., Garden and Gun's online store.


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Fall Outfit



What a gorgeous afternoon! I snapped this shot in my front yard today watching the girls swing. This season's foliage is breathtaking.

On the fashion side: what an easy, comfortable fall outfit. I love a cable sweater, long necklace, jeans, and boots. Bring on the Polar Vortex!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Sunday, November 9, 2014

How I Wore It: The Long Scarf

Stylist Tips: A fresh way to style it...

This look is inspired by Olivia Palermo at the Burberry Runway show:
the long scarf, belted at the waist. This is an easy way to wear a long scarf as it does not bunch around your neck and easily stays in place.


Here is my very candid shot in the Loft dressing room as I was out shopping for a client and myself. I operate on a one for you, one for me principle. I wore my scarf with a J. Crew cashmere sweater over a long sleeved tee. Friday was freezing here in the mountains!  I prefer to wear the scarf in a more narrow line to minimize the shoulders as opposed to the draping shown above. But both are  an attractive and fresh take on items you already have in your closet.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Beauty Buys: Mascara


 Chanel make-up is a luxurious splurge. Inimitable Mascara came highly recommended at the Chanel Counter on a recent trip. So I gave it a try and I love it. It delivers on it's promises: a bit of volume and separate lashes. 
                                                                       Chanel
However, I am all about the look for less. I go through tubes of mascara pretty quickly! My favorite drug store brand mascara is L'oreal Paris Telescopic Carbon Black. It delivers the same pigment and degree of volume with more lash separation. It also lengthens the lashes. 

Drugstore.com, $9.95

                                                                                                   results via youtube


Friday, November 7, 2014

Tartan Plaid Scarves

Edinburgh, Scotland
Confession: I have several tartan plaid kilt skirts in the back of my closet from different stages in life. My name is a Scottish family surname; I even have my own tartan plaid. And yes, one of the aforementioned kilts is said tartan, bought in Edinburgh. You will have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands.

While I do not plan on breaking out the kilts, plaid scarves are a classic, colorful finish to fall and winter outfits. The look could not be easier or more accessible. The color and pattern instantly elevate any neutral outfit.


                                               Let it Be Beautiful



The Look for Less:


I picked up this beauty from, you guessed it, Target, for $16.99.


  

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Look of the Day

                                                            as seen on a diary of a lovely

Shop your closet! Create an ensemble with this color combination as your guide. The combination of a basic sweater, jeans, and leather accessories is both fresh and classic.
Black(ish) top + Denim + Leather Accessories

Monday, November 3, 2014

November


Wow, I cannot believe November is here! Loads of fabulous Fall looks heading your way!