Stitch Fix

Stylist Tip:

Do you like to shop? Well, if you do or if you don't you will enjoy Stitch Fix.

It's an online shopping service that delivers a box of clothes and/or accessories to your door just as often as you like. You fill out an online profile with your likes, dislikes, areas you like to highlight and avoid on your body, and personal aesthetic. You also specify how much money you like to spend on each piece (usually 5 arrive in each box). The fee for your personal stylist and delivery is $20 if you do not keep anything in the box. If you keep any one item, then the $20 is waived. If you keep everything in the box, you get a discount.

Why do I recommend this service as a Stylist?

*Reviews. Loads of recommendations. I have referred many friends to Stitch Fix, all with glowing reviews of their experience.

*Time Management. If you do not have time to shop, this service will help you keep your look current without having to choose a thing!

*Adventure. It helps you branch out. All my reviewers have loved getting the box to their house and trying on the pieces with the clothes they already have. 

*Efficiency. It saves time.

*Personalization.  You can personalize your settings and preferences as you work more and more with your stylist. Example: once they sent me a black and maroon dolman top. I loved the fit but not the color combination. So I sent it back, noting my preferences online.

*Help. Did I mention the illustrated styling cards that accompany each individual piece in the Fix? I create these for my business clients- it does all the work for you!!

*Affordability.  With your greatest out of pocket risk being $20., you really cannot go wrong.

*Paper. I"m a sucker for beautiful packaging. The box's arrival is thrill!

Here is the link to check it out (copy and paste the link). http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3310861

Wow, I think I may qualify as an ambassador. Enjoy!

Mother of Dragons

Okay, this is definitely a freak flag moment...

But my husband loves Game of Thrones...

And all the proceeds go to charity...

Plus I love Drew Barrymore...

*here is the link to get the shirt that will make the man in your life crazy happy:

www.fosterla.spreadshirt.com

"Let your freak flag fly, and if someone doesn't get you- move on."

-Drew Barrymore

Stylist Tips: Unpacking

This week I'm in transition from one trip to another. I know, first world problems. To be unpacked, laundered, and sorted: 2 children's camp trunks (for a month of camp each) plus sheets, 2 mission trip bags, several sleeping bags, and 5 pieces of beach luggage and towels. Here are my tips to avoid procrastination:

*Get the luggage to the person's room to whom it belongs (i.e. do not leave in foyer for days). That way any clean items can go straight back into closets and drawers. And just maybe, you can get the kids to help!! 

*Start unpacking as soon as possible. Ideally, devote the first hour after you arrive home. If not, you will end up rummaging through the packed bags and walking around them. 

*Pull out the contents of the bags onto a made-up bed. Then you are forced to sort and deal with it before you can go to sleep!! Otherwise the bag can sit unpacked on the floor for days!!

*Go ahead and start the laundry!! This cannot be emphasized enough.

What girl would not love this camp trunk?!?

**Now if I can only continue to practice what I preach. Wish me luck!!**

Look of the Day

Sunday Fun Day

Here is an easy weekend outfit for reading the paper or browsing the shops. I'll bet each one of you already have these elements in your closet.  Plus, this ensemble will translate well into Fall. 

Happy Weekend!

Today's Haul

Earlier I ventured out to my tomato garden. After being gone for a couple of weeks I was happy to see some real beauties. I think the retrieval was worth it after getting bitten through my clothes by mosquitoes! One of my favorite summer soups is on the menu. I will post the recipe and pictures soon. There is nothing finer than tomatoes from your own garden!

Athleisure: Teeki Yoga Pants

 I give you Teeki Yoga/Pilates Pants:

For real. I am fascinated by this company. The look of their product is new and unique. The prints are graphic, western, funky, and eye-catching. Teeki  is dedicated to recycling. Each pair of pants is made of at least 8 recycled water bottles. I love the concept from A to Z. Plus, I live in my workout pants and prefer to not look like everyone else at the gym. Winner winner.

The fabric in the pants is something close to swimwear material and dries quickly. My hope is that they are simultaneously thick enough to stay in place during hard work-outs. We'll see... I ordered a pair last week.  The waistband is wide and folds easily for a lower fit on the hips. Conceptually, you can throw on a drapey sweater or sweatshirt and hit the town.

Teeki Balanced Traveler, $66.

Teeki Deer Medicine Capri, $52. Love this print!

Teeki Awakening Hot Pant $66. The first person I see in these is going to get a high five- BOLD move.

Living the athleisure dream. I'm in.

Arm Candy

Lily and Laura Bracelets

Have you shopped in a college town recently? If you have, at the check out, you have surely seen a large glass bowl brimming with bead bracelets. I love the bracelets and the concept. The price is even more fun: usually 1 bracelet for $11., or 3 for $30..

These handmade glass bead bracelets are made in Nepal by local women. Some of the proceeds go back into the community there.  I think I would have bought them anyway but it feels good to give back!

The best way to wear the bracelets is to stack them with other bracelets from your collection. That way you avoid a matchy/matchy look. They add a little punch and depth to finer pieces as well. 

Initially I gravitated towards classic jewelry tones: gold, rose gold, and silver.  This is a safe bet but the colors are gorgeous. If you are wondering how often you will wear them... ALL THE TIME. I even swim in mine with the kids. 

What a fun trend!

Look of the Day

Stylist Tip: Creating sensible yet stylish outfits for the workplace can be particularly challenging when the temperature and humidity soars. Sometimes it's best not over-think your choices. In a pinch go with neutrals and keep your color palette simple to beat the heat. Black and Khaki are perfect for any office setting and translate well to post work events.

Khaki + Black + Natural Elements

New Make-Up Obsession

My latest make-up obsession are these slim palettes from Urban Decay Naked. I love palettes because they offer everything in one hand. As a bonus, the palettes always include a shade or two I would not have chosen ultimately become my favorites.

I prefer natural looking make-up with very little shimmer (ideally I would look naturally flushed and energized, i.e. not dead and tired). These are just the ticket. With no further ado...

Naked Basics Palette, $30. Six shades (I rarely wear more than two simultaneously) that neutrally highlight all the right contours. The illustration below shows you just how to wear it:

Next is the blush palette, containing Bronzer, Blush, and Highlighter in one brick. TV style expert Jenn Falik, said of the palette, "I am not a fan of sparkly bronzer, so this shimmer free version was right up my alley." I agree.

Urban Decay Naked Flushed, $30.

This palette comes in three color choices for the perfect sun-kissed look. This one is great for me as I am fair skinned but the darker choices are gorgeous. Again, here is an idea of how to use the palette for contouring:

Key: B=Blush, C=Contour/Bronzer, H=Highlighter

Urban Decay can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta, and many department stores. Make-up can be fun when you have the right colors and tools!

Tory Burch for Fitbit

The first installment of my Athleisure series: 

If you have been holding out on buying a fitness tracker wearable device due to lack of style, now is your big opportunity.  Tory Burch has created a small collection of four accessory pieces that will hold a Fitbit Flex. Now you can get fit, luxuriously.

I think I may be sold- I love the pink!

Tory Burch for Fitbit Metal Hinged Bracelet

$195.

Tory Burch for Fitbit Silicone Printed Bracelet

$38.

Tory Burch for Fitbit Fret Pendant Necklace

$175.

Tory Burch for Fitbit Silicone Printed Bracelet

$38.

Seeing Spots

Stella McCartney NY Fashion Week

Polka Dots 

are just as relevant today as ever.

There are so many ways to wear this look year-round. Polka dots are simultaneously playful and sophisticated when worn the right way. To keep the look chic and not too girlish pair polka dots with sophisticated accessories like fierce black heels, leather jackets, leopard prints, and man-sized watches.

 Try these looks:

I need these jeans!!!

Rachel Zoe Sandals

I'm obsessed with my new Rachel Zoe Gladys sandals. They are perfect everyday shoes. They are chic, comfortable (flats!!!!) and sexy. PLUS...of course, I bought them on sale. The retail for $235., I paid $40. I love end of season sales!!

Essentials: The Leopard Clutch

Every woman needs a leopard clutch. It's chic, compact, and the ultimate neutral.

 A leopard clutch elevates any look.

You can find them in calf hair or faux. For a splurge check out the clutches by Clare Vivier.

Budget Pick: Percibal store on Etsy, $85.