Stylist Tip: Do Not Be Ordinary

Do not be tempted to look ordinary. I have had clients tell me that they get dressed thinking they do not want to stand out. Life really is too short! Always dare to go out of your comfort zone just a bit when putting on your clothes and accessories.  Wear what makes you happy!

Case in point... I give you the fox tights. I was holding these gems in Anthropologie when I heard one of my besties say "step away from the fox tights." If I had heeded her instruction I would not be rocking this fabulous look tonight for a date with the hubby- and they make me so happy! They will get attention and it will be lots of fun!

Dress

    

Holding Horses Dress 

 $158.

+

Tights

Tintoretta Foxtrot Tights

29.50

These little beauties may look black, but they are a true navy.

+

Booties

Sam Edelman booties

For a similar look (budget friendly) to the image up top:

Naeem Khan Sleevess Beaded Cocktail Dress

New Fall Outfit Inspiration

Here are some good ideas if you are feeling a little stumped like me as to what you wore last Fall and Winter. Surely I was dressed and I know I cared about it! So here goes...I'm pretty sure I already have a lot of this in my closet. I'll bet you do too!

Here we go. It couldn't be simpler...rolled jeans, cargo jacket, chucks, and sunglasses. Of course her hair is impeccable- I will not be replicating that piece of the look.

I really like this one. Striped tee with black leggings and a statement necklace. The unexpected part is the gray boots. Four pieces people. We have got this!


Another easy, chic transition combination. Summer's lace blouse, navy blazer, brown boots and belt, jeans or dark skinny pants. 


I will say it over and over, black, chambray, leopard... black, chambray, leopard... black, chambray, leopard. Classic.

Think of it as an equation... neutral fur vest + gingham button down + cream scarf + skinny jeans/pants + neutral bootie = Fall fabulous.



Transition your rompers into Fall with tights and boots.

Just a few ideas. Stay tuned, more to come!

Hello Fall

I am so happy that Fall is finally upon us. The weather is beginning to cooperate here in Virginia. I can't wait for crisp nights, football (kind of), fires, and the clothes!

Going Somewhere? Packing checklist

This mock-up is so useful. Using these guidelines you might be able to keep it to a carry-on. Wow, wouldn't our husbands be pleased with us!?!

Pick your basics in one color family (I usually go black or neutrals depending on the destination and season), limit the shoes to 5 pairs, and add a single pop of color.
GENIOUS.

Summer Look of the Day #ootd

Wow, is it ever hot out there? I love this easy breezy look. This is usually just what I'm thinking about for date night or a girl's night in the summer. This look is fabulous because it combines so many of the neutral items we already have in our closets. Neutral clutch, neutral sandals, aviators,etc.. Paired with a loose, slip on sundress this look is effortlessly chic.

Put on Your Red Shoes and Dance the Blues

To elevate any look try this on point trend:

Red Heels. 

I purchased a suede pair of red heels for my 40th birthday and have worn them frequently!
  Red shoes are the outfit so it's almost impossible to go wrong unless you wear red on any other part of your body. Do not compete with you shoe and you are good to go!




Hello Lover.
I am beyond obsessed with this shoe line!
www.aminahabduljillil.com







If heels are not your thing, try flats or sandals.
 The pop of color will translate just the same.




Free People Harpoon Sandal

What to Wear: Baptism, Afternoon Wedding or Confirmation

Let me be honest. It's May and I do not have a creative bone in my body! Sometimes you have to go with the real deal. So here you have my basic plan for my son's confirmation last Sunday. If you were there you saw this very outfit (minus the fabulous up-do, I ran out of time!). Hope you like it, I felt pretty and pulled together.

For events like a baptism, afternoon wedding, or confirmation the concept is feminine, chic, but comfortable. I did not want the focus on me but I wanted to look appropriate and stylish. A fitted sheath dress with nude heels and understated accessories fits the bill.

Lauren Ralph Lauren pink dress

Nude Pumps (similar)

Straw Clutch (similar)

Michael kors bracelet

Kate spade jewelry
 (similar)

Tiffany Co small item storage
tiffany.com

Until it Overflows

My amazing college roommate, Allison Hodges, writes a blog that truly changes lives raising funds to help support children on the other side of the world! I am so inspired by all she is accomplishing for orphans in Uganda. Please check it out. It is always the perfect perspective check for me.

www.untilitoverflows.com/blog/

Give. Share. Pray.

Thought for the Day

My sentiments exactly.

All white #ootd

  

 All white outfits are crisp and effortlessly fresh. It's hard to go wrong when you stick to one color palette and keep the accessories neutral. What could be simpler for a spring outfit?

 white blouse (similar)

J Brand white skinny jeans

ALDO sandals

Ashley Pittman handcrafted horn jewelry

Shell and suede jewelry OR my favorite:
jcpenney.com                           Twine and Twig (see blow)                                                                                                   www.twineandtwigstyle.com

Tory Burch earrings

  Check out this lovely jewelry line by two sisters in Charlotte:                                  Twine and Twig.

Their jewelry features a signature suede strap mixed with wood beads, shells horn and antlers. The necklaces mix well with neutrals and give a twist to your preppiest Lilly Pulitzer ensemble.

Please come check out and try on the Twine and Twig trunk show magnolia Roanoke tomorrow night! Shop local!

How to apply under eye concealer

So the blogosphere has been buzzing on what is the

best way to apply concealer. The traditional method was to dot it in a half-moon under your eyes and then blend with a finger or brush. The new method, made popular by make-up artists advocating contouring of the face, involves applying the concealer in dots or streaks under the eye in an upside-down triangle.

Here are the results: on the left, half moon, on the right, triangle. We can all agree that the triangle method adds light to her whole face, not just the under eye area. What an easy technique to brighten your look.

Half Moon vs. Triangle

Here is a splurge vs. steal for concealers:

SPLURGE:

Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer

$70.

This concealer is used widely by stars and beauty editors alike. It is editorially well received season after season.  

Steal:

L'oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Concealer

$7.60

Revlon Color-stay Under Eye Concealer

$10.