Showing posts with label styling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label styling. Show all posts

My Fall Must Haves Wednesday, October 2

Hello! So much has been going on the last few weeks and I want to update you on everything but of course between school schedules, sports, meetings, twin toddlers and a husband commuting this week I decided to share my fall must haves instead. Have you every heard of adult ADD, well I think I have something similar like twin induced ADD. I simply cannot stay focused on one task without getting distracted by the next interruption or thing that needs to be accomplished. I heard this hilarious reading about this very thing at church this weekend. How we decide to do the dishes and then see a bill on the counter and decide to go ahead and pay that and realize we can't find the checkbook which sends us on a manhunt looking which then leads us to a pile of dirty diapers that was left on the stairs, which need to be thrown away and after doing that we remember that we were doing the dishes and then hear the doorbell ring with the culligan man who needs to get your empty bottles which are in the garage and when you open the garage you see your kids football gear which needs to be washed for practice tonight and at the end of the day we wonder why we have accomplished nothing but have been sooo busy! Hilarious right! Don't worry I am working on an entire overhaul in my life and am enlisting some of the best in organization to help.

So on to my Fall Style must haves. I shop in pieces, items that bring in a bit of trend and versatility to my already existing wardrobe. You would be surprised by shopping smart and adding just a handful of items you will actually save you money and keep !

For me, I have been working out pretty hard and would love a pair of these two by Vince Camuto coated black denim. Yes they give the illusion of leather but actually fit like denim making them more flattering. Of course it's no surprise that 3 of my must haves are from Anthro. This peplum blouse is simply stunning and can be worn alone or layered and be a show stopper. You all know I have a slight obsession with jackets and a jacket is on my must have for every season. The shape of this Konrad Joseph Mystique jacket is perfection and paired with a t or a blouse or even black and white checked button up, its flawless. Of course, no fall dress is complete without a pair of floral tights and I will hopefully be wearing them with these killer Report gold toe boots and my favorite new necklace design the grecian . In other news.... I have stumbled up the most amazing hand crafted bags with a beautiful story nena and co. I am a sucker for continuing a family legacy, history and culture, so inspiring. These day bags are legit and will be on my Christmas list for sure. What are your fall must haves?


My Fall Must Haves


The Wrap Dress... for your shape Monday, April 22

The Wrap Dress
The wrap dress has been deemed the most flattering and comfortable type of dress for many years. I have in fact rocked several wrap dresses in my day, but have found there is no such thing as "one style fits all," even with an easy and accessible shape like this, you are still dressing for your body type. Hopefully by now, you know what body type you are, but if your not sure or need a refresher you can read about it here when I posted about the little black dress. 

Here are a few tips when searching for your go to wrap dress:

1. Understand your shape as it is right now. Not how it used to be in college, or how it was after you had a baby, or when you ran that 10K. What is your shape today, and how can you play up your best assets. 

2. Try on, try on try on. Even expert stylists don't know exactly what wardrobe will look like until the model or client tries it on. This processes becomes easier, the more comfortable you are with your body and learn the shapes that flatter most. 

3. Remember to fit the smallest part of your body.  

Athletic shape, you are fit, lean, and usually have a smaller chest. You want to focus on giving a nice line across the shoulder, allowing a v at the neck, and really emphasizing right under the chest, creating an hourglass shape.  

Bootylicious is my word for the pear shape, as I really wouldn't want to be compared to a pear rather embrace that I have a booty and make it look fantastic! This body type is typically smaller up top, which allows for tank top straps, or A line type styles. Really fitted at the waist line and then a bit more fullness on the bottom. Again, giving that hourglass and focusing the eye on that tiny waistline. 

Petite, this is actually one of the harder body types to style, as you need to avoid bulky materials and fabrics.  Keeping it simple with small print and details will allow you to look womanly.  Even though you are able to fit into more youthful styles, you still need to make smart choices.

Long and lean body types typically have longer torso's and legs. This can be a problem when looking for shorter style dresses. You would look amazing in a longer to the knee or right below fitted style with a wrap tie, but I wanted to give you a shorter option as well.  This dress has some detailing with the pockets and the small ruffle which will allow room for a longer torso. Also be prepared to grab a fun colored tight or legging as sometimes the length becomes tricky. 

If you are curvy your goal is to synch that waist allowing for a balance between a broader shoulder, large chest and a curvy hip line. Look for the v neck or a nice neckline showing the collar bones and a small amount of cleavage. Narrow at the waist and then a fitted bottom skimming the hip and thigh to really accentuate your shape.  Be careful, you can easily add unnecessary bulk by choosing wrong fabrics and styles. 







Layered Style Tuesday, April 9

Layered Style

It is always wonderful spending time in Chicago. The weather was beautiful the lake blue and we were busy shopping at Bridal Market and Style Max. In a sea of top designers, beautiful lines, and buyers, I found myself thinking it is not in the budget to spend top dollar for an entire high end look. In fact, if I were to have a store front some day, I would organize my store by how I style wardrobe. Combining classics, staples, statement pieces, accessories and of course a steel or 2.  This is what I wore to the city. I needed to be comfy, but stylish as well. Didn't buy anything new, actually designed the necklace I have on first, and then styled around that. I wanted layers, and love the kelly green and blue pin stripe combo. My signature was the Halogen jacket, also my neutral, bringing it all together. The cropped boyfriends will be my staple this spring. Express always has coupons going, so use one and grab these. You can wear them with flip flops, heels booties, super versatile. 

The necklace became a conversation starter, which was super exciting! "Where did you get that necklace?" I handed out several business cards and sold one on the spot to a trendy bridal designer who will be sending me some vintage jewels to use in the design. Remember, it is all in how you put it together.. you don't have to spend top dollar to have the look. 











Layered Style by ahndeamay on Polyvore


Spring Floral Tuesday, February 5

Floral

Floral by ahndeamay
I am absolutely loving all of the beautiful floral prints I am seeing this spring. All the major designers have created floral patterns and prints that can be combined together.  Yes... mixing multiple prints and patterns is all the rage, so challenge yourself a bit, if you you unsure about something it is probably fantastic! I can't wait to style polkadots and stripes with a floral. Swooning over that Louis Vuitton denim patchwork bag which is nothing short of fabulous, I added an HeirBloom for a feminine touch. This month I will be drowning in a sea of flowers as I am designing my spring line, it brings a sense of solace and peace to me and can't wait to get the look-book together. 

Fill Your Closet Layer by Layer - 1. Monday, November 5

One Sweater 4 Ways

One of the most important rules when adding to your wardrobe is to look for "statement" pieces to build around. I know I always talk about finding the "perfect jacket," but this rule also applies to almost everything in your closet. Today we are talking Cardigans. Find a cardigan with length, something that covers your butt and brings versatility for your bottom options, like leggings, dresses, and skirts. Look for fun detailing and multi color, so you can play off of those colors when styling. I loved the colors in this Ralph Lauren draped cardigan sold on Stylebop. Use the colors and pair it up, going casual to dressy depending on your mood!











One Sweater 4 Ways by ahndeamay featuring wet seal



Slouchy top
chicnova.com


VILA long sleeve top
$34 - vila.com


V neck blouse
chicnova.com


Dorothy perkin
dorothyperkins.com


Level 99
amazon.com


Wet seal
wetseal.com


Tan shoes
etsy.com



Elise Dray gold bangle bracelet
matchesfashion.com


C Wonder pave jewelry
cwonder.com




Pearl jewelry
$5.08 - tally-weijl.com

One Denim Shirt Monday, October 1

One Denim ShirtDenim is huge this fall and I have some great ways to wear it!  This first style board, has some amazing finds with no budget in mind. Remember, sometimes it's best to splurge on "one" piece you will wear over and over and then go less expensive on the staples to pair it with, like in the second style board where each piece is under $50. 

Madewell vintage shirt / Free People denim jacket / Maison Scotch / Free People / AllSaints sequin skirt / Bardot lace shorts, $83 / Nolita , $365 / Osborn lace up booties / Rebecca Minkoff clutch handbag / Sakdidet Road feather jewelry, $49 / Balmain , $600



Denim - $50

Free People Inspired Monday, September 17

It's that time of year for senior portraits and with that comes young beautiful girls with great fashion sense who want to portray themselves as who they are + unique.  Not the very same posed portrait shots with the black background or the head tilt lean against a tree.  Jeff Anderson Photography is quickly becoming the "new trend" in senior portrait photos. He was smart enough to see the value in wardrobe styling and overall "story" of the shoot. Hair, make-up, and stylized photography is a powerful combination, with some fantastic results.


This is a shot from a Free People inspired shoot.  Behind the scenes Jeff meets with the client to determine wants and expectations.  We then talk through style concept and begin a Style Board of pictures to give us a guide as we select wardrobe and overall look for hair and makeup. We have a pre-style session where I fit for wardrobe including Heirbloom accessories.  After wardrobe is determined we "rack" it and get ready for the shoot.

Hair and makeup is styled by Kristin Ronan