Mother's Day is coming!

Mother's Day is fast approaching.  There are gift idea posts and lists everywhere for you to see.  I created a short list of some of my favorite ideas as a guide to inspire you to choose a gift with some meaning, albeit at the last minute :).  

Here is the "short list" 

The available links are listed above but here are a few details on each item.

1)  It's no secret my own love for all things from Lush, but they do have some great Mother's Day gifts all ready to go.  Either choose from the selections or choose a few favorites just for your mom.  The idea here is pampering :)

2)  Zingerman's in Ann Arbor Michigan is known for all things delish.  I love this scone treat box.  I would send or give this along with some great coffee or tea for a mom that loves coffee and treats.  The idea here is treats :)

3)  Origami Owl has an expansive selection of different gift ideas to make it really special and personal for your mom or special person.  You can truly make it just about her.  The idea here is personal and sentimental :)

4)  I love the idea of cooking classes.  Whether a novice or expert, this is a great gift.  The other reason I love this is Sur La Table is basically nationwide so this is a great gift to send or deliver.  The bigger picture here can be time.  The idea of doing the class together would be awesome for her.  The idea here is time and fun and personal :)  

5)  Does she love to cook?  Is she just expanding her cooking horizon?  A lovely package of spices is a truly wonderful gift.  This one is from Zingerman's but spice gifts like this are available at places like Dean and Deluca as well.  In addition, you can also research and find a local spice merchant and create your own just for her.  The idea here is still personal but can also be for a mom you don't very well.

6)  Whether she loves to cook or entertain or both - this beautiful piece from Le Creuset is perfect!  She can cook the dish and serve it from this beautiful piece or... simply serve her favorite purchased dish as well.  It's beautiful and perfect for any table.  The idea here is treating something that is simple with some special attention (much better than a vacuum or plain pans :)  )

 

I hope this list inspires you to choose something special for the special mom in your life.  Moms are unbelievable women who do so much for all of us and they get this one day to be recognized.  Whether you and your mom are close, or you have someone else who has been that special person for you, or perhaps you have more than one mom in your life,  make this day special for each of them.  Truly give some thought to the gift you are giving.  I still believe the best gift is time together so don't forget that as well.  

To all the moms - Happy Mother's Day Ladies - you are truly special!

Working Your Closet #1

Your closet is probably holding some great pieces right now.  Are you getting the most of what's in there?  I just started a new series on my youtube channel about really making those key pieces for you.  I am a big believer in versatility.  I love when you find a piece you love and you then find several options for wearing it.  That's what I've done with my denim shirt dress.  

I hope you enjoy this video.  I truly hope it inspires you to find those key pieces in your closet!  Overwhelmed?  Don't have time to do this - clear thru your closet and keep the best pieces?  Let me know, I would love to help!

Dressing and your closet during Sprinter

Here in West Michigan the temperature is in the 50's today.  Later this week there is a chance for snow flurries.  <sigh>  Dressing at this time of year can be tricky.  You don't want to feel too wintery and you certainly don't want to be in shorts or skirts with no leg coverings or capris or any of that business.  The key to dressing during this tricky transition is layering.  The key to your layering is knowing your closet.  As with any other season, if you know your closet you can feel great every day about what you are wearing even if you don't feel the same affection for the unpredictable weather.

Though it isn't time to say good bye to cold weather dressing completely it is time to start pulling away from some of the bulkier "woolier" (technical term?) fabrics.  The best way to do this is to begin your seasonal closet changeover.  There is no better time than now to start your season closet change over.  I like to get a rolling rack and a couple of bins and get started.  Label one bin "winter keep" and one bin "winter consign".  In addition, you will need a bag for give-a-ways and another bag for those things you should simply toss.  You may need an additional pile for cleaning (either wash or dryclean).  I know this sounds overwhelming but I promise it's not because you aren't doing your entire winter wardrobe just yet.  Now, pull all your wool sweaters, bulky knits, winter wool pants or bottoms, and any corduroy items you have as well.  Next, take a look at all of these items.  First, pull out anything you know you didn't wear this year.  Now is a great time to evaluate if you need these items at all.  If the answer is no, it's time to decide which place they go.  Is the item in "near-new" condition?  Is it free of pilling, stains, rips, tears, etc.?  It may be a candidate to consign.  If it's clean fold neatly and place in your consignment bin.  If it should be in that bin but not clean the item should be cleaned and then properly placed after that.  Next, pull your favorites out.  Ask yourself the same questions:  Will I wear it next year?  Do I feel great when I wear it?  Is it still in great condition?  Is free of needing repair?  Is it clean?  If you answered yes to all of those questions, fold and put in your "winter keep" bin.  If you don't feel great when you wear it or if you think the item has "run it's course" then decide which area it goes in.  If you have items for either keep, or consign, or give away be sure they are clean before they are placed in their respective areas.  All that should be left are the items you aren't sure about.  Maybe you wore it a couple of times at the beginning of the season, maybe you aren't sure if it's your style, maybe you just aren't loving it anymore.  I challenge you on these pieces!  They take up real estate in your closet!  My advice?  Wear it one more time within the week or so.  Ask yourself the questions again.  Typically you will know immediately.  You either wear it and say to yourself "why haven't I worn this?" or you say "oh, I know why I haven't worn this" :)  Either way, you will know where the item should go.  

You should now be left with some action items.  First, get to cleaning so you can put stuff away where it now belongs.  Next, pack away your first "winter keep" bin.  It's time to pack away the "winter consign" bin until August when most consignment stores begin accepting Fall/Winter merchandise.  The last easy step?  Take your give a way pile to your favorite donation center.  (note:  please be sure the items you are giving away are clean and still wearable).  

Now, for fun...pull some of your early Spring pieces back in to your wardrobe.  Again, think layering.  Cotton cardigans, short sleeve shirts, canvas pants, skirts, etc.  Think about wearing the cotton cardi now instead of the thicker wool one.  Think about wearing the canvas pant or khaki now in place of the corduroy pants.  Think about pairing a lighter weight skirt with opaque tights and shoes instead of the winter wool skirt and boots.  Think about a jean jacket as a layer instead of a thick wool sweater.  Top the jacket with a great scarf on the 50 degree days for a new twist.  Try shoes without socks with your longer pants for a fresh update.  Clogs or oxfords are the best for this look.  You don't want to look like you are trying to rush Spring but .... no one wants to be stuck in January snow anymore either.  

I am starting this process myself this week and I am already feeling like I have new clothes :).  You can do the same.

Need some advice?  If you're here in West Michigan let's meet and design a closet package for you.  Live further away?  Let's chat and see how I can help.  

 

Adventures in trying on

I recently received an advertising brochure from White House Black Market with new Spring arrivals and....a coupon!!  I decided to take a trip to the store and try some of my favorites on.  

I am including the video here to show you how the trip went. 

I hope you enjoy this adventure.  I hope it inspires you to take some time and shop some of the newest spring arrivals and try them on.  What will surprise you is some of your favs may not be and some things you would never dreamed of loving will be your new favorites.  

I would love to hear of your try-on adventures!  Contact me via this website with your stories or if you need some fresh inspiration or help!

Shop Your Closet!!

Look in your closet and you may see a lot but feel like you have nothing to wear.  One of the packages available from Your Closet Your Style is the "Shop Your Closet".  This video takes you thru the process with actual photos from a recent "Shop Your Closet" with one of my clients.  

Questions?  Wondering if we could do the same in your closet?  Contact me either from the contact page above or directly at pgeers@comcast.net

Is Dressing Your Age a Thing??

If you know me in real life you know that I am kind of a "rule girl".  I think people need to follow the rules.  If the speed limit is 35 I don't think you should drive 50, if the sign says "line starts here" you stand behind the sign, etc.  In fashion my "big thing" is owning your style.  Owning your style implies you don't necessarily follow the rules, right?  I myself only believe in a few fashion rules - I don't think there is a need to wear white after Labor Day, leggings are not and should never - be worn as pants are probably my top 2.  I see a lot of talk about "dressing your age" and what is and isn't age-appropriate.  Let's talk about this as it relates to your style, shall we?

I wrote down several words that come to mind when I think about this topic.  I think it's the easiest way to "unpack" what I would want to say.  Here they are:  rules, style, comfortable, pretty, not trying too hard, options, inspiration, love a look, funky vs. too young, where are you shopping, on a budget, is it a matter of age-appropriate or just plain appropriate?  I am all about the visual so here are some clothing pieces that come to mind immediately:  cropped top, leggings, short skirt, short dress.  So, let's start with the words and use the looks to explain, shall we?  First, rules, which we talked about already.  I really think it is more about your style - if you focus on that - you don't have to worry about rules.  I love what Coco Chanel says about style "Fashion fades, only style remains the same".  Style is personal.  You and I could both be wearing the exact same pieces of clothing but they will look different on each of us, based on our style.  Comfortable - do you feel comfortable in what you're wearing?  I don't mean just comfortable in the sense of ease of wearing, but also, comfort in the sense of do you have any apprehension in walking into a room full of people in the outfit you have put together?  Pretty- this is a big one for me.  Do you feel pretty in what you're wearing?  If another word comes to mind first - change your outfit.  Options and Inspiration - these 2 go together.  Do you page thru a magazine or online somewhere and find a look you love and want to wear it but it's shown on someone younger (or older) than you?  Let the look inspire you to find options that make it your own and right for you.  I love short, flowy dresses.  I want to wear them in a way that fits my style.  My style as an almost 54 year old woman.  I will let the look I saw be my inspiration to wearing it my way for my age.  Funky vs. too young - I see this come thru most often in shoes and accessories.  Sometimes your "twist" on a look will be what you add with your shoes and accessories.  I see this most often when a look actually feels too old instead of too young.  Whether you are in your 30's or 50's you can put on an outfit that looks "old".  By adding some creative jewelry and perhaps a chunky or funkier shoe, boom!  it becomes more youthful and more your style.  Where are you shopping?  This is probably one of the closest to sounding like a rule.  Let me say, in my opinion, some general guidelines.  Stores target specific age groups, I don't think this is a secret to you.  For example, American Eagle, Charlotte Russe, Love Culture, Pac-Sun - all target shoppers under the age of 30.  Stores such as Chicos, Talbots, Jjill, etc. these stores target women over 30.  Keep this in mind not only for the styles and silhouettes you are looking for; but the sizing and cuts of clothing will be more geared for those body types.  If you are over 30 and do choose to shop from one of the stores I mentioned I think you can do so but sparingly.   Maybe you love the way American Eagle jeans fit - great!  I would suggest though, the outfit off the poster is probably not the right look for you.  The same is true for the other side :).  I think it's just as easy for a woman over 30 to buy an outfit from Chicos or Talbots, or anywhere like that and suddenly look older or dare I say, matronly than she should.  Put your "style spin" on the outfit and you will be fabulous.  

The next word is budget.  I get it - the "younger" stores are cheaper, you say.  However, it's not always true, you just need to be savvy in your shopping.  You also have to do your research.  Let's take denim.  You have to try on A LOT of jeans before you find the right fit and style for you.  This will require many stores and many try-ons.  Once you know what style is best keep your eye out for sales, coupons, and also TJ Maxx and other off price stores to find a gem at a better price.  This is also the best way to buy a trendy piece as well.  Spend your money on the things that matter most in your wardrobe- the hardest working pieces like denim, your white blouse, a good cardigan, etc.  

The last word (phrase) is age-appropriate or just plain appropriate?  I think this sometimes solves the question before you even have to worry about how to wear it.  It sometimes isn't an issue of age but more about what you are showing or not showing.  What are you leaving to the imagination and covered and what are you exposing?  Too much?  Is the fit too small?  Too tight?  Too loose?  Too sheer?  Too fitted for public view?  Regardless of your age, ask yourself is this who I want people to see?  

So now, what does all this mean?  I think it's best shown in an actual outfit.  I have pulled a couple of things that I have done to wear a look that would be stylish on a woman of any age depending on how you style it.  

This is a crop top from Banana Republic. &nbsp;For me, layered with a white shirt, jeggings, and boots I think this is age-appropriate for me at 53. &nbsp;The shirt hits at a place that not only is appropriate for the midriff, but makes the jeggings…

This is a crop top from Banana Republic.  For me, layered with a white shirt, jeggings, and boots I think this is age-appropriate for me at 53.  The shirt hits at a place that not only is appropriate for the midriff, but makes the jeggings work as well.  If I were a 20something I might wear this without the blouse, high-waisted skinny skinny jeans and the boots.  

This cropped sweater from TopShop is adorable.  It's very "little" shall I say?  I again have layered with a white blouse.  The pants are my cropped black pants from Loft.  I have finished it my chunky Mary Janes, and a great tortoise necklace.  For me, the addition of the chunky shoe and the necklace are what make it "my style".  I would never wear this top without a layer underneath.  

This is a short, A-line dress from Andrea Jovine that I purchased recently at TJ Maxx for less than 30 bucks! &nbsp;I wear opaque tights and over the knee boots with it. &nbsp;I would not wear a dress this short without opaque tights. &nbsp;In the s…

This is a short, A-line dress from Andrea Jovine that I purchased recently at TJ Maxx for less than 30 bucks!  I wear opaque tights and over the knee boots with it.  I would not wear a dress this short without opaque tights.  In the spring I may pair this with a pair of cropped leggings and flats or booties.  A woman under 30 I feel, could wear this shorter length with bare legs and make it look great.  

One more.  New Year's Eve.  I would love to wear a tulle skirt but not sure I am comfortable pulling it off.  I have this great full skirt (with tulle underneath) from White House Black Market that I think is the best adaptation.  So, the tulle was my inspiration to find my own style in this look.  There is an edge of "funky" with the tshirt layered under the jean jacket and the whole juxtaposition of the denim jacket with the formal skirt, paired with either boots or tights and Mary Janes.

Though I don't believe in concrete fashion rules, I do believe in dressing with style.  I do believe age does play a part in dressing with great style.  If you were to really think about the outfits you wear and feel the best, the prettiest, the most stylish in, I think you would reflect on that and agree the same.  Your beauty and style begins with you - feeling great - about you!  

5 Days of Closet Tips

January is always a month of evaluating, cleaning, organizing, clearing - whatever word or system you use for refresh.  This past week I shared a different closet tip daily on social media.  These tips were quick and easy steps towards making your closet work better for you.  I thought I would summarize all 5 together here.

1)  Pull 5 things from your closet to donate, reinvent, or toss.  This is a quick and simple task - DON'T overthink this.  The easiest thing to do is first ask yourself - "when was the last time I wore this?"  or try "do I feel pretty when I wear this?" If it's a been a long time or you don't feel your best when you wear it - toss it or donate it (depending on condition of the garment).

2) Pull anything that needs fixed and get it done!  This includes:  missing buttons, broken zippers, torn belt loops, pulls in sweaters, etc.  Source your best local shops for this if mending and repairs aren't "your thing".  But - get it done - you have valuable pieces to be worn!!

3)  Would you buy it if it weren't on sale?  January is a great month for sales.  Keep in mind, it's not a bargain though if you won't wear it.  Don't buy something for the sake of a bargain.  If you wouldn't consider buying it/loving it/wanting it at full price don't buy it on sale....it's not worth it!

4)  It starts underneath.  I have devoted full blog posts to this!  You MUST have a properly fitted bra period!  I would suggest a local store or my favorite national retailer for ladies of all ages would be Soma.  

5)  Dress for you!  Dress to feel pretty, confident, and stylish.  You must feel good in what you're wearing.  Own Your Style!

Following these simple steps won't clean and organize your closet entirely or change the world, but they will get you started to do both!!  

New dress - same dress

January is a great time to evaluate your wardrobe.  This can seem like a daunting task for many reasons.  Whether it's time, self-image, budget, kids in the way, dog in the way, dog ate your homework, hangnail, doesn't matter.  First of all, if it feels too large and not possible - contact me- let's talk about a custom package for you :).  Otherwise, maybe for today, we will take a small step with one item.

What's a piece in your closet you love but either you don't wear it enough or you are stuck in a rut and only wear it one way?  Recently I had dinner with a friend and she looked adorable.  When I took a closer look at her outfit I saw endless possibilities with the key piece.  I asked her permission to share so that is what we are taking look at today.  

First here is a picture of the item.  It's a super cute dress.  

Sleeveless dress

Sleeveless dress

The dress is on trend with the floral detailing, the stitchwork and embellishments.  In the summer worn simply with a pair of flats or sandals this dress would be adorable.  For many (who am I kidding most of us) right now, weather-wise, this couldn't be worn alone.  Layering the dress with a jacket and leggings or tights, and boots would be perfect.  In fact, that's how she wore it to dinner on a cold night.

dress layered with jacket, leggings, and boots

dress layered with jacket, leggings, and boots

So far, that's 2 different ways and 2 different seasons so far for this beauty.  Another way to wear this would be layer it over skinny jeans, add a pair of heels, booties or platforms.  Depending on the season add a jacket and boom! one more way to wear it!  You have just added 3 new outfits with one piece. 

I talk often of shopping your own closet, this is a great example of that.  Go ahead...shop your closet.  Find one piece you love.  Take a piece either you haven't worn in FORever or a piece you are stuck only wearing one way and wear it different!  

A Quick Wrap up from Golden Globes fashion ....

I am not sure if watching award shows are a "thing" you like to do, but I LOVE it!  I have to say, the red carpet portions are my fav.  I love seeing all the fashion...the women, the men, the bad, the good, you know - all of it.  

Some of my favs from last night:

Kerry Washington, Giuliana Rancic, Chrissy Teigen, Jessica Alba, Mandy Moore, Lily Collins, Kristen Wiig, and Zoe Saldana.  Of course, Sarah Jessica Parker is always on my top fav list as well.  What I loved most were the florals (especially the embroidered and metallic), the pinks, and the metallics.  I also adore the simple and classic (Mandy Moore) in navy or black.  Kristen Bell looked stunning in her black deep plunge beauty.  In my opinion, it was a deep plunge "done classy".  These looks inspire me to look to translating the parts I loved the most in to what I might wear in "real life".  If you look at what I wore on NYE, the pink skirt is my translation of some of that.  

As a woman over 50 living in the midwest this is how I allow red carpet events such as last night to translate my real life looks.  Obviously I won't soon find myself in a designer haute couture look but I can find looks that make me feel just as pretty for my life.   

If you loved watching last night as I did, I challenge you now to get inspired.  Take which looks you loved and translate them in to your style.  I would love to hear how you are doing that!  In the end, it still remains - look your best by feeling your best, by feeling pretty, by owning YOUR style.  

 

Happy New Year!

Happy 2017!  

Cheers to the New Year and the Best You!   I don't care for the sayings floating around referring to making things great again that are already great including YOU!  I could go all "self-help" "self-improvement" here but I am not a professional :)  I would rather talk about your wardrobe.  

Though there shouldn't be a new you it may be time for a new closet - new wardrobe created mostly by an update of your own closet.  Appearance does matter.  Clothing does matter.  How you dress does matter.  If you feel great in what you're wearing you portray that.  You carry yourself different.   You exude confidence.  You are more positive.  If you don't currently feel that way, it's time to take a look at your clothes and how you wear them.  You don't need a new you - you just need your best you.  

Do you love to wear jeans but don't feel great in the jeans in you have?  It's time for a pair you love.  You love wearing dresses but you don't have any?  Time to shop for one.  I could go on listing different wardrobe pieces but I won't.  Take a look in your closet.  TODAY.  Take a few minutes and peruse your hanging items.  I bet you see at least 3 things you don't feel great in.  Figure out the reason why.  Is it fit?  Is it style?  Is it condition of the item?  Is it you aren't sure how to wear it?  If it's fit or condition then get rid of the item TODAY.  If it is one of the reasons, try the item wearing it a couple of different ways with different styles and see what develops.  Maybe it's a pretty dress you consider a party dress.  You feel so pretty when you wear it but alas, it's a party dress so you don't wear it a lot.  Try it on over a pair of skinny jeans and see what you think.  Oh, you have a beautiful dressy blouse that never gets worn but you love when you do wear it?  Try it on under a short sleeve dress and see what you think.  Step 2 - wear the "test" outfit somewhere.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.  Will every "test" be a winner?  Maybe not.  However, you will either build your wardrobe by another outfit or perhaps purge something that should have been gone awhile ago.  

The same trial and error can be done with your hair and with your beauty routine.  Try new looks and wear them out in public.  It could be you don't need a whole new hairstyle, you just need to add a little variety to your repertoire.  Maybe you're dying to try a cat-eye but have always been afraid you won't do it right.  Take yourself to your favorite beauty counter, Sephora, Ulta, etc. and ask the experts there to help you give it a try.  

All these suggestions are for you to be your Best You - not a new you!  There are lots of catchy sayings that refer to there only being one you...though some may be cheesy ...they are true.  Let 2017 be the year you are your best you.  

I would love to help with wardrobe part!  Contact me about tailoring a solution or package that best fits your needs.  

Cheers!

I will leave you with my NYE OOTD - the dress code was casual :)

 

 

 

Hostess Gift Time

The holiday season is upon us.  Hopefully that includes some fun parties for you to attend.  Before you get too caught up in the "busy" of the season take some time to prepare by having hostess gifts at the ready 

There are the typical hostess gifts always at the ready such as a bottle of wine, a regular candle or perhaps a bouquet of flowers from the grocery you flew in to get on the way to the party.  With just a little preparation you can have some more unique (or at least less thought of) gifts at the ready to take along.  You might even think ahead and have the gift bags too!!  

Here are just a few things I think would be lovely to give and receive. 

I have included the links for where to purchase all these goodies, either online or if you have the store listed locally.  Speaking of local - I am all about shopping local so perhaps these ideas will merely be an inspiration for you to go locally and find something similar.  I happen to have both a West Elm and Anthropologie close to me and I have received awesome service at both! 

Some thoughts on my picks.  I love the idea of tying the party to the gift.  If it's a dinner party, or any party involving food for that matter, I love the gift of an apron, pretty potholders, or unique dishtowels ....patterns and material the hostess may never purchase for herself.  For any other party I love the idea of adding a scent to the home either with candles or a diffuser.  I think again, we all buy candles but the candles, diffuser and candle holders I have included feel a little more "special" to me to give.  I love the personal touch of a pretty plate with a treat on the plate.  Choose a local bakery or market to get the treat special for your hostess.  I added a couple of special bouquets of flowers as well.  I think it is so special to receive fresh flowers no matter the occasion.  I love the idea of either sending "ahead" of you or maybe the next day with a special note of thanks.

Don't discount the importance of the hostess gift.  Whether you have a small budget or you have more to spend, you can spend accordingly with this easy guide.  This is one thing you don't have to stress about as you make your way through the season.  If you need advice or help shopping for the perfect gift, contact me directly I would love to help you.