Over the past few years, I have found myself overwhelmed with a desire to be near beautiful things. I love being in the presence of art, even if it’s in the form of a tea towel from Anthropologie. So many simple things like this have been delighting me – it’s as if my senses have been heightened and the mere sight of a pencil skirt can take my breath away.
This appreciation of beauty and fashion is a relatively new experience for me. I guess you could say I came out of the closet with it. For years I denied myself the enjoyment of such “vain” pursuits in order to pursue things I deemed more meaningful.
As it turns out, working as a stylist is the best marriage of beautiful and meaningful for me. Helping people improve their self-esteem through self-image is incredibly rewarding. I can now allow this focus on fashion to coexist with a deeper side of my self. After years of thinking I had to choose between one or the other, I am thrilled that I don’t have to choose after all.
This time of year finds me looking for low-maintenance tricks to help me look my best. And, ladies, there’s nothing like dry shampoo to save you time and effort in the morning.
A powder blend that removes excess oil from hair, dry shampoo has been around since the 70’s. My dry shampoo of choice, Ojon, contains clay and claims to leave less residue than the powdery blends of the past. Just rub it in and the clay in the powder absorbs oil and boosts volume instantly. No water necessary!
I know of no better way to prolong a blow-out.
See for yourself!
stylist tip: experiment and use sparingly at first – too much can make brunettes look a little gray-ish.
When Rhode Island Monthly magazine contacted me to style a photo shoot for their New Year, New You issue, I immediately agreed. They were looking for a local woman in need of a makeover and chose Bethany, a working mom from East Greenwich. I love makeovers, and even more so when the subject is a mother. Many of my clients are moms who have found it difficult to re-establish their sense of style after having children. It is always a pleasure to be part of a process that can do wonders for one’s self-esteem and confidence.
The contrasting separates that Bethany tended to wear were visually cutting her in half. To create a longer, leaner silhouette, I chose black Alice + Olivia pants and paired them with an embellished navy Gold Hawk top and Minnie Rose cashmere shawl, all from Kristina Richards Studio in Cranston, RI. The shades of blue and black created a more cohesive look that flattered her body and elongated her silhouette. She actually looks 10 pounds thinner in the “after” photos!
For the full article about the makeover that Bethany called, “a fun uplifting experience”, click here.
Bethany was also invited to appear on The Rhode Show on FOX Providence. Click here for the full interview.
I find red dresses a bit cliche this time of year, but I’m no scrooge when it comes to dressing for the holidays.
I am currently obsessed with this adorable Frock! by Tracy Reese dress in clover green. The elongating v-neck will flatter many body types, and it comes with a great (and removable) patent leather belt. Wear it with black opaque tights and some patent leather pumps and off you go!
Available and on sale now at www.pinkertonsshoppe.com.
Tip: order a size up as it runs a bit small.
Are you stressing over what to wear to your office holiday party? The following are some “Dos and Don’ts”:
DOS:
1. Know (and follow!) the dress code. Understand what is expected of you and incorporate a professionally festive tone into your outfit. For more information about dress codes, see this previous post.
2. Dress conservatively. It is generally safe to wear something that is appropriate for a daytime work environment, adding the right accessories for an evening look. Speaking of accessories…
3. Work your accessories. A statement necklace, a bold bangle, some chandelier earrings, or my favorite, a cocktail ring, can be a simple way to add some glamour to your look. Just don’t wear them all at once, and keep your look balanced. For example, if you are wearing something with a lot of embellishment at the neckline like the outfit shown, skip a necklace, wear a simple stud earring and add a bold bracelet or belt.
DON’TS:
1. Don’t dress provocatively. This is no time to jeopardize your professional image! Anything short, tight or revealing should stay in your closet. Feel free to go sleeveless, but keep the cleavage to a minimum. Skirts should hit at the knee.
2. Don’t dress like a Christmas tree. It is neither stylish nor professional to go overboard with the ornament earrings and the flashing Santa pin. I do not recommend this look. However, if you must indulge, limit it to one piece of ornamentation.
3. Don’t overdo your makeup. A red lip or a smokey eye are great for evening, but together they can be too much. Keep shimmer limited to eye shadow – shimmer on your face looks a bit more nightclub than office party.
It’s that time of year again – office holiday party season – and I’ll be appearing on The Rhode Show soon to talk about style “Dos and Don’ts” for the occasion.
Should you care to know, I’ll be wearing this little black dress that the nice people at Ann Taylor sent me. And I must say, it is nearly perfect for just about any holiday gathering. But I digress.
My absolute #1 “Do” for office holiday parties is to know (and follow) the dress code. Never underestimate the importance of wardrobe, especially at work. Unfortunately it’s not always clear what exactly one is expected to wear. The following are the six most common options:
- Black tie/formal: Men should wear tuxedos, women should wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
- Black tie optional: men have the option of wearing a tuxedo but may also wear a dark suit and tie. Women typically dress in black tie attire.
- Semi-formal/Business formal: Men should wear a suit and women should wear a dress or dressy suit.
- Cocktail Attire: Men should wear a dark suit or a sports coat and slacks, while women should wear short (read: cocktail length) elegant dresses.
- Festive Attire: This category is subject to a lot of interpretation. To be safe, men should wear a blazer and slacks and women should wear a dressy skirt and top. Feel free to add a “festive” touch but use restraint and keep it professional.
- Dressy Casual: Men should wear khakis with a shirt and blazer. Women should wear a dressy pants look, which may include jeans if they are an even dark wash, free of embellishments, and worn with heels.
Still not sure what to wear? Most of the time the venue dictates the dress code, as well as the time of day – evening affairs are typically dressier than daytime events. However, if you are still in doubt, it is perfectly acceptable to ask your hosts.
Click here to read more about my favorite looks!
