When it comes to summer, you have to think about more than just fashion. I do not know about y’all, but here in Texas it gets hot… I mean like HOT. So when dressing for those scorching months it is about managing style while trying to hide sweat marks.
One of my favorite outfit options in the summer time is, drumroll please, The Summer Dress! I know, I know, what a predictable idea, but really it is the best option. When going with a Summer Dress you can always find a fit that is flattering for any body type and you can play them up or down with accessories. (Bonus: Summer dresses can double as special event dresses – simply swap out accessories to match the occasion!)
Summer Dresses:
Here are my suggestions for switching up the summer dress: You can layer on jewelry, or add pops of color with bold shoes without adding layers of clothing that can be extremely hot.
Jewelry:
Shoes:
Another look I love for summer is the two-piece set. You can find two-piece sets in fun prints and different cuts, which helps to make them wearable for an occasion. The are particularly great for String Bean body types!
Two-Piece Sets:
One last thing to complete your summer look: Sunglasses! Sunnies are not only a fun way to jazz up your look, but they also protect your eyes against harmful UV rays and add some polarization to block out pesky glares from Texas heat mirages!
When it comes to career wear I think of one of two things: “I don’t want to wear pantyhose and an oversized suit skirt” or “It’s time to get certified in yoga, so I can wear stretchy pants and tanks forever.”
Either way, it’s difficult to get excited about career wear. From women who remember the days those shoulder padded suits {I am dating myself} were actually IN, to young ladies trying to make their college party wardrobe work for their new 9 to 5, dressing for a job can be hard. I have been grateful to work in the world of fashion where my relaxed jeans and on trend sneakers don’t have CEO’s turning their heads. But I have also been in your shoes too, ladies, and I know the challenges that come with it!
So how do you dress for success without sticking out like a sore thumb?
Well my fashion friends, let me spill a secret of my own: Think Smart! Plan ahead, and be ready from day to night!
That is really all there is to it! We carry monster sized bags with everything under the sun for our kids, but can’t take a moment to plan for ourselves. Thinking smart can be easy if you just try! Show up well {see a little tip from last week’s blog} remember your style, and embrace the fact that we live in a world where dressing from day to night at work is socially acceptable ((with exceptions))! If you work for a more relaxed professional environment like a tech company or a startup, you might have the option of going a little more casual in your dress. My suggestion is to always go with dark jeans so they look a little more like work pants. And still make sure your toes and shoulders are covered.
And here are just a few other tips to remember on you modern career wear journey:
First things FIRST… When I say tanks, I do not mean your workout tops or your undershirts. I mean fresh, silk or cotton blend tank tops that can be styled multiple ways or those you wear when trying to escape the summer heat in Texas (Option 1 / Option 2 / Option 3). These tops can be worn under a blazer or jacket, paired with and tucked into a skirt, or even with a long sleeve top underneath to become work appropriate.
Adding color is a great way to modernize your career wear. Know what colors are on trend for the season and don’t be afraid to pile on the layers! Emerald green is huge this year, so having a dress with a slightly darker toned jacket to throw on-top is the perfect way to make this trend all your own.
But what if we changed things up a bit? Try a more flowing skirt or one with volume and add a cropped jacket to the mix with a tunic top layered underneath. You are still following the dress code, and having fun while doing so!
In our modern work wear world, remember there are still some companies that mean BUSINESS when it comes to dress. It’s not always appropriate to go more casual, but for the most part, this is the new norm in offices!
Stylishly yours,
Jen Young
https://7da25e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fs-logo.jpg00Jen Younghttps://7da25e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fs-logo.jpgJen Young2018-03-05 22:37:422018-03-08 11:05:48The Secret To Modern Career Wear
February is a time of love, and what better way to share it than with the gals in your life?? I’m not saying you have to block off February 14th for a Girl’s Only day… But take a night or a weekend and celebrate Valentine’s with the ladies who lift you up!
Go to a hotel or even better, send the kids to grandmas and have the sleepover at your own home. And when you have this awesome night of girl talk and sweet fun, here are a few of my favorite things that MUST be present:
FOR THE LOVE OF WINE: What better way to start the party than with a cute decanter and matching glasses?? Have more than 4 friends? Simply add in plain stemless wine glasses to fill in the gaps. And using a deep red makes for a great splash if Valentines Day color in your party place.
DESSERTS FOR THE WIN: We all have a little sweet tooth when we get to the bottom of it. These cookies in a can are not only delicious, but great for bringing to a destination. It is an easy way to not show up empty handed and also a good idea for a late night bite.
PARTY BUNDLE: There is no better party in a box for your Galentine’s celebration that this Meri Meri bundle! Especially for those doing their party at home, this has all the paper wear, sweet accessories, and favors you gals would ever need.
PRETTY IN PINK PAJAMAS: We all want our best foot forward when it comes to looking adorable for group photos. Keep the cute going all night with a romper set for sleeping. If you are like me and enjoy a coordinating these, tell the gals to all grab something pink or red for night attire!
THE SIGNATURE LEAVE BEHIND: Something I always like to do is leave a little something once I’m gone. These clutches are an amazing party favor for the ladies you love, and something that you can all rock year round! It will remind them of your love and give them a cute new evening bags for their future girls-night-out’s!
And for any final ideas, both for your Galentine’s and the guys in your life, see my
https://7da25e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fs-logo.jpg00Jen Younghttps://7da25e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fs-logo.jpgJen Young2018-02-04 15:23:452018-02-07 07:29:59Galentine's Day By Forever Styled!
New Years Eve is just around the corner and, with tons of deliberation, I’m ready! Unlike when you are in your early twenties, dressing for New Year’s Eve tasks on a new meaning in life as a mother. I want to look fun, but not in the way I did back then. Finding a balance between being a big sparkling ball of wonder and looking like a lady of the night is always difficult, so here is what I’ve settled on:
By keeping the glitz and glam away from the main attraction (my dress) and letting it settle on the accessories, you can give off a more sophisticated look on New Years Eve. I also like to move away from the expected on New Year’s Eve. Instead of doing loads of sparkle or sequins until you can’t see straight, go for something a little more subtle, like leather. It still gives a shine but keeps your outfit on the calm side. I am also mindful to keep plunging necklines at bay.
I added my pops of flair in the shoes, using “blush” as my accent color with feathers as a fun touch. Oh, and news flash ladies… These heels are a dream for your feet! Sole Society has a fabulous reputation combining affordability and comfort. This is a must on New Years Eve as we all end up walking way more than expected. And I of course rounded out my outfit with a handy-dandy clutch! Leave your oversized bags at home please.
Finding the right bag can some times be tough. How much do you really want to carry verses how much you NEED to carry is always the question. This mid-sized bag is great for hauling the essentials. The added gun-metal sheen helps pump up my look just a little more too!
Hope these holiday tips and tricks inspire the confidence you need to look and feel fabulous !
Cheers to a beautiful New Year in 2018!
Jen Young
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When it comes to jeans most of us know the basics: Length, shade, rise and in-seam. Did you know there is something more to the fit of a jean though? Something that has nothing to do with the denim pants themselves??
The deciding factor of pants being a do or a don’t resides in the shoe. That’s right ladies! Shoes once again are the thing that matters most.
Ever put on a pant and thought to yourself, “These just don’t look right…”? You’ve worn them a million times before and never had a problem. It is the holidays and all, but you got them buttoned so it isn’t your waistline being the problem.
Even if the fit is just right, wearing the wrong shoe with an ill matched hem line can make all the difference in an outfit. Here are a few of my fashion do’s when it comes to hem line / shoes type matches:
Frayed Hem & Heel: The jean that started it all. I recently purchased a pair of frayed jeans like the ones in the photo above. Upon trying them on I had a long conversation with all the sales reps about why they didn’t look just right (but were still something I HAD to buy). They informed me that swapping my flats out for a higher heel would do the trick.
Sure enough, all I needed was to balance the frayed edges with a little pop of height.
Cropped Hem & A Strap: I am honestly not the biggest fan of a cropped hem. Maybe it is PTSD from my pedal pusher days, or perhaps just something I don’t think looks right. Though, if you are going to do a cropped hem jean, the way to do it is by breaking up the lines with more lines!
Pair with a strappy heel to keep the eye going in the right direction.
Flare Legged Hem & Platform: When it comes to flare legged jeans, the whole point is to elongate. My rule of thumb is to keep the length going as long as you can. Max out on the height with a pair of platform heels or booties.
Stay away from flatter shoes or a lesser heel, it usually gives off a stumpy look.
Skinny Leg Hem & Flat: Not so much that it is how you have to wear them, but how you get to wear them! Skinny legged jeans are on the list of those which can be dawned with flats. Since the tailored leg allows for a slender path, it is great for making into a more casual look with a flat.
Cuffed Jean & Bootie: A cuff of some sort is always in style. May the cuffs of your jeans be skinny and rolled like the ones shown above, or thick and singular how they are being worm now. The problem with a cuffed jean is that they can easily cut your height in half. The harsh stop often times becomes a distraction, and when not paired with the right shoe can be detrimental (not to be dramatic) to an outfit.
I always suggest wearing a bootie of some sort. It keeps in line with the cut of the cuff but still gives an elongated look when turned to the side.
So before the next time you slap on a pair of jeans and shoes, take a moment to think, what would your little jean angel do?
Stylishly yours,
Jen Young
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Sometimes we do it on purpose, and sometimes we don’t even realize it. But breaking fashion rules is now a GREAT IDEA! I don’t know about you, but taking time to follow fashion rules can get kind of tedious… And between car pool line and shuffling between clients, it is one of the last things on my mind.
So what better way than to kick these worries to the curb than by taking a stand and forging our own style street?!
This White Top and Jean combo is the perfect example of wearing white AFTER Labor Day! How fabulous will this clean slate look with brown knee high boots? I’ll tell you how fabulous… Enough to make me say yes to a long-standing fashion no-no!
Mixing and matching is a thing, so why can’t mixing and NOT matching be one?? Pair a Cognac Ankle Bootie with a black bucket purse for contrast. This is a great way to add flair to a simple pair of jeans and tee.
Combining Pink and Red or Black and Blue is no longer something to turn your nose up at. These Pink and Red Heels are the perfect way to mix the two colors in a sophisticated way. It is also lovely when paired with a simple black dress for a pop of color! Or try a pink top and red skirt. Then you must try a simple black and navy dress with a black heel for your everyday work look.
Eventually us Texas girls just have to come to terms with the fact that there is no such thing as winter in our neck of the woods… We also need to stand up and support suede! Instead of staring at the packed full closet of coats we will never wear, let’s start doing it anyways! Dawn a lighter colored jacket, like this Suede one, that will also work for your Spring or Summer wardrobe.
Tell me what your favorite fashion rule is to break in the comments below!
Stylishly yours,
Jen Young
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The time is FINALLY here! The Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale Pre-sale has begun and I am all kinds of excited about it. To celebrate this joyous occasion I am giving you my top picks from the sale, and a little more info on why I think you all might need these items in your wardrobe.
This top is all that is right with the dramatic sleeve! Paired with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt, you can take it from work to play in a matter of stylish seconds.
In the heat of the summer would there be anything more perfect to purchase at this blowout sale than a fabulous pair of sunnies? Some-times paying a pretty penny for accessories is hard to do. But this tortious shell pattern is great for pairing with both black and brown for a versatile option.
I’ve said it before, and will say it again… Undergarments are the core to any wardrobe. Having the right items is crucial for making an outfit work. These Hanky Panky underwear are great for seamless lines and a comfortable fit.
The athleisure wear trend seems to be here to stay for quite some time, and I can’t complain! These slip-ons are great for running to the market or pairing with a dress.
In this summer heat it may be hard to picture yourself in booties, but these are an amazing pair I would suggest considering! They are stylish yet classic and will be great for the fall and winter season.
Leopard is a neutral and my signature item. These flats are great for getting around town and perfect for throwing into your purse or luggage for extra-long walking days. Cute and comfort is no longer as hard to find, but it is always nice to have a few staples of it in your closet.
Good leather is hard to come by and great to have. Halogen is a brand I love, and one I use for staple items for many of my clients. Having a skirt that can be dressed up or dressed down is great for your staple wardrobe.
Perfect for summer and great with a light jacket for all other times! I have really gotten into the shift dress this year and this one is not only adorable but the vertical lines are flatter on almost every body type.
A place I see many clients ignore is their sleepwear. It is easy to throw on an old torn up tee or those oversized sweats you’ve had for years. I challenge you to step out of what is comfortable when it comes to pajamas. This little nighty is soft, and will make you feel fabulous when hitting the pillow.
Every girl needs a little makeup in her life! This kit is perfect for staying natural but looking fabulous. I have always given kudos to MAC for their long lasting products, this kit is no different.
I will be the first to say that doing things to keep yourself feeling fresh and maintained is well worth it. If you haven’t used the NuFace Toning Kit this is a great time to test it out.
The tote that can hold it all but doesn’t look like it! You can bring this to work, pack it for play or even use it as your carry-on. It is fabulous for the working woman!
Hello athletic staple item. I have to say; Adidas is a brand I am so happy to still see around. It is a classic look that you don’t have to feel bad about dressing down for.
Who doesn’t love cashmere?? Better yet, who doesn’t love it on sale! This is one of the Anniversary items that makes everything worth it. To have a piece of clothing with a usually steep price tag for just a pretty penny (almost but not really!) is why I love promoting this sale!
And for all my lovely clients who are wanting some help shopping through the sale, I have just a few spots left for virtual and in-person styling appointments! Email me to book: jen@foreverstyled.com
Stylishly yours,
Jen Young
https://7da25e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fs-logo.jpg00Jen Younghttps://7da25e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fs-logo.jpgJen Young2017-07-13 14:43:522017-07-14 14:57:27Nordstrom’s Sale Must Haves
It’s that time of year again… Dare I say some of the best shopping weeks of the summer?? Welcome the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale! The sale is packed full of brand-new styles at seriously discounted prices, which is enough to make anyone grin ear to ear. This is the perfect time to stock your 2017/2018 wardrobe with core items you might be missing and a few trends too.
This year Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale has gone all out, offering some amazing pieces, a ton of free samples, and prices that will make you think you didn’t even go shopping! Check our their Look Book for a little sneak peek.
Is all of this fashion talk feeling a little overwhelming? Like walking into a store full of all the best shoes… and having no idea what to buy? To make the whole process a little easier, I am offering in store appointments at Nordstrom and virtual appointments online. Set up a time for me to assist you with navigating the sale to be sure you are getting the very best deals. Or if you are out of town, set up a virtual tour to ensure the same personal care. This will be done through a new online system where I can choose the best pieces for you, upload them to a personal profile that allows you to purchase!
Either option is great to help you maneuver the 2017 Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale!
And stay tuned for my top picks from the pre-sale inventory. Follow the blog over the next two weeks to see sale items I think all of my clients shouldn’t live without. From shoes to tops and all that is in between, this sale is going to be one for the books.
Can’t wait to have some fun shopping and to help being peace to your daily dressing routine!
Stylishly Yours,
Jen Young
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I hope everyone has settled back into their work and home life routines. I know my break felt too short, and now I feel like I’m running around like a crazy woman again. But at least I have good shoes to keep me going!
In today’s post I want to give a shout out to those brave women who have feet of steel and can wear gorgeous high-heeled pumps for an eight hour work day, five days a week in the office– when many of us {including myself…} wish we could do that for just one night without complaining about our hurting feet.
Stop griping about your bunions like me and start dreaming about confidently wearing your cute new pumps to work!!!
I have picked out some professional yet stylish pumps that are comfortable, affordable, that don’t look like serious mom shoes {we all know what I’m talking about}. I took a little time researching Nordstrom, DSW, Dillard’s, Zappos, and many many others that offer “Comfort Pumps.” These shoes just might be your besties yet.
Seriously… I’m about to change your life because working women and high-heels have always had a love-hate relationship.
These are some of my favorites I discovered through my curation of the “must-haves”:
Perhaps I have removed the guess work when shopping for a new pair of heels for day of work or night out on the town?
Let me know of some of your favorite and comfortable heels! Please comment below.
Stylishly Yours,
Jen Young
https://7da25e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fs-logo.jpg00Jen Younghttps://7da25e.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/fs-logo.jpgJen Young2017-01-09 11:00:242017-01-09 00:47:20Comfort Heels for the Stylish Working Woman
Merry {almost} Christmas and Happy Holidays to You and Yours!!!
Have you gotten all of your holiday shopping done? For all you last minute gift givers {ahem, like me}, this post is for you. Given my recent move, I haven’t had a moment to spare for purchasing anything– so you are NOT alone.
When I’m about to go out to the mall {heaven forbid} either to shop for myself or my clients, there are so many things that are running in my head like: how can there can be so many people? these lines take forever; this store is just a wreck; the traffic makes me want to cry; will I find parking? I wonder if I can make this at home?
AHHH whatever will I do?!
Well if you’re like me… stop fretting and follow my “Top 10 Bucket List for the Holidays” to usher in peace and cheer.
1.} Make a shopping list and stick to it! Don’t be a slave to the word “sale” and focus on your priorities items. Then get the heck out of the mall and put your pajamas on next to the fire.
2.} Shop online and take advantage of free shipping especially through December 21st which is often the cut off date! It will save you the stress and worry of getting out in the hustle and bustle of the holiday shuffle.
3.} Take advantage of Valet parking when you shop at the mall. You will avoid driving around looking for the perfect space saving you time and energy.
4.} Shop with a friend or family member who is an efficient shopper. Make it a day and pause for a fun lunch and a mid-day cocktail–cause let’s face it–shopping is hard work!
5.} Challenge everyone to put away hand held devices at the dinner table when celebrating your meal times. Prompt meaningful conversation with questions at each place setting to get the dialogue rolling.
6.} Make a holiday playlist of your favorite tunes and gift that instead of a standard christmas card especially for co-workers and family members.
7.} Allow yourself to dance in your pajamas on Christmas morning. Eat pie and sleep late without guilt…for once.
8.} Purchase a decadent holiday coffee creamer and fill your cup to the brim in the morning. For wine drinkers…spend a little more on that bottle of wine you have been saving for a little night cap. I plan to book-end my day with both. Smiling ear to ear.
9.} Make eye contact with your store clerks at the checkout lines and tell them they are beautiful and a hard worker. Remind others that they matter.
10.} Pay for someone’s meal in the drive through line behind you. Random acts of kindness never fail to encourage others during the holiday season.
NOW! For those still not sure what to give your girlfriend, fiancé, wife, or even best friend….I have curated my top ten holiday gift guide including various price points, current trends and staple items.
Hope my wish list will give you some inspiration for these crazy shopping days upon us. But remember if you like to keep things simple or you’re really not good a finding that perfect gift- you can never go wrong with gift cards from J. Crew, Anthropologie, Sephora, Nordstrom, Lululemon, and Amazon.
OR.. you can give the gift of STYLE this holiday season. Contact me to purchase gift cards in amounts of $100 or more: jen@foreverstyled.com; 678-772-9975
DESSERTS FOR THE WIN:
