Can you believe it’s that time of year again? ’Tis the seasonwhere you are full of holiday cheer {or not!} and your planner is full ofparties to attend and an endless shopping list to pursue.
But do I have the perfect gift solution for you~
Have you ever experienced a wardrobe malfunction at one of yourholiday events and just really needed a fashion emergency kit?
See if this scenario sounds familiar. You are at a Christmasparty with your boss and their cousin’s friend is just the person you have beenwanting to meet to secure a new client and you must make a powerful first impression. BUT youjust ran into a doorframe and ripped the very dress you bought to “wow” thisperson. You are panicking and do not have time to go home and change.
Well fear not, you brought your fashion emergency kit so there isno need to fear. All you need to do is whip out your mini sewing kit and patchthat baby right up. Then go out there and make your dreams come true!
So now that we have been over this super hypothetical situation,let’s talk about what goesinside this fashion emergency kit.
Here’s what youneed to grab:
1. Fashion Tape (link here!)
2. Mini Roll Brush (I love this one! It comes in the cutest colors!)
3. Mini Sewing Kit (Check out this fun one from Overstock! I love it because it has all thetools you need—even for first time sewers!)
4. Shoe Petals (This is my FAVE)
5. Breath mints (not really for fashion but you will thank me)
6. Sweater Stone {to remove those dreaded fur balls on your
garments}
7. Sole Serum: For those achy feet. Instant painreliever for high heels and more.
8. Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover! Touch up yourspots in a jiffy.
All you’ll needto do is gather all the things and put them in your favorite pouch (I love my Jon Hart Grande).No need to carry it with you…just leave it in your car!
I hope this fashion kit helps to make your holiday season evenmore bright and merry! Consider bringing this fun curation to your next giftexchange or reserve it for your fashion conscious friend.
And for more holiday fun, take a look at my pajama gift guidethrough the SHOP TABon my website!
Stylishly Yours This Holiday Season.
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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It’s holiday highlight time again for my favorite stores in the greater Austin area and this one goes out to my lovely friend, Natalie Thorp, Owner of Haute Exchange. Not only do I love shopping her consignment finds, it is a reliable resource for me and my clients.
Consignment is a thoughtful way to get a little cash back for your gently worm items and make room for something new. Working with Natalie and her team makes it easier than ever. The staff at Haute Exchange is kind, organized, and helps you re-home the old and welcome the new!
Even more than being the perfect resource for your closet, re-selling your consignment potentials also helps the environment.
Here are a few words with Natalie on why that is true and how her business owning dreams came true:
JY – Tell us the background of how Haute Exchange can to be and why you chose to work in the consignment industry instead of classic retail?
NT – I’ve been consigning and purchasing consignment clothes since I was 16 years old. I was raised in Temple, Texas and there was a consignment shop that I thought was a great business model. My husband is an entrepreneur and this was his idea to start the business in Dripping Springs. But most of all… I am a recycler. I am also a treasure hunter. This business keeps my interest.
JY – Please explain why recycled clothing is so important to the environment?
NT – Textiles are toxic when buried in our landfills. In 2013, Americans recycled some 2.3 million tons of textile waste. That brought a reduction in greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 1.2 million cars off the road for an entire year. Would you throw a car away when you’re done with it? Used car sales brought about consignment for clothing. We want you to consider consignment as an option for all your clothing. We spend so much on our attire it is a wonderful option to get some of your investment back from unwanted items.
JY – What are a few tips you have for shoppers over the holidays?
NY – Shop local. Don’t buy at full price. Always consider consignment as an option to the mall. Also consider vintage clothing for a change. You can find wonderful vintage coats, jewelry, and purses especially.
JY – What does your store specialize in?
NT – We sometimes take clothes that are brand new. People order off the Internet and decide that’s not what they wanted or perhaps it didn’t fit properly. There are so many options in buying clothing at a consignment shop. We may have that suede fringe jacket you’ve been wanting for less than half the retail price. It’s really the thrill of the hunt, the treasure hunt! If you get it in your blood it doesn’t stop.
We have a 3 generation concept. You could bring in your teenage daughter or your mom. We have brands for everyone at any age. Most of all we inspect the garment completely, so you know you are getting quality pieces without snags, loose buttons, etc. We never want you to pay full price for your fashion. Most of all if you purchase something with regret you now have a chance to make some of your hard earned money back! We accept consignments daily!
When you shop here…You will start to look for that unique thing that nobody else has or something you can’t buy any longer. We may have it here! And that’s what we seek out at Haute Exchange. We want one of a kind, unusual, very attractive items in our shop. Will also take all the Chico tops that you have too! Ha!
JY – What other things would you like potential customers to know?
NT – We are here for the Dripping Springs community to repurpose their clothing. I just want to foster those ideas in the community that some things are meant to be reused and that it’s ok for you to shop resale. Our shop is clean and neat. We have the best consigners, the best brands and our clothing is top notch.
For those looking to consign, here is our extended preferred vendor:
Happy and Peace-filled Shopping to each of you this Holiday Season.
By now, the Christmas tree is likely put away and perhaps you might be experiencing some post-holiday fashion blues like me? Sometimes these feelings, heaven forbid, even translate to a bit of frumpiness in my style. Wait, did I just admit that out loud? I am a wardrobe consultant for goodness sake! This proves that even clothing experts can have a bad outfit day. Preposterous.
In an attempt to get my fashion mojo back, I have been perusing the sales racks of my favorite stores and sorting through my closet only to realize that I purged many of my winter essentials in my recent move; this reality has clearly made it a daily challenge to get dressed.
Here are the essentials I uncovered that I was missing– all contributing to my recent frump in my winter style. There is hope for us all yet!
1.} Denim Skinny Jeans- This is an important essential for any casual daily routine. Dressed with a tunic style top and tall riding boots for curvier gals or styled with a nice stand alone top and blazer for professionals–this key ingredient is versatile for every shape and lifestyle.
2.} Sweaters- I adore this important staple when you want to look somewhat dressed up but still comfortable! I recommend a more tailored option for String Bean, Peanut, and Pear shaped bodies and a more lose fitted concept for Apples and Carrots. Click here to learn more about dressing for your shape.
3.} Knee-High Boots or Ankle Booties- I wear my knee high boots and ankle booties on repeat throughout the year which is probably why I had to replace them both this season. If you are scared of buying the knee high options worrying they will go out of style in the near future…that is NOT happening. If you don’t have either of these options…start with the ankle bootie.
4.} Colorful Flats or Loafers- Texas winters look and feel a little different than the more northern parts of the country. For our seasonal footwear, flats and loafers are still acceptable for everyday wear. These look great with skinny jeans or a pair of leggings styled with an oversized sweater or longer top. I also love loafers styled with tapered ankle pants and a sharp oxford style shirt and jacket.
5.} Button-Up Coat- Perfect for after work networking or something to keep you warm at work when the thermostat goes wonky cold and you have no control over the temp. These jackets always look more sophisticated than a boring Patagonia jacket. Looking like a lumberjack is never the goal. Just saying.
6.} Poncho or Oversized Cardigan- This isanother one of my favorites for those lazy days of running errands. It is something to throw on with a simple tee, jeans and some tall boots.
7.} Statement Jewelry- The rightstatement necklace and/or earrings are what I call the finishing touches of a great outfit. These essentials transition easily from day to night. If you ever buy these items in a coordinating set…by all means please break the party up. I am appalled by matchy matchy sets. Can you say cringe in two seconds?
8.} Top-Handle Bag- Something about the cold weather makes me love carrying my coffee in one hand with my top-handle bag in the other. It’s also a great accessory to hold close and easily get things out of when in the cold weather.
9.} Scarves- Infinity or straight designs are a charming addition to any winter outfit. This essential not only can add a pop of color to any neutral palette, but also keep you warm. Check out this amazing video to style a scarf 25 ways in 4.5 minutes! ADORE.
10.} Sunglasses- This crucial accessory can add high style to a simple outfit and can also hide those tired eyes on the hard days. Austin cedar is about to kill me and my allergic self. I woke up this morning looking like a bee stung my eyelids. Future so bright..gotta wear shades even in the rain.
Hope my little tricks and tips can help you avoid the frump in your winter style. What are your favorite winter essentials that keep you feeling confident? Do share in the comments section below.
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
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