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Frump Free Winter Style Essentials

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Greetings Friends!

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!

PURSE // CARDIGAN // BOOTS // NECKLACE // SUNGLASSES // COAT // SCARF // JEANS // LOAFERS // SWEATER

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 is another 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 right statement 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.

 

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Comfort Heels for the Stylish Working Woman

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Hi Ladies!

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”:

As you can tell, there are a lot of different brands I adore: Cole Haun, Ivanka Trump, Nine West, Sole Society, CORSO COMO, Naturalizer, Clarks, BC Footwear, Adrienne Vittadini, ECCO, Sofft, and Rockport. These are such great brands that will keep both you and your feet happy throughout the day.

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

5 Ways to Style a Scarf

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Happy Monday Fashionistas!

Hope you’ve been enjoying these cooler nights. Lord knows I have in my mid-life hormonal craziness!

Let’s face it–we’re in that weird weather transition where our days begin in the low 50’s and end in the upper 80’s. So how can we effectively look cute without losing our style sanity?

Let’s focus on 5 ways to style a scarf that can simplify your dressing routine and ultimately make you feel pulled together on these seemingly schizo days.

Here are five different outfits that utilize several types of scarf material, the latest trends, and also links to learn how to tie a scarf itself.

Outfit #1)

One of my favorite looks includes a ‘faux infinity scarf.’ This is a great day to night outfit, especially topped with the leather jacket. It’s a smaller version of a blanket scarf but super elegant yet light enough to wear with a short sleeve shirt {check out this additional post to Style a Basic Tee for more inspiration}.

Outfit #2)

Styling a basic shift or t-shirt dress paired with some riding boots and then accessorize with a wool or knitted type scarf is a “go-to” outfit concept for me. Try the figure eight or loop-n-through concept or simply let the scarf hang around the neck. Keep in mind, this style of scarf often looks best in the fall/winter months because of the bulk of the material, but it is a great staple scarf to have on hand regardless!

Outfit #3)

Plaid shirts are still popular this season coupled with your favorite tall riding boots and jeans. Add a knitted infinity scarf to add more warmth as well as a simple pop of color/contrast. I will be showcasing this outfit myself over the holidays myself. Check out last weeks blog post for more Simple Holiday Outfits like this.

Outfit #4)

This is the perfect professional ensemble if you add a blazer to this concept! Traditional trousers and a plain t-shirt paired with a fun loafer is adorbs. Get crazy and add the latest trend –the neck tie scarf. This dainty add-on can be tied in many ways as showcased in Audrey A La Mode’s blog.

Outfit #5)

Last but not least, get inspiration with a fun skirt and over-the-knee riding boot. Maybe opt for a classic denim skirt or button front style, that is also trending, with a simple double wrap scarf to add some color and pattern. This is the most common type of scarf you might see in stores and something that can be worn all year around depending on the weight and pattern you choose.

So don’t delay–get your day on with the perfect accessory–The SCARF!

For all you visual learners–also check out this fabulous instructional video from Nordstrom called “How to Tie a Scarf.”

If you have any additional tips for styling your favorite scarves, please share in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you!

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Childree