WARM WEATHER THOUGHTS

If you live in New England, you know first hand how frustrating the month of March can be.  Spring is close, yet so far away.  We are teased with warm sixty degree days, then reminded of Winter with brutal Nor'easters.  For this reason, March is a great month to update your closet, in anticipation for sunnier days.  With vacations and Spring in mind, here are a few of my recent wardrobe purchases and warm weather must haves: 

1.) www.jcrew.com
2.) www.jcrew.com
3.) banana republic
4.) kinilush.com
5.) www.soludos.com

BRIGHTEN UP: IN COLOR

I was recently at an event where I was asked about a pale blue cashmere sweater that I was wearing.  My friend was in love with the color and brought up a very valid point, as New Englanders we frequently find ourselves in shades of gray and black this time of year.  We have the cardigans, the "V"-necks, the crew-necks, and the turtle-necks all in black. Try brightening up your wardrobe with fun colors like fuchsia, yellow, chartreuse, and periwinkle.  Here are my top three suggestions for a little November color. 

1.) Jcrew for bright and cheerful coats: 

2.)  Cozy cashmere, in various styles and colors from LordandTaylor: 

3.) Maybe all you need is a pop of color, like this cashmere wrap from WhiteandWarren:

All images directly from online source. 

HOLIDAY PARTY: EMBELLISHMENTS

The more sparkle, the better!  This is the best time of year to embellish all of your outfits with festive accessories.  Here are a few to make your holiday outfits memorable.  

1.) www.anthropologie.com
2.) www.katespade.com
3.) www.baublebar.com
4.) www.jcrew.com
5.) www.jcrew.com
6.) www.anthropologie.com
7.) sermonetagloves.com
8.) www.chanel.com

HOLIDAY PARTY: LBD

During a recent meeting with a client, we were discussing December holiday parties and what to wear.  This can be a very stressful month, filled with all sorts corporate and personal parties, atrocious crowds, and expanding shopping lists. Figuring out what to wear to events and parties may only add to this stress, and it should not.  I thought I would take this week to share some tips and inspiration for dressing for your next holiday party. 

I am a huge fan of bright red, green, or even a metallic dresses for this time of year, but I find that a little black dress is just as great, if not better!  This staple is a must for every closet, they can be dressed up or down, and can be worn during multiple months of the year.  If you select a simple black dress, accessorizing is key!  I will share a few suggestions later this week.  If a shimmering sequin black dress can be found, I suggest toning down the accessories and allowing the dress to do the work. 

If you are shopping your closet and can not seem to find the right little black dress, here are a few suggestions.  These are also priced from $27.00 to $270.00, because you may still have a long holiday shopping list awaiting your last minute trip to the stores.  

Happy Holidays!

1.) www.jcrew.com 2.) www.clubmonaco.com 3.) www.forever21.com 4.) www.jmclaughlin.com

5.) www.target.com 6.) www.lordandtaylor.com

FALL COLORS: HERB LOOK

1.) www.potterybarn.com

2.) www.williams-sonoma.com

3.) www.colehaan.com

4.) www.jcrew.com

SUMMER COOL DOWN: GET THE LOOK

Here are a few blazers for transitioning your summer wardrobe into Autumn.   

JCrew Regent Blazer in Linen www.jcrew.com

JCrew Regent Blazer with Satin Lapel www.jcrew.com

Brookes Brothers Stellita Fit Riding Jacket www.brooksbrothers.com

Joules Women's Single Breasted Jersey Tweed Blazer, Caper Tweed www.joules.com

JULY: BLUE & WHITE STRIPES

The Fourth of July typically means all things red, white, and blue, however I find it difficult to get away from my obsession of blue and white stripes.  My weekend is usually filled with straw bags, sweaters, shoes, and dresses in this nautical  color combination.  Here are a few beach inspired, blue and white must haves, for your Fourth of July celebrations. 

1.) Nantucket Looms Boatneck Sweater nantucketlooms.com
2.) Soludos Classic Stripe Original Espadrille www.soludos.com
3.) Mar Y Sol Collins Sisal Pom Pom Tote in Navy store.shopmarysol.com
4.) JCrew Seersucker String Bikini Top and Seersucker Hipster Bikini www.jcrew.com
5.) St James Striped Sailor Dress in Marine & Ecru www.saintjames-usa.com

If you are looking to add a pop of red, I suggest nail polish! 

1.) Essie Long Stem Roses 
2.) Essie Lollipop 
3.) Essie Really Red 
All Essie nail polish is available at www.essie.com

1. Pirouette Leopard Ponyhair Ballet Flats by London Sole These pony hair flats are great with jeans and a comfy sweater for a casual Sunday brunch, or dressed up with black pants and a white blouse for the office.  

2. Non-Iron Tailored Fit Dress Shirt by Brooks Brothers A fitted white blouse goes with everything, and the fact that these are non-iron makes me love them even more!  

3. Leather Envelope Clutch by Cuyana A friend recently introduced me to Cuyana and since then I am obsessed.  Cuyana offers great leather clutches, wallets, passport cases, totes, and other leather goods in a sophisticated palette.  

4. Dannie Pant in Black by JCrew I am a huge fan of Zara's leggings but I recently discovered the Dannie Pant.  A great basic skinny black pant with a bit of stretch and a flattering back zipper.  

5. Collection Italian Cashmere Wrap in Rusty Clay I purchased a light gray version of this wrap a few years ago and it was one of the best things I have ever added to my closet.  Use this as a scarf for a freezing cold day or take it on your upcoming vacation as a travel wrap.  

2015 image via Tumblr 

FALLING FOR: THE PERFECT BROWN TOTE

There's something about a great brown tote for Fall.  It goes with every outfit, looks better with age, and it's functional and chic at the same time....what more could you ask for?  I'm always on the hunt for the perfect brown tote.  Last year Madewell's Transport Tote topped my list. It was so popular that it's back for another season.  

I am someone who doesn't like to have the exact same things as everyone else. I thought I would share a few brown totes, from sources other than Madewell, in case you're hoping to avoid a twin day with your best friend.  

The Downing Tote, JCrew

www.jcrew.com 

Everyday Leather Tote, Mark & Graham  

www.markandgraham.com

Burnished Leather Tote, Anthropologie

www.anthropologie.com

First image via Pinterest, Second image via Jcrew, Third image via Mark & Graham, Fourth image via Anthropologie 

SPRING: GET PLEATED

Here are a few pleated skirts to add your spring wardrobe:

Zara Coated Pleated Skirt 
www.zara.com

Zara Knee-Length Fine Pleat Skirt
www.zara.com

JCrew Pleated Poplin Skirt 
www.jcrew.com

Club Monaco April Skirt 
www.clubmonaco.com

Club Monaco Naomi Faux Leather Skirt
www.clubmonaco.com

SPRING: PERFECT PLEATS

At end of February, I purchased a knee-length pleated skirt, and I am obsessed with it!  I wear it on a chilly spring day, with boots and a cashmere sweater.  On a warm spring day, with flats and a three-quarter length tee.  And at work, with heels and a classic white blouse.  The occasions are practically endless!  For this reason, the pleated skirt if my favorite new piece this spring, and something I highly recommend adding to your closet.  Here is some pleated skirt inspiration. 

 

Images via Pinterest and Tumblr 

THINK SPRING: COLOR

Over the next couple of weeks flowers will bloom, robins will serenade our mornings, and trees will grow chartreuse baby leaves.  The time to replace heavy cashmere wardrobes, with light and colorful springtime attire will arrive.   This season, designers are featuring an array of candy colored tones.  One of my go-to sources for colorful springtime attire is JCrew.  The collection ranges from pink silk shorts to lavender lightweight blazers, and is the perfect place to pick up some color this spring.  



JCrew Heidi Dress in Silk Chiffon www.jcrew.com

JCrew Collection Basketweave Dress www.jcrew.com

JCrew Floral Foulard Short www.jcrew.com

JCrew Seersucker Eyelet Shift Dress www.jcrew.com

JCrew Collection Eyelet Jumpsuit www.jcrew.com

JCrew Collection Women's Ludlow Blazer in Lightweight Italian Wool www.jcrew.com

JCrew Cotton Pique Lace Dress www.jcrew.com
First image via Pinterest 

THINK SPRING

Last week marked the first day of spring, unfortunately many (including myself) feel that the joys of spring are still very far away.  This week I went back and forth about what I wanted to share. Due to our extremely unpredictable weather, I am still stuck in the winter blues.  My mind is frozen on gray, navy, and black attire.  I still crave a large fireplace, cozy blanket, and a book to escape the bitter cold. So I figured a bit of positive reinforcement, might help with the incoming blizzard. As JCrew recently tweeted, "Spring is nature's way of reminding you to wear more color." I will share an inspiring interior, springtime fashion, and even a tasty treat to complete your week. Remember, the end is near...just think spring!  
Image via Tumblr