“I’d love to work with you but I just don’t have the time!”

 I hear this A LOT. 

I know you’re busy – your calendar is a nightmare and it never feels like there’s time to get everything done. You have work, family, friends, workouts, errands, self-care and a f*ckload more. I GET IT!

BUT have you ever thought about how much time you’re spending trying to figure out your style every week? I’m guessing you haven’t. So let’s break it down.

Every day you are probably…

Staring at your closet, trying on multiple outfits to finally land on something you like: 30 minutes

Looking at emails from stores, hoping for inspiration to strike: 15 minutes

Clicking links you see on Instagram and debating if you want that thing: 15 minutes

Being distracted by the fact that you don’t like or are uncomfortable in what you’re wearing: 30 minutes

At least twice a week you find yourself…

Online shopping, adding things to cart and maybe or maybe not checking out: 1 hour

Tracking your online orders, dealing with returns: 45 minutes

Thinking about what you’re going to wear to upcoming events: 30 minutes

Putting away the pile of clothes you created while trying to pick an outfit: 15 minutes

Wading through the chaos in your closet trying to find a specific item: 10 minutes

That’s over 15 HOURS every week! Way more than you thought, huh?

Now think about how that will compound over time…

60+ hours a month

180+ hours a quarter

720+ hours a year! That’s 30 days!!!

And the worst part is, this time you’re spending isn’t solving the problem. So if you don’t take real action for your wardrobe, you’ll just be doing this over and over again, wasting your time and still not feeling great in your clothes…forever?! That f*cking sucks.

For some context, my largest package, takes about the time you spend on your style in one week now, but it’s spread out over 4-6 weeks. It’ll feel like even less because we do it one step at a time (so you don’t get overwhelmed!) and it’s actually FUN! Then, once we’re done, you’ll have a wardrobe that makes you feel like YOU every day, with EASE.

So the next question is, what are you going to do with those 15 hours once we’re done working together? Learn guitar? Become a master baker? SLEEP?!

If you're ready to get your time back, book a consult and we'll make it happen.

I was getting ready to take my first headshots for Wardrobe Editor and I was a wreck. I couldn’t figure out an outfit that represented my brand while making me feel hot and confident. (A lofty goal for one little outfit in retrospect!) 

I spent 2 hours trying on every outfit I could conjure. A lot were great in my head but didn’t fit my body as it was at that time. The more I failed, the worse I felt about my body. My bedroom was covered in the wreckage of failed outfits. In the end, I wore a simple outfit that I felt just ok in, and guess what? The pictures were just ok. Of about 120 that were taken, I only liked one.

It’s fine but it’s not great.

I know you’ve had moments like this too. 

Getting dressed when you don’t feel great about your body is not fun. Getting dressed when you don’t feel great about your body AND you don’t have clothes that fit SUCKS.

The problem is that you then go down this route of “logic”...

But I don’t want to invest in clothes if I’m just going to lose weight!

I can't encourage myself to stay at this size by buying new clothes!

I understand how you got there, but let me tell you why you’re wrong! 😈😇

It’s probably not as drastic as you think

Most people are not losing an amount of weight that's going to change their size. Most of the time I hear these objections, people want to lose 10-15 pounds. On most bodies, in most clothing items, that doesn’t change the size you’re wearing, it just changes how the garment fits. 

As an example: I’m 5’2” and I fluctuate between 140 - 155. (Look at me being brave and sharing my weight!) 90% of my clothes always fit, they just range from being a little tight to a little loose depending on where in that range I am. 

Treat yourself like you’d treat your bestie

If your best friend told you she was punishing herself for her size, what would you say to her? Hell no! Don’t you dare! You’re perfect as you are! Right?

Well, denying your body beautiful, well-fitting clothes until you lose weight is exactly that. Society punishes us enough for our size, why should we do it to ourselves? Easier said than done, I GET IT. The thoughts are not easy to turn off, but can we at least agree to give ourselves well-fitting clothes at every size?

Which would you rather? 

Feeling great in your clothes every day and maybe spending a little on tailoring later 

OR 

waiting until an unknown future date to feel great in your clothes and feeling shitty until you get there?

Pretty easy choice huh? 

One last thing to think about.

Typically, you start a weight loss journey because you don't feel great in your body. Shoving your body into clothes that don't work, makes you feel worse about your body. They keep you in a space where you feel bad, emotionally and physically. Wearing too tight jeans and being reminded by your physical discomfort all day that you’re “not the right size” is really shitty. I have done this more times than I care to admit, a few times even resulting in bruises! 🤦🏻‍♀️

And for what? To save money you were planning on spending later anyway?

Treat yourself like you’d treat your bestie. If you aren’t ready to accept yourself at this size, at least get great clothes now. You will not regret it.

If you want help, I'm here for you! Let's do this!

If not, please do it anyway!

One of the most important skills for a stylist to have is the ability to precisely curate. Being able to find that one perfect thing in a sea of hundreds (thousands?) (millions?) of options. 

I do this for my clients every day, but I also apply this discipline to most areas of my own life. And then I evangelize the things I love to anyone who will listen. All of my friends know that when we hang out I will send at least one link of a thing I know they MUST have. I made a TV recommendations list during the pandemic out of this same urge to get the right things in front of the right people, you’re welcome. 

So here is a little peek behind the curtain at some of my personal favorites in a variety of categories. Besides, personal styling is a deeply personal process and I want my content to help you to get to know me. How I think, what I like, how I make decisions. Because if it jives with you, you’re going to love working with me. And if it doesn’t, it’s better to know now.

ALSO –

As I’ve been sharing on Instagram lately, I’m a high / low bitch. Always have been, always will be. Not just in style, but in every area of my life – interiors, food, travel, etc. Through a lot of trial and error, I've figured out when to save and when to splurge. It’s important to figure this out for yourself, as spend vs splurge calculations are different for everybody based on your lifestyle, preferences and budget.

BEAUTY // SKINCARE

I have combination-oily, sensitive skin and fine, oily hair, so keep that in mind with these recommendations. 

HIGH

7. MERIT Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm, $32

I have used highlighter in the past but not regularly until I found this product and now I cannot live without it. I apply it in a C shape from the tip of my eyebrow to my cheekbone and blend with my fingers. I then apply blush on top. It gives the perfect glow that makes me look like I’m an expert makeup artist, when I very much am not.

8. Rodan + Fields Lash Boost, $170

This is far and away the most expensive thing in my bathroom and it’s 100% worth it. While it took about 4 months to start working, seemingly overnight, BAM! My lashes got 50% longer and have stayed that way. I’ve been using this for 7ish years now. Sadly if you stop using it, the length will go away. I have tried other similar products and they’re just not as good. Plus, each tube lasts about a year so the price isn’t as crazy as it seems.

9. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $52

This is the best smelling product I’ve ever used and to be very honest, that’s a big part of the appeal for me. After styling, I spray a little of this at the roots to add volume. It’s also works as a preemptive dry shampoo. On days I don’t use it, my hair gets oily faster. I don’t use much, 3-4 quick sprays will do it.

10. NARS The Multiple in Orgasm, $39

For me, this is the perfect blush. It’s an orangey pink with gold glow. NARS is known for this color because it works so well on so many skin tones. I’ve tried the powder (not pigmented enough, doesn’t last) and I’ve tried the liquid (way too pigmented, I don’t have the skill to properly apply it). This is the perfect in between, it’s easy to apply and holds pigment all day.

LOW

1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 30ml, $8.90

Feels like water, has no scent and soaks in immediately. This is the first step of my nighttime skincare routine and since I started using it, I no longer get random dry patches. I go through a bottle of this every 2-3 months, so I love this price point.

2. Maelove Sun Protector SPF 30, $24.95

I’ve turned so many friends onto this product. As a pale person with a family history of melanoma, SPF is non-negotiable and this is the best one I’ve ever tried. It doesn’t have that sunscreen-y smell and even though it is creamy and white, it doesn’t leave a white cast if you blend it in well. It’s also a makeup primer so it leaves your skin smooth and very matte.

3. Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm, $17.99

I’ve spent a lot of money on a lot of eye creams to great disappointment. This product was a really pleasant surprise. It’s a balm, which was weird at first but I got used to it pretty quickly. Within a few months of using it, I noticed my crows feet start to soften. I’ve been using it for about a year and now my crows feet are almost gone. I’m about to finish the first container, so while the price is great, the price per use is insane at about 5¢ / day.

4. Trader Joe’s Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer, $8.99

I’ve talked about this on Instagram before and I will again. This is THE BEST MOISTURIZER THAT EXISTS. (For my skin at least.) It’s a gel formula that is somehow very thick. It's rich but not gloopy. Absorbs almost instantly. Not to greasy when it’s hot and humid. PLUS, the size is perfect. It feels like a lot but it’s TSA friendly. When I travel, I use it on my body too. 

5. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $18.99

I’ve used this product for over a decade. I discovered it when my brother lived in France and I would make him bring it to me whenever he came to the states. Fortunately, they figured out their US distribution right when he moved back so I got lucky. 

This is known as a makeup remover and I use it for that daily. I also use it in the morning to take off my skincare from the night before and give my face a fresh start, similar to toner. Some nights if I'm too lazy to wash my face, after taking off my makeup, I’ll do another round with a fresh cotton pad to take off sunscreen and anything else that may have seeped into my pores from the New York City streets. It’s not as good as actually washing my face but it's pretty close.

6. Covergirl Lashblast Mascara Blackest Black, $11.59

I’ve tried every expensive mascara that exists and I always come back to this. The silicone applicator (vs a more standard brush-like applicator) doesn’t get clumpy, the formula is the perfect balance of volumizing and separating. I will say that it’s not a lengthening mascara but I don’t need that because I use a lengthening product.

RELAX

HIGH

1. MALIN+GOETZ Dark Rum Candle, $64

I absolutely love this scent. It’s warm, cozy, sexy and just really is a VIBE. When I started buying this candle, it was $48 but now I'm addicted to it and I'm not going to stop. They do randomly go on sale so I always keep an eye out.

5. Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Throw, $158

If ASMR were a fabric, it would be Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic. It’s SO f*cking soft and there’s nothing else like it. There are plenty of dupes but they just aren’t IT. I’ll warn you that these do get less soft over time, especially when you wash them, so eat on/near them with caution.

8. OFFHOURS Homecoat, $295

This is the most ridiculous thing I own and I absolutely love it. It was a gift and probably not something I would buy for myself but it is really special. It’s heavy, warm and soft. Very soothing. Not recommended for wear while you’re trying to do anything productive. I once wore it while working and fell asleep at my desk.

LOW

2. Threshold designed with Studio McGee Santal & Ginger Candle, $15

Candles are typically an area where I splurge but this was recommended to me so I gave it a shot. WOW is this scent incredible, it smells like a fancy hotel lobby. The three wicks feel luxurious and it lasts forever. I bought my second one before I’d even finished my first one. The label is a little cheap looking, I'm going to try to take it off with some Goo Gone next time.

3. PARLOVABLE Women's Cross Band Slippers Fuzzy Soft House Slippers, $17.59

I get hot easily so open toed slippers are my jam. I can always throw on socks if I’m cold. These are really soft and the padding is thick enough to feel like you’re not walking barefoot. If I am at home, I am wearing them. I’m wearing them as I type this. 

4. Slip Silk Contour Sleep Mask, $55

While this isn’t a cheap item to purchase, the cost per wear nets out to be very low because you’ll wear it every night. Sleep masks that squish my eyes make me claustrophobic, not to mention they’re bad for your gentle eye skin.This one has a pillow around your eyes but not on them. The silk is very soft. Comes in a lot of fun colors.

6. Justay 5 Pairs Womens Wool Socks, $14.99

Good, cheap, cozy socks in nice colors.

7. Quince Organic Turkish Waffle Robe, $49.90

I like to air dry a bit after I shower and this is the robe I do that in. It’s not the best quality but at this price point I still think it’s a great buy. Other similar robes are twice the price. It’s very very soft. Runs HUGE - I’m 5’2”, typically a medium in Quince but mine is an XS.

ORGANIZE // CARE

HIGH

1. LG Styler Steam Closet, $899

This is the only thing on here that I don’t actually own but DAMN am I dying for it. If I had the space, I would buy this immediately. If you have a big suburban laundry room, please buy it and let me live vicariously through you. 

I would use it similarly to how I use Febreze as described above but it works way better and it only uses water so you don’t need chemicals. Can replace dry cleaning on certain items as well.

LOW

2. Stackers Classic Size Jewelry Box Collection, Price Varies

The best way to store jewelry. I recommend these to all of my clients and have a set myself. They feel lux with the velvet lining but are also extremely utilitarian. You can mix and match different types of storage to build a set that works for your collection.

My only complaint with these is that while they stack nicely, they don’t stick so if you knock it over, they all fall.  I’ve thought about adding magnetic strips…if I do, I’ll report back.

3. Amazon Basics Slim, Velvet, Non-Slip Hangers - Pack of 50, $26.51

Replace all your hangers with these. PERIOD. They’re non-slip, they’re thin, they’re uniform. They aren’t super strong so they’ll break from time to time but they’re so cheap it’s still worth it. For heavier coats, I use 2 hangers together. There are more expensive versions of these but the quality is roughly the same, so stick with the Amazon Basics version. 

4. Like-it Boot Clip, $6.99

This dumb little piece of plastic is a boot saver. You put it in your boots so they stand up instead of flopping over. Years of flopping will weaken the leather at the ankle and cause it to deteriorate both functionally and aesthetically.

5. Febreze Fabric Extra Strength Fabric Refresher, $6.79

I use Febreze almost every day. I am very sensitive to smells and I don't like to put things in my closet that have any sort of smell, including but not limited to coffee shop, outside, other people, fire pit, etc. If they’re not actually dirty but just smell a little, I Febreze, leave it out overnight and by the next morning it’s ready for the closet. If it still smells, that means it actually is dirty and goes in the laundry. 

BTW – for those of you who have “the chair” for clothes that aren’t quite dirty and aren’t quite clean, you can eliminate it with my Febreze process.

6. Downy Wrinkle Releaser, $12.59

This is a fine product to have at home but it’s a GREAT product to have when you travel. While it’s not as good as ironing or a steamer, it makes a big difference when things are super wrinkled and you just need them to not be. All you do is smooth out the item and spray it on. Has a subtle fresh smell as well. A nice refresh for clothes that were smashed in a suitcase.

7. Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Eco-Sheets, $12

These are better for the environment for reasons I forget but why I REALLY like these is because they take up so little space. An envelope of these does the same amount of laundry as a milk jug of regular detergent pods. They also do auto-replenish and donate a few bucks to charity with every purchase. 

8. HOMEASY Fabric Shaver Fuzz Remover, $32.99

If you own any garments that are pilling or otherwise have fuzz on them (likely you do), buy this immediately. It’s so easy to use, it almost feels like magic. The battery lasts a LONG time and it comes with replacement blades. It’s pretty easy to clean and even comes with a little brush and lint roller hidden in the handle. Delightful product all around.

GAME CHANGERS

A few extras that didn’t fit into any category but changed my life and must be shared.

Aluan Handheld Mini Fan, $9.48

I’m a sweaty girl. When it’s hot out, this fan lives in my bag and saves my life. At first I was nervous about looking stupid but honestly, most of the attention I get is people saying “you’re a genius,” giving me a thumbs up or asking for the link. It is a little flimsy so I keep it in a jewelry pouch to protect it.

TeuxDeux, $36 / year

I’ve been running my business and my life using TeuxDeux since 2013. If this app disappeared, I would not be able to get anything done. It’s a simple, calendar-based to-do list. It has recurring events and when you cross something off, a flying dog or cat comes across your screen as a treat. I know I have single-handedly referred at least a dozen people to this product this year alone and sadly they don’t pay me to do that. I just love the product SO MUCH.

James Clear Atomic Habits, $13.79

I LOVE this book because it has both inspirational themes/stories AND practical, tactical advice you can implement right away. He’s a great combination of insightful, motivational and PRACTICAL AF. If James Clear started a cult, I would 100% join it.

I also get his weekly newsletter which somehow magically shows me quotes and ideas exactly when I need to hear them. 

Flodesk, prices vary

Easiest and prettiest email & audience product out there. It’s SO easy to build beautiful emails (suck it, Mailchimp). BUT ALSO it makes it easy to collect emails with various banners you can use on your website or anywhere else. I was legit flabbergasted when I realized how easy this was. I thought I’d have to pay someone to do that for me and I figured it out in about 20 minutes.

Bonus: Get 50% off your first year with my link.

Where are all the clothes and accessories, you ask??

I left them off of this post for a few reasons: 

1. Most of my personal favorite items are from seasons past and not currently on sale.

2. I don’t believe that there are staples or must-haves that apply to everyone. Each person’s basics are totally different based on their taste and lifestyle. I know that even if I say these are just my personal staples, some folks out there will think they need them too. (And they probably don’t!)

3. Can’t a girl have some mystery?

If you have questions about anything on this list, DM me, I would happily wax poetic about any of these items.

You know that thing in your closet that you like but then every time you reach for it you remember it’s too long/too big/doesn’t fit right? Then you frown and decide either not to wear it, or you wear it and it annoys you all day.

I know you have at least one of these. I also know that you know the solution.

Say it with me, “Take it to the tailor.”

This is one errand that most people really dread and I get why. You already spent time picking the thing out and money buying it. Spending more time and money to make it work is annoying. 

Trust me, I get it.

But here’s the truth. There are only two ways to get out of this vicious cycle.

Only buy things that require no tailoring. This isn’t impossible but it will make shopping REALLY time consuming and very frustrating, no matter your body type. This will end up being way more work than tailoring.

OR

Accept that tailoring is part of buying clothes and just do it. Think of it as the exercise of fashion.

Here are three ways to make that second option infinitely easier:

1. Find a great tailor that’s near your house or somewhere else you go regularly and only go to them. Sticking to one tailor makes the process less daunting by adding predictability and comfort to each interaction. Ask around, someone you know will have a recommendation. 

2. NEVER put an item that needs tailoring in your closet. That’s a guarantee that it won’t get done. Instead, put it in your home’s designated errands area – where you put dry cleaning, returns, outgoing mail, etc. (If you don’t have this, get on it ASAP. Your errands will get done faster, I promise.)

3. Mentally add $20 to the cost of anything you buy that you’ve tailored before (such as pants if you’re a shorty) and just assume you’re going to do it. If you don’t, that’s a bonus.

Now that you’ve accepted tailoring as part of your life, here are some guidelines on the most common alteration types.

Length

The ease or difficulty of shortening pant hems, skirts, sleeves all depends on what’s on the end of them.

A simple seam, like the one below, will be an easy and quick job. 

A more complex or decorative seam can usually still be done but will be more expensive.

Seams with complex patterns and fabrics, especially lace, can require significant reconstruction of the garment such as removing the whole lace panel and reattaching it or removing excess fabric from the opposite end to shorten (can involve a new zipper/elastic/buttons, etc). These alterations aren’t usually worth doing. 

Lengthening a garment is sometimes possible, but generally it will be less than an inch and is not usually worth the cost unless it’s a very special piece – family heirloom, vintage, collectible, etc.

If you’re buying something you know you will need to alter, buy it to fit the largest part of your body and alter everything else down. 

Gapping

Clothes that are too long in a specific area create a gap between your skin and the garment due to the excess fabric.

I have a short torso, so tank tops often gap at the armpits. Luckily for me, this is usually easy to fix. A tailor can open the shoulder seam, remove a little bit of the fabric and resew it. 

This can happen on many other parts of the body. As with shortening, the ease or difficulty depends on the seam type.

Replacements

Button replacements are the most overlooked alteration and something I wish everyone would do more. You can buy buttons online or at any craft store and they’re usually inexpensive. Buttons, especially on a top or jacket, are a focal point and changing them will completely change the garment. Most buttons are sewn on simply and can be replaced easily and cheaply.

Zippers on the other hand, are usually not worth replacing. Color matching the fabric on the side of the zipper to the original one can be really difficult as they’re often dyed with the garments. Depending on where you live, this can cost $70-$100. 

The only time I’d really recommend replacing a zipper is for very expensive items. I recently replaced a zipper for the first time in my life because it was on my most expensive handbag. The replacement was $150 but buying a new one would have been 20x more.

Aesthetic Alterations

This is a category most people don’t even think about and I LOVE introducing it to my clients, and now you.

Custom clothes are out of reach for most people but it’s easy to make a ton of customizations to off the rack clothes.

An example:

My client had a silk abstract firework printed top that she wore every year on July 4th. She bought it in the early 2010s and it had a handkerchief hem, like this:

While she loved the fit and pattern of the shirt, the hem made it feel dated. So we chopped it off and gave the top a new life. She continues wearing that shirt on July 4th and likely will for a long time…4ever if you will.

Some other ideas to transform garments with tailoring

• Shorten long skirts and dresses from maxi to midi, midi to mini, etc

• Shorten pants from long to mid calf, especially wide leg pants

• Remove or shorten sleeves 

• Turn a dress from maxi to high low by shortening the front

• Remove embellishments you don’t like

Aesthetic alterations are one of my favorite things to help clients with as they continue to refine their style. Bonus –refreshing existing garments is cheaper and more sustainable than buying new ones.

I hope this rant has helped you accept and understand how and when to tailor. There are truly infinite possibilities but this is a good start if you’re a newbie. 

If you take one thing away from this, my BIGGEST piece of advice with alterations is this –

Find a tailor, make them your bestie and consult them before you buy something that doesn’t fit to make sure it’s worth it. Tailors are miracle workers but it just may not be worth $300 to fix a $75 skirt.

(If you’re not in the market for a new bestie, you could go to fashion school to learn all of this yourself. Or ask me since I did.)

The holidays are supposed to be a joyous, festive, fun time spent with the people you love. 

And yet, every holiday season, I find myself having at least 10 conversations with someone who tells me how expensive the holidays are and how they have to cut back on things they love/want/need to get through it.

That fucking sucks.

There are definitely things that are expensive and unavoidable – most commonly, travel and hosting costs. I have no advice to help you with those.

BUT! I do have a lot of ideas about costs associated with dressing and gifting.

Before you freak out – I’m not going to tell you not to buy anything. That’s not fun and for most people, it’s not a reasonable solution. 

What I will do is give you some things to think about before you buy anything. (Hence why you’re seeing this in October!) There are a lot of things we feel like we have to buy over the holidays that we don’t actually need.

Work Holiday Party

Every year I hear from clients and friends about their quest for a dress that’s hot but not sexy, just the right amount of sparkly, feels fun but is still appropriate to wear in front of the Head of HR.

Let me burst this bubble for you right now. While this dress definitely does exist, it is not worth your time or money. You’re not going to get a promotion for being best dressed at the holiday party. 

Wear something you already have. I promise you, you have something that works. You can’t go wrong with all black and some sparkly jewelry. You can throw a fun party dress over a ribbed turtleneck and tights. I know you have a couple fun pieces that you can make work.

If you really feel the need to buy something new, here are a few accessory ideas that are versatile enough to be worn again.

Click the image and scroll down to shop!

Another thing to consider –

Have you ever heard of a man buying something new for a work holiday party? Just sayin.

Thanksgiving Meal

This holiday means many things to many people, but the thing we can all agree on, is that Thanksgiving is about food.

My philosophy with Thanksgiving outfits is the same as my philosophy with concert outfits – optimize for comfort but still look nice. 

It’s going to be a long day. You’ll have fun catch ups and awkward conversations with people you haven’t seen since last Thanksgiving. At some point you’ll probably be on the floor with a pet or a child. You’ll be eating and drinking all day. Photos will be taken!

So what does that mean for your style? 

It really depends on what you find to be comfortable. For me, it means a tent dress or leggings and a long flowy top. No hard pants. I wore high waisted jeans Thanksgiving 2011 and it’s one of my biggest regrets to this day.

Most of us have at least a few outfits in the “comfortable yet cute” category. If you don’t have this category in your wardrobe, I highly encourage you to figure it out for this Thanksgiving. Once you have it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

Night Out at Your Hometown Bar Where You See People You Haven’t Seen in A While

You decide to go to this after all and now you’re FREAKING OUT about what to wear. Sound familiar?

This is a situation where I encourage you to plan in advance. If buying something will new make you feel confident and secure, DO IT. When picking out an outfit for this event, don’t channel your nervous high school self or think about what the cool girls are going to wear. Wear something that makes you feel like the best version of the you that you are today. And hey, that’s an outfit you’ll wear again and again.

And last but certainly not least…

Gifting

I will start by saying that there’s a lot of nuance that goes into gifting. Unfortunately, I cannot solve each of your personal gifting dilemmas here but I’d like to share some general gift categories you may not have thought of. These may not necessarily save money but they will highly increase the chances that the money you spend makes a big impact.

For Your Inner Circle: Everyday Upgrades

Does your mom drink her daily coffee out of a “World’s Best Mom” mug that the dishwasher has melted the ink off of? Buy her a chic new mug that still shows you love her, like this one.

We all have things we use regularly that erode over time. Noticing that someone in your life is using a shitty thing daily shows how much you consider them. Being thoughtful enough to upgrade that item is the gift that keeps on giving. 

For People You Like: Sensory Luxuries 

Items whose sole purpose is to feel, smell or taste good are the perfect gift. For people you know well enough to have a general sense of their tastes, these types of gifts are where it’s at. And if you’re not totally sure, include a gift receipt. No one is ever mad at a gift receipt. 

Here are a few things I’d gift people in this category:

Click the image and scroll down to shop!

For Anyone You Don’t Know Well: The Easy Answer

If you don’t know someone very well, don’t try to guess their taste or, God forbid, their size. Just buy them a Barefoot Dreams blanket, or for a lower price point, Barefoot Dreams socks. They’re neutral and super luxurious. Everyone will love this.

Happy (and thoughtful!) holiday shopping!

If you want more personalized help, let’s connect ASAP before holiday slots are filled 🤗

Capsule wardrobes have long been touted as the cure to all wardrobe ills. The minimalist fashion savior for the complex puzzle that is getting dressed.

Simplify your life with a capsule wardrobe! 

Buy a capsule wardrobe once and you never need to buy clothes again! 

But what is a capsule wardrobe really? 

First, a little history lesson 

In 1985, Donna Karan launched a collection called “Seven Easy Pieces.” This collection consisted of a bodysuit, skirt, tailored jacket, dress, something leather, a white shirt, and a cashmere sweater. The idea was that these pieces gave you endless outfit options for work and for going out after work. The original “desk to drinks” concept. 

Donna Karan’s Seven Easy Pieces

Ok, so what is a capsule wardrobe?

Whether it’s 7 pieces from Donna Karan or 40 pieces dictated by a PDF you bought from Etsy, the definition is the same.

Put simply, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that allows you to create a variety of different outfits. Oftentimes there is an emphasis on a smaller amount of items but there’s no set number.

So, let’s think about this. 

Individual pieces that you combine to make different outfits.

Reusing the same pieces in different ways to make even more outfits.

Each piece you add fits in with the rest and helps you make even more outfits.

Isn’t that…just…a wardrobe?

Whether it’s 25 pieces or 500 pieces, when used correctly, every wardrobe is a capsule wardrobe. 

Unless you’re Barbie, living in Barbie’s Dream House with Barbie’s Dream Closet where each outfit is fixed (usually made by Chanel) and they don’t mix together. And if you are, Hi Barbie! Have a perfect day!

Barbie’s Non-Capsule Closet

So what does this mean? 

Sadly, there is no easy fix for getting dressed like all of that capsule wardrobe propaganda has told you.

Also, have you ever really looked at these specifically defined capsule wardrobe formulas?

Work Capsule, featuring only 3 colors

They don’t work for everything and they definitely don’t work for everyone.

The standard capsule wardrobe formulas don’t take into account formal occasions, swimwear, loungewear, undergarments, body types, color palettes, etc. 

Also, they’re B-O-R-I-N-G!

The capsule wardrobe evangelists know this too. They’ve started making more specific ones, which in my opinion, prove how unhelpful they are! At that point, it’s just one section of a wardrobe or a seasonal shopping list. Or maybe even a packing list for some sort of weird themed vacation?

If you need multiple small capsule wardrobes…isn’t that just one functional wardrobe?

Dark Academia Winter Capsule….how many people even want this?

But here’s the good news. 

You don’t need to limit the number of items you have to have a functional wardrobe that’s easy to use. If you are thoughtful about what you put in your wardrobe (or hire me to do it), it will be easy to get dressed no matter how many pieces you own.

Stick with me here and on Instagram for more ways to do this right.

Cleaning out closets is one of my favorite things to do. Not within the confines of my work, but in life. Yes, I realize this is not normal. Most people, including many stylists, dread this process. The mess, the dust, the decisions, the feelings. It can be a lot. 

Sorry to be the one to have to tell you this but no matter how you feel about the process, a closet clean out is the foundation of every successful wardrobe transformation. In order to make meaningful change, you have to start with your existing wardrobe. 

But I don’t wannnnna, why is it important?

As any management consultant or corporate strategist will tell you – in order to solve a problem, you have to have all the facts. What is the current state of the situation? How did we get here? What are the barriers to success? What has been tried before? What would an effective solution look like? A closet clean out answers all of these questions and many more. 

Ok, but how will it make me happier?

The higher percentage of items in your closet that you love – the better you feel about your wardrobe as a whole, the easier it will be to get dressed and the better you will feel in your clothes.

Think about it. 

Let's say you have 100 items in your wardrobe. You love 30 of them but your feelings on the other 70 range meh to eww. When you open those closet doors, you won’t like most of what you see. You’ll feel like you have nothing to wear. You’ll be annoyed every time you get dressed. Getting dressed will be another seemingly impossible task on your to do list. You won’t feel good when you wear the majority of your clothes. That means you won’t feel good the majority of the time.

Now imagine a closet with 50 things that you love. Every time you open those closet doors, you are excited about all the options you have. Getting dressed is easy and fun! Every outfit you wear makes you feel good and every item fits.

An edited, thoughtful wardrobe removes the stressor of “What am I going to wear?” and adds the beauty and ease of feeling amazing in the body you have, every day.

Now that we get why, let’s talk about how.

3 Concepts

Fit is (Somewhat) Subjective.

Our bodies, and our feelings about them, are all unique, therefore fit is a complex issue. Determining what fits depends on so many factors – weight fluctuation, body image, lifestyle changes (ex: having a baby, running a marathon, etc). I tailor my approach very specifically to each client based on all of this and more.

That said, a good rule of thumb that will work for many people is to only keep things that are likely to fit you in the next year. This rule only works if you’re completely honest and realistic with yourself about what that means.

Feelings Matter.

A thorough closet clean out will open up conversations not just about the clothes themselves but how they make you feel. That is where the real work happens. Clothes are a vehicle for accessing how we feel about ourselves. Clothes that make you feel like the person you are (or are aspiring to be) make you feel powerful, confident and strong. Clothes that remind you of an old you (whether you miss her or are glad she’s gone) make you feel icky, confused and weird. Through the process of a closet clean out, you’ll figure out what clothes make you feel what feelings, and therefore whether they need to stay or go.

The Easy Part.

Not all of it is that deep, I promise. In every single closet clean out I’ve done, there’s a moment, usually about 2 hours in, where the client picks something up, makes a disgusted face and says something like “I hate this, why is it still here?” Some of the work is just deciding if you like things or not. That part is easy. You know what you like. Go with your gut.

3 Tactics 

Enlist help. Whether you enlist a professional (like me) or a friend, you need someone else to keep you honest – no one can do a closet clean out alone. Your feelings and excuses are what lead to needing a clean out in the first place. Someone who doesn’t remember the fun day they had in that dress or how much that top originally cost will keep you clear-headed and accountable. Even professionals need help – I can only get truly ruthless on my own closet when I have help.

Set a goal. It doesn’t have to be complex or deep. Every item should be kept or discarded as it relates to the goal. It can be as simple as: 

• Everything in my closet comfortably fits my body.

• Nothing I own makes me say “meh.”

• Eliminate all fabrics that don’t physically feel good on my body.

Remove sentimental items. The dress you wore on your first date with your partner, that tube top you wore every weekend in your 20s, your high school club tee shirts – these are important memories. It’s understandable that you want to keep them and you should! (People are always surprised I let them keep this category.) BUT! They shouldn’t be in your closet if you’re not wearing them. Find a new home for them. They should live with your old photos, cards, childhood toys, etc. because they are not clothes anymore, they are sentimental items now.

I hope this wisdom and guidance makes the process of a closet clean out feel less scary. Now grab a pal and some trash bags and make it happen!

Want a little more? DM me to be added to my email list and I’ll send you my Closet Clean Out Guide as a freebie.

Need serious help? Book me!

People who create content about fashion (myself included) use the term “Effortless” as if it is a thing to aspire to. 

9 Effortless Ways to Style Your Blazers This Spring - Vogue

16 Best Button-Down Shirts for Women to Master Effortless Dressing - Glamour

The 26 Best Crossbody Bags for Effortless Accessorizing - Harper’s Bazaar

Search Instagram or YouTube and you will find seemingly endless results for outfit ideas and how to’s.

But what’s all the fuss about looking Effortless really about? Is it something we should be aspiring to? And what does it even mean to look Effortless?

Ok, let’s take these one at a time.

What’s all the fuss about looking Effortless really about?

There are many ways to answer this question, but here’s my hot take.

Women live in a world of impossible dualities. (Bet you didn’t see that coming, huh?)

• Have a body that meets the current beauty standards but don’t admit how much time you spend on your diet, exercise or skincare because it’s vain and embarrassing.

• Work hard and climb the corporate ladder but don’t be too assertive or confident because everyone will call you a bitch.

• Don’t age but don’t talk about your plastic surgery or get too much because it’s vain and embarrassing.

• Project manage everything around you or it will all fall apart but don’t be too controlling.

The concept of Effortless dressing is just another one of these. You should look beautiful and put together at all times but it can’t seem like you tried hard because that’s vain and embarrassing. 

Is it something we should be aspiring to?

I say hell no!

The dirty secret is that a lot of people who look Effortless, actually put a lot of effort into achieving that look. Especially if they’re doing it for social media or any kind of publicity.

My question is – what’s wrong with putting effort into how you look? 

I spend a lot of time thinking about what to wear, how to put things together, what to buy, etc. Ok, yes, it’s my job, but I’ve always been like this. 

I think it’s cool to work hard on something and be proud of it. 

Do you need to tell every person you meet about how many pages of Google Shopping you scrolled to find the exact right black tank with the perfect square, but still a little round, neckline? Probably not.

But when someone compliments you on how perfectly that tank goes with your necklace, instead of saying “Oh yeah, I just threw it on” what if you said something like “It took some digging to find the perfect one but I think it was worth it!” Or, just spitballing here, what about a good, old-fashioned “Thank you!” instead of diminishing yourself and your hard work.

Discounting the work that goes into looking great is just another way to minimize ourselves. Let’s not do that. 

What does it even mean to look Effortless?

I recently spent an afternoon having a leisurely lunch and people watching with Mr. Wardrobe Editor and this topic came up. He asked me to explain how the fashion world uses the word Effortless. While I could not define it, I could very easily point out which passersby were, and were not, exuding Effortless style. After about an hour of this, I still couldn’t land on a definition but I was able to make a (non-exhaustive) list of things that constitute Effortless and those that, in my opinion, do not.

Effortless

• Head to toe neutrals of varying shades

• One piece in your outfit that doesn’t go with anything else

• Baggy and/or distressed denim

• Slightly worn in shoes and bags

• Anything slightly oversized, untied, unbuckled or hanging off

• No visible logos

• A loose ponytail or low bun with uneven wisps framing the face

• Baseball hats and beanies

Not Effortless 

• Outfits comprised of only two or three colors, including the accessories

• Clothes and accessories that all look brand new

• Perfect bows – in hair, on clothes, in shoelaces, etc

• More than one brand logo, bonus points for multiple logos of the same brand

• Slicked back hair, perfect ponytail or top knot

• Fedoras, cowboy hats, large brimmed sun hats, berets

Do you see what I’m getting at?

Effortless is a little messy, not perfectly coordinated, worn in but still looking great. It’s “I woke up like this” and “Oh, this ole thing?” energy.

Not Effortless is matching, polished clothing choices that feel intentional. It ranges from “I put some thought into my outfit” to “I meticulously thought about every detail of every item I’m wearing.” The latter usually applies to special event looks and celebrities, though I did once see a woman at a Thierry Mugler exhibit at Brooklyn Museum whose outfit was the epitome of this and she looked AMAZING. I’ll never forget her.

Some visual examples:

Effortless

Strap just slightly hanging off, yellow shoes that seem random but somehow also work.

Jacket half off, bra showing, necklaces akimbo, sleeves too long, random yellow socks…and yet, it works.

Athletic shoes paired with a fancy outfit shouldn’t work, but it does.

Not Effortless

Khaki, black and gold – everywhere you look.

Pink, black and gold from head to toe.

Black and white, perfect ponytail, flawlessly applied makeup.

So how should we think about Effortless dressing?

While it would be nice to be able to roll out of bed, throw on whatever you see and look great – that’s not realistic. Not everything you own goes together, nor should it. A wardrobe should represent the different versions that exist within each of us. 

Some days you may want to be a glamazon, rock a power suit or feel super polished when you’re trying to impress someone you’re intimidated by. Other days, a more thrown-together look with one or two fun details could make you the person other people are intimidated by. (Even though I’m sure you’re perfectly lovely.)

Each of the examples above and all of the fabulous women I see in NYC look great. 

The issue for me is really about the term and not the style itself. As I ranted above, the term Effortless implies that it’s important to look good without trying and that’s something no one can achieve on a regular basis. 

But the styles that encompass what this term has come to represent? 

A loose bun, low slung jeans and a perfectly rumpled yet chic button down? *Chef’s Kiss*

An outfit consisting of khaki, denim and olive green with a lightly worn handbag and unbuckled boots? Yes, please.

The style itself can be a part of anyone’s fashion arsenal.

It’s time to coin a new term for Effortless. Worn In Chic? Messy Modern? Intentional Sloppy?

I’ll keep noodling on this.

While I do that, next time you see someone who embodies Effortless style – ask yourself, is her button down unevenly front tucked just so by accident or did she watch 3 tutorials before she left the house? 

And regardless of which is true, should we care? (I say, no!)