The Mode Lounge

Wardrobe Time Saver: The Classic White Shirt

When you're rushing to get out the door, wardrobe staples will be your hallelujah "wear this" saver! Classic, timeless, easy and it looks good on you, yep that's what great wardrobe staples provide. That's pretty much what I look for when it comes to creating a cohesive wardrobe. On days when I can't even think about upping the cuteness, classics like this white shirt, swoop in, saving my outfit and sanity. The tuxedo style of this shirt adds a polished look to a great basic. Time savers like this allows me to get dress fast and have a look that still makes me feel good. That's the whole point right, you gotta feel good in it. I finished the look with some distressed skinny jeans ( you can easily go with classic dark wash denim) and a few fun bracelets. I'm out the door and I hope you are as well ready to tackle your day like a boss.  Have a fabulous one my awesome peeps.

Shirt + pumps: JCrew   Denim: Frame  

Photography: Radion Photography  Location: The Mode Lounge 

The grown up take on sexy wear, rated PG13

I'm experiencing this voracious need to be immersed in above 70 degree temperature, donning bare legs and covered in sunshine. How are you guys holding up?? Are you ready for sweet warm sunshine??  Although Spring hasn't officially arrived,  I wanted to wear something light and simple and yes I have clothing underneath ;) I got the chance to do an amazing photo session with the fantastic Vlad Radion of Radion photography. My warmth provided courtesy of The Mode Lounge. This spot is cool, eclectic modern and get ready to be wowed by their cocktail selections. I call it grown up and classy. 

These pumps can make any day better! You can snag these here.

These pumps can make any day better! You can snag these here.

This outfit made me feel grown up and sexy ( insert hands in the air and me saying "girllllll" ;) Sexy to me is a combination of confidence and just a bit of skin. In my 5'10" frame, the skin being shown here y'all are legs. I'm wearing a lace tank underneath with highwaisted pinstripe shorts.  At times the descriptive of wanting to look sexy and be sexy can sometimes feel disempowering for women. I think that comes from our cultural hijack of the word sexy. I see it as a WELCOMED ownership of ones own body, mind and soul. In other words, I embrace all the good and the "ok" stuff about myself which allows me to"own" the styles that I wear and not the other way around. The best part of my job is seeing my clients feel confident in the styles I put them in. You can fake confidence but it's short lived. No fun there, right!  I prefer we operate on truly working on our "stuff" and gain that confidence. Real confidence....way more fun!

A few of my favorite pieces in the sexy arena is a silk blouse, like this and a tailored blazer, like this. There's just something about silk and the way it drapes ( not cling) that says "hello lover". Well at least that's what I hear ;) The blazer with it's tailored silhouette can hug all the right places whilst still having that cool menswear feel. Classy is sexy.

PEEPS, the feedback has been amazing and I'm feeling the love!! I hope you guys are feeling it too. INSERT BIG HUG HERE!! The fashion filled journey continues and so much goodness coming your way!!  Let's get our sexy on!!!

Hello curves, I love you!

One of my favorite pictures captured by Vlad of Radion Photography

One of my favorite pictures captured by Vlad of Radion Photography

My Mom was certainly a huge influence when it came to embracing oneself and being my own biggest cheerleader. This wasn't always an easy journey, in fact it was difficult most of the times. As I get older the idea of feeling comfortable in my own skin seems less and less foreign to me. I think it is a combination of life experiences,  hard knocks learning and well, growing up.  Style has allowed me to figure out what I love the most about myself, this positive mind frame then infiltrated other avenues of my life. This is a BIG part of why I love personal styling, I get the chance to show my clients what I love about them and the best way to show it off.

I don't wear fitted dresses. That was just something I had as part of my style repertoire. My peeps will tell you that I love drapey, boyfriendy...you know loose anything ;)  Times they are a changing and I no longer put "I won't" but more "how can I." In other words, "how can I wear a fitted dress that I like and still be me ?" I saw this fitted crew neck dress at H & M and loved the simplicity of it and the color. It really hugs the body but in a soft way. To make it "me" I layered this amazing lace jacket by For Love and Lemons from Piece Unique. This lace number was one of those "love at first sight" moment and oh the outfits!!! It's light and airy and the color reminds me of the golden tones in sunsets.

If you want to wear a fitted style focus on fabric, fit and function. The fabric should have some weight to it, which allows for a smoother fit along those curves. I prefer those with structure, stretch and a more streamlined style. The fit should hug your body not constrict. You should be able to move around and sit comfortably. I want you to be able to breath, okay :) If the fit is right, then the ability to function should fall into place. That means we can walk with ease the way our body was intended.

I use to feel it was necessary to constantly combat what I was naturally given, long limbs that I wasn't always certain what the hell to do with, curly wild hair that wasn't the norm around me and a boyish shape that made me feel less like a woman. I learned to appreciate my long limbs (can I grab that for you in the top cupboard? ;) I stopped straightening my curly mane and a few slight curves popped up ( not many) that made me appreciate the beauty of being a woman. The less you try to fit in, the better you fit with yourself. It's the coolest thing. I want you to do something for me. Everyday this week and the rest of next week...every morning that you wake up I want you to say something really nice about your body to yourself. I'm serious, this embracing your goodness thang starts with you and the mental conversation you have with yourself. Trust me it's going to blow your mind and the exhaustion of picking yourself a part will be gone. Hallelujah!

Share this with your best peeps and spread the love. The process is a journey and it's not as bad as you think.  I've got your back :)