Introducing: damn good shorts

It's Summer and we know that once that H E A T hits all we want is the ease of staying cool whilst looking fabulous of course :) You all know that Mama likes to keep it simple so I've gathered a few of my favorite styles to help you stay breezy this summer. 

When it comes to our bodies we all have some sort of negative self-talk that wants to chime in and make us feel that we don't deserve to wear certain things. For me, I went through a phase in my early tweens where I didn’t wear shorts. Growing up in Jamaica I went everywhere with the boys I hung out with. Climbed, slid under, jumped off shit. You know, play. So I have plenty of scars to prove it. I got over that phase because it was hotter than a mofo and I realized that I had to love on me more than anyone else.  We take on that negative story and hold it as TRUTH. The real truth is that when you learn what looks great on you all of that bullshit talk will start unravel. At your own pace, step by step, slowly removing the blinders of the "bad" that you see and revealing the PLENTY of good that exists.

I'm loving on these 3 styles:  These Zara high waisted pink ones are perfect for dressing up or down. They are not too fitted and offer a good drape especially if you have lovely curves. Oh and the price!! STEAL!  Denim shorts tend to all look the same ( insert yawn ;) so it's fun to mix it up a bit and that's exactly what these Madewell styles bring to your style game. They're high-waisted, not too short and comes in a great wash. These lovelies from Vince are a splurge but so worth it. I ordered for a client and she's worn them everywhere!  There are great options out there and you don't have to settle. Let me know if you snag any of these styles and happy Summer!!

Blazer: Rag and Bone   Shorts: Zara    ALL PHOTOS: Fiona Montagne Photography 

Currently Dating: Embroidery

Film captured by the talented Jessica of J.Lee Photos at Griffith Observatory in LA

Embroidered pieces have a way of either slaying me with happy twirling thoughts or making me want to sit in a rocking chair and knit. Since I'm a twirler, I look for styles that have a playful simplicity. This little number is from Zara. Simple, easy to wear and affordable. I bought it because I loved it. If there's a trend that you want to try, I say slip on a style that takes on the trend in a "I can wear it effortlessly kind of way."  If you find yourself needing a "how to guide" on rocking it, just skip it babes! Ain't nobody got time for that :) 

Trends are a great way to incorporate a little extra fun and play into your wardrobe. It shouldn't be stressful after-all it's just clothes. As I've said before, date the trends and marry the classics. Have a great Thursday my peeps and I'll see you next week. MUAH!

How To Upgrade Your Favorite Tee

Soft, comfy, cozy, easy, cute. Here's just a few words to describe my favorite tees. They're my go to when my brain is juggling too much and I need to get dress in under 2 seconds ;) I know you have a few in your closet and I'm all about making your closet WORK for you. Here's a really fun way to upgrade the look of your favorite tee. 

I've paired my cozy classic henley tee from Alternative Apparel with this uber chic skirt from Zara. Click here and here to add these beauts to your closet :) How fun is this skirt right?!! The classic checked print brings a timeless element to this skirt and then the knot ( it makes me giddy) adds a playful and modern touch. I finished the look with ankle boots because why not. Your great basics gets some extra love and your look gets a boost of modern edge. Not to mention the effort, very minimal. Yes please :)

This can be done with a pencil skirt, midi length skirt or a dressy trousers. You can wear your dressy styles with your casual comfy styles. Preaching! Don't fight those little moments. It's what makes your look come together easily without the fuss. I mean, who doesn't want to luxuriate in their comfy tee?!! 

Peeps!!! You make what I do so worth it with your fantastic feedback and encouragement. Thanks for letting me know about this blog post not loading. I cannot wait to share all my fun happenings in NYC with you. Keep sending me your "what to wear" ideas that you'll like me to gab about!! I've got YOUR BACK!! 😘

What to wear when it's H O T!

keeping my cool captured by the talented Radion Photography

It's a 100 degrees out and the thought of putting on clothes makes me sweat just thinking about it. I know peeps, I feel what you are going through. I have some quick style tips that will tackle the heat and leave you feeling breezy. When it's this hot I tend to go to the easiest style I can find that makes me feel great without the fuss. A dress is a great way to get this ease and keep your cool in check. Bah bye sweaty armpits :) Dresses are our style angels natural air conditioner and unless you can strut around in your bikini everywhere, it's my go to for temperature control styling. 

This darling Theory dress is from Fancy Pants and I snagged it a few weeks ago. It has been in my happy rotation of go to styles for the past few weeks and has worked for pretty much every event I had to run to. The length is just short enough to teeter on sexy but the plaid adds in that classic element that makes it oh so classy.  I recommend finding styles in cotton, linen or silk, cotton blend. I don't recommend all silk. I've experienced the sad facts of serious pitt sweat stains (we're friends right ;) from wearing a "breezy" silk dress that ended up clinging to any sweaty surface of my body...UGH! That is NOT cute y'all. So I'll save you the hassle. 

Here's a few of my favorite breezy finds. This pretty little dress from Zara is one of my faves. It's a little short but the loose fit makes it work.  I'm also a fan of this style from The Gap. It's a great price and looks cool with sandals or sneakers. Breezy doesn't get any easier than this! 

To finish the look, I paired it with these Madewell sandals that you guys know I've been rocking hard all Summer. They are beyond comfortable and makes any easy style looks more pulled together. It's cheating stylishly ;) My rule is if it's not simple to wear and looks great, then you won't wear it. It's one of the main things I tackle whenever I wardrobe any of my clients or edit and organize a closet. The styles you own should be a genuine reflection of who you are or who you're striving to be. My job is to come in and refine all of that goodness for you so that you can get dressed with confidence.  

What are some of your favorite "go to" styles for beating the heat?? Friends share :) Stay hydrated and now very cool with some of the tips I've shared and if you purchase any of the cuteness above...message me so I can see how awesome you look!! Muah!

You are so enough

This bag is from Mulberry Press Co, a wonderful lifestyle brand that's dedicated to delivering inspiration and positivity. What's not to love about that :)

Y O U   A R E   SO   ENOUGH

Words are so powerful. I remember my husband saying to me "babe, you've got this" when we were in the first stages of me diving into launching my personal styling company. His relentless support was the exclamation that I needed to take the chance and trust myself. It's love.

The phrase "you are so enough" resonates with me, especially in those moments where I felt I was not doing enough or I feared being inadequate. I believe as women we have these endless standards that are comprised to make us feel uncertain about our capabilities. However, what I've found is that the only barometer that matters is the one that you set for yourself. I'm constantly trying to figure out what I can do better with my business to best serve my clients. For me, it's been a whole lot of learning, researching, big time listening and allowing myself to be true to who I am. Along the way, I saw this merger of me working on being a better person contributed to me being a better business person. Trust me the process never ends and the learning is endless but I think that's a great thing. 

The eggs you surround yourself with matters in a BIG way so they better be good :) I have been blessed to meet some of the most intelligent, driven, passionate, kind humans who are at the top of their game in their careers. They have supported, inspired and encouraged me along the way. It's vital for me to know in my heart that I'm enough to do whatever it is that I want. However, it helps to have a village and that means surrounding myself with great eggs that are honest, kind, inspire and have some major integrity. 

You are so enough to be what you want and when you have moments when you don't feel enough, which we all do, just remember you are not doing this thing all by yourself. I've got your back.  

“You have worth, you have purpose and you are always more than enough in this life. When we love ourselves, we make room for others to love us and share our journey. Love is a powerful thing and it starts with loving everything you already are.”

— Sera, founder of Mulberry Press Co

The truth about leggings

Exploring Portland's Japanese Garden :)

When I see styles I love, I react in a few ways. Screams of joy, a happy dance and the outfits, oh the outfits y'all. Mama see's all the many ways one can wear this peice and how I can bring a fresh take on rocking it. Leggings, I will admit, I wasn't a huge fan. However, never say never ;) Leggings can go bad real fast worn the wrong way. I won't harp on the unsavory details of what not to do whilst wearing leggings but Mama will certainly give you my tips to rocking them in oh so cute ways.  

When I wear leggings it's all about finding that balance between comfort and looking pulled together. With that said, my first go to tip is to elevate your look by wearing something a little dressier with your leggings. In this case I'm rocking my gold oxfords. I know I'll be buried in something gold, I just LOVEEE!! I mean, rocking it certainly ups my swagger ( which we all need, right :) Ok, I digressed from the legging situation. 

Proportion matters. Leggings for me is that style where the butt check happens on a regular when being worn. As in, can you see my butt? Is my shirt long enough to cover said butt :) The shirt should be long enough to cover your derriere but not so long that if you raised your hands in a "raise the roof" manner and we still don't see your booty, that means the top is too long. The top should cover the front assets completely. So if you want to wear a crop top layer it with a longer shirt, left open in a jacket like style. I mean this one ;)

If it's too thin, feed it! Your leggings that is. Fabrics that have a bit more substance make your leggings fit better ( no bagging out) and holds all the goodness in ( looks fabulous). We like that! This particular one is a moto style and has a great mix of mostly Rayon, some Nylon and a bit of Lycra. It's a few years old and still works great. I couldn't find this brand to feature but I've provided my other loves. I'm a fan of this one and these.  The price is great and you can wear the JCrew ones with boots come winter.  Yes please :)

I believe in a lot of things, a little magic never hurts" Maddie, 10 years old

I have a bonus post coming your way tomorrow. It's all about my Portland work and play adventure with my girl Karen of Karen E Photography. If you want to learn how to hug in Portland I suggest you visit me tomorrow :) Cool as hell places to stay, pretty pretty photos and oh yeah, the food!! Need I say more. The love is real!! MUAH!

WORK and play, PLAY and work

Wake up, get things done but first, coffee!

I had this moment in my life where I had to wear a uniform...I was in it 5 days a week, 8-10 hours a day. Each time I removed it from my body, I told myself that whatever it was I was planning on doing with my life...I WILL NOT WEAR A (insert expletive of choice) UNIFORM. I wanted to choose what I wore everyday, own it and feel good in it. That's a big part of why I'm a fashion stylist and my never ending obsession with fashion ( we are in a long term relationship and he put a ring on it).  I get the chance to make my clients feel great about what they wear...all the time.

Let's talk work wear. Looking professional means reflecting your confidence, competence and compassion on the outside. It presents itself before you even open your mouth to speak. Your professional attire should be the armor that allows you to speak confidently and go after your career goals like a champ. I am incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to style some amazing women who are at the top of their field. This commands looking polished, professional and respectful. My job is to tie in all those layers, make it stylish, womanly and of course with an element of fun!!

I'm going to get bossy so brace yourself.  There are two main styles that everyone should have have in their closets. The first, is a great fitting suit, like this one, that MUST BE tailored to your curves, NOT TIGHT, tailored. What makes an outfit look professional and stylish?? It comes down to FIT (amen).  The second must have is a classic blazer that can anchor any outfit. I'm a fan of this style and this one.  These styles are professional but injected with style and for the love of Carrie Bradshaw, some fun. I adore the soft pink blazer, so chic. If you can splurge and get that amazing goodness like this one (OMG, I WANT TO MARRY THIS BLAZER), #purchase.  If that doesn't vibe with your just out of college need to pinch your pennies but want to look great budget, then consider this one or this style... both have a great look that is classic and won't break your bank. Let me chime in again on fit...if the shoulder pad sits off your shoulder, it's too big or the lapel gaps outward or you must remove your blazer before driving your car (yep, yep...guilty), it's too small. It should feel comfortable but not to the point where you want to lounge on the sofa with your Cheetos and Netflix in it.

Wearing JCrew grey toothpicks denim, JCrew silk Carrie cami top and anchored with this cool as hell blazer by Maison Scotch.

This particular look can be worn in so many different ways. Each piece can be styled casually or dressed up to create another layer, so that I utilize what I have in my closet. It's a big part of what my style service provides. Mama does not like to see good clothing go unused...it makes me sad and I will not allow it.  Trust me, your wallet will thank me.

2016 will be here in 2 weeks!!! Seriously....are you excited and if not why the hell NOT?!!  WOW...I'm head over heels excited and ready to dive in. Come in with me, the water is great!! I'll continue bringing all things fashionable directly to you with some fun surprises in store. There's a party going down and you're invited. Not sure what to wear...let's just say I have you covered!!

I am loving HARD on all the great comments, texts and emails! It feels like the biggest and best HUG EVER!! Continue sharing and if your friends, friend, cousin, sister doesn't know...tell her to visit me, comment below and click the heart ( it's so pretty).