NEW YEAR, SAME ME

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Don’t give up - anything worth fighting for, you have to fight for.

It is never too late to start - take that step, that thing you’ve been wanting to do? step up to it and into it, your future self (in 10 years) will thank you.

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If there is anything that this last decade has taught me it is those two things. Ten years ago I was starting over. I had just had what I refer to now as a quarter life crisis and I knew I had to make some big changes. I quit my job, recommitted to my relationship, and was starting fresh. I set goals for myself in both my personal and work life and started at the bottom so to speak. If you told me then that it was going to take ten years to get where I am today I probably would have laughed (and then cried haha)... but it was all worth it.

I’ve had women (and a few men) ask me if I think its too late to start blogging and my answer is no. Is it true that there are more bloggers/influencers now than 5 years ago? Yes of course, but no two people are the same. I truly believe that there will always be room for a new perspective and for a unique voice. It sounds cliche but if you want something bad enough and work for it, in my experience it will happen. It may not be exactly what you first set out to achieve and the path that takes you there may look different than you imagined, but you will get there.

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styling

In 2019 I started sharing more about my styling business. How I got here, what I offer, and some of my processes. This year I want to take it a step further and get back to sharing more styling content. I love creating style guides: what to pack, at any age, but to be honest, these collages take so.much.time. to create. Over the next few months I’ll be working on a plan to streamline the way I create these post and hope to be able to make them more frequently. They’re honestly some of my favorite content!

Additionally, I want to start focusing more on seasonal capsules. You all loved my Fall capsule wardrobe! I have ideas on how to expand them into different lifestyles (for example SAHM, office looks, model off duty style, etc.) so stay tuned…

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blog

more video - I really love creating video content and it is something that excites me but is also a little scary. Unchartered territory. Thats how I know I need to be doing more of it:) I started my youtube channel last year but it needs a little love:)

pinterest - Using pinterest more and growing an audience on the platform was one of my goals for 2019. I re-discovered it last year and have really enjoyed using it as a creative outlet and also as a source of inspiration.

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newsletter

This should be at the top of my list! I’m being 100% transparent here, my goal was to get this done, and up and running by November 1st. I missed it. I don’t know what happened, for some reason it scares me partly because it feels like a big commitment and partly because there has been a bit of a learning curve figuring out how to get it going. But I’m doing it! I will have a newsletter by February. Please subscribe when I do haha!

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health

One thing that really hit me last year and specifically over the last 6 months - I don’t take care of myself enough. Sure I eat well, drink green tea, but beyond salads and a basic multi vitamin, I really don’t focus enough on my health. I work an average of 60 hours a week between the blog, Instagram, shooting photos and video, styling clients, and research. The rest of the time I’m doing #momlife and it leaves little time to slow down. If i’m being honest with myself, things are not going to slow down, and actually thats exciting to me….I love what I do. But that being said my health has been suffering. I’m exhausted, I need supplements, probably probiotics, to eat even better, more exercise. I’m not really sure what this will all look like but I’m committed to focusing more on my health in the new year and prioritizing me. There is something to be said for the saying: “put your own oxygen mask on first”.

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thank you

Lastly I want to thank you, my readers, from the bottom of my heart. Your messages, your likes, and your support means the world to me. I feel so lucky to have this space and that I get to call this my job. I love hearing from you and my mailbox is always open!

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shop the look

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NEW YEAR'S EVE STYLE

holiday hair

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a sparkly earring

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what to wear

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dress is zara

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STYLING - 4 WINTER LOOKS

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SWEATER // SKIRT // HEELS (SIMILAR)

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sweater // shirt // necklaCE // Denim

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DRESS // SHIRT

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other options for a shorter height

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coat // sweater // denim

NEUTRAL WINTER LAYERS

W I N T E R L A Y E R S

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SWEATERs

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winter boots

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hat // jacket // sweater // faux suede leggings (same style/brand in different color) more sizes here // boots (old Stuart Weitzman)

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E X P I E R I E N C E S

THE GIFTS YOU CAN’T WRAP

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guitar lessons

dinner prepared by a personal chef

a mountain hike led by a guide

a cooking class with a celebrity chef

learn about wines with a sommelier (I really need this one)

staycation - a night’s stay at a local inn

ancient or Turkish bath experience

Glamping

Endless budget? This has to be the most spectacular (and expensive) gift I’ve ever seen at almost 6 million dollars!

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THE GIFT GUIDE - BESTIE

shop the look

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g i f t i d e a s

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initial hair barrette

$12

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alpaca pom-pom beanie

$85

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cosmetics case

$85

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senreve belt bag

$395

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my favorite eye cream

$90

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DIAMOND CHAIN BRACELET

$375

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faux fur slide slippers

$34.50 (+40% OFF)

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STYLING VIDEO: FALL SNEAKER LOOKS

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L O O K O N E

tee // denim // sweater // blazer // sneakers and more sizes here

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L O O K T W O

sweater // jacket // bag (and a gently used version here)

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L O O K T H R E E

skirt // hat

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L O O K F O U R

sweater // leggings // blazer // belt // scrunchie

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REVIEW: ISABEL MARANT BETH SNEAKERS

The Beth Sneaker

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I don’t make wardrobe investments on a whim. I usually hem and haw and then mull over it some more. I hate buyers regret and honestly haven’t had it in years which I credit to really taking my time when making a big purchase. I consider $385 on a pair of sneakers a splurge and I became obsessed with these the minute I saw them. I had been looking for something with a velcro and I love Isabel Marant. She is the epitome of effortless Parisian style and I knew I would get a lot of wear out of this “model off duty” style. See below for sizing info and more outfit inspiration. The thing I love the most about the Beth besides the look of them is the tongue of the shoe (the part that touches your skin) is lined in terry cloth making them even more comfortable.

Overall review: they are worth the hefty price tag and are a style that you will enjoy for years to come!

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shop other sizes here

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sizing information

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My story: I ordered true to size. I’m almost always a size 39 in European sizes. If its a narrow evening shoe I can be a 39.5. The first time I put them on I was like, “Oh no way, these are TOO tight!”. I was SO excited to wear them though and just went for it. They’re made with the softest leather so I guessed that they would stretch some. I also knew that I was never going to wear them with socks. The first two times I wore them they were a little tight and I got a blister on my heel (the story gets better I promise haha). I gave them a break fir a week and just like that, they were perfect! After a few more wears they fit like a glove. The tongue of the shoe is a Terry cloth material and makes them even more comfortable.

Sooo….

If you want to wear them with socks, size up.

If you don’t love them being tight, size down.

* I have a pretty wide foot in the front and bunions (eww - I’m really committed to giving you all the info haha).

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more sneaker inspo

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STYLING

s h o p t h i s p o s t

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What is styling? What does that mean? What do I actually do and how did I get this job? These are some of the questions I get asked almost every day. The first answer or thought that always comes to mind when answering is :: pinch me :: I honestly still can’t believe that I am able to call this my job. It has taken me a long time to get to this point - years - and it wasn’t until this year that I was truly comfortable referring to myself as a “stylist”. I do think that so many people use the term loosely so I understand why it can often feel vague or elusive. Its a title that I am very proud to have earned.

In my early 20’s I decided I needed a change. I was working at a job I didn’t love (wearing clothes I didn’t love) and my creative side was longing for more. I had studied Political Science and International Affairs in college and had always dreamed of working for the United Nations (my mother worked there as a translator when I was very young). When I didn’t get the job I wanted I settled for something less glamorous in technology and called it a day. After a few unhappy years I quit my job and took a chance on Ralph Lauren. I say “took a chance” because it wasn’t one of those chic sounding public relations jobs that launched the careers of some of my fashion idols. Instead, it was an opportunity to make a name for myself working from the ground up in a newly opened flagship store. In retrospect, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I compare the experience to owning a restaurant - you wouldn’t be smart to get into the restaurant business unless you’ve worked waiting tables, hostessing, back of house, in the kitchen, etc. I consider fashion styling to be the same. To really excel at understanding clients needs, timelines, and customer service, you need to have spent your time in the trenches. Over the 8 years that I worked for the brand I styled thousands of clients - every scenario and occasion, every age, almost every body type, men, women, and children. I folded, and folded, and folded, haha oh yeah and probably put away a million pairs of shoes! I worked almost every weekend for 4 years, made house calls and deliveries, and began creating a group of clients. All the while I was dreaming of the day when I could work for myself, on my own schedule, on my own terms, and with my name on the “door”. I truly loved my job. I loved meeting new people, hearing their stories, and most of all helping them look and feel their best. I helped a woman who couldn’t fit into any of her clothes because she had just finished her last round of chemotherapy. I helped new mothers shopping for their first outfit since having a baby, and men coming in after achieving their target weight. It was long hours, long weeks, and long years, but it was so rewarding in so many ways. I could talk about this forever but the moral of the story is after gaining experience in styling, merchandising, buying, event planning, and running a business, I decided to venture off on my own with a group of clients and this blog in tow. In addition to what you see on thegirlguide.com and on my Instagram, I also continue to work with existing and new personal styling clients and brands in a number of ways. I tried answering most of your questions below but please feel free to leave a comment if you have any additional ones!

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your questions, answered.

Do you offer virtual assistance?

Yes! I would say that currently my clients are split 50/50. Half I see in person and the other half live across the country and I assist them via what I call “e-styling”. For this service I charge an hourly flat rate. I actually find that after refreshing or doing an initial closet clean out for a client, they opt for e-styling for follow-up shopping.

How does it work, what is included?

it depends on the service, but for the e-styling I typically start out by creating a mood board similar to the Lust Lists on The Girl Guide. If a client is looking for a dress for an upcoming wedding, I shop for them online and lay them all out via photoshop. In home styling is very different. The first step is going through every piece of clothing and accessory in your closet and determining what you should keep, sell, or donate. After that is completed I organize the closet and put everything back in a styled way. Following the initial clean out I will send a recap with preliminary recommendations and we take it from there depending on the clients needs.

My top workhorse piece I have in my closet?

100% a white tee. I wear them all year round. Right now I’m loving this one (size up).

Do you do plus size styling?

Yes! One of my best clients is plus size. I work with every size and shape.

Tips for new moms returning to work but not 100% their same body?

Your clothes are going to fit differently after having a baby. I would say in the short term, don’t go crazy buying too much. That being said, its not fun staring at closet full of clothes that used to fit you. Buy a few pieces that you really love and fit you well now. The good news is, tailored pants and structured blazers can always be made smaller as you get closer to your ideal weight. If your office is a little more causal, I love unstructured dresses postpartum.

What does styling mean? What do you do for clients?

I help clients with everything from wardrobe building to special events styling. Some clients I help twice a year, some twice a month. It really depends on their needs. When I style a client for their Fall work wardrobe for example, I either shop online or in person and then present options. I like to help my clients build overtime as opposed to one and done:)

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A FAUX SHERPA COAT IN BOSTON

shop the look

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Today I drove up to Boston for the day! It’s been a few years since I’ve been and I’ve always loved it for its cobblestone streets and rich history. The Beacon Hill area reminded me so much of Nantucket! In the morning I had a meeting with a potential client and afterwards I was so excited to walk around and explore one of my favorite cities. I can’t tell you how many women stopped to ask me about my outfit! I was so excited to let them know that my boots, faux leather leggings, and coat were all from Walmart! For me, Walmart Fashion is quickly becoming the destination for chic and elegant styles at affordable prices. Earlier this week I shared this gray sweater dress paired with this black lace slip which made the perfect combination for an upcoming cocktail party. I also love that most of the pieces I ordered came in under three days making it easier for me prepare of my event.

Another Walmart tip? If you’re looking to splurge they also stock my favorite style of sunnies! This blonde tortoise pair is on my list for Christmas this year :)

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walmart fashion finds

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— I WOULD LIKE TO THANK WALMART FOR SPONSORING THIS POST —

ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE MY OWN

BUDGET FRIENDLY BUYS FOR FALL

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In search of the perfect party dress for Fall? This style will turn heads at any holiday fête! I’ll be pairing it with a statement earring, black tights, and a sleek bootie once the temperatures drop. You can also style it casually as shown here with my favorite French sneaks (they’re lined in terry and insanely comfortable BTW). I instantly loved this dress when I saw it online. It reminds me of one of my favorite emerging designers, Cecelie Bahnsen the only difference is, my dress $119….her dress, $1,195.

I pride myself on being a fashion resource to my followers and readers on where to invest their money when they want to splurge. However, I also love LOVE finding a great bargain. We can’t all buy everything! Helping women achieve their desired look even on a budget is one of my favorite challenges.

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scroll down to shop my favorite steal vs. splurge pieces for fall and click here for my

under $150 shop page

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steal // splurge

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steal // splurge

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steal // splurge

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SECOND HAND LUXURY

dress // mango // sneakers (old zara) similar here and here

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Most of us can’t walk into a luxury retailer and drop thousands of dollars on a handbag a few times a year or even once a year. So what does that mean? What are the options? Ten years ago if you couldn’t afford the Chanel handbag you loved you were out of luck. Today, times have seriously changed! The reseller market has exploded and younger generations are sending retailers a new message loud and clear: “We don’t need to buy new anymore”. I recently walked in The Real Real flagship store in Soho, NY and was shocked by the quality of perfectly curated goods. It felt like being in a high-end, multi-brand store, with only one difference, everything once belonged to someone else. I was drawn to a beautiful gray Hermes wallet that when I picked it up I couldn’t help but ask myself, “Why would anyone spend triple the price when this one was virtually new?”. So nowadays you can buy new, buy used, buy vintage, and even borrow luxury goods. My absolute favorite place to sell handbags is Fashionphile. I talked about it more in this post last year, but it is the best. They offer you a “buy it out” price from the start so you know exactly what you’re getting. My second choice after that would be selling it on Tradesy and lastly, sell on The Real Real (if and only if you’re not married to getting a certain dollar amount).

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f a s h i o n p h i l e

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t h e r e a l r e a l

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WEEKEND EXPLORING AND THE PERFECT FALL BOOT

JACKET // SWEATER // DENIM // BOOTS

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The Trotta family is always up for an adventure. From the beginning, Frank and I agreed that we wanted to continue our “get up and go” mindset post-kids. Although it’s changed a bit, I love that we can still continue exploring as a family. 

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of outdoor boots for Fall. I wanted something that was durable and waterproof, but also sleek and stylish to compliment my aesthetic. Sperry has the best selection of all weather boots. The Saltwater duckboot is lined in with a warm micro-fleece and the non-marking rubber duck exterior is waterproof. I love this style for me paired with skinny jeans and a chunky turtleneck. Also, did you know they have the cutest children’s styles? I’m obsessed with this boot for the boys!

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Places on our list this Fall

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Storm King Art Center – I’ve always wanted to visit this museum and property. We kind of missed apple picking this year and may head up hear on a Saturday or Sunday in lieu of that this season.

Hudson, NY – You may remember a day trip we took up to Hudson last December. We packed the car with everything we needed including the boys PJ’s for the late night ride home. It was the best trip! Looking forward to going back next month for an overnight!

Great Barrington, MA – We love the Berkshires. I’ve talked a lot about it here and in this tab. Hoping for an overnight one weekend before the farmer’s market shuts down for the season (its my favorite one!). 

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 Thank you to Sperry for sponsoring this post

TWEEDS AND TEXTURES

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Happy Thursday! Lots going on for the Trotta family in the last 24 hours. My sister went into labor yesterday (5 days early) and delivered at 1am today! I am SO excited to meet my sweet baby niece. lots more to come on the sweetest new arrival. The boys are also so excited to meet her.

Short post today (no pun intended hehe) but I really wanted to share this look and a Columbus Day sale happening this weekend. One of my favorite brands, Mango, is 30% off with code COLUMBUS19. I hope everyone has an amazing rest of the week:)

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get the look

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m a n g o s a l e

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CAPSULE WARDROBE - FROM DESK TO DINNER

get the look

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SHOPBOP SALE

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FALL IN LOVE WITH DRESSES

d r e s s e s

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wear with — gold necklaces

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FALL CAPSULE WARDROBE

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shirt // denim // sandals (similar) // sunglasses // purse (resale version)

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T H E G R E A T E I G H T

Whether you’re shopping your closet this season and filling in the blanks or doing an overhaul, these pieces are the key to achieving a classically elevated style for Fall and beyond.

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o n e

the button-down (all sizes here)

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t w o

midi skirt

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t h r e e

statement sneaker

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f o u r

beige turtleneck

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f i v e

a classic tee

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s i x

menswear blazer

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s e v e n

oversized coat

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e i g h t

black boot

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VINTAGE TENNIS STYLE

get the look

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Meet me on the courts! Haha this look reminds me of an off the court Wimbledon look. When I worked for Ralph Lauren as an employee I got the chance to attend the US Open every year in their section. Its my favorite sporting event! We’re thinking about bringing the boys for the day on Sunday just to walk around and watch the junior courts. One day I would love to goto Wimbeldon!

I love this cardigan - it has a dolman sleeve and oversized buttons giving it an elevated take on the classic style. Styling it here back to shorts but this style works over anything. Scroll down to shop my favorites right now!

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shop cardigans

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THE PERFECT MINI SKIRT

g e t t h e l o o k

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mini skirt

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moto jacket

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accessories

heart necklace c/o // Jane Winchester

sunglasses // Celine

pumps (old) similar here // Ralph Lauren

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LIFE, LATELY

All mercury jokes aside, July knocked me off my feet. I don’t think I’ve felt more out of sorts and disconnected in a while. I shared a little bit about what was going on in the beginning of the month on stories. Out of respect for my family I unfortunately can’t share specific details, but there was some tough and unexpected news that we received after the holiday (not health related). In my heart I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and we will come out stronger then we were before, but in my head I’ve been freaking out. Stressed, worried, scared - none of these are conducive to creating inspired content.

We did have some really great moments last month - my best friend’s wedding in Nashville was awesome. It was so nice to escape (alone) with Frank and reconnect. But for some reason when we returned I found it impossible to get back into our/my routine. I think it was part summer, part returning back to the scary reality we were facing, and mostly feeling like everything was piling up. I’m a planner and I need for things to be organized - it’s weird because I’m also a creative and like spontaneity…is it possible to be both? I pride myself on consistency. As an entrepreneur and a one woman show I feel like its a non-negotiable. So when I missed a blog post last week and The Sunday Section the week before, it really upset me. I felt like I had lost my mojo.

So how do I get it back? Last night I made a (very long) list of everything I need to get done this month and then broke it down into weeks and priorities. I can’t tell you how much better that made me feel. Honestly, writing this post is making me feel better too. I’m a talker, pick up the phone kind of girl, I need to work things out this way. I think what I realized about myself is that when things get tough I can get paralyzed and what I need to do is just move forward. Easier said than done but I’m taking it one day at a time. Biggest THANK YOU to all of you for being here and supporting me. You are all the best part of my job and I couldn’t do it without your support:)

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o u t f i t d e t a i l s

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blouse // zara

tank // zara

denim // topshop (Nordstrom sale)

boots // Valentino (on sale in black) similar under $100

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CAPSULE WARDROBE: THE MIDI SKIRT

I’ve been working on a capsule wardrobe for Fall and wanted to share one of my favorite closet staples, the midi skirt. It truly is a four season piece that can be worn as shown above with a white tee (I also love to wear with a statement style like this one) or with a sweater and booties for Fall. I would love to hear from you! what types of pieces would you like to see in the capsule?

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A C A P S U L E W A R D R O B E

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