Can't take the country out of the girl...

You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl.  Okay, I may have grown up in Ohio, but it was in a suburb.  Not as country as those who have teased would like to think, but those farm jokes never get old.

However, I did grow up with a father who would have liked to believe that he was a transplanted cowboy.  Therefore, he always added a touch of country to his most suave ensembles... usually in the form of cowboy boots.  I never really put two and two together until just recently.  I don't think that it is any accident that most of the boots I own have a western flair.

The cowboy thing, my addiction to J. Crew, my undying love for dresses and dressing up makes for a very interesting take on the trends.  A perfect example would be my recent dinner ensemble.  It was my anniversary last week (eight years!), and on this very stormy evening Greg (the hubs) and I decided to take our girls out to dinner.... we couldn't get a sitter.
My need to dress up, the rain and the fact that G&E were joining us, led me to an ensemble that even had Greg making comments.  Men!  Will they ever understand?

I started with a very poofy, taffeta J. Crew miniskirt.  There she is...

I added a pinch of preppy (Tippi sweater), a touch of elegance (jewelry) and whole lot of western flair (Frye boots and belt).

Drenching rain, some cocktails and very well-behaved daughters resulted in a fun evening and terrible looking hair!

I am starting to think that it isn't just a coincidence that Emma adores her pink cowboy boots...

                                                                                                                                     - Allison

The Epitome of Cool

Do you have a favorite designer label that you always look to for inspiration?  When you start to really think about it, it's hard to just name one brand that consistently strikes a chord.... right?

I was pondering this question as I scrolled through my FB news feed.  There was a post from Burberry about their new Spring/Summer campaign.  This is it!  Burberry is definitely at the top of my cool list.  I can't quite put my finger on what it is exactly, but they just have this cool factor.  It's the same sort of cool that I equate with a lot of the models.  When you see them in photographs outside of work, many of them have this seemingly effortless style that is just so... cool.  

As far as Burberry's overall look is concerned, Christopher Bailey is to thank.  He has reinvigorated the brand.  It still screams luxury and is timeless, but with an edginess that makes that plaid look brand new.  Every season, I can personally say I love everything... shoes, bags, coats, clothing...  Then I think, so what?  First, I can't afford to wear head-to-toe Burberry.  Secondly, if I could, would I really want to?  Definitely not.  That would be very uncool!

When you think about it, the coolness factor is about personal style.  It is about really knowing yourself, what you like, what looks good on you and sticking to that style.  It's not about trying every single trend.  You definitely need to change things up from season to season, but stick the trends that make sense with your personal style.  For example, if you are dying to try animal prints and have a professional/classic look... don't buy the animal print mini dress. Go for the pencil skirt or sheath dress.   For this particular style, a classic cut will have much more longevity in your wardrobe.  I guarantee that you will wear it for years to come.

Back to Burberry for a minute... Christopher Bailey is the Chief Creative Officer of Burberry.  This means that he works very hard to create this "effortlessly cool look".  A tremendous amount of time and energy is put into making sure that all aspects of the brand maintain this look.  It is not as easy as it seems.  So, for the record, no one is cooler than anyone else.  It's just that some people are better able to identify their style and stick to it.  Anyone can do this, it just takes a bit of time and reflection.

With spring on the horizon, this is the perfect time for some reflection.  Try to hone in on what exactly is your own individual "look".  When shopping for new clothing, approach it as you would any other major purchase (it doesn't matter if it it is at Forever 21 or Burberry).  Evaluate the item in question and make sure that it fits into your style guidelines.  Stick to your style, don't deviate with crazy impulse buys and don't buy something just because it looks good on someone else!  Keep to the plan and you will also begin to look effortlessly cool!

                                                                                                        - Allison
*Photos courtesy of Burberry.

Resourcefulness... creativity at it's best

After anxiously waiting in anticipation and excitement for the Duchess of Cambridge's wardrobe selections for her North American tour, I was quite impressed with Princess Kate's choices.  Not to say that I was blown away (although there were a few that were fabulous) but very happy that she has remained true to her style.  As seen in the Kate Middleton Look Book (courtesy of The Cut), KM's style has always been elegant, classic, understated and fairly safe but very flattering.  She is the perfect style icon for all of us commoners who go to work, take care of kids, attend various events from time to time and are on some sort of a clothing budget (in other words, a perfect style icon for "real life").

As I always tell my clients, you must first invest in the basics... the foundation of your wardrobe.  Once you have the groundwork established, you can start to add the fun exciting fashion pieces.  If you just go for the fluff without any any structure behind it, what will you have to work with?  And, if you wonder why you are always buying, buying, buying and have nothing to wear, take a look at your basics (or probably lack there of).

Okay, so my point is that KM can teach us all a thing or two about how important basics truly are to any girl's closet (with the exception of celebrities, socialites, etc).  First, her "go to" navy Smythe blazer.  Worn several different times while traveling and in Canada.  Wear it with dresses (business appropriate, fun & floaty or maxis), jeans, skirts or shorts.  Layer it with different tops depending on the event... stripes, lace, sequins or your basic shirt.  I found it very irritating that she was criticized for re-wearing it on her trip.  Is that not the point of packing smart (although she did have 40 outfits), and down to earth?  Did you know that blazer sold out within several days of it's first appearance on KM?

Then we have the J. Brand skinny jeans that KM wore consistently throughout Canada.  Is that not what you are supposed to do with jeans?  You have your favorite skinny pair, your wide leg pair, the pair for heels and, of course, a pair for flats.  Once again she was criticized for wearing them too much.  Seriously, she wore them when it was appropriate to wear pants.  She is 29.  Skinny jeans are a perfect choice.  More importantly, that is her style.

I must also mention her L.K. Bennett nude pumps.  Although it would have fun to have a new shoe for every outfit, she once again used her "go to" shoes.  And, she always looked polished and put together. KM has done more for nude pumps than any other celebrity out there.  If you don't own a pair yet, it is time to invest.  Nude pumps are a must have for any girl.  When in doubt of which shoe to wear, always go with the nude (plus they make your legs look great!).

These are just a few examples of KM's timeless style.  There is much to be learned from how she mix & matches her wardrobe.  The resourcefulness that she uses is great to see.  It is what we all have to do on a day-to-day basis.  And, that is where the true creativity lies.  Anyone can go out and buy new pieces and look great, but to put together your existing wardrobe in new ways... that is where true cleverness and imagination come into play.  All the makings of a style icon.

                                      - Allison

*Photos courtesy of nymag.com.

An Effortlessly Chic Day at the Hamptons

I was recently asked where the inspiration comes from for the outfits that I put together on my website.  And, honestly, it comes from all over the place.  Sometimes the weather inspires me, a group of colors in nature, a photograph, a song, a very cool piece of clothing or just the idea of attending a specific event... it really depends on the day.  So, I thought that I would try to share with everyone the inspiration behind one of my outfits...

The most important thing to know is that I am completely taken with maxi dresses and skirts right now... a slight maxi obsession!  Then, when it was warm enough to open my car windows not too long ago, I became very excited for summer dressing.  I also happened upon some photos of Tory Burch's home and became totally obsessed with her use of color!  

Then I found this Tory Burch dress, which I am completely in love with... subdued color - more my style...

This dress got me thinking about the casual chicness of the Hamptons... polo matches, shopping, the beach, cool little restaurants...

With all of these images floating through my head (and some that I dreamed up), I thought about what would be a great outfit that I could wear and look very chic in the Hamptons... The dress is a good base. It can be dressed up or down, and I am definitely all about versatility.  I also thought about adding more color or pattern, but that is not me.  I like things that are more understated, so I chose an outfit with a little color mixed with neutrals.  I also decided on more of a daytime look (it would take me further)... I paired the Tory Burch dress with an Acne anorak J.Crew shoes and handbag, an Alexis Bittar ring, a Cartier tank watch (of course!) and I almost forgot a pair of MJB aviators...

Supposed to be in grey, but the image is no longer available.

                                      - Allison

*photos courtesy of Francois Halard for Vogue and Elle, Yatzer.com, newyorkgossipgirl.com, tripadvisor.com, chichisummer.com, netaporter.com, jcrew.com, alexisbittar.com, google.com and nordstrom.com.