- Tuesday, October 30, 2018
- 1 Comments
Some days I want it all. I want to be chic, sophisticated but comfy and casual too. That's when I mix denim with animal print.
This animal print coat from Chico's is SO soft. I wish you could reach in the photo and touch it. It's also lightweight, so it can be worn indoors or out. You can find it here.
And then comes the pairing of luxurious with casual.
Meet denim shirt perfection. This shirt has roll-up sleeves and the perfect length. It comes in two washes too. Find it here.
And because a girl just can't have enough animal print in her life, I doubled the leopard with these fun animal print pumps that have "just a bit" of a heel (perfect for me!). Super comfy shoes here by Easy Spirit.
I've had this bag for at least 10 years. I love the chunky gold accents that give it a sophisticated look. It's all about the details! I found a few similar bags HERE (smaller and on sale for under $30!) and HERE (LOVE the gold accents and under $50!).
Leopard is so on-trend this season...but isn't it always?
XO Susan
Hair by Robert Jason Salon
The Chico's clothes and Easy Spirit shoes were gifted and some links generate a small commission. But I only post what I love. Promise!
- Thursday, October 11, 2018
- 11 Comments
Uncommon Threads (the non-profit I founded) is next to the coolest wall of murals. I love passing by it every day on my way in to work. The artwork makes me smile.
It also makes such a great backdrop for photos!
Today I'm showing off the J. Jill velvet shirt in a gorgeous burgundy color. This shirt is now 30% off with code THANKS17 until November 26th.
I love the way this shirt looks and feels. The velvet is so rich and soft--it's luxurious! The length is also perfect, and it has a slight high-low hem. I paired the shirt with my new favorite Sculpt jeans from Gap (50% off everything at Gap with code BLKFRIDAY until 11/25!). I love these flattering body-shaping jeans so much that I bought them in black, olive and denim.
They're incredible!
This shirt is perfect for a holiday gathering or just about any occasion. I wore mine to work as you can see, although I switched up the clutch for a tote (under $33!).
This fold-over clutch is on sale for just $12.49 and free shipping--plus it comes in 2 other color combos.
It only looks expensive! Find it here.
Leopard print adds to the "luxe" look. These Rockport booties are in stock in sizes 6 and 7 1/2 (so hurry if the shoe fits!), but I also LOVE these HERE (DROOL). Or pair this top with jeans and some animal print sneakers for a more casual look!
Heading to work...have a great day!
XO Susan
Are you ready to update your wardrobe?
I do distance coaching too!
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Photos by the hubby
Hair by Robert Jason Salon
The J. Jill shirt and Rockport boots were gifted and some of the links in this blog generate a small commission. However, the content of my posts are based on my own honest opinions and are not in any way influenced by partnerships. I only post what I love!
- Wednesday, November 22, 2017
- 3 Comments
I bought this fabulous Joie sweater coat several months ago. I apologize that I waited to long to post a blog on it--it's sold out.
However I do want to show you how fabulous a sweater coat can be!
For chilly days, a sweater coat makes a great layering piece for warmth, but it also "completes" an outfit. This piece is a fabulous addition to a dress, jeans, or with a skirt and sweater.
Here are some of other options I love (all at great prices too!)
When temps are in the 50's I have no problem wearing boots with a bare leg. But come winter, bring on the tights!
Since I'm wearing a chunky sweater, I opted for a larger necklace. Here are similar pieces HERE HERE and HERE.
This outfit would be fabulous for work and a structured bag gives it a professional look. Similar bags HERE, HERE and HERE.
These black suede boots are by Adrienne Vittadini (on sale!).
Although they do have a 3"+ heel, they're pretty comfy!
The next time you see me in this sweater coat, I'll be wearing tights, gloves and a hat!
XO Susan
Hair by the fabulous Robert Jason Salon.
Photos by the super talented Chantal Kellerd, taken in
Andover, MA
Are you ready to update your wardrobe?
I do distance coaching too!
For more style inspiration follow me on:
Some links in this blog may generate a small commission. However, the content of my posts are based on my own honest opinions and are not in any way influenced by partnerships.
- Thursday, December 15, 2016
- 14 Comments
I have to say, it bugs me that animal print is "on-trend" this year. When was it ever out of style? It's a staple in my wardrobe and I can't get enough!
Not all animal print is created equal though--the colors and print need to be just right.
I bought this Vince Camuto dress last year...here are some other styles I love HERE (faux leather for an edgier look), HERE (love!) and HERE (sweater dress).
I've paired this dress with a black leather bag and boots, keeping the animal print as the focus. Similar boots by Ecco, which is a super comfy line HERE and HERE. Very similar structured leather bag.
I love to layer a watch with a bracelet or two.
But animal print does NOT have to be toned down...it's a neutral so you can also punch in color!
I easily switched out the bag and boots for wine suede pumps and a matching bag. You could also accent with rich colors like blue, red, plum, etc. because animal print is a neutral!
Similar suede wedges HERE .
So don't be afraid of animal print, wear it well, wear it often and mix things up.
On a side note, that's my old junior high school in the background!
See you soon!
XO Susan
Are you ready to update your wardrobe?
I do distance coaching too!
For more style inspiration follow me on:
Photos by Chantal Kellerd.
Hair by Robert Jason Salon
Affiliate links in this post may generate a small commission and some pieces shown are gifted. However, the content of my posts are based on my own honest opinions and are not in any way influenced by partnerships.
- Sunday, October 23, 2016
- 9 Comments
When I was young, I was afraid to try new things, speak up for myself and take chances. I was a follower, not a leader. If I failed, my world came crumbling down and my failure was just the excuse I needed to quit. I worried about what people would think of me and “yes’ed” my way into a lot of trouble, including a very bad marriage which I stayed in for over 14 years because I was too afraid to leave.
At some point, things started to turn. I think it all began when I mustered up the courage to divorce my husband. I left with two young children and not much of a game-plan. I didn’t know how my life would turn out, but I knew that I needed to do something positive --not only for myself, but also for my kids. I took a leap and it was scary, like jumping off a cliff. There were times that I questioned my decision (was it better to be unhappy but "safe"?). That was 17 years ago and in retrospect, it was the best (and bravest) decision I've ever made for myself.
Courage snowballs. It's a funny thing...the more chances you take, the more chances you are willing to take. The more courageous you are, the less junk you put up with, the more you believe in yourself and the fuller your life becomes.
Here are some examples of when I've been courageous. Just writing them down makes me feel pretty brave! I encourage you to do the same.
- Going back to work after being a stay at home mom for 7 years.
- Getting married for second time.
- Dealing with serious family illnesses
- Public speaking (yikes). This was always one of my biggest fears, but I pushed myself WAY out of my comfort zone and started accepting speaking engagements. I still get nervous when I have to speak--my palms sweat and my heart races, but I DO IT (and pretty well I might add!).
- Starting my business. My inner demon said "who would want to hire a social worker for clothes?" and "this will never work". But guess what---that little devil was WRONG. My business is almost 9 years old and having a background in social work has actually differentiated me from my competition.
- Staying strong during my father's bout with cancer and surviving his death.
- Filming television segments (this one is up there with public speaking)
- And at age 53 (almost 54) being a style blogger. After all, we can't let all the 20'sometings steal the lime-light!
I put the "idea" of courage out to my Instagram followers. I asked them to share a time when they have been courageous. Several women responded...one told me that she started a business but she wasn't sure if this was actually an act of courage (it sure IS!). Another said "I became courageous when I took full responsibility for myself and those I loved"
My dear friend Mira Furth an innovative coach who teaches Artful Play had this these words of wisdom.
My dear friend Mira Furth an innovative coach who teaches Artful Play had this these words of wisdom.
"Courage for me is a semi-conscious choice to focus on something in the immediate moment and not on a scary thing that my action might result in. More often than not, what seems like a courageous act in hindsight does not register as such in the moment. In the moment it feels like something I cannot not do!"
How do you define courage and when have you been courageous in your life?
I believe that courage builds as we age. I'm doing things in my 50's that I never would have had the courage to do in my younger days. There is an "I don't give a crap what people think of me" attitude that allows me to try new things without worrying about judgement. It's freeing!
Of course I am going to tie this all together with clothes because "how we look on the outside can reflect how we're feeling on the inside". If you're not feeling particularly courageous, you may be stuck in a "wardrobe comfort zone" by playing it safe wearing clothes that don't draw attention to you. Sound familiar?
I have to say that it took some courage for me to buy this leopard coat and even more to WEAR it! When I first tried it on, the negative messages started brewing..."Was I too old for it? Was it too over the top? Would people think I was trying too hard?" ...oh those demons!
Here's the real question. Do I really care what other people think when I feel like a million bucks? Nope, life is way too short!
Here's the real question. Do I really care what other people think when I feel like a million bucks? Nope, life is way too short!
I encourage you to venture outside your comfort zone with your life AND your clothes.
Do something that stretches your limits.
Dress with courage and be open to wearing new styles and colors.
Allow yourself the freedom to wear what makes you feel amazing.
Push yourself.
"She packed up her potential and all she had learned. Grabbed a cute pair of shoes, and headed out to change a few things. Her heart glowed with a degree of happy assurance!”
Leigh Standley, Curly Girl Designs Inc
XO Susan
Photos by Cathleen Trainor and shot at Gianna Design, North Andover, MA
Need some help with your wardrobe (I do distance coaching too!)
- Sunday, October 18, 2015
- 4 Comments
