Denim is now a spring trend!

You may have heard that denim is big for spring 2023, and I have to say that I'm thrilled about it! I'm a huge denim fan...I mean how comfy are jeans? There are so many fabulous styles to fit every body, shape, flatter every skin-tone, and let's face it, denim goes with everything. Think of it as a neutral! And one more thing, you can dress it up or down. It's perfect! Yay for a trend that works for REAL women!

How to style denim.

Denim on Denim:

You may have heard of the term "Canadian Tuxedo", which is basically denim from head to toe. This look is super flattering (think of it as monochromatic) and looks great with jeans or a jean skirt and a denim jacket or shirt. 

Skinny jeans are not for everyone. Some women find them to be too constricting or they just don't like that "tight" look.  There's nothing worse than feeling like a stuffed sausage (my friend Ellen's favorite saying!) in jeans that you can't breathe in. So what do you do when you want a slim-cut denim that doesn't cut off your circulation?

Of course there are lots of jean options---there's the boyfriend jean (but sometimes it can look a bit baggy and doesn't work for everyone) and there's the bootcut jean (but the flare doesn't always work with flats or sneakers) --and THEN there's the slim-cut straight leg which fits closely, but with more wiggle room than a skinny jean.

I pulled four slim straight leg jean options--all are in mid or high rise.  You'll notice that the AG pair is actually called a "slouchy skinny", but it's really the opposite-- a skinny boyfriend (confusing I know!).

So if you want to show off your curves without sacrificing comfort, try on a pair of slim straight jeans the next time you're out shopping--oh and I love an ankle length for the warmer months!

Thank you to my Facebook friends for coming up with blog topics. A few people mentioned that they can't seem to figure out "what goes with what" and how to mix up their wardrobe. As a result, they feel like they're wearing the same outfits over and over again. Sound familiar? I doubt this stems from not having enough clothes, but rather not have the RIGHT clothes. I find that so many of my clients have a lot of "fluff" in their wardrobe...pieces that don't seem to match or go with anything else. You know those "orphans"...the top that is too long to go with anything, the dress with the weird neckline that doesn't look right with a jacket, or that print top that doesn't match any of your pants. What's lacking here are  the basics --clothes that work together as a team and are the foundation of a great wardrobe.

Here's my advice:

1.  Purge your closet often.  Why keep clothes you don't love?  Closet real estate is valuable space and should hold only the pieces that make you look and feel great. Honestly, it's so much easier to put outfits together when you know everything works and your closet is easy to navigate!
2. Get down to basics.  Invest in quality, great fitting basic pieces such as jeans, trousers, cashmere sweaters, pencil skirts, silk blouses, etc. As we get older, cheap clothes don't always work as well as they used to. I look for great cuts, quality fabrics, and structure. No more thin clingy materials for me. At 53 I'm going for fit and flatter. I'd rather have less clothes, but better quality.
3. Bottoms up.  Without the right bottoms, putting an outfit together can be frustrating. Try an ankle length slim cut trouser that will look fabulous with heels, flats or booties. I also love ankle length jeans because of their versatility. Bootcut and wider leg pants just aren't as easy to work with.
Again, invest in bottoms that flatter your shape...you may have to pay a little more but it's worth it.
4. Plain Jane.  70% of your tops should be solids...30% prints.  Solids are so much easier to accessorize and change up than prints. Also, we tend to get sick of prints over time.
5. Invest.  I am a huge fan of the vest.  I own 2 black (one fitted, one more casual), a denim and a white. A faux fur vest is also a fun addition to your winter wardrobe. I love how they can change up any look from a dress or skirt to jeans and a tee. Instant polish!
6. Perfect blazer.  Have a few amazing blazers in your wardrobe. Again, like the vest it will pull your outfit together.
7. Little black dress.  An LBD that can easily be dressed up or down is a wardrobe essential.  Look for one that is tailored and has a scoop neckline for easily layering and accessorizing.
9. Shoes are a girl's best friend. Honestly, it's true. Shoes can make or break your outfit. Your wardrobe should include fabulous flats, fun sneakers and heels that you can actually walk in.
10. Accessorize me.  Last, have a lots of fun accessories including scarves, bags and jewelry to switch up all those solids!

Bonus:  Every day wear at least one outstanding piece whether it be an amazing ring, fabulous bag, or killer shoes.  Oh and keep reading my blog for lots of outfit inspiration!

Click on photos for details.

After so many days of cold and rainy weather, today was heaven and there was no way I was wearing black! Just picked up this adorable Lucy & Laurel top at TJ Max for just $16.99. I love the way it fits with just enough flow to skim over the midsection without looking maternity. I also love the colors--navy, white, tomato red and just a splash of pink...fun!  I paired it with my Joe's Skinny ankle jeans, J. Crew flat sandals and my very old Banana Republic neutral tote. Off to a client's house for a wardrobe overhaul. Happy weekend everyone!

Black Joe’s skinny jeans--Nordstrom

The blue dress: We all have a little black dress, but a little blue dress is just as versatile! This gorgeous inky blue color works for most skin tones and is so flattering! Choose a simple style that will easily layer with jackets and cardigans to dress up or down. And of course everyone needs a chic leather jacket to provide just a bit of “edge".  Add a fun clutch and you're ready for a night on the town.