Sweatpants

Sweatpants.  To wear them or not?  That is the question.  I feel like sweatpants got a bad rep.  It's like a few lazy people ruined it for all of us.  You see that one guy who thought no one would notice he's wearing sweatpants to Church.  Or your cousin that always shows up to Easter dinner in her yoga pants.  These sweatpant villains blurred the sweatpant lines and made it so people won't even walk out of the house in them.  I'm here to tell you, sweatpants are not jammies and they are appropriate in certain situations. 

The gym, for example.  If you're working out, sweatpants are totally fine.  Going to or from the gym?  Yes, your sweatpants are still okay.  A lazy Sunday?  Yes, sweatpants required.  I'll even run to the grocery store on that lazy Sunday to pick up what I need to make chili, in sweatpants.  Not feeling well and took the day off from work, appointments, etc?  Sport those sweatpants.  Going to your kid's sporting event early Saturday morning?  Some people may not agree, but I say wear sweatpants... then make sure you go home and shower and put on jeans before you proceed with your day.  Going shopping and having lunch with your girlfriends?  Don't you dare.

I struggle everyday with wanting to wear sweatpants.  I know it's not right, but the comfort temptation is there.  And now that I've found a style of sweatpants that are adorably flattering and finally long enough, the temptation is even stronger.  I mean, these sweatpants look better on me than some of my jeans.  So why don't I wear them for everything?  Because we just went over that!  Sweatpants are only for the most casual of situations. 

If you are going to wear sweatpants, and you aren't sick, I suggest making your look more interesting with a top that contrasts your sweatpants.  Above, I paired my flare sweatpants from Victoria's Secret with a lace bralette under a long sleeve burgundy top and matching Kangaroo sneakers.  The top has cut outs in the back that give the look some interest.  Don't like the peak-a-boo look?  Keep your top more fitted to contrast a more loose fitting pair of sweatpants.  Do love the cut outs in my top?  It's from Forever 21's active wear line.

Sweatpants will continue to be abused by unknowing fashion villains.  Don't be one of them.  There are plenty of places you CAN wear your sweatpants, but make sure that it's a very casual situation.  Try to pair your sweatpants with a fitted top for balance and definitely check out Victoria's Secret for a huge selection of sweatpants for all shapes and sizes.  I will be wearing sweatpants for the coming cooler months, but I promise to resist the temptation to wear them daily.  Fashion restraint is always necessary.



Autumn Accessories

I have many reasons why I love Autumn.  The crisp evenings, apple picking, foliage, my birthday... But fashionably speaking, it doesn't last long enough.  There's something to be said for being able to pull out your suede booties and layering your sweaters without a jacket on top.  I wish this feeling could last just a little longer.  But winter comes quickly, so let's cherish all that makes this time of year so special.

Autumn trends haven't changed a whole lot since last year.  I love that.  It means I can pull all my pieces out of my "Autumn Bin" and update them with a few appropriate accessories.  Number one: Booties!  Living in Maine, suede and leather booties can only be worn on dry days before the snow comes.  So annoying.  So while I can, I'm going to rock every piece of suede I own, because suede booties are a must for Autumn.  Feeling extra fashion forward?  Layer a pair of warm socks underneath your favorite summer sandals to transition into a Autumn look.

Jewelry is another great way to accessorize for Autumn.  I never thought I would say this, but chokers are all the rage right now.  From vintage looking pieces to hard metal, chokers have totally made a comeback and are  probably the most sought after accessory for Autumn and Winter.  You'll want to keep in mind your neckline of your top, when wearing a choker.  Sporting a turtleneck (which have also made a huge comeback from the 90's this season)?  Skip the choker and layer several chains over it.  

My new favorite Autumn accessory is this stunning gold, emerald and moonstone leaf bracelet from Bug Bee Boom.  I fell in love with it on the website, but when I received it in the mail, it was even prettier than I thought.  It's the perfect Autumn accessory and I can't wait to get back on their site and order several more pieces.  Bug Bee Boom has jewelry for every style.  Are you a Boho girl?  I'm loving their beaded chandelier earrings.  Their signature front-back bee earrings are the perfect conversation piece and stacking rings are made easy with a four-in-one ring.  Definitely check out Bug Bee Boom for incredible jewelry that you can wear all year.

Last but not least, don't forget to switch out your summer purse for a more Autumn one.  I sported a white cross body leather bag all summer and just realized last week that it's time to make the switch.  I headed over to TJMaxx and scored a small leather BCBG cross body (because I gotta be hands-free) in a warm gray that will match everything this Autumn.  You carry your purse everyday, so make sure you invest on one that is a perfect combination of fashion and function.

My booties are Seychells, from a little boutique in Boston.  The rust corderoys are from Forever21 and the floral top is from Target.

Shop StyleWe

The ultimate fashion goal: to walk into a room wearing something that everyone wants, but nobody has.  No easy feat, but luckily, I have discovered an online shopping platform that features independent fashion designers.  StyleWe is committed to providing shoppers with original, high quality and exclusive fashion that you won't find anywhere else.  The site gives customers the ability to communicate with designers directly, to offer a more customized shopping experience.  

"We believe the fashion trend should not be controlled by the few, but rather be guided by the collective actions of every designer and fashion customer.  At StyleWe, our goal is to empower designers so that they no longer feel hidden behind the brand, but are able to proactively communicate directly with their customers throughout the entire fashion life cycle.  We believe fashion should be personal and diversified.  Fashion designers should not cater exclusively to the rich and famous.  We have dedicated ourselves to enabling talented fashion designers to build their own brands and achieve their dream.  Together with our designers, we will deliver high quality designer fashions to everyone."                                                                                                       

                                      -StyleWe

Personally, I'm loving the concept, and the styles.  StyleWe features pieces that are cutting edge and can't be found at any of your local retailers.  I love following StyleWe on YouTube.  They feature runway shows by their fashion designers, new pieces for the coming seasons and beauty & styling tutorials.  I love seeing a runway show in the comfort of my own home.  Nothing pretentious about that.  Right now you can check out one of my favorite StyleWe designers, Anastasii Ivanova's Fall and Winter runway show, which features all my favorite pieces.  

Just like my fashion blog, StyleWe has their own blog you can follow.  Getting first hand testimonials, product reviews and insight into new designers is something every fashionista should be on to. I like that they don't just focus on their own brand, but also what all encompasses fashion and beauty.  There are tutorials on make-up, tips on how to style seasonal trends and breaking news in the world of fashion.  I know my morning routine will be coffee, then the StyleWe Blog.

My birthday is coming up soon and I've been searching for the perfect piece to wear to my party.  I obviously want to turn heads and have everyone asking, "where did you get that?".  Shopping at StyleWe will make finding the "of the moment" and unique piece easy, so that I can focus on what's really important at my birthday party... ME!

FATFACE

Noooo... That's not my nickname for my model/friend, Julie.  It's the name of the clothing company she's wearing.  Haven't heard of it?  It's probably because before six months ago, you could only find FATFACE in the U.K.  The Owners, a couple ski bums, named the clothing company after their favorite black diamond trail, and began selling pieces they designed to support their passion for skiing.  Twenty five years later, FATFACE has made it's way over to the U.S., with stores in Portland, ME, Newport, RI and Lynnfield, MA.  

FATFACE clothing is a combination of fashion and function.  Made to be worn for an active lifestyle, but can also easily transition to any daytime or evening look.  I love the pieces Julie got from FATFACE here in the Portland, Old Port.  Rolled up with sandals, Julie's jeans are a flattering wash that will carry her through a busy day.  Pair them with some booties and they transition perfectly for a cool Fall afternoon.  The white embroidered peasant top has precious details (like a row of buttons from the neckline to her shoulder) and compliments her casual daytime look.  Layered with a cardigan or blazer, that same top can be worn for even the most sophisticated events.

FATFACE carries a full line of women's, men's and kids clothing.  Although, don't be confused or thrown off by the odd sizing.  U.K. sizing is about four sizes larger than U.S.  For example, I wear a size 8 normally, but would grab a 12 at FATFACE.  If the number bothers you, just cut the tag out.  The fit is what matters.  Julie was impressed that a lot of their pieces fit right off the rack, considering she's a peanut.  She was so impressed, she said she'll probably order online for a bigger selection, once she found out that she can return anything she purchases online, in-store.

"As a petite, one perk as I see is I can shop from both the regular size and petite size sections.  However, many stores don't carry a petite option so finding pants and jeans that fit properly can be especially tricky. Even most "short" inseams are just too long for me.  On those lucky occasions when I find something that fits well, I just buy multiples of it.  It may be an item I buy in different colors or fabrics, but if it works, I save myself the hassle of trying on lots of things and focus on the great things I do find.  The top and jeans I'm wearing are from from FATFACE and both fit right off the rack.  I also purchased a couple other items from FATFACE that day.  Added bonus, was all were on sale.  I'm a happy customer and even though there were no petite options, with little guidance from the helpful employees on European sizing, I easily found some great things."                        
                                                                                                                                        -Julie

A huge thank you to my model and friend, Julie.  I've been begging her petitieness to be featured on my blog for years.  It's not easy to shop when you're body isn't the "standard" size, and Julie has always been able to achieve fashion success... Even with 28" inseam.  Julie was the one who told me about FATFACE and now I highly recommend stopping in next time you're in the Old Port in Portland.  They're located right on Exchange Street and their prices are "Mainer affordable".  Or check out an even bigger selection of FATFACE clothing online.

Online Shopping

Online shopping can be convenient, fun and offers styles that you can't find locally.  As a Personal Shopper, I always suggest my Clients try things on before they buy them.  It's much less time consuming to try things on the first time, instead of having to make two trips to the Mall.  One to buy the items and another to return what doesn't fit.  One down side to online shopping is just that...  you can't try things on.  I shop online a lot and have several tips and tricks to saving time and building confidence in buying without the convenience of trying on.

I had been searching high and low for the highly sought after frayed jeans I'm wearing in the picture above.  I found them at Nordstrom for over $200.  No way.  I don't pay that much for anything, let alone a pair of trendy jeans that will probably be out of style by Spring.  I searched high and low and was about to give up, when Forever 21 sent me an e-mail suggesting some new styles to shop.  There they were, for $32!  As quickly as I felt inflated... I was deflated.  They were sold out in my size online.  Ugghhhh!!!  No problem.  I'll just pop into their store and purchase them there...

No luck.  The Manager at Forever 21 informed me that they did not receive that style of jeans in-store, but to sign up for an e-mail notification when they re-stock in my size.  We're talking jeans here, so there were no tears shed, but desperation crept into my soul and against my better judgement, I ordered the jeans in one size too small.  Normally I would advise a Client against such a reckless purchase, but this time... It worked out AWESOME!

See, I told you I have some tricks to this online shopping thing.  I didn't just blindly purchase those jeans a size too small.  I did my research.  First of all, when you look at an item, be sure to read the details about the garment.  What the material is made of, what the model's dimensions are and most importantly, the reviews.  The denim had a 2% elastane.  What elastane is, I don't know, but I do know it's another word for stretch.  One of my favorite words when it comes to clothes.  I knew that even though the jeans were a bit small, they may stretch enough to fit.

The next thing I did was consider the model's dimensions.  She was 5'9" and wore an extra small.  Well, that right there told me something.  That they probably run big, because they looked a bit loose on her hips.  The best indicator of how a piece of clothing will fit is to read the reviews.  After a garment is purchased, a customer will post on the site how satisfied they are with the fit, style and whether they would recommend it to another customer.  These jeans came highly recommended, but it was suggested to order a size down, because they ran a little big.  Cha ching!

A few other things to consider when ordering online are:  How long will your items take to ship?  Where is the Company located?  What is their return policy?  I frequently order extremely inexpensive dresses and tops from a company called Shein.  Although, I didn't have a very positive experience with my first order.  Shein is based in China.  That means their garments tend to fit smaller on the bottom and larger on the top (I suppose their bodies are different than Americans).  It took a month to receive the order and the return process was pretty difficult.  I learned quickly, read reviews, order pieces that will still be in style next month and buying bottoms (because my size 8 butt doesn't fit in their Large) isn't an option.

I love to shop online and now that I have all the tools I need to do it successfully, it beats a crowded Mall any day.  I'm still going to make my Clients try things on, but the good news is once you get familiar with your sizing with that Company, ordering online becomes a breeze.  My ribbed crop top and frayed jeans are both from Forever 21.  My flannel is from Target and my lace-up sandals (which also look great with brightly colored socks for Fall) are Steve Madden from DSW.  Shop on, Friends.