this week i love

This Week I Love …

by Sally on May 14, 2013 · 17 comments

This Week I love 14.05.13_text

… this over-the-closet-door … gizmo. Or perhaps this is more of a thingamajig?

Regardless, Husband Mike brought mine home from the dollar store several months ago and I thew it over my closet door without really thinking about it. OK, truthfully, I did think about it. I thought, “What on earth am I gonna use THAT for.” And now, I consider it to be the best present HM has ever purchased for me. At the dollar store. (Important qualifier, there.)

Because, as it turns out, this gadget is the perfect partner for my new and improved outfit list. For a person who works from home, I have a ridiculous number of not-at-home meetings and commitments. And I’m a slow starter. Which means that when my colleague texts me at 8:30 a.m. asking if we can meet at 9:30 a.m. over in St. Paul, I must leap into the shower in a panic. I do this often, friends. You’d think I’d learn, but no. No, I guess I must get a charge out of being almost-late to everything, because the slow starting continues apace. And this means that there are many days on which I don’t have a lot of time to monkey around with fine-tuning my outfits. So I’ve taken to consulting my outfit list, trying on the listed outfits, making adjustments, adding jewelry and accessories, and hanging entire completed outfits on my over-the-closet-door wingding. So when I leap OUT of the shower, I can get dressed in a jiff.

I see this as another tool for staving off morning wardrobe panic. I know that setting aside time on the weekend to pre-screen your outfits may seem like a luxury, but consider the stress you’d save yourself! Consider how smoothly your mornings would go if you knew your outfit was selected, assembled, and guaranteed to work. Just having one or two complete outfits per week would alleviate some of that anxiety. You don’t actually need an over-the-closet-door whatsit to make this happen, of course, but it might help. You’ll need a place to put those pre-approved ensembles so you can reach for them and be ready to roll in record time.

Would this work for you?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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This Week I Love …

by Sally on April 30, 2013 · 43 comments

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… the street wear produced by athletic clothing companies. Kind of a mouthful, but hear me out.

I’m thinking mainly of Athleta, Horny Toad, and Title Nine. Lululemon and Lucy have some cute street wear options, but definitely focus more on workout gear. The first three, however, have nearly as many non-workout options as gym-only duds, and they’re fabulous for so many reasons:

They are durable.

These clothes are made for women leading active lifestyles, so the fabrics and stitching are designed to take some serious wear and tear. As someone who can rip and snag with the best of ‘em, I appreciate truly durable clothes.

They are washable.

Nothing dry cleanable here, friends! Fabrics are selected for washability and ease of care. With the exception of a few linen pieces, most stuff is wrinkle-free and ideal for packing and travel, too.

They are comfortable.

Although these are street wear garments, they are aimed at a very active consumer base. So no itchy fibers, constricting waistbands, or digging seams. Fabrics are typically soft and breathable.

They make the concept of wearing a dress less stressful.

I mean, if you hate dresses, forget it. But if you’re an active mom, do lots of outdoor work, or have a lifestyle that makes delicate, frilly dresses impractical, you may have written off the entire garment category. But these dresses – especially the Title Nine ones like their classic Tomboy Dress – are durable, washable, and comfortable! They are MEANT to get dirty and messy, then thrown in the wash.

They are NOT cheap, but they are well made.

My Athleta dresses have been washed and worn dozens of times and they are still kicking. My Horny Toad dress has been wadded up in suitcases, scrubbed for stains, and worn through weather both hot and cold. I’ve only ever handled and tried on Title Nine duds, but in person they feel and look amazing and beautifully constructed. You won’t find anything at Target bargain prices, but this stuff won’t fall apart after two seasons of wear.

I have had clients who have many young children at home, clients who work in dirty stockrooms and don’t want to ruin their good duds, clients who need to go from classroom to field in a heartbeat. And I’ve pointed them ALL to these three brands for dresses, tops, skirts, and pants. Anyone who worries about being hard on her clothes might find a few great items at any of these retailers.

Are you a fan of the street wear produced by athletic clothing companies? Ever poked around Athleta, Horny Toad, or Title Nine?

Image courtesy Athleta.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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This Week I Love …

by Sally on April 18, 2013 · 18 comments

v_neck_cardigans

… v-necked cardigans.

This is a style lesson it took me ages – and many unfortunate purchases – to learn: Since I love layering and I love eye-catching necklaces, crew-necked cardigans do me no favors. Worn unbuttoned, their high flaps get all up in my collarbone area, crowding out any potential necklaces. Sometimes I tape the flaps back to make false lapels, but it’s much cleaner and simpler to just seek out v-necked styles to begin with. Scoopnecks work well with certain outfits and a few beloved crew necks have made the cut, but from here on in I’m focused on v-necked cardigans, both thrifted and new. Here are a few that are on sale now:

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Canvas Land’s End Skinny Cardigan - $29.99

I’ve got this cardi in three colors, including the rust one shown up top, and adore the slightly cropped fit that works beautifully with dresses. The name is slightly misleading, though, as this isn’t truly a skinny fit. Somewhere between fitted and boxy, in my opinion.

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J.Crew Factory Summerweight Cardigan – $24.50

Aaaand this is the blue cardigan shown above. Bought months ago because I loved the color, and I somehow missed the “summerweight” detail. Not sure why J.Crew Factory was selling a summer weight sweater in the dead of winter … but it is quite lightweight and better for warmer temps.

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LOFT Plaid Scribble Print Pima Cotton Cardigan – $49.99

Don’t own this exact cardigan but nabbed this very similar one with a coupon code a few weeks ago. Is $50 a bit much for a lightweight cotton cardi? I think so. But LOFT does discounts and sales every whipstitch, so keep your eyes peeled and you can get it for less. And this style is still available in a full size run in regular and petite sizes.

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Eddie Bauer Long Sleeve San Juan Cardigan – $49.95

If you prefer a longer but not-quite-boyfriend length, this heavier weight cotton cardigan is a great option. The chunky ribbed trim makes it feel slightly casual, but it should still pass muster at all but the most conservative of offices.

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Old Navy Boyfriend Cardigan – $26.94 – $25

This highly rated cotton/rayon blend boyfriend style comes in a rainbow of gorgeous and on-trend colors. (Thirteen to be exact, including mint, emerald and neon green.) And if it seems odd to purchase something so cozy as we head into summer, remember that air conditioning can make the hottest days feel wintry. Comes in regular, petite, tall, and plus sizes.

ALSO: Check your local thrift store! Cardigans are an eternal classic, and although crew necks are far more common, V’s do show up on occasion. You’re most likely to find mid-lengths since cropped and boyfriend/long lengths have been less popular over the decades. Consignment stores are worth a look, too, of course. (thethriftshopper.com can help you locate stores near you.)

Are you dedicated to v-necked cardigans, too? Or do you like to mix it up? How do you layer and add accessories when wearing high crew cardigans?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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This Week I Love …

by Sally on April 3, 2013 · 6 comments

… Veronica Riley Martens.

Here’s a jewelry designer and Etsy vendor who has been in my favorites list for over THREE YEARS and yet I haven’t made a purchase. I blame it on the fact that I’m typically in love with at least three pieces at at time and can’t narrow it down to one. Her designs are bold, graphic, fun, and playful. Right up my alley.

Veronica is based in Chicago and I’ve seen her work in boutiques in the Chicago ‘burbs (Asinamali) and even here in the Twin Cities area (La Rue Marche). Of her designs she says, “Most of my pieces are one-of-a-kind statement necklaces made from tagua nuts. Tagua nuts are eco-friendly, organic nuts that come from palm trees in the rainforest. The nuts are dried, sliced/cut into various shapes and dyed. I then combine different textures, colors, shapes and sizes to create unique, mosaic, one-of-a-kind creations. I also use other natural and organic materials, such as recycled paper, bone, horn and wood.”

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Shades of Blue and Green – $75

Mixed Color Tagua Nut Necklace – $95

Red Tagua Necklace – $58

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Black Red Gray Necklace – $38

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Long Necklace with Fringe – $46

Her pieces are chunky and modern, but so sophisticated. I just adore her aesthetic. Veronica says she’s got plenty of bracelets and earrings but not enough time to list them, so drop her a note if you’re interested!

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This Week I Love …

by Sally on March 19, 2013 · 11 comments

salma-hayek

… Salma Hayek.

I have a mad-rampant girl crush on Salma Hayek, and Husband Mike knows it. I find her to be absolutely electrifying on-screen and completely charming off. She’s smart, driven, funny, talented, visionary, gorgeous, and self-aware. She has the enviable ability to laugh at herself, and the even more enviable ability to praise herself without seeming remotely pompous or self-absorbed. Here are a few more reasons I adore this amazing actress:

“Frida“

I love Frida Kahlo for her ferocity, vision, and passion. I loved Hayek’s biopic for its unabashed emotion and stirring performances. But mostly I loved that this movie – with all of its flaws and inaccuracies – introduced a strong, talented, fearless woman artist to new generations of fans.

Her suits

Hayek is married to French billionaire and PPR CEO François-Henri Pinault, who is one of the most powerful (relatively under-the-radar) men in the fashion industry. (PPR owns Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga, among others.) So our girl might actually have even better access to gorgeous, custom-fit designer duds than the average a-list actress. And yet, she is often seen in menswear-influenced pantsuits that sometimes seem to fight her voluptuous curves. And you know what? She doesn’t care. She loves those suits and she wears them proudly, traditional figure-flattery priorities be damned.

Her activism

In addition to working to supply life-saving maternal and neonatal tetanus vaccinations to developing nations, Hayek is a board member for V-Day (founded by Eve Ensler) and has worked on increasing awareness on violence against women and discrimination against immigrants. She uses her power for good.

This quote

“People often say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder.”

Are you a fan of Salma Hayek? Have you seen Frida? A fan of her artistic or charitable works? Love her style?

Image via Celebrity9.

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This Week I Love …

by Sally on March 4, 2013 · 20 comments

Already Pretty outfit featuring olive green cashmere sweater, olive green pleated skirt, floral scarf, Foley + Corinna Mid-city Tote, burgundy boots

… olive green.

I have no idea how I got on an olive kick, but it has proven itself to be my current favorite neutral. It adds a sophisticated note to neutral mixes, but also pairs beautifully with virtually all colors from pale pastels to saturated brights.

Since I’ve searched for a few olive pieces on eBay, I’ve discovered that “olive” is a range. I prefer the greener versions of the color to the muddier, darker tones. I’ve also searched for this shade successfully using “army green,” “fatigue,” and even “dusty green.” It’s a color of many names, it seems. Here are a few olive pieces that have tickled my fancy in recent weeks:

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Gabriella Rocha Zana Top – $12.50

Since olive works well with all neutrals, navy, magenta, burgundy, and loads of other colors, having a few simple olive pieces to work into layered outfits can be beneficial. This simple long-sleeved tee will layer beautifully with blazers and jackets as well as cardigans and scarves.

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Lucky Brand Cotton Military Jacket – $138

This style of garment is, quite possibly, the root of my olive obsession. I’ve worn mine to bits and recommended a version of the military jacket in olive to every single style consult client I’ve worked with for the past year and a half. Long, short, fitted, loose, there’s an army jacket for just about every woman out there somewhere. Often in the thrift shops!

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BDG Twig Mid-Rise Jean in Moss – $39

Such a great alternative to blue skinnies, these mid-rise jeans will work for the remainder of winter and well into spring. Pair them with jewel tones, neutrals, animal prints, red, or just about any color or pattern you’ve got in your closet.

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Tsubo Dufay – $66.99

My favorite pump in my current favorite color! These shoes also get loads of recommendations to clients looking for a basic, comfortable, classic pump, and this color may seem like an odd choice but is incredibly versatile if you’re looking for a dusty, non-black neutral.

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Theory Diona Top – $85

Olive is often used in hard-edged, military-influenced pieces, but this lovely, draped top proves that it can be elegant and soft, too. A great choice for simple spring and summer ensembles.

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Cambridge Satchel Company Leather Batchel – $189.90

My olive green Mid-City Tote gets loads of use, so I can say with confidence that olive bags are versatile and chic. This traditional satchel is wonderfully on-trend, too, and almost as roomy as a briefcase.

Are you a fan of olive? How do you wear this classic neutral?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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This Week I Love …

by Sally on February 20, 2013 · 28 comments

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… the J.Crew catalog.

Several months ago, a woman in her 90s swung by a book signing event to ask me what she should be reading to keep up with the current fashion trends. She was just as stylish as she could be in a multicolored tweed blazer and burgundy Chanel flats, and CLEARLY needed no help from me. But she wanted my input. And she didn’t do Internet, so blogs were right out. I told her to take a peek at More Magazine, Real Simple, and to sign up to receive the J.Crew catalog. Now, I know full well that a 90-year-old gal is unlikely to be ordering a French hen intarsia sweater and cropped polka dot pants for herself. But as I told this lovely woman, it’s not really the clothes in this catalog that matter, it’s the styling. J.Crew stylists do four things amazingly well:

Layering

Some outfits are a little over-the-top, with a tee, flannel shirt, cardigan, and blazer all piled onto a single teetering model. But most are re-create-able and inspiring. Shirts under dresses, pattern mixes with paired tees and cardigans, even cropped pants over opaque socks. Loads of layering ideas are crammed into all but the summery-est of catalogs.

Color pairing

This is the J.Crew catalog team’s true forte. Again, a few combos will look a bit outlandish in real life, but most work outside the photo studio. This company prides itself on using and mixing loads of colors, and their spreads show it. Neutrals and neons, jewel tones galore, primaries and pastels, combinations you might never have dreamt of yourself show up in every new catalog. Look for color-on-color outfits that work with your own palette and style, and pay close attention to how these folks do chic monochrome mixes.

Accessorization

Even if the skinny patent belts and rhinestone-laden necklaces don’t appeal, look at how they’re used. Layered over cardigans and under button-front shirt collars, bracelets piled onto wrists, contrasting and patterned shoes implemented in surprisingly chic ways. Note scale and placement, and re-create the looks using items from your own wardrobe.

Finishing touches

Look at HOW garments are worn and styled: Cuffed and scrunched sleeves, contrasting hosiery and socks, popped collars. Few catalog outfits are left alone and untouched, and the subtle finishing touches and adjustments are what make them look so amazing.

And although the company has limited petite and tall offerings and zilch in the plus department, there’s still a lot to learn from the catalogs. I wear some J.Crew myself. Not loads, but some. Even if I didn’t, I’d still get the catalogs. (Remember: You can find sartorial inspiration everywhere!)

Do you get the J.Crew catalog? Feel like the styling is interesting and inspirational? Or does it veer so far from your own tastes that you just don’t find it helpful?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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This Week I Love …

by Sally on February 6, 2013 · 43 comments

moroccan_oil

… Moroccan Oil.

Here’s the lastest installment of the “My Hair is Weird” saga: For the past year or so, I have had flaking. Lots of it. My stylist and I have discussed countless possible causes: Dandruff, dry scalp, product buildup, product getting clumpy because of flat-ironing. I have changed products, tried clarifying treatments, changed styling tools, changed just about everything and kept on flaking.

Then I got fantastically sick and didn’t wash my hair for a week. I also didn’t put any product in it. And I still flaked, so I finally realized it wasn’t a reaction to product or product buildup. Then when I did my little redhead experiment, the flakes vanished. For two full weeks. Then, as suddenly as they were gone, they were back in full force. But this time they were kinda … tan. Brown. A little red. I mean, it wasn’t like I had red pepper flakes falling off my head, but they weren’t white anymore. So I knew it was scalp-related.

My stylist pointed out that it was winter and the air was dry and now was an ideal time to try some serious moisturizing. I’d been using Moroccan Oil a bit in my styling routine, but my stylist suggested I load it on and work it into my scalp the night before I was planning to wash my hair. I also work in some Kevin Murphy Easy Rider, which is super moisturizing, and do a deep conditioning treatment a couple of times each week. But the Moroccan Oil is the bulk of it. And now? Flakes GONE. Like maybe six little specks per week. I am still ecstatic with this discovery.

Many folks have pointed out that this branded product nabbed the name Moroccan Oil first, but that plenty of other brands offer similar blends of argan oil and other moisturizing oils. I must admit that I am weary of tinkering and am yet to swap out this relatively expensive but reliable brand for something cheaper and potentially just as effective. But I’m curious about YOUR experiences: Anyone else use Moroccan Oil or another argan oil blend? How and why does it work for you?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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