GET YOUR WARDROBE FALL-READY

Hey, style mavens! Feel that whisper of Fall in the air? You know what that means – it's wardrobe-swap time! Whether you're bundling up for a serious chill or just swapping sundresses for sweater dresses, I've created the ultimate guide to getting your wardrobe FALL-ready.

From purging those summer leftovers to prepping for the perfect transitional looks, here are all a style-insider's 10 simple steps. So grab a pumpkin spice latte and let's dive into freshening up your wardrobe for the season ahead. Trust me, your future cozy-chic self will thank you!

1) Clear out the summer stuff you haven’t worn this year. Summer clothes typically don’t last as long as Fall/Winter ones. Put away the linen and super lightweight knits, cleaned of course.

2) Go get your Fall things and try them all on. No judgement if some are tighter than last year. You can get these altered, or give them a happy home elsewhere.

3) Assess the condition of your clothes. Check for rips, holes (damn moths!) and loose buttons. 

4) Check your shoes and bags. Fix that broken straps, and a good leather conditioner will protect them and bring back their original luster. 

5) Visit your tailor and shoe repair. Alter whatever needs a tweaking. Bring shoes in for a little TLC, maybe a waterproofing spray or weatherproof Vibram soles.

6) Consider what you can wear now before the weather changes. Transition with pieces that are in the colors of Fall, but still cool enough to beat the heat. Even if you live in a warmer climate, you’ll want a change of looks.

7) Take inventory of core items that you’re missing. Could be time to upgrade your basics, too. Keep a list of things you are missing, and refer to it when you’re shopping.

8) Look at the new trends, styles, colors, & fabrics. Think about the pieces that call out to you and resonate with your personal style, and that you’ll wear on frequent rotation. Avoid impulse purchases of too-trendy looks. 

9) Shop to fill in and update your look. Freshen-up your wardrobe, but make sure that each thing you bring into the closet works with at least three other pieces. And don’t hesitate to spend more on outer layers, blazers, sweaters, and leathers, things that you will reliably wear for years.

10) Now, create your Fall outfits, then document them in photos either flat-lay (on your bed or floor), or as worn on you. Then put the photos on a private (or public) Fall Outfit Pinterest board or album on your phone for quick reference.

AND then BOOK a styling session with me for more inspiration! CLICK to SCHEDULE

'24 Pantone Color : PEACH FUZZ

WHAT IS PANTONE Color of the Year?:

Pantone's Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, sets vibrant trends in fashion, home furnishings, and paint, embodying warmth and innovation in design. Pantone is a globally recognized authority in color standards, providing a color matching system used across various industries, from design to manufacturing.

WHY PEACH (FUZZ)?:

IT'S CARING, COZY, WARM & GIVING. A color that's comforting and uplifting at the same time.

"In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we choise a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and efforttlessly bridges the youthful and the timeless." Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

HOW TO WEAR PEACH:

PAIR Pantone Color PEACH FUZZ in COLDER MONTHS with charcoal, cream, grays, browns, beiges, and burgundies (HUGE for Spring, too); in SPRING/SUMMER with white, pastels blues, buttery yellow, vivid reds, pinks. Take this color darker into rusts and oranges, too.

HOW TO LIVE WITH PEACH:

Peach Fuzz in your living space is like the first sip of a warm drink on a chilly day—it's comfort embodied. Toss a few Peach Fuzz pillows on the couch, add a throw blanket, and your home instantly feels more inviting. It's not just pretty; it's a mood booster, a subtle nod to those feel-good, warm-fuzzy moments we all love.

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Let's back up and chat about the Pantone Color Institute for a sec. They're like the cool trendsetters of the design world. They're the authority on color trends and forecasting, and when they drop their Color of the Year, it's like a ripple effect across fashion, home decor, and even product packaging. Everyone from your favorite clothing brands to the folks designing chic sofas are tuning in to see what shade we'll all be obsessing over next. (Designers like myself used to use their PMS [Pantone Matching System} deck of colors to match colors for printing and fabric production. Pre-digital!)

 

Now, onto the star of the show: Peach Fuzz. It's not just a color; it's a whole vibe. Picture the soft, warm glow of a summer sunset or the cozy feeling of a fuzzy peach between your fingers—that's what we're talking about. It's like Pantone knew we were all craving something that felt like a hug after a long day, and voilà, Peach Fuzz entered the scene.

 

So, how does this affect your wardrobe and living room? Big time. In fashion, this color is like the perfect plus-one. It plays nice with your staple neutrals but also isn't afraid to mingle with bolder shades for that 'wow' factor. A Peach Fuzz top or dress is your new best friend for those days when you want to look effortlessly put together.

 

Accessorize with Peach Fuzz, and you're golden. Well, peachy, to be exact. A handbag, a pair of pumps, or a soft scarf in this shade can elevate your look from "I just threw this on" to "I'm effortlessly chic, and I know it."

 

Now, let's take it home. Peach Fuzz in your living space is like the first sip of a warm drink on a chilly day—it's comfort embodied. Toss a few Peach Fuzz pillows on the couch, add a throw blanket, and your home instantly feels more inviting. It's not just pretty; it's a mood booster, a subtle nod to those feel-good, warm-fuzzy moments we all love.

 

And the best part? Peach Fuzz isn't just a young, trendy thing. It's got this timeless charm that makes it a fit for any age. It bridges the gap between the fresh and the classic, the now and the forever. It's a color that says, "I'm modern," but whispers, "I'm also wise beyond my years."

 

In the grand scheme of things, Peach Fuzz is more than a color trend—it's a reflection of what we're all feeling. We're looking for connection, warmth, and a bit of softness in a hard-edged world. Whether through a cozy sweater or a welcoming armchair, this color is here to remind us that the best things in life are the ones that bring us closer, make us feel something, and add a little sweetness to our days.

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Here are some curated finds that embrace this warm, wonderful color, a shade from the orange family (which is also a favorite this spring/summer!):

KEEP COOL, IN STYLE

Dressing chic in the heat: How to keep cool, in style

As the sun blazes in its full glory, we find ourselves torn between looking stylish and staying cool. This isn't a choice we have to make (thank you, performance fabrics, for one!).

The secret lies in finding the perfect balance between fashion and comfort.

Here, I'll share some essential tips to help you dress to beat the heat without compromising on style.

Before listing your tips below, add one last sentence that sums up your paragraph or offers a smooth transition to your listicle.

THE SILHOUETTES

To beat the summer heat, your choice of silhouette can make all the difference:

1. Loose and Flow-y: Loose dresses, wide-leg trousers, or oversized blouses allow for better air circulation, keeping you cooler.

2. Short and Sweet: Opt for shorter lengths when possible. Think Bermuda shorts, midi dresses, or mini skirts to allow more air contact.

3. Bare Those Arms and Legs: Sleeveless tops, tank tops, and short-sleeved shirts paired with skirts or shorts can help you stay cool. And slather on the SPF.

To get the look : click here

THE FABRICS

Light, breathable fabrics are key to staying cool, like these options:

1. Performance Fabrics: Often used in sportswear, performance fabrics like polyester blends are designed to wick sweat away from the body. Look for terms like "Dri-FIT" (from Nike) or "ClimaCool" (from Adidas), which indicate moisture-wicking properties.

2. Bamboo: Bamboo fabric is breathable, hypoallergenic, and absorbs moisture better than cotton. It's also biodegradable and has natural antibacterial properties, making it a great option for hot weather.

3. Supima Cotton: This is a superior type of cotton grown in the USA. It's extra-long fibers make for a fabric that is softer, stronger, and more capable of retaining color than regular cotton. It's also highly breathable.

4. Tencel: Tencel is a brand name for a set of fibers called lyocell and modal. It's known for its ability to wick moisture away and regulate temperature. It's soft, breathable, and less prone to wrinkles.

5. Microfiber: This synthetic fabric is breathable, lightweight, and has the ability to wick moisture away from the body. It's also wrinkle-resistant, making it a good option for travel.

6. Seersucker: This puckered fabric is mostly made from cotton or synthetic fibers and is known for its heat dissipation properties. The unique texture increases air circulation and allows for better heat escape.

7. Tech Silk: Some brands have reengineered silk to make it more summer-friendly. Tech silk mimics the feel of real silk but is machine washable, wrinkle-resistant, and breathable.

8. UV-Protective Clothing: Look for clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) to provide extra defense against the sun's rays.

These fabrics, combined with the right silhouette and color choices, can drastically improve your comfort during hot weather. Whether it's a bamboo sundress, a Tencel blouse, or a performance fabric sports set, the options are plentiful and diverse for every style and occasion.

"Keep it light...in color, in fabric, & makeup"

To get the look : click here

THE ACCESSORIES

Sun protection first, then fashion follows:

1. Sunglasses: Not only do they add a touch of glam to your look, but they also shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. Look for polarized lens for best protection. Ray-Ban and Maui Jim are known for their classic looks and superior lenses.

2. Wide-Brimmed Hats: Stay shaded and protect your face and neck from the sun with a great big wide-brimmed hat. Whether packable fabric or chic straw, keep you face and neck shaded and shielded from the sun. Coolibar and Janessa Leone make some super styles.

3. Breathable Shoes: Opt for open-toe sandals or espadrilles to keep your feet cool and ventilated throughout the day. Those plastic crocs and faux Birks look cool but, oh, do our feet sweat in them!

4. Cooling Towels: Carry a cooling towel to wipe away sweat and stay refreshed during scorching temperatures. Pre-chill them in the 'fridge for an hour or so before heading out for the day. These are specially designed towels that you wet, wring out, and then snap to create a cooling effect. Brands like Frogg Toggs and Chill Pal offer these.

5. Lightweight Scarves: Wrap a light scarf around your neck or shoulders for a stylish layer that adds a touch of flair and protects against chilly AC. Think Arabian Nights! Drama plus coverage.

6. Cooling Mists: Keep a facial mist in your bag for instant refreshment and a burst of hydration on-the-go. These, too, can be pre-chilled for maximum "ahhhh".

7. Neck fans: The ultimate cool-down accessory! Your own personal a/c, for heat-beating (and hot flashes!)

"When it's hot, prioritize comfort and protection"

To get the look : click here

Remember, when it's hot, prioritize comfort and protection while staying true to your unique style. With the right accessories and breathable clothing, you can confidently embrace the summer heat and look fabulous all season long.

Want more style in your life? Check out my shoppable catalog of curated of finds here.

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Stay cool. Stay chic!