Putting together a fresh Spring look is as easy as 1-2-3, right? Throw in two stylists, Send the Trend’s Editor, a curious little tike and a very full closet and you’ve got quite a styling session. Recently, I invited two incredible stylists and my colleague, Lindsey, to my New York City apartment to help me de-clutter and re-design my wardrobe. Talk about Spring cleaning! Sprucing up my wardrobe for the season to come was essential – trust me, there was a “discard” pile – and we managed to come up with a handful of new looks that you'll be seeing through March. Take a peek at one of my favorites!
The top? I was convinced it didn’t flatter me. Blousy, patterned and a touch cropped, I generally threw it on only when I was out of ideas and short on patience. Who knew it had so much potential? The skirt, on the other hand, I’ve loved since the beginning. Bright, feminine and figure flattering, it has become a go-to. Tuck the blouse into the a-line skirt, and voila! I’ve got an easy-to-wear, on-trend ensemble that’s suitable for the office, daytime brunch and evening summer drinks with my husband. What’s more, the blouse boasts red accents, while the skirt is a solid fuchsia. My immediate reaction would have been to think pairing the two would result in a clashing nightmare. In fact, the colors play off each other to create something really modern. A chunky nude wedge (totally in for spring!) gives me height and lengthens my legs, while statement earrings (like http://i.sttyle.it/dixon-drops) dress me up without taking me over the top. Suffice it to say, my typically disregarded blouse is making its way into my steady rotation.
Despite my son scooting over my pile of dry cleaning (who knew I had about eight pieces with tons of stains in my closet) and nearly destroying a stylist’s iPad (it’s impossible to keep him out!), my wardrobe was re-worked and I was educated. Here are a few of the other tricks I picked up:
1) Belt it – Even if you think a belt won’t work, it just might. It will define your waist, cinch a shapeless design and add an element of color or texture to an otherwise monochromatic look.
2) Empire waisted pieces…are a no for ladies with larger busts. Trust me. They draw too much attention to the chest. Instead, opt for drop waisted pieces or cuts that fall closer to your natural waistline.
3) Choose black and white, but incorporate a pop of color. A traditional blazer gets new life from a cobalt patent belt, and a white shift dress looks stunning with a colorful statement necklace (I love the yellow in this one: http://i.sttyle.it/sunburst-necklace). In my case, I opted for color in my wardrobe, choosing a teal pencil skirt to spice up a graphic silk blouse. I kept my accessories black to amp up the glam factor and make the look nighttime appropriate.
I hope I’ve inspired you to edit your closet– it’s refreshing, it’s satisfying and hey, it’s an excuse to shop some more! Be sure to check out my brand new Facebook page and my Instagram, where I’ll be revealing more of my looks.