Self-Care and Your Closet

As we start setting intentions for the new year, many of them often center around health and well-being. The quiet of the winter season gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on what habits have been supporting or hindering us and to reassess how we approach them.

And the health of your mind and body can be supported by your environment. Not only your home, your office, and the places and spaces you find yourself in throughout the day, but also the environment you take with you. 

If you’re the proactive and generous woman I know you are, you’re busy taking your kids to soccer practice, leading meetings at work, collecting for the local food bank, and helping your neighbor down the street take care of her dog. And you're doing it all in clothes. 

I hope. ;)

While the prospect of selecting an outfit for the day might feel stressful, let’s reframe this practice. Think of it as five minutes to check in with yourself and proactively choose your mobile environment. 

Because your clothes are the home you take with you out into the world.

I borrowed a phrase from high performing athletes and started referring to my practice of getting dressed in the morning as “priming.” But you could also call it a ritual or a habit. Whatever resonates with you the most.

And just like a runner warming up her body before a run, it’s how I prepare my mind and environment for my day. And it truly takes all of five minutes.

  1. I check in with how I’m feeling. 

    (Calm, excited, stressed, anxious, scattered, etc.)

    This usually involves a deep breath, a minute of centering, and often an internal, “Okay, cool it, Em,” if I can tell I’m already rushing.

  2. I review my main priorities for the day. 

    Do I need to sit and create? Have activities with friends? Do I need to be on the floor with my team at work? Outside and in the elements?

  3. I choose my outfit based on what I need for the day.

    Am I wearing warm sweaters because I need to feel cozy and supported?

    Do I need a bold pair of high heels to give me a boost of confidence?

    Am I rocking (cute) sneakers because I need to be on my feet all day?

    Am I feeling a little blue and need a fun color to inspire me?

  4. Lastly, I add the small details that aren’t necessities, but just make me happy or allow me to express myself. 

    I’ve mentioned before about the jewelry my sister makes for me and I have a collection of plush scarves that I am particularly fond of in the wintertime. One of my clients loves collecting unique handbags that end up being a statement to even the simplest outfit!


Your closet is there to support you. This is why it’s so important to curate a selection of pieces you love that fit your needs and lifestyle. And this is why copying someone else’s style never works. 

You’re not a mannequin sitting in a window. You’re a dynamic human who is living a full life. 

Let’s make our closets a place of peace and comfort this year. You deserve it!

The Way She Wears It: My Secrets to a Great Outfit

Have you ever wondered what exactly it is that makes an outfit look cool and polished and gets people to say, “Wow, you look amazing!”

First, let me tell you what it's not.

It’s not how much money you spend. Most people don’t even know the difference. And those that do only know because they’re wearing the same things.

It’s not what’s on trend. Trends are born from a handful of people. And while trends need people to agree that they’re a “thing” to get the ball rolling, not every trend is for every person. And that’s okay.

It’s not wearing a size 2. There is no size or shape that automatically gives you better style. Whether or not you choose to try is up to you, not your size.

So, what does cause someone to do a double-take, ask where you got your pants, and secretly think, “I wish I could look like her”?

3 things … How it fits. How it feels. And how you style it.

Fit. Is. Everything. 

I can’t emphasize this enough. A great-fitting garment, whether you buy it that way or have it tailored, is my trick to making things look more expensive than they really are. Yes, even the occasional Target sweater. Because a good fit equals good quality. 

And yes, this is where investing in quality can help. More time and attention has been put on designing and cutting a great garment. But even a $500 jacket that doesn’t fit you isn’t going to look right. Good foundations make great outfits.

But 50% of great style is also a great attitude. Which is why you should never wear things you don’t feel good in. 

Period. Full stop. End of story. 

I don’t care how spectacular it looks on someone else. How you feel in your clothes affects how you show up, how you carry yourself, and your aura. (Yes, you, you’ve got an aura.) If that feels a bit too woo for you, let’s just call it your presence. 

If you’re feeling it. Other people feel that. Ya feel me?

Lastly, if we’re really going to get down to the nitty gritty, the devil is in the details. (How many cliches do you think I can fit into one sentence?) 

Even the smallest touches – a fun pair of earrings, a great bag, a fabulous shoe – or styling tricks like a tuck or tossing a cardigan over your shoulders can take an outfit from boring to “something’s different about her” brilliant. 

These tricks are the industry secrets that all these influencers are in on. With a few tweaks, they can make any product look good.

And you can too!

Because this is exactly what we go over together in a Styling Session. In these quick, but fun and focused sessions, we’ll start with those good foundations and build on what you already have.

Don’t think your current closet has anything to offer? Think again!

Even if it’s a cool jacket from college you thought you’d never be able to wear again or an artsy necklace you picked up from a cute boutique on your last work trip, everyone has gems in their wardrobe that are being underutilized. It’s time to rediscover them.

Click here to learn more about available sessions for this season!

Discover Your Signature Style

Have you ever wondered what makes someone’s style uniquely theirs?

How do you define those intangible elements that you can't quite put your finger on, but somehow seamlessly tie everything together?

For years I struggled to define my style, always feeling like the available boxes were too confining. 

I wasn’t quite bohemian. Maybe sometimes edgy. Classic felt too simple. And I wanted the freedom to let new ideas speak to me.

On the other hand, having no boundaries felt chaotic. Like trying to drive a car without breaks. I knew I liked a lot of things. But I also knew I didn’t like everything. 

I craved structure. But wanted flexibility. 

I wanted to build a cohesive wardrobe that still allowed me to play and explore my ever-evolving style.

If you’ve ever struggled to define your style in a way that helps you narrow your focus without limiting your options, check out the replay of my Discover Your Signature Style masterclass.

I give you a framework to help identify the key elements of your style so you can build out your closet in a way that is both functional and expresses all the unique aspects of your personality.

Enjoy!

5 Ways to Style My Favorite Shirts for Summer

It’s rare that you’ll find me vouching for one item that I think everyone should own, but as we approach the hottest months of the year, one key piece in my closet is a classic button-down shirt. Endlessly versatile, this wardrobe staple can be worn everywhere from the boardroom to the beach.

And as always, material matters. Cottons and linens will breathe and keep you the most comfortable in the heat. Don’t worry about things looking a tad relaxed and disheveled — that’s the look. And summer is the time to get away with it!

Here are 5 ways I like to style my button-downs:

  1. Tied - Over a jumpsuit or dress or tied up with denim or linen shorts. Especially with big, blouse-y shirts, tying them will help define your waistline.

  2. Tucked - This might seem basic, but don’t underestimate the chic, sophisticated look of a button down with just about any jean, pant, or skirt. When temps really start to rise, loose shapes will give you room to breathe (and sweat), but if relaxed cottons feel too casual for work, just opt for a slightly slimmer silhouette.

  3. Coverup - There are all kind of fancy coverups and sarongs out there now, but honestly, a linen button-down is what I toss over my swimsuit when I’m headed to the beach. It keeps the sun off my shoulders and dries quickly! Pair with linen shorts for extra coverage.

  4. Cross-tucked - As a fun way to add interesting layers without the bulk, cross the loose ends of your shirt into your waistband and leave open over a tee or tank.

  5. Open - Summer is too sticky for cardigans and sweaters, but going in and out of the A/C can leave you struggling to know how to dress. Choose your outfit for the outdoors and use your button-down in place of your cardigan when you head inside.

Check out where I get my best button-downs here.

Stay cool!

Emily

 

A sneak peak into my own closet this time!

Styling Tips for Wearing Florals

Once the sun comes out and temps start rising, out come the florals in every size, shape, and color. It’s the one trend you can count on every year. 

But the abundance of botanicals can sometimes be overwhelming. We’re attracted to the pretty blooms in the store, and once we get home, often leave them wilting in our wardrobes. 

Why is this?

Because the colors and patterns we like to look at are usually different from the ones we like to wear. Translating your preferences into a closet you use has to take into account your personal aesthetic AND the other items in your wardrobe.

Florals can be interpreted in about as many ways as there are people. But to give you a place to start, here are 6 variations on these beloved patterns:

  1. Bold and Beachy - Nothing shouts summer like bright, tropical prints. But you don’t need to be on a beach to enjoy some color. Avoid the extra visual weight and let the pattern be the star of the show by keeping shoes and accessories simple and minimal.

  2. Chic and Sophisticated - Taming prints with simple, classic silhouettes is the easiest way to get your floral fix without being overwhelmed by them. Choosing florals that are more abstract can feel less audacious and more elegant.

  3. Flirty and Feminine - Did someone say ruffles? Small florals, especially in light, pastel hues beg for more voluminous silhouettes. If all the fluff starts to feel coquettish, pair billowy tops with a simple, but well-fitting pair of denim and espadrilles.

  4. Eclectic Vintage - Think handicraft staples like crochet and embroidery to botanical prints and 70s-inspired daisies. The more texture and mixed patterns, the better! My sister is a master at this. One of these days I’m going to snag a photo of her funky style to share!

  5. Dark and Edgy - I love a black leather moto jacket over almost any floral to ease this usually hyper-feminine print. Bonus points if the base of the print is black too. If you’ve seen my personal wardrobe, you know that, “Black is my happy color.”

  6. Bohemian - You can give any floral a free-spirited feel by layering on the jewelry and adding a pair of slouchy boots or felted hat. Loose shapes work best, but make sure you balance the extra fabric by defining your waist with a belt or showing some leg!

Ready to try it in your closet? Click the link below for photos, outfit inspiration, and item recommendations.

 
 

Styling Tips for Your Denim

Now that you’re armed with the denim basics, here’s the fun part … putting it all together!

Below are some of my go-to styling tips as you experiment with your jeans. Don’t forget to click on the link below for more inspiration photos and links to my favorite denim brands.

  1. High-waisted tuck

    Whenever you’re wearing high-waisted denim, accentuate your waistline by tucking your fitted top or half-tucking a loose blouse or sweater. This is especially important if you’re layering a blazer, jacket, or cardigan. You’ve worked hard for those beautiful curves … show them off!

  2. 9-5 Denim

    Denim isn’t just for running around on the weekends. There are lots of ways to dress up your jeans with jackets, blazers, collared shirts, and cute shoes. Classic pieces are ideal for taking this typically casual staple to professional level status.

  3. Denim on denim 

    Yes, you can pull this look off! Rules are meant for breaking, right? Especially when it comes to your closet. Fit and proportions are important when pairing similar washes so you don’t turn into a big denim blob. (Insert shirt tuck here!)

  4. To belt or not to belt? 

    Just like jeans, there are all kinds of belts ranging from casual and braided to dressy with embellished buckles. You don’t need a belt to complete a look. Sometimes I like a more relaxed, unfinished aesthetic. But a belt will absolutely tie a look together, especially if you match leather and metals with shoes and accessories.

    Just remember that a belt will always draw attention to the waistline of your jeans. That’s why it’s so important to find cuts that fit you well and have a flattering rise!

  5. Opposites attract 

    Personally, many of my favorite styling success stories involve pairing things that traditionally wouldn’t go together. I love the juxtaposition of a formal blazer with ripped jeans, relaxed boyfriend styles with some fabulous stilettos, or white, summer-y washes with your work basics. 

Ready to try it in your closet? Click the link below for photos, outfit inspiration, and item recommendations.

 
 

How to Find Jeans You Love

Denim is one of the most universal items of clothing. And while it’s universally worn, it’s also universally frustrating. 

Every woman is looking for her perfect pair of jeans. The problem is, there’s no such thing as one perfect pair of jeans. There’s not one style that every woman must own that is magically going to pair with every top and every pair of shoes for every occasion. 

Like flowers in your garden, each pair is going to have different properties and qualities and is best used in a particular way. But with a little denim knowledge, you can start navigating your options and discovering what works best for you.

Before you start experimenting, it’s helpful to know some basics.

  1. Cut - Denim ranges all the way from skinny to wide and everything in-between. Choose a cut that’s appropriate for your shape and how you’re looking to style it. Watch the video below for a basic breakdown.

  2. Rise - No matter your shape, stick with a mid-high rise and leave the low rise pants in the early 2000s. This isn’t a matter of what’s in fashion. It’s about fit and comfort.

  3. Inseam - Length is a tricky one and it depends on your shoes and how you like to style your denim. But I’ll keep it simple: Measure your inseam – from the crotch of your pants to your ankle bone. Subtract 1” to get an appropriate cropped style length and add 2-4” for wider cuts you’re wearing with heels.

  4. Fabrication - Denim runs on a spectrum from rigid to super stretchy depending on the ratio of cotton to synthetic fibers. Cotton is durable, but synthetic fibers make jeans more flattering, more comfortable, and help them retain their shape.

    Aiming for about 95% cotton will give you that denim feel with a little stretch for comfort and will still hold up in the wash. Plus, more cotton means they can be recycled into things like insulation when you’re done wearing them!

  5. Wash - There are TONS of different washed out there, but you only really need to know that darker, solid washes tend to look more professional (ie. can be paired with your work blazer on casual Friday) and lighter, textured washes have a cool, relaxed vibe. 

A shopping note …

If you are drawn to a fun, new denim trend, go ahead and try it. You might find something you like and want to play with! But do not, I repeat, do not go out and buy a bunch of trendy denim just because you feel you need to keep up with what’s new.

Every style comes back around and there are actually people whose job it is to rename, repackage, and rebrand old styles and call them new again just so you will replace an old pair. Find the shapes that work best for your figure and build a repertoire that is appropriate for your lifestyle.

How do you do that?

You need to try things on! 

Sorry, there’s no getting around this one. Go in with an open mind and expect that not everything is going to work out. Remember those expectations we talked about? You don’t need 20 pairs of jeans, just need a few styles you really love!

Why I Style REAL Women

Last month, I hosted my first webinar. It was small, only a few people, and like most things I do, a little experimental.

Attending the webinar were a few fashion merchandising students from my alma mater. When I asked them about their Fashion Styling class, an offering that didn’t exist when I was in school, they told me about their editorial and photoshoot styling and how they were practicing creating and setting up a look — the perfect one-time shot that you’d later see on an ad or Instagram post.

That’s cool and all, but I realized in that moment just how special what I do is. 

I get to work with real women.

Women who want to buy the clothes they see in those ads, but are unsure whether what looks good on a model will look good on their body after two kids. 

Women who are willing to invest in quality clothing, but aren’t going to drop $1000 on a single dress because they’ve worked hard to save for their dream vacation. 

Women who need clothes that not only look good, but are also functional, comfortable, and aren’t harming people or the planet so that they can feel good while wearing them. 

Strong women who have built incredible lives for themselves who want to celebrate who they are instead of trying to emulate someone else. 

Working in a field where there isn’t a linear path, there are no benchmarks, and no real indicators of “success”, it’s hard to know whether you’re progressing.

But here’s what I have figured out:

A personal shopper will keep you updated on what’s new.

A good stylist will show you how to put things together.

An artist is the connector between potential and reality. 

Because you might not be able to see where all the points converge, but an artist does.

I get to unlock that potential and create magic in people’s closets in a way that makes them feel a little more seen and a little more free.

Because isn’t that what we all want? To feel like we can be more of ourselves in a world that keeps trying to tell us who we need to be?

So I’m reclaiming my title as an artist. As someone who can see beyond what’s right in front of them and connect the dots. Because beyond your clothes, your closet, or the board meeting you have coming up in two weeks is the big picture of how harnessing this one, simple creative act can express a lifetime of who you’ve chosen to be.

Let’s play! Book your session here.

Style Challenge: Unlikely Pairings

This isn’t your mother’s style challenge.

We’re breaking taboo and diving straight into this infamous color pairing: Black and Navy.

Ever wonder how some women make this combination look effortlessly chic and not like you got dressed in the dark? In the States we’ve been more apprehensive about simultaneously donning these particular colors, but Europeans have been making it a daily staple for years. The devil is in the details.

Try it in your closet:

  1. Beginner - Pair one navy item (like a blouse or pair of pants) with an all black outfit. Make sure your shoes and accessories are all in black as well.

  2. Advanced - Add a contrasting color. Once you’ve nailed the black and navy combo, try adding a contrasting neutral like white, grey, or brown. Don’t add more than one contrasting color and make sure you have multiple black items to tie the whole look together.

Remember to:

Play with texture. Materials like velvet, leather, and lace can make these combos look and feel more expensive.

Work your accessories. The more items you can use ground your outfit with, like bags, belts, shoes, or headbands, the more intentional it will read.

Bright navy works best. More contrast between colors will ensure you can tell the difference between shades and keep it from looking like a mistake. And nope, denim does not count as navy!

Ready to try it in your closet? Click the link below for photos, outfit inspiration, and item recommendations.

 
 

Spotlight ON: Able

I believe business and entrepreneurship can change the world. The opportunity to do meaningful work and build something that can consistently provide for you and your family is the epitome of self-sufficiency and independence.

The lifestyle brand, Able, was created to make this dream a reality for communities of women in Ethiopia. After years working for for-profit companies eventually led Barrett Ward to a first-hand encounter with world poverty, he made the jump to the nonprofit space to begin to tackle some of the inequalities he’d witnessed.

Able was originally started as a nonprofit in 2010 by Barrett and his wife, Rachel, to help women in Ethiopia leave the commercial sex industry. The nonprofit worked with local communities to provide resources and help meet the needs of these communities where women had no other option in order to provide for their families. 

However, the feedback they received was that, while the charity was appreciated, without other job opportunities, the women would end up right back where they started, falling back on their only source of income and stuck in the perpetual cycle of poverty. The couple was challenged to create a long-term solution if they really were passionate about solving the problem. 

They shifted their focus from charitable resources to providing economic opportunity to facilitate the upward mobility of the community. When the women were asked what they might want to create and sell, their answer was: scarves. And so the couple set about building a marketplace and company that would connect these women to other individuals around that world that were willing and able to pay for their unique skills and product.

Creating economic solutions for these women gave them hope and dignity in their work and their ability to take care of themselves. Since then, Able has continued to grow and expand their product line and has recreated their model in other impoverished communities. They were the first brand to publish their lowest wages believing that, “you don’t have to be perfect before you can be honest,” and they are continuously working towards better pay and livable wages among all of their manufacturers. 

Based in Nashville, Able also works with their local community to provide job opportunities for women overcoming addiction. Their jewelry line is made by hand in their Nashville studio. The gold pieces in their jewelry line are all gold-filled which can sometimes be hard to find. (Gold-filled jewelry is essentially a better option for a reasonable price. Find a diagram about the different types of jewelry here.)

As you explore Able’s site, you’ll also find indicators for easy shopping including, “bust-friendly, nursing-friendly, petite and tall -friendly,” and sizes from XXS-3X, a clear sign of their 96% female staff. Their recent lines have also taken into account changing lifestyles, providing more options that are appropriate for hybrid roles, urban commuting, and the return to travel.

Check out my favorite Able pieces here.

Spotlight ON: Cleobella

One of my favorite things about what I do is getting to explore brands and companies beyond the ones I typically interact with everyday. While no business is perfect, and perfection is an unreasonable measure in any circumstance, there are many that seem to be moving in the direction of greater beauty and harmony in a modern world.

You know me, I love my staples and good basics, but this summer I was looking for something new to share that had a little more life and vibrancy. 

Ask and you shall receive!

Pinterest and their carefully targeted ads got me again and introduced me to Cleobella, the colorful, bohemian brand that fit the bill for the global inspiration I was seeking.

Founder, Angela O’Brien, started the company in 2006 after a year-long trip across the globe  inspired the start of the business she’d always dreamed of creating. Her first design was the Mexicana clutch that is still a bestseller today. 

The early days of Cleobella consisted of selling leather handbags and wrap skirts made from recycled saris at flea markets in Hawaii. Eventually, Angela and her husband moved back to the mainland and found a small, 1920s cottage on the California coast to set up shop. Six years in, they added clothing to their assortment and, as of today, Cleobella is now sold in over 300 retailers.

Despite its wide reach, Cleobella was built on and continues to cultivate the core relationships and bonds with the artisans that are an integral part of the brand. Promoting the principles of slow fashion and conscious consumerism, Cleobella’s products are handmade with integrity and aim to preserve artisan craftsmanship. Angela says that “the love that is poured into each piece is what truly makes Cleobella so special.”

Cleobella’s designs are inspired by the cultures of Bali and India. In their recent woodblock printed collection the beautiful patterns are created using an ancient technique where carved wooden blocks are dip dyed and transferred to the fabric one at a time. Where possible, they use natural dyes and dying processes and combine traditional methods with modern advancements to create products that honor their original heritage while moving towards greater sustainability. Cleobella pieces are an investment, but they are truly a work of art and support the time-honored methods that have been passed down for generations.

Angela desires to keep her business heart-driven and lives in Bali four months out of the year to remain connected to the people that are the foundation of her success. She says that the impact that the work has on the livelihoods of the makers is what inspires her to continue to grow and that they have changed her life as much as Cleobella has changed theirs.

Check out my favorite Cleobella products here!


Episode 5: Don Your Armor

Can I hear you say “struggle bus”?

Because I’ve had a seat right up front for the last three months.

This new episode of Behind Clothes Doors has put up a fight. The title came to me quite effortlessly after a conversation with one of my clients, but the actual writing of it has been kicking my a$%.

I wish I could paint a beautiful picture for you of a writer in quiet solitude divining inspiration from the creative muse. But my actual writing method is mess-y.

It’s chaotic and sporadic. I talk to myself a lot. I have to pick ideas up and put them down and toss them around a bit. But one thing I pride myself on is my tenacity. I can come back to the same things again, and again, and again … and again.

It takes some determination to continue to go back to things that are frustrating and annoying, and especially, when it feels like they’re just not working.

But I have a trick up my sleeve (pun absolutely intended) to help you do the things you don’t really want to do. Listen to my new episode here!

You’ve got this!

Emily

New Podcast! Behind Clothes Doors

Episode 1: Creating Space

I’m a wardrobe stylist, but not in the traditional sense. Yes, I play with clothes, but more than that, I help women create space for “the moment.” We often don’t take time out for ourselves. We’re constantly taking care of and holding space for everyone else. We’re always doing. Allow yourself to pause. Create the empty space for yourself and allow what is inside of you to fill it.

3 Closet Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making

Elyce and I are best friends and personal stylists who’ve seen our clients make a lot of similar mistakes in their closets. In the first of many style conversations, we talk about the reasons you might be feeling overwhelmed by your closet and the simple changes you can start making today.

 

Your Personal Style and How to Find It

Style isn’t complicated. But for many people, it is intimidating. How are you supposed to know what’s on trend, what looks good, or where to start? It also has an often nasty habit of drumming up lots of insecurities.

“That won’t look good on me.”

“I wish I was a smaller size.”

“I don’t look the way I used to.”

“My body feels different.”

Some people spend their entire lives avoiding that conversation with themselves in front of the mirror. And I don’t blame them. Who wants to feel that vulnerable?

But there is some magic that happens when you step in front of that mirror in a killer outfit. That flicker of a moment where you see yourself in a different light. 

That moment doesn’t come from wearing the latest trend or color of the season. That moment is personal. It comes from stepping out in something you feel both comfortable and confident in.

There’s a difference between stepping outside your comfort zone and not feeling like yourself. Stepping outside your comfort zone should be both scary and exciting -- like exploring a new city. You’re a little uncertain about where you are, but you’re curious and hopeful about where this new path could lead.

When you wear clothes that don’t feel like “you,” they distract you. You fidget and fuss with them and they leave you feeling more insecure than self-assured.

That’s why every time you try to copy an Instagram outfit, you feel like you’re putting on someone else’s identity.

You are.

What makes someone else feel bold and inspired may not be your cup of tea. The heels that make your coworker feel like a total boss might make you feel like Bambi learning to walk. Or the flirty florals that your friend feels fun and feminine in make you feel like you’re not old enough to enjoy your glass of wine.

Understanding what makes you feel your best is the core of great personal style. 

Have you ever noticed that the truly iconic style heroes have a “look”? You won’t catch Agnes de la Fressange wearing a frilly dress, but she looks awfully badass in a blazer. Brigitte Bardot embraced all her curves and Audrey Hepburn's most recognized outfits were unbelievably simple.

They found what worked and stuck with it.

That doesn’t mean you can’t still experiment with trends and try new things. But having a solid base to return to and tie it all together is how you develop a personal aesthetic. 

There’s no shortage of information you can use to guide your style journey, but your solid base is not an “essentials” list that you printed off the Internet. You’ve strung together a beautiful collection of experiences that make you unique. Your style should reflect just that.

Ready to get started? Schedule your complimentary consultation and let’s explore together!