The Most Important Fashion Staple

  It's a new year, and while I get angry every time I go to the now-over crowded gym, or try to pick up my kale/spinach (mostly for smoothies) to find them 99% picked over, I'm riding the motivation for my own good.  I've already started a new healthy eating program, looked back on 2016's failures and now, I'm cleaning out my closet and dresser drawers - starting with my undergarments. 
This is the one area I totally neglect, keeping bras around for waaayyyyyyy too long, and wearing the same one or two over and over, while I have a completely stuffed drawer full of others.  While I was cleaning out my drawer of bras - I found some from pre-pregnancy for goodness sake! Now, obviously my body has majorly changed - twice! (those sweet little blessings...), and it's completely ridiculous that I have hoarded these old bras.
Now, I don't know what is worse - old bras, or wearing the same one for more than a year, almost every day.  They do have a lifespan - and that is too long. I didn't even realize how unflattering my once favorite bra had become until I received these new Olga bras. It was an instant makeover right there. Instantly my tops looked and fit better.  
And finally, it's not about just getting a new bra - but obviously the right one. The right one for your body most importantly, but also for the outfit or material of the top you're wearing.  That's something I've been playing with a bit more recently.  As I mentioned, I was wearing the same bra for far too long, but with anything/everything.  I now have brand new bras in 4 different styles - all from the new Olga Flirty collection.

Bras c/o by Olga, part of the new Flirty Collection.  The Laundress Delicate Wash to make your now new and better bras lasting as long as possible, the Laundress Delicate Spray to remove odors, and Scented (vanilla pear!) Liners for your drawers!

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Inspiring me lately: Buffalo Check

I am totally inspired by plaid lately, but specifically buffalo check.  I think it is the perfect winter pattern to play with and has a way of making you feel cozy. But, to keep it from looking to campy, I have a few suggestions to what to pair it with to keep it fresh and fun.

1. Pair the bold plaid print with something unexpected. Try a ultra girly skirt in tulle (like this one from Anthro). 2. Mix it up with other patterns to add a layered look. Throw a buffalo print shirt over a stripe dress, tied the shirt closed instead of buttoning it. 3.Pair the classic with something edgy, like leather leggings. 4. Glam it up, turn it fancy with meallics, sequins or something glittery (a la these pumps). Extra: Add bracelets and a statement necklace (like this beauty) to top off any of these looks, and apply matching red lipstick to take this casual print into something way more.
After much deliberation, I decided on this buffalo check shirt, mainly because of the polka dot lining. I find joy in the small things, but also think it will make this shirt more versatile by rolling up the sleeves to show off the dots. 
Are you a fan of the buffalo check print? How will you pair it? Shop for Buffalo Check:

Above Photos: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11 Share the Buffalo love...

Sylvia C. Styling: Helping you find your own personal style!

I love nothing more than supporting and being supported by other woman, especially those out doing what they love!  We can do so much more if we all work together, to collect our individual talents and passions to use for the greater good.

One of those women out doing what they love... I'm so excited to introduce to you Sylvia! She is a Kansas City area gal, just like me, who is also passionate about fashion and helping others find their personal style. She's a mama of two, so definitely understands how to make style work in the real world!  

{Sylvia and her precious family}

Sylvia C. Styling is a business launched from her own love of fashion and helping other people feel good!  She can help you shop your own closet, showing you how to style (or re-style) pieces you already own, to personal shopping for new things to love.  

I had a few questions for her, and Sylvia happily answered. Get to know her a bit:

When did you get started in styling and what inspired you to do so?

Sylvia: My business officially launched this past August, but I have been dreaming of doing some version of this for many years. I have always loved connecting with women, and have long desired to share my enthusiasm for life.

What has been your favorite styling session, and why?

Sylvia: Overall, my favorite task is remixing outfits for my clients. There is nothing better than showing someone ALL of the ways that they can wear what they already have. It’s fun for me to see clients get excited about their own clothes. I love the quote: “It’s not about having what you want, but wanting what you have.” It can be applied to almost every facet of our lives!

In this overwhelming market of content and ways to get it - where do you find your styling inspiration?

Sylvia: I have two favorite fashion magazines: Instyle and People Stylewatch. From the web, I love Pinterest. But, the best inspiration comes from people watching. I could sit all day (SANS kiddos!) with a coffee and gawk at people from afar.

How would you describe your own personal style for yourself?

Sylvia: I consider my style eclectic. I love to mix in feminine shapes with a little ‘pop of crazy’ … be it a colorful shoe, wild print, or exciting hemline.

I am currently growing my business on a part-time basis, so much of my time is spent with my two kids: Elias, 3.5 and Olive, 15 months. Regardless of our agenda for the day, I make sure my personality shines through in how I dress. When I look better, I feel better.

How are you able to work with others that might have a different style than your own?

Sylvia: I don’t have to aspire to achieve a certain style in order to appreciate it. I see clothing as an expression of self. I love the variety, which comes with that viewpoint. No matter what someone’s style, I work to help them achieve that look in a way that’s tasteful and chic.

Well, I personally want to go get coffee and people watch with Sylvia, now! But YOU should check out her awesome services - if you're looking for a little to a lot of help in any way, she sure does sound like the perfect little lady to get the job done (and have some fun).

You can follow Sylvia on Pinterest, via Facebook and even Twitter for several different ways to get to know her better, follow her tips and get inspired!

KFCW Styling Work for Saks 5th Avenue Off Fifth

I had the extreme pleasure and fun opportunity to style 4 models from head to toe for the first night of Kansas City Fashion Week (KCFW) Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th runway show.  I styled them with current in-store merchandise and Fall looks. I had a blast with my models and wanted to show a variety of Fall outfits.  Keep reading for details on each model and their outfits!

Styling & KCFW Kick-Off Event

I had the extreme pleasure of not just attending the Kansas City Fashion Week kick off event benefiting Wayside Waifs at Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th located at the Legends Outlets last Thursday night, but styling a model for Fall.  

I chose to show how you can incorporate white moving into Fall and strive to continue to help combat that old wives tale that you can't wear white after labor day.                                                               This is just one way to do it, and a glamorous way at that.  But it's easy to tone down the glamour by layering on a big cozy sweater coat or cardigan instead of the brocade jacket, swap heels for flats and try a slicked-back ponytail.                                                                                   Keep reading to see more photos from the event, meet my model and see my styling come to life!