A Holiday Shopping Stroll (not another Gift Guide!)

Rather than offer you one more gift guide, I’d love to share some of my favorite shopping spots with you. If you live nearby any of these, I strongly recommend in-person shopping. And if you don’t, then online will certainly suffice. I’m pairing a place to grab a quick coffee or full meal, because I always seem to be hungry LOL especially after shopping! Let me know if you visit any of these wonderful shops.

Photos I snapped while visiting (left to right) Surfing Cowboys, Vintage and the City and No. 6 Store

Toronto

I’ve just returned from a great visit to our neighbors up north. While there are SO MANY places I could recommend, here is a true stand out: Vintage and the City. I met the owner, Naomi, who started her collection years ago and has now found a dedicated spot for her shop in Yorkville Village. What I love about this particular vintage shop is how wearable the elevated pieces are and that the prices are great for how special each item is. She offers women’s and men’s and accessories and her sizes are inclusive (translation: they fit modern day people like me). Not currently in Canada? Feel free to DM Naomi and tell her I suggested that you do. For a quick pick-me-up, stop into the coffee shop at Whole Foods nearby and order a date+cardamom latte or for a full meal, go across the street to Sotto Sotto. I’ve loved this restaurant since we first took our kids here 20 years ago.

greenwich

This is the place I currently call home and I feel so grateful for the incredible amount of options in town. For holiday shopping, these three are standouts to me: Originals, Great Stuff and Richard’s. All are located on Greenwich Avenue. Originals has clothing, jewelry, housewares and gifts all chosen by Sigrid and Leonie, my friends and very chic Dutch ladies. Across the street is CFCF Coffee which is my favorite coffee spot and place to get a bite or treat. If they have the olive oli cake, don’t skip it! Great Stuff is a regional chain and if you work one-on-one with me I’ve most likely taken you shopping there. They just always have great stuff! Ask for Eveline, the store manager—she is truly the sweetest and so talented at putting together looks. Lastly, there is Richard’s—a classic Greenwich shopping destination. Ask for Linda Rait—again one of the most talented, stylish people and kind as can be.

pittsburgh

My hometown! I know there are really wonderful independent shops all over this city—and some of my favorites are in Lawrenceville. Having said that, I want to recommend shops that happen to be nearby two of my favorite pizza joints. Both of these places offer the BEST GLUTEN FREE pizzas according to a very discerning person in my life ♡ as well as amazing regular pizzas too. Alta Via Pizzeria in Bakery Square is a great spot and right across from Anthropologie and Free People Movement. Both stores are fabulous for finding fun gifts. And Posman Books in the Strip is another favorite of mine for books and gifts—and happens to be right across the street from Iron Born Pizza. The deep dish pizza is insanely delicious and again, the gluten free option is fabulous. Both of these locations—Bakery Square and The Terminal in the Strip—feel deeply connected to my dad. As a kid, he worked at both locations. If anyone reading this knows The Banana Man story, you’ve got to see the Terminal’s glow up!

New york

How to narrow it down to one or two recommendations in the greatest city in the world (imho)? Two small shops in Nolita make the cut for me: Noah and No. 6 Store. Noah offers refined classics with a nautical touch. Great gifts for the guys in your life. And No. 6 Store is just the coolest place—it started with their clogs and then added interesting individual lines as it went along. Truly an original shop—while so much of the area has been taken over by chains and labels, this spot stands out to me. In terms of food, there are options on every corner but I happen to love the small chain Le Botaniste. Really yummy plant based options that will energize you and get you back out into the NYC flow in a short time.

Malibu

I can’t leave out my West Coast is the Best Coast favorite place: Surfing Cowboys. Again, there are so many choices in the Los Angeles area, but this place is an incredible collection of vintage, new, clothing, gifts and just general coolness. Get a classic “Charlie Don’t Surf” hat for anyone on your gift list. Parking is easy, too 😊 and to eat: walk across the way to Tra di Noi—one of my favorite Italian places ever and it just happens to overlook the playground where I took my firstborn as a baby. If you just want a coffee and treat rather than a whole meal, they have a take out window for that.

I’m wishing you very happy and successful holiday shopping—enjoy all the Black Friday deals this week and, again, let me know if you make it to any of my favorite shops listed here 🛍

How to Style the Clothes You Already Own

There are so many factors that come into play when I’m styling a client one-on-one. I want to share three ideas for you to try yourself. Your first step is to pull pieces from your closet that you love or that you want to wear more.

Combine it Wrong

Intentionally combine items that may not “go” together at first glance. Think a masculine leather jacket and feminine chiffon skirt, for example. This creates an interesting tension in the outfit. The particular items you choose will determine the mood and overall style profile of the outfit (preppy, minimalist, ladylike, etc).  More examples are flat shoes with long, drape-y pants, sporty garments mixed with refined items or clogs with dresses.

Pay Attention to Proportion + fit

A successful outfit uses proportion in a deliberate way. One simple rule of thumb is: big on top, small on bottom and the reverse of that.  However, mixing volume on top and volume on bottom is a fun and modern way to create an outfit. Another important aspect is fit. How each piece of clothing relates to the other: is the top too short for the mid-rise pant or skirt? Is the blazer too long and hitting you at an unflattering point? The goal is to thoughtfully combine shapes and silhouettes that create a cohesive and interesting overall outfit while highlighting your best features.

Don’t Forget the Details

Layering intentionally, using textures/colors in an unexpected way and choosing interesting accessories are the design details the finish every well-styled outfit. Personal style depends upon these finishing touches to genuinely express who you are. And it’s my opinion that the best personal style combines old and new pieces. I love when a client says to me, “Do you know how old this piece is?” and that’s when I say, “You must love it and that’s what’s gonna make your outfit thoroughly unique and personal to you.”

Final thought

Don’t be afraid to try new proportions. Barrel jeans have been around for a few seasons and yet many people I know are fearful that they will make them “look big” and the irony is that the barrel silhouette tends to be incredibly flattering on many different body types. Even shoulder pads can scare women away from a jacket or cardigan—“I look like a linebacker” is a quote I tend to hear. Those messages coming from the back of your brain are NOT true. Don’t get stuck wearing just one silhouette for the rest of your days. With the right styling, you can make so many cool shapes work.

Fall 2025 Trends to Try

impactful and wearable

Each season the fashion industry offers us a plethora of trends—so many that it’s hard to know which to choose— and this year is no different. To help with the ovewhelm, I’ve selected a few that I believe have the most impact in terms of refreshing your wardrobe while at the same time being wearable for more than just one season and in more than one way.

Here’s my list:

  • suede jackets and handbags

  • fringe on jackets, dresses and accessories

  • leopard print shoes, belts + clothing

  • sculptural jewelry

  • Mary Jane shoes

  • jewel tones (especially the reds: ruby, garnet, carnelian)

  • outfits with a Boho vibe

  • outfits with a Western feeling
    Click here to see a collection of my specific choices for you to consider. They’re wearable; they make an immediate impact; they can be worn in more ways than just one.

Add an updated accessory

If you prefer a minimalist aesthetic and don’t want to buy more/new clothing, then add a few trendy accessories into the mix. An updated handbag (in a trending jewel tone, updated shape or in leopard print) or a new silhouette for your sunglasses are easy ways to update your daily outfits. Sculptural earrings, bangle bracelets and pendants feel right for the layered outfits of fall.

Topcoats for the win

Regardless of your personal style profile, remember that outerwear often becomes the focal point of your outfits as the weather turns colder. An updated everyday jacket—barn jackets are really having a moment!—or an updated going out jacket/coat will make whatever you’re wearing underneath look modernized and refreshed. Click here to see a few of my choices styled into full outfits.

a few more thoughts

Great style doesn’t have to cost a lot! Here is a collection of choices under $300. You can also thrift and shop consignment/vintage stores while keeping my list in mind.

Each year it seems that Animal Print (especially leopard print) is labeled as a Fall trend. In my opinion, it’s a classic. The same goes for checks—they’re trending this year: Ok, whatever you say fashion journalists! LOL Here’s the link to a variety of collections for you to peruse, get inspired by, shop from the links or simply enjoy!

And you can never go wrong by refreshing your denim. I find Veronica Beard jeans and their overall styling incredibly wearable with the ability to mix and match easily with other brands/garments. Here are some fully styled updated denim looks for you.

Quick Closet Organizing Hacks

Summer is coming to an end here in the Northeast and I have Fall fashion on my mind! If you do, too, and want to prep your closet, then here are three quick and easy tasks you can do to feel more organized and prepared for the coming season.

Friendly Reminder: your closet (and my clients’ closets) are REAL. These aren’t and shouldn’t be Instagram-ready every day. They are functional spaces that help you decide how you want to show up in the world. Not perfect, just real! I hope your closet reflects you—in all of your idiosyncratic beautiful uniqueness. OK, I am stepping down from my soapbox now ☺️

Pants on Top

If you struggle to decipher your pants, then move them to the top rack.

pants on top

This seems counterintuitive but it’s actually so helpful and time saving. When you can see the waistbands at eye level you quickly know which pair are which (especially if you have multiple pairs of black pants or jeans in similar colors). You can always tell which top is which whether you’re looking at it from the top or bottom rack, so tops on the bottom work.

Hanging your pants on ‘clippy’ hangers also solves the problem of seeing the waistbands.

Photograph Your Shoes

This is so worth the effort!

Shoe photos

If you keep your shoes in shoeboxes, then take a photo, print it out on card stock and paste that to the front of the shoebox. It sounds like an enormous task but it’s worth it! (I do this for many of my clients). This saves so much time in the long run. I learned this trick from a wonderful costumer on the set of Kirstie Alley’s sitcom, Veronica’s Closet. He had an entire wall of shoes and boxes of supplies labeled with photographs. Fabulous!

If you keep your shoes unboxed and on shelves, then place each pair front to back. You’ll be astounded at how much space this saves.

Matching Hangers

Slim velvet hangers are the way to go!

swap your hangers

This last one is far from original: switch to slim velvet hangers. It will make your life so much easier—tops won’t slip off, the spacing will all be even and you can fit more garments into the same amount of space. The secondary visual effect of uniformity and tranquility is equally important in my mind to the functional aspect of these hangers. I love opening a closet and seeing all the same colored hangers, evenly spaced. This is so pleasing to the eye and brings a sense of peace and calmness to the viewer (that’s you!).

I have a new virtual storefront

I love to offer my readers, followers and clients a quiet and ad-free space where I can share trends and items capturing my attention at the moment. Feel free to send me suggestions of categories or styling tips that you’d like me to address. I’ll try to accommodate all of your requests! Click the button above to see my new format—there are both FINDS (individual items) and LOOKBOOKS (fully styled outfits). Shop the links provided or use these ideas to shop your own closet and pull together outfits from pieces you already own.

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One Simple Summer Style Tip to Finish Any Outfit

Summer outfits typically require much less layering in terms of garments. Your daily outfits may be much more casual during the warmer months as well—more T-shirts and cotton dresses. To keep the looks from feeling unfinished, try this one easy style tip: layer your necklaces. Here is some guidance with examples from recent client sessions.

Stacking and Layering

You can layer individual necklaces or opt for a piece that is already layered (such as the silver double snake chain in the second photo below). Clients always ask me if it’s OK to mix metals—yes! When done correctly, mixing metals looks elevated and chic. The concept of High-Low can be applied as well: fine jewelry mixed with fun beads creates a stylish summer look. And colorful beads are having a moment this summer (in addition to sea shells).


* Photos below show 1) Mixing metals, diamonds and neutral beads 2) Matching metals in both earrings and necklaces and 3) Elevating a simple black T-shirt by boldly layering color, metals and multiple shapes

The Rule of Three

The human eye loves to find the ‘middle’ of anything and so three items makes the viewer happy. This rule applies well to necklaces. Here are some examples of that.


*Photos below show 1) Three graduated lengths of similar style and metal tone 2) Three diverse shapes and lengths in same metal tone with color added and 3) One long strand necklace draped to create three graduated lengths

Proportion and Shape

Proportion plays a big part in any successful layering. A white T-shirt is a blank canvas for mixing long and short, beads and leather and metal, too.
If your top has a mini-stripe then opt for a delicate necklace to echo the smallness of the stripe. If your top has an overall floral print and you have a necklace in the shape of a flower, use that to echo the design. Small details like this make a big impact.


*Photos below show 1) Combining different shapes and materials to elevated a basic white V-neck 2) A delicate station pearl necklace over stripes—the ‘layering’ here is in the design lines created by one single necklace over multiple stripe lines and 3) Continuing the floral theme of the top into the flower pendant of the necklace

Play with your pendants

Don’t forget that you can remove and add pendants to create completely different looks. Sometimes wearing just a simple chain with the pendant removed adds the perfect finishing layer to a necklace stack. And sometimes doubling up on the pendants in one necklace creates a unique piece that no one else will ever have (because you created it by mixing two pendants from different necklaces).


*Photos below show the same three necklaces but in 1) the circle pendant is on its own thin chain and in 2) we removed the circle pendant from its own thin chain and left that as a stacking element and then added the circle pendant to the T-bar chain so that there are two ‘charms’ on the one thicker chain

A Little Summer (Sale) Shopping

Memorial Day Weekend is here and so are the sales! Here are a few of my picks to get you through the summer. Many of these, but not all, are on sale. If the item itself isn’t discounted, then look for a store code to apply at checkout. If the piece is full price, then it has my stamp of approval as a worthwhile staple.

Remember to align the pricier items with your personal style. And for trendy pieces that stretch your everyday look, you can spend a little and still get a lot of impact. Click on any image to link to its webpage.

Happy Hunting and Happy Summer!

A Note about swimsuits

Shopping for bathing suits can be tough—be kind to yourself! Here are 4 ideas for you. Click to shop!

Take Care of Your Clothes and They'll Take Care of You

Your Fall/Winter items can use some attention this month. Follow these steps to elongate the life of your clothing. It’s good for our planet, good for your wallet and good for your personal style.

Also, I am a big proponent of separating Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer items into different closets. If you don’t have the space, then place the off-season clothing and accessories toward the back of your closet. The idea is to open your closet door and be able to choose from current-season only. It truly helps when getting dressed each day!

Click this board for some of my favorite tools-of-the-trade for keeping clothing fresh, clean and safely stored

1) Take your wool pieces to the dry cleaner before you store them for the season.  Leaving dirt and body oils on the fibers will cause them to deteriorate more quickly. Once clean, they will be fresh and ready to go as soon as there is a chill in the air again. Cashmere can be washed by hand at home! Wool blazers, sweaters and pants that haven’t gotten much use this season can be hung on a rack to air out, spritzed with a fabric cleaner and then stored away.

2) Launder your denim before storing that as well.  There are a handful of jeans that I leave in my closet for the Summertime; but generally speaking, jeans feel too heavy to wear during June, July and August.  For these items, I wash them inside out in cold water, steam them in the dryer for 5 minutes (don’t walk away!) and hang them to dry. Once completely dry, I store them on their hangers in a separate closet. It’s always so nice to see them still inside out in September and remember that this means they are clean!

3) Buff and puff your shoes and boots. You can clean and polish them yourself or take them to the cobbler to be re-heeled (if needed), polished and shined. Leather will dry out and crack if not treated regularly plus most marks or scratches can be easily fixed at a good shoe repair. Only service the shoes/boots that are in dire need. Check your leather handbags, too—generally these don’t need much attention unless they are scratched or the handle is starting to dry out and crack.

4) Remove any plastic coverings after dry cleaning. Use cloth coverings if a garment needs extra protection. The plastic can actually damage clothing if left on for an extended period of time as moisture can get trapped within the plastic bag.

here are a few of my favorite Met Gala looks

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute is opening a new exhibit this Saturday May 10th entitled Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. On Monday May 5th, the museum hosted its annual gala fundraiser. The Met Gala has become known as the Superbowl of Fashion with celebrities and socialites wearing their most fashion-forward looks honoring the theme of the current exhibit.

This year’s exhibit explores the importance of style to the formation of Black identities specifically through the concept of dandyism. Click here to learn more. I can’t wait to see this one! The show closes on October 26th. If you can’t get to New York, here’s a YouTube video of one section of the exhibit and here’s a sneak peek on Instagram of many of the clothes on display. Enjoy!

How To Transform Your Wardrobe

I consistently receive email inquiries saying things like, “I’m in a rut with my wardrobe” or “I wear the same things over and over and don’t feel good about that” and then, “Can you help me?” Yes, is my answer!

This type of wardrobe work is all about transformation. But it’s not transforming into someone different—it’s transforming into the version of yourself who exists today, right now. The only constant in our collective human experience is change and yet we are always so surprised when we find ourselves feeling, looking and thinking differently than we used to. That’s one reason I absolutely love people—we are all the same when it comes down to brass tacks!

Here are some basic steps to follow when thinking about wardrobe transformations in your own life.

seven women over fifty wearing stylish outfits

↑ just a few of my stylish, smart, unique and lovely clients

Review Your Closet

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a closet edit at least twice a year (April is the time for a seasonal closet flip!) helps you to know what is working for you and what no longer serves. It reminds you of what you actually own—shout out to those pieces that get buried in the back of a closet and are resurrected upon finding them! This is time well spent on yourself.

Try It On

Put some outfits together and put them onto your body. When you physically feel the pieces mixed together, you will know what’s working and what’s not.

Add Something New

Whether the “newness” comes from mixing existing garments in a different, novel combination or shopping for updated fabrics and silhouettes, something new helps move the transformation along.

Listen to Yourself

Often clients will try a new silhouette or color (or just wear some extra bracelets) and those closest to them will say things like, “Wow! You’re really dressed up today!” I truly believe it’s because there’s a familiar look that we have to those who see us everyday and it can be a little jarring to see a change. But remember: change is what this life is all about! So try the new look, wear it with confidence, tell those closest to you, “I’m trying something new and it feels good.”

some fun things currently on my radar:

click any image for more details

Trends to Try for Spring ’25

The fashion industry offers up many, many new trends each year especially during the Spring and Fall seasons. It’s impossible to keep up with all of them and it wouldn’t be authentic for you to try to wear them all. Should you even try to follow them? In a nutshell: yes. And the reason is that purchasing a few trending pieces a few times per year will keep your wardrobe looking current and fresh. A little at a time goes a long way towards building a stylish, interesting and unique-to-you closet. Here are four trends that can easily be incorporated into many different style profiles.

Think pink

Each season there are specific trending colors. This Spring, pale pink is having a moment (for both women and men—I love a pink shirt on guys and have added choices to the board below!). Other popular colors you’ll see in stores this season are shades of green and bright blue. The Pantone color of the year is Mocha Mousse (a warm neutral). That’s a wide variety of trendy colors! I’ve chosen to recommend pale pink because it mixes so well with both neutrals, white and black. Even choosing a pale pink accessory this Spring will update your entire look. Click the image below then scroll through to shop these and many more pink pieces that have caught my eye.

shoes n bags

Accessories are a great way to integrate trendy pieces into your wardrobe—high impact, but less of a commitment than garments. The slim sneaker is a refreshing silhouette after many seasons of chunky, platform sneakers. Don’t discard those! They are still “in!” But by adding a slim sneaker into the mix, you have the option of updating many different outfits already living in your closet. This same idea goes for bag charms. They are delightful and you can purchase them at all price points. Add just one to your bag if your style tends to be more classic. Add a whole bunch if your look is more eclectic, bohemian or artsy. What a fun way to express yourself!

collage of womens fashion sneakers with a slim silhouette in neutral colors

Click to shop ↑

They’re calling classic a trend

Having been a J.Crew (catalog!) fan since my college years, I find the Coastal Prep trend to be a classic look. Having said that, if you haven’t worn a pair of boat shoes in a minute, this is the season to do so. Wear them with a skort and cute sweater as the weather gets warmer. Lean into the preppy vibe and color stories that evoke the sea, the sand, summertime and puffy white clouds. You can wear this trend head to toe or mix one or two of these pieces with other styles to create a ‘preppy with a twist’ vibe.

last thought

Look at your favorite pieces in the closet and use those as guidelines for which trend will work best for you. And, of course, call me if I can help you one-on-one!

Recent Client sessions

Positive Wardrobe Strategies for the New Year

Focusing on clothing, fashion, your closet and wardrobe can bring a sense of order and positivity during turbulent times. Here are a few ideas for how to approach getting dressed each day to bring you confidence and joy. Before you start shopping for new pieces or avoid shopping altogether, consider the following ideas.

Focus on your basics

Wardrobe essentials differ based on each person’s lifestyle—for everyday, you may need classic work blouses/pants or much more casual separates such as t-shirts/sweaters/jeans. Whatever your style, now is the time to update those basics and make sure your closet is filled with modern fabrications and multiple silhouettes of the building blocks of your wardrobe.

Review the Trends

Each season the fashion industry offers us new trends (animal print always seems to be “new” LOL). Read up on what’s truly new for Spring ’25 and choose those that best fit your personal style. Purchasing a few trendy pieces ensures that your basic wardrobe items look current and modern. I will have lots of specific suggestions for you in next month’s newsletter but for now here’s my cheat-sheet of favorites!

Look at your Calendar

Travel or special dates/occasions can sneak up on us. It’s a good strategy to think through the next few months and plan now for any outfits you’ll need. Milestone birthday for you or a friend? Upcoming travel? Work presentation? Imagine how you’ll feel on the day and make sure your closet is prepared.

I’m always grateful to be able to help my clients feel good about themselves, relieve a bit of stress/decision-making and inject good aesthetics and beauty into their lives. Thank you to everyone who calls on me for 1:1 sessions—this work makes me so happy and gives me a positive focus during tough times.

There are so many worthy California wildfire-relief organizations which you can support, but here is one of my favorites: Altadena Girls started by a fourteen year old Angeleno with a special focus on young girls.

↑recent instagram posts—click here to follow me↑

Maria’s Holiday Survival Guide

Here are few ideas from me to you for not only surviving the holidays, but actually enjoying them. Use these outfit templates, gift guides and self-care ideas to help you through the next few weeks.

Put Yourself at the top of your list

During this busy time, it’s typically women who drive the whole train—from hosting to gifting to cooking, traveling and decorating. Schedule in 30 minute breaks throughout your day—I actually put them in my calendar or set a reminder on my phone. A short guided meditation (or nap ☺️) is so refreshing and also so easy to skip. Take care of you, so that you can take care of everyone and everything else. Use the Do Not Disturb feature on your phone for 30 minutes, go for a walk outside (not a workout, just a walk), read one chapter of your favorite holiday book or daily devotional. You get the picture: 2 or 3 short breaks throughout your day can make a big difference this time of year. Recently, I’ve been doing some yoga right before bed—and if I wake up in the middle of the night with my head racing (anyone else? ha ha!), I get up and work on whatever’s on my mind knowing that I’ll catch up on my rest during my breaks the next day.

Plan Your Outfits and Repeat Them

Create a “Holiday Section” in your closet—anything that is festive, party-ready, red/green/blue/silver/gold. This can be a temporary section and a mix of tops, bottoms, dresses, jackets, casual and formal pieces. Look at your calendar and make note of the days/events when you want to feel really pulled together. Create a few holiday go-to outfits in your mind—or better yet, in real life! If you’ve read these blog posts regularly, you know I like to photograph my ideas—for myself and my clients—including shoes, handbags, accessories and undergarments so that getting dressed is extremely easy. And if you love an outfit, repeat it! Using clothing to feel good is a big part of what my work is all about—so when you feel like you can conquer the world in an outfit, please wear it over and over and over.

Click on any image below to shop the looks.

Choose Your Gifts and Activities Wisely

Remember that the most important part of all of this is being with the people you love. Every gift doesn’t have to be perfect and every meal or party doesn’t have to be bigger and better than last year. I’m talking to myself here, too! Think of what your family members and friends actually like to eat, do, wear—and give them what they want even if that differs from the ideas you have in your head.

Click on the images below for some ideas for Gen Z girls and Teen Boys & Men (and click here for your mom/sister/best friend).

I’m wishing you all a wonderful holiday season—and if the holidays are really, really hard for you, please click here for professional resources and help. You’re not alone ❤️

How to Get that Southern California Look

I was in sunny SoCal recently and saw so many cute brands and pieces on my shopping excursions. I thought you might like to know of them, too—for yourself or for holiday gifts. I shopped in Montecito, Laguna, Newport, Manhattan Beach, Malibu, Brentwood and Pacific Palisades. The Westside of LA will always have my heart, but the Eastside has some really cool shopping these days, too. I’ll save that exploration for my next trip! 

For now, enjoy my Cali snapshots interspersed with items I saw IRL in little boutiques and for which I was able to find good links. From the Hobie Surf Shop in Laguna to Wright’s in Manhattan Beach, from M.Fredric and Kelly Slater’s Outerknown in the Malibu Country Mart to Elyse Walker in the Palisades Village—here is some seriously good California style for you!

Click on any image to shop or learn more about the location.

Best Dressed Wedding Guest (over age 40!)

When you’re the Mother of the Bride or Groom, choosing a dress is a whole THING. But when you’re an invited guest there’s a lot that goes into choosing the right outfit, too. You want to dress to the level expected but still be comfortable; you want to look and feel great but also keep in mind where you fit into the group (someone very close to the couple or someone more removed). Here are some tips for choosing the correct dress for the dress code and for your body and budget.

If the dress code is black tie or black tie optional that is helpful to determine the level of formality. Gowns work but so do midi-length dresses in elegant fabrics. I find that many of my clients prefer one silhouette to the other and then choose their preferred style no matter the venue or location. For example, if you’re not a fan of a full-length gown, then a midi dress (hits at mid-calf) in a lovely fabric is equally appropriate and elegant.

CLICK IMAGE TO SHOP THESE BEAUTIES ↑

Consider colors appropriate to the season

And don’t be afraid to be an “outfit repeater” and wear the same dress to different weddings. Most people find that weddings come in clusters—many friends get married around the same time, then their children get married within a few years of each other, etc. This isn’t always the case, but don’t feel you have to buy a brand new dress for each occasion.

Do keep in mind…

where you fit into the group. If you are quite close to the couple, then a knock-out and somewhat attention-getting dress is appropriate. If you’re a work colleague or someone a bit removed, then wearing a loud color or very noticeable piece may not feel like the right choice.

CLICK TO SHOP ↑

CONSIDER THE VENUE AND OVERALL LOCATION

Will the wedding take place at a church and then move to a preppy yacht club? Will it be boho chic in a barn? Sophisticated chic in a city hotel ballroom? Those details determine how ‘formal’ the options are. Many of my clients are choosing lovely florals or bright colors in silk, brocade or satin. Again, choose a color and pattern based on your own preferences. A refined fabric will make even a T-shirt dress appropriate for a formal wedding.

Consider your favorite (and not so favorite) parts of your body

Do you love your legs and want to show them off? Then something shorter or high-low in an elegant fabric will work for a formal wedding. Do you prefer to cover your arms? When shopping, select a variety of dresses with sleeves from which to choose. No need to try to make a sleeveless dress work even if you love the rest of it. Are you tired of feeling like a sausage in shapewear? 😊 Then choose dresses with volume throughout the bodice or side-shirring or an A-line silhouette. Do you love your shoulders and arms and feel very fit? Then highlight all the good parts with a more body-conscious cut keeping in mind that balance makes for the most elegant effect: bare on top? Then a little length on bottom will balance that out. Super short mini-dress? Then a bit more coverage (even if it’s sheer) on top will create a balanced and elegant look.

CLICK TO SHOP THESE CHOICES ↑

When in doubt, choose an lbd

An elegant black dress always works! An LBD (little black dress) doesn’t really have to be little. It can be a gown or midi-length. I suggest choosing a black dress with some type of interesting design element: a beautiful chiffon sleeve, for example. Or a bit of beading or lace or draping—these details ensure that basic black is anything but basic and you can wear it over and over again.

The Price point…

is completely up to you. The examples I’ve given above start around $150 and go up from there.

CLICK TO SHOP ↑

Be mindful of your shoes

There is NO NEED to wear pretty shoes that hurt your feet! A wedge, block-heel or platform tends to be much more comfortable than a single-sole stiletto (and much better on grass or outdoors for weddings with that component). Kitten heels are always an elegant choice. Take a look at your formal shoes and update these if you haven’t in a while. Black or a metallic is always appropriate for a formal wedding.

final thought:

If you’ve given attention to your outfit in the ways I describe above, then you really can’t get it wrong. So many women worry that they’re not dressing exactly as the dress code on the invitation suggests. And often those descriptions can be hard to decipher and visualize and realize. Remember: if you look good, then you’ll feel good and then you’ll do good. Own your style and your well-considered choices; then your outfit will be perfect. Go confidently to enjoy the celebration of love! There’s nothing quite like that public declaration of two people choosing to commit their lives to one another 💗

Reach out if you'd like some help with this!

Defining Your Personal Style

Your personal style is a unique interpretation and manifestation of who you are. It’s a powerful communication tool. As Miuccia Prada has said, “Fashion is instant language.” 

So, what are your clothes saying? The fun part of fashion and getting dressed each day is that you get to decide the answer to that question.

These images are just a few examples of different style profiles. From left to right: tailored, romantic, casual polished.

Here are some fun questions to ponder in order to define your personal style. There are no wrong answers! Let your imagination go. You may choose multiple styles, words, adjectives, looks; or, you may always land on the same definitions. It’s all good 😊 Let me know what you come up with!

  • How do you want to feel in your clothes?

    • examples: comfortable, confident, creative

  • How do you want other people to feel when they see you?

    • calm, energized, curious, certain (there are many more possibilities!)

  • What messages do you want to send about yourself?

    • I’m reliable and relatable

    • I love fashion, art, music

    • I’m traditional

    • I’m an artist at heart

    • Something else entirely—fill in the blank yourself

  • What adjectives most resonate when you describe yourself?

    • Edgy, classic, eclectic, preppy

    • Minimalist, rocker, bohemian, girl-next-door

  • Do you want to send consistent messages or do you enjoy changing things up?

    • No matter the circumstance, I like to dress in the same styles

    • Depending on where and with whom, I like to dress in different styles

some style profiles from which to choose:

  • What are the symbolic meanings of the garments you love the most?

    • For example: pearls = Ladylike and silver grommets = Rock n’ Roll

  • What is the physical experience of wearing your favorite clothes?

    • Clothing has been proven to make us perform better. If you haven’t read about Enclothed Cognition yet, check it out here.

    • When it’s my favorite, I actually forget about what I’m wearing!

  • How would you describe the clothing you wear on a daily basis?

    • Intentional, whatever fits, workout gear

Here are examples of preppy style, classic style and bohemian style.

some personal adjectives from which to choose:

If you’ve done this before and feel that you are certain of your personal style profile, I suggest revisiting these questions every few years. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “The only thing that is constant is change.”  (Apparently, I’m really into quotes for this post LOL).

For those of you who know me personally, you will not be surprised to learn some of my answers: Eclectic, creative, classic, approachable. I truly have fun with my clothing and love helping others to do the same!

here are just a few recent client outfits to inspire you!

Thanks for reading! 😊

Your Summer Wardrobe Checklist

Slowing down and making life feel more relaxed and simple is my goal for summertime. Here are some things I’m doing for myself right now that may help you to get into the summer mode, too.

Cleaning and Storing the Fall/Winter Stuff

I’ve been helping clients with these tasks for the past couple of months and now it’s time to make sure I’ve done all of these things in my own closet:

  • hand wash cashmere sweaters and depill with my new favorite little gadget. I use a delicate soap and then after rinsing completely, squeeze the water out (don’t wring) and then lay the sweater on a bath towel, roll it up and press water out. Lay sweaters flat to dry on a drying rack then store in clear plastic bin with cedar bricks.

  • take any wool sweaters/blazers that really got a LOT of use to the dry cleaner. If there are pieces that I haven’t worn often, I hang them on a rolling rack (outside of my closet) to air out for a day or two before storing in my off-season closet.

  • remove any PLASTIC coverings when I get the dry cleaning returned. Use cloth coverings if a garment needs extra protection. The plastic can actually damage clothing if left on for an extended period of time as moisture can get trapped within the plastic bag.

  • wash all my heavier denim/dark wash jeans. I wash them inside out, throw in the dryer for 5 minutes to steam, then hang them to finish drying (still inside out). Once completely dry, I store them in my off-season closet—when I’m ready to wear them next Fall, it’s always so nice to see them inside out and remember that this means they are clean!

  • take any boots/heavier shoes to the cobbler this month. Gives them plenty of time to fix the heels, shine and condition the leather and I won’t miss them at all in the next few weeks. This is also a great time to clean out any dust on shoe shelves and containers in my closet.

Preparing Outfits for Upcoming Weddings, Parties, Trips

If you read these emails in any type of regular fashion, you already know that planning ahead is my best suggestion. Try everything on ahead of time—it really won’t take that long. Make sure the undergarments work, the handbags are there (one client just realized her favorite navy clutch was borrowed by her daughter and it now lives in another city!), the shoes are still comfortable and your cute Fourth of July sweater is still in good shape! This will alleviate last minute panic-shopping ☺️

  • Look at the calendar and really think about when I’ll want something special:

    • Fourth of July

    • Weddings or Parties

    • Trips

Here are just a few ideas for you. Click to shop or create similar outfits by using pieces you already own.

Confirming Everyday Go-to Pieces are Ready and Waiting

I like to go through my everyday garments and make sure things are still looking good and fitting well. In the summer, my daily outfit is typically a dress—more casual for everyday or a bit more polished for seeing a client. But I also like to have lightweight pants and T-shirts on hand for those days I just don’t want to wear a dress. To be honest, my body has changed a lot in the last couple of years (can anyone out there relate? 🙋🏻‍♀️) and so I’ve had to update many of my everyday pieces recently.

  • Release items that don’t fit as well as they used to (including many long-time favorites. It’s hard in the moment, but feels so good to know I’m not trying to wear things that aren’t working for me anymore. Forward is the only way to go!)

  • Buy updated replacements for these items so I feel prepared. Don’t put this off! For me that’s meant: updated everyday dresses and cute, lightweight pants and T-shirts.

  • Speaking of T-shirts, make sure my white T-shirts are actually white (release the ones that aren’t—even if they are some of my favorites)

  • Update everyday shoes. Clean sneakers and fun variations on flip-flops and Teva-style sandals are simple ways to make everyday summer clothing feel stylish yet still easy.

My best recommendation to you in terms of everyday dressing is to decide what your signature look is for summer and make sure a good amount of those items are ready to go. If you’re mostly in bathing suits during the day, make sure your cover-ups are updated, fresh and stylish. If you’re in an office during the summer, make sure your ‘office cardigan’ or lightweight blazer is updated for the freezing A/C. Whatever that important daily outfit is for you, make sure you have good options now so that you can get through summer feeling positive and relaxed.

As always, thanks for reading these letters! Wishing you all a great summer ☀️

Spring Trend Report: Accessories

One of the best ways to add current trends into your wardrobe is by using accessories thoughtfully. This season, there are a handful of trends that are very wearable and will update any style profile whether you consider yourself preppy, boho, minimalist or classic. I’m breaking it down into three categories for you and giving examples of each. As always, click on any photo to shop.

BOws 🎀

This feminine touch is everywhere this season and a great way to look current with a small amount of effort. From jewelry to shoes to handbags, here are some great bow choices for you. And with many thanks to my friend and super-talented Greenwich-based jewelry designer Lisa Leavy, I can offer you a 15% discount on her items site-wide through the month of April. Use CODE Maria15 (hello, Mother’s Day gifts!). Thanks, Lisa 💗 🎀

Sheer + sparkle

One of the most original trends happening this Spring is the sheer and/or sparkly and/or mesh shoe trend. From heels to flats, there are so many choices for you to add into your wardrobe. The flats especially are intended as an everyday, wear-with-everything kind of accessory. Have fun with these! People will notice!

oversized

Sunglasses, chunky jewelry and ultra-big handbags are another fun trend that you can easily add into your closet this season. Oversized clothing has been on-trend for a while now, but can be hard for all body types to wear. These accessories will always fit! I can’t overemphasize the current trend of ‘puffy hearts’—scoop them up while you can ♡

Final thoughts

Adding one or two of these fun pieces into your wardrobe will refresh so many outfits. If you want suggestions for Spring clothing trends, then here are a few of my favorites: the Ice Blue trend, sweet Polka Dots on everything; and for all my East Coast girlies, Preppy Style is having a moment! Lean into it with these great polos ✨

Want a (re)introduction to who i am and what i do? Click here!

And thank you for all the Google Reviews—they mean so much to me!

How to Wear the Clothes You Already Have

Giving some thought and attention to your clothing is a gift to yourself. Clothing communicates so much about who we are, who we think we are, how we want others to feel about us—feeling current, comfortable and authentic (and then forgetting about your clothes) is the best way to face the day. But often I hear clients wonder, “Why don’t I wear more of what I have?” Here are my thoughts on that—

Number 1) There is just too much in your closet. The closet feels overwhelming, so you just wear a few pieces on rotation because you know they work.

Number 2) When you’re trying to grow and elevate your personal style into something new, people tend to comment!

Number 3) You’re buying items because they were on sale OR an influencer/social media post made it look great.

↑ JUST A FEW OF MY BEAUTIFUL, STRONG, SMART, KIND CLIENTS WEARING THEIR CLOTHES

So what to do?

Number 1 is fairly easy to fix: edit your closet (or get help from a professional—Hello! 👋🏼 I can help). Once you release the pieces that are not flattering, misshapen/damaged, out of date, and/or duplicates, then organize by color and season, it’s much easier to see what you have and put the outfits together on a daily basis. Giving yourself the gift of your own attention to this matter is so meaningful.

Number 2 is a bit trickier. I’ve found that when clients come to me looking to elevate their style and we do that successfully, sometimes the comments start coming. And often these are from people the closest to them (spouses, moms, kids) and they can be something like, “Why are you wearing that?” or “You have a lot of bracelets on!” I feel this happens because the new look is unfamiliar. Mom/wife/daughter looks different—does this mean she IS different? Unconsciously, the person making the comment may feel worried or discomfited. If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, then the answer is something like, “I’m trying something new and I want to take some time to see how I like it. So far, it’s making me feel really good.”

Number 3 is a matter of really knowing yourself and making thoughtful purchases that don’t clog up the closet. Super-duper sale prices are sooooo tempting—buy carefully and make sure it really fits well and it’s something you will actually use. See an outfit on social media that you love? Really look at who is wearing it—do they have the same proportions as you? Same lifestyle? Can those shoes they are wearing really be worn outside on a daily basis (the fancy, bare shoes in winter always make me giggle! or the mom carrying a child on her hip while wearing stilettos 🤭) Mindful purchasing increases the likelihood of wearing what’s hanging in your closet.

↓ HERE ARE SOME REAL CLOSETS THAT MAKE ALL THE SPACE WORK WELL

❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅

And bonus thought: give yourself permission to wear the good stuff! Pieces don’t have to be expensive to be considered the good stuff, but often those that are a bit more pricey can feel too precious to wear everyday. Carpe diem! You loved them when you bought them so please wear them until they “owe you nothing” as a recent client said to me! 💗

Click to shop ↑

Thank you for the many wonderful google reviews!

How to Have Fun with Your Wardrobe While Traveling

This post isn’t about over-packing. It’s about enjoying clothing as a means of self-expression and how to do that out of a suitcase. My three principles of good packing still apply here: start with your shoes, use color stories, and plan your outfits in advance. But the idea is to really load up on different outfits so that you have lots of options while away. Lean into having fun, changing for different locations and activities and keeping it all organized as you go along.

The following photos are from a client who was going on a dreamy trip: Palma and Nice with a yacht trip in between. She needed lots of lunch and dinner outfits as well as day-tripping in both city and beach locations. We got it all into 2 checked bags and 1 carry-on!

All of this fit into two checked bags and one carry-on

Start with shoes

Look at your itinerary and imagine exactly what types of shoes you’ll want and what type you’ll need (often two different things!). Be practical—stilettos and cobblestone streets/sandy beaches don’t mix—but don’t sacrifice style. Start pulling options from your closet with the idea that you will edit some of the shoes out before you actually pack the bags.

Use Color Stories

Based on location, we created different color stories so this client could easily pull outfits based on which city she was in or when she was on the yacht (…’cause, you know, you gotta have Yacht Outfits!)

Plan Your Outfits in Advance

Try them on or lay them out. This is the time to add accessories and edit your shoe choices. The fewer pieces of jewelry, fewer handbags and fewer shoes you can use and re-use will make packing (and getting dressed each day of the trip) much easier. Then hang everything on a rolling rack for a few days. Have a think. Edit or add as needed.

here are a few pages from her lookbook:

We ended up with 36 pages of outfits not including workout gear and a couple lounge outfits. She looked and felt fabulous in each location of her trip (and still had a bit of room in her luggage so that some newly acquired pieces could make it home with her 🛍). Here are a few snapshots.

Loving clothes and loving shopping is such a personal choice and one of self-expression. If you do this naturally, then embrace it and enjoy it! If it doesn’t come so easily to you, then you can always pack in a more streamlined way using this formula: 5 tops + 3 bottoms + 2 dresses + 2 cardigans/jackets and 4 pairs of shoes = 7 days of vacation in a carry-on bag. If I can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out here.

one last tip: don’t forget plane/arrival outfits

Wearing layers on a plane is crucial, but again you don’t have to sacrifice style. And also keep in mind the details of your arrival day. It’s very helpful to have a fresh outfit in your carry-on for a quick ‘costume’ change as soon as you land.

☀️Buon viaggio, everyone ✈️

You're Gonna Need a Top Coat

Here is some guidance and inspiration so you don’t go out of your mind wearing the same black puffer for the next few months 😊

Remember to layer creatively

Layer under (use two coats!) or over (a rain poncho over a packable down jacket) as much as needed so that you stay 1) warm 2) dry and 3) happy for as long as you’re out in the elements.

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Make sure your outerwear is current

This means having a few options that are a bit oversized to accommodate the recent trend of exaggerated sleeves + shoulders on many tops, dresses and blazers.

woman's fashion outfit with blue jeans and an oversized sweater, black boots and hat and a tan faux shearling jacket with hood or a black and caramel reversible winter down coat

Click or Tap ↑—you know what to do!

Treat your coat closet the same way you’d approach any other section of your wardrobe

Curate it for variation so that you have options and are not wearing the exact same warm coat everyday and for every occasion for the next few months. Clean lines and classic colors are perfect for a work/office coat. Leather, shearling, and moto-detailing are perfect to wear into a city. Plaids and diamond-quilting are the right choices for days in the suburbs or country. And, do you have a date night/dressy coat? It’s always so sad to resort to an everyday coat over a great outfit for a special night or occasion. Lastly, if you’re up for high-energy vibes (and getting noticed) then choose a brightly patterned puffer or vest for everyday.

Choose clean lines and classic colors to wear to work

Wear pretty puffers on grey days—click to shop!

What about fur?

If you feel comfortable wearing real fur, then go for it! I know wearing fur elicits strong reactions but currently it’s having a moment (I don’t love the language being used around it—Mob Wife Aesthetic—derogatory in my opinion on many levels); however, the ideas of luxury, maximalism and ultra-femininity are worthy of upholding. Wearing a new or vintage fur in an updated, casual way can be really fun. Here are some images from the Instagram page @watchingnewyork for inspiration.

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A few things capturing my attention and feeding my creativity:

Click here to follow my life as a stylist on instagram 😊

Holiday Wardrobe Heroes

Wardrobe heroes are those pieces that tick just the right boxes at just the right time and make every outfit ‘work.’ For the upcoming holidays, pull these types of pieces from your own closet or shop a few well-chosen items so that you have holiday wardrobe heroes at your fingertips throughout the season. Make a special ‘holiday’ section in your closet if that’s helpful for you to have all of these items in one place. Here are a few ideas for you!

statement tops + something black on bottom

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You can’t go wrong with a really special and festive piece on top and black on the bottom. Choose holiday colors and add some sparkle plus an interesting shoe. Create a few outfits around these special tops and wear them on repeat. These fit the bill from work holiday parties to festivities with family and friends.

Use the meal’s color palette

Click to shop for Thanksgiving ↑

You can’t go wrong with shades of brown and cranberry for Thanksgiving. Whether you’re with the jeans-n-sneakers crowd or at the dressy grown-ups table, wearing these colors will make Turkey Day feel more celebratory. Word to the wise: stretchy fabrics and loose jeans 😊

cozy days-n-dinners deserve holiday outfits too

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You can’t go wrong with a pretty sweater in holiday colors/graphics and easy pants that feel like pull-on pajamas or denim as stretchy as leggings. Finish with fun accessories. Don’t be afraid to lean into the colors of the season and wear to casual get-togethers, your kids’ school concerts, while gift shopping or just running errands. These cute pieces are guaranteed to boost your mood.

add some sparkle

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You can’t go wrong in metallics this season no matter which holidays you celebrate. This blue and silver color palette lends quiet elegance to any event, party or gathering—Hanukkah, Christmas or New Year’s Eve.

Red and Green (and gold and Plaid!)

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You can’t go wrong wearing red, green, gold or plaid on repeat throughout December. You can find items similar to these at any price point (and you probably already have a few in your own closet!). Remember your mission: Pick one or two pieces that say “Festive” and wear them over and over during the holidays. They become your signature pieces and then can be put away again until next year.