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wardrobe staple

pregnancy wear for larger bodies

pregnancy wear for larger bodies

Every once in a while, I work with a client who’s already an expert shopper and doesn’t need my help in that area. Virginia was one of those. We spent all of our time together confirming her style and editing down her massive collection of incredible clothes so that she could make room for a baby! During our time together, she did a massive amount of research about maternity clothes for plus size women and she’s allowing me to share it here so that everyone can benefit! Here’s a list from her with her personal notes.

Seek Collective - size-inclusive linen dresses

Nap Lounge Wear - elevated loungewear that runs huge

Pink Blush - great, cheap basics, size-inclusive, so great

Storq - have a small plus size maternity section but it’s nice stuff, love the jumper overalls 

Old Navy - plus size in store now and I found a lot of maternity returns on the sale rack

Peridot Robes - actually luxurious feeling plus size robes that fit!! 

Athleta - also has some great robes.

ASOS - maternity stuff is cut like I’m 6’ tall but I’ve made some of it work

Miranda Bennett Studio - got a cool linen nursing dress here

Shiny by nature - colorful, size-inclusive basics!

Lucy and Yak - adorable overalls, size-inclusive, not good for short people

Philomena + Ruth - dope jumpsuits and lounge pants, have almost all of them

Artemisia made - expensive, nice, roomy linen stuff

Esby - my old Esby stuff fits great

Uzi - the tunics always fit and are such a good price

Saint and Sophia - great lounge pants

Rachel Craven - expensive, dope, often sold out 

Gentle Herd - giant, nice sweaters

MIMU MAXI - so many stretchy, basics

Lattelier - giant sweaters, expensive 

Such an amazing list, right? And here’s a little love from Virginia about our work together.

Where did you shop for maternity items?

should a minimalist personal stylist get free stuff?

should a minimalist personal stylist get free stuff?

When sponsored content, affiliate linking, and gifted products first started becoming common in the world of blogging, I made a conscious decision not to engage. Blogging isn’t my actual business, minimalist personal styling is, and with very little childcare, I didn’t have the extra time to devote to it. 

Even more than that, I had a philosophical objection. There’s a big difference between having a “minimalist” style and actually *being* minimalist. If someone is constantly receiving new items from brands to review, can they really be maintaining a minimalist wardrobe?

I also don’t want to perpetrate the societal norm of always needing new things. It may be boring to wear the same things all the time, but it is the most ethical, frugal, and environmentally friendly way to dress. 

Disclaimer: this does *not* mean that I don’t think people should get paid for blogging. I think of blogs as akin to magazines. Bloggers give us great content to read and enjoy, and they make money for their time by selling products in different ways. That’s just not what *my* business is, and it doesn’t align with the message of my business (basically: less is more). 

Now that I’m expanding my business, I wanted to explore that avenue of revenue (hey that rhymes), but in a minimalist way. I also recommend products to my clients all the time, and having the ability to try things serves my clients’ needs. 

When creating my fall capsule wardrobe, I made a list of things I could use for fall. One of the items on my wishlist was a pair of not-so-skinny jeans. 

I tried the 90’s Cheeky jean from Everlane, the Mom jean from Mott & Bow, and with my own money, I purchased the Classic Straight from Madewell (via Nordstrom). These items were “gifted”, which means they were given to me free of charge, but I was not paid to write this post (that would be “sponsored” content). I am now an affiliate for Everlane and Mott & Bow, which means that I have specific links to products I share about, and I get paid a commission if a purchase is made. If you’re curious about the official designations, it’s all here.

minimalist personal stylist everlane cheeky jeans review.jpg

On to the honest review! (Note on sizing: never go by size, go by measurements! My measurements are 31” at my natural waist, 33” at my belly button, and 39” at my hips)

First up, I honestly don’t think I’m cool enough for the Everlane Cheeky jean. The cut is really unique, but a little too close to the SNL mom jeans skit on me. I’m wearing a size 28 in Medium Blue here, and it’s possible I could have gone down a size. I always recommend squeezing into the smallest size of denim you can, since they’ll always give a little after wearing. Another deal breaker is the button fly. Thanks to two pregnancies, I don’t have time to spare when getting to the bathroom ;)

minimalist personal stylist mott bow jeans review.jpg

The Mom jean from Mott & Bow in Ridge, Medium/Dark blue was my second favorite. The fit was great and they’re super comfortable. The 26” inseam length is right where I like my hem to hit, above the boot shaft. I’m wearing a size 27. Ultimately, I just wanted a slightly lighter wash. Mott & Bow also sent me the fitted v-neck Marcy t-shirt to try, which I’m wearing in all these photos. This is possibly the softest tee I’ve ever touched. The fit is incredible, a little slouchy, but not baggy. I’m wearing a size medium. My only wish is that it was slightly thicker fabric. It’s fine with a nude bra, and is definitely not as sheer as most tees seem to be these days, but it’s not completely opaque either. I highly recommend it, and am adding it to my minimalist wardrobe.

minimalist personal stylist jeans review.jpg

For me, the Classic Straight from Madewell is the best option. Often, you find a denim brand that works for you, and Madewell has for me. They’re the right mix of mom jean and wearable, and the wash is what I was looking for. Often the more relaxed styles from Madewell run really big, and that’s true for these, I’m wearing a 26 (I wear a 28 in the High Rise Skinny).

Since I only need one pair of jeans to fill this need in my wardrobe, and even though they were free to me, I returned the other two pairs. I kept the pair that was best, even though it cost me money. However, they may still work for you, and you can still support me as an affiliate of Everlane and Mott & Bow by shopping through the links in this post. The great thing about both of these retailers is that their products are ethically made (Madewell’s are not). In addition, even though the Madewell jeans weren’t gifted, the link to the jeans is an affiliate link, so I get a few cents when you click through to that one too. 

What do you think? How do you feel about sponsored content and gifted items? Is it possible to do it in a minimalist way? In addition to the Mott & Bow tee, I also kept a pair of boots from Everlane, so stay tuned for that review!

Want to work together? For the month of October 2019, I’m offering 20% the price of my virtual personal styling packages. Get in touch!



trench coat: wardrobe staple or not?

trench coat: wardrobe staple or not?

There are some things that we're told every woman has to have in their wardrobe. 

mindful closet st louis personal stylist: trench coat

I've already decided I'm not the white-button-down-wearing type (usually on that list) and therefore don't need one, but what about a trench coat? I love the look of it, and it's perfect for transitional weather like we're having now. I was all about the trench while I was pregnant (here and here) but in reality, I hardly ever wear it. 

What do you think? Keep it or let it go? 

 

(photos by Celeste Boyer)

a 10 piece eileen fisher capsule wardrobe

a 10 piece eileen fisher capsule wardrobe

There are always different capsule wardrobe challenges going around the internet. In recent memory, there were 30x30 (30 pieces for 30 days), then Project 333 (33 pieces for 3 months), then the Unfancy capsule (37 pieces for 3 months). Currently, 10x10 (10 items for 10 days) is popular. Since I wanted to introduce you all to how versatile, practical, and useful Eileen Fisher clothing is, I thought I’d take it a little further and see how many outfits I could get with only 10 pieces of clothing.

As when I have chosen my own capsules (to see all my capsule wardrobe blog posts, go here), I started with more and edited it down to 10 items. I made sure to have basic tops (white tee, striped tee, and dressy shell) and bottoms (dark wash jeans and black pants). I wanted to have a versatile dress and lots of top layers that would go with every foundational piece for lots of combinations.

10 piece eileen fisher capsule wardrobe

Here are the 10 Eileen Fisher pieces: Sleeveless Silk Long Shell, Dolman Sleeved Linen TunicLong Sleeve Jersey Top, Long Draped Open Cardigan, Fisher Project Wool Poncho Top, Fine Merino Birdseye Angle Front Jacket, Wool Blend Twill Graph Serape, Slim Ponte Pant, Washable Silk Dress, and Soft Stretch Skinny Jean

You may have noticed that the prices on these items are higher than some I might usually post. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, this is an amazing company. When you pay a higher price for an Eileen Fisher item, you're paying for the fact that these are classic pieces made with quality fabrics that won't be out of style in six months. You're paying for the fact that the items are made with textiles that are produced with less waste and fewer chemicals. You're paying for the fact that this company actually tracks the supply chain of what its products are made of to ensure that when they say it's organic cotton, it's actually organic cotton.  You're paying for the fact that this company is committed to human rights and not only monitors its factories for violations but is beginning to do cell phone surveys of workers to allow them a voice.

There are also many ways to get discounted Eileen Fisher pieces. I've found pieces on eBay, at consignment stores, Nordstrom Rack and on sale at the Eileen Fisher store. If you can shift your buying from 4 fast fashion pieces to 1 discounted ethically-made piece, you'll be doing good at the same time as you reduce your overwhelm from excess in your closet. 

But back to the outfits! All in all, I came up with 24, a good month's worth of looks for both casual and dressy work and play occasions. 

 

To create your OWN capsule wardrobe, go here to sign up for my super easy 5 day capsule creation challenge. After just 5 days, you’ll have a capsule ready to go, without buying anything new!

P.S. Just in case you were wondering, Eileen Fisher isn't paying me for this post or this event, I just really believe in the company. P.P.S. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on them, I get a few cents, but it costs you nothing.

i'm not perfect

i'm not perfect

As if anyone was in doubt… So, right about the time I put up that last blog post (about, ahem, not buying if it’s not on your list), I started feeling bored with all my black. Maybe I jinxed myself, maybe I was bored, maybe I should have-I don’t know-taken a nap instead. But I found myself between appointments killing time by stopping by Avalon. I saw this cool vintage sweater, and although I did give quite a bit of thought to the purchase, it was NOT on my list. But I bought it, and it was secondhand, and it was $18, and I really like it. Everything else I'm wearing were super mindful, wear-all-the-time purchases. It's not the end of the world.

saint louis personal stylist

In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the fact that there's no black in this outfit ;) 

(Sweater: vintage, tank: Eileen Fisher, jeans: Banana Republic, boots: Blondo)

P.S. This tank I'm wearing from Eileen Fisher gets worn about twice a week. Pricy, but so worth it. Check it out at the Plaza Frontenac Eileen Fisher store on December 17th from 12-3pm and get my take on how to style it. 

still haven't found what i'm looking for

still haven't found what i'm looking for

Unlike in past jobs, now there's only one thing that keeps me up at night. And that's whether stores will have the items my clients need. I can find almost anything online, but when you need things within a few hours at one physical location, I always get anxious until I get in there and start finding pieces. I don't have control over what’s there. Almost always, my fears are unfounded and I find what we need. Except for last week, when I didn’t. Come on stores, where are the fun printed three-quarter sleeve poly blend blouses for my active chiropractor mom client? 

saint louis personal stylist - mindful basics

I was feeling terrible, but in the end, we did find the perfect dark high-waisted denim (on sale now for a great price!), the perfect long-sleeved white tee, and the perfect go over anything jacket. Not too bad and then we’ll both keep our eyes out for that blouse.  (this post contains affiliate links)

mindful shopping basics - st. louis personal stylist

two easy ways to tie a scarf

two easy ways to tie a scarf

 

After “how do I wear ankle boots?”, the next most popular question among my clients is “how do I wear a scarf?”

As you know if you’ve read any of my other posts, I’m a simple outfit kind of gal. I like neutrals with a bit of interest. For me that interest usually comes in the form of a necklace or scarf. I’ll be honest, I get bored by my outfits sometimes. It’s usually at the point after I’ve gotten dressed, and I’m like “that’s it?” Then I remember scarves and I get happy again. Seriously, throw on a scarf with the most boring of outfits and all of a sudden, you’re cool.

Ok, but how do you tie it? And even before that, how do you pick the right one to buy? When buying a scarf, look for a few things. You want to make sure that the texture of the fabric is soft and malleable. If it’s a pattern that you like, but the fabric is stiff, it’s always going to feel awkward when you wear it. Case in point: last year’s blanket scarf trend. I’m sorry, but I don’t want to feel like a turtle trying to peek out from my shell! On the other hand, if it’s too lightweight, like silk or chiffon, it won’t stay where you want it and will slip around. Also, the width and shape are important. If it’s too narrow, you’ll get that early 2000s skinny scarf look. I like either a substantial rectangle (between 18-24 inches wide and 4-5 feet long) or a square. Here are two easy techniques to add to your scarf tying repertoire.

how to tie a scarf

1) Hold a rectangular scarf by the narrow end with both hands, one on each corner.

2) Drop one corner. This is important. If you just take the scarf and loop it without adding this tapered edge, you’ll get a chunky, blocky end to your scarf.

3) Use the hand that’s still holding a corner to pull the scarf around your neck and down in front.

4) Loop it back around the neck a second time.

5) Loosen the loop so it’s not snug against your neck.

6) Adjust.

how to tie a scarf

1) Hold up a large square scarf

2) Fold it in half diagonally, making a large triangle.

3) With the triangle pointing down, hold both ends and bring them up.

4) Pull the ends around your neck, swapping hands.

5) Pull ends back around to the front and tuck under the V that’s been created by the triangle of the scarf.

6) Adjust.

Just for fun, I made a couple of quick videos to show you how easy it is!

make animated gifs like this at MakeaGif
make animated gifs like this at MakeaGif

 

 And hey, when in doubt, the infinity scarf is always a safe bet. ;)