Welcome to the NEW Website!

Wow, this has been a bigger undertaking than I originally thought. And I seriously could not have done it without my rockstar team of Katie Mander Saada and Sydney Emerman. Take a look around and let me know what you think - there might be some glitches in the next week or so. Please bear with me and thank you for your support throughout the years, I am so thankful for every single one of you!

Head-to-Toe Holiday Outfits

Last week I had the opportunity to host an event at Saks Fifth Ave (the Beachwood, Ohio location, not the OG, NYC, Fifth Ave flagship store - that would be a dream come true!) The reason I was asked to participate is that Saks is doubling down on the Cleveland market and committed to staying here (which is GREAT NEWS for all of us in NE Ohio!) Basically, as the anchor store of Beachwood Place, they’ve undergone a big ol’ renovation and my event was to launch the new and improved Women’s Floor. Meaning there is now one easily shoppable space for us ladies. Designer clothes, contemporary clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry - it’s all on one floor so curating head-to-toe looks is easier than ever.

That all being said, this blog post is not part of the sponsored partnership with Saks. BUT, I was so excited with the outfits that were created (I styled 3 models in 3-4 looks each) that I thought it would be fun to share them here! If you’re local to Cleveland, all of the items are available at the Saks Beachwood location. And for those that are not local (or prefer internet shopping) I’m linking it all. In some cases, I’m linking from other retailers because of availability or because I found it on sale. 

My hope is that these looks serve as inspiration  - yes, you can buy the whole kit and kaboodle, if you desire. But you can also use these outfits as starting points. And incorporate items you already have to create outfits with a similar feel.

Going Out for the First Time In Forever?

For many of my personal styling clients, this holiday season is the first time they’ve gone out and are getting dressed up in months if not years. Yup, thanks Covid! So it feels extra stressful because we’re out of practice. I mean, what’s even still in style? And what still fits? And if you haven’t seen friends or family in ages, you kinda want to look put together - so, yes, it’s added pressure. 

I’m not saying it should be stressful, or that you need to be anxious about it. I believe you should wear what makes you feel great. And if that means wearing sweats, then go for it. However, many people want to up the game a bit around the holiday season because that is what makes them feel good. So, if that’s your jam, this post might be for you!

The Difference Between Editorial (Fashion Show) and Real Life Styling

One quick note - that some may know and others may find to be an ah-ha moment. There is a huge difference between editorial styling (for magazines and fashion shows) and personal or real-life styling. In a nutshell, it’s this… with editorial styling the clothes are wearing the person - you are meant to see the clothes first and the person second (if at all). With personal styling, the goal is for the person to wear the clothes. So “Jane” looks beautiful in that dress. There’s a subtle but significant difference that I think is important when it comes to viewing outfits in magazines, on social media, and in fashion shows.

Live and Learn

Also, as I was putting this together I realized I didn’t get photos of all the outfits while the models were on the riser. Big bummer! As with everything in life - it’s a live and learn moment. Luckily, for my own foggy (aka menopause) brain, I took quick snaps in the dressing rooms as we were putting the outfits together - so I could remember what went with what. That’s my super long way of saying some of these photos are better than others but hopefully you’ll get a sense of the outfits as a whole. And I’ll know better next time...

THE HOLIDAY OUTFITS

Let’s Start With Jeans

Jeans are a wardrobe staple and a great way to look finished but not too dressed up. And most of us already have a few favorite pairs of denim in our closets waiting to be worn.

This outfit looks equally fab with and without the super fun “confetti” fur topper. The merlot cashmere sweater has a subtle puffed shoulder that helps “dress up” the two-ton, torn jeans - you know that whole rule of juxtaposition thing.

These “dressy” jeans were a hit at the in-person event. They’re a light-weight denim (perfect for snowbirds) with a really fun design in the fabric. The sweater has a great ruffle detail along the back which makes it feel like a step up from a regular black sweater. And the piece de resistance is the white loafer (and matching belt bag). So many of you asked about what to wear on your feet when heels are more of a challenge - these are the answer!

I called this look Alpine cozy chic! The sweater adds just a touch of color (although it does come in a more colorful version) and the shearling clogs are very on point for this season. My favorite piece is the jacket (in brown, yay - the new neutral) with a great mix of textures to make it both functional and fashionable at the same time.

Technically, she’s wearing leather pants (vegan leather actually and they’re super soft). However, her top is denim so I can qualify this as a denim outfit. Again, the top has the slightly puffed shoulders that are “in” this season. And it is a very soft chambray so it tucks in beautifully. The shoes stole the show - they are spectacular! But, this outfit would look just as fab with a bootie or loafer.

Dresses and Skirts

Dresses and skirts are an easy, one-and-done way to get dressed for the holidays. However, sometimes they can feel too done up. These looks walk that line between dressed up and overdone.

Horrid photo of me - but a great one of the model (can you say legs for days?) and the outfit. This dress is marvelous for many reasons: Florals are big for fall/winter. It can transition nicely to a spring outfit with a change of shoes. I love that it’s not black (but pairs back to black nicely). And the leather jacket helps add a layer of warmth as well as dress it down a bit and make it kinda edgy.

Quilting is another on-trend detail this season. The unexpected twist of a quilted, down skirt makes this outfit fun. Pairing it with a combat boot helps it feel more sporty than fancy - but still completely polished.

Obsessed with this slip dress! What makes it even better is that the designer created a second skin top in a coordinating print to go UNDER the slip dress if you want more coverage. If you’re up for a good print mix, I adore this cardi over the florals. And on its own it’s pretty special too (and only $130).

This dress is stretchy but in a comfy, not restrictive way. And it hugs in all the right places.

I topped it with a blanket cape for two reasons…

1. Blanket dressing is one of the trends happening this season and,

2. If a print feels like too much, grounding it with a solid helps it feel more wearable.

Gotta love a sweater dress! And even more so when it’s color-blocked. (BTW, this comes in more subtle color combos as well). When styling this look I added a bag in a shade of teal blue that complimented the outfit because the color is of a similar density, even though the colors don’t exactly match. 

Honestly, the sequined bucket hat is new and very in style, but a little over the top (even for me). But it works for a fashion show. The knit skirt set however is AMAZEBALLS! I love how it can be worn together or broken apart to achieve a bunch of different looks. The skirt with a black sweater and booties for the office. The tank and cardi with leather pants for a GNO. The possibilities are endless.

Dressy Pants

Some of us loath wearing dresses and skirts so pants are the name of the game. It can be extra challenging to feel dressed up when wearing pants. I’m so happy that I found two smashing, holiday-ready outfits that start with stunning pants! 

These pinstripe slacks are perfect for the office (or with a tee and fashion sneakers on the weekend). And still, IMHO looks even better with a shimmery sweater and fur topper for a holiday party. Consider this a PSA... Saks furs are up to 70% for the next few weeks. So if you’re in the market for a fur at an unbelievable price - this is your moment.

Oh, how I wish I had a better photo of this outfit! It’s so special. The pants are satin and give the wearer long, long legs. And when paired with the crochet and pearl cardigan (worn as a top) it looks so chic. I am really obsessed with this one.

To wrap up this VERY long post… Are you going to Holiday events? Do you have your outfits? Did this help? Did I miss anything you’d like me to cover? If so, drop it in the comments below.