Tell Me About It, Stud

This look is needless to say, not understated. Grommets everywhere. This happens to be my favorite traveling outfit. It’s kind of a sweatsuit but it’s so cool and edgy. It’s comfy and looks put together but so easy. It’s one of my favorites from Norma Kamali. The gold high tops are Michael Kors. The jacket was this beyond random number from a beyond random leather shop in bumblesville New Jersey. I went in there to have something repaired, and spotted this insane jacket. If I see something so over the top it’s hard for me to pass it up. I knew I’d eventually use it. I really wouldn’t wear the jacket with this outfit in real life; it’s way too matchy matchy and too much loud gold detailing. It’s def a fashion victim look in actuality, but I knew it would photograph well. I felt like a cast member from the Real Housewives of New Jersey, and I kinda liked it. Hey, when in Rome...

The grommets on the sweatsuit elevate the everyday feel and turn an old Mall standby into casual chic. F all that athleisure nonsense! Enough already with the leggings. Ladies, expand your horizons. A great pair of sweats that hug the tush and are tapered at the ankle are cooler and sexier, in my humble opinion. As always, comfort is key, especially when traveling. But it’s nice when amidst all the chaos of the airport we can keep it tight. It makes looking into those merciless airport/rest stop bathrooms slightly more tolerable. Should I change my name to Theresa...?

Suspended

Sometimes for a shoot I’ll put on something that I may not reach for in actuality, but that I know will resonate and photograph well. Other times, the times I prefer, are when I choose a killer look I can’t wait to really wear. This landed in the latter category. This look was the perfect mix of relaxed menswear and sexy chick.

These DKNY suspender pants are a major statement piece. Wide legs, swinging suspenders held together with seat buckle clips, navy with exposed white stitching. Sooooo edgy and chic. Since the pants are big, I balanced that with a fitted tank. I put on this vintage tulle and pearl collar that I was lucky enough to spot at a consignment shop several years ago. A very unique embellishment that lends more feminine detail in an unconventional way. I wore navy heels to lengthen my legs a bit, since they were swallowed up by all that fabric. This isn’t your typical beachy waves hair look, so the side parted bun was easy and chic. I love this different take on a holiday cocktail look. This is definitely jazzed up party attire. Amongst all the glittery and sparkly holiday wear, a sharp navy pants statement is a refreshing change. The holidays may be time for gathering together, but never blend in with the crowd. Be the star at the top of the tree⭐️

My IRO

Love love love IRO‼️. And dig this dress especially. It makes me feel very 70’s disco glam. Give me slinky metallics anytime! I love the long sleeves and super short cut. So often I see women in the opposite; emphasizing the top with sleeveless or cleavage but with less leg. This dress feels sexy to me in that it goes a different route.

I bought it in Los Angeles on a family trip. It’s such a good piece. It’s nice to feel leggy sometimes. The dress just lands in all the right places. I always feel great in it, and that’s so important. These Jimmy Choo cut out heels are actually comfortable and feel feminine with the openness of the straps and toes. Every wardrobe needs a fabulous, short, shimmery, statement party dress. This is a holiday look that always works.

The British are Coming‼️

Shameless Red Coat joke❣️.
Lord, was I happy to put this on for the last look of my recent shoot. So much work goes into my photo shoots. Whether it’s food or fashion I give it my all. Every detail matters. I’m representing my brand and crafting a reputation for myself in several creative arenas. I’ve waited so many years to bust out all this stored up creativity and design; it must be let loose in the right way. The finished product you see is the result of days of meticulous prep. Which is why I feel so accomplished and euphoric at the day’s end. To be honest, when Lady Blaga began I felt a bit silly doing my photo shoots. I felt a bit frivolous and that I had to justify it. That was textbook insecurity resulting from years of cumulative beliefs I had nothing worth saying aloud. I’m over that big time. I more than earned the pride I feel at getting shit done, be it styling bomb ass outfits or creating delicious recipes to share with you. Having said all this, it’s exhausting doing it. Terrific but tiring. Which is why I’m so freaking fried at the end of the day. Which is also why this coat was a lifesaver.

It was about to turn dark, the weather was particularly raw and cold, and I couldn’t handle the thought of putting on tights and heels again. I did need one last truly boss winter look though. Enter my new Margiela coat from Century 21. This color is everything, and the utter lack of structure is terribly chic. I felt like Andre Leon Talley, NYC fashion god. I once saw him at Bendels, and he was every bit as fabulous as one would think. There was something regal about this to me because of the high collar and voluminous overcoat feel, so my knit winter crown from Nini K was the perfect accouterment. Not a hat but something to bookend the wintry mood. I seriously felt like a 2018 Winter Queen. The leaves were still beautifully hued and provided the perfect backdrop. And I was comfortable. I really suggest investing in a bright, large scale puffer. It’s worth your kids feeling embarrassed to be seen with you.

Brownie Points

Though this outfit is not something I’d buy today, it’s one of those good choices I made in yesteryear. I’m actually fairly anti label these days, but sometimes a classic iconic designer is lovely to wear. This happens to be Oscar de la Renta. It’s just a really pretty, well fitting dress. It’s way more conservative than my style, but it serves the occasional purpose when I’m required to dress more ladylike. I added some flair to it with the leopard Louboutins. Stockings can be sheer or opaque chocolate brown to go with the brown cashmere sweater. The whole cashmere sweater concept and I have never jived; it’s just way too prim and preppy for me. I can justify it here with the bolero style and little bit of skin that peeks out. Shades of brown and taupe are such terrific cold weather color palettes. It’s yummy when clothing lends warmth to an otherwise cold season. I do have several Oscar pieces that I’m so fortunate to own, especially since the designer passed away several years ago. Oscar de la Renta is inimitable in his elegance and class, and will forever be celebrated as one of the most talented and beautiful designers of all time.

Leather Face

Ok, LOVED this look. Worshipped. Not sure where the hell I’m wearing it, but not to worry, ya Gurl will figure it out. Let’s just say it most likely won’t be the annual synagogue dinner. I’ve worn this skirt a couple times in other shoots. It’s a surprisingly versatile piece. It was a totally worth it splurge in that it carries every outfit. It’s such a statement piece that’s simultaneously sharp and feminine. I love the contrast between the strong, large scale of the skirt and the slight, artfully cut out bodysuit. The windows of skin lighten up the overall effect and give off major smoke show vibes. This is definitely not your basic black look. This has a ball gown effect with the body con top and sweeping skirt. The moto jacket has the right amount of silver hardware to add an element of something that isn’t black, especially since the leather boots and gloves are as well.

I went with softer hair to calm things down since the outfit is such a strong statement. I didn’t want to come across as harsh or too serious. You have to be careful with black that way; that it doesn’t take itself too seriously or appear heavy in mood. I’d totes wear this to a black tie event, details depending. Push the envelope with your winter formal wear, especially if you have a burning need to dress like Sandy from the carnival scene in Grease. I think I’m the same age as those “high school seniors” anyway. You’re legit the One that I want.

Pom Pom Frittes

What are pomme frittes? French fries?

This coat is so cute but I don’t think I ever wore it. I bought it 12 years ago. I love how retro it looks. The fabric, buttons, and colors are all throwbacks, held together by the adorable Pom Pom detailing. I recall thinking that Carrie Bradshaw would purchase this piece and know just what to do with it. I never quite figured that out, but it had too much character to not buy. I usually don’t shop like that, especially now. My style vision is lightening speed, if I do say so myself. I see a piece I like and instantly know how I’d wear it   It’s really fun to challenge myself by incorporating the same item in totally different looks. That being said, this particular piece is meant to serve its purpose as cute, statement outerwear. The pom poms carry the mood, so there’s not much for me to do except just put it on.

As far as the fur, it’s obviously faux. I do have a bunch of fur coats I’ve had for a long time, mostly vintage pieces from my grandmother and mother. I love them for their history, sentimentality, and super vintage feel. I would not buy fur anymore. I don’t think it’s right for something to literally have to give their life so I can make a fashion statement I could easily make in a kinder way. I’m not weighing in on what anyone else does; I’m sharing my own thoughts with you about an issue that’s become very important to me. It’s why I no longer eat meat, chicken, or fish anymore either. Bottom line, faux fur all the way just to clarify. Fashion shouldn’t hurt anyone or anything. Just a thought.

Much love, LB

Having a Vested Interest

The right vest is really such a cool addition to Fall layering. I was lucky enough to get this Pucci one on sale many years ago. I love how retro Pucci is. It’s fun to bring those 60’s swirls into 2018. This neutral color scheme of brown, tan, navy, and touches of orange elevates my classic Fall looks of jeans and a turtleneck, or over leggings and a button down like I’m wearing here. It was still in the 60’s temperature wise when we did this shoot, and not yet jacket weather. This vest is a statement piece as a result of its design, so it looks just right over clean solids. You know how much I love my newsboy caps this time of year too. I was clearly feeling very Town and Country that day.

The leaves were incredibly beautiful, the sun was shining, there was an approaching crispness in the air. Not that I actually went anywhere, but in my mind I was dressing for an Autumn drive in the country. When it gets colder I love wearing this over a turtleneck sweater that’s one of the colors in the vest. Dark blue denim, beat up brown cowboy boots; the perfect classic look for this time of year. I def recommend inVESTing in a good piece that you can layer with and keep for years. Pardon that pun, it was just too easy.

40 Candles 🎂

 This is the second Sixteen Candles reference I’ve made in the past week. Wearing this style hat makes me think of 80’s teen goddess Molly Ringwald in that film. Any 80’s kid knows what I’m talking about. Those movies were seriously the best. Being a Yeshiva girl where the only requirement for being “fashionable” in high school was a wearing floor length denim parachute, I recall being in awe at the styles in movies about public school kids. Why did they look so cool??? Were they allowed to buy and wear whatever they wanted??? Public school seems to begin at the crack of dawn, so what time did they have to wake up to pull together outfits with such clarity???The best was how if they went out AT NIGHT, a foreign concept to a Yeshivah student who first got home at 5:30, they CHANGED INTO EVEN COOLER OUTFITS. These Brat Packers had lives yo.  Yeah, I know it was a movie but it all seemed representative of an adolescent life that was simply not an option for me. The good news is that I can wear whatever the F I want now. If I want to dress like Molly did, ain’t no one to tell me I can’t.

This bulky red Maje sweater was delicious on a crisp autumn afternoon. There’s nothing better than the right sweater this time of year, when we don’t overheat by having to layer on a coat. The baggy, distressed jeans with the tapered ankle are so 80’s too. Red kicks were an obvious choice. Red was huge during that decade and so was being super matchy. The sneaks are Margiela btw. Topping this off is one of my favorite J Crew hats. A dark gray wider brim number that I love to wear tilted forward or back. Any angle works for this hat. It’s an easy fit that looks fly this time of year. Now if only I had some guy named Jake to yearn after from afar...

Blackbird

 I love this whimsical Marc Jacobs sweater. In general I love birds. I have them strategically placed throughout my house, on jewelry I wear daily, and printed on clothing. I love what they symbolize; freedom, soaring to new heights, lack of fear, and gliding effortlessly through the sky. This pastel parrot looks cool contrasted against the black sweater. I paired it with these athletically striped black jeans to add some sporty detail. The jeans are from Mother and have short, distressed ankles. I liked the Oxford style ankle boots with this in that I felt it gave the look some gravity, as opposed to say, a ballet flat or a plain boot. This look is cute but isn’t thesis worthy:) Jeans, a fitted sweater with a dash of personality, and boots is a staple look as the weather gets colder. I kept my white shades though. No way I’m giving those up yet.

Leather Shorts

 This was the best post title I could think of, because is there really anything more to say? “Leather Shorts” are most def a show stopper, even in words alone. I was talked into buying these babies ten years ago, when my fashion choices were way safer. I didn’t have nearly as much confidence or bravado at that time, for several reasons I won’t delve into right now. I talk about that mostly in my Inspire section posts, so feel free to hop on over there and get to know that side of me too. I laughed nervously when the pushy saleswoman tried to get me to purchase what looked to me like a leather diaper. I didn’t like my butt or legs at that time either, so the whole concert seemed insane and age in appropriate. Btw, I was 30. If that’s an indication as to the warped view that I had of myself as an “old, washed up Mom in an orthodox neighborhood”, then there you go. So sad, but it’s over so it’s really fine. We can only improve coming from places that need improvement.

Ok, so she talked me into the shorts. I thought they’d be one of those items I wore once max, or perhaps one of those indulgent purchases that never actually leave the closet and make it onto your body. I must say that these Haute Hippie shorts are hands down the coolest item in my pretty darn cool closet. I wear them a ton, and they’re always a showstopper. I have gotten tremendous use out of them, and now that I truly do like my butt and legs thanks to yoga, I rock them proudly at 40🏻.

For this look I contrasted the lil sexy shorts with an oversized chunky turtleneck sweater. I love things that are large scale, and this sweater is another fave. It was instant comfort and ease literally just thrown on with the shorts. Sexy and comfortable is always the goal. With or without tights, the high heeled Brian Atwood boots give the right amount of height and edge, and are very comfortable as far as high heeled boots are concerned. I am not a heels gal at all, so you can trust me if I tell you these were good to my feet. This new hat from Urban Outfitters is a new purchase that I’m loving this Fall! It’s the perfect scale of width and flop. It fits great on my head with no fussing. The round Prada glasses are old and look great every time. This look has a very retro Bridget Bardot feel. I saw Bohemian Rhapsody last week with my son. It was outstanding, and I was inspired to dress with a nod to that incredible time period where rock and roll was at its best, and mostly coming from England. The fashion at that time is my favorite era. I’m guessing Freddy Mercury would have dug a cool pair of leather shorts. Or even had it actually been a leather diaper.

That’s My Crew

For those of you who often read my style posts, you know what a longtime fan of J Crew I am. Whether I’m wearing their pieces as a layering building block or featuring one that’s a whimsical print, this brand never disappoints. Like ever. Since childhood. It’s so common that our tastes evolve and change over the decades of our lives. We all have tons of photos that should be captioned “what was I thinking????” Sweater sets and me are not friends. Voluminous poet sleeves? Eek. Heinous trends we were once obsessed with that morphed into embarrassing lapses in judgement🤦🏼‍♀️. It’s cool; it’s so important to be able to laugh at ourselves and refine our style over time.

Personally, I’m wary of peeps who have dressed the same since infancy. How much have you changed and grown if your wardrobe hasn’t changed even a little?? This is why I love J Crew. Their look is constantly evolving and flowing with the changing needs of the customer. The more pragmatic, preppy designs from my youth became the butterfly printed silk button down of my adulthood. Burgundy pocket t shirts grew into a burgundy pleated leather skirt, one of my prized items in my entire closet. My best hats came from J Crew. Sunglasses, gauzy beach wear, and vibrant color blocking are some of my favorite concepts from the company. My all time fave would have to be my impressive collection of button down shirts. From masculine oxfords to silky, feminine styles that drape my femininity, my J Crew shirts literally carry every outfit. I’ve asked a lot of them over the years, mixing them up in a million different looks. They fit incredibly and are classy and sexy at all times. Yes, I’ve given some J Crew away over the years. The solid pencil skirts aren’t me, and neither were the boxy floral dresses that made me feel like Jackie O for five minutes. I never loved their leopard prints or sequined pieces. But there has never been a time in my fashion history that hasn’t included this brand. Here are some of my favorite J Crew looks from the Lady Blaga archives. Which do you like best? Any suggestions for more ways I can mix it up that might help you put together an outfit? I love acting as a stylist, so if there’s a certain concept you could use ideas for, I would love the challenge of coming up with inspirational combos for y’all. Can the J in J Crew stand for Jessica?

Cardigan Slip combo

For this cardigan look, the sweater serves as a blazer. A softer, more relaxed version. This is def a going out look. The Rag and Bone leather pants are a major staple in my closet. They were a splurge, but so worth it. They're incredibly versatile. You'll be seeing them a lot.

I found this ancient off white silk slip, that I remember was an underlay for an old dress. I think that dress involved eyelet and a sash (can you imagine me in that?? I guess I hadn't yet found myself). I'm glad I kept the slip. It's not that transparent so I can get away with using it as a dress or a top. Girls, always keep that stuff. Anything too see through or flimsy can always be used as a nightgown, on a non bleach stained boxer night😜.

I "slipped" this on and belted it with an edgy studded black belt. Black leather zipper heels which you've seen me wear many times. I am so uncomfortable in most heels. These are very wearable, despite the dominatrix effect. Lol, even those gals still need to buy milk and toilet paper🚽.

Lastly, the cardigan thrown over softens all the edges of the overall look, bringing a great mix of sass and "silky smooth". Thank you, Zohan!  Leather, hardware, silk, black, white, and a little unexpected preppie vibe from the cardigan makes a cool combo. If your slip truly isn't see through, ditch the pants and just use this look as a dress based idea. Everything else can stay the same. When the sweater comes off, it's still all perfection. Smoky eye, nude lip, loose hair. Just keep this ensemble for nighttime. This is trying way too hard during daylight hours. However, if you're killing it, hopefully after your big night out, you'll still be awake to catch some daylight creeping in. If you're too tired to even find those aforementioned bleach stained boxers, just ditch everything else and sleep in the slip. Hope you have fun, lemme know where to meet ya‼️

Scarfing it Down

I must say that I’ve never worn my hair like this, all wrapped up in a scarf over a high half top knot. I must also say that I freaking loved it. When we do a photo shoot for the blog the goal is to get at least 8 to 10 different looks. This is for obvious reasons of efficiency. While it would be easy to throw on a cute dress or one showstopper labeled item, that to me is both boring and lazy. As a person, I’m really not a shortcut gal. I try to do everything with max intentions, yielding the fullest results. If I can’t deliver all of me then I’ll sit it out until the right vibe strikes. I’d rather do nothing than do something halfway.

That being said, it’s a fun challenge to put together ten fashion looks that require creativity and uniqueness. I like to keep you guys interested, and I’d never insult you by delivering anything less than what you came here to see. Enter this look for today. I bought these splatter paint pants at Diesel years ago. They’re cute but not particularly flattering. I think I’ve worn them only once. I have to hike them over my butt, which requires me being in the right mood to deal with that (again, once). But they’re cool. I had on this cropped black tank from the previous outfit, and I love quickly thinking of ways to build a whole new look off of a previously worn piece. It’s also a time saver. Since the waist line on the pants doesn’t do me any favors, it required something to go over it to camouflage any belly that poked out. I added my trusted boyfriend blazer for relaxed structure, complementing the chill vibe of the pants. Wearing flats or sneakers would be cool to dress this down, but I put on heels to dress it up. A cropped ankle shortens legs and a heel combats that. Ok, fine. A cute outfit but nothing to write home about (or a blog post). It’s fun to mix prints that are in the same color family, so I reached for my black and white skull printed Alexander McQueen scarf which I’m obsessed with, and just wound it around my head. Dug it!!! Boom, instant flash and fun.

This is one of those instances where an accessory and a bit of boldness carry a look. The red sunnies were a nod the the color scheme on the pants, a tie in. This scarf look is definitely something I’ll add to my repertoire, especially on an island vacation. Have your accessories enhance your outfits by finding new and creative ways for them to serve you. The best answer is often the non obvious one.

Turban Jungle

Having my Kourtney Kardashian moment in this leopard turban. I’ve admired her style for years, and I think she often outdoes Kim. There’s a definite effortlessness to the way Kourt dresses (she told me I can call her that), and you know that’s my thing as well. Her style is chic, sexy, and relaxed. Even when she’s more decked out, there’s a naturalness to it. This whole look felt like something she’d wear.

This parachute DKNY skirt is one of my warm weather favorites. It’s so cool to wear a light, long skirt when it’s hot. I like to juxtapose the overpowering skirt with an itty bitty crop top. It breaks up the black and adds sexiness to the seriousness. This look called for a fun pop of something. After all, too much black in the summer can feel misplaced.

I love animal prints, always have. I love adding a dash of animal print to any neutral palette. Instant personality. I tried to do the turban/headscarf thing for years, but to no avail; I felt like an idiot. I’m finally hitting my stride with stuff like this, and it’s so fun to play around more. Tip; just because something doesn’t suit you at one point, doesn’t mean it will never work. Maybe you just need to hit more of a sweet spot style wise. Maybe it’s a confidence thing. Fashion and style should be ever evolving. Who the heck wants to look the same for 70 years?? Keep playing around. Oh, and stay away from dudes who refer to themselves as “Lord”. Love you, KK. 

Fresh Gauze

This gets the prize for my favorite summer dress ever. Flowy, gauzy, soft, sexy, and easy; all words that ideally describe that summer livin’ mood. Until I hit my style sweet spot, I’d look at those chicks who always seemed to nail it and feel a bit envious. How they managed to lock down the perfect look with such natural ease. One dress, a couple of key placed accessories and done. That seemed to evade me at a time where I wasn’t as in tune with my body, my fashion, and mostly myself. Which is all proof that the more centered we are in our essence, all the offshoots that stem from our core will emerge as they should. Overthinking clothing most likely indicates unnecessary overthinking in more important areas too. Basically, to look natural and flowy, one must feel that way inside first. Or the dress just won’t read as it should. But this is a fashion post, so back to that.

I rekindled my love with Urban Outfitters this summer. Reunited and it feels so good. This perfect dress made me feel beautiful each time I wore it; the absolute point to clothing (in addition to us not getting arrested for public indecency). Belted or not, layered with a lot of hippie gold jewelry, gold Birkenstocks, and I felt wonderful. This amazing hat was from Urban too. It was a great change from my usual summer fedora style. The yellow lensed sunglasses were so perfectly 70’s. This was my fave look for floating through the summer months, and it’s my new must take for all vacations going forward. Perfect for the beach, day, or night (no hat at night), this one piece wonder delivered each time. It gave me that desired fresh feeling all chicks aim for.

Random

 Hands down my fave look from my summer shoot. If I have to say what I’m most adept at in styling myself, it’s my ability for expertly combining the utterly random. Nothing in my life is obvious or homogenous. While sleeping at the home of a bestie from high school (hi, Danna!), I was telling her hubby a story that compares being married to not. He was like, “you went from A to Z; there are a bunch of letters in between”. His wife wisely observed that nothing in my life is normal. I swear it’s unintentional but my life is definitely comprised of wacky extremes. Everything winds up being large scale. Which is kind of funny when I just want to be left alone and quietly go about my business. What can I say? I have a large energy that naturally attracts and mixes all sorts of crazy shit. That’s why I’m far more in my element dressing like this than say, in a beautiful designer dress. Blah. Give me interesting any day.

This look has elements of menswear, tween, and girl next door. The crop anime tee was a new purchase from Forever 21. This silk boxy blazer is a few years old from Rag and Bone. I wear it to death. It’s unstructured so it feels like a silk pajama top. My J Crew fedora is Diane Keaton meets the Hamptons. I met her once, at the Crosby Hotel in Soho. She was beautiful, nice, and dressed exactly as one would imagine. Total goals. If you don’t love Annie Hall, I’m trying not to judge but...

White denim shorts from Current Elliot. The priciest item here are these white Margiela high heeled clogs. Always the most boss accessory at the party. I would love this tee under my torn denim overalls, the ones that make me feel like Left Eye from TLC. Each piece here has endless uses on their own, and tied together they are an unexpected combination that (I think) ooze creativity and confidence. Which is one of the best things about fashion; we can say nothing because our outfit says exactly who we are. Mix it, Kids. You’re better than a paint by numbers outfit.

Love you regardless.

Longing for This Skirt

There’s no end to the clean elegance of “the long, pretty skirt”, especially with a cami in the summer. It’s so gratifyingly easy when it’s blazing hot out, to have a beautiful look be comprised of just two perfect pieces. The emerald color of this Maje skirt is so fresh. The skinny pleating and banded waist are truly flattering. I sometimes feel hippy in a pleated skirt, but this waistband allows for just the right tuck, adding no extra girth.  I didn’t have to blouse at all; the top fell beautifully on its own. This is an old silk camisole from J Crew. I have it in a couple of essential neutrals. They are absolute building blocks in any wardrobe. The ease and femininity here are what make this outfit chic yet soft. Girly does not mean fussy!

I always say I’m only comfortable if my outfit appears to have been pulled together in five minutes or less, and that’s the truth. Skirt, top, ✅ This would look great with layered necklaces or one clean statement piece of jewelry, say large earrings, a big ring, or a single pendant. It’s an easy look to transition into cooler temps; just throw on a boxy boyfriend blazer. This skirt, despite the color, still feels conservative and modest. I happen to love Maje’s designs. They are so fresh, clean, and  bright. There’s a strength in the cuts and colors while really championing girlhood. I love each Maje piece I own. This would also look beautiful with a white button down or even a white tee. A skirt this definitive calls for an easy, classic top. Every closet should have that long pretty skirt. Find one in winter fabrics too; you’ll wear them for years.

Bit O’ Plaid

I’m crazy about this little plaid top. I kinda went on a bender at Urban Outfitters. That was absolute favorite store in high school. The stuff I bought there mid 90’s legit drove my mom to self medicate with cigarettes and TAB. Omg, warm and flat TAB was a staple in our home. I craved it like the crack cocaine it really is. My mother still buys it by the case. I think Amazon delivers it directly from Chernobyl.

I’ve been all about gauzy, linen, and light this summer. This ruffle would never have interested me prior to right now, and I’m so glad it did. How cute and sexy is this top? It’s light as a feather so it’s perfect for these two thousand degree temperatures here in the tri state area. I love this shirt with the light wash denim. They work together in their ease and pastel palette. The top is sparse, so the long skirt balances that. If one wore this with daisy duke cutoffs, they’d look  like they were trying waaaayyyyy too hard to be Miss Chili Cook Off. This would also look cute with high waisted denim bellbottoms. That would be a good transitional look, when it gets a bit cooler.

Off the shoulder is always so feminine and alluring. It’s a body part that everyone can be comfortable showing off. A size 4 is irrelevant, everyone has nice shoulders. If any of you don’t love certain parts right now but want to show some skin, try off the shoulder, either one or both. Dip your toe in the water that way. Believe me, I get it. I wasn’t a skinny teen, and having four kids has put my body through the ringer in a zillion different ways. This level of physical comfort is quite new for me too. But once achieved, it’s really nice to enjoy your body. Make that the body loving goal; it’s really not about size or number on a scale. It’s about how you feel when you look in the mirror naked. No spanx, no control top, no tricks. You and what you see. You and how you feel. It’s your human suit, so please find ways to love it. Life is just easier that way.

Suck it, Griffendor

Where my Harry Potter fans at? Ah, there you are.

So you know how there are four houses at Hogwarts, and how Griffendor is the annoyingly perfect and superior house. Slytherin is for assholes, Hufflepuff sounds a bit fluffy, and then we have Ravenclaw. While all the cool kids are vying to get with the captain of the Griffendor quidditch team, this sorceress prefers to be iconoclastic and roll with a less obvious house.

Never one to conform, I bought my Ravenclaw t shirt at Universal Studios last year, in the overpriced gift shop conveniently located at the exit of the Harry Potter exhibit. Suck it, Griffendor! Ravenclaw represents creativity and wisdom; I’ll take it. Plus, I really liked this particular shade of gray. I love incorporating a whimsical t shirt into an outfit. A good tee says something about who you are. I love to pair one with a snazzy pantsuit too, in the way of injecting humor into a sharper look. These linen pajama pants from Urban Outfitters presented the perfect relaxed chic bottom. I love pajamas out of the house. My 13 year old beat up Converse have been a source of refuge for my feet since I was pregnant with my son. My feet ballooned in size during that 80 pound weight gain, and those shoes have stretched and contracted over time to fit my feet. The straw fedora lightens up the whole look in both color, weight, and feel. It adds a jolt of summer atop the dark gray of the shirt, and bookends the linen pants. This is probably my favorite look from this most recent photo shoot, because it’s  indicative of how I’d dress on a summer day. It’s Me from head to toe, like my Ravenclaw shirt. Don’t ever be obvious about anything. You’re wiser and more creative than you realize.