Winter Florals

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Dress - Yumi Kim

Who says you can't wear florals in the winter?

There are certain rules we hear about in fashion, and people still ask me about them.  But really, they don't apply anymore.  And that's not just the risk-taker in me speaking.  While some "rules" are based on legitimate mathematics of proportions and aesthetic perception, others like "no white after labor day", or "florals are for spring" - are outdated and overruled.

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This week I took an intensive aromatherapy certification course.  In my nursing work, I have an affinity for the holistic treatment of patients.  What is holistic nursing?  Without getting too scientific here, it's treating the person as a whole; not just physically but emotionally as well.  You came in with a stomach ache?  As many meds as the doctor may subscribe, the problem may never be solved until someone realizes that the root cause was emotional. 

Aromatherapy is one of the ways to treat a person holistically.
And perhaps because I took a course based on treatment based on beautiful smelling botanicals, I'm in a floral mood.

This winter, try wearing a floral maxi.  I absolutely love the feeling of putting on a flowy maxi dress and feeling like I'm floating.  It's got sleeves, so the weather-appropriate aspect is covered.
Much like aromas, what you wear on your body can impact your feelings that day.  Why not influence your day with some florals.  

Who else is so ready for the new year?

xx 

 

 

Photos by Felipe Espinal  

Velvet

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If you haven't noticed the trend by now, you can tell just by taking a look at my last two posts that textures are all the rage.  Faux fur, in the form of coats and scarves, and of course, velvet.   

Velvet, particularly in jewel tones, for your pants, dresses, tops, and shoes this season- it's everywhere.   It's such a super-soft but fun, playful texture.  You can't go wrong.  It's perfect for holiday parties or a weekend out, and I think a great trend to try without having to get too risky.  I paired it with a fitted body suit since velvet already adds a bit more volume to wherever you choose to wear it.

 

Shop my look below to get your own velvet and cozy faux-fur outfit...I'll be living in these pieces this winter!

Holiday Cheer

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Dress - MakeMeChic
Shoes - L.A.M.B.


It's almost that time.  Without fail every year, these holidays creep up on us.  I know Bloomingdales had their lights up in like, September...but still.  I find myself last-minute shopping.  Again.  

I can never get enough of the warm and festive ambience of the holidays.  This time of the season gets so busy with everyone trying to wrap up work before the year ends, and some of us have to remind ourselves to actually stop to enjoy it.  Sit at a coffee shop right in the middle of Fifth Ave to watch the rosy-cheeked tourists shuffle in for a shopping break.  Glance out the window and take in the bird's-eye views of building decorations that are completely different from the ground level persepctive.  And sit under the twinkling lights that will soon disappear when everyone prepares their clean slate in the new year.

Of course, as far as sartorial concerns go...we sure love to reach for all things sparkly and shiny.  Sometimes, though, keeping things classic is best- and that little black dress will never fail.  Particularly great for situations such as your work holiday party.  

The one I'm wearing here is from Make Me Chic, and you can get it here.  I've also listed several similar LBD options below, and all for less than $100.  Which is amazing for a dress you can wear over and over. 

Happy Holiday-ing! 

x

 

Photos by Dennis Christians

Aspire to Inspire

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Shirt - Zara
Trousers - Tibi
Bralette - Nastygal
Sunglasses - Haze Collection

 

I didn't realize my outfit that day would inspire, until a middle-aged woman, hands full of designer shopping bags, walked by and told me she wanted to be me.  I was flattered, but a bit taken aback, slightly thrown.  Because the truth was, that I always had wanted to be her.

I never had a good answer when I was asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
I didn't say doctor or nurse, teacher, actress.  I felt like that would have been faking it.  I really didn't know.  I felt bad for not knowing.  
And now I realize - it's because you are never solely one thing.  Nor should anyone ever strive to be defined as one particular thing.  Society plants these seeds in young minds, that you should work in your life to be that one thing, that label for your grown up self.  Those seeds, in actuality, are limiting.  By setting those expectations, many of our peers have developed this feeling of anxiety and ineptitude surrounding the topic of whether or not we are where we "should" be in our 20s & 30's.
Perhaps the question should be, "How much do you want to be.."?
How great do you want to be, at the many things that you will do? Because we are not defined by a singular profession.  The one career goal that we achieve should not the benchmark by which we measure our success, and call it a day.  Rather, a slice of the pie we're cooking (is that a term?  I don't know, but I said it, and it is now). 
What do you think? Did you have an answer for that infamous question we were all asked as children? I think most of us are still working on that.  And we should be ok with it.  

 

Full circle: Who knew the woman passing our shoot in the street would lead to a tangent off to such realizations?  Certainly neither she nor I.  Thanks for inspiring my post, cool lady.

 

Photos by Dennis Christians