​I know the feeling.  You're standing in the doorway of a clearly FULL closet, yet figuring out exactly what to pull out still seems impossible in the moment.  Now how is that possible? 

Or maybe this sounds familiar:  You have an outfit that you felt was a winner for sure. Until... you are getting dressed and realize that although that top and pants were fine worn separately, the match together... not so great. (sigh)

Now based on just these two dilemmas alone (because I am pretty sure there are many more), I want touch on a few tried and true ways that will help save us all from this! 

• First, it may be very helpful to reorganize your closet.  I know, I know... but it it really would help! You may not be physically able to because of time or space, but just try to do the best you can with what you have.  The goal is to organize it in a way that makes the best sense to you and your lifestyle.  What does that look like?  By tops versus bottoms?  Color or occasion?  Weekend wear versus work week attire?   

 

• Next, how do you want to feel today? I know that "comfortability" is a big one, but to take it a step further, quickly zoom in to the "future" you. Not how you’re feeling right now or when you first get up, but that ideal feeling you'd really like to have for whatever is on your schedule.  This doesn't have to be super deep!  For example, for an outdoor lunch with friends you've been invited to, you may just want to look and feel good without literally "melting" in the heat and humidity!!  The point is, when you clearly figure out how you want to feel, it will be a lot easier to pick out both tops and bottoms that fit that criteria.  I'm a believer that since both the clothes and the colors we wear have the power to evoke feelings (positive or negative!) we should definitely be using their positive powers to help bring on the feelings that we want!

 

• Also, using the right mix of silhouette shapes will also help us with that feeling we're after AND the put together LOOK we want.  So how do we figure out these shapes??  First, do you know or have a pretty good idea of what your body shape is?  That’s the first step, you probably know  But did you also know that clothes also have shapes, better known as outside lines?  Yes, our clothes shapes generally fall into 4 shape categories to coincide with 4 general body shapes: Triangle (aka pear), Rectangle, Inverted Triangle, and Hourglass.  (Please note how I used the word general above, since we are all different and can not all be placed in placed into a neat little box! That's where more individualized advice comes in handy!  If you'd like to chat about that, let me know!)  Anyway, you can use this outside lines trick to easily narrow down a few of your go-to shapes and to more easily weed things out of your closet too.  Now this step is a little more advanced so I just briefly touched on it here, but I break it down and demonstrate more in this video, or you can just  view it below...

Bottom line? When we know our right mixes -and combine that with how we want to feel that day  (and what we’re doing of course!) getting dressed becomes a whole lot easier overall. That's definitely my goal, how about you?  Hope this helps!
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If you’re like me, you probably own at least one denim or jean jacket, right? I mean, they’ve come long way over the years!  It’s very hard to talk about basics without at least mentioning this as a possible closet must have. 

​I personally love the versatility of denim jackets for several reasons:

• They often come in neutral colors, like blue, black, or white, providing ample options for COORDINATING them with different things.
• Denim jackets are generally lightweight making them ideal LAYERING pieces.
• You can usually find them in different styles for complementing both casual and more dressier outfits too, when needed.

I especially love how denim jackets worn over sleeveless casual dresses, tunics, or jumpsuits can be used to quickly change up the look — and from a practical standpoint, keep you warm when you need it!  This is especially useful for the in-between season weather we sometimes have.

So here are 3 ways you can experiment with your denim (see pics below)... or maybe make you ready to buy your first one??

1.  Over a printed dress.  When layering denim over dresses, the more casual the dress (in terms of material or elaborate details) the better.  In the example shown here, the jacket breaks up the pattern a bit, instantly giving this otherwise dressier tunic dress, a more casual vibe.


2. With a t-shirt and skirt.  Sometimes you just need a 3rd piece to make an outfit look or feel more polished, without making it look too dressy. A well fitted denim jacket, may help with that.  And here's a tip: Adding a 3rd piece like a jacket, scarf, necklace, etc., to any outfit is also one unspoken way of showing more credibility when you need it, especially in work or business situations.

3.  Over a single color outfit, like black.  This is just one way to ease out of the all black rut you may find yourself in often!  I get it. No judgement here.  

​But consider this as an option....

Adding a denim or jean jacket in other colors, like my pale pink one shown, is a simple way of exploring outside of your color comfort zone, in a noncommittal way.   It’s a layering piece after all, so if halfway through the day you don’t like it, just take it off — and try it with something different next time ;)

In conclusion, besides a denim jacket, there are many, many other ways to maximize your closet staples, if that’s what you desire.  See here how I did this with a blanket scarf I bought...

Now, what’s been your experience with denim jackets... or maybe even denim button front shirts?  (I’ll probably discuss those in a later post though!)

We all have our definition of being "dressed up." To some it means putting on business style clothes and going to work. To others, dressed up might mean nice boots with jeans and a sweater or blazer for going out. Whatever your definition, we all know the feeling of combining that with our hair, nails, make-up freshly done, which makes our confidence go through the roof!
 
Oh what a feeling, right?
BUT... is it possible to have that same feeling when you’re rushing kids out of the house for school or work, dashing to the grocery store so you can finish dinner, or heading to the gym to for a stress relieving workout?

It is!  Or at least come really close. There are a few simple things we can add to our routines to help with this, but the question you may have is, “Tonya...why bother?” 

 Well, I have a perspective for you to consider!

Let’s say that your goal is to finally go after that new promotion at work.  One afternoon leading up to the big interview, you run into the store “just for a quick sec” and nearly run head on into, guess who?  Your boss's wife.  Great.

You greet her hurriedly as you think "uh oh", while taking a quick glance at your— too messy of a hair bun and old faded out yoga tee in the mirrored window.  Oops.

First impressions last.  

In the case above, we hope that a little grace will been given, but you never really know, right? 

As an Image Professional, I am expected to look presentable more times than not and "practice what I preach."  After all, I never know when I come may face to face with my next client :)  Admittedly, looking the part it can be tough at times though!  

I, too, have those when days I don't feel my best, my kids are in a really bad mood, or I'm just running late, etc.  But I’ve tried to prepare for those inevitable days beforehand, without making things overly complicated.

Before I share, I ask that you figure out what your weak areas tend to be when pressed for time.  Is it your hair or makeup routine?  Or is narrowing down what to wear the problem?

Here’s a loose outline of the plan I use, specially formulated for any time I may need to get out of door (or hop on a video call!)  in a jiffy:

-For Skincare and Makeup, I’ve come up with my personal "5 Minute Face.” This has especially come in handy for last minute Zoom calls lately, where I definitely don't want to show off my under eye circles, if I can help it!  

But if I’m really in a pinch when heading out,  I may just reach for one of my face flattering sunglasses, a cozy scarf  (in fall/winter), a quick lip liner topped with gloss... and I’m DONE ;)

-For hair that won't seem to behave sometimes, my hats have come to the rescue. This works especially well in the winter when we are all wrapped up anyway!  Now, I’m not talking about just any old baseball cap, but fedoras, simple caps, or wraps that reflect my style personality.  (You can sometimes find great deals on things like this around late February during Winter Clearance Sales.)

Besides that, I’ve found that a shorter hair cut makes styling more time saving and a little less complicated for me, but the opposite may be true for you!  Do what works for you.

-For clothes. When I'm really pressed for time but don't want to LOOK that way, I reach for three key pieces:  a great pair of stretchy jeans, an EASY fitted jacket or tee in one of my WOW colors or neutrals, and comfortable flats or pull on boots. That's it. There are 2-3 styles of each that I know I can grab in a snap that look presentable and fit comfortably.

But even with a plan, RELAX and don't put too much pressure on yourself. The goal is not to look "perfect" all the time.  Even celebs, some with their fleet of stylists and such, do not look show ready 24/7.  Contrary to popular belief, they're human too!

So what’s your “polished and put together" plan for those inevitable hectic days —while keeping it real, of course?
​

​Okay, so Iet’s admit it:  We will never forget 2020, right? 

For now, let’s just discuss the impact that it undoubtedly had on our clothing and style choices!

If you’re like me, part of you didn’t mind the leggings and sweatpants mentality adopted from the early days of quarantine and lockdowns.

Whether you still worked outside of the home, had to quickly pivot to a new work or homeschool environment, or any situation in between— the collective feeling that many of us had then of comfort first, can still be felt even now.

But there’s good news!  The feeling of #ComfyAllDay doesn’t have to be a bad thing! 

Could it be that just a few shifts here and there can help make make our transitioning back to “normal” a little smoother?

Here are just a few patterns or habits that you may have fallen into over the past months —and how you can possibly translate that as you seek to transition back:


Pattern #1:  You’ve gotten very used to the convenient no ironing lifestyle.  I mean, this is definitely one of the perks of athleisure, weekend, or workout wear, right?  Being one who definitely does not find ironing fun, I understand!

Solution for transitioning:  First, think of things in your wardrobe that are considered easy care or made from  “wrinkle guard” or “wrinkle resistant” fabrics.  Noticeable wrinkles, in person or on Zoom, can be an image breaker!  So if this is a pattern you’re in, check your closet now for low wrinkle fabrics you may have already in blends of polyester, spandex, or silk....


I love the my top (shown above),  snagged on sale a few months ago from KOKOON, because it’s a perfect no-iron grab and go.  It’s also very soft and comfortable!  The fabric mix is 95% poly, 5% spandex.
​
Then, look for new ways to mix and match your new "no iron" discoveries into different outfits. (Ones that make sense of course!)  The point is that you will still look put together, without all the extra ironing! 

Get more of my tips about shopping your closet here.  (It’s actually a video guide so you can see firsthand!  And its free.)


Pattern #2: More relaxed rules for home, work, or play has made you forget about what it feels like to get dressed for real!


Solution for transitioning:  As mentioned earlier, I know that our work situations vary greatly depending on the industry we’re in.  So let’s just touch on one commonality that most of us strive for no matter what: COMFORT!  

One way to translate this to the workplace, is to figure out what I call your signature comfort style...

Personally, one of my personal major players in this are one piece jumpsuits. Thankfully, I’ve found many styles over the years that I can dress up or down AND their versatility has helped me through many transitions of life, including the pandemic! 

Your signature comfort style may be a certain style of shirt or pant that you love, but would just like to find a more polished version, suitable for work or special events.

For example if you’re a fan of, say, jogger pants, look for those slightly dressier versions that you can throw on with short boots, in lieu of your at-home ones that can only be worn with sneakers.  See what I’m saying?  Win win!

Lastly,

Pattern #3:  You’ve somewhat “paused” your clothes shopping, since most of what you have in your closet is not being worn anyway!

Solution for transitioning:  Trust me, I understand.  But let’s put a positive spin on this.  If this is the case, now just may be a really good time to take a close look at what’s hanging /folded in your wardrobe and evaluate what deserves to stay versus those things that it may be best to say goodbye to! 

And I’m willing to bet that the sting of a closet clean out from that mindset may not be as bad now, as opposed to waiting until everything’s back in full swing again to do it.

Then, you can just make a shopping list with the goal of simply filling the wardrobe “holes” left from your clean out.  That way it won’t feel so much like money wasted on things you’re not wearing.  And when it’s time, you’ll have a closet that’s all ready to go!

Can you relate to any of these patterns or habits?  Do you have any other ideas about how we can use these to our advantage moving forward?  Let me know below!

Have you ever thought about how in describing the roles or tasks we have to do,  we say it’s the “hats” we wear?  Or if the “shoe fits", wear it? 

While I’m not sure where either phrase came from, I find it quite hilarious that both examples link an element of fashion or style  ...to life!  Because often times it does, more than we realize!

Welcome to my blog!  

In this post, we’ll think about a few different ways to wear a cozy flannel scarf this winter season. Aside from the practical purpose of added warmth when we need it (of course) we also want it to look stylish and not frumpy, right? 

I was first inspired to experiment with this while watching a Lifetime Christmas movie (a guilty pleasure for me—  and yes, sometimes style inspiration hits me when I least expect it!)

I’ve personally loved accessorizing with scarves in the past. However, an actress in this movie was wearing a beautiful holiday patterned scarf layered over a bright colored jacket that I thought were simply beautiful with the colors and styling.

After making a mental note and searching for a similar scarf online, I spotted this one from Old Navy. I was perusing during their Black Friday sale, loved the navy blue color combination, and decided to go for it.  Yay! 

However...

After it arrived, I noticed the thickness of the fabric right away and knew that unlike most of my “styling of scarves past”, I’d have to be very careful that it did not add too much visual bulkiness when I wore it. I mean, although clothing and accessories definitely can be used for that, that was not the goal in this case!

Now, before I share the styling ideas, here’s a few things to consider: 

Scarves (flannel or otherwise!) may not be for you if,
​

• You are very hot natured or overheat easily!  Stick with necklaces, etc. when you want to add more pizazz or pops of color at your upper body or neck area.

 

• You are very “blessed” up top!  If you have a very full bust-line, any heavy fabric scarf will probably give the illusion of even more fullness, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—but may end up throwing your body proportions off a bit if you're not careful.

Now, let's make note of some advantages of accessorizing with scarves:
​

• As a way to add harmonizing color around your face (which makes your skin seem to glow!)

 

• To experiment with a new color or pattern you're unsure about. 

 

• To avoid having to wear a heavy coat for quick store runs, errands, or meetings.  Just wrap that puppy and go!

 

• For crazy weather patterns (like here in the South), it gives a quick and stylish way to add warmth for unpredictable chilly mornings or evenings.

​
So all these things considered, here’s what I came up with from my closet about how to wear my new scarf:

1.  Layered over a sweater:  

This look is for a cooler weather day when you want to add more color to your life!  Also, depending on the vibrancy and color combinations, you may stand out.  So, keep this in mind while ensuring that this outfit combination fits with your plans for that day!

This particular sweater fits close to the body to help counterbalance the bulk of the scarf, but please note that this is just an example.  Taking the basic body “rules” into consideration, always always choose fabrics, colors, and style that flatter your current body the best.  If you’d like help in figuring this out, let me know. It’s painless, I promise ;)


2.  Layered over a lightweight denim jacket:

Since I love layering with denim jackets over tanks tops, dresses, etc, I just had to experiment with a look over this particular one that I had already (also from Old Navy, ironically!)

I plan to pair the combo with my dark gray velour jogger pants, just to keep everything somewhat neutral.  That way the scarf can be the real "star" or focal point of the outfit!


3.  Layered over an outerwear jacket: 

Now this is the look that started it all!  This is an easy way to jazz up a plain coat or jacket, whether for a festive occasion or just because.  This jacket is waist length and fairly lightweight, but feel free to experiment with what works best for you and the occasion.

Also, you will notice that I did not fold or tie the scarf much at all for this look. Since the jacket is double breasted and because of its length, I needed a way to create the illusion of a longer neckline and torso. Because BALANCE and PROPORTION matter!  More about that in a later post, perhaps ;)


So now... would you dare to wear a flannel scarf this winter?  Or have you already?  Was it a hit ...or a miss?  Let me know below!