STYLE IN SUPPORT OF WOMEN + BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Every 2 minutes someone is handed a breast cancer diagnosis. It’s likely been someone you know. It’s been my late Grandmother and my late Aunt. And while there are so many causes worth supporting these days (it honestly can be a little overwhelming), breast cancer remains one that’s close to my heart. And if there’s an easy way to make even a small contribution towards the fight to end this disease, I’m all for it.

To that end, I’m so proud to be teaming up with Talbots again this year for their Art of the Scarf campaign. These limited edition silk scarves, with 6 unique designs all by incredible female artists, are on sale through the end of October with 20% of the proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen foundation. I picked the scarf by illustrator Libby Vanderploeg – who I’ve actually been a fan of for awhile now. I love the imagery of a diverse array of women all helping one another climb up the stairs.

I think there’s this dialogue in our culture that pits women against each other a lot of the time. Teaches us to be fearful of mean girls and that we have to fight our way to the top (implying, rightly or not, that there just aren’t as many places for women up there). I had a teacher in college that told me when I got my first job in fashion “my boss would love me, my co-workers would hate me” – because I did really thorough work. In fashion, my co-workers were bound to be 90% women. And I think I entered into my career with that in mind. My guard up. Turns out – at every job I’ve been grateful to find amazing female mentors that were above my position who were willing to help guide me and lead by example. Essentially pulling me up the stairs with them. I can only hope that as I advance in my career I have the chance to reach back for someone else’s hand that’s a little further down the steps.

And if we all get up the top and there’s not enough space for us? Well, we’ll make room. We’re women, we’re clever that way.

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POLKA DOTS AT THE PALAIS-ROYAL

You know how sometimes a place becomes heavily photographed on Instagram and then when you actually go, it’s not quite as nice as everyone’s photos make it out to be? The Palais-Royal isn’t like that. I had actually come to this spot back in 2008 on my first trip to Paris (armed with just a digital camera) and remember loving the grandness of the old French courtyard and gardens set against the graphic pop of these raised columns at varied heights. So I knew I wanted to swing back through on this trip. Although I have to say, I don’t remember what I wore back in 2008 but this may be my favorite outfit I wore on our whole trip.

I actually bought this polka dot midi dress back in March for my girl’s trip to Charleston with my Mom and Sister (it makes me think of a cross between Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman), but I knew it was destined to make an appearance in Paris too. I stepped it up a bit with these cute little polka dot flats too which I picked up as a replacement to a similar gingham pair that I wore to shreds over the past couple of years.

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WINTER WHITES WITH TALBOTS

As much as I love a good, colorful holiday moment (exhibit A and exhibit B) – I also love a simple, ‘winter white’ cold weather look.

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I love how this ivory faux fur lined parka is neutral enough to go with everything but still really brightens up a dreary winter day (as opposed to my typical black parka that just plain depresses me by the time February rolls around). Perfect for taking a spin around the ice rink.

Speaking of ice skating – this Winter I’m determined to embrace the activities that can only be done in cold weather (instead of spending approximately 3 months wishing for 70 degrees to show up again). Even if that’s just cozying up inside and allowing more time to read, or finally watching a bunch of classic old movies I’ve never seen. Things I’d never do in summer. Winter is exactly the time! And if I do have to actually you know, leave the house, at least I’ll be bundled up in a cute coat.

Talbots Parka, Cashmere Sweater, Grey Ankle Jeans and Fair Isle Scarf c/o – all 40% off right now!  

CLASSIC HOLIDAY PARTY STYLE

I always find the hardest holiday events to dress for are those that fall somewhere in between 0-NYE glitz. A Christmas Eve dinner with your in-laws for instance or your office holiday party. Where you want to be more conservative than say, a backless sequin dress, yet still dressed up and festive. This outfit is my solution.  

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I love the simple shape of this knee-length wrap dress and the fact that it’s made fun by the metallic knit – which gives just the right amount of subtle sparkle. My office holiday party is always at the end of a regular workday so finding something that doesn’t look crazy when I walk to work at 8AM but still feels party-ready at 7PM can be tricky. This would definitely work. I paired with these cute embellished flats (my family functions are usually pretty casual so heels feel overdone) and these super lightweight statement earrings for a finishing touch. 

Also – this hairstyle looks fancy but couldn’t be easier to do. I’m going to add a quick tutorial to Instagram this week! Basically a tuck and roll situation.

Metallic Wrap Dress c/o Talbots |  Statement Earrings c/o Kendra Scott | Vintage Bag |Boden Embellished Flats – similar here or here

UPSTATE NEW YORK: SIMPLE FALL STYLE

The Steele Maiden: Simple Fall Style Upstate New York

I want to pretend like I’m too cool to get this excited over a pile of colorful leaves.. but honestly I’m not. And you shouldn’t be either. There’s a real joy to living in a place that has seasons, and after that year and a half stint I did out in LA I don’t think I’ll ever take it for granted again.

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