Freezy, Breezy Spring Blues

The calendar may say April 18th, but the weather gods say we have to wait a little longer for the warm, sunny days we’re all craving. In the meantime, in Jersey City and environs, we’re facing a Nor’easter, plunging temperatures, and possible flooding. Up at our Adirondack cabin, the skiers are celebrating the 6-8 inches of snow that are expected. So until balmier days settle in FOR REAL, I’ll be layering on as many versatile options as I can find in my closet.

My Biggest Shopping Tip Ever!

Four weeks ago, Chris and I had enough of chilly, grey March and decided a road trip to Florida was our escape plan. (More on that to follow!) The whole time we were gone, my Jersey City and NYC friends and family were messaging me about the horrible, rainy cold weather. Truth be told, an actual cold front took over the first few days of our trip as well. One thing I can say is that I really, really wished I had this cozy quilted coat with me! Which brings me to the biggest shopping tip I have honed over years of fashion fandom. And that is…shop off season, shop the sales! Now more than ever!! You might not get the immediate gratification of a fabulous new seasonal addition to your closet, but you will score some serious wardrobe options to look forward to.

Summer Dress, Winter Style

I bought this gingham dress late in the summer and promptly hung it in my closet, never to be worn. Until a few weeks ago when instead of the chilly temps you’d expect, we were experiencing one warm sunny day after the other. Of course, temps have dipped significantly since then, but with a few tweaks I think this dress can weather the change of season and become a wardrobe staple all year long.

All the Fall Cozies: Look #3

Is there anything cozier than a quilt? Well, a quilt-patterned jacket comes pretty close. I love how the mixed prints and colors create a striking patchwork design. Maybe it’s my 1960s Greenwich Village childhood, but I’ve always been partial to modern pieces with a retro vibe. This puffer jacket delivers all the feels..and then some.

One Last Look at Summer

With a full Harvest Moon high in the sky, Fall is fast upon us. But with temps staying in the mid 70s, it’s going to be hard to let go of Summer. Before we bundle up, I wanted to share one last look that was inspired by one of my favorite warm weather dresses. This one is all about eyelet — a pretty, versatile, durable lace fabric with a long history. A history where beauty and toughness meet in the best way possible. Can you tell I love eyelet?

Dress in Color!

There’s no better time than summer for a colorful dress…or two. I actually bought this one last year for a shoot but just wasn’t feeling like celebrating anything other than remaining COVID-free. This summer, despite the Delta variant, it’s starting to feel like we’re finding our way to a happier, healthier, more hopeful place. And what really feels truer than ever is that by wearing brighter colors you just might project an energy and warmth into the world that gets reflected back to you.

Favorites for a Reason

I don’t know about you, but I sat out Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Not Giving Tuesday and that made me feel fabulous! What else makes me feel fab? An outfit of timeless classics shopped straight from my closet. You probably have your own version of these pieces waiting for you to wear them. And if not, I have a few suggestions you might want to check out.

Pastel Patrol

Forget the “fashion rule” that says pastels are only for Summer. There’s no easier or better way to lighten your Fall/Winter wardrobe — or your mood — than by adding a dash of these delicate hues. My suggestion? Every now and then switch up the deeper hues that most of us will reach for in the months ahead with a pale blue, pink or lavender. These pretty colors add a nice contrast when paired with always reliable black, too.

How does my garden grow?

With wildflowers in all their colorful and unruly glory! Amidst the ongoing Coronavirus Crisis, it hasn’t been lost on me that I am blessed to have this idyllic hideaway to escape to. Chris and I have stayed healthy thus far, even going back and forth between our cabin and our Jersey City apartment, and I really (really!) don’t want to get sick now. That’s why I’ve been spending most of my time up in the Adirondacks, where it’s wild and beautiful and much easier to practice social distancing while still gathering with friends who are doing the same. Not to mention hiking on trails and walking in the woods or on quiet roads without crowds of people. I carry my mask along and wear it as soon as I approach anyone else. I can breathe up here. And I can smell the flowers!