Stylin' Mamma: Sneakerhead

I used to walk miles in my three-inch heels.  Literally.  My second year out of college, my commute to work was a two-mile walk, and back in those days I wouldn't dream of messing up my look with tennis shoes, so I just walked in the heels I was going to wear that day.  

Up to 4 miles.  Every weekday.  In heels.

At some point I realized I was an idiot because: a) foot and back injuries, b) damage to my shoes (!), c) walking slow.  So I got some pink Adidas and rocked those for a few years.  Commute-only shoes, to be clear. 

Then I had kids and got wise to the sneaker game.  I am lucky that fashion kept up, too, and people like Phoebe Philo and Karlie Kloss started making sneakers cool again.  Now, my sneaks are my go-to picks on any given day, and my lust-list revolves around cool kicks.  

I don't need to tell you about the Stan Smith obsession sweeping the nation (see: every Instagram post ever).  Instead, for your browsing pleasure, a few more off-the-beaten favorites to take you from workout to work to play (and back again).

Nike Free Flyknit

Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Mesh Tennis Shoe (splurge)

Adidas Gazelles (aka, not the Stan Smith)

Nike Blazer (that red shearling lining, though)

Everlane Street Shoe

New Balance for J. Crew (gold!)

Superga Platform (stars!)

Tretorn Carry 2

Soludos Avocado Slip-Ons

- Jaime

Stylin' Mamma: PJ Dressing

I am not going to lie to you: this PJs-as-fashion moment is speaking to me.  Not in the way that the athleisure moment speaks to me -- I wear my workout clothes to work out, thanks.  More in a kind of elegant-yet-comfortable way that can translate to the office, or (dare to dream) Date Night.

Any fashion enthusiast worth her salt will post some caveats around PJ-dressing.  These are my Top Three:

1. Nice shoes, nice hair, nice sunglasses, nice bag: REQUIRED.  Your clothes can be comfortable but the rest of you needs to telegraph chic.
2. Fit is everything.  Keep the cuts trim and cropped, not baggy or oversized.
3. Fabric is also everything.  This is not the time for cotton jammies.  Opt instead for satins, nice wools, or high-quality knits.

There are really two ways to take this look: one is in the direction of knitwear.  With a structured satchel and a pair of sleek flats, this is a great alternative to a pantsuit for work.  I like to choose two pieces in the same color (such as the gray outfit pictured here), or in two complementary, neutral shades (tan and cream, for example, or black and white).  If your day calls for something a little more formal, then a sleek heel with a pointed toe adds length and glamour.

The second option, for holiday-party drama, is PJs-as-tuxedo.  For this look choose a dark or jewel-toned color palette and a slightly cropped, slightly flared pant.  A strappy sandal or bejeweled slide finishes it off.

Too much?  Too soon?  Riff on the look (and reap many of the same comfort benefits) by pairing a tunic-style sweater with wide-leg cropped jeans for day, or a satiny PJ-style shirt with skinny jeans and heels for evening.  

Now, to stay awake!  

Winks!

Sunglasses - Oak + Fort Sweater (in gray mix) - Oak + Fort Cropped Pull-On Trouser - Everlane Modern Loafer (in burgundy) - Coach Saddle Bag 

Finley Velvet Pajama Blouse - Eileen Fisher Cropped Satin Pant - Banana Republic Sandal - J. Crew Satin Envelope Clutch - Embossed Holiday Glassware 

- Jaime

Stylin' Mamma: Cozy Casual

Okay, so Gap just released this plaid collab with Pendleton and I might be a little bit obsessed and launching into full-on Fall Lust Mode.

This poncho?  I die.  Somebody hand me a warm, bourbon-spiked-something -- preferably in a cool mug.  (Also: this headband for the Babygirl in my life?  I think yes.)

I know!  I know: last month I talked about how we here in NorCal don't really need "fall wardrobes"...But can we dream a little?  And can we at least buy this bag?  Please?

For starters, there are these boots.  Which -- full disclosure -- I happen to own, and which I feel would go so nicely with my hypothetical poncho. (Particularly if paired with cropped trousers, like these.)

 

For tops, I'm a layering girl, so I might throw on a graphic tee shirt with a vintagey cardigan that will work inside or out.  

(If this is all feeling a bit too California-casual, we can always inject a wee bit of glam with a statement lip (at a gateway price).  I just bought these on a whim from Sephora and I'm totally obsessed.)

Okay, I admit it: I probably won't get the poncho.  But I hope you do.  And I hope you wear it apple-picking or leaf-peeping or something charming like that and write to tell me about it.  

Stay cozy, Mamas.

- Jaime

Stylin' Mamma: Fall Fashion Wishlist (NorCal Style)

First of all, it's nice to be back here at the Nest Studio blog.  For those of you who don't know me, my name is Jaime and I write the San Francisco-based lifestyle and parenting blog Less on the Floor.  I've known Jess for about 20 years now and it's always fun to collaborate on Stylin' Mama.

If you read any fashion blogs you *probably* noticed that last week was all about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, aka the official Fall Fashion Shopping Event (kind of like back-to-school for grown-ups).  

It's made for some fun browsing, but honestly...living here in Northern California it always makes me giggle a bit.  Because what the rest of the country thinks of as "transitional dressing" or "shoulder-season dressing" is really just dressing in San Francisco, where the temperatures are always between 49 and 75 degrees and usually swing a full 20 or 30 degrees on any given day.  

Do I get excited about Fall Fashion?  Yessir, I do.  But it's honestly in more of fashion-porn kind of a way.  For example, I lust for these boots, but you know what?  I will never.  Wear.  Them.  Because they will feel great in the morning and then the sun will come out and they will just stick to my hot legs and annoy me until the fog rolls back in.  

In short, my Fall Fashion Wishlist is as schizophrenic as the weather in these parts.  Sandals and sweaters, anoraks and cropped pants.  Somehow it all works...and of course, end-of-summer sales work in our favor.  So there's that.  

To start, I am lately obsessed with staggered-hem jeans.  I actually DIY-ed my own last week in a fit of frugality, but if that's not your thing, these from Nordy's are pretty cool.  

For the summer-to-fall transition, a soft sweater in a soft color will ward off any chill in the air, but be sure to layer over a fitted tee for the inevitable midday burst of sunshine.  (P.S. how sexy is this henley?)

For trucking around town, those who know check out Bryr clogs.  Handmade right here in their Dogpatch studio, just down the street from AT&T Park, these clogs are so beautiful and literally give life to your jeans-and-a-sweater.  I know Jess had some mixed results ordering from them -- my suspicion is that their production infrastructure wasn't quite up to their sudden cult-status explosion last year -- but so far mine are holding up beautifully.  These Spanish Peep-Toes are next on my list.   

Though neither my professional life nor my social life demand heels these days (sigh), I am a gal who likes to be prepared to go day-to-night.  Cue these lovely rose-colored heels (on sale!): between your sexy henley and your sexy shoe, all that's missing from date night is a glass of rose. 

On a more practical note, this dressy anorak is the perfect back-of-the-car coat in case the sweater isn't cutting it.  And of course, every Stylin' Mama needs a bag that can hold everything...and I hear backpacks are still hot these days.  

Whatever your life demands, enjoy these last few weeks of summer and happy Fall shopping.  

- Jaime

New Year Resolutions 2016

Last week I posted about my New Years Business Resolutions. In previous years I usually posted my personal resolutions first but this year is so much about growing my business it was just an easier place to start (also business resolutions I find to be more concrete). That's not to say that I don't have personal resolutions for 2016.  Let's take a look back at the past year. Last year's resolutions were very simple: Exercise more regularly and Be more stylish.  Well, it would be sacrilegious to actually meet your yearly resolutions, wouldn't it?  I started off pretty good with the exercise.  And summer and spring are always a good time for me because I spend a lot of time in the garden, but I can't say I really stuck to any sort of "regimen".  As far as being more stylish, I did the whole capsule wardrobe thing for a few months which really helped clean out my closet and define my style, but I have realized now that I either focus my personal creative energies on my clothes or my house and right now it's my house.  So clothes have gone by the wayside. It's just too tiring to have to think about both.  But at least I'm happy thinking about my house and not thinking about my clothes for the time being.  So, on to 2016.

- Spend more ME time. I have come to realize that enjoying a glass of wine while feeding my children dinner does not constitute "me time". I always thought it was silly those moms that you'd see on TV shows who just didn't have time to take care of themselves because they were taking care of everyone else. Well the fact is, this sort of creeps up on you.  It's not that you don't want to take care of yourself.  For me, it's just that I can't find the time - between doing stuff for my house, business, kids etc. it just isn't feasible.  So this year I'm going to try to get the occasional massage (before I have a crick in my neck from carrying Lucy), a mani and pedi more than twice a year, and actually make it to girls' nights in the city with my besties.

- Get more regular exercise. I know - yet again (I hope I am not one of those people who constantly resolves to lose 5 pounds). I need to figure out what works for me exercise wise.  I don't know if it's regular walks, signing up with Team in Training to do another marathon or going to a yoga studio. But I do know that if I am held accountable to a partner or a group and if I have a goal (like a marathon) I usually do better. I'm competitive by nature so just signing up for a gym membership won't do the trick.

- Get our Airbnb suite up and running. I have always wanted to be an Innkeeper or own a B&B so I am super excited to have this little taste of hospitality.  I can't wait for our renovations to be complete, to get the space photographed and and to get the reservations coming in.

Of course I have a bunch of stuff related to our house that I hope to accomplish this year. All of that I consider super fun so I don't really feel the need to make resolutions around them (Except to make more money in my business to fund my projects :)  And I always strive to be a better mother - unwritten resolution - which I feel is helped along by also allowing myself to do some stuff for me. Already just emailed my neighborhood group to see if anyone wants to run or walk with me, so at least that's a step in the right direction.

What sorts of personal resolutions do you have for 2016?

CURATED NEST: Winter Knits

While it's been cold for a little while in some places, it's finally cold enough on the West Coast for sweaters and everyone (almost) is super thrilled.

After a scorching, and long, Summer the temps have dropped and layering is in full effect everywhere. Here's some cool sweaters you'll want in your Winter arsenal. 

1. Gap

2. J. Crew 

3. Modcloth

4. Topshop

5. Zara

6. Madewell

7. Zadig & Voltaire

8. Madewell

Inspiration image via Collage Vintage

- Cori

CURATED NEST: Cover up Style

Whether you're at the lake, the beach or just at home by the pool... there's some really easy ways to go from swimsuit, to cover up and still look great. Much better than a towel around your waste, that's for sure!

Here's some ideas:

 

1. Everlane

2. Gap

3. Madewell

4. J.Crew

5. ModCloth

6. Madewell

Inspiration image: Instagram

 

- Cori

 

Capsule Wardrobe Update

Well, my last post about my capsule wardrobe was on May 7 which was at least a couple of weeks into the whole exercise which means I've been at it for over 2 months.  Wow!  I started with a Spring Capsule Wardrobe and have now transitioned to summer. I have to admit that I don't love dressing in summer as much just because it's harder to look put together when you don't get to layer a jacket, scarf, or cardi on top of things - and shorts just look more casual in general. So I have to work on this a bit. But overall the capsule wardrobe has proven to be very effective.  It's easier to get dressed in the morning and I don't feel bad about not wearing things in my closet because I am wearing everything.  I'm also less tempted to shop and when I do shop it's more calculated.  I've been bad about chronicling the capsule every single day but I've gotten a good amount of photos in and thought I'd share them with you as a collage. 

There are definitely a few things I want to add for summer and I can't wait to share those with you when I've gotten them checked off the list. We are also leaving for a big trip to Portugal in early July and I am excited to put my experience with making a capsule wardrobe to work on my suitcase.  What have you been up to this summer and are you in as much of a pare down mode as I am?

Style Spotlight: Meus Shop

My friend Deb (of Work and Play fame) recently introduced me to a fellow local entrepreneur Mamma, Marchielle Hills of Meus Shop.  My kids had actually taken a music class with Marichelle and her kids in the past and while I didn't know her then, I definitely always admired her style (yes, I'm a total style stalker).  In any case, Marichelle's shop is chalk full of beautiful simple curated items for home and wardrobe.  I especially love the jewelry and clothes, now that I'm aiming for a cleaner way of dressing with my capsule wardrobe.  Below are some of my favorite items for summer:

1 Marichelle rocks the stacked delicate rings in such a cool way - I totally want more of these in my collection and I think this ring dish is such a beautiful way to display them.

2  This indigo tunic is sold out but I couldn't help featuring it since I would snatch one up if she still had them. So versatile in summer and for layering when the weather gets cooler. And the price point is definitely right.

3 This denim dress is so easy and breezy.  Marichelle turned me on to indie label Ace & Jig and I am absolutely loving all their pieces.

4 A bell chime is such a nice way to add a little sparkle and ethnic flavor to a room - just hang it over a door knob and you'll know when someone is coming and going.

5 The Inga necklace is so versatile. There are three different ways to wear it.  This might just become one of my summer staples.

6 I love a good luggage leather bag. This bucket bag is perfect for toting all those kiddie essentials while looking stylish.

Oh and of course Marichelle's beautiful home was featured on Designmom recently.  Thanks to Deb for the intro. It's always fun to meet other creative people in our community.

Stylin' Mamma: Paint it Black

Summer's a-comin' and the mercury in San Francisco hasn't topped 62 in weeks, with no heat in sight.  A closet full of springtime loveliness taunts me as I try to get ready for yet another gray May day.

It's weeks like these when I am grateful for the Little Black Dress.  That Throw-On / Accessorize / Go closet staple that needs but a swipe of eyeliner, an occasion-appropriate shoe, and a statement necklace to look like something.  

Most of the fashion bloggers I follow are singing white's praises this season, but for those of us facing a bleaker forecast, I humbly submit the following black beauties.

1. The starting point: a basic scoop-neck jersey dress (And it's DVF.  And it's on sale.) 

2. The beachworthy belted tunic

3. The evening contender

4. The comfiest jumpsuit

5.  The office-appropriate shortie

6. The popover the begs for a gladiator sandal

7.  The breezy trapeze 

The Shoes

for play

for work  

for dancing  

The Extras

understated glam 

festival-bound

makeup must-have

- Jaime

CURATED NEST: Summer Footwear

Even though it's cloudy and cold in Los Angeles, we know it's just a weird weather patch. The sun will be out soon, like it is in most parts of the country, now that June is fast approaching.

Which means... sandal season! Here's some fun options:

 

1. Swedish Hasbeens

2. Nordstrom

3. Asos

4. Michael Kors

5. Topshop

6. Topshop

7. J.Crew

8. Toms

Inspiration image via Grace(ful) Things

 

- Cori

 

FASHION FIX: The Capsule Wardrobe

Back when I made my new years resolutions I mentioned trying to be more stylish as one of my primary goals.  I've always enjoyed clothes and shopping but with a small house, my clothes were stuffed in Bryan and Lucy's closets and a few dresser drawers and it was impossible to know what I had, let alone figure out what to pair things with.  I actually did end up hiring a stylist for a one time wardrobe revamp about a month ago.  While she imparted some advice that I don't think I will be adhering to (she told me wear more belts and tucked in shirts) and wasn't so with-it on the minimal / hipster style front (she grimaced when she was my No 6 Clogs and my retro casio watch), she did help me purge a ton of my clothes which kickstarted my wardrobe revamp.

After the stylist came and went, my associate Jessica Burne put me on to a blog called Unfancy and the idea of a capsule wardrobe.  I love everything about Unfancy - from Caroline's style to the aesthetic of her blog.  The capsule wardrobe concept is that every season you create a capsule collection of say 37 items (arbitrary number) that are carefully curated and that work together.  You may have to shell out a few bucks at the beginning of the season but you wear everything all season long and don't have to worry about shopping except for those four times a year.  Included in the capsule are tops, pants, dresses, shoes and outerwear.  Excluded are accessories (scarves, hats, jewelry and the like), lingerie, workout clothes, formal wear and for me, gardening garb.

In any case I went through my clothes a second time and created a spring collection, deleting another big chunk which I gave to a bunch of girlfriends and relegating formal wear, off season stuff and a few things I wasn't completely sure about purging to Lucy's closet. I also splurged on these great flocked hangers (I figure I'm in my mid thirties and can afford to buy all new hangers).

I had grand plans to photograph each piece in my capsule wardrobe for this blog post. That still may happen but it's distinctly possible that we will be well into summer before anything like that takes place. I'm attempting to document each outfit via my instagram feed and hope to feature them here in one post at some point toward the end of the season.  But for now here is a list of the items in my capsule wardrobe - there are 40 total.

Oh and I chopped my bangs because I liked Caroline's so much.... and I had that crazy new-mom baby hair thing going on.

 It's so exciting to have a new look and a uniform so to speak. Looking in my closet is refreshing and I feel like I have a more consistent style.  It's also inspiring me to simplify other parts of my life (like all that wrapping paper, boxes of gift bags and bows that I've been holding on to forever).  Stay tuned!

CURATED NEST: Stylish Transport

I can't help but notice the backpack trend. But I'm not talking about Jansports...

I'm talking about bags for a stylish mother, college kid, working woman or all of the above...

Here's some ideas:

1. Nordstrom

2. Michael Kors

3. Eileen Fisher

4. Nordstrom

5. Rebecca Minkoff

6. Topshop

7. Coach

Inspiration image via Eileen Fisher

 

- Cori

Styin' Mama: Local Love Affair - Curator

Since Jess is out in NJ and I'm all the way here in San Francisco, I thought I'd change it up a bit for this post and write a bit about a local gem.  The power of the interweb means that these days none of us has to be limited by zip code, so maybe it's time to discover something from a far-away-land.

I'll try and pepper these Local Love Affair posts in from time-to-time going forward so you can see what inspires us in different parts of the country.

Over the years I have been blogging for Jess you might have noticed that I am a fan of a little brand called Curator (see here and here, among others). This line was founded by two best friends who wanted to make clothes locally, using sustainable products wherever possible, to go the distance in a busy woman's wardrobe.  I became a fan when I left the workforce to care for my LittleMan and needed clothes that were chic but comfortable and machine-washable.  Even though I didn't last long out of the workplace, my love for Curator has endured.  A few years ago they went from wholesaling to running their own little retail operation in outer Noe Valley, one of those far-flung-but-utterly-cool enclaves where families and hipsters and dot-commers all converge for brunch on Sundays.

If I had to say what keeps me making the haul out to their shop, it's the sheer simplicity of the clothes, a go-anywhere sensibility that suits my life.  (I've worn the Jocelyn dress to the beach and to a black-tie optional cocktail party with a simple change of necklace and shoes.)  Sure, a it's easy to say that a T-shirt is a T-shirt is a T-shirt, but anyone who's actually found that perfect tee knows that the simplest things are often the hardest to pull off.  Below is a round-up of some of my favorite things this spring (all available for order!).

 

http://www.curatorsf.com/lillian-dress/

http://www.curatorsf.com/jocelyn-dress/

http://www.curatorsf.com/mabel-dress/

http://www.curatorsf.com/juniper-striped-boatneck/

http://www.curatorsf.com/ezra-denim-top/

http://www.curatorsf.com/larkin-pant/

http://www.curatorsf.com/quarter-moon-bib-necklace/

http://www.curatorsf.com/silver-orbit-midi-rings/

http://www.curatorsf.com/zig-zag-tote-b-w/

http://www.curatorsf.com/tom-selleck-pillow/ 

 

- Jaime

 

 

STYLIN' MAMMA: Game on

Last Tuesday at my client site I suddenly realized I’d worn the exact same outfit four days in a row.  Not the exact same clothes, mind you (ew) but the exact same outfit of dark skinny pant, white top, blazer, pointed-toe shoe, and necklace.  Saturday night, Sunday day, Monday, and Tuesday.

“But that’s what you wanted to do!” replied my colleague.  “You said you wanted to move to a uniform.”

“I guess so,” I mused.  “I just didn’t expect to be so literal about it.”

We all have a uniform.  That mom in the park with the red clog mules and the red lipstick and the vintage cocoon coat over her boyfriend jeans?  Uniform.  The other one, in the ponytail and the Lulu pants and the purple running jacket?  Uniform.  I would love to say that my uniform involves a lot of really special pieces and retro lipstick but my uniform is in fact EXACTLY the outfit described above.

The realization has been somewhat liberating.  I’m buying less.  Because no matter how much I love that embellished blouse, I’m never going to wear it.  On some, unconscious level I will always pass it over for the basic white shirt hanging next to it.  Every time.  I used to buy special, sparkly things and then literally plan to work them into the rotation, but lately that just seems like too much work.

Keep It Simple, Stupid.  Know your game.  Rock your game.

My game is pictured here.

- Skinny Jeans
- Perfect Tee
- Blazer
- Flat City Sandal
- Pointy-Toe Flats
- Cross-Body
- Easy Dress
- Tennies
- Sunnies
 - Jaime

Stylin' Mamma: Swing State

California, I love you, but you're giving me whiplash.  Last week it was 75 degrees and we were at the beach in cutoffs, but today it's in the low 50s and I'm shivering in my flimsy blouse.  How's a Stylin' Mamma to clothe herself under these conditions?  Make up your meteorological mind!

I know, I know.  I can't complain.  The rest of the country is literally buried in snow and here I am getting all flustered about one gray day.  And yet.  There is the question of getting dressed in the morning, completely unsure whether you'll be sweating it out by noon or chattering in your non-weatherstripped office.  

Yesterday, caught unawares by chilly temps, I found myself wandering through my local Zara and finding a crazy-town sale in progress.  It is common knowledge that Zara makes the best coats, and I bolted for the jumble of season's end outerwear on markdown.  

This time of year calls for an arsenal of layers, ranging from a cozy wool topper to this season's lightweight long vest.  I'm taking advantage of the retailer's premature need to shed winter layers and stocking up now for the roller coaster ahead.  Happy shopping!

Cozy Wrap-Up  

Long Spring Layers 

April Showers 

Sporty Chic 

Dashing About 

The Under Armor 

Democratic Denim 

- Jaime

CURATED NEST: All Things Pink

If you watched the Grammys last night, then you saw this pink number on Rihanna... Sort of made me want to find all the pink things.

1. Task Lamp via PB Teen

2. iPhone case via Poketo

3. Bowl via Bloomingdale's

4. Pillow via CB2

5. Accent Chair via Dot & Bo

6. Planter via Dot & Bo

7. Pouf via Bloomingdale's

8. Area Rug via AllModern

9. Sofa via AllModern

Inspiration image via Refinery29



- Cori

New Year Resolutions 2015

Last year I posted my new years resolutions in March.  It was a little late but I'd been thinking about them for a while. This year I'm trying to tackle them a little earlier.  Let's take a step back and see how I did in getting to my goals, most of which stemmed around work life balance.

Goal Number 1: Separate home and work time.  I think I've done a pretty good job of this. First and foremost in making this happen was hiring an employee. Having less work on my plate changed my work / home scenario tremendously.  In general I try to step away from my work emails at the end of the day and we have two set days a week now where Scott catches an earlier train to have more family time.  The scenario has worked out well, and creating and actual plan that we could schedule into the calendar was the key here.  I could probably continue to work on this but so far so good

Goal Number 2: Spend more time with my husband.  We've managed to accomplish this with date nights here and there.  As I predicted, somehow date nights have become more frequent now that I'm not pregnant anymore.  Especially now that Lucy isn't such a teeny infant and she is weaned, going out together should become easier and easier.  We are still working on creating more regular date night plans, but again, so far so good. 

Goal Number 3: Take more "me" time.  So I'm not sure how good I am at this.  I can say that I now have a group of moms I go out with on a monthly basis and I consider that "me" time to recharge and be around women I like and admire.  As far as taking relaxing baths, enjoying yoga and the like, I can't say I've made that much headway but I feel like my to-do list is no longer running my life, so that's good.

Goal Number 4: Be Less Jealous. This has somehow happened even though I was not consciously trying to be less jealous. Perhaps its because things have fallen into place in other parts of my life that I feel happier and less need to compare myself against others.

So there you have it for 2014.  It was a good year - we welcomed a new member into our family and made a lot of headway on those resolutions.

On to 2015.

This year I think I have a few less goals. Perhaps that makes them more attainable? Or perhaps it just means I'm finding it hard to think of things - because my life is so perfect as it is- ha! This year's goals are a tad more "me" oriented and perhaps even a little superficial.  But you have to have something to reach for right?

Goal Number One: Exercise more regularly.  I have been coasting along for some time now on my genes. I didn't really gain much weight with the second pregnancy and I've lost most of it, but I'm not where I'd like to be.  And let's just say things have shifted around a bit (I'm sure all you mammas out there know what I'm talking about - especially after Baby #2).  Back in LA Scott and I ran a couple of marathons.  I loved training for marathons and having a concrete goal to work toward. It was fun to run as a couple and I love the changing scenery that running affords (and the fact that you can just start off from home).  I'm not much of a gym person given that you have to drive or walk to the gym in the first place.  But now that we live in a climate that is frigid for at least a quarter of the year, running is much less appealing.  I honestly don't have time to train and put in the mileage for a marathon.  So I need to figure out what my regimen is and whether I'm willing to suck it up and pay for a gym... and do some regular exercise that doesn't involve some sort of end game like a race.  Perhaps yoga is the solution - but finding classes that fit my schedule is another issue.  So I'm trying to figure all of that out and hopefully it doesn't take me so long to figure out that the same goal ends up on the list for 2016 ;)  Any constructive suggestions are more than welcome in the exercise arena.

Goal Number Two: Be more stylish. I know - this goal sounds more like an excuse to go shopping.  BUT, since I work in a style-based industry it's pretty crucial to dress the part or at least put out the image that you want people to see.  And let's face it, I do like clothes and fashion.  That said,  I tend to dress casually since I work from home and am constantly corralling a toddler and crawling baby. So that's not going to change.  I like casual, but I like casual but stylish - think J Crew or Madewell.  My goal this year is to take a hard look at my closet and edit things out that are too trendy or not on-look for what I'm going for and add in hard working, high quality staples that I can mix and match. I've been trying to do this for a while now already, especially in the shoe, jeans and bag departments, but I need to be a little more focused in my efforts.  Certainly a less cramped closet with some light would help.  And a stylist who could come in and help me rethink clothes pairings and give me suggestions on items to purge and add in would also help.  But since that may not happen any time soon I think I'm just going to have to suck it up and do this myself.  Perhaps this goal leads to a whole series of blog posts on what I'm wearing (although I hate posting photographs of myself).

So those are my 2015 resolutions. They all sort of stem around trying to spend a little more time on myself.  Oh and there's another teeny resolution that I can't share with you all until it happens, so cross your fingers that it does and I'll share it then :) And stay tuned for a business resolution post which should be much more chalk full of less self-centered and more serious-sounding goals.

Illustration by Cori Magee

PostMod: Your Closet as a Showcase

Last week I was over at Postmodyrn talking about how to revamp your closet for the new year.  I'm definitely in wardrobe revitalization mode right now and I wish I had a bigger closet that I could really sink my teeth into organizationally - I feel like mine is so hopeless. That said, I have all kinds of ideas on how to revamp your closet.  Here is my post from last week:

Well here we are a month into the new year. Now that we've put away the holiday decorations and re-upped our gym memberships, most of us are finally getting our butts in gear to clean out those closets.  Last week, Jill gave us some great tips on how to declutter and rethink our wardrobes for 2015, and what better way to celebrate a newly clean closet than to make it into a space that truly showcases your clothes and accessories -- and has a sense of style all its own?  Even if you don't have a walk-in closet, a corner dressing area, IKEA wardrobe or commandeered attic space can be turned into a fun dressing area and storage space with just a few tricks of the trade.  Here are my favorites:

Add some punch with wallpaper.  Whether it's an actual dressing room or just the back of some shoe shelves, wallpaper gives a space drama and a dose of fun.  Nowadays there are tons of fun contact papers and wallpaper tiles you can use if you live in a rental. The closet to the left is small but it really has personality.  I love the Hygge & West wallpaper tile: easy to install and really packs a punch.

Warm up your floor.  Every closet, dressing area, or bedroom needs a rug.  When you're trying on clothes or getting dressed you want something soft underfoot to keep those tootsies warm.  Your closet is a perfect place for a little shag (unlike your entryway, your closet tends to be more free of dust and dirt). And why not opt for something with a little color and pattern? This one from Urban Outfitters doesn't break the bank (since it's better to splurge on other areas of the home) but has a great look and feel.

Maximize your wall and door space with hooks.  Hooks on walls where you don't have a closet rod, or on the backs and fronts of closet doors, are a great way to maximize storage.  They work so well for scarves and hats, or for outfits you might be setting out for the next day (if only I planned my wardrobe choices that far ahead). And smaller hooks are great for necklaces and belts.  Don't stop at the hardware store for this one: there are so many fun options out there. These leather covered ones from Anthropologie are a favorite, but check out House of Antique Hardware and West Elm for more great options.

Consider jewelry storage. Jewelry doesn't always have to be stored away in a box.  It's so pretty; why not use it as a decor item and keep it out in the open? I love this jewelry hanger DIY for an empty wall or above a dresser. Put some pretty bowls on a tabletop to good use holding rings and earrings.  And I love the idea of using branches as a way to display hanging jewelry as well.

Give your hangers a dose of fun.  I love this DIY of wrapped hangers.  It's easy, inexpensive and functional. It not only breathes new life into those wire hangers from the dry cleaner but it also makes them slip-proof. 

Step it up with a storage ladder.  Ladders are such versatile decor pieces - they are a little secret that us designers have in our back pockets.  This one has great dipped legs and a simple silhouette.  Ladders are great for hanging towels and scarves and even in a bedroom for items like jeans that might warrant a second wear before they hit the hamper.  And speaking of hampers...

Up your game with a stylish hamper. Get rid of that old nylon college laundry bag or the ugly plastic laundry basket.  If you keep your hamper out in the open or even if you don't, there is no reason not to select something that is both stylish and hardworking.  I love this foldable hamper from West elm: the lines are clean and the awning stripe really pops.

Add some seating.  It's always nice to have a little stool in a corner of a bedroom or closet. Let's admit it, stools provide a great place to throw a sweater when you can't quite be bothered to put it away (better than your bed or, egads!, the floor). And they are a great place to sit and put on your shoes.  And if you really need extra storage, a storage ottoman is a nice way to bring that in as well.  (Don't do a pouf though. Poufs tend to be too low and loungy for closet and dressing room spaces.)

Check yourself out in the mirror. Every closet needs a nice mirror. A door mirror works great, of course, but if you have space for a wall or leaning floor mirror, even better. Invest in a full-length mirror so you can really asses your outfit and footwear choices.  Choose one with a decorative frame that works with your decor.

Well ladies, now that your closet is made over, what else do you have planned for 2015?

Image Credits (product links in article): Babble.com // Hygge & West // Anthropologie // Urban Outfitters //  West Elm // Serena and Lily // Craft River // A Beautiful Mess // Makezine // Buzzfeed 

Stylin' Mamma: Around the Neck

Anyone who has made a habit of reading Stylin' Mamma over the years knows I love me a statement necklace.  Everyone talks about how handbags and shoes are fun to shop for because they never make you feel fat, and I am going to go ahead and boldly throw statement necklaces into that category.

A lot of the other bloggers I read make a daily habit of wearing dainty little chains with dainty little charms, and that's fine; I myself am probably most often spotted in the Elsa Peretti Tiffany heart my husband gave me on our wedding day.  But anytime -- and I mean ANY. TIME. -- I'm staring into the closet thinking what to wear, what to wear I invariably turn to that no-fail combo of jeans, tee, flats, and statement necklace.  There is nothing simpler.  

This month, as the winter doldrums set in and the resort collections taunt you, brighten your day (and your outfit) with one of these seven-best beauties.  

streamlined disco / for the dreamer / blooms! / utterly chic / simply boho / geometric / neon!

- Jaime