I Am Thankful For My Fashionista Friends Episode 30: Be Inspired

Image thanks to Daily Candy

As you know, I dedicated She's Come Unheeled posts during the month of November to the spirit of thanksgiving and the people, places, and things that have inspired my gratitude--not to mention my fashion sensibilities.  With all that's happened in my life lately, this 30-day pledge has been a challenge at times, but I feel fortunate to have had the specific opportunity to reflect on what I'm thankful for--and it's hard to believe that it's already the 30th!  Given that today is the last official post (which is not to say that I won't share my gratitude in the future), it feels appropriate to give thanks for fashion in general, especially the DOs and DON'Ts that keep a self-proclaimed fashionista on her toes.


Yesterday, while my baby slept, I left the NICU to grab some lunch.  Feeling lethargic as I trudged back to the hospital, a fellow pedestrian caught my eye: a man carrying a briefcase and wearing work pants and oxfords, paired with a purple hoodie and sleeveless denim vest.  Unfortunately, I only saw this ensemble from the back and regret that I didn't think to stealthily snap a photo with my iPhone, but still I had to laugh--and I needed to laugh.  It didn't take a fashionista to recognize what was amiss with that outfit: everything.  Yet, I am thankful for fashion DON'Ts like this one to add a little comic relief to my day and to serve as a reminder of, while beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, there are some fashion rules that should not be broken.  


Just as fashion DON'Ts crop up in the most unexpected places, fashion DOs can appear just as randomly.  Today, while walking to the elevator (again to grab some lunch--I sense a pattern here), I passed a fellow NICU mom in the hallway, looking like the portrait of chic in the hospital corridor.  Her outfit was simple but elegant: black leggings, a white tunic-length tee with a cozy sweater and...nude patent leather flats.  Now, I've already professed my love for my nude pumps, but I never even considered nude flats.  They have the same versatility as nude pumps, yet by nature of being a flat, they are inherently more casual.  Still, they add a level of style and grace that is to be coveted.  Simply put: I need to get a pair of my own, and I am thankful for the fact that fashion inspiration can strike at any time, in any place.

Odette Flats in nude patent, $150
by Michael Kors
Available from Bloomingdales

As Coco Chanel once said, Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.  In the past month, as I have kept myself especially open to inspiration, I have found this to be more true than ever before.  Whether it's a DO or DON'T, a hot trend or a classic, fashion is absolutely everywhere--and I am thankful to be able to soak in it, to experiment with new ideas, and to be inspired by the fashion of others.  And on that note, dearest fashionista friends, I am thankful for each of you and your unceasing fashion savvy.  November will soon be over, but I'm already looking forward to holiday fashion...  Just saying!

Episode 29: Because Momma Knows

Just a couple of days ago, I shared my gratitude for comfy dress up: J. Crew's Saturday Pants.  After finishing up my post, I had every intention of ordering them too, but then it was time to feed baby Harper--and so the pants remained in my online shopping cart, patiently waiting to be purchased.  Then this morning, with loads of laundry still undone, I wished I had ordered them  and added overnight shipping (sigh).  But all is never lost.  Today I am thankful, once again, to my mother, who just knew--and showed up at my house at 7:00 AM with more gifts for baby...and a pair of Saturday Pants for me.


Now that I actually own these pants, I can say with absolute certainty that they are the greatest gift to comfy chic ever.  They have the form of leggings, but the jaspé cotton is thick enough to push them solidly into the "pants" category.  I'm wearing mine today with Uggs, a long tunic, and my favorite Lulu Lemon hoodie, and I couldn't be more comfortable if I tried.  My mother selected the "heather midnight" (black, with a subtle heather effect), and it's perfect for a girl like me who generally prefers black.  But these pants are actually SO fabulous that I want a pair in every color.  Maybe Santa will take the hint, but in the meantime, a million thanks to my mother and her mother's intuition.

Saturday Pants in heather midnight, on sale for $49.50
by J. Crew

Episode 28: Creme de Corps

Creme de Corps, $10-72
by Kiehl's

Despite the unseasonably balmy weather in Boston these days, the icy days of winter are just around the corner.  But I suppose that's fair, given that December is just a few days away--and with it comes the constant hand-washing of cold and flu season (so not hot).  Between the weather and the seasonal elements, your skin can take a beating, and with that in mind, I've been giving a lot of thought to preventative measures.  Which is why I am thankful for Kiehl's Creme de Corps.


Indeed, I am such a fan of this amazing lotion that I keep the ginormous 1-liter size on the vanity in my bathroom.  If you've ever tried Creme de Corps, you know why.  Rich in nutrients including beta-carotene, cocoa butter, and sesame oil, this iconic body cream is designed with all-day hydration in mind.  For best moisturizing results, Kiehl's recommends using it immediately after the shower.  But regardless of your timing, I can assure you that you'll love the results.  Soft skin is something we can all be thankful for this winter.

Episode 27: Comfy Dress Up

Due to recent events, my wardrobe this week has been rather limited.  In fact, I have made somewhat of a uniform out of sweatpants, Uggs, hoodies, and drapey scarves--and I have never been so thankful for comfy clothes.  Then, today my sister told me about the amazing pants she discovered--of all places, while viewing Breaking Dawn Part 1 this past weekend (apparently, Bella/Kristen Stewart rocks them as part of her pregnancy look, which seems appropriate).  So today I am thankful for this much-needed tip from my sister, and for the fact that it is now possible for comfy to dress up.

Saturday Pants in heather midnight, on sale for $49.50
by J. Crew

J. Crew's Saturday Pants are their chic alternative to leggings, designed for lounging and/or running errands around town.  Knit using a special twisted yarn for a sophisticated heathered look, these pants also feature an elastic waistband with a drawstring for comfortable wear.  With their refined yet cozy appeal, I would venture to say that these pants should be worn much more frequently than just Saturday.  In fact, as much as I love my Colby sweats, I'm about to order a pair now so as to dress up my new uniform.   So thank you again, lovely sister, for this critical cozy chic staple--and I hope you've ordered yours too!

I Am Thankful For My Fashionista Friends, Episodes 21-26: Things I Love

Dearest fashionista friends, I hope you all had a marvelous Thanksgiving and were able to celebrate all the things in your life that you have to be thankful for!  Over the past 20 posts, I have shared some of the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle inspirations that I am grateful for.  However, nothing compares to the blessing that my husband and I received when we welcomed our little girl, Harper Livingston, one week ago today.  Born at just over 36 weeks, Harper has spent the first week of her life in the NICU at Beth Israel hospital in Boston to gather her strength before she can return home with us.  I am eternally thankful for the precious gift of our sweet baby girl, and for all the people that have supported, encouraged, and lifted us up over the past week.  There is nothing more fashionable than an outpouring of love.


So, while I was able to get a post in after Harper was born last Saturday, I have since neglected my pledge of 30 posts of gratitude throughout the month of November.  I know you understand.  But as my mother says, better late than never--so allow me to share a condensed version of the people and things I have been specifically thankful for (some huge and perhaps obvious, others small and simple) over these last few days...

Le Pavillion iPhone 4 Case
in white/black/pink, $40
by Kate Spade

#21: I am thankful for...my iPhone.  Seriously.  Dallin and I have observed several pay phones throughout the hospital corridors, and I have wondered if I could even figure out how to use a pay phone anymore?  I mean, I certainly don't know how much it costs to make a call these days; the last time I used a pay phone, my age ended in "teen," and the going rate was 35 cents.  Indeed, my iPhone has proved to be worth its weight in gold these days (and as a portfolio analyst, I can safely assure you that gold is all the rage).  It has kept us connected to family and friends, while also serving as a handy camera, an alarm clock, and the source of countless games.  I have to thank my awesome friend and coworker, Joe, who encouraged me to take the iPhone plunge when my beloved Blackberry finally died, for I am truly thankful for this little piece of absolutely crucial technology--in its irresistible Kate Spade polka dot case.


#22: I am thankful for...my fabulous friends and family.  Obvi!  Over these last days, Dallin, Harper, and I have received so much love from the amazing people that we are lucky enough to call family and friends.  From visits with friends bearing emergency cases of ginger ale; to quality time with family and an extremely eager new grandmother; to countless emails and texts; to Thanksgiving treats brought all the way to the hospital, the word "thankful" doesn't actually do justice to how I feel about the loving kindness we have received.  Thank you.

Golden Bronzer, $32
by Trish McEvoy
Available at Nordstrom

#23: I am thankful for...the healing powers of make up.  Truly, I don't mean this in a shallow or superficial way.  When I was discharged from the hospital on Thursday, Dallin and I had to face the incredibly difficult obstacle of returning home--without our baby girl.  I'm not going to say that I handled this situation with poise and grace; rather, I spent most of Wednesday in tears of anticipation.  But on Thursday, as we gathered our things, I decided that I needed to ready myself to face the world--and that falling apart wasn't going to do me (or anyone else) any good.  In an effort to pull it together, I straightened my hair, brushed on some of my favorite Trish McEvoy bronzer, added a little Chanel eyeliner, and brought out the big guns with my waterproof tube of DiorShow mascara. I had to laugh when our nurse remarked on how much "better" I looked that day; clearly, I'm not a natural beauty.  But sometimes just putting in the effort can help, and I am grateful for these cosmetic staples for making me look--if not feel--like a normal human being again.  The rest will hopefully come with the healing powers of time.

Dallin and me on the Outer Banks this past summer

#24: I am thankful for...my amazing husband.  In the five plus years we have been married, Dallin has proved himself time and time again to be the best companion a self-proclaimed fashionista like me could have possibly asked for in life.  He just knows.  When he left the hospital briefly on Monday night to go home and grab some work clothes for the next day, he returned with (among other things) my cashmere socks and the newest issue of Us Weekly.  On Wednesday, when I was on the verge of falling apart, he helped me on a walk outside to get some air and try to clear my head, no matter that I was wearing my Juicy velour PJ pants and Ugg slippers.  These small acts of selflessness--not to mention every time I see him cuddling with or feeding our baby daughter--remind me of how thankful I am to be blessed with Dallin as an eternal companion.  I know Harper will be equally thankful for her daddy.

DTB Duffel in black, $78
by Lulu Lemon

#25: I am thankful for...my Lulu Lemon yoga bag.  Since I was discharged from the hospital, DallinDallin's iPad, and all the normal stuff into my Burberry tote was going to result in broken handbag straps (for the third time).  So we turned to the amazing Lulu Lemon yoga bag that my amazing sister, Annie, and her equally amazing boyfriend, Gil, got me for my birthday in August.  Its size is big enough to fit everything we need for a day at the hospital, and it comes equipped with dozens of handy pockets and zipped compartments to stay organized.  When life gets crazy, sometimes it is the simple things for which you can be thankful.  I may not be toting the bag to and from yoga for a while, but that doesn't mean I can't feel a sense of peace.


#26: I am thankful for...the joy of motherhood.  When we lost our baby boy, Rex Fish, last October, I had never felt such complete and utter devastation and feared that I would never have the opportunity to enjoy the blessing of a living child.  While Harper is currently facing the challenges of being born early, I am thankful for the gift of her life and for the opportunity I have to be a mother.  She is precious, sweet, and even a little bit feisty at times, and I look forward to watching her grow and mature with each passing day--and hope for the day that we can bring her home with us.


Dear fashionista friends, it's hard to believe that we are quickly approaching the end of November, and though my blog pledge (of 30 posts in the spirit of thanks) has been a tall order at times, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to reflect on the people, places, and things that have inspired my gratitude.  While today I have condensed the last six days into one post, believe me when I tell you that I could have written volumes about the love and support my little family has received during that time.  So thank you again to those who have made my burdens light--and to the little fashion tricks that have helped me make it with just a little bit of style too.

Harper Livingston Wilson
Born November 19, 2011
7 pounds 1 ounce

Episode 20: Family & Armo(u)r

Today I am thankful for my amazing family, who never fail to support and encourage me--especially (and most recently) over the last 36 weeks and 4 days...  For me, my family is my armor, and they keep me strong.  So it was only fitting that, when my brother, Ben, came to visit me in the hospital today (well, I think he was more interested in his brand new niece--but still), I was immediately impressed by his super fly kicks.  


It turns out that the sneakers in question are Under Armour footwear.  While I enjoy working out--particularly running and yoga--I actually don't own a single piece of Under Armour.  I'm more of a Lulu Lemon or Nike sort of girl.  But my brother's awesome sneakers may have me changing my tune.  Their sleek design and bold color accents are precisely the features I look for in a sneaker.


Since my amazing new daughter, Harper, has me a bit preoccupied at the moment (yay!), I only had the chance to spend a few minutes perusing Under Armour's website, but I was instantly drawn to the Women's Charge RC Running Shoe.  According to Under Armour, these shoes are game changers, given their two-piece body, designed so that your foot can flex like it does naturally, while compression protects your muscles so as to maximize their strength and slow fatigue.  All this plus moisture-wicking fabric and a weight of less than 10 ounces?  I'm certainly impressed.  Yet, for me, fashion is obviously a crucial component, and these sneakers are equally impressive in this regard; available as a limited edition is a dazzling pink and cool aqua contrasting a graphite colored body.  Girly and edgy: my favorite.


I have to tell you, my brother is definitely the source when it comes to fantastic footwear.  While he is absolutely obsessed with working out, he does it in style, so who am I to judge?  Especially after he has shared this fabulous footwear secret with me.  For that--and for him and the rest of my amazing family--I am thankful.

Women's Charge RC Running Shoe
in neo pulse/graphite, $119.99
by Under Armour

  

Episode 19: In the Trench

I am absolutely in love with my trench coat.  In fact, it was one of the highlights of my 25th birthday.  As a long time Burberry addict, the classic trench had been on my wish list for basically all 25 years leading up to this pivotal, quarter-century birthday.  Still, I couldn't have been more surprised--or thankful--when my family brought in the most enormous Burberry shopping bag I had ever seen, containing this iconic fashion staple.  


A few years later, I remain thankful for such a generous, indulgent, and amazing gift.  In many ways, my Burberry trench is like armor; somehow, it always makes me feel put together and presentable.  So today--and everyday--I am thankful to beloved family for always spoiling me and for the timeless elegance of a trench that helps me brave even the dreariest of days in style.

Can you tell how happy I am?!

Episode 18: I Am Thankful For All Things Nautical

I woke up before my alarm this morning and, not being able to get back to sleep, I found myself with a bit of extra time on my hands and decided to check my email.  I was happy to discover a TGIF message from my adorable sister, containing a valuable fashion tip from our dear friend Rian: The Daily Prep, a fabulously preppy blog.  The most recent post featured these amazing rope bracelets by Lemon & Line that appealed to my love of all things nautical--and now I'm a bit obsessed.  So today, not only am I thankful for the lovely Rian, but I am also thankful for the inside scoop on this fun new nautical fashion.

Nautical Rope Bracelets from the Nantucket Collection, $25 each
by Lemon & Line

Made in Newport, these nautical rope bracelets from Lemon & Line's Nantucket Collection are available in red, yellow, navy, and green.  The nautical knot is balanced with a metal clasp that adds an interesting contemporary element--and I am totally sold.  Upon further investigation, Lemon & Line have some other great collections available too (the Newport and Vineyard), but the cheerful color palette of their Nantucket Collection definitely speaks to me.  For a nautical-loving girl like me, there couldn't be a more perfect accessory, and the price isn't prohibitive either.  Many thanks to the lovely Rian for her style savvy and for bringing a bit of knotty-ness to an ordinary Friday.

Episode 17: Make A Wish

Make A Wish,
Wishbone Sterling Silver Reminder Necklace, $40
by Dogeared

A couple of years ago, after making a wish and blowing out my birthday candles, I opened a gift from my sister to discover the source of infinitely more wishes: a silver wishbone necklace.  There are a handful of things that we wish on: shooting stars, dandelions, birthday candles...  But to me, there is nothing more symbolic than a wishbone.  I have faithfully worn my wishbone necklace practically everyday since; as I've said before, sometimes even the most spirited of fashionistas needs a little extra boost, and I am thankful for the daily reminder that my wishes will one day come true.

Over the last couple of years, I have encountered some bumps in the road--bumps that might be more appropriately classified as potholes or even craters...  Still, I continue to wish, with the hope that each passing day will bring my wishes a little bit closer.  Made by Dogeared, the Sterling Silver Wishbone Reminder Necklace is designed to channel good energy and serve as a reminder that our wishes are on their way to coming true. Of course, it doesn't take a necklace to keep the faith, but I love my tiny little wishbone and all that it represents.  I am thankful to my sister, of course, for this sweet gift and for all the peace and hope that it symbolizes and inspires.

Episode 16: Mad About Plaid

Burberry has been a fixture in my life for as long as I can remember.  As a child, as soon as the cold weather swept through Boston, I can still recall my style savvy grandfather bundling up with a bit of signature plaid around his neck.  Yet, it wasn't until years later that I was able to recognize Burberry's timeless style and wanted some pretty plaid of my own.  I finally scored my own Burberry scarf in my later teenage years, and I have been thankful for Burberry plaid ever since.


Sometimes I feel like no one can do proper or timeless quite like the British, and Burberry is absolutely evidence of this fact.   While I held on to my original Burberry scarf for years, a couple of Christmases ago, my beloved Daddy gifted me a new scarf, and so I traded in my old stand-by for Burberry's Giant Check Cashmere Scarf.  I am absolutely mad for the camel toned nova plaid; I mean, does it get more classic?  Plus, the oversized check pattern of this scarf adds a contemporary spin, and because it's cashmere, it is soft soft soft like you wouldn't believe.


Not only is it a winter staple, but on a more personal note, while I would have forever treasured my scarf anyway, that was my Daddy's last Christmas so my scarf's sentimental value makes it even more important to me.  So not only am I thankful for the gift of plaid and its timeless elegance, but I am grateful for the reminder of my amazing father, his generosity, and--of course- his eye for style.

Giant Check Cashmere Scarf in camel check,
by Burberry

Episode 15: Dry Shampoo Saves the Day

Most days, I feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day.  I'm constantly dashing from one place to the next, while trying to squeeze in errands, exercise, quality time with the people I love--and the list goes on.  Fortunately, there are a few fashion and beauty tricks to make life a little bit easier for the gal on the go, which is precisely why I am so thankful for dry shampoo.

Pronto Invisible Voluminizing Dry Shampoo To Go, $11
Available from Sephora

Dry shampoo saves the day!  Seriously.  Perhaps my favorite is Oscar Blandi's Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray, which is available in a handy to-go size that's perfect for tossing in your gym bag or throwing it in your carry-on while traveling.  If you don't have enough time for the full shower, shampoo, blow dry, and/or straighten routine, this amazing dry shampoo allows any fashionista who finds herself in a bit of a time crunch to cheat a little.  All it takes is a quick spritz, and ingredients such as gentle starches absorb excess oil and product build-up, while vitamin E and wheat proteins strengthen and protect the hair shaft.  The result is clean, voluminous hair--minus the use of water.


Don't get me wrong--nothing beats the refreshing feeling of freshly washed hair, but like I said, sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day to do it all.  My dry shampoo has saved the day on a number of occasions, and I am thankful for not having to sacrifice style even when time was tight.

I Am Thankful For My Fashionista Friends, Episode 14: Soft Hands

Shea Butter Mini Hand Cream, $10
by L'Occitane

With the holidays fast approaching, not only have I been thinking about the people, places, and things that have inspired me, but I've also given much thought to the amazing gifts I've received over the years--both big and small.  I received one such gift--small but mighty--during high school, when Irma, mother to my dear friend Luke, gifted me my very first tube of L'Occitane hand cream.  I didn't know then that one little tube would have such a profound influence on me (and more specifically, my hands) so I remain thankful to my other mother, Irma, and the gift of soft hands.

Made of 20% shea butter, honey, and sweet almond extract, L'Occitane's Shea Butter Hand Cream is designed to heal, protect, and moisturize dry or dehydrated skin.  What I love most about this hand cream is that it is fast absorbing, leaving hands soft and refreshed rather than icky and greasy like some hand creams.  Plus, the handbag-friendly 1-ounce mini tube is easy to tote, and a girl on the go never knows when she might need to moisturize at a moment's notice!  What started as a gift has become a cosmetic staple, and I've been carrying a L'Occitane hand cream mini around with me ever since.  So thank you, my dearest Irma, for this fabulous gift--and for the secret to the softest hands ever.

Episode 13: Loving Wallis

Without a doubt, butter London is one of my favorite nail polish companies.  Not only is it fabulously British, but the colors are splendidly unique--and always well named.  To me, the name counts, and I'll admit to being sold on one nail lacquer over another simply on the basis of a cool name.  In fact, naming the colors of cosmetics would be my dream job (anyone hiring?).  So I was pretty excited when my amazing friend, Annie Rose, gave me a bottle of butter London's Wallis lacquer for my birthday a couple of months ago--and I am thankful for the surprising opportunity it provided for me to learn about the namesake of this fabulous color.

Wallis Nail Lacquer, $14
by butter London

I had read a while back that Wallis was all the rage during London Fashion Week--and one look tells you why.  I have yet to see a color quite like this one, and that's really saying something because I get my nails done a lot.  Back in the summer, I was all about gold glitter polish on my toes, but Wallis is more than basic gold.  Rather, to steal the words straight from butter's website, Wallis is a tarnished metallic olive gold that heralds from butter's Fall/Winter 2011 collection.  According to butter's Founding Creative Director and color trend expert Nonie Creme, the collection as a whole was designed to “reflect the 'luxe-grunge' moment, and burst of new era, ‘dirty’ jewel tones prevalent on the catwalk for Autumn/Winter 2011.” Indeed, there is a certain rich darkness to Wallis that makes it sophisticated yet irreverent--and I absolutely love it.


The butter website's description of Wallis adds that the color is as mysterious and regal as its namesake.  This got me thinking, what namesake?  Not being a Brit myself (shame--I would love the accent), I thought that maybe there was some trendy royal that I didn't know about.  After some investigation, it turns out that there's a good story behind the name of this amazing nail lacquer, and I'm so thankful that a nail polish--of all things--pushed me towards a juicy little history lesson.  It also turns out that my original suspicions weren't totally off the mark...

The original Wallis:
The Duchess of Windsor in 1936
Photo thanks to Wikipedia

Born Bessie Wallis Warfield in 1896, Wallis was was an American socialite whose life story reads practically like an episode of Gossip Girl--though I venture to say that the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite have got nothing on Wallis.   Her first marriage to US naval officer, Earl Winfield Spencer, Jr. ended in divorce, though she soon married again.   It was during her second marriage, to shipping executive Ernest Aldrich Simpson, that Wallis was rumored to have become the mistress to Edward, Prince of Wales.  It wasn't until two years later, after Edward's ascension to the throne as King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom and the Dominions, that Wallis divorced her second husband--and Edward proposed to her.  


Of course, Wallis's checkered marital past was a red flag for those proper Brits; that is to say, the King's intention to wed a woman with two living ex-husbands threatened to cause a constitutional crisis in the United Kingdom and the Dominions, and so lucky husband number three ultimately abdicated the throne to be with his lady love. Following the abdication, the former king was titled Duke of Windsor by his brother George VI, and after their marriage, Wallis was formally known as the Duchess of Windsor (not quite the same ring as "Her Royal Highness"--but still).  And then they lived happily ever after.  Okay, maybe not--but they did hop back and forth across the pond, living the high life as society celebrities, surrounded by controversy and intrigue.  If US Weekly had been around then, I'm sure they would have covered the story.  


I never thought I'd learn all that from a bottle of nail polish, but knowing what I know now, the glittery darkness of butter's Wallis lacquer seems totally befitting its namesake.  So thank you, dear Annie Rose, for my amazing nail color--and for the opportunity to learn a thing or two about history and scandal.  Love it.






FYI: Nonnie Creme quote from butter London's website.  Information on Wallis from Wikipedia--so feel free to correct any unintentional historical inaccuracies!

Episode 12: Boston Fashion

Boston
Photo from Rishi Raj Photography

Today I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon on Newbury Street with my sister, Annie, getting a head start on our holiday shopping.  In addition to our favorite spots, we took the opportunity to pop into stores that we had never been to before, sometimes with our own wardrobes in mind and other times in search of a Christmas gift or two.  It was such an amazing day that I was reminded of how much I love my home city of Boston--and how thankful I am to have been able to enjoy it in such good company.


Boston may not be known as a landmark on the fashion scene, yet I am constantly inspired by the people who surround me, even the people I see on the street.  Today, Annie and I saw both fashion dos and don'ts.  Perhaps my favorite "do" was a casual fall layered look, a girl wearing army green leg warmers over her black leggings and tucked into her brown boots.  While her look wasn't anything earth shattering, the comfortable ease of the layers struck me as a fun way to incorporate color and texture in an everyday outfit.


On the other hand, the most notable "don't" was a girl wearing a faux fur jacket that redefined the word "oversized," dwarfing her tiny frame so much that she looked as though was drowning.  I believe she was probably channeling that bohemian Mary Kate Olsen vibe, but the thing about that is that you actually have to be Mary Kate Olsen to make it work (and even she ends up on the "Fashion Police" page of US Weekly sometimes).


As and aside, amongst the dos and don't, this was indeed a triumphant day; my lovely, flat-shoes-only sister purchased her very first pair of heels--or wedges, to be more exact.  Her new Tory Burch wedges fall solidly into the "do" category, and as a lover of the highest high heels, I was proud to be a part of the buying experience--and thankful to have had the opportunity to spend the prettiest fall day with my sister in our favorite (and ever fashionable) city.

My sister rises to new heights!

Sophie Wedges

by Tory Burch

Episode 11: Best Mascara Ever

Ever since I started wearing make up, mascara has been a staple for me.  While my general cosmetic look is on the subtle side, I've never been one to skimp on eye make up--and especially mascara (much to my mother's chagrin, as my adolescent mascara removing efforts often resulted in stained face towels).  It is perhaps for this reason that I've devoted so many past posts to my search for the latest and greatest mascara.  For a while, I was convinced that  DiorShow was the ultimate-- that is, until my dear friend, India, told me about Trish McEvoy mascara.  Trish's amazing mascara has revolutionized my eye make up experience, and for that I am thankful--once again--to my fabulously fashion forward friend.

Mascara by Trish McCoy

I'm partial to Trish McEvoy's
Lash Curling Mascara, $30

Both Trish's High Volume and Lash Curling mascaras are made of the same water resistant formula, designed to "tube" around your lashes.  The tubular formula means that each lash is coated completely, dries instantly, and will not smudge.  Yet, as soon as it's time to remove your mascara for the day, you need not worry about fancy make up remover or staining your face towels.  Rather, by rinsing with warm water, the mascara tubes simply slide right off your lashes.  In my view, this is the best of both worlds: amazing coverage and rich, dark lashes with no mess to clean up at the end of the day.  Best. Mascara. Ever.  So thank you, my lovely luscious-lashed India, for sharing such an amazing beauty staple with me--and revolutionizing my lash line.

Episode 10: Mala Beads

I have found that sometimes even the most spirited of fashionistas needs a little extra boost.  I am fortunate to have amazing friends and family to support and encourage me in a number of ways, and as you have likely already noticed, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am dedicating this month's posts to the people, places, and things that I am thankful for--and the ways in which they have inspired me.  Today I am thankful for one such inspired friend, who gifted me a set of mala beads for my birthday two years ago, and I am thankful to the lovely Jo for bringing me love and light in a new form.

For those unfamiliar, mala is a Sanskrit word meaning "garland."  Mala beads are a string of beads used as far back as ancient times to keep the mind focused on the practice of meditation.  They are commonly used by Hindus and Buddhists, and the beads can be made from a variety of materials--each with a specific energetic effect. 


Moonstone Full Mala
By JapaMala


I am neither Hindu nor Buddhist, yet I treasure both sets of mala beads that I have--one made out of lotus seeds and the other out of moonstone--and I find the meaning behind their materials to be especially inspiring.  The former was given to me by Jo, and the lotus seed is said to signify growth and the ability to overcome obstacles.  I purchased my moonstone mala earlier this year, after embarking on a 30-day yoga challenge and feeling like I needed the good luck and soothing, balancing properties associated with the moonstone. 

As I said earlier, sometimes even the most spirited of fashionistas needs a little extra boost. While the beads in and of themselves are beautiful, when I wear my mala beads around my wrist, I feel inspired to push a little harder, to keep my head up, and to keep moving forward.  I am thankful for their inspiration, and for my lovely friend Jo for introducing me to a fashion that is so much more than a fashion.

Episode 9: I Want to Be Like Jackie Onassis



Jackie in her iconic sunglasses
Photo thanks to the Traveling Through Decades blog



Of all the style icons that exist, Jackie Onassis has probably been the most influential for me.  When I was fourteen years old, after finally getting my very first pair of contacts, my mother took me shopping for a celebratory pair of (non-prescription) sunglasses.  After a rather exhaustive search, she helped me decide on a pair by Roxie that were aptly named the "Jackie O."  I remember my mother explaining to me that it didn't get more elegant than Jackie, and that big, black sunglasses were definitely the way to go.  While I have my mother to thank for bestowing this style savvy sage wisdom upon me, I am also especially thankful for Jackie Onassis and her dark sunglasses.

Since then, I've upgraded from my original pair of Roxie glasses.  Several times, in fact.  Over the years, I've gone from Roxie to Calvin Klein, to Chanel, to Burberry, and to Chloé--holding on to each pair for years and years until a transition is warranted.  With each switch, my sunglasses have gotten a little bit bigger and a little bit darker.  After all, it worked for Jackie, so why not me?  I purchased my current pair, the Chloé Myrte, during an epic New York shopping excursion at Saks with some of my besties, Annie Rose and India, and four years later, I'm starting to think an upgrade from here might be impossible.  It's mostly a question of frame size, as I have to wonder, does something bigger even exist?  Perhaps I have found my signature look, and now I need to buy up a lifetime supply of Myrtes so that I'll never have to go without...

My oversized Chloés hit the streets of Paris with me
Photo my Sarah M. Barton, March 2010

Whatever the case, oversized sunglasses are definitely my thing--a look that I have absolutely and completely borrowed from the original source, Jackie herself--and now I just don't feel like myself without them.  A couple of years ago, a dear coworker shared an amazing song with me, called "Jackie Onassis" by the band Human Sexual Response.  The opening lines pretty much say it all: I want to be like Jackie Onassis/I want to wear a pair of dark sunglasses.  So thank you, Jackie, for representing all that was and is elegant, timeless, and true--and for immortalizing a look that I've taken as my own.

Episode 8: Comfy Cool

My sister Annie's closet has been an ongoing source of inspiration to me over the years.  From skinny jeans to pointy-toed shoes, I am thankful to my style savvy sister for giving me the courage to test drive countless looks that I never thought would work for me, including the very epitome of comfy cool: my Converse.  


Back when she was in high school, my sister debuted an irresistibly cute pair of bright pink Converse high tops.  Peeking out from beneath skinny jeans, her girly kicks brought an element of casual fun to her look.  While I totally coveted her style, I was convinced that such a look wouldn't work as well without her supermodel height and frame.  But she talked me into giving it a try, and I found my own take on comfy cool by pairing my Converse with flairs.  I have yet to add a pair of hot pink Converse to my collection, but I am currently pondering my next pair...  Indeed, all these years later, I still love love looove my Converse.  I guess it just goes to show that comfort is always in style.  Dear beloved sister, my feet are especially thankful.

I wore my trusty Converse all over Paris last spring!
Photo by Sarah M. Barton, March 2010

I Am Thankful For My Fashionista Friends, Episode 7: Pretty In Pearls

My sister, fastening my grandmother's necklace this past summer

Over the years and throughout many a fashion adventure, I have come to appreciate the value of accessories.  In fact, sometimes it is an accessory that makes an outfit, for even the most basic look can be instantly transformed by the right necklace, bracelet, or ring.  For me, pearls are the best example of this fashion rule, a lesson that I have learned from my amazing grandmother.  Regardless of the occasion, my grandmother's inherent elegance is only heightened by the strand of pearls she wears at her neck, and I am thankful to her for being a shining example of style and grace.



My husband-to-be puts on my pearls
Photo by Ross Jacob Photographers, August 2006



Shockingly, I never owned a strand of pearls of my own until shortly before I was married, when my mother gifted me a necklace and earring set as my "something new."  The necklace just so happened to be precisely what I needed to complete my country chic bridal look.  Since then, that necklace has become an accessory staple, and I often rely on it to complete my look.  For my 9 to 5, I wear a lot of black (I am not a morning person so it's just easier that way), but the right heels and a strand of pearls give head-to-toe black an elegance that even Coco Chanel could (and did) approve of. 

Lady Four Strand Pearl Necklace, $325
by J. Crew

The same applies for when you're running short on time.  As you may recall, one of my dear friends shared the following important fashion "do" for She's Come Unheeled's second birthday post earlier this year: # 40) Opt for pearls and a ponytail if you simply don't have time for a shower.  Indeed, the power of pearls is their ability to transcend and transform.  Whether the situation arises when you're pressed for time; your luscious locks are in need of a wash; you're feeling generally blah; or you're craving a bit of timeless elegance in your look, a strand of pearls is all a girl really needs in a pinch.  In my humble opinion, this is more than just a rule of fashion; rather, it's a life lesson that I am thankful to my grandmother for teaching me by example. 

Episode 6: Jeans For Dress-Up

When I was growing up, there was a distinct separation between casual clothes and dress-up clothes.  Dress-up clothes were for church, parties, airplanes (remember those days?), and weddings or funerals, whereas casual clothes were for pretty much all other occasions.  This separation was just as important as cardinal fashion rules like wearing a slip under a skirt or no white after labor day.  In fact, even into my angsty teenage years, I pretty much subscribed to this wardrobe dichotomy.  It wasn't until I moved to LA for college that my staunch New England fashion preconceptions loosened a bit, and I discovered there was an entire style spectrum in between casual and dress-up.  During my four year stint in the City of Angels, I learned a lot about fashion--not to mention, life in general--but perhaps the most important fashion message was that you can (and should) wear jeans for dress-up, and it is for this revelation that I will be eternally thankful to my one-time home of LA.

Some ponder important life questions like: what came first, the chicken or the egg?  As for me, I wonder whether jeans for dress-up inspired the designer denim fad (a trend that is happily alive and well today) or if the designer denim fad made it okay to wear denim to dinner and a movie?  Regardless, I learned about both during my undergraduate years, and my wardrobe has never been the same.  I hoard designer denim like, well, a hoarder--and there have even been times when my husband has had to set some harsh limits for me, like no more jeans until I get rid of some that I already have (sigh).  But I digress... 

The beauty of jeans for dress-up is that they are as stylish as they are comfortable, and when I'm wearing my favorite denim, I never feel more like myself--which is precisely how any girl wants to feel, regardless of the occasion.  Interestingly enough, denim has a spectrum in and of itself.  That is to say, there are some pairs of jeans that I reserve for casual wear and others that are more appropriate for going out.  The difference between the two, of course, is further reinforced by footwear choice: Uggs or heeled leather boots, Converse or Louboutins, flip flops or flats, and so on.

But don't get me wrong.  Now that I'm all grown up, I love playing dress-up just as much--if not more--than I did when I was a little girl.  But with the exception of church, the really fancy occasions are few and far between, and the occasions that call for just a little something special are far more frequent.  And this is how I rationalize all the jeans that I already own--and all that I still want to buy...  So thank you, LA LA Land, for teaching me about casual couture and the absolute necessity of jeans for dress-up.  My fashion sensibilities will be forever indebted.


High Waisted Skinny Jean in "adore me" wash, $125
By J. Crew



Episode 5: Fake A Flawless Face

Correcteur Perfection Long Lasting Concealer in beige clair
by Chanel, $40
Available from Nordstrom

Like many little girls, when I was growing up, I love love loved using my mother's make-up, applying her Guerlain bronzer and Lancôme eyeliner like a pro (or so I thought).  Along with other important life lessons, I am thankful to my mother for teaching me about the joys of make-up and the importance of the "less is more" philosophy.  But of all the fabulous, fancy products and cosmetic secrets I have inherited from my her, perhaps the most important is the secret to a flawless face.


Chanel's Correcteur Perfection Long Lasting Concealer might very well be the most crucial product in my make-up bag.  The creamy, gel-based concealer is lightweight and easy to apply, yet it stays in place all day, flawlessly covering any imperfections.  As an added bonus, a tiny dab'll do, so even though the $40 price tag is a little steep compared to competitors, this tube will last you practically forever.  Since I hate to look overly "made up," the lightweight formula is what I love most about this concealer.  It allows me to minimize those pesky imperfections without the incriminating evidence of a heavy product, allowing me to innocently claim: why yes, I do wake up looking this perfect!  When it comes to a flawless face (or even faking one), it seems that mother knows best, and for that I am thankful.