Old Faithful.

When I was little, my mother used to bathe my sisters and I and then line us up to comb out and braid our hair one by one. Back in the days before leave-in conditioner, this was the best idea she had for three daughters with curly waist length hair (other than the high buns we needed to wear to ballet class, of course). The humidity and the "frizzies" were always cause for battle in my house. Sometimes, we won, and sometimes the hair won.

Fast forward twenty five years, and there are many new solutions on the market for curly unruly hair. However, I am constantly reverting back to old faithful. When the humidity factor is through the roof, or the heat outside is unbearable and my long hair feels like a winter hat on my head, I go back to my braid. These days, there are many new ways to braid hair, some I know, and some will take me watching a couple more how-to videos on YouTube. Here are some of the gorgeous creations that are inspiring me lately. Enjoy!

Do you love these beautiful creations as much as I do? Whether your style is tomboy or glamour girl, the braid is here to stay. It's always a fun and thoughtful alternative to the messy bun or quick ponytail.

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Friday Favorites.

Here are a few things that I am loving right now. 

My Nars Laguna Bronzer. With my busy schedule, I haven't seen the sun as much as I would like this summer. This is the perfect tint, not too red or orange, and the tiny gold flecks in it give me nice glowing skin. You would never know I have only been to the beach once this summer.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha bag is my current favorite shopping companion. The cross body strap is amazingly convenient, the ivory color goes with everything, and the leather is so soft. It is a welcome change from some of my heavier bags and I love the gold details!

Peonies. In any color. They are gorgeous, especially in this reflective vase. Nothing beats a fresh bouquet from someone you love.

What are your favorite things this week?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Girly.

Yesterday, I asked my fiance if he liked my newest purchase: this adorable new Iphone cover from Kate Spade. I love the animal print and the hot pink sides (which you cannot see in the photo). The crispness of the black and white contrast with the fresh pop of bright color is like having a new phone. It was just the change I needed.

{Kate Spade Iphone 4 Hard Cover, $40.}

When he asked why I had changed it, my response was that it was for late summer and early fall. In the late fall I plan to change back to my old one. Should phone covers not be seasonally styled as well? This is where he gave a me a look I am very accustomed to. It is the look of "Oh-my-god-this-woman-is-an-alien-and-my-future-wife." I get this look from my alpha male fiance when I forget my audience and let all my girly colors shine though. These are the moments that highlight the gender divide in our relationship and remind us of the balance we create for one other. He loves me for this and I love him for that look.


That said, I have never been apologetic about my extreme femininity. I might look like this every morning,

but that is just part of the fun. I hope all of you are embracing what you love and living it. People may not always understand you, but they will love you anyway. Happy Thursday!


Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

My Uniform.

As a stylist, you would think that I spend all day creating new outfits for myself. Daydreaming in my closet and conjuring up the next incredibly creative look that I will put on. Yes, when there is time, I love to shop my own closet. But the truth is, lately time has been a precious, and rare, commodity. Between my personal clients, planning my wedding, and working on commercial shoots, there is little time for outfit planning these days.


For many people, a uniform is the outfit they reach for on a daily basis. Often times, this narrow view of one's own closet becomes a fashion rut that they need help coming out of. I have Everyday Runway clients that have worn the same outfit for years! In my opinion, a uniform should be that item (or outfit) you reach for when you need effortless style in a hurry. Tried and true, you feel amazing in it, and you never have to think about whether you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. The closest thing I have to a uniform is my go-to silk blouse. Yes, I have it in several different colors and prints, but it is the common in my formula for easy style when I don't have a lot of time.


Why you need an Equipment silk blouse:


1. In the right color, it's a classic.
A beautiful silk blouse always makes my list of the top 10 items every woman should have in her wardrobe. Wear it alone or as a fabulous layering piece. This blouse is appropriate for all ages and body types. And with proper care, you will wear it for years.


2. It's comfortable.
In the fashion world, that is a big deal. I can move in it. And the feeling of silk on my skin never gets old.


3. Your boyfriend/fiance/husband will thank you.
I get the undone sexy look of my fiances' masculine work shirts while wearing my own clothes. (And his stay unwrinkled.)


4. The possible outfit combinations are endless!


Let me show you.


Refined. - This blouse is perfect for the office and is age appropriate for more mature women when paired with a beautiful wide leg trouser. Olivia Palermo has polished style down to a science.

Playful. - For the younger audience, dress it down. Put this blouse with a pair of great shorts and don't be afraid to load on the accessories for a more complete and age appropriate look.

Easygoing style. - This blouse is just right with a casual cargo pant or your favorite pair of jeans. Add a nice bag, good belt, hot shoes, lipstick, and... viola! You have your outfit. Wear it anywhere.

Date night. - Gorgeous with a harem pant, mini skirt, dressed up shorts, or pencil skirt. Dress it up with heels, jewelry, and a pretty clutch. Check out Lauren Conrad's youthful take on this look in black silk shorts.

Bold and Sexy. - Give the sheer versions a try. My absolute favorite look when I go out is a silky camisole or gorgeous lacy bra (Agent Provocateur and Le Mystere make lingerie too beautiful to always be covered up) underneath one of these shirts with a skirt or pant. It's feminine, glamourous, sexy, and unexpected at the same time.

You have now seen this Equipment silk blouse worn with wide leg pants, shorts, jeans, khakis, colored jeans, cargo pants, skirts, and leather pants. Everyone has at least three of these bottoms in their wardrobe.

Wear the Equipment silk blouse with high waisted pants or jeans and tuck in the shirt to accentuate your waist. Wear the blouse untucked with a skinny leg pant to camouflage wider hips or a small belly. Be sure to size up if you have a larger bust to avoid any pull between the buttons. The way you tuck in the shirt is also a method for making great new looks. Consider giving it a lose flirty knot in the front for another feminine twist.


Not convinced yet? Here are some more celebrities who love this blouse as much as I do.

Are you still here? You should be off surfing the web to purchase this shirt! Equipment silk blouse is available here, here, and here. Prices range from $208 to $220 depending on the color, print, and cut. A little steep, but so worth it. 


What is your uniform?


Treat everyday like you are on the runway.