4 Work Blouses... To Help You Ditch The Loungewear And Shine On Zoom

How To Dress For Zoom Calls? That’s the question of the century and I’m asked every day. It seems people are “over” the whole PJs at home thing and we’re all looking for a little pick-me-up.

It’s been proven many times that dressing well leads to better moods and increased productivity. It’s true for the traditional office setting as well as your new work-from-home setting. So it’s time to ditch the excuses of the past several months and shed your sloppy sweatshirts and tees.

This is absolutely your missing key to working productively at home.

A fun blouse in a beautiful color or print will bring attention to your face and that’s pretty much all they see on the other end, right? So feel free to stay in your joggers but slip on a blouse that shows your boss or your clients that you are here and ready to work!

Everything I chose below pairs well with office pants or a skirt when it’s time or with jeans and heels when you get a chance to go out and socialize this Fall. Just click the pic to check them out!

So if you’re wondering how to show up and shine on Zoom, just remember that a small print or a pop of color will go a long way! And nice blouses are super versatile for when normalcy returns… you can layer with a blazer to add polish or layer a moto jacket to “rough it up” with jeans and heels. And don’t forget your trusty cardigan for warmth or to change up the look.

Productivity increases when you dress and “show up”. Happy Zoom!

How To Look Good On Zoom Calls

So many of my clients in Northern states have been told they’ll be working from home until at least November.

Many of these women are industry leaders, they run teams, and they’d like to maintain their sense of authority and preparedness even through video conferencing.

What To Wear For

Your Next Zoom Meeting

So if you find yourself suddenly looking a bit unimpressed on video with your normal work staples, focus on the following areas to being your personal style on screen.

First, let’s focus first on pops of color. What brightly colored tops do you have that can brighten up your face? Not only will a pop of color look great on video calls but it will make you feel energized too. A scoop neckline is fine, a v-neckline is even better which will draw the eye up to your lovely face.

More beautiful blouses and earrings can be found here.

These are great pops of color too.

Let me offer some guidance about pattern on camera. There’s lots of advice out there to NOT wear pattern. This is pretty decent advice for on-air appearances, television. I’ve styled for the camera many times (news, QVC) and that advice is fine but this doesn’t really apply to our “new norm” which is Zoom and various video conferencing. This is not live TV, wear your favorite pattern if it makes you happy.

In the “board meeting” pic above, see how you can tone down a polka dot pattern with a blazer, it kind of “grounds” the look. Go for that if you wish or rock the pattern if that makes you smile!

Next, focus on your accessories. My advice is to always choose one out of two pieces: either some fun statement earrings or a stand out necklace…. not both, that’s too much going on when the person on the other end can only see the top half of you. You can do that in-person, not on video.

These classic pieces are all linked here. The bluse is awesome!

And finally, don’t forget the lips! A little lip color goes a long way.

When I’m in a hurry, I’m all “top knot, earrings, and lips.”

When I’m exhausted (and look it), I’m all “bright top and lips.”

This is a small effort for BIG impact.

This Charlotte Tilbury is rapidly become a favorite, especially in Walk Of Shame.

And MAC Russian Red is an all-time fave of mine for red.

And there you have it buddies. Happy Zooming!

Xo, Jaime

P.S. Don’t forget to declutter the background and let your beauty shine!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Under $50

Looking to shop the #nsale but don’t want to drop a pretty penny?

There are plenty of sensible, stylish items under $50 that will satisfy your urge to grab a little treat at the sale. I mean, is there a bigger buzz on social media right now than the Nordstrom Anniversary sale?

I think not.

But in case the INSANE sale buzz gets you in a frenzy… stop and chill.

Top bloggers make a ton of money on this sale so don’t let the numerous postings give you a big fat case of feeling left out. Fall staples can and WILL go on sale again throughout the year.

So here are my top picks under $50 if you do decide to join in the fun!

How about some tummy-tucking jeans?

I like the ab-solution feature on these Wit & Wisdom jeans and they have 3 washes included in the anniversary sale! When I was a stylist at Stitch Fix, this brand was SO popular. Just click the picture to check them out.

Going back to work or school this Fall?

I have clients all over the country, all over the globe in fact. So I hear many different scenarios for Fall regarding the pandemic. My clients run the whole spectrum from going back to work in the traditional office setting to staying at home and attempting to work remotely while homeschooling the kids.

Whatever your personal scenario, why not add some fashion sneaks to your wardrobe?

I love to pair fashion sneakers with a cute dress and a moto jacket but then I’ll also use them with an all-black athleisure outfit and denim jacket. Cool sneakers are the perfect touch for your wardrobe! Click on the picture to check these out…

Click on the pic for even more stylish choices below the style board, all under $50.

Like I said above, no matter your personal scenario for Fall who doesn’t need a new pair of cute PJs or fresh comfort pieces?

Click on this pic to shop these and MANY more.

So there you have it!

No matter what the remainder of 2020 looks like for you, I say it’s wise to invest in cute comfort clothes, stylish sneakers, and a new fresh pair of jeans.

Join the talk in our monthly style club for even more sale info and get some personalized feedback from me! See more here: style club.

And if you don’t want to navigate the sale on your own, I can make you a personalized style board. Just give me your specifications like the items you’re looking for, your budget, and your size estimates, and I’ll do the work for you! Just book it with this button below (even though it says “summer” mini). I’ll curate a private board just for the Anniversary Sale just for you!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Rule #1 for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…

don’t get caught up in the hype if you don’t “need” anything!

Seriously. Things have really changed over the years with the arrival of the fashion blogger scene…. now influencers. Yes, I love them too. It’s just making the sale landscape more and more difficult for “regular” people and non-cardholders every year.

The mind-boggling number of #nsale posts on Instagram causes a lot of hype and frenzy…

and if you follow quite a few of the influencers (which I absolutely do) you’ll suffer a serious case of FOMO if you attempt to hold your wallet tight and ignore the sale.

The top question I get is “why is everything already sold out?” Ugh…. that’s the most frustrating part of what has happened to the sale in recent years.

There are literally thousands of influencers posting about the same FINITE group of items…

top influencers will reach over 100K people (some with much more) with one little post! These top influencers have what Nordstrom calls “icon” status and they get to shop VERY early. Hence all the #nsale posts for the past 3 weeks when MOST people couldn’t even get a “preview” look.

Some call this exclusive, some call it elitist.

You get to decide how it makes you feel.

Then shop or don’t, accordingly.

How does one get marked “icon status”? Spend over $15,000.00 a year at Nordstrom alone. Yep, I wrote that correctly… $15k. Yikes. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a BIIIIG money maker for the influencer scene so your social media channels are getting bombarded right now. Do some popular items sell out before “regular” people even get a chance to take a look? Yes.

Do they ever restock? Sometimes. Can I find these or very similar pieces at a later date? Sometimes no but usually yes. Will I find the sold-out items at other retailers throughout the season? Yes! Often.

With the exception of BP items, of course, their in-house brand.

So if you want to hold out…. you can. Booties will freaking go on sale again, lol. As will jeans. And so will cardigans. Especially with the current climate in 2020… retailers will still fight for your attention with killer Fall sales. Promise!

Moving forward, I feel like I can serve you best by simply pointing out the things on my own personal wishlist and my reasons why. I hope it helps you decide if you’ll shop or not!

You can scroll through below… or head straight to my shoppable storefront here. This is where all of my shoppable style boards live… and you’ll identify the sale boards by “Nordstrom Anniversary Sale” at the beginning of every title.

First up….stylish comfort. I know for sure that I’ll be home a lot more in the Fall because um #COVID so it makes sense to spend money where I’ll use it, for comfy at-home pieces.

Just click the picture to shop!

And it makes a whole lot of sense to grab some on-trend fashion sneakers. You can use them with leggings, jeans, jackets,

or to make a dress feel more casual. Those are great reasons to add some to your list!

And speaking of comfort, take a look at the best in athleisure while you’re at it!

Just click to shop.

Enjoy! Send me an email anytime and I can create a personalized Nordstrom Sale board for you!

Xo, Jaime

Jewelry Basics For An Effortless Chic Style

All the pieces you need to compliment your daily outfits.

What’s going on in your accessories “wardrobe”?  Do you have a nice stash of everyday pieces on-hand?  

I have been inside so many closets and I’ve talked to hundreds of women about their personal style.  One common thread is this, “I don’t have any cute jewelry!”

Here’s the truth, if you don’t have a planned-out group of basic accessories at the ready, you probably won’t wear any at all!  And that stinks because jewelry/accessories are the easiest way to add versatility in your wardrobe and they make outfits feel complete.

Jewelry and accessories will 1. make your closet staples more versatile and 2. they are “outfit completers.”

These are 2 important roles that jewelry and accessories play in your wardrobe.

I mean, really, it’s obvious which outfit seems more complete and put-together. Right?

Jewelry is the #1 way to elevate your closet basics and make pieces more versatile... yet it’s the easiest to overlook.  Don’t know where to start?  Keep it simple with an essential list like a nice pendant necklace, a few hoops, a pair of studs, and a great watch.  This list makes a nice start! 

Let’s start off with watches.  I know everyone has different budgets but, personally, LOVE to invest in a killer watch.  If you pick a standout watch that is timeless, it’s the easiest thing to toss on in a pinch to feel more dressed.  If you forget everything else, you can always make time (pun-intended) to throw on a gorgeous watch. The style board below is a shopabble group to get you inspired into action!

Next up, necklaces. Gosh I love what a simple necklace can do to a solid, classic crewneck top. My favorite icing on the cake is a layered necklace on top of my casual white tanks.

Click on the picture to shop!

Statement necklaces (and novelty pieces) should be added in sporadically. If you overdo it on the large and trendy pieces, you run the risk of not putting anything on because it feels like “too much” for every day.

Truth be told, if you have one long necklace and one short necklace, you’re all set!

Next up, earrings.  I recommend that you have a few classic earrings on hand because they can go with everything.  To achieve this, try to have one or two pairs of studs and on or two pairs of classic hoops.  You can go with silver or gold in either style.

Just click on the picture to check out the pieces and prices.

This post is mostly about classic, versatile jewelry but I have SUCH love for statement earrings right now that I really wanted to include some ideas.  The reason I love them the most is that I can toss up my hair in a messy bun and wear a pair of statement earrings to feel cute, easy peasy. 

Statement earrings never stay in stock for long so click the board to shop.

So bracelets are something I find my own self lacking in because I tend to go for the standout watch and I’ll add a necklace or earrings and be done. But it’s great to have a few classic bracelets that go with anything like these easy pieces below. I love the little pop of color on these Kendra Scott bracelets.

And there you have it, friends!

Enjoy setting up a little accessories wardrobe!

Xo, Jaime

Shop Your Closet: 4 Ways To Reinvent Your Existing Wardrobe During Social Distancing

Flatten the curve, stay at home, we are safer at home, QUARANTINE… when you envisioned our brand new decade, did you think these would be the first major buzz words of 2020??? Nope? Me, neither!

But still, here we are… the week that we’re all safer at home, the critical week that experts consider the most important week of this entire crisis.

You’re stuck at home and won’t be going to the mall anytime soon and the COVID crisis has made us a little tighter on our wallets anyway, so why not reinvent your existing wardrobe? Brand new pieces are not a requirement of mixing up your style.

So how’s it going in your household? Our days are somewhat structured. I do let the kids sleep in so that I get my quiet time for work in the morning. Most of the day we combine school work, my virtual work, eating, and lounging… in mostly equal parts (although eating seems to be #1 on the list these days of social distance).

I hope you’re not sick of hearing “make the most of this unprecedented time at home”. But really, I highly recommend taking the time to sort through your closet now. That way when the crisis is over, you have a clearer closet and a better chance at finding what you love to wear when we’re out again. Here are 4 ways to shop your closet now:

1. Get organized.  You have to see what’s in your closet in order to make good use of what you have.  Items that no longer fit or are in disrepair must go.  They are blocking the way of seeing the good pieces you do have. 

2. Reinvent.  Reinvent seasonal pieces  For example, think you can only wear a maxi dress in the Summer?  Layer it up for a chilly Spring day with a cool leather moto jacket, a chunky cardigan, or a cropped denim jacket.  

3. Be flexible.  Think outside the box and try a blouse you use for “work only” with a pair of distressed denim for dressing it down. Or get creative by pairing together 2 pieces that are not the same style…   I LOVE to pair feminine pieces with rocker/edgy pieces such as a floral dress with studded booties.  What non-traditional pairings can you try?  Snap cute photos of these fun outfit combinations so you remember what you love after isolation.  

4.  Utilize your accessories.  Isolation is a great time to tackle your accessories stash.  Editing your accessories rather than your whole closet is a smaller, more manageable task that you can complete all in one sitting.

Use layered necklaces to elevate a jeans and tee outfit.  Go through all of your pieces, what are you not using anymore?  What pieces are in bad condition that you can toss?  And accessories are not just jewelry, go through belts and scarves too.  Shop your closet for belts,scarves, or solid button downs that you can tie around the waist… these can change the look of a maxi dress or a solid outfit in an instant. 

Stuck Inside? This is my top choice for couch shopping today!!

I hope you all are safe and well. I am using this time to clean out my closet BIG TIME! And I’m doing a lot of virtual closet edits as well. One thing’s for sure, everyone I speak to is looking forward to getting dressed again! This sale at J Crew Factory has me grabbing so many tried-and-true staples at fantastic prices.

Get yourself a cute little outfit to look forward to this Spring!

here

here

I can’t wait to try on this outfit, these are the first things I threw in my cart. The whole ensemble is $34.50 with the code SNOOZE!

Be sure to tuck the blouse into the skirt and you can add a denim jacket to the look. I also intend to use the blouse with jeans too.

Everyone adores these scallop tanks and I’m psyched to see the snake print on sale. These 3 pieces are $56 total! You can use these separates in a TON of other ways. I’d say grab ‘em while you can.

Two more fabulous staples here.

These looks and a few more, all here!

Stay safe and healthy! Xo, Jaime

My #1 Tip For Loving Your Style

Gosh, I have so many tips for personal style… be intentional about what you put in your closet, only purchase what you love, only purchase if it fits and flatters, define your signature style, etc.

All of these are true. All of these tips work. They remain among my top advice but if I was forced to pick just one great thing about style, it is this…

clothes should make you happy.

And that’s it. My #1 tip. We all want comfort in our clothes. We all seek confidence, we all seek contentment. So really what we’re saying is that we just want to feel HAPPY. This applies to the preppy gal, the edgy chick, and the classic woman. Every shape, every budget, every style. We just want to feel happy in our clothes.

I’m not afraid at all to share this picture of me...

…simply because the outfit makes me happy.

Dissect what you’re wearing when you feel happy.

What are the style elements that make you feel that way?

If I had to explain why this dress works well for me (and makes me feel happy) here are the points I come up with.

1. it’s figure-flattering

2. it’s super comfortable

3. it’s easy… just toss it on and go

4. it’s fun, it has personality

So there are my main points. It’s form-fitting yet still flattering thanks to the all-over pattern disguising any bumps or whatever. It’s a stretchy knit so it’s really comfy, no tugging, pulling, or annoyances to adjust. The print and color make it really fun and full of personality which is what I needed on that particular day. Now that I’ve dissected why it makes me happy, I can look to replicate those elements in other areas of my style.

“Recall an outfit that makes you feel great. An outfit that really made you feel HAPPY. Dissect the shit out of it. Wear that on repeat. ”

If you’re someone who can’t stand to feel restricted, a white button-down blouse is probably not going to make you happy. If you are happiest when things are neat and orderly, well you probably do love a good white button-down.

Style doesn’t have to be more complicated than that. I wonder why we make it so difficult? We absolutely know what kind of food we like to eat when we go out. And we know what we don’t like to eat. Why do we make clothing more complicated than it has to be?

Can you remember the last time an outfit really made you happy? You know what I mean, don’t make it difficult. Our brains can go too easily to what we don’t like. I’m sure you can recall what makes you feel really uncomfortable and not happy. Maybe you hate wearing dresses or just really dislike leggings.

But what clothing makes you feel happy when you’re wearing it? You know the feeling. You know when you feel awesome. So I have a go-to pair of skinnies from a few years back. They just feel so buttery soft, the dark wash is slimming, and they slip right on with ease, no tugging, pulling, or discomfort. They just make me happy. Add a cute top and heels and I’m good to go. I love those jeans for the same exact reasons I love that dress. They both share the same elements that make me happy.

You might feel really stylish this very second and you might be lookin’ like a hot mess. Either way: dissect what outfit makes you feel really happy.

And then wear those elements all throughout your wardrobe!

If you don’t have clothes that make you feel happy, that’s not OK! Listen, I swear by my signature Baby Steps To Better Style approach and you have a limited-time chance to jump in on some group style coaching. Don’t miss out on this chance to dig deeper! The cart closes 2/29/20.

If HAPPY doesn’t sound like you… you’ve gotta click over here.

Xo, Jaime

And P.S. I highly recommend a transitional jacket this time of year. It helps convert your semi-Winter clothes into the Spring season. Transitional jackets are also great for the Spring clothes you’re eager to wear but the weather isn’t yet cooperating. Here is an excellent jacket for jeans and a light sweater, skirts, or dresses.

STYLE INSPO: SJP

I just love pairing red and hot pink! These photos of Sarah Jessica Parker’s red and hot pink combo are fabulous, don’t you think?

Can you create this look with pieces in your closet? I did! I chose leopard ankle booties as opposed to white pumps because that suits my personal style better.

Check it out here.

Just click on the pic and you too can create this awesome color combination.

You can shop the board and create your own hot pink and red look, or you can let me walk you through it with a Style Refresh here.

Xo, jd

Don't Forget The Accessories

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like your outfit was missing something?

Maybe you put on your favorite dress or you paired up your best blouse and hottest jeans for date night and felt just “meh”.

You probably forgot the accessories!

This often-overlooked element will complete your look and help you get that “put-together” feeling.

Even jeans and a t-shirt look better with a belt, great shoes, and the right jewelry to complete the outfit.

It’s like the icing on the cake.

Let’s start with belts.

If the loops are there, please use them! It just gives your jeans or pants that “complete” feeling.

You can add a leopard belt to accent a solid top and pair of jeans or you can try a fun Obi belt which is fantastic for belting a loose black dress in the Summer.

Don’t forget to accessorize!

Next up: jewelry. Whether it’s earrings or a necklace, don’t forget the impact your jewelry can make on an outfit. Check out my favorites below.

It’s a shoppable board, if you see something that strikes your fancy, click on the picture and check it out.

Speaking of icing on the cake… my absolute favorite accessory for jeans and a t-shirt is a pair of statement earrings or a long tassel necklace, usually just one or the other for me. But if you love a good statement earring AND a long necklace, you do you! I also feel much more “complete” when I accessorize a simple outfit with a bunch of gold jewelry. Combine a pair of studs with a simple bracelet, an inital necklace, and rings and you’re accessorizing just like Jennifer Anniston.

And finally, shoes.

Don’t let them be an afterthought. Red flats are the best pop of color and sass for dark skinnies and a black tee. Strappy pumps are great for a party top and jeans… see where I’m going here? Don’t forget the effort in shoes. Below is a shoppable board, click on it and dig in!

If you think your shoe game could use a little work, check out the fun ideas above. Do you have red flats? If not, why not start there? I use my red flats whenever I need something special for a “plain” outfit like jeans and a black tank or jeans and a leopard sweater.

How about an animal print shoe? Leopard flats are a great idea, printed pumps rock, and checkout the booties too!

As always, if you’re looking for a style update and want me to help you, let’s get going. Get it done now, no more boredom with your current style.

Xo, J