Wardrobe Budgeting and Helpful Strategies

As any good thing worth having, nice clothes require something of us. In this case, money. Sure, you have "bargain" basements, but remind yourself of why certain stores are cheap: they pay their workers poorly and give you poor quality synthetic fabrics that end up in a landfill after they fall apart on you. If you're looking for quality clothes created with integrity, you'll need to spend more money. There's a way, no matter your income. Trust me, you are worth it!

So here are some tips for managing your clothing budget!

1. Managing Needs vs. Wants:

There's no need to treat yourself like a slave and only buy what you desperately need. Clothing is fun, so have fun with it! At the same time, though, you don't want to pour tons of money into things that have no purpose in your wardrobe. Create a strategy, and each piece will become part of your workable wardrobe you enjoy. That way, your needs and wants will converge!

2. Strategies:

Start by considering that your clothing outfits your life, so it will need to work with the things that you do on a regular basis. Ask yourself:

a. Where do I go, and what is appropriate for these settings?

You have your home life, your work life, your fun life, and your romantic life. Do you live with parents, a roommate, a spouse and kids? Do you work in an art studio or a formal office? How about your free time? Are you vacationing in Aruba or picnicking in the park? And what about date nights? Do you guys mostly prefer dining at ritzy restaurants, or would you rather go hiking?

b. How do I want to look and feel?

Consider how you want to look and feel in your clothes. When you are at work, do you want to be no-frills and comfy? Do you like pieces that are soft and cozy, light and airy, starched and structured? And when you're running errands, do you need fabrics that are baby-friendly (e.g. can handle spit-up), or are you more interested in displaying flashy creativity?

c. What are my environmental needs?

Think about your geographical location and your lifestyle. Do you live in a rural place where you drive to get wherever you're going? Are you in the city where you walk and, therefore, need shoes that won't hurt your feet? If you live where it's mostly cold, you'll want to invest in durable winter clothing you don't need to replace often, even if it costs more. If you're in a warmer climate like Miami, on the other hand, you'll want to spring for natural, breathable fabric that keeps your skin cool and healthy (especially undies).

3. The Clothing:

Once you have decided what you're trying to accomplish through your clothing, sit down and make a list. Divide the sections into types of clothes you want. For instance, Casual, Work, Loungewear, etc. Separating your clothes into categories is also good for making sure they aren't overworked. If you wear that soft cotton shell to work and to bed, it's going to wear out much quicker than if you reserve it only for the office.

Take each category and list the tops, bottoms, etc. you currently own for each. Then decide how many you'd like to own. You can do this each season, throwing out the stuff that's beginning to go threadbare.

Now you know what to look for when you go shopping! You'll be less susceptible to impulse buying or grabbing veritable replicas of items you already own.

4. Items in Which to Invest:

No matter your budget, there are things on which you mustn't go cheap. Your well-being trumps your budget, so even if you have to save over time, be sure to invest in:

• A Good Coat: You don't need 10, but you do need at least one if you're in a cold climate. You know your geography best, so decide if it needs to be waterproof/snow proof, etc. But do be sure it's toasty warm and built for the lowest temperatures your town normally experiences. Layering is ok, but sweatshirt upon sweatshirt won't insulate you like a wool or down coat will. Try e-bay and other discounted sites. Trust me, your mother will thank me. :)
• Good Shoes: As a dancer, this is close to my heart. :) Shoes have a huge impact on your skeletal system long term. Your knees, back, hips, and all of that will be thrown off if you're wearing bad shoes. Trends are sometimes nice to look at, but many of them don't have your well-being in mind. Be sure to invest in pieces that are wide enough for your foot, and stable enough to handle whatever walking you do, especially if you take stairs.
• Good Gloves: Like the coat, be sure to have warm gloves. Extremities can be vulnerable in harsh weather, so you'll want something that really works. Go for lined leather or suede, or whatever you find most comfy.
• Bras: No matter your size, you'll want to find bras that fit comfortably and supportively. This will help take extra weight off your back, and your tops will look neater. I've found that, especially in the winter, I sometimes prefer shelf-bra tank tops as they streamline things a bit better, If you're smaller up top, you may appreciate this option.

4. The Money:

Everyone has different amounts they're comfortable spending on clothing, but I would encourage you to set aside an amount monthly. The fact is that you will need to replace your clothes regularly, because they aren't made to last. Beyond mere vanity, there are also hygienic reasons to get rid of old clothing (especially socks and undies).

If your budget is a bit tight, setting aside occasional money and shopping a couple of times a year is good. Once you have invested in the big ticket items mentioned above, your seasonal shopping is mostly maintenance, which doesn't have to cost much at all. This frees your budget to buy fun pieces that breathe life into the wardrobe and keep it fresh!

Let me know if you have questions or comments! Happy shopping!

How to Go Make-Up-Less

The services of a makeup artist at
a fashion event for which I modeled in NYC.

Me with no make-up at Lily Inc's 1st photo

 shoot.

So you have been considering going without makeup. And why not? If you're happy and you know it, your face will surely show it! In the pics above, which Stacey looks more approachable? :)

But how to go without makeup, exactly? For years we have been tuned in to rhetoric on not going out without our "face." We see tabloid covers emblazoned with women in the public eye who dared to go out without makeup! I remember thinking for so long that I looked so bad without makeup simply because I was not used to seeing myself (or women in general) that way. Then, as I came to like who I was on the inside, I began to see how my internal character was written into the very contours of my face. I became delighted to stop masking it.

Going without makeup is actually quite easy! It starts with realizing a few cool things about your face:

1. It was created perfect from the start: Have you ever said of a baby, "That kid needs some eyeliner to make her eyes pop!" No, of course not. Children shine with the exuberance of life coursing through them, and so can you! Stop listening to/reading sources that tell you there's something wrong with you, because it's easy to internalize that even if it's not true. Even with spots and blemishes, that's just life. Isn't your face more than just a couple of spots that may or may not be visible? Doesn't it house your expressions and the very windows to your soul?

2. Your skin is an indicator of internal health, and it's in your best interest to take care of it from the inside out. You can just cover up what you don't like, but not only does it not make it go away; it also leaves potential health issues unchecked. If there's eczema, break outs, redness, etc., which have been linked to stress on internal organs, etc., find out what the problem is and solve it nutritionally.

Also be sure you're drinking water and getting enough produce, protein and carbs. Don't eat foods with preservatives and unnatural chemicals, which breaks down your body. Remember that health is about your body functioning properly, not about being thin. If you are healthy, your skin will be healthy as well.

 3. Age is a wonderful thing: Ok, maybe commercials don't say so, but that's only because they have a personal agenda that doesn't include your well-being. Silver hair, reserved only for the old and wise, is a sign of honor. Age is an opportunity to give life to others and to offer a perspective that your juniors don't have. So why hide this gift? Even as your skin wrinkles, your eyes and your smile grow more robust as your peace and joy increase. That, my friend, needs no enhancement!


So with these notions, feel free to leave out the makeup. Care for your skin by simply cleansing and moisturizing naturally if you need to, but don't mask or tweak the purity of your elegance. Going without make up will give you more time (and definitely more money!) to do things that matter to you.

A Wardrobe for Chillin'

Your time spent at home, whether you are studying, relaxing with friends and family, working around the house, or entertaining, is important. We all need to rest and realize that our work doesn't define us.

Sometimes people say of their home wardrobe, "I don't have to look good because I have no one to impress." True, you don't have to. You never have to dress up, I suppose, but it shouldn't be based on impressing people. You are worth so much, and your worth doesn't come from what others think. It comes from the fact that you are inherently worthwhile. So why not let your inner beauty be seen on the outside, even if you're the only one who sees it?

Building a practical home wardrobe starts with a few questions to determine your needs:

1. What is your environment?

Do you have a temperature-controlled apt that stays the same throughout the year? Is it hot in the summer and cold in the winter? Do you live in a place where it's predominantly one type of temperature year-round (like California or Alaska)?

The answer to these questions will determine the variety of clothing you need. If it's usually cold, a good robe and comfy slippers or socks are a good investment. If it's usually hot, breathable natural fabrics will be good to have around. If you control the temperature in your home, whatever you want will do!

2. With whom do you live ?

Do you live alone? Is it just you and your spouse? Are there children around? Do you live with strangers? Friends? Co-ed?

If you're by yourself, running around in your undies is probably no problem if that's what you like (just check the windows!)! If you're with roommates, however, that's likely going to change. If you have kids, you'll want to remember that the way you respect your body as a woman is the way they'll respect their own (if they are girls) or the bodies of future women in their lives (if they are boys). Set an example of chic dignity.

3. What do you like to do at home?

Do you use your home chill time to relax, read, write novels or watch TV? Do you spent it cooking, playing with your kids, and enjoying your family? Taking some alone time to give yourself a manicure and listen to your favorite music?

If your home time is mainly spent chillaxing on the couch, you'll want fabric that moves when you do. If you're more into running around with miniature people, cooking, or backyard sports, you'll want comfy-yet-durable pieces that don't stain easily.

That's about it! Check out Lily Inc.'s Summer collection here for some loungewear pieces you may enjoy.

Personalized Basics

We all want a workable wardrobe with versatile pieces. But one thing I used to get bogged down by is the necessity of boring basics. I would much rather have unique and exciting pieces rather than run-of-the-mill items, but it's hard to build a wardrobe without those pieces that pull outfits together.

But I see the light now! Even a basic piece can be exciting and unique to who you are! Look for pieces that are versatile in fabric and shape, but that have details you enjoy. Here are a few from Lily Inc.'s Summer Collection that you may like.

1. Basic White Tee

So this white tee shirt has some fun. She's got petal-shaped sleeves, an empire waist, and personable cuddliness that comes from her modal composition. I like it because it matches almost anything, and rather than just serving as a matching top to a fun bottom, it actually gives a casual summer outfit a lighthearted twist! The elements that make it versatile for the summer are the neutral color, the easy fit, and the shape that are compatible with shorts, skirts, and pants alike. 

2. Office Staple (That was easy...)

 

This classic wrap skirt (also in gray) adds an air of peace and calm to what could be a stressful office atmosphere. Made of a hearty and soft cotton blend, it's cool and breathable for summer, unlike more traditional synthetic blends you find in some office wear. The wrap adds movement and lightness instead of rigidity, and the curved front panel and sash bring a little intrigue.

3. Topping it Off

This is one of my favorite shirts in the collection. It looks so clean and classic, but it proves that elegant doesn't have to mean rigid or uncomfortable. Because it's not tight or super starched, it's breathable, and it moves along with you. It's an easy shape that translates well with skirt, shorts, and pants alike. Oh, and it's as soft as a bunny. :)

3. A Tank

Sure, just a tank at a glance...but there's more! The cowl and one-shoulder detail make it more than just a basic. But the design simplicity and solid color (also comes in blue and white) make it a comfy and versatile piece you can actually dress up or down.

4. Office Shorts

We won't sell you short, but we may sell you shorts! I'm a big fan of shorts for the office during the summer. When it's muggy out and you take public transportation, or you have a bit of a walk between the car and the office, it's nice not to arrive sweaty. These light wool-blend shorts are as tailored as any structured office piece, but they are easy and comfy. Looking office-appropriate doesn't have to be hard work!

These are just a few ideas to get you started. We wish you much versatility. :)

Wedding Month and Lingerie

June is one of the most popular wedding months! Pretty details, lingerie showers, and most importantly, the planning of two lives' merging to become One. Glorious!

Whether you're throwing a shower for a friend, or you are the Bride to Be, here are some things to consider about lingerie.

What Styles to Choose:

Keep in mind that mainstream styles and shapes are only part of the picture. Remember that your style, which reflects who you are deep down, is unique, special, and relevant in every part of your life. If you aren't into thongs or satin and lace, it doesn't mean you aren't feminine or sexy; it just means there are items that suit you better! Check out some of the items below, designs based on conversations I have had with friends about their own styles of bedroom beauty.

Laid Back

 

1. Miss Sporty-Pants:

This silky-yet-sporty modal duo came from a conversation with a friend anticipating her big day. She told us how she was excited for her lingerie shower, but that she didn't care for negligees and such. "I'd really rather wear pajama shorts and a tank, honestly." Her style is comfy, warm, cheerful, sporty, and friendly. I know there are many who share her sentiments. So I created this playful low-cut tank and little sporty shorts for them! They come in coral, turquoise, and gray.

Versatile

2. Versatility: There are so many different personalities and body types, and it's fun to play around with it. I love this regal color, and in trying to make a versatile piece, I came up with a simple chiffon wrap-bralette that can be worn in many ways! The different methods of tying offer different levels of support as well as different  looks. You can look anything from beach resort-y to ethereal! And of course, there's a cute tie panty to match.

Dressy

 

3. Dressy: These two pieces are silky, formal glory. The green one (also comes in purple and white) is fancy with a cute, flippy skirt and elegant top. I love that it's open, playful, and flirty, all while showing your body as glorious, not cheap. The white one makes me think of Heavenly beings. :) It's long, mysterious and breezy, but its fitted shape gently highlights every lovely curve. The slit offers a nice view while presenting you as a Beauty, not a play-thing.   
Being sexy is beautiful and regal, huh? It is vulnerable, but that shouldn't mean a lack of dignity, ever. As a note, if you're with someone who wants to do things that are disrespectful or demeaning, a serious conversation needs to take place. These things will show up in your relationship, even outside the bedroom.Anyway, I hope you enjoyed these pieces and this entry! If you know someone who could benefit from it, please share!

Cheer Up Sleepy Jeans

Jeans. They have become so synonymous to casual wear. I think there are many out there who enjoy the tight feel of denim, but this is an article for those who, like me, don't. :)

I've never much cared for clothing that's heavy, restricting, or rigid, especially not when I am try to be comfortable. I still like the look of denim, though. Thankfully, there are so many ways to wear it that can be comfortable as well as beautiful! Here are a few.

1. Straight Leg: Jeans don't need to be butt-hugging to look awesome. You can find a pair that fits you well without feeling like a straight jacket! I never used to care for straight leg jeans, but I do now :) After too many years of being concerned with stretch and shape, I realize that these chill companions are the comfiest, easiest, and most flattering. They flatter by allowing your shape to be itself rather than obsessively highlighting every curve! Jeans above from Anthropolgie..

2. Wide Leg: I really like how you can dress this shape up or down. The width adds movement and flow, which adds a fun-factor. Cool details (like the back and front seams and waist tie on these) do the same. Width also adds movability, comfort, and practicality, which makes them ideal for a casual day of errand running, family time, or hanging out with friends. Or underwater basket weaving. Whatever you're into. :) Jeans above by Lily Inc.

3. Light Weight Heavy-Weights: These are fashion heavy-hitters for comfy days! A lighter, cooler denim is nice for the summer. The extra-roomy wide leg and the soft fabric goes a long way in making it a comfy go-anywhere. The light weight fabric drapes nicely, naturally flattering your figure. Mmm. I just wanna cuddle them. :) Jeans above from Anthropologie.

A Shawl, Y'all!

I like getting dressed up to go into the office. I do not, however, like to be hot. Yes, even though I am from Miami. Yet I remember days at my old Boston job when we'd have big meetings in the conference room, and it would be sweltering. Our conference room was directly hit by the afternoon sun, and in an old building like that, despite AC and fans, it just got hot.

So I like this cool alternative to a blazer (available here). It's open and breezy, but with its light wool-blend composition, you can still look professional and meeting-ready. Here are some ideas on how to wear it:

1. Turning Tieds

Tie it with a belt or a long scarf to give it some structure. Under the arms will still be free, so that should make it nice and cool.

2. Empire Waist

If you wear the belt or scarf a bit higher, you get an empire (pronounced Ahm-peer) waist. I personally like this line. The good thing about this silhouette for this piece is that it leaves the sides more open. So now, not only do you have AC vents under the arms, but you have them along your waist, as well!

3. Kimono Style

An easy variation of the original belted wrap, you just fold along the middle seam and pull it to your preferred side to accomplish this shape. It adds some cleaner lines for a playful elegance.

4. Funky Folds

This look, a bit more origami-like, can be done by putting on the shawl horizontally so that the long sides are over your shoulders (so you look like a winged creature). Take one side by the side seam, and fold it so it reaches the middle of your chest. Do the same with the other side, and pin the two together. This is a good look to use with a shirt without a collar so you don't wrinkle it. A simple shell is a good under-companion for this.

4. Sideways

This is a simple look that takes little effort and makes for extra breeziness. Simply wear the shawl sideways with seams along the shoulders.

5. Brooching the Subject

For some shimmery gracefulness, wear the shawl with the longest sides on the front and back. Gather the front, and secure the gather with a pretty pin. If you don't have such a pin, you can safety pin it on the inside so that only the gather is visible.

Play with it and see what else you come up with. If you want, take a picture of your ideas and post them here! I'd love to see what people think of!

I hope you enjoy!

Little Match Girl

Ok, so you are probably not a little girl. But this post IS about matching, so the title somehow works. :)

Do you ever wonder how to put colors together to make the right statement? We're taught that a functional wardrobe includes versatile mix-and-match separates. True, but did you know that what you pair a piece with can change what you communicate?

Many women have a zillion pairs of black pants. Wearing something with black kinda leaves the garment on its own to explain its purpose in the world. Or, depending on the type of garment, it can make the outfit very serious (think corporate wear) or insipid. Instead, you can put 2 colored pieces together and let the colors play off each other, creating garment dialogue and a fun look! You could take the top you paired with the black pants and pair it with a white skirt, dark denim, or a color that brings out its cool side. Each gives off a totally different message!

Now, how does one decide how to pair things up? No rules; it depends on what you're going for. That doesn't have to be profound and artsy, either. It can mean anything from, "I'm trying to dress light and pretty to enjoy the Spring day" to "I was told to dress business casual and I need something that fits that description." Either way, here are some things to consider:

1. Navy:

Color Vibe: Like all blues, navy speaks otherworldliness. It's mysterious, refined, subtely powerful, and profound.

I like navy for the office or a more serious environment. It's the black pants' colorful sister, bringing out beauty subtly. It's not a total neutral in that some colors don't work with it (like black, brown, wine, or hunter green). But pairing a good color or light neutral (maybe white, oatmeal, or heather gray) will bring out its elegant flavor. My favorites to pair with navy are any tone of yellow, lime green, coral, deep orange, light pink, light blue, or lilac.

If you're doing casual or loungewear, navy can add an air of richness and maturity. As a dressy or formal color, it speaks of depth and is well expressed in patterned, airy or shimmery structured fabrics (chiffon or satin). Skirt above by Anthropologie.

2. White:

Color Vibe: White speak clean neutrality, freedom, boldness, peace, and life.

This neutral conjures images of beaches, summer, and sailboats for me. It takes the outfit and turns it into Classic, Clean, and Chill. Even though it's devoid of color, white isn't what you wear to hide . If I am going for a classy, professional look, I usually pair white bottoms with less extreme colors that don't steal the show. My favorite white companions are apple green, lavender, yellow, tan, perrywinkle, coral, or light gray. For a really summery look, I like white on white. Make sure the silhouettes compliment each other, though, or it can look off.

For the casual scene, white adds gentle structure.  Trading a pair of denim shorts or jeans for white makes the outfit a bit less casual. Also, pairing casual white with extremely bright colors is cool, because the white compliments the bright. This is the opposite of what I do with the corporate look.

White is also excellent for a formal, ethereal look. Accomplish this with airy silk chiffons, georgette, silk charmeuse, or a heavier satin paired with metallics. Pants by Express, shirt by Lily Inc. (coming soon), and blazer by H&M.

3. Coral:

Color Vibe: Coral is a quiet cheerleader! It speaks loudly without having to shout the house down. It may not be neon orange, but there's no ignoring this sweet, inviting, gentle color. If colors could smile, coral would have curled lip corners.

Wait, this was about neutrals, right? Yep :) Coral can actually be a fun neutral. In fact, any color in that not-bright-but-not-pastel range can. Think sunset colors: coral, lavender, periwinkle, sunshine yellow, Caribbean blue, kelly green. They are bright enough to hold their own, but subtle enough to let others shine. Sounds like a color I'd like as a friend :)

Coral neutrals (skirts, pants, blazers, wraps, shoes, etc.) will work in the office as well as in casual or formal wear. Just be mindful to pair office pieces with structured and well-tailored partners. Casual pieces can incorporate bolder prints in complementary colors while dressier pieces are nice in light, ornamental, or luminescent fabrics like modal, silk, lace, or satin.

Coral is fun to pair with pale colors as well as other colors in its range (see above). Don't go with anything too bright, or the colors won't compliment each other. Some of my favorites include pale pink, pale peach, Caribbean blue, pale yellow, pale blue, aqua, tan, or light denim. If you want to pair it with bolder colors, stripes and prints will do the trick without being overpowering. Pants and top by Lily Inc. (coming soon).

So there it is! Don't get caught up in the rules. See this blog as a guide on what colors communicate, and go from there. Play with combinations you enjoy, and say what you need to say. :)

Cleaning Up, Naturally

I recently moved into a new apartment in Brooklyn, and I am loving it. But as with all new places, there's some cleaning to be done. The longer I live, the more I notice how the things we're taught to take for granted as good, in this case commercial cleaners, are not necessarily the best. They aren't the best at cleaning, and they aren't the best for our health. Ever notice that slightly light-headed feeling you get when you don't open a window while using household cleaners? Exactly. No good. :)

But there is AMAZING news! God really packed His creation with practical, good-for-you ways to do everything you'll ever need to do. Here are a couple of high performance, natural items that will get your house clean without leaving harmful chemicals in their wake.

Lemons:

Mmm. I love when the place smells lemony fresh. Natural juice straight from the lemon is good for cleaning metal, grout, shower doors, counter tops, and hard wood floors. You can also put pieces of citrus down the garbage disposal to de-germify, and leave a half-lemon in the fridge to neutralize odor (replace it weekly). For more tips on lemony cleaning, visit this helpful site.

On top of all these great home cleaning tips, lemon is also great for your hair! Be sure to dilute it unless you want to lighten your hair, but it's definitely safe and a better idea than shampoo. It's a disinfectant, and it gets rid of whatever build-up the atmosphere may deposit on you. Commercial shampoo often contains unnatural chemicals that may either strip your hair of natural oils or deposit impurities in your hair rather than cleaning it. 

Vinegar:

This is a great disinfectant. Dilute it with water, and you can use it for counter tops, surfaces, and floors. It's also great on windows. I was initially concerned about the smell, but it actually doesn't smell much if you dilute it. If you're really not a fan, though, go with the lemon.

It's also great for adding to your laundry. If you've ever left clothes too long in the wash before drying them, which I have, rewash the clothes with a little vinegar and watch the musty mildew smell vanish.

Baking Soda:

Baking soda rocks at eliminating odors. Put a cup of it in your toilet and leave it for at least an hour. Then pour 1 cup of undiluted white vinegar into the water and flush. It should get it clean without scrubbing (unless it's really dirty).

You can also use it for scrubbing, vacuuming (sprinkle it on carpet before vacuuming to remove odors), and clothing stain removal. It can be a good substitute for laundry detergent, but it may make colors fade. Either stick with whites or test it on a small bit of fabric before use.

Mint:

So this isn't necessarily a cleaning agent, but if you have ants and flies you'd like to keep out, spray diluted peppermint essential oil around doors and windows! Cool, huh?

So that's all for now. I hope you enjoy these. Happy well-being!