Hello, it's me...

No, it's not Adele.  It's us!  And to hopefully re-start our blogging, we are going to kick off April with a styling event at Jennifer's house.  One day only!  Heather Steele and W by Worth's Spring and Summer lines are going to move into my living room on Monday, April 11th.  Shoot me an email if you are interested in coming over during the day (8:30-4:00) or night (open house from 6-9 pm at night with wine and nibbles) and I'll send you my address. 

The theme?  We all wear white pants all summer long.  You know it!  Let's try to update them with a new top or scarf!  Bring your favorite pair along for the ride. 

Some of my favorite things:

Images from wbyworth.com.

Grab your jeans and come check it out!  Hope to see you there! ~ JH

What happened to my living room?

My living room is now a showroom!  Check it out:

Why?  Because for the next 2 days, Lisa and I will be styling ladies for fall and winter with Heather Steele and W by Worth!  Lots of yummy fall clothing to try.  Fall is my favorite season and nothing gets me more excited than sweater weather!  

I made Lisa try on a couple of items for you to see.

Here are the details, one last time...just shoot us an email if you want to come by!  

Hope to see you!  In the meantime, I'll be trying on some clothes. :-) ~ JH

All images from Jennifer Houston and Heather Steele.

Join us for a styling event with W by Worth!

Yes, we are back, and why not come back in a big way?!  Let's do a live styling event with W by Worth! Yes, on Monday, September 21 and Tuesday September 22nd, the Fall and Winter lines of W by Worth will be at my house (eek!) and Lisa, Heather Steele (great friend and W by Worth rep) and I will be on hand to help you with your fall wardrobe.

Image from Heather Steele.

Wear your favorite jeans and we'll spruce them up with a new top.  Bring an 'orphan' from your closet and we will try to make it into an outfit.  Or simply bring yourself and check it out!  

Email Lisa, Heather, or myself to make an appointment or to let us know you are coming to the open house and we'll email you the address!  Can't wait to start enjoying fall and sweater weather!  Hope to see you there! ~ JH

W2WW News Flash - Worth Sample Sale Monday and Tuesday, 11/17 and 11/18!

Who loves a sample sale?!  We do!  And there's a good one on Monday and Tuesday, November 17th and 18th, right here in Wellesley.  Head to 45 Falmouth Road (home of Jennifer Sleeper) for the Worth New York and W by Worth Fall and Holiday sample sale. All items are 50% off - cash and carry!  

Image from Heather Steele.

And while you are there, there will be some holiday vendors as well like Stella and Dot, Little Graces, and Pam's Pashminas.  Nothing like one-stop-shopping.  See you there at 11am on Monday?! ~ JH

My September Obsession - Brogues and Oxfords

My September obsession started back in August with a photo of a W by Worth outfit at the Fall 2014 show. This is what started it all:

Image from wbyworth.com.

I thought, well, I have a ton of jeans I can roll up just like that, and those shoes are pretty cute with that look.  Brogues, oxfords, whatever you want to call them.  They were interesting.  Hummm...

I'm always looking for something between the ballet flat and the boot.  Easy for everyday wear in the fall and cooler months.  Heck, in 2012 we discussed it!  So I made a mental note to keep an eye out while shopping and try on a pair or 2 when I saw some.  It was love at first sight at Steven Alan.  I fell in love with these Rachel Comey brogues even before they were on my feet.

Images from Jennifer Houston.

I LOVE the perforated toe box and the color.  Problem?  Steven Alan stocked them in whole sizes only.  My size?  8 and a 1/2.  Grrrr.  A very helpful salesperson told me she would call their buyer and see if she should get my size.  I left her with my phone number and crossed my fingers.

About a week later, I got the news.  Steven Alan didn't order half sizes, and while she hated to send my business elsewhere, she told me that rachelcomey.com had them online.  

I pause to say this:  When experimenting with a new 'look', I like to purchase at stores with more liberal return policies.  That way, when I get the item home and play with it, I can return it if it doesn't work out.  I put these items in the 'holding area'.  Once they make it to the closet, they are staying forever.

Rachel Comey online has a very short, 14 day return policy.  EEK. But my love for these shoes won and with a few clicks, they were mine.  

Now what do I do with them?  I texted Lisa a few times to see if I should keep them.  I had a friend over to look at me style them.  I looked around online.  I think I've figured out how to wear brogues this fall:

• They look great with rolled up jeans - denim, black, white - any color will do.  They are an everyday, work-horse shoe.
• Because of the structure of the shoe, they need to be paired with a less structured outfit or top.  Think silk blouse, unstructured sweater.  Pair these 'tough' shoes with something more 'delicate'.
• The right day dress looks amazing with them. Again, stick to unstructured.  
• If your look is still a little too masculine, add a scarf to soften the look even more.
• Skip socks.  Just saying.

Check out these inspirational looks I found on Pinterest:

Images from pinterest.com.

I put a Polyvore set together below with more ideas.  Try on a pair next time you see one - you might be surprised! ~ JH

W2WW - Wearing Brogues 

Vince shirt dress / Vince high low dress / Steven Alan tee shirt dress / Madewell blue dress / Vince brown sweater / Equipment button down shirt / Vince wool cardigan / J Crew sweat shirt / AllSaints coat / DVb Victoria Beckham boyfriend jeans / J.Crew blue jeans / Rachel Comey oxford shoes / Rachel Comey flat shoes / Frye oxford / Frye oxford / Cole Haan oxford / Madewell oxford / Madewell oxford / Sam Edelman oxford / TOMS wingtip shoes / Madewell leather bag / Burberry silk scarve / Étoile Isabel Marant loop scarve / Tory Burch scarve

Who loves a sample sale?

I do!  Lisa does!  And that's why we are REALLY excited this week.  Because, in just one week, the W by Worth Sample Sale comes to Wellesley!  Our good friend, W2WW reader, and W by Worth guru, Heather Steele, will be hosting a W by Worth sample sale with over 400 items from the spring and summer 2014 lines. The biggest sample sale EVER.   Everything is 50% off!

And it's not just the dreaded (i.e. tiny) sample sizes on sale.  Every size from 0 to 14, x-small to x-large will be represented.  

So, mark your calendars!  There's a special sneak-peek for friends and family on Sunday, May 18th from 2:00-6:00pm.  W2WW readers are welcome at the sneak-peek!  The sale continues on Monday, May 19th from 8:00am to 3:00pm and on Tuesday, May 20th, again from 8 to 3.  No appointments needed!

And where is this event?  At the home of Heather Steele, 1 Orchard Street, Wellesley, MA. 

Here are some of the items you MIGHT see at the show!

Images from W by Worth.

And who knows, you might see Lisa and I there! ~ JH

W2WW Around Town - W by Worth Show in Wellesley January 21-28

People - let's get going on Spring!  The 'polar vortex' is making me long for warmer climates.  To get a local taste of warmer climates, I urge you to check out the W by Worth Spring 2014 line.  In town from January 21st to 28th, local stylist Heather Steele will be happy to help you navigate the line.  

About 12 years ago, I helped a friend with her Worth business and have been shopping the line ever since.   I have purchased both old standbys that have stood the test of time as well as fun, more on-trend, pieces that have been great.  With all that history behind me, I feel as though I can say with confidence:

THIS IS THE BEST LINE THAT I HAVE SEEN IN YEARS.

I had the good (and bad) fortune of previewing the Spring 2014 W by Worth line last month.  Good if you are my closet; bad if you are my checkbook.  I literally couldn't stop shopping.

What caught my eye?!  I honestly think it was the selection of 'transitional' tops and pieces that REALLY did me in.  I'm constantly looking for those transitional items of clothing that I so desperately want in April and May when it's 50 in the morning and 70 later in the day.  I want to look 'springy', but it can be downright COLD.  

What did I order?  LOVED these Essential V-Neck Pullovers and how they fit.  Super soft (they are viscose with a touch of cashmere), and they come in 9 different colors.  I started with the khaki, and might have to get white or the denim blue.

I thought this long-sleeve white and black speckled t-shirt would be really useful under a black jacket.  I could really start wearing it now.  And into spring.  And in early fall.  The trim on the neckline is a faux leather.

I think I love this khaki and ivory knitted tweed dress I ordered.  It wasn't on my 'to buy' list, but it is as soft as a sweatshirt and the seaming on it makes it so great and slimming.  I could see it with it's self-jacket (another purchase - didn't like how they styled it though, so no good pictures) and brown boots in cooler weather.  On warmer days, wear it as is with wedges or sandals.  It's so different that I had to order it and will play with it to see if my styling suspicions are correct.  

Everyone will see me in this next top.  Navy perfection.  Soft, drapes beautifully, and will be worn over white jeans all spring long.  To quote the W by Worth site: "This is a piece that exemplifies the “less is more” axiom to perfection."  Yes, it does.

The final piece that I love are these 'soft suiting' pants that have a ruched tie on the cropped leg. I have a pair of these from last spring (in a java brown color) and thought that the ivory pair would look great with the khaki sweater from up above and some snakeskin ballet flats.  They come in navy too.

There are several other pieces that I need to go back an review before I'm done.  I already have an appointment for round 2.  To make your appointment, email Heather.  Maybe I'll see you there?! ~ JH

All images from wbyworth.com.

W2WW Around Town - W2WW Blogger hosting W by Worth trunk show

In the past, I've mentioned a line of clothing that is shown and sold in trunk-show format by Worth representatives in homes 4 times a year: spring, summer, fall, holiday.  That clothing brand is W by Worth, and the line is literally coming to my living room next week!  W by Worth is quality clothing that is classic, on-trend and that will work in your wardrobe for a number of seasons. 

From Tuesday, September 24th through Tuesday, October 1st, W by Worth stylist, Heather Steele, will be hosting both the Fall and Holiday 2013 lines at my house!  So fun!  

So what does this mean?!  How does this work?!  Heather will have sample sets of the fall and holiday clothing lines.  Expect about 5-6 rolling racks of clothing:  sweaters, dresses, pants (some of my FAVORITE pants come from W by Worth), scarves, blouses, etc.  Ladies can make appointments with Heather to stop by, browse through the clothing, try on what you like, and order those items if you find something you love.  There are outfits and items for the ladies who lunch, those who bring home the bacon, and everyone in between.  Heather is a stylist and can help put together looks that work together and/or with other pieces you already own.   

For me, it's going to be a problem.  Playing with clothing in my house for a week.  Sounds like DISASTER for my wallet.  

In preparation, I've been trolling around their website.  These are a few of the looks that have caught my eye.  

Contact Heather for an appointment - don't be intimidated by the 'appointment'.  It just makes it easier to see who is coming when.  I certainly hope to see some of you all there and see what outfits you fall in love with.  And don't mind me if I can't help myself and start styling! Can't wait! ~ JH

All images from wbyworth.com.

W2WW Around Town - W by Worth Spring Show starts Friday, January 25th

I know we've been a little slow this month.  Lisa's had the flu and I have no excuse.  But what it comes down to is that we're between seasons.  Resort is rolling out and the fall/holiday stuff that is left on the sale racks is sad at this point.

That all changes on Friday!  Time to roll up our sleeves and start digging into Spring 2013 starting with the W by Worth show.  

I have an appointment on Friday afternoon and I've already had a sneak peak at some of the goods.  I'm particularly interested in the color jeans (really, any bottoms that are not white), a black silk scarf, some long-sided tunics that might be fun over skinny pants, and a couple of jackets.  Take a peek at these images below.

Images from Heather Steele.

The show runs in Wellesley from Friday, January 25th to Monday, February 4th.  Contact Heather Steele (who is very low-key and easy to shop with) by email or phone (617.519.6810) to make an appointment.  Let her know you just want to check it out.  In the meantime, check out the Spring 2013 lookbook online for more details. ~ JH

...it's Fall 2012: Peplum

Peplum is huge this fall.  What is peplum?  It's a short, flared or gathered piece of material attached to a garment of clothing at a woman's waist.  Every catalogue this season has a piece or 2 and the mannequins in stores are wearing it.  It's on tops, dresses, skirt waists and sweaters.  I have to admit, it's taken me a little bit to be convinced of this look.  I have hips, and therefore thought that peplum would make my hips even bigger than they are.  Not a good look; my hips are big enough without extra fabric floating around them.

But, a little top from W by Worth has made me change my mind and I want everyone to try out a little peplum!  This is the top in question (mine is black though, not brown):

Image from pinterest.com.

It's ponte knit with a lace overlay and zipper up the back.  I have to say, it changed my mind completely!   The peplum didn't exaggerate my hips as I thought it would and actually defined my waist nicely.

So, the question was, do I get this or another piece?  In all honesty, I think everyone should start with ONE key peplum piece this fall.  Just one.  See how you like it before diving into the deep end of the peplum pool.  Then the question is, do you go with something dressy or more casual, everyday.

Because I needed a dinner kind of outfit for a family event, this top worked for me.  I will be paring it with a black pencil skirt (also with lace overlay) and some grey suede heels.  Since it also looks great over pants, I hope use it several times this fall and winter.  

If you think you want your peplum to be dressy, look for it in silk tops, skirts or dresses.  I love the detail on this flower print, peplum top from Zara, and can see this too over a pencil skirt, or as they show it, with pants.  And, at $59.90, it's a nice way to try out the trend without breaking the bank.

Image from zara.com.

When I've seen peplum on dresses, they have usually been solid color garments with the peplum breaking up the column of color.  This Sandro dress is great and I could see it easily on a brunette with an oxblood pump accessorized with gold jewelry.

Image from net-a-porter.com.

If you want a little less of a ruffle, check out this dress from Tibi.  The peplum is stitched down and more subtle.  I love the cobalt blue!

Image from nordstrom.com.

Lisa scored this top at the Nordstrom anniversary sale, capturing 2 fall trends in one:  leather and peplum.  By Halogen, this top has a leather front, jersey back, and we can see it over jeans as well as a bright pencil skirt.

Image from nordstrom.com.

For 'everyday' peplum, there are some fun choices out there.  Tory Burch is showing this peplum sweater and, cleverly, features a couple of ways to wear it.  

Images from toryburch.com.

I love how she showed it both with a skirt and with pants.  And if camel isn't your color, it also comes in black and red.  LOVE.

For a budget-friendly option, this casual top by Bobeau is on sale right now at Nordstrom for $37.70.  Cute over dark jeans, pants, and in an oxblood color!

Image from nordstrom.com.

I am REALLY digging this next top for everyday wear! Am I going to break my start-with-one-piece-of-peplum rule?!  By Rebecca Taylor, this top is so easy over skinny black or denim pants with ballet flats!  Says 'hip mommy' to me.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

Finally, one last piece.  A fantasy piece.  Because at $2990, it's never coming home.  As much as I want it to.  Ridiculously fabulous.  The Row's Loxton jacket.  So simple, over a long-sleeve white t-shirt and skinny jeans with pumps.  That jacket stands all on it's own.  I need a moment.

Image from barneys.com.

And with that, I'll put this post (and myself) to bed.  Let us know what peplum piece you love! ~ JH

...it's Fall 2012: Oversized Tops

I just had a personal shopping appointment at Nordstrom with the one and only Amy Swartz, and I have to admit, I came away with some things that I didn't expect to.   That's the beauty of personal shopping!

One thing that struck me were the number of 'oversized' tops out there that were purposefully oversized.   And, that they didn't look bad once they were on.  I've always loved a twist to proportions on clothing.  Labels like 3.1 Philip Lim and Vince do it frequently, and now I'm seeing it in the collections of more classic designers as well.  Definitely pair an oversized top with a narrow bottom, whether that's a skirt or pant.  

This coat by Helene Berman was adorable on...and one I'm still thinking about as I type this.  The cobalt blue is so forward, and it looked really cool over some skinny black pants with it's 'bubble' back and bracelet-length sleeves (which hit right above the wrist, as opposed to 3/4 length sleeves, which hit right below your elbow).  At $298, the price isn't bad for a wool/cashmere coat.  

Images from nordstrom.com.

Another item that DID come home is this Vince 'poncho' sweater.  It's totally oversized but looked great with some black cropped pants I had brought along with me (yes, it's perfectly fine to bring some of your clothes with you on shopping appointments - especially those items  that are orphans in your closet!) and a blouse underneath.  They only show the black online, but I love the camel I ended up with.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Image from Jennifer Houston.

Upon reflection, I've been purchasing some oversized items without realizing that I was really enjoying how they looked and how easy they were to wear!  Just earlier this week at the W by Worth show, I picked up this pale gold, charmeuse tunic, which will be an easy top to throw on over pants, roll up the sleeves, slap on some gold bangles, and head out the door to dinner.  (PS - It comes in midnight blue, white, black, and brown too.)

Image from wbyworth.com.

Another item that has tempted me is this oversized jersey t-shirt from Helmut Lang.  It probably looks great over jeans as well as over a skinny pencil skirt, as styled below.  Note that this t-shirt looks completely blah when alone...

Image from net-a-porter.com.

...but on a body with a pencil skirt, it looks great!  

Image from net-a-porter.com.

That's the thing with these oversized garments; on a hanger, they look awful.  On a person, they might just look great.  And they are SO easy to wear.  Be sure to pick out a piece or 2 this fall, just to try on.  You never know what you might find. ~ JH