Taylor Swift is one of my darlings, both for her lyrics and her fashion sense. Not only does she use fashion to express her individuality, but also each individual album. I love the way Taylor uses her clothes not only to communicate her persona as a whole, but also her current, transient moods and outlook. Girly, but glamorous dresses reflected the fresh, ladylike optimism of Speak Now, vintage fashion expressed the bittersweet intensity of Red.  Coord sets were the trademark of the cool modernism and slightly acidic sagacity of 1989. Reputation is a cataclysm of bliss meeting darkness, anger and pain and her fashion reflects that, ranging from urban, punk-tinged oversized jackets, boots and camo to rainbow sequins. The breadth of the influences makes this a super fun era to be inspired by even if it’s dragging me toward some uncharted territory as a style fan. If you’re heading to one of the shows, if you’re feeling that dark-warrior vibe or if you just need a shot of that Taylor feeling in your wardrobe, stick around. We’ll be exploring ways to create several Reputation-themed looks in a series of Inspiration Boards.
One of the most eye-catching looks from the Look What You Made Me Do video featured Taylor on a throne in a stunning red maxi dress. Hers happens to be designer – if ya got one of those, by all means rock it! If not, np. Obviously, the basis for this look is a red dress, but the fabric choice is crucial. You’re looking for something drapey, flowing, fluid. Think chiffon, georgette, even jersey in a silhouette that’s to the more formal side. Avoid poplins, faille, anything stiff. Also skip collared pieces and anything that looks crisp and polished.  Curve-hugging is a probably not, curve-kissing is a yes, as are blouson styles. The tone here is one of woke-up-like-this ease and movement. If you are fluid-red-dress-free, try DIYing the look of one with a maxi or midi skirt and a blouse (same fabric and silhouette rules apply. Don’t be afraid to do a color-block version with a black blouse and red skirt or vice versa, or even all black; the color adds intensity to this look, but it’s the way the fabric moves that is the essence of the styling).  While the cutout/nude fabric sections of Taylor’s gown give it fierceness and luxe attitude, you don’t need that precise vibe in the dress; your shoe choice will create that effect. Metallic gold heels are the order of the day and straps are fabulous, be they minimal (like these ankle straps) or multitudinous, like Tay’s. Slides will work, sandal-booties will work, even pointy pumps can be swung (def stick with pointies; round won’t carry the same forceful vibe). If you’re fresh out of fierce metallic heels, consider fierceness in copper or bff black instead.  Go gold for jewels as well (feel free to mix in rose gold, black or black-and-gold pieces if you’ve gone with those options for shoes). Anything snake should be the first thing you reach for. In lieu of that, any piece with a little edge will create the right feel for this look: spikes, studs, chains, long and slim pieces with sharpness in the design. Add a sleek hairstyle – brushed flat and side-swept like Taylors or a very un-messy low pony: the almost-harsh vibe contrasts with the softness of the clothing fabric and amps up the look. Finish the styling with a fiery red lip. And you’re… ready for it! (Whatever “it” it may be that you’re headed to :)). Happy Styling (by Reputation)!

Summer officially kicks off this holiday weekend…woohoo! Picnic season is upon us and that always makes me ridiculously happy, partly because this is when I switch my closet over from winter and transitional looks to summer clothes and it feels like getting a whole new wardrobe. (I ttly recommend doing this even if you love in a place that doesn’t have drastic seasonal changes. Take about half your clothing and set it aside for six months (give or take) and don’t wear it at all. Then, switch out what you’ve been working with and use primarily the items you put aside. It’s such a great perspective-refresher.) And speaking of refreshers ..and refreshments (does that actually make a segue? I’m not sure, but I’m going with it :)), who’s headed to a  picnic this weekend?   I’ve got a fancier-than-usual event on my calendar this year, so while I often go with denim for casual, al fresco meals, this year I’m leaning toward a dress. I love clean, classic colors to kick off the summer, so red, ivory, navy and cobalt are first in my thoughts for color stories.  With the strength of the athleisure trend, a sport-inspired number like this knit piece with its stripe-embellished bottom walks the perfect current-classic line.  Any knee-length knit piece will give you a similar vibe: think cotton terry sheaths, polo dresses or ….. Stay impromptu tennis-match-ready by putting your hair in a pony of any height and adding statement earrings or leave it loose and go jewelry-free.  Keep the look semi-fancy by completing it with flat sandals or wedge espadrilles.  If you’re dreaming of denim for the weekend (and I can’t blame you ;)), consider going with an on-trend denim skirt instead of jeans. Pencil, pleated or A-line: it’s all good, so pick your passion. Get the summer vibe going by topping it with a striped tee or polka dot blouse. Put your hair in a messy bun for a casually polished vibe and finish the look with of-the-moment mules or block-heeled sandals. Thinking you might get drafted to the wiffle-ball team? Got ya covered! Stay competition-ready (or at least look like you are ;)) with track pants.  I love going with brights on the bottom, but neutrals will 100% work too. Keep them from being too laidback by adding a polo shirt on top (leave the top button or two undone for an unstudied air). Alternatively, consider a minimalist bodysuit or a polished tank with a sporty detail (think halter-necks or racerbacks). If yours is a close-fitting silhouette, tuck it in. For a looser-fitting piece, style it with a half-tuck. Finish the look with sneakers. Cute baseball cap (either your own, or stolen…erm “borrowed”)  optional. If you’re craving a dash of shine, go for an oversize metal watch. If you’re not feeling sporty at the moment, get inspired by festival vibes instead: top beige (or any other light neutral) chino shorts with a light-wash denim button-down (chambray and blue oxford-cloth will create similar vibes). Wear it half-tucked for a slouchy look, or knot it high or low for a sexier, 70’s feel. Alternatively, tuck it in with only the lowest-showing button done up and layer a lace (or crochet-detailed) cami underneath. Complete the look with neutral ankle booties and add earthy jewelry: tigers’ eye pieces, pendant necklaces set on silk or leather cords, a leather cuff. Let your hair blow in the wind. I hope this gets your summer-fashion inspiration flowing and that you have a fabulous time at whatever event(s) you’re heading to this weekend. Happy Memorial Day!
                              Thank you to all those who have served or are currently doing so; we honor you!

The 90’s staple t-shirt dress is back and everywhere lately. And why not?  It’s hard to top as a warm-weather go-to. Not only is it easy and comfy, it carries a laidback je ne se quoi that lends itself to a wide variety of genres making it a hyper-functional style chameleon. Reach for it for brunch dates, girls' day, picnics, shopping, casual work days...and the list goes on. Add bright sneakers and a baseball cap for athleisure vibes. Alternatively, go full-on 90’s with black converse and a choker ;). The piece swings easily boho territory with the addition of suede ankle booties, statement earrings and a long pendant necklace. Consider a porkpie hat and a fringed vest for a deeper foray into the genre. Or, take your look in a classic chic direction with a waist belt and ballet flats; the minimalist dress silhouette gives a breezy vibe to sophisticated accessories for a perfect pairing of high and low.