Nice and Easy

Meredith Nelson Photography

Blazer J.Crew * Scarf J.Crew (similar) * Bracelet J.Crew * Clutch Gap (similar)

The majority of my mornings go like this....I wake up after way too little sleep, drink a cup of coffee that my body has become immune to, feed my beautiful little angels who have been yelling at each other and me since 6:00AM, realize that I have less than 15 minutes until morning bell rings at school, rush to my closet and....my mind shuts down. Sometimes it's exhaustion, sometimes it's frustration from my children fighting over cereal bowls, but most of the time it's because I am always running 10 minutes late. On mornings like this, I need an easy outfit, one that is comfortable yet still polished. This is one of my favorites. Everyone has a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. By adding just a few more pieces you can have a great looking outfit. Add a blazer, scarf or necklace, cute flats or wedges and you will look like you actually had a full night's sleep!

J.Crew is having a great sale right now (today is last day) with code SHOPNOW. The blazer and bracelet shown above are still available....go ahead, treat yourself!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!

Clutch Me

Flowers, Hummingbird and Lux Blue Q
daVinci Eyes Amazon.com

Let me digress for a moment to say that the Great Gatsby soundtrack is amazing! I have had it on repeat all week. It makes me want to break out my sequins and feathers, hit the dance floor and then cozy up next to Leo my husband with a martini....it's that good!

I love a good clutch. I have never been much into purses but lately I am a bit clutch obsessed, passing up larger bags for their petite counterpart. The small size of a clutch forces me to limit what I carry to absolute essentials. Since I am a bit of a hoarder when it comes to keeping receipts and empty tubes of lip gloss, small is good as it makes me do routine purges of unnecessary items. I also find a clutch easier to carry than a larger sized purse. Just tuck under my arm and go. And while I love my "splurge" clutches for going out at night, when it comes to an everyday purse I need something that is stylish yet inexpensive and that can stand up to the abuse I inflict on my bags. I was first introduced to the Blue Q zipper pouch a few years ago and still use the same one today as a makeup/travel bag. When my clutch affair began last year, I realized that the zipper pouch was perfectly sized to be used as a clutch and exactly what I was seeking in an everyday bag. Made from 95% post-consumer material, the zipper pouch is durable, water repellent (enough to handle my iced coffee drips) and comes in a variety of designs to suit your style/mood. And did I mention they are priced at $5.99! At that price it's okay to change out your style as often as you desire! The flower style is a great way to add florals into your outfit without looking like you are off to a garden party. Although I could go for a Gatsby garden party right now....I digress.

Shiny Happy Sequins

Meredith Nelson Photography

Blazer Forever 21 * Shoes Zara

First Feathers. Then Leather. And finally Sequins. I am a bit like a barracuda...I like shiny things. I went through a bit of a sequin craze over the past year and have recently banned myself from buying any new pieces. I am a believer that sequins are not just for evening and can be worn tastefully during the day (gasp!) so plan on seeing sequins in many of my outfit choices. I chose this dress as the final outfit to introduce my blog for two reasons. First, I love the turquoise color and the way the dress fits. Second, and most important, it is my Senior prom dress. I thought it only appropriate to show that I have clearly always had a thing for sequins. And I love that I can still wear it 18 years later, paired with a white blazer and metallic heels. I have been on the hunt for a white blazer and have found many beautiful (and pricey) options. Since white doesn't stay white for long in the presence of two young children, I want a blazer that I can wear and not worry about, especially as my son comes at me with mud and dead ant carcasses on his hands. I found this one at Forever 21 and it is perfect for what I am looking for. I especially love the tuxedo lapels!

So dig out your prom dresses ladies! Maybe they too can have a second life!

A Little Bit Of Leather

Top J.Crew (last season) * Skirt Gap (VERY old) * Shoe Matt Bernson (last season)

Photos by Meredith Nelson Photography

Full disclosure, the first leather outfit I put together was a major fail. Not good at all! I have an idea how to fix it and will feature the "before" and "after" in a later post. So this is Leather v.2. I bought this Gap leather skirt back in 2000. I recently pulled it out of storage and realized that the original length, below the knee, was not working for me. Too impatient to take it to a tailor, I got out my scissors and cut the skirt, shortening it to mid-thigh. As a sidebar, I should not be allowed to use scissors unsupervised. I always think I can improve something with a snip here or there but inevitably it ends up in the trash. I even gave myself bangs after my daughter was born because I was too impatient (notice a theme) to make a hair appointment. The outcome was really, really bad. With my leather skirt, however, I had success! Because the original hem was a raw edge, I was able to take off a few inches and have the hem look exactly the same as before. I love how the skirt looks and feels now, lighter and more feminine. Since the skirt sits on my hips rather than at my waist and because I have a long torso, I wanted a top that would help make my legs look longer and my torso look shorter. This peplum top does just the trick, giving the illusion that my waistline is actually higher than it really is. And finally onto the shoes. These are one of my favorite pairs, a constant go-to. The solid stacked wooden heel makes them sturdy and easy to walk in. I have fully embraced leopard as a neutral...not sure I completely understand why it is considered a neutral but I will totally go with it!

So the lesson here, don't discard an item you love because it doesn't fit properly. Take it to a professional tailor. They can work wonders updating an item and making it work for your current shape/taste. Or you can bring it to me and let me have a go at it!

Up next....Sequins!

Welcome to Feathers, Leather and Sequins!

Welcome to Feathers, Leather and Sequins, my personal fashion blog that chronicles my love of beautiful clothing and accessories and all other things that make me smile! This is primarily a fun and creative escape from my day-to-day life as a stay-at-home mom. And after 7 years of full time motherhood, I need an escape! Recently I have had a few people ask me for outfit ideas and tips, which has been one of my motivations for starting FLS. I hope this blog might help someone, when she is standing in front of her closet trying to figure out what to wear, narrow in on an outfit before feeling totally defeated. I myself have been inspired by so many other blogs (which I will highlight in a later post.) I have been trying to think back to when my love of fashion started and I realized that I have always had a passion for it. I remember as a 7 year old saving up my allowance to buy

this hot plaid number from Marshalls and then making my Dad take shots of me modeling it. Trust me, my ability to pose has not gotten any better. I also remember NEEDING a pair of tassel loafers when I was even younger, because my Aunt had a pair, and they were simply amazing. Fast forward through school years and college and work. I miss going to work because I used to dress up for it! Before kids, I worked in Atlanta and Boston and dressed the part. Even when I was pregnant with my children, I took pride in the maternity clothes I wore. Then, during a period of time after each child was born, I kind of let things slide. I shudder at the thought of some of the things I wore, not because I am shallow but because I know I was sleep deprived, not feeling great about myself and grabbing anything that fit me out of my closet. Once I knew I was done having kids, I got back into shape and decided to start dressing for myself again. At first I got a lot of comments, wondering where I work, was I off to a meeting, what was the special occasion etc. Nope, I explain, just my usual run to Whole Foods or school pickup. But I feel so much better and walk a little straighter when I wear an outfit that makes me smile. And born is my very short and simple fashion credo....wear what makes you smile. And go about your day!

Thank you to all my friends and family who have listened to me talk about FLS and been so encouraging! I would not have had the confidence to move forward if it weren't for your motivation. And a special thank you to the person who has helped make it all possible and has the talent to make me willing to post pics of myself online.....Meredith Nelson of Meredith Nelson Photography! We have been life-long friends, been through thick and thin, even share the same birthday and now I assist her with her photography business (scheduling and singing....yes, I sing to make the children smile during her sessions!) Meredith is entering her busy season yet she didn't even hesitate when I asked if she would be willing to take pictures for FLS. Thank you, Meredith, for your talent and patience with me as I figure this out! Please check out her web site! She is beyond talented.

To introduce my blog, I thought it only appropriate to do so by its name. We start with Feathers.........

When I told my friend about opening my blog with a feather outfit, she couldn't believe that I actually own a feather skirt. I LOVE this skirt. I bought it around the holidays and have had so much fun wearing it. One thing I like to do with my outfits is to pair opposites. I love the edginess and femininity of the feathers paired with the classic and casual feel of a white button down shirt. It helps to balance out an outfit, allowing you to add a certain style element to your wardrobe without going all the way. Add jewelry and some beautiful heels...and go have fun!

Shirt J.Crew * Skirt Club Monaco * Heels Sam Edelman * Necklace Etsy * Bracelet J.Crew (similar here) * Earrings J.Crew Factory