Color Pop

 Sweater: Reiss. Skirt: J.Crew. Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors (old). Clutch: J.Crew.

I always feel a sense of satisfaction when I find a garment in a great blue like this J. Crew skirt. And lucky for me, the silhouette and fit were spot-on, as well. I wanted to keep this outfit sophisticated and understated, so I mixed it with muted neutrals and let the skirt be the main focal point.

Feathers of Fancy

Top: Club Monaco. Skirt: eBay (similar here). Shoes: Ralph Lauren. Earrings: Sequin New York (old). Lipstick: Silhouette by Chanel.

 Photo Credit: Angie Harding

Americana

 

 Natalie: Top: J.Crew. Skirt: J.Crew. Shoes: J.Crew (old). James: Jumpsuit & Necklace(vintage). Shoes: Zara (old).

What about this polka-dot piece made you want to purchase it? 

Nat: While I have a lot of great summer dresses, my seasonal closet inventory manifested that I was lacking in versatile summer skirts. I am a huge fan of an Americana look, and I like that this skirt is in that genre without being a stripe like most of my patriotic pieces. Plus, we all know I love color, and this bright blue really resonated with me.

James: This jumpsuit wasn't exactly a purchase I made. I acquired it from a client who insisted it suited my style more than hers. At first glance I thought it was dress, but when I put the piece on I realized it was a culotte jumpsuit! It was an absolute score. I love that it's an unexpected twist on Americana style.

For what occasions can you wear this? 
Nat: I won't buy a separate unless I can make at least three different outfits from it. For this particular look, I wear gold sandals for daytime errands and pop on these fuschia heels for a casual dinner. When I want to make a more work-approprate look, I pair the skirt with a classic white button-up shirt tucked in—and sometimes complete the look with a fitted navy blazer when I want to feel ultra preppy.

James: The styling options for this look are endless. For a long work day on set or shopping with clients I prefer to wear this look with a comfortable pair of flat metallic brogues. When I want to dress it up for a cocktail party or girls night out, I wear it with these pin-dot peep-toe heels. For a nautical look, I pair it with a white blazer and simple yellow strappy sandals--captains hat is optional.

Photo credit: Angie Harding

Short and Sassy

 Skirt: Club Monaco (similar style here). Jacket: Zara (old). T-shirt: Gap. Shoes: Kate Spade.

 

I have a general style rule I share with all my clients that I call "The Rule of Skin," which is: If you go mini on bottom, keep it more covered on top and vice versa. Because this skirt is on the short side, I decided to pair it with a conservative Chanel-style jacket. (Note: Jacket is a repeat offender, and one of my go-to staples. See how else I styled it here.) If you ever have doubts as to whether an outfit is appropriate, follow this rule to ensure that you always keep it classy! 

[Maxi]mum Style

Skirt: Ted Baker. Denim jacket: Gap. Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff.

On my recent trip to London, I got a little retail crazy and, of course, had to stop in Ted Baker—one of my favorite brands. When I saw this maxi skirt, I immediately started mentally shopping my own closet to create outfits for it. (Shopping tip: You should be able to make at least 3 outfits out of any new piece you purchase.) For this look, I wanted to make the skirt appropriate for daytime, so I paired it with a casual denim jacket. I could transition to an edgier evening look by wearing a leather jacket instead.

If you are like me and love the maxi skirt trend, here are a few of my tips to help you pull off the look:

• Make sure the hem length and heel height mesh. In this case, I wore flats so the skirt would hover just above the ground. 
• For you shorter gals, a high-waisted maxi skirt will give the illusion of more height. (Heels never hurt either.) 
• If you are pear shaped and want to camouflage your hips, avoid clingly material like a jersey knit and wear darker colors on bottom and lighter on top to balance your figure.

Happy shopping!
Ivory

Photo credit: Michael Wiltbank

Special thanks to The Jake Walk for allowing us to shoot outside their restaurant.

3 Tips to Make a Professional-Quality Pencil Skirt

Image: J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt

As personal stylists, Nat and I often recommend our clients buy pencil skirts off the rack and have them tailored to fit perfectly (if needed). But as a commercial stylist, knowing how to sew and fit iconic shapes is crucial to a seamless day of shooting. My love for this ultra-feminine silhouette is what led me to challenge myself with the task of making a pencil skirt. I tore an inspiration page out of my latest J.Crew catalog and thought, "This should be simple!"  And to be honest, it wasn't that hard. But I also realized the only way to make this skirt look professional is to focus on the details.  

Here are 3 Tips to Make a Professional-Quality Pencil Skirt:

• Start with the best tools: I chose to use a durable cotton twill fabric from Mood Fabrics and a pattern from my vintage collection. Also, my mother once told me, "Protect your sewing shears with your life." Thus, I only use Gingher Sewing Shears that come with a holster and case.  

• Don't neglect your notions: Pick thread and an invisible zipper that match the color of your fabric.  As a rule of thumb, invisible zippers are better for back closures. I know you may be tempted to add a splash of color, but I would advise you try and avoid drawing attention to your derriere. Save the color for your seam binding.

• If the skirt doesn't fit, refit: When my skirt seemed to be more suited for Christina Hendricks a la Mad Men instead of Dorothy Dandridge a la Carmen Jones, I refitted the garment to my shape with pins and a little help from a friend. Patterns don't always make for a perfect fit, so don't feel bad if you have to repeat this step. Having a garment that is tailored to perfection is worth the extra time and effort. 

You can see the finished product at our recent French hen photo shoot here.

in transition

 blouse: zara. vest: j.crew. skirt: asos. shoes: vince camuto.

There's a chill in the air, and I don't know about you, but I'm ready for fall! It's not quite time to bring out boots and fall blazers, so I'm taking advantage of the last use of my summer items while incorporating a few fall pieces. 

Another tip: When wearing a lot of color and pattern like I did here, wear a nude pump. It anchors the look and visually lengthens your legs. 

shout out to chambray

 shirt: j.crew. skirt: torn by ronny kobo (purchased at poppy). shoes: kate spade.

If you don't own a chambray shirt right now, get on that! It is one of the most versatile pieces in my closet (and I know Casey's, too). I love how it can dress down a pencil skirt and, in this case, was just the right top to pair with my favorite casual maxi skirt.

peter pan in pink

top: asos. skirt: j.crew. shoes: kate spade. watch: michael kors. earrings: kate spade

Color blocking is one of my favorite trends, and finding a blouse that does the work for you makes putting the look together even simpler. (I especially love this blouse's pink Peter Pan collar!)

Easy and effortless! 

stripes & gingham

top: old navy. skirt: madewell. shoes: steve madden. belt: j.crew {similar here}. clutch: chicwish. watch: michael kors.
sunglasses: chanel.

I love to mix my patterns—stripes, checks, florals, polka dots—you name it!

If you like the idea of mixing prints, but don't know how, start with stripes.

You can {almost} never go wrong!

easy, breezy midi

skirt: j.crew (similar here). t-shirt: j.crew. shoes: stuart weitzman (another option here). necklace: kate spade (old). purse: Brooklyn flea market. 

Here I go again with my color obsession! Since I had so many solids going on here, I added dimension with some texture and pattern in my shoes and bag. 

Another tip: When embracing the midi-skirt trend, be sure your skirt hits below the widest part of your calf.