Spring/Summer 2024

Writing a newsletter can sometimes be a challenge, but this one seemed to come together quite nicely! I say that because one of my favorite fashion formulas is having a “moment”, and whether you call it bookending (my term) or sandwich dressing, at its core it’s a 3-piece recipe to pull a look together quickly. 

The idea is pretty simple. Use two matching color elements at the top and bottom of your outfit. Then add a filler like a shirt in a contrasting color, texture or print in the middle. It’s a strategy that you can use for a fast, great, cohesive style, and may help you see your closet through a new lens. If you’re willing to give this a try, maybe start with basic, neutral colors (my favorites anyway) but feel free to experiment! Matching your hair color to your shoes is another version of bookending. 

I also just read an article about Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour who does something similar. Her approach is more of a power triangle, with 3 go-to signature pieces that define her look. A floral dress with nude, strappy Manolo Blahnik sandals in the summer, heeled boots in the winter, and topped with a chunky necklace to complete. Clearly, she is very fashionable, but she chooses simple and effortless pieces as her uniform. If she can do it, so can we all! 

And while I do appreciate these techniques (and happy to help make them work for you!) there is no one way to do fashion. There are endless choices for styles, trends, colors and more each season – so feel free to consider your own aspirations to develop your evolving style! Wearing what makes you happy is most important, and sometimes getting that fabulous-fitting pair of jeans, or learning a few new style tricks can change the way you feel, elevate your mood and just bring a little more joy to your everyday life. It’s what I love to do and teach … and what I hopefully bring to other people’s lives!  

Florals – are a spring staple and back in a big way. I’m seeing lots of big bold choices which seem to be less romantic than in past seasons and have more impact/structure. My preference is a darker background in dresses and tops, with a simple silhouette.

Feminine touches – Bows are popular, and can be found on the shoulders of tops and dresses. Even bow earrings are making a splash in many shapes and metals. Rosettes, sheer fabrics, ruffles, tulle and lots of pink are in the spotlight for this fun (if you like it) trend.

Preppy Vibe – think Ralph Lauren, J Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines – the list goes on. Polo shirts, colorful silk scarves, shirt dresses, vertical-striped shirts and blazers and trench coats in classic and oversized fits are part of the plentiful choices this season. A few little touches work great, so let’s get our Polos on and collars popped! 

Utility dressing – a more practical choice for those who like function as well as fashion. Think olive cargo pants with well-placed pockets, a trench coat in a breezy, lighter fabrication or even a chic jumpsuit with utilitarian hardware. Make this look a little more posh by choosing luxurious fabrics such as silk or satin.

Carefree in the workplace – This trend is to pair more work-type items with relaxed and comfortable pieces. Wear leggings as pants with a more classy top, or pair dressy bottoms and a t-shirt top with sneakers. My clients who work in more corporate environments say this is very much a thing! 

Matching sets – this trend is a favorite of mine in that it also makes for easy dressing by combining two similar pieces together. Matching pants and top, knitted sets,  even a sweater and scarf either in the same color, brand or fabric can be an easy and cute look.  I love this because while cohesive, it can truly be interesting and unexpected. 

Hot Colors – This year, stores are showing lots of blues, particularly sky blue, hot pink, lilac/lavender and Kelly green. And while I tend to favor neutrals generally, I do enjoy bringing my favorite colors into my day-to-day wardrobe. 

Shoes! Mary Jane‘s are in. Looks can range from dressy to casual, both in flats or a heel. 
I like this style since the strap tends to keep the shoe on my foot much better than a ballet flat or pump style. Aside from leather, I’m also seeing these in mesh where you can view your toes (mesh fabric is a popular trend for flats as well). 

The other interesting trend is metallic/shiny shoes in boots, heels and flats (coinciding with all the silver from Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour). In addition to silver, gold and pewter are being shown in shoes as well as other items like purses and belts. But the “it” shoe right now seems to be the slingback. These shoes have a strap around the heel, but the heel is exposed. 

And while I don’t wear super-pointy shoes too often, top trends for the toe-box are pointy, square and almond shaped.

On the more comfortable side, neutral sneakers in white and ivory colors are popular, and Birk-mania still continues. Sandals, slides, flip-flops and espadrilles are also available and on trend. Other great comfort brands include Vionic, Abeo, Dansko, Ecco, Born, Paul Green, Naot, Pikolinos and Taos. Let me know if you have any other brands you’d recommend!   

As for Jewelry, the focus is still on more dainty designs, but now layering with many metals. Make sure to wear mutliple chains or layers to stay on-trend!

Skincare & Makeup

Jojoba Oil: I’m still so happy using jojoba oil as my moisturizing cleanser and also for moisturizing my skin. Here’s my routine, using Now Organic brand: 

– Start with clean hands and a dry face.
– Massage a little oil into your skin, wet your hands to emulsify and continue to massage.
– Rinse off with a washcloth to remove excess, and rinse again.
– And for makeup magic, you can also add a drop with your foundation to help it go on more easily and look less dry.

New favorite lipstick: I’ve been very pleased with Covergirl Outlast all-day lip color (in Always Rosy, for me). While it’s not quite all-day, it does stay on well and I like the shiny layer that sets over the color.

Question: I’m going to be the mother of the bride this Fall and need help!  Any recommendations?  Stacy H. Vernon Hills

You’re in luck!  I’ve actually done quite a bit of recent special-events shopping for clients and this is truly one of the things that brings me joy. I love how finding the right dress makes my clients feel amazing – but with so many options at the store it is important to try things on and make sure they look and feel right for you and the occasion.  First, start early! Consider the wedding colors, formality, location, season and time of day. Next, make sure you dress for comfort as well as fashion — you will be in that dress for a long time! And don’t forget all the accessories (like jewelry) to pull off that stellar look! 

I also tend to recommend more neutral, elegant colors (that don’t steal away the focus from the bride) and there are a few local stores that do carry a nice selection. Otherwise, I’m a big fan of ordering dresses online in multiple sizes, doing a fashion show at home and returning what doesn’t work.  Don’t forget this is also a great time to learn about what’s best for you in choosing makeup, shoes, undergarments/lingerie and hairstyle to make both the event and your special day photo-perfect.  

Question:  I’ve seen some co-workers have the cutest rolled-up sleeves, but I’m not great at doing it myself.  Are there any tips?  Marnie K., Evanston

Answer: Nice-looking rolled up sleeves first depend on the shirt and style.  But some overall help:  if you want a neat and tidy look, keep it smooth, roll up to the width on one cuff, and button the small button if there is one. For a messier/trendier look, button the short button first if there is one, flip the cuff all the way up and then roll up part-way to leave a flap. From there, bend the fabric on top as you like.