isostilo style – isostilo

Shopping My Closet And Found A New Go-To Outfit

When it comes to dressing for a party, are you a pre-planner or do you throw something together last minute? I am not in the pre- plan camp. Getting dressed for me is absolutely based on my current mood. I always have a couple of go-to outfits of the season to relay on for the times I don’t feel creative. But when the creative mood strikes, it delights me.

Event: 70’s party

Mama duty had me 10 days house bound so shopping my closet was my only option. But I knew these jeans would be in the mix. Resulting in a new favorite look for myself. I did treat myself to a mani and hair appointment.

It is all about the denim:

I having been dying to wear these super fun denims with a wide elephant bell silhouette from B Sides. The jean has a super flattering fit with a slightly high natural waist. I particularly love the oversized relaxed style of these jeans through the hip and leg. Also love that they are not cropped. They easily can be dressed up or worn denim casual. Summer on the horizon has me visualizing them with a simple tank and flip flops.

CLAUDE HIGH FLARE JEAN QUINCY MEDIUM VINTAGE

Sunday Style: Timeless, Minimalistic, Volume From Cecilie Bahnsen

A silhouette with puffy sleeves, volume, and playful proportions seems to be trending but not so much for the Scandinavian gals that have been embracing this timeless style with unconventional twists. I find this particular aesthetic to be very feminine, fun, and maybe a bit on the man repeller side of things. It is sexy in a not so obvious form fitting way.

One of the best examples that I have been mildly obsessed with comes from Copenhagen based designer, Cecilie Bahnsen. She is creating beautiful garments that blend couture and ready to wear. Handmade with a unique range of fabrics and traditional techniques.

I stumbled upon this label two years ago and have been following ever sense. The designer’s whimsical aesthetic is refreshing, light, and wearable. An attention to detail that the Scandinavians are known for is seen in every collection Cecilie has been delivering since 2015.

Brace yourself because the architectural, voluminous, yet minimal relaxed pieces come at a luxury cost. Watch for sales! If you appreciate this label, wear it with no thought, no fuss along with trainers or Teva like sandals. Hair up, hair down, keep it natural.

Cecilie Bahnsen

Style It Your Way

One coat styled four ways for different occasions. You make it work! Mood, personality, and personal style all play into the way you dress. Sometimes you look at your closet feel you have nothing to wear. Shopping your closet with some outside inspiration can instantly change that dilemma. I constantly draw my inspiration from others. It helps me be more creative and playful with alternative ways to wear some of my favorite pieces.

Here are four ways to wear Shrimp’s faux fur heart coat:

One gal drapes it over her shoulders (pic 1 & 3) while another pushes up the arm sleeves (pic 4). One wears it super casual like an over sized sweatshirt (pic 2) and another is very Audrey Hepburn (pic 1). Trendy accessories are transforming these looks (heart glasses, pearl headband, black leather beret, and handbags). Footwear ranges from the classic Converse sneaker, colorful booties to pink ballet flats. All pretty timeless. Unexpected pops of color connecting each look.

My personal favorite daily style connects with pic 4. All of these pictures will influence a few of my future outfits. I may not have the heart coat but I do have a faux fur leopard.

All Inspirational Pics From Pinterest

Sunday Cart: Movement

The question of need vs want and the less is always more concept is sometimes reason to pause. Simply put, things are just hard to resist. We all have soft spots. My view: Don’t beat yourself up over it. Just be sure you wear it, use it, or it simply brings you pleasure.

Health and over all wellness is always at the forefront of my mind. Movement is a priority. Everyday you must get outside without question. A walk is a mood changer. The gym is functional strength and focus training to for a strong healthy body for everyday living. Athletic wear becomes part of the package.

I have a small rotation of workout wear and tend to never like wearing them anywhere but the gym. Workout wear needs to move with me and feel like a second skin which is why I am a fan of Lululemon’s Align collection. Here are a few items that are collecting in the cart but on pause with the exception of the Nike yoga unitard. Ordered it, kept it, Love it!

A one piece is minimal and practical. After the workout step into the perfect skirt like this one from Lucas Hugh for a chic sporty 2nd look. Perhaps throw your favorite blazer or hoody on to finish it off. Now you have one piece with 3 different ways to wear it for errands, juice date with a gal pal, or straight to dinner. Maybe workout or maybe not.

All The Above: yoga luxe jumpsuit, elevate the workout look with a sporty skirt, Birkenstocks for coming and going, new yoga mat to stretch it out, a night out with the Boston Ballet calls for your tribe

Happy Movement Sunday!

Step Outside

Fall just might be the most motivating season of the year to explore nature. Summer is without a doubt fun and welcoming after a long winter. But fall in New England makes stepping into mother nature’s beauty, simply irresistible. The temperature is crisp and cool. The colors get prettier and prettier. Not to mention for the most part, bug free. Getting outside cures all. So healthy for the mind and body. Don’t let another day sneak by without breathing in a bit of freshness.

Traded in the usual urban walk for a more technical trail hike in Vermont. Nothing like using all of your body for a rocky terrain that required more focus and more body awareness. There was some bum sliding as well as some leaping and laughter. Griffy led the pack with unbelievable grace and confidence. Getting outside is the best medicine. This weekend already has me planning the next outing. Nothing like an outdoor exercise that doesn’t feel like you are checking off the box.

Yes, I am sporting a child’s backpack! I am currently lacking a few hiking essentials. This city hiker is getting some great recommendations from a seasoned girlfriend. Stay tuned for a future post with a few basics to get you by for your next adventure.

Here is another one for your playlist. I am currently listening to this:

ZARA Campaign

I have made a commitment to myself that I would stop shopping fast fashion. In fact, I am taking a breather from any purchases. That place of way too much of everything is how I am feeling. Fashion is pumping out garments in record speed and at the same time landfills are filling, factory stores are over filled, and high end fashion houses are burning their goods that don’t sell. Being more conscious is my modo. In all honesty, I have plenty of clothes and need nothing. Wanting is totally different. Window shopping, reading magazines, and sharing my finds or thoughts is where I am dwelling for a bit.

I am so encouraged to see that ZARA is showing some positive efforts when it comes to acknowledging the impact fashion has on the environment. I recently discovered their partnership and collaboration with Water.Org. Their Care For Water capsule collection is very eye catching! Decide for yourself. That flowy, feminine tan suit!!

Here is blurb taken straight from ZARA:

Care for Water capsule collection is the beginning of a new project in support of our partnership with Water.org, to create a water-positive impact on ecologically grown cotton communities. All the garments have been produced taking care of water management, with materials and technologies that help us reduce water consumption and preserve freshwater resources.

Through this project, ZARA is supporting Water.org to extend the power of microlending to ecologically grown cotton farmers taking part in the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) programme in Madhya Pradesh (India) enabling them to meet their household water and sanitation needs.

You can read about here it on their website as well as at Water. Org. Change has to happen.

Straw Party Hats For Sun Protection!

Love, love, love HEMLOCK Hat Co. Fun straw hats that are designed for an active lifestyle. I discovered this hat company in a surf shop while I was visiting Florida last spring. A hat that has you fully covered and reasonably priced. The under brim liner comes in super fun prints for every personality. The fabric is UPF 50+ and comes with a draw string for those windy days. Also sweet for the youngsters!

Beach Days + Sun Protection

Salt Gypsy Leggings + HEMLOCK Hat
Nalu Tribe Surf Leggings + Salt Gypsy Top

Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while enjoying the outdoors is a challenge. Who doesn’t love the warm sunshine and beach filled days?! Applying and reapplying sunscreen is a must along with sun shades and sun hats. But still it can be difficult to protect yourself from sun damage and exposure. If you cover up with UPF clothing then you don’t need to worry about reapplying sunscreen to your whole body. Just your face, neck, hands, and feet! Or simply head to the beach after 5.

Check out the following: Salt Gypsy, Patagonia, ATHLETA, Nalu Tribe, HEMLOCK Hat Co.

Carry-On Essentials

Vacation time! Trying to keep it light with just my travel essentials. To become a more efficient and smarter traveler is the goal. It starts with a carry- on suitcase. One of my favorite gifts that I have received, a RIMOWA roller. It effortlessly rolls along with plenty of space for a weekend getaway or simply to carry all your airplane requirements. No longer do I carry multiple bags or anything on my shoulders with the exception of a crossbody bag for easy access to my wallet and passport. All the extras tuck neatly into the roller.

My on-board essentials:

iPad fully loaded with movies and series for both flights. Big Little Lies is top of the list.

Noise cancelling headphones from B&W. A fab and useful holiday gift I received. Headphones is something I would never purchase for myself. I feel a bit spoiled with them but they make a huge difference.

Compression socks are a game changer. A gift to your legs! No more swelling. Your legs and feet feel 100% when you reach your destination. I am trying out COMRAD. I’ve been rocking some sexy CVS Pharmacy socks. I am ready for a stylish upgrade. Packing my Nike slides for arrival.

Hand sanitizing wipes, always. Super handy for hands as well as giving everything a quick wipe down. Airports + planes are pretty gross.

For the face: Jet Lag Mask from SUMMER FRIDAYS. Can’t wait to give this new product a try. My skin always feels dry when I travel so perhaps this will do the trick. Always nice to have a lippy on hand. I like Aquaphor. Lots of water before, during, and after flight.

Clothes: Always a sweatshirt + large scarf to wrap. Dark colors in the event of a spill.

What you don’t see that has space in the RIMOWA: the newest Vogue, unsalted nuts, a take away salad or sandwich that from my local bakery to eat on the plane, phone charger, tissues, Advil, and a deck of cards to play with my son.

Happy Summer!

Putting On A Face

My Hip Hop Style
I Still Feel Myself

I’m most comfortable with a fresh, clean, makeup free face. Lippy and mascara are the only two make up products that are in my wheelhouse. Beyond that, seems like too many steps for me. But sometimes it is nice to go all out. This above look was not done by me but rather by a talented make up artist at Barneys. Here is a little secret for you! You can get your make up done for free with the expectation that you buy some product. I walked away with a glowing face, mascara, lipstick, and blush. Always fun to shake things up!

Nike top, Nike kicks, and pants from Heidi Merrick