How Your Closet Cleanse Service Will Benefit Veterans

Ever wonder what I do with the clothing and things I go home with after your Closet Cleanse service? I donate them, of course. Just because they aren’t working for you doesn’t mean they won’t bring joy to someone else. 

My favorite place to donate is to the women’s boutique at Syracuse VA Medical Center. Mary LaRussa is the veteran program manager/maternity care coordinator at the VA Hospital which provides services to the thousands of famale veterans in the 13-county service area. But she also created and curates the boutique at the VA which provides clothing to our female veterans who are in need. 

Mary’s Boots 2 Suits program was featured in Syracuse Women’s Magazine. Right now they are in need of gently used (or new!) accessories like handbags, jewelry, scarves, computer bags, etc. You can find out more about the program by contacting Mary at mary.larussa@va.gov. 

Book your Closet Cleanse appointment today and the clothing & accessories we designate as donations will go to the Boots 2 Suits program or The Rescue Mission (to benefit Vera House Inc.).

BOOK HERE

Avoid the style pitfalls of aging

Today on Bridge Street, co-hosts Sistina Giordano, Tensesha Murphy and I talked about a topic that affects everyone:  avoiding the style pitfalls of aging. But I wasn’t giving tips on how to look younger or “ageless”. I truly do believe we should embrace our age, and that means our style needs to keep evolving. However, as we do we sometimes make a few mistakes that can age us or keep us from looking our best because we worry about being “age appropriate”. Whether you are 25 or 65, a guy or a girl, you want to check out today’s show by CLICKING HERE.

FIT IS EVERYTHING! If you take anything away from today I want it to be this. As we age, we tend to try to cover up more, wearing clothes that are too big, boxy or shapeless, and this can actually make us appear heavier. Fear of being frumpy is a real thing and wearing our clothes oversized is a sure way to do it. 

AVOID AN ILL FITTING BRA Ladies, I’ve mentioned this many times before, and I will say it again: a properly fitted bra will make your clothes fit better, you will stand taller and you will look better. It’s just a fact.

DON’T HIDE YOUR NECK Seems counterintuitive but covering up your neck with a turtleneck or bulky scarf can add pounds and sometimes be aging depending on your body type. Try wearing a v-neck top, a collared shirt or long necklace, which will draw attention away from your neck. 

WEARING ALL BLACK CAN BE HARSH It’s actually more flattering to wear a pop of color around your face, and try earth tones if you want to keep your look neutral.

AVOID TOO MUCH MAKEUP

AVOID GOING TOO LIGHT OR TOO DARK WITH YOUR HAIR COLOR

REMEMBER, style is an understanding of not only who you are but also the kind of image you want to project.

Missed today's show? No worries- watch it HERE. Thanks to our friends at The Changing Room on Warren Street in Downtown Syracuse for all the great styles shown on today’s show. Photos above from Instagram @WbyWorth and @WorthNewYork. What did you think of today’s show? Share with me in the comments below. Sign up for my newsletter to become part of my style community and receive more tips like these.

Menswear 101

You might be surprised to learn that the style advice I give to men and women is the same. Today on Bridge Street,  I shared that advice with co-hosts Sistina Giordano and Tenesha Murphy. Clothing is a way to express your personal style so use it. Ask the salesperson for help- they have a lot of knowledge to share about fit and sizing, but go with your gut when it comes to your style. Don’t let them talk you into something you don’t feel comfortable with. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look good. If you find a piece in a brand you love, buy it in several colors. My #1 pieces of advice is having a good tailor can make off the rack clothes looks custom.

Here’s some specific advice for menswear that will come in handy.

Shirts 101 Collars: Button down is more casual. Collars: Pointed spread collar is dressier. Fit: USE A TAILOR!

Pants 101 Pleats: When in doubt the answer is NO! It’s too hard to pull off. Gray is versatile. It goes with navy & black & colors. Denim: keep it plain in a dark wash. Leave the bedazzled pockets or distressed look for the weekends.

Accessories 101 This is where you can really express your personality. Ties or bowties: Choose fun patterns and bold colors. Did you see the bowties from today’s show? They are by J.Allen Inspired  and made right here in Central New York. You may have seen them worn by Jim Boeheim, Dan Patrick, Bob Costas and other celebrities. Shop online or order a custom design. Follow them at @jalleninspired on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for menswear inspiration. Shoes: invest in a good quality pair & take care of them Brown shoes & belt with navy, gray & blue Black shoes & belt with black & gray YES! You do need to match your shoes & belt!

If this is all too much or if you just don’t have the time to shop or you just don't WANT to shop, I have a solution: Stitch Fix for men. GENIUS! Just like the women’s service. You complete a style profile online, share a Pinterest board with Stitch Fix and a personal stylist chooses 5 high quality pieces that are delivered right to your door. It also comes with “how to wear” style cards. You can keep all or none- if you keep all 5 you receive 25% off your entire order. There’s a $20 styling fee that goes toward whatever you purchase. As a Stitch Fix Influencer, I will receive compensation if the afflilate link is used, but I would never endorse a product or service I did not like or use myself. You can schedule your first fix now by clicking HERE or on the banner on the right and at the bottom of this post.

A great resource for men is fromsqualortoballer.com, a blog written by Ian Anderson, a menswear buyer and style blogger based in San Francisco. His tagline is “Simple style advice for the modern man” and he covers every concern you might have about menswear from etiquette to styles to trends to best brands. The photography is fantastic and the copy is down to earth. You don’t need to be a metrosexual to follow his advice. I’d start with his “Best Of” section and let your menswear education begin. Thanks, Ian, on behalf of the ladies in this world.

What did you think of today’s Bridge Street segment? Missed it? CLICK HERE to watch it and then tell me what you think in the comments below.

February's Small Town Style Star Is Here

THE SMALL TOWN STYLE STAR FEATURES A STYLISH, SUCCESSFUL WOMAN FROM CENTRAL NEW YORK. SHE SHARES HER FAVORITE STYLE & BEAUTY TIPS & TRICKS WITH YOU. YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING A NEW STYLE STAR EACH MONTH FOR INSPIRATION, ADVICE AND INSIGHT INTO HER PERSONAL STYLE. A few years ago a friend talked me into trying a new workout with her at our local mall. This is where I met Mona Smart. My first impression was, “Damn, this woman looks amazing even in her workout gear.” She’s just got that something special that makes you take a second look. Whether we run into each other dropping the kids at school, cheering on our little athletes at football, or attending a mutual friend’s party, she always looks pulled together and effortlessly chic. Which is incredible because besides being the CEO of her family, she also runs a successful Rodan + Fields business from her home, and works to make a difference in our community by supporting organizations such as the Children’s Hearing Aid Program through Aurora of CNY. How does she do it? It helps that she’s as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, and that alone is enough to make her the February Small Town Style Star. But read on as Mona shares her beauty and style secrets.

Describe your style in three words. Contemporary and Comfortable. That’s only 2 and sound like a contradiction but I can’t wear anything I’m not 100% comfortable in.  I used to buy things because I liked it instead of how it felt on and would regret it after the first time I wore it.  Fidget all day long!   From Gowns to workout clothes that rule always applies to my clothing.

What is your “Go To” outfit? For Summer its typically a cotton dress, maxi or knee length..can be fitted or loose.  Fall/Winter definitely jeans and a blouse or fun sweater with boots.  Spring I love how ballet flats look with cropped jeans or pants.  I always lean towards clean lines no matter the season.  I would rather wear a crazy print than ruffles any day!

Who are your style icons? Jessica Alba and Gwen Stefani.  Love Jessica’s classic with a flare style and Gwen’s envelope pushing outfits.

Where are your favorite stores to shop? Jet Black, Anthropologie and Nordstrom.

What do you admire most in other women? Confidence and Kindness. You can wear a trash bag and if you have those two you will look good in my eyes!

What are your top 3 wardrobe staples? A great warm winter coat-we live in Syracuse, this is a must! My favorites are Mackage and Dawn Levy.  Jeans that every time you put them on you love them (skinny and boot).  Jeans were always a tough shopping trip for me but I have found that Citizen of Humanity, J brand and J.Crew work best for my body type.  Blouses in all colors and prints!

What’s your #1 style tip? Know what looks good on your body, I don’t care what size you are everyone has areas we like to highlight or well not highlight.  This took me a while to figure out but start with picking out your favorite items in your closet and figure out WHY they are your favorite and/or ask a trusted friend or sibling to help.  DO NOT ask your spouse or partner!

Thank you to my February Small Town Style Star, Mona Smart. If you are interested in learning more about Rodan + Fields skin care, be sure to check out Mona’s website at https://monas.mryandf.biz.

Know a stylish and inspiring woman in CNY you think should be the next Small Town Style Star? Send me an email at thesmalltownstylist@gmail.com and tell me all about her.

The Mid-Winter Wardrobe Blues

Chances are you are getting bored wearing the same outfits and we aren’t even through January yet. The stores may be starting to show some spring styles, but it’s still mid-winter here in CNY. Today on Bridge Street, I talked with co-hosts Sistina Giordano and Tenesha Murphy about how to energize and refresh your winter wardrobe today by adding a few spring trends. I want you to feel inspired when you get dressed and extend the life of your winter wardrobe too Thank you to Lord & Taylor for all the fashions featured today.

TREND: FLORALS- So it seems obvious- florals for spring- but working them in with your winter wardrobe now will seem unexpected and fresh. HOW TO ADD IT NOW: Mix it with menswear style jacket or suit. I like the femininity of the floral blouse to balance a masculine look.

TREND: DUSTY ROSE/PINK & YELLOW continue to be hot colors. HOW TO WEAR IT NOW:  The BOMBER JACKET featured on today’s show in pink paired with jeans and booties. The jacket style is actually another spring trend so you get two for one.

TREND: KHAKI-  there are a lot of options out there, including the pieces featured today from Lord & Taylor. HOW TO WEAR IT NOW:  Because it’s a neutral you can wear it with almost anything.

TREND: STRIPES- 2 styles of stripes: SEASIDE STRIPES refers to the nautical look. Mix it up by choosing vertical stripes or going for a bright color like the red and white featured today. BANKERS STRIPES is a more classic stripe look, shown today in an updated oxford style top with statement sleeves. HOW TO WEAR IT NOW: Think about mixing styles. Instead of doing a nautical look head to toe, pair it with jeans and sneakers for a casual look. Or mix with something unexpected like a leather skirt.  Or layer a white oxford style shirt underneath.

TREND: BARE SHOULDER- This trend can also be incorporated in a double or single shoulder cutout or a flashdance style shoulder. HOW TO WEAR IT NOW: I featured a “cold shoulder” look today in a spring color. The nice thing is you can layer a jacket over the top to keep you warm, or go “bare shouldered” for a special event.

TREND: GRAPHIC PRINTS HOW TO WEAR IT NOW: A great way to incorporate this trend is with accessories, like the wristlet shown today.

What spring trends are you going to try? I’d love to see what you do with them. Share with me by posting on Instagram and tagging me @thesmalltownstylist. Which look from today’s show was your favorite? Missed the segment? That’s ok. Click here to watch and the tell me in the comments below or email me at thesmalltownstylist@gmail.com.

Thanks to Lord & Taylor in Destiny USA for all these great styles featured today. All images used in this post are from Lord & Taylor Instagram account @lordandtaylor.

Looking back with gratitude.

Happy Holidays! After 6 really busy weeks including several new personal style clients, a Bridge Street collaboration & appearance, a big commercial shoot, and launching a new project with Ana & Nikki called This & That (not to mention traveling for Thanksgiving and shopping for Christmas plus my usual Mom & Wife duties that I love), it's time for The Small Town Stylist to take a little break for the holidays.

I'll be back on Bridge Street in January with fun new segments. Look for new episodes of This & That too. Plus the #BoeheimBall is only a few months away and the Fashion Team is back to give you more style tips & tricks plus a behind the scenes look at this great event now in it's 18th year!

I'm so grateful for all your support and love this year. It's been a great two years in business- I'm surprised and excited by the response- and although it's very fun, it's also a lot of hard work to run my own business. I could not do it without support from fellow women entrepreneurs who hep and inspire me (you know who you are), my parents who have my back, my kids who tell me often that they are proud of their momma, and most of all my biggest cheerleader, my husband, who picks up the slack for me, keeps me laughing when I get overwhelmed, and keeps me humble when I get too busy.

Thank you to my wonderful clients, not only for trusting me with such a personal and important task, but for referring me to your friends and family. Meeting all of you, helping and teaching you, brings me so much personal fulfillment and joy. I’m looking forward to what 2017 has in store for all of us. Happy New Year!

Appointments can be booked online for 2017 at thesmalltownstylist.com.