Kristen Ford

Most asked question…

With kids back in school and summer nearing its end, I’m beginning to be presented with my most popular question…Can I wear white after Labor Day?

The fashion rules have changed on this favored subject and wearing white is absolutely acceptable year round. White is no longer seasonal. The old rule ‘not after Labor Day or before Easter’ is antiquated and I personally couldn’t be happier about it. I love the crisp, clean look of white any time of the year! Even Emily Post approves: http://emilypost.com/advice/wearing-white-after-labor-day/

For me, wearing white is a day-to-day decision. Take a look outside or at your favorite weather app and forget the date or time of year. If the sun is out and the weather is nice, you can bet I’ll have some white on. I choose not to wear white on dreary, rainy days simply because I don’t want my white shoes or jeans muddy. On these days, I wear yellow or hot pink to cheer me up! That’s basically my only rule of thumb. Comment below if you have your own white “rule”.

If you live in the South like I do, our weather stays warm through the fall (and sometimes winter) so the white rule never made sense to me. When the weather starts turning cooler where you live, you can start easing into your fall colors and bring out more ivory and winter-white but don’t put your true whites away. Truly, there’s no reason not to wear a white sweater, jeans or boots or layer your white tees on a crisp, sunny winter day.

Some people can’t get past the traditional guideline and that’s okay too. Your style and image is a personal decision so if you’re not comfortable wearing white September-April then there is no pressure to do so! Your wardrobe should be a reflection of your personality and lifestyle so always, first and foremost wear what makes you happy 🙂

Styling Family Photos

Another one of my FAVORITE things to do…choosing what colors & style to wear for family portraits.

First of all, matching is not a requirement; however, coordinating is. You don’t want too many colors involved as it takes away from the subjects and faces that you’re trying to document and remember. Two or three colors is usually most pleasing. It’s great to mix patterns although you don’t want to ALL be wearing a different pattern; depending on the number of people in your family, one person could wear plaid, another stripes and the others a solid color.

Begin by setting your sights on a location (beach, historical district, park, open fields). Next, choose a color that compliments your location and lastly, decide on 2 additional colors that coordinate with your main color.

A good example is the beach: Your surroundings are hues of blue and beige in the water, skies and sand. You don’t want to dress in blue and beige and blend in to your surroundings. Rather, choose navy, white or black with orange, pink or green, all of which would complement your surroundings. Another example is the park: You’re likely to have a lot of green in the grass and trees, so avoid shades of green when selecting your clothing.

Wear clothing that fits well, is appropriate for the season and shoes that aren’t ratty; fresh haircuts, LIGHT makeup and smaller jewelry typically look the best. Remember you are documenting today for the future. You don’t want to look back and wonder why you wore that “awful dress” or had “that” hair color or style.

As always, let me know if I can help you with anything related to style, color and wardrobe ~ Kristen

Closet Wardrobe Edit

A well planned, up-to-date and organized closet can be your best friend!

In order to take the frustration out of your mornings and make getting dressed a breeze, only keep current pieces within arms reach. Donate items that no longer fit and consider your local or online resale shop for items no longer worn but still in style and like new. Out of season and formal pieces can be moved to an alternate closet or stored in tubs.

Then organize your clothes by hanging like items and colors together. Leave plenty of space between hangers. If you can’t see and easily access all your clothes, you won’t know what you have, you won’t wear them as often, and it’s usually a sign you have too much.

It’s a good idea to do this with every change of season or at least twice a year. As you put away sweaters and replace them with tees and tank tops, look over each piece. If you didn’t wear it this past season, maybe it’s time to pass it on to someone who will enjoy it.

If this sounds overwhelming or too time-consuming, contact me…It’s what I love to do. I can help you clean out, clean up and update your wardrobe.

photo of black clothes on hangers — Photo by Artem Bali on Pexels.com

white and black floral cap sleeved shirt — Photo by Artem Bali on Pexels.com

Off to the beach!

I’m packing for the beach today and wanted to quickly share with you some tips if you too might be planning a beach trip soon.

First of all, less is more (I need this reminder myself every time I travel!).
All you really need are your swimmy & coverup, sunnies, hat/cap, jean shorts, tank tops, sandals and sunscreen. Whatever you do…don’t forget your sunscreen! You might also throw in a sundress and a light sweater or jacket for evening.
Always check your favorite weather app for your destination. Even warm locations can have cooler, rainy days/nights depending on the time of year.
Research your place of stay. Some resorts may have a dress code for certain restaurants or parts of the property.
If you’re a planner, check out what else your destination offers beforehand and find some interesting things to do (in case of a rainy beach day) and pack an outfit for that, i.e. museum, theatre or shopping.

It’s rainy & dreary here at home, so sunshine and sand are REALLY calling my name! Shout out to Hallie B.’s in Rockwall, Tx for the More Love tank, 972 cap & Just Black denim shorts, and Copper Well Retreat in Little Rock, Ar for the Kind tank. PSA: I love to shop and support local!

Summer ready?

I think warm weather is finally here to stay (in the south anyway) and sunny summer days require an update in wardrobe essentials…are YOU ready?

Here’s a checklist to help get you started:

Slide sandals

Straw tote

Sunnies

Off the shoulder tops

Light-weight kimono

White denim shorts/jeans

Floppy hat

***And don’t forget your sunscreen!***

Nothing to wear?

Every woman (and man) should be excited to enter her closet!

I can help you transform your clothes into outfits, pair pieces together that you may not have thought about & assist with finding closet staples that you might be missing in order to make more outfits with what you’ve already got.

It doesn’t always take a lot of money, just organization and a set of fresh ideas!

Who can benefit from a personal stylist?

Do you stare blankly into your closet full clothes yet can’t find anything to wear?

Do you struggle to put outfits together that make you feel good about yourself?

Do you have clothes in your closet that never leave their hangers?

Do you dislike shopping for clothes and shoes?

If yes, a wardrobe consultant/personal stylist might be right for you. I get great pleasure out of helping women and men update their wardrobes and build confidence through a well-planned closet.