simply put…

Elin Kling is one of my fashion gods – typically pairing simple pieces together while achieving an effortlessly cool style.  Take the above look for instance.  All she is wearing is a casual knit with deconstructed slim fitting jeans – but the addition of her black pointy toe pumps with super cute hat and bag – voila!  Perfection.  Most of us have this outfit (or a version of it) hanging in our closet already.

The lesson:  you don’t need overly complicated items to create an epic fashion statement and basics are interchangeable for endless outfit options (this is my hint that they are occasionally worth the splurge).  Check it…  *above photo via here

For more Elin Kling style click here

1. Organic by John Patrick pullover, $255, lagarconne.com
2. Rag & Bone boyfriend jean, $297, shopbop.com
3. Topshop short brim fedora, $50, topshop.com
4. Monserat De Lucca fatima tote, $379, shopbop.com
5. J.Crew everly suede pumps, $245, jcrew.com

i love ny

I’m a little late to the party when it comes to this Phillip Lim, “I Love Nueva York” tee since it was all over the street during Fall NYFW.   However in lieu of the upcoming DOMA and Prop 8 ruling by the Supreme Court this week  – I’m feeling extra thankful and lucky to be living in a state where my marriage is already recognized.  I am so proud to be a New Yorker and am hoping that the rights that I’ve come to know are extended to all and then some.

Sending tons of love, luck and support to all standing on the front line in Washington!

xx #yoursoulstyle

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim I heart nueva york tank, $115, net-a-porter.com
2. Zara crossover trousers, $59, zara.com
3. Persol suprema roadster sunglasses, $270, barneys.com
4. Clare Vivier messenger bag, $363, shopbop.com
5. Topshop leather biker jacket, $330, topshop.com
6. Marni bracelet, $135, yoox.com
7. J.Crew Collection everly calf hair wedges, $358, jcrew.com

overjoyed for overalls

photo via here

If you would have asked me when I was 8 yrs old to wear a pair of overalls I would have looked at you as if you had ten heads.  I imagine my 8 year old self saying something along the lines of, “Are you joking?  Those are so not me!  Way too boy’ish and not girly enough – not my style”.  To give you context, I was the little girl who meticulously spent hours on end picking out Barbie’s looks and overalls were not part of the assortment.  They were more suitable for Punky Brewster groupies riding bikes with pig tails and different color socks.

Well…..now I’m 33, it’s 25 years later (gasp!) – and truth be told I have a complete and utter new appreciation for this denim onesie.  Who woulda thunk it – oh how times have changed!  About 2 months ago I was perusing instagram and saw a photo of Leandra Medine (photo below) from ManRepeller rocking a pair and I fell off my metaphorical chair.  She was able to pull a look together that not only looked super stylish and chic – but ultra femme and sexy!

photo via instagram

I was on a mission from that point on to find a pair and my timing must have been dead on because I stumbled upon these at yoox in exactly my size.  I immediately scooped them up and now they are happily living in my closet!

*they have since been sold out but you can find similar here and here

the “try on” sesh

Do you have any clothing hang-ups that are not your typical style but are itching to try?  Need some help figuring out how to make something ‘more you’?  Send me an email at yoursoulstyle@gmail.com and let’s see if we can find a way to make it work!  xx #yourstyle

*don’t forget to follow me on instagram and facebook for more yoursoulstyle goodness!

photo via here

spotlight: gwyneth paltrow

Contrary to my friend Stacey’s (from Sweenie Swim) distaste for Gwyneth Paltrow – I am a mega fan!  Like Giuliana Rancic, Kristen Wiig and Jenna Lyons, she is also a friend in my head.  Gwyneth is more than your average triple threat, her laundry list of credentials multiplies year over year.  Starting as a Hollywood actress was only the beginning – she has recorded music (eh hem – Glee, Country Strong, Duets w/ Huey Lewis – shall I go on?), authored My Fathers Daughter –  a cookbook with a second on the way (It’s all Good will be released on April 2nd – pre-order copy here!), won an Oscar for her role in Shakespeare in Love, became the face of Estee Lauder & Coach (and more), married famous musician Chris Martin from Coldplay, produced two (what seems to be) adjusted children and established a lifestyle blog (and brand) called Goop.  Goop is one of the first blogs I had ever read and my love for it has maintained.  It covers topics such as friendship, love, beauty, religion, travel, food, culture, fashion, etc.  Gwyneth offers truth in her writing and content – covering topics that pertain to all women.  Her voice is relatable, authentic and comes with a wisdom she has gained through her own experiences.  She is a woman with a ton of heart, depth, dedication and commitment –  who isn’t afraid to live boldly (not to mention publicly) in her own skin.  She is a stellar example of what women in 2013 are capable of.  A successful wife, mother, artist, actress, singer and entrepreneur with a killer fashion sense that wreaks from the inside out – Gwyneth has definitely got her ‘soul style’ in tact.  *photos via pinterest

Find her most recent post, “The Annual Spring Edit” here – chock full of inspirational outfit ideas for the woman on the go!

Enjoy!  xx #yoursoulstyle

*don’t forget to follow me on instagram and facebook for more yoursoulstyle goodness!

i’m loving…

Hermes Spring 2013

….backpacks! This Hermes bag was chosen by Meaghan Mahoney Dusil and Vladimir Dusil of PurseBlog as one of the “Top 10 Best Runway Bags of 2013” and I couldn’t be more psyched about it! What could be better than a carryall that enables you to evenly distribute the weight of all your necessary gear (ipad, iphone, makeup, wallet, sunglasses, keys to name a few!)!? What a relief this would be on your body – especially for urbanites who are not commuting via car but still want to look ultra stylish. Not just for students anymore – backpacks are chic, trend right and are a great alternative to lugging around a heavy shoulder bag. I’m pretty sure I’ve mastered the art of simultaneously holding a coffee, umbrella and giant handbag in the nook of my arm, but it comes at a price – ya feel me? I mean come on new mommies – you’ve gotta be so pumped right now, right? Let’s all rejoice because super cute designer and affordable options are now available! Not sure why I’m having such a ‘come to jesus’ moment around this old skool silhouette – but age may play into this (and of course the fashion gods). Check it… * photo via purseblog

1. Madewell transport rucksack backpack, $248, madewell.com
2. Marc by Marc Jacobs pretty nylon backpack, $198, shopbop.com
3. Louis Vuitton bosphore backpack, $1,840, louisvuitton.com
4. Makr farm rucksak natural canvas backpack, $160, makr.com
5. Alexander Wang marti leather backpack, $850, net-a-porter.com
6. Simone Camille skylar backpack, $810, shopbop.com
7. One by Bed Stu shiloh leather backpack, $306, shopbop.com
8. Stela 9 diego mini backpack, $172, shopbop.com
9. LeSportsac voyager backpack, $108, zappos.com

going green

I stumbled upon this gem at refinery29 and knew they were onto something when it was pulled for their St.Patrick’s Day tribute story.  I know that most girls typically grab this out of their closet for the day ‘o green, but I dare you to embrace your inner fashion leprechaun and go bolder.  Try something like this jumpsuit from Catherine Malandrino for your party going and don’t apologize when everyone is green with envy (wink, wink!).  Happy St. Patty’s Day and be safe!

A special shout out to my beautiful nephew Max who turns seven this Sunday!  Happy Birthday Max!!!

xx #yoursoulstyle

1. Catherine Malandrino stretch silk-blend jumpsuit, $395, net-a-porter.com
2. Erickson Beamon preppy in punk stud earrings, $315, shopbop.com
3. Charles Albert alchemia shine cuff, $75, shopbop.com
4. Anya Hindmarch faithful tasseled leather clutch, $475, net-a-porter.com
5. Zara ankle strap sandal, $89, zara.com

read: fashion and feminism

photo via here

The fuel behind ‘your soul style’ is to send the message that you can achieve empowerment through style .  I have been on a relentless journey of self discovery and part of my learning (and growth) is that that self expression and empowerment are one in the same.  I want to continuously share this perspective with you so that if you haven’t fully embraced ‘your soul style’ yet – let me help you get there.  It is so important that women keep pushing forward because although we have made extensive progress – it ain’t over.  As part of this project I will be periodically sharing articles that are aligned with this mission.  This write-up by Leah Bourne at forbes discusses the double edge sword women have had to deal with while navigating through ‘gender politics’.  Click here for full article.   – xx #yoursoulstyle

white out

As long as you’re not attending a wedding – white is always a fashion ‘do’.  There are silly rules around this color (or non-color, really) but I throw that ridiculousness out with the trash.  I stopped following the “no white after labor day” mandate when the style gods presented juicy sweatsuits as a popular trend in the late 90’s (click here for a memory refresher).  They lost all credibility.  If you’ve been a disciple of this fashion commandment – I think it may be time to embrace your inner rebel.  White is flattering on all skin types – it’s classic, polished and projects a pure and clean aesthetic.  How could the absence of color only be okay on a seasonal basis?  It’s not  – white is for every day, all year.  I promise you can’t go wrong.  *photos via pinterest

the fine print

photo via pinterest

If you don’t already have a pair of printed trousers in your wardrobe, like Led Zepplin sang on their debut album in 1969, “Your Time is Gonna Come”.  This trend is here to stay.  I am an admitted addict and have been hoarding for a few years  – they have certainly become a staple in the wardrobe.  My collection continues to grow and you can’t imagine how things multiplied like a gremlin during our trip to India.  It’s a print pant mecca and you can bet your little behind that I seized the opportunity to grab as many as I could (I won’t tell you how many scarves I also bought –  that’s for a later post).  So what’s the great appeal?  Sure – they are trendy and fun, but here’s a better understanding of why they are a ‘must have‘.

• If you’re like me and accentuate the upper half of your body more than the lower, print pants are your best friend.  The busy-ness creates a distraction from your lower body silhouette.
• Wearing print on top could feel dizzying.  Keeping it contained to your bottom allows less distraction to your eyes when chatting with someone – the real window to ‘soul style’.  Even though head to toe print is trending for spring – it’s not for everyone.  It’s fashion forward and works, but trickier to nail.  Sticking to a pants only rule is sufficient without feeling the need to go full throttle.
• Flowy printed trousers transports me back to the 60’s and 70’s, bringing out my inner love child – I’m really a hippie at heart.  There is something freeing about letting go of the rigidity of tight pants.
• They are comfortable!  During the summer there is nothing better than throwing on a pair of light weight pants to keep you cool – they are a fantastic alternative if you hate shorts.
• They can very easily be dressed up or dressed down.
• Everyone wears jeans!  They are an obvious no brainer.  Step outside of your fashion comfort zone and be different and bold.  They will be a conversation starter and you will stand out in a sea of denim.

So go on girlies – give it a shot.  Let me know how it goes.  Shoot a pic and send it over – you know where to find me.  xx  #yoursoulstyle

instagram: @yoursoulstyle  facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yoursoulstyle?ref=hl 

A few picks to get you started.

1. Talulah garden daydream pants, $235, shopbop.com
2. Labworks multi print ankle pants, $34.99, target.com
3. Malene Birger regal floral-print silk pants, $375, net-a-porter.com
4. Tucker floral print silk-georgette pants, $299, net-a-porter.com
5. Mango printed tapered trousers, $54.99, shop.mango.com
6. Theory mitrana bird-print silk pants, $265, net-a-porter.com

pump up the volume

When I stumbled upon these zara combined court pumps I had a mini heart attack – they spoke to me.  I’m a sucker for ikat anything!  Somewhere in zara heaven (or in spain where the home office is) the designers created these little gems.  They are a combined classic and bohemian, have the most perfect heel height (especially for you city dwellers who walk everywhere) and are a mere $79!  Yes, you heard that right.  It’s easy to go neutral when it comes to footwear (this said by the queen of black – me), but how about starting with these as your ‘wow’ factor and then choosing your top and bottom second!  Shoes don’t have to be the add ons – why not make them the star?   “But Jenny, these pumps are too busy – what do I wear them with?”  I’ve got you covered my fellow fashionistas and have pulled together complete head-to-toe options to prove how versatile these puppies can be!

If I haven’t convinced you yet, zara has over 100 more choices – all of which are mostly under $100!  Take a peek!  And for all you cynics out there, they make incredibly comfortable shoes which also have a long shelf life.  My most favorite black booties that I’ve worn to death for the past 5 years and have never had to bring to the cobbler are from there.

Happy shopping!  xx

ON THE JOB…

1. Topshop knitted chunky bobble sweater, $90, topshop.com
2. J.Crew collection pencil skirt, $750, jcrew.com
3. Ray Ban aviator sunglasses, $145, rayban.com
4. J.Crew keeper chambray shirt, $78, jcrew.com
5. Charles Albert hammered bubble necklace, $135, shopbop.com
6. Make Up For Ever rouge artist natural n45, $19, sephora.com
7. Topshop vintage leather satchel, $130, topshop.com
8. Zara combined court shoes, $79, zara.com

ON THE TOWN…

1. J.Crew carrie cami, $98, jcrew.com
2. J.Brand distressed boyfriend jeans, $300, stylebop.com
3. La Vie Bobo wood quartz necklace, $250, shopbop.com
4. Topshop ponte jet pocket blazer, $70, topshop.com
5. Claire Vivier calfhair clutch, $122, shopbop.com
6. Ashley Pittman set of 12 bronze and horn bangles, $435, net-a-porter.com
7. Zara combined court shoes, $79, zara.com

ON THE WEEKEND…

1. Topshop bretton tee, $30, topshop.com
2. Isabel Marant gray nuk track trousers, $241, lyst.com
3. Super Sunglasses ciccio glasses, $154, shopbop.com
4. Topshop mixed shape bangle pack, $30, topshop.com
5. Topshop knitted textured stitch cardi,  $76, topshop.com
6. Michael Kors Collection santorini raffia tote, $495, shopbop.com
7. Zara combined court shoes, $79, zara.com