How to style a basic white tee

Nothing is more quintessentially American than the basic white tee. A white tee is the potato of your wardrobe. I  mean potatoes go with everything! Don't you agree? And a white tee does the same in your wardrobe. Whether it's the workplace or a date night, a white tee can do it all. Today however, I'm specifically showing you ideas to wear it to WORK! 

Why? Because I know so many women that are going back to work right now. Whether a hybrid work situation, or returning to work after a long hiatus work wear is fast replacing leggings and sweats as the daily attire. 

The trick to pulling off a white tee for a professional setting is to ensure it is free of wrinkles and stains and you're adding accessories. The white tee is perfect to take your look from work straight to happy hour or for when packing for a work trip.

Casual Classic

This is a great look for the woman going into a very casual office or a teacher. Button the top 3 buttons of the sweater and leave the bottom few open to see the tee and belt. Swap the sling backs for a boot in the cool months.

Polished and fun

This look is perfect for the woman who has a bit more freedom with the office dress code. This is a great mix of textures and earth tones.

Steely and Stylish

This tonal grey look is so sophisticated, your co workers will forget you're wearing a basic tee!

Body suit instead of a T-shirt

A bodysuit is a great alternative to a tee for work to keep everything tucked and smooth. Bordeaux is a hot color this season and this suit will make you stand out in a sea of black. This comes in petite and regular sizing.

Plaid blazer pairing

This lightweight V neck is the perfect layering piece under this blazer. This backpack bag is a great bag for those commuting to an office. With plenty of room for a laptop and all of your belongings, this bag will keep you chic while your schlepping as it can be used as a backpack or top handle bag.

Pair with a RED lip

This look is perfect for a more fashion forward office. You could also swap the leather jacket for a blazer and the boots for a pump if your office adheres to a more traditional dress code.

Neutral Statement

This is a perfect look for those in a smart casual office or for casual Fridays. The belted silhouette is a huge Fall trend, try wearing the blazer closed with the belt at the small of your waist OVER the blazer. If you prefer to wear the blazer open, you can wear the belt traditionally for some added visual interest and texture.

Pair with Navy

Layer a white tee under a cashmere sweater to add some dimension to your look. If it's still warm where you live, you can drape the sweater over your shoulders during transitional periods.

As you can see, a simple white t-shirt is far from basic. With a little creativity, it can be transformed into a chic, versatile piece for any occasion. Whether you’re dressing it up for a day at the office, keeping it casual for weekend errands, or adding a bit of edge for a night out, this wardrobe staple will never let you down. So next time you reach for your white tee, remember that you can style it in ways that reflect your unique personality and lifestyle. Embrace the possibilities and let your style shine!

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Must have dresses for the summer

Summer is here- which means no more heavy layers. It’s time to soak up the sun. But let’s be honest- sometimes the heat can be brutal and that’s why it’s important to dress for the season.

If you are not a shorts wearer like me, don’t despair. There are many ways to beat the heat and look chic at the same time without baring your legs. I’m sharing with you some of my favorite dress styles this season. Whether it is pool side, a summer wedding, a BBQ or a baseball game there is a dress for it. Whether you're hitting the beach, attending backyard parties, or exploring new destinations, dresses offer the ultimate combination of comfort, style, and versatility. So, let's dive into why dresses are the perfect choice to rock your summer vibes!

Swapna is a former New York City fashion designer turned personal stylist. Her power tools are color and accessories. She believes great personal style is everyones birthright and can be developed at any age, any budget and for every single BODY! She works in person and virtually with her clients from her Minneapolis, MN home office.

Why dresses?

The reasons are endless, but here are some of the top ones.

Breezy fabrics:

When the mercury rises, nothing feels better than slipping into a dress made from light and airy fabrics. Think cotton, linen, or chambray that let the air flow freely, keeping you cool even on scorching hot days. No sticky fabric clinging to your skin, just a refreshing and breathable outfit that makes you go, "Ahh, summer bliss!"

Effortless Chic

Summer is all about embracing effortless style, and dresses are your secret weapon to achieve that coveted chic look. With a simple sundress, you can instantly transform into a fashion diva. The best part? Minimal effort required! Just slide into your dress, slip on a pair of cute sandals, grab your favorite sunglasses, and voilà! You're ready to conquer the day in style, feeling like a million bucks.

Endless Versatility: The beauty of dresses lies in their incredible versatility. There's a dress for every occasion and every mood! From flowing maxi dresses to cute sundresses, from trendy shirt dresses to flattering wrap dresses, the options are limitless. Dress them up or down depending on where you're headed. Add a denim jacket and some ankle boots for a casual day out, or throw on some heels and dazzling jewelry for a night on the town. Dresses effortlessly transition from day to night, ensuring you're always ready to make a statement.

https://rstyle.me/+Z5G_1_8XSNqmhQXfhas81w

Fun and Flirty: Summer is the season to embrace a carefree and flirty aesthetic, and dresses help you do just that. They exude playfulness and freedom, allowing you to channel the spirit of the season. Rock vibrant floral prints, delicate pastels, or classic nautical stripes—the choices are as exciting as a summer adventure! With dresses, you'll radiate charm and whimsy wherever you go.

https://rstyle.me/+1Vzj3H_q2h0k4mV-bWeS8g

Sun-Kissed Confidence: Summer brings that sun-kissed glow, and dresses are here to showcase your radiant confidence. Whether it's an off-the-shoulder design or a flirty halter neckline, dresses highlight your natural beauty, making you feel like a summer goddess. Soak up the sun, revel in your glowing skin, and let your dress be your ally in embracing your unique beauty.

As the temperature rises, it's time to let your wardrobe reflect the summer vibes. Dresses become your go-to companions, offering comfort, style, and endless fun. Slip into a breezy dress made from lightweight fabrics, effortlessly rock that chic look, and enjoy the versatility that dresses bring to your summer adventures. So, get ready to embrace the warmth, feel the breeze on your skin, and let your summer spirit shine through in the perfect dress. It's time to make this summer your most fashionable one yet!

Curious about what dresses work the best for you? Contact us to see how we can help!

SEVEN HABITS OF STYLISH WOMEN

Is good style something you are born with or can it be cultivated? It is something for special occasions or can it be a daily habit?

Well, I have some good news for you! Unlike your cheekbones you inherited from your grandma, good style in fact can be cultivated. Actually, once you have cultivated, it’s not some you need to save for special occasions but you can be stylish on a daily basis!

Here are SEVEN habits of highly stylish women. Need a little help cultivating your stylish habits? I am only a phone call away.

1. They edit their closets regularly.

Getting rid of things that no longer serve them, updating pieces that are worn out, or donating items that they have outgrown helps stylish women remain focused on what they have to work with. It also cuts down their “getting dressed” time as everything they own fits, flatters, and makes them look & feel their best.

2. They take good care of their pieces

Regular laundering, sewing on missing buttons, getting rid of stains on time, keep their pieces in ship shape. They are never floundering for their favorite white shirt or pulling out the black leggings from the wash.

3. They mix high-end pieces with bargain finds.

Stylish women know what to invest in and what to save on. They know how to mix high ticket items with their bargain finds to create unique looks that bring out their personality.

4. They choose the right undergarments.

Stylish women understand that just as a solid foundation is important for a great house, proper undergarments are key to achieving fit that flatters.

5. They are comfortable sizing up.

Stylish women are not married to the number on the tag. They know that a too tight fight is never a good look, they are comfortable sizing up and having pieces tailored if needed.

6. They understand the power of statement accessories.

Stylish women know that wearing bold accessories is a way to show off their personality. They are not afraid to add elements of fun, fashion and whimsy with some statement accessories with their wardrobe staples.

7. They are well-groomed.

Stylish women know that wearing the right clothes is just one part of the puzzle. They regularly care for themselves with proper grooming- haircuts, color if needed or desired, face-framing brows, moisturized skin, and well-kept nails. These are all a part of a stylish woman’s routine - not an occasional treat for special occasions. 

Are you ready for effortless style to be a habit and not an afterthought? Are you ready to ditch the confusion and frustration and have good style be a part of your day and not something for special occasions only? Download my FREE GUIDE TO LOOKING LIKE A BOSS ON ZOOM

Reasons to ditch your leggings right now

It’s 2021, are you still wearing leggings?

I have been waiting patiently for the trend to die down. But instead, now we have a whole culture of dressing around the early 2000’s wardrobe staple.

Yes, I did share 5 ways to wear black leggings HERE not too long ago, but the truth is you’ll never catch me wearing leggings, except in 2 scenarios.

One is while exercising- which is their true intended purpose.

The second is when they are layered under a long tunic, sweater, dress, or top in the colder months.

If you are wearing leggings, or workout clothes all the time, it’s time to ditch that STAT! I

It is a reasonable assumption that you are not working out ALL THE TIME!

Here’s why:

1. All athleisure and legging-type clothes are made with synthetic fibers. They have a lot of spandex/elastane... compression type material. Almost all synthetic fibers come from petroleum-derived sources. You are not letting your skin breathe.

2. Many performance fabrics are designed to keep you dry during your workout. This means they wick moisture away from Your body, but they keep it trapped. Which is really gross if you are not changing out of sweaty clothes within an hour of your workout.

3. Tight pants can cause bacterial infections, UTI’s and other yucky stuff in your sensitive down there body parts!

4. Ladies, if you wake up and put on your workout clothes first thing because you “intend” to work out later in the day. You are doing yourself a huge disservice. 

5. You are actually working out less because being in workout gear all day is tricking you into thinking that you are working out longer or harder.

6. You are better off being more intentional in dressing for your workout than being wishy-washy about it all day! 

7. Those forgiving, stretchy, comfy waistbands will never tell you how quickly the pounds are adding as a real waistband would. 

Your clothes should be an intentional reflection of you.

What exactly is wearing leggings saying? What is it saying to your students, clients, friends? Is it saying “I do not care enough about myself or YOU to shower, dress, and put on real clothes?”

How is wearing lulu lemon-like every suburban mom asserting your confidence or expertise? 

Reclaim your identity and your life by putting a little more thought and effort before you lose yourself in a sea of spandex.

That’s all in today’s public style/health/wellness announcement.

Namaste my friends!

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My long absence

Two weeks ago I lost my beautiful mother. She was only 63 years old. From her diagnosis with kidney cancer four years ago to her incredible journey of strength and courage in the last four years- she was a warrior.

Last summer in Jersey City, with New York City skyline as the backdrop

We laughed, we fought, we talked everyday. 

Yes, many people find it unbelievable that I would talk to my mom everyday as she lived in India and I lived in the US. But I feel like 11 years of daily conversations was preparing me for what will  seem to be an eternity without her.

She was an amazing cook and everyone would love an invite to eat her amazing fish and other Goan preparations. She was gentle and kind and also incredibly strong, smart and resourceful. She encouraged me, taught me & pushed me to invest money in stocks, make hot chapatis for my son, quit my full time job to be home with Mila and also to have my own business.

She was my shopping buddy and whether it was fashion street in Mumbai or Neiman Marcus at short hills, we enjoyed it all. Our favorite was all the handicraft shows in India and curating amazing textiles and some tchotchkes. 🙂

In the last 4 years she never stopped her pursuit of the good life- traveling extensively within India, to Dubai to meet us and even the New Jersey last summer. Sure she was in pain, going through horrible side effects of the treatments. Multiple tests every few weeks!

She participated in music events through her local teacher and performed on stage. 

She wanted to leave her legacy and even wrote a cookbook with all the amazing recipes she was known for among family & friends.

Not many can do the stuff in their regular life that she accomplished fighting stage 4 cancer.

She lives on in my brother, my dad and her grandkids. She passed on her love of reading to Mila & myself as well as our shared love of spending a whole after in Barnes & noble browsing books and sipping on a latte.

She was a very private person and not a huge fan of my Facebook shenanigans. But I share her with you today, because I want to tell you a few things.

Call your mom every damn day.

And secondly if you know someone who is battling cancer, stand by them everyday. There will be tough days, there will be down right shitty days, but it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. 

She was dead against having domestic help and except for the last couple of days she pulled through with just my dad. She was fiercely independent and when she could no longer live on her own terms she decided it was enough.

I’ll end by saying this... my mom had cancer but cancer never had my mom. 

Until we meet again, I’ll carry you in my heart every where I go.

Showing mom some love...

Whether you are a girl mom, a boy mom, a fur baby mom, a mom in waiting or a mom at heart, the day to celebrate you is almost here.

I totally believe in buying my own gifts, and my husband approves! This is in addition to the hugs, kisses and home made cards I’ll collect from my kids :)

No lies here, this holiday has totally crept up on me, I mean its almost here. If you didn’t grab mom or yourself a gift, no worries- I have done the heavy lifting.

Here’s a curated guide to my top mothers day gift picks! Many stores are offering curbside pick up, gifts with purchase and of course free shipping!

Now go show mom (or yourself) some love. God knows, this year especially this year we need it more than ever!

Growing up or evolving?

Tell me I am not alone!
Ever have that day (okay, those days!) where you just want to throw out all the clothes you own? Want to have everything new, fresh, fits perfectly, feels amazing and in alignment with you?

I have been going through that phase after my recent closet edit and my recent personal growth spurt!

We are improving, changing and up leveling all the time. So it is natural for Our wardrobe to sometimes feel out of snyc with who we are! Our personal al style is a representation of what’s going on, on the inside. Therefore it must evolve with us.

So to feel this way is totally normal! For many years my clothes were mostly from discount chains and bargain hunters paradise. They were inexpensive, disposable, perfect for my young kids to wipe on, spit up on etc. But now they are older and not using me as a paper towel. Plus my business has evolved and grown and most importantly I have evolved and grown! My focus has shifted from price to Value, disposable pieces to investment pieces, from quantity to quality.

I have definitely belonged to the “but it was on sale” club. I mean, who hasn’t? But now I will only purchase something if it truly speaks to me! I actually have a list of items I am looking for and only certain fabrics that I will add to my wardrobe. I am also done with so much polyester in our clothes! It takes longer when you follow my process, it’s not a one shopping trip to the mall situation. But over time, I build my wardrobe to be the best representation of who I am and who I am becoming. 
This is the same principle I apply to my clients wardrobes too!

Do you feel like your clothes are telling a story of the person you are and who you are becoming?

I know you, because I am YOU

I see you.

I know you.

Because I have been you.

You go about doing all the things.

The list of to-do’s in the entrepreneurial life is endless. Multiply it times three if you are also a mother. Your outfit is the last thing on your mind! Am I  right? 

But it really shouldn’t be and even you know it. 

You believe in your message, your ability to transform lives and the IMPACT it will have on many. You know you need to SHOW UP, be more visible, to get your message HEARD. 

But are you showing up as THE EXPERT that you are? May be you need new headshots, or pictures for your website or simply need to GO LIVE on videos so YOU can be THE CHANGEMAKER. 

Does your outside  match up with the person you are on the inside? Does your appearance  justify all the mindful work you have done to be the leader in your business space? Is there a disconnect?

Are your clothes putting out the high vibe you want to seek dream clients? Or is the way you dress giving out a low vibe message causing you to attract low vibe clients?

The way you dress can change the visual messaging of your brand and your business. It can showcase YOU as the expert as you are! It creates the confidence to be more VISIBLE! It will lead you to draw DREAM CLIENTS like moths to a flame!

Ready to raise your vibe and attract the RIGHT tribe?

Help is here.

Grace not Perfection

As I was in the shower today, I had an “aha moment”. All good and creative thoughts happen in the shower right? 🧖🏻‍♀️

Have you ever noticed, that for many of us, our hair has to be blow dried and styled to consider ourselves ready? For many women I know, workout wear and a hat are a daily uniform even if they are not going to the gym. Unless we have to go somewhere then we “get ready”. 💁🏻‍♀️

So when it comes to putting ourselves together, does it have to be all or nothing? Can it only be hair, make up and nice clothes or the other end which is sweatpants or leggings and a trucker hat? 🧢

Can we view getting ready for the day, showing up for ourselves, putting ourselves together a part of self care ? Because it is! When your outside looks good, your inside feels great! Don’t believe me? Well, try ditching your yoga pants for a week. ♥️

Do we have to hold ourselves to ridiculous standards of perfection propagated by social media and magazines? Or can we give ourselves some grace to show up as the best version of ourselves everyday? Blowout and 20 minute face not required. ♦️