Denim on Denim

A few weeks ago in Monday's "An Educated Style" post I called liar, liar to the style myth that you can't wear horizontal stripes. Today we've got another frequent fashion fable to shoot down & that's that you can't wear double denim. Another common "don't" this applies to is mixing black & brown, or black & navy.

The secret to pulling it off is making it intentional.

Double denim looks awkward when the denims are so close it just sort of looks like they're mismatched. Like when you wear black on black but one item is faded, so it looks like you wanted them to match perfectly, & didn't notice that they don't.

The line that you can't mix black & navy comes from wearing all black & not realizing that your dark shoes are actually navy. Or the guy who's wearing brown & then puts on a black belt because he didn't give it any thought.

It's awkward, when it's accidental.

That's what makes you look like an amateur. Like you didn't notice or know better. But when you make an intentional choice, then the rules go out the window. So how do you do that? You make both choices strong, bold, different. Not just one tiny piece. Not barely different shades. 

Here I've got a very light chambray shirt, with a much deeper indigo bottom. A guy could do a black suit if the belt & shoes & bag were all brown. Or you could wear a black skirt & handbag, with a navy top & heels. You've heard me say before there are no style rules, just principles. And this is the principles of balance. Make both choices strong, & you've found the sweet spot.

Shop this Style { Chambray Shirt : Primark : Similar | Denim Shorts Skirt : Chanel : Similar | White Statement Necklace : Ann Taylor : Similar | Red & White Striped Heels : Soho Boutique : Similar | Tan Monogram Statement Bag : c/o Gigi New York | White Sunglasses : Target : Similar } + Brooklyn Photographer Bethany Michaela

Also, I'd like to acknowledge that I'm wearing a skort. Or coolots, if you prefer. Whoever though I'd sport those? Not I, I tell you. Not I. But when they're vintage & Chanel ... well suddenly they're my favorite new/old take on jean shorts! Sometimes I'm surprised. Which is delightful. Because if we knew all the answers & just what would happen, life would be a bit dull, eh?

P.S. If you're looking for more style tips, come follow along over at Instagram via @HilaryRushford. It's my favorite spot where I can share mini blog posts {photos + style tips} when I don't have time to pour all that goodness into a big post here on the blog. So come say hello!

How to Wear a Pencil Skirt

The pencil skirt is one of my favorite wardrobe pieces. When you find one that's good quality or just the right fit, it is oh so flattering on all my client's body types whether you're petite, boyish, curvy. On Monday I used my newest pencil fine to teach my #1 tip for adding more color to your wardrobe.

However, since I don't work in a corporate office setting, it can be a bit more challenging to find opportunities to wear a pencil. So I am so thrilled to be a part of a How-to Series thanks to The Refined Woman that brought together some of my favorite bloggers to show you 7 Ways to Style The Classic Pencil Skirt. Here's what I'm loving:

Jen + Sara: Showing how a t-shirt can keep a pencil feeling casual enough for everyday. I often feel I'm not a "t-shirt girl" because with jeans it feels too plain, but I'd never thought of it with a pencil before!

Erin + Casey: Demonstrating how a pencil doesn't have to be too structured. I love how they both have really easy, flowy, effortless looks. Neither is emphasizing their waist, but they both still look feminine thanks to the necklaces that anchor that "V' shape I talk about when the "line" {i.e. waist} is missing.

Em + Kat: Having my back when it comes to bright colors! Awesome examples of how if color intimidates you, a structured shape like the pencil will keep you looking chic + refined. Oh so appropo since they're the founders of The Refined Woman!

Jen of The Effortless Chic // Sara of Glitter+Grace // Erin of Apt34 // Casey of The Weigands // Em + Kat of The Refined Woman

P.S. Alright bettys, now it's your turn to join the party. What's one idea from above you can try out in your wardrobe this week? It could be with a pencil skirt, or any other wardrobe piece that's similar to something above. Leave it in the comments & get someone else's creative genius going!

New Seminar Saturday!

Awesome news. After two sell-out seminars of Photoshop Basics, I'm offering it again plus taking it to the next level with a Photoshop 102 follow-up: Collages & Inspiration Boards.

Plus, I've heard:

"How do you make your bun look so good?"

"Gosh I wish my hair could do bangs."

"I never think about my hair as part of my outfit ..."

One too many times. So I'm bring in the big guns: Special guest, my personal hair stylist, Rachel Downing! She's a top NYC hair stylist, loves her clients as fiercely I do mine, & is one of the most hilarious gals I know.

So pour yourself a cuppa & get ready to girl crush while getting hair smart & sassy ...

Oh! And it's FREE.

Get all the news & register here ... 

P.S. Honor Society got the first chance to sign-up for these courses & get them on their calendar last Thursday. Get the VIB {very important bettys ... & dappers} scoop by joining Honor Society now! 

How to Wear Color

Last week we talked about how to pull off simple black & white, & this week we're embracing color!

I love color. But I find it intimidates a lot of my clients. The number one secret I share with them as to how to pull it off without ever looking kitschy, immature or over the top?

Jewel tone hues.

When we think of colors there are different hues. Pastels: pale pink, sky blue, lavender. Mixing those can have us feeling like an Easter egg or an 11-year-old pretty quickly. There's primary: Crayola red, yellow, blue. This can easily channel Rainbow Bright or Punky Brewster. Deep hues like burgundy, eggplant & burnt orange can be pretty. But mixed together they can also look very dark, not super happy & aren't the most flattering on all skin tones or at all times of year.

But jewel tones? Picture angels singing on high because they are the perfect compliment to any skin tone or hair color, any time of year, for any style. Plum, marigold, peacock blue, teal, poppy, magenta, royal blue. These colors are just a bit richer, more saturated -- they look chic, sophisticated, professional.

Have you ever believed 6 impossible things before breakfast? {One of my favorite quotes from Alice in Wonderland.} Well if you in play in the same jewel tone hue family, you can even mix six impossible colors together as below. 

Shop this Style { Chartreuse Sweater : Forever 21 : Similar | Hot Pink Pencil Skirt : Vintage : Similar | Royal Blue Purse : Accessorize : Similar | Tangerine Heels : Next UK : Similar | Yellow Cocktail Ring : c/o Kendra Scott | Watch : Boutique : Similar } + Brooklyn Photographer Bethany Michaela

Want more tips on how to wear color? I made a Pinterest board just for you! And while you're there, why don't you follow moi + pin one of these pretty images above so all your followers can come read these happy color tips!

Angelina Jolie + Gwyneth Paltrow Style

You know I j'adore color & pattern. But I have plenty of style clients who prefer neutrals & even one who wears exclusively black.

I always assure them that is just fine! But. The key to pulling that off & keeping it chic, is to make it clear that simplicity was an intentional choice, not a lack of creativity.

How do you do that? Fit, fabric + details.

A white t-shirt, black leggings + black flip flops? Meh.

This white button-down, silky black pants with an elephant print, black heels with a grown-up handbag & a cool accent like this head-piece? Now you're understanding how Angelina Jolie & Gwyneth Paltrow {two celebrities my clients reference often} can dress in neutrals without ever looking like the didn't give their style thought.

Furthermore, the fit of this ensemble is very easy. Nothing's super tight or really showing off my curves or waist. But the heels, handbag, one or two accessories & a bright lipstick -- they make it clear I'm not stumbling out of a writer's haze on my way to Trader Joe's, but intentionally sporting one of those effortlessly easy looks for a tea date in my neighborhood. 

It sounds counter-intuitive, but the secret to looking effortless, is putting in the effort of the finishing details: make-up, hair, handbag, shoes, accessories. Suddenly you're not schleppy, you're easy breezy chic. Now who wants tea?

Shop this Style { Classes White Button-Down : Primark : Similar | Black Silk Pants : Primark : Similar | Black Photography Bag : Theit | Black Pumps : DSW : Similar | Black & White Flower Hair Piece : c/o Mila Rose Designs } + Brooklyn Photographer Bethany Michaela

P.S. Have you joined Honor Society? I'm announcing a new seminar to them on Thursday that I know is going to sell out fast. So make sure you're on the list!