Catching Up…[Plus a Giveaway]

Hi loves! I must apologize for my prolonged absence. I’ve been busy with many good things, but that has left little time for blogging. I have some great stuff in the pipeline that I hope you’ll enjoy and possibly forgive me for being M.I.A. I even have a giveaway for those of you kind enough to read all the way through this post!

So, what have I been up to lately? I’ll give you all the details on the most fashionable event first.

I had the pleasure of hearing and meeting the fabulous Stacy London—best known for co-starting on TLC’s What Not to Wear—when she came to D.C. to dish the details on her newest book The Truth About Style at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue.

It was a packed house!

While I enjoyed hearing all about the new book and what inspired Stacy to write it, I think like most attendees, I thoroughly enjoyed her Q&A with the audience. Each interaction felt like a mini episode of What Not to Wear. There were plenty of famous lines like “Shut Up” reiterated, but Stacy also gave great advice.

Here’s some of what she shared:

• “Trends are something you have to filter through you.” In other words, if skinny jeans are in and they don’t look good on you, don’t do it. Instead, find something similar that works for you. 
• “We are so entrenched with the stories we have told ourselves and style can change that.” This ties into the point above, but I found this remark so truthful. Just recently, I convinced myself that peplum cannot work for me. I mean, my stomach is an area I’d like to conceal versus calling attention to with extra fabric. However, after a-sure-why-not moment at Zara, I found a peplum pencil skirt that is super flattering. We shouldn’t restrict ourselves because a magazine said it isn’t suitable for a particular body type or because our friends cruelly say otherwise.
• “The way you present yourself says a lot about how you think about yourself.” I think this is a golden rule. You want someone respect you, dress respectfully. Show yourself the respect of taking the time to present the best of yourself each and every day.
• For those who travel lots for work, Stacy recommends bringing some essential basics and changing things up with awesome accessories that don’t take up too much suitcase room (a pair of knock out shoes, a statement necklace, etc.).
• For young female professions, it’s all about suit separates. Stacy explained how a blazer is a versatile piece that can be worn in and outside of work.
• If you’re still figuring out your style, Stacy advised to: (1) Always dress to your body type and (2) Practice! Try clothes on, take some risks. As Stacy said, “style is a muscle like anything else.”

After the talk, Stacy offered to sign copies of her book. Below are some quick snap shots I was always to grab thanks to an amazing friend who attended the event with me.

We were engaged in a lively conversation about my sparkly vintage Laurence Kazar top that I insisted I had to wear just for her.My outfit actually encompassed one of her rules: wear what you have to for work, but feel free to dress like a completely different person on the weekends.

Now it’s official. I’m a Stacy London fan for life!

To thank you for your patience while I was on a blogging break and to allow you to enjoy The Truth About Style, I’m giving away a free copy! Just follow the rules on Rafflecopter giveaway to enter. The contest will close at midnight on Thursday, October 18 and I’ll announce the winner on Friday.