Not Feeling So Sassy?
Getting dressed can be an exciting thing — for me, at least. I love selecting clothes and combining them with accessories to create unique, feel-good outfits that make me smile. And I love digging through my shoe collection for just the right pair. And when I do all that — and my hair and make-up too — I feel pretty awesome.
But like most people I don’t always feel that way. Sometimes, all I want is to curl up in my favorite yoga pants and read all day. Sometimes, the last thing I want is to slip on a pair of cute heels. Sometimes, I don’t even want to think about having a sassy sense of style. Continue reading »
Styling Jeans: It’s All About the Shoes

This series is brought to you by Levi’s® Curve ID. Find your custom fit at Levi’s® stores or Levi.com
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My friends at Clever Girl’s Collective recently asked me to talk about styling jeans as part of the Levi’s® Curve ID program. My reaction was somewhere between a whoop and an “Oh heck, yea!”
I love jeans. I probably own a half-dozen pairs, plus another dozen waiting in the wings to fit again. Depending on the color, fit and style, jeans can be perfect for a Saturday morning of yard work or meeting with editors on Tuesday afternoon. They can go from the office to a parent-teacher meeting. They can have a girls night out or play board games with the kids. Jeans are just so versatile.
Of course, that’s not to say that I constantly wear jeans. I don’t. But I could if I wanted to.
When it comes to dressing jeans, what you wear on top matters — but I think you probably already know that. But it’s what’s on the bottom (on your feet, that is) that really makes a difference. For instance, you can’t wait sneakers — even fancy ones — to a meeting, even if you are wearing a crisp white shirt and blazer. Well, unless you are Ellen Degeneres, and we both know you aren’t.
So, how do you style your shoes with your jeans? Here are some tips: Continue reading »
Repair and Rejuvenate Your Hair with a Banana Hair Mask
Editor’s Note: Cate O’Malley of Sweetnicks joins us today with a hair trick for shiny locks. Now, where are my old bananas?
Back in August, in a show of solidarity and motherly support, when my 9-year-old son decided to get his first summer mohawk, I chopped nine inches off the length of my hair. The good news is that it was enough that it was donated to Locks of Love. The bad news is that I’ve missed it every day since. So when I stumble upon a homegrown remedy to take care of my hair (and even make it grow faster, as this mask is rumored to do), I’m all for it. Even if it means getting a little bit messy. Continue reading »
Cleaning Tips, Soothing Bedding and More from HGTV Magazine
Don’t you just want to jump into that bed? It’s totally inviting … and would look amazing in my hypothetical beach house (you know, the one I dream of owning … someday soon). I could totally see myself waking up in that bed and gazing out the window at the lapping waves … sheer bliss.
In the meantime, here in my little country home, I’ve set my sites on a little more updating in our beach-themed living room and some changes to my half-bath and kitchen. Our bedroom, which is small with really big furniture — a bad combination, is badly in need of a makeover too, but we’ll get to that some other time. It’s going to be a big project when it happens. For now, small makeovers are where it’s at.
What about you? Any makeovers or renovations planned anytime soon?
Tangerine is In!
Editor’s Note: Cate O’Malley of Sweetnicks joins us today with an awesome style hint.
The hottest color in your wardrobe this year? Tangerine! Thanks goes to the Pantone team for announcing it as the color of 2012. Tangerine goes great with all sorts of colors when planning your outfit, but particularly with darker colors (think navy and black) and lighter neutral colors (ivory, peach, and cream). If you think wearing tangerine isn’t for you, start small and go with accessories as you warm up to the new (hot!) shade.
Don’t have tangerine-hued items in your wardrobe? Not to worry, we’re here to help!
- Bring back the Pashmina trend with this soft shawl.
- This chunky cocktail ring from Bluefly is sure to be a conversation starter (and likewise, stores like Pier 1, believe it or not, have similar rings for a fraction of the price).
- Get your flip-flop on with this sleek and trendy pair from Ralph Lauren. Continue reading »
A Classic Holiday Door (DailyBuzz Moms 9×9)
As the holidays approached, I knew I wanted to decorate in a special way. I was looking for an elegant lighted look/idea that’s classic but refreshing. When I saw this pin on Pinterest, I knew exactly what I was going to do.
I loved the regal look of the lighted design, and how it was simple but just perfectly elegant all the same.
Originally, I planned to light the mini trees too, but after discovering that the only light strand that would work was a short battery powered one, I reconsidered. Because everything has to be turned on separately, that adds more daily work to the house upkeep. Not fun.
Still, this look is a great holiday one.
Oh, and those mini trees? We’ll be planting them in the spring in our yard — a small step toward bringing back a little privacy to our Hurricane Irene and freak snow-storm-ravaged property. Continue reading »
Holiday Looks: Demure Sassiness
Fresh Hostess Gifts: Gin and Tonic Set
Can a classic cocktail be a fresh hostess gift? It can when it involves a great quality gin (I am partial to Tanqueray) and an organic agave-sweetened tonic water.
I was recently introduced to Q Tonic, a snazzy tonic water sold in glass bottles. It’s pretty to look at — which makes it a visually appealing present. But is there substance behind the styling? Yes. Continue reading »
Dare to Try: Purple Eyeshadow
Thanks to L’Oreal for sponsoring my post about my favorite beauty looks, tips and tricks! Check out Makeup.com for beauty advice from the experts.
There was a time when I wouldn’t leave the house without makeup on. No matter what. It felt akin to taking a naked stroll, which I would never do either. But then, after having kids I eventually got a little more comfortable with my skin and learned to go without.
Ok. That’s not really the truth of it. The truth is that I had my second child and discovered how hard it is to get two little ones out the door in the morning so something had to give … and that something was my morning beauty routine. Even though I now work at home and don’t have quite as much morning rush, I haven’t gone back to that perfect morning process.
I want to though. I miss my fervent dedication to a daily beauty routine, which was such an important part of my daily look. Makeup wasn’t just about looking pretty. It was about being seen for the competent woman I am. When I was a dedicated makeup user, I always knew that I was ready for anything the work day could throw at me. Last second interview with the mayor for a newspaper article? No problem. Covering a hostage standoff? Sure. Previewing a school play? On it. Whether or not you agree, wearing makeup meant that I was never distracted wondering if my skin was splotchy or if I looked tired — real concerns. It started everything I did on an even playing field.
So, among my 2012 goals is to get back to the point where my daily life includes a dedicated beauty routine. While I think it’s important to be comfortable enough to go without makeup when necessary, it’s also important to put your best foot forward. All the time. That’s where a good daily beauty routine comes into play. Continue reading »
Holiday Party Look Love: Velvet and Sequins
I am wild about sequins this holiday season and love the idea of pairing a cute sequin tank with a luxe velvet blazer and skinny black pants.
What do you think? Is this an awesome holiday look?
Golden Living Room: Inside the Sweetnicks House
Recently, my kids and I headed to New Jersey for a Blogger’s Thanksgiving at the Sweetnicks house. Cate O’Malley (the lady behind Sweetnicks) is a longtime friend of mine, and I love her decorating style. So when I saw her living room, I had to snap a photo of it.
Cate’s living room has a magical, whimsical feel to it that’s so welcoming and warm. You walk in and just want to collapse on her couches and chat for hours. It’s no wonder that she loves entertaining — with a fab style like this, how could you not? Continue reading »
Fresh Hostess Gifts: Olives and an Olive Dish (And a Costco Cash Giveaway)
Growing up, I was always taught that you never arrive at anyone’s house without a small token of appreciation. So, when it comes to holiday parties, hostess gifts — or small thank you gifts — are a must.
In the past, I have gifted everything from fancy soaps to homemade gift baskets. But if you are looking for a new take on the traditional hostess gifts, you are going to love this Fresh Hostess Gifts series this holiday season on Sassy Closet.
Fresh Hostess Gift Idea #1: Olives and an Olive Dish
It wasn’t until I was setting the table with several types of olives in two olive dishes that I realized how fabulous a gift this makes. Olives are a holiday-must in my house and always have been. From standard black olives to fancy olive bar ones, we love ‘em all. Continue reading »
















