Personal Style

outfit looks of the week

January 4, 2016

Just Roll With It

P1110027 There’s a lot that I stress out about that in reality, I have absolutely no control over whatsoever. Things that my neighbors do, airport delays, and how my hair decides to cooperate or (not) during a photoshoot are just a few of them. I try to predict and anticipate how these items may go, and what I can do if it’s not going as planned, but in the end, I really just have to roll with it.

Letting go, being calm and a bit more easy going and laid back when it doesn’t go your way is a trait that my husband possesses and I’m grateful every time something goes wrong, like three miles into our drive from Pittsburgh to New York last week when the “check engine” light came on in our car. I’m trying harder to not get so miffed by the small stuff, like the wind whipping up my hair in practically every single photo taken today, and save my energy for the bigger ticket items that deserve it, like my creative outlets and just general peace of mind.

Sartorially speaking, I don’t need to wait for the moment to seize me to wear the pieces that I love, but rather I should just go ahead and wear them, NOW. Take for example, these camo print heels; they are very special, that serve quite a specific purpose and probably have a limited range of occasions that I can wear them. So what? Why should they stay unused, unworn for 99% of the time, resting on my shoe shelf? They are delightful and bring me joy, so I think…I should just wear them right at this moment. With tights, of course (I’m not that impractical).

Here’s to a great 2016 ahead for all of us, filled with moments (and items) that truly bring us joy.

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julia dinardo fashion pulse daily

In This Look:

Club Monaco Fleece and Leather Biker Jacket (no longer available; see similar here)

Club Monaco Nescher Sweater Dress via Shopbop (c/o)

Hanes Opaque Tights (c/o)

Chinese Laundry Leo T Strap Sandal in Oliver Camoflauge (c/o the brand)

On lips: Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick Duo via Sephora (c/o)

Sophie Hulme ‘Nano Albion’ Crossbody Bag (gift)

Erickson Beamon Earrings (gift)

Henri Bendel Ring (c/o the brand; no longer available)

December 31, 2015

To and Fro Pennsylvania

by Julia DiNardo

fashion pulse daily sole society

I go back to Pittsburgh, PA quite often, and after all of this time I still stress out a little over what to pack and what to leave behind. What goes into my handbag is actually the easiest part of it all, as those items tend to pretty much stay them same, with some seasonal updates and swaps. Pictured above are my most dire items, which can usually be found tucked (somewhat) neatly inside of my handbag du jour, with this one being the Rebekah bag in olive from Sole Society.

See below for an explanation of why each of these items are always considered a holiday travel essential to me:
Continue reading…

December 28, 2015

Shoe Matching for Moms (and Aunts)

by Julia DiNardo

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I’ve never been big on “twinning” with anyone; in high school I always wore vintage dresses to date dances to avoid an awkward encounter of having on the exact same dress as someone else, and as an adult, have been shopping at an eclectic mix of brands and retailers to continue to dodge being compared to anyone else. I do, however, think it is absolutely ADORABLE to match the little ones; those little daughter/niece/goddaughter pairings of wearing identical items never gets old.

Nene Shoes is a brand that focuses on the “mini me” factor with styles that resonate with moms and daughters alike, and us aunts that take our roles very seriously can get in on the stylish fun too! My best friend Emily and her daughter Lily are now coordinated in their footwear (see above), and “Auntie J” had to of course also join in on the action (see below). The curated selections are stylish and practical for both girls and their busy adult components, and affordably priced since at least one pair of feet tend to grow very, very quickly. Matching shoes elevate any event to a special occasion, and this is one “twinning” exception I’ll gladly make!
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In This Look:

Nene Shoes Carmen Wedge in Beige for Women and for girls (c/o)
Talbots Flawless Five Pocket Ankle Jeans (c/o)
Talbots Cotton Printed Blouse (c/o)
Gemma Redux Curved Hoop Earrings
American Eagle Outfitters Cotton Tie-Dye Sweater (c/o)
GAP Moto Jacket (no longer available)
Ray-Ban Wayfarer
Lulu Frost Equine Ring
On Nails: Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish (c/o)
On Lips: Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick in Vibrant Magenta (c/o)

December 21, 2015

Setting Bag Boundaries

by Julia DiNardo

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In New York City, when your body functions basically as a car, using your own two feet to largely get you around, weaving in and out of human traffic and dodging any other obstacles in the way, carrying multiple bags is more of a hazard and less of a convenience. Especially on the subway when, at any point in time, you may be pressed against a minimum of four other humans, consolidating your stuff into one generously-sized bag is ideal.

In this week of extra chaos in the rush right before Christmas, I’ve been using the Dooney & Burke Newbury Suede Sloan Hobo bag in Brown, which neatly organizes and keeps secure my essentials, thanks to the its inside pockets, key hook, and zipper closure while channeling a slightly retro, ’70s vibe. There’s also plenty of room for a few extras, such as my workout clothes, a water bottle, and even space left over to conceal a small gift.

I can’t really predict what the new year may have in store for me or what to expect in 2016, but I do know that I can rely on this bag to contain whatever I need to be prepared for it!
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