Fashion on the Hill will be spotlighting the personal wardrobe transformation of Kyra DeBlaker-Gebhard, one of our most enthusiastic and prolific bloggers, busy Mom and part-time professional, aided by the pro bono work of style talent Jenn Bussell of Wardrobe 180°, profiled here a few weeks back.
Our Kyra went for round two in her personal wardrobe makeover at Union Station this week, and if she didn’t find her inner goddess (and that’s because she needs to meet her halfway!), she did get out of stripes for a while and into some quite smashing pieces that did the bidding of her hourglass figure, not the other way around.
White House/Black Market provided the four-season Little Black Dress Kyra desperately needed for a night out–the soft, ruffled decollete mimicked in the hemline balanced by a belted, structured midsection made for a perfect fit for $150.00. Ann Tayor had lots of swirly-patterned, blue and black dresses– Mediterranean blue is an accent color for the season at area stores–but Jenn decided none really flattered Kyra’s body, or hung as they should, some billowing where the waist should have been accentuated. Jenn told us that Ann Taylor designs for a slimmer cut now, as it tries to go more upscale. There were some nice ensembles Jenn crafted with skinny belts in dresses’ pre-made loops. Kyra bought another basic, a white shirt that “fits like a dream” at Chico’s, but wonders if, at $80, it is too expensive. A long-sleeved white shirt is one of the 20 wardrobe basics Jenn recommends and it is no-iron. Trouble is, it confuses the heck out of Kyra. We all know what to do with a little black dress, but a little white button-down shirt throws us a curveball?
Kyra had her toddler in tow, and can shop effortlessly with this tyke, passing out milk and cookies in the dressing room of Ann Taylor and not getting a spot on her! This while processing hints, suggestions and outright sartorial rejections from Jenn. That’s style right there!
Says Kyra, “I put on a lot of things. Some were too big, some too small and some were just right–so right that I spent more than I planned on the things I bought,” which included a few foundation pieces (this means camisoles and leggings) two button-down shirts–one is a navy camp shirt–a striped tank from Express and the LBD. (Sorry, I wasn’t around for the stripey purchase and am not accountable for more of these stripes in her closet, but the tank is hot pink and white!)
“While I know the things I got were mostly staples, some of them I still don’t feel like I’ve adopted. Like I can’t see me wearing a white buttoned down shirt. It’s not me, but my t-shirts are starting to feel tired.” Kyra says she liked the dressy tees at Ann Taylor and might go back there. “And I’m hoping Jenn will walk me through how to wear the things I got when we meet again on Friday at my house.”
What–a white shirt challenge? Kyra, let’s see your new look! What would you do with a button-down white shirt? Help Kyra here!
Kyra has a fun time in store for her when Jenn comes back to help put together outfits. Jenn came over yesterday to do a Special Occasion Styling for me – she helped me pick out a couple of outfits to wear for family photos the hubby and I are taking. She gave me some fun looks to choose from and made sure he and I are wearing outfits that “compliment”. As for the looks that didn’t make the photo cut? I have some new options for the next time we go out on the town.
That’s great, Sharee! Jenn really is wonderful at what she does, and I can’t recommend her services enough. She really has me rethinking the way I look at clothes.
Today I’m in a very Jenn-inspred outfit. Lots of layers that served me well during my lunch time ride!
I love wearing crisp white shirts. My favorite one is lower cut and has a built in white belt to cinch it around my waist. I like to wear it with jeans or a gray pencil skirt for work. I also like to throw a navy “boyfriend” blazer over it. My boyfriend blazer is from urban outfitters. When I roll up the sleeves white pinstriped silk pops from underneath. My favorite white shirt is from Anne Taylor. The collar is large and I like to pop it a little to make it look more fun and less stuffy.
Oh, I love a white shirt with jeans (especially dark rinse or trouser-style) and cute flats or heels for going out. You can dress it up a little with silver or turquoise jewelry. White shirts with the sleeves rolled up paired with a denim skirt or dark capris are also nice for business casual, brunch, a party, etc.
These all sound like the kind of ideas Jenn was offering when we met today to review the items I bought last week and what I already have in my closet. Stay tuned to see the looks!
I am definitely keeping the shirt!