Month: December 2023

Madison LeCroy’s Tan Sleeveless Sweater and Jogger Set

Madison LeCroy’s Tan Sleeveless Sweater and Jogger Set / Southern Charm Season 9 Episode 14 Fashion

On last night’s #SouthernCharm the crew made their much needed return to Charleston. And in doing so we got to see Madison LeCroy’s and she was wearing a cute and comfy looking tan sleeveless sweater and jogger set. But not only is cute and comfy, it is also very affordable. Which means we will all be saying welcome home when it arrives at our doorstep in 5-7 business days.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess


Madison LeCroy's Tan Sleeveless Sweater and Jogger Set

Style Stealers





Originally posted at: Madison LeCroy’s Tan Sleeveless Sweater and Jogger Set

Read More

Paige DeSorbo’s Blue and Green Sweatshirt

Paige DeSorbo’s Blue and Green Sweatshirt / Southern Charm Season 9 Episode 14 Fashion

I always get a little too pumped when I see Paige DeSorbo on Southern Charm because I know we’re going to get some good fashion displayed. But I have to tell you I wasn’t expecting to see our girl wearing pastels in her blue and green sweatshirt! Charleston must be rubbing off on her, I mean Taylor Ann Green was just seen wearing this a couple weeks back. Either way, Paige, we love this vibe for you, and we love this ‘fit (that’s fully stock btw) for us.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess


Also Seen on Taylor Ann Green

Taylor Ann Green's Blue Varsity Sweatshirt
Paige DeSorbo's Blue and Green Sweatshirt

Style Stealers





Originally posted at: Paige DeSorbo’s Blue and Green Sweatshirt

Read More

How Learning to Simplify Can Help You Define Your Unique and Personal Style

learning to simplify

As women who are aging beautifully, one of our goals is to finally settle on our personal and unique style. What defines us; what clothes look great on us; what people enrich and inspire us; which colors make us feel energized and comfortable; what music makes us smile. This is not to say that we do not continue looking for new and wonderful inspiration and discoveries, but we finally understand what shapes our true self.

For me, downsizing was the key to that realization. It was by eliminating things from my life that I started to understand who I was. In saying ‘yes’ to the things that I loved, I found myself.

Downsizing Uncovers the Real You

My journey to a simpler lifestyle has had many twists and turns over the past years as I have reduced my possessions and redesigned my world.

The ultimate goal was always to get a better definition and understanding of my own unique style by making decisions about possessions, people, and places. I donated, discarded, downsized. I let people go who no longer made me happy, left my job and moved to Switzerland.

Of course, with any set of decisions that move you toward the truth, it got very complicated at times. All that kept me going some days was a sense that somehow complexity was just disguising the essential me and that somehow by choosing to reduce and simplify, I would find some serenity and peace.

Little did I know that complexity was a gift and in some way at the heart of simplicity. Moving house can be a catalyst for downsizing, so as I prepared to move all those years ago, I realized that everything I owned fell into three categories.

Unique, Wonderful and Irreplaceable Treasures

First, there were the items that I carefully selected for their unique and memorable connection to my life that defined me as Margaret. These were the things that absolutely belonged in my life. I loved them without question and never wanted to let them go.

I figured that when I died, those 100 or so items would be easy for someone to discard. You probably think this sounds morbid, but the process of ‘Swedish death cleaning’ is all about getting to the honest truth of what is really important to you.

Things That I Will “Need”

The second category consisted of things that I know I will need in a new living space and see absolutely no reason to buy them again at twice the price in the new location. A saucepan, can opener, shower curtain, sheets, and towels.

I have, for example, gorgeous purple mugs that make me smile every time I make a cup of tea in them. I hope I’ll have at least four friends to share them with. Yes, I could use plastic cups or boring white, but I love the purple design that someone hand-painted with memories of a field of lavender in their minds, or perhaps something more complex.

I like that image, I think it’s beautiful. So those kinds of disposable items have to come along. This only goes to show how emotional and completely irrational the ‘owing’ of stuff can be.

Transition Items That Eventually Have to Go

The final group was things that for some inexplicable reason refused to allow me to let them go – for now at least. Items in this category were primarily things made of paper. Books, papers, journals, pictures, and postcards.

Also, things that were handwritten or handmade. Mother’s Day cards made by my young children. Handmade necklaces that I created. Heirlooms. Things I knew could never be replicated and which would take decades to scan. Clothes and shoes are a subset of this category and deserve their own sentence! Say no more.

Yes, there are some basics to hold on to as you make a move, but 5 sets of Christmas lights?

I am inextricably connected to these things. Yet even though I could throw them away, I have been unable to let them go! For years, I refused to be that minimalistic. “What is the point of reducing and reducing just for the sake of it?” I would ask myself. I argued to myself that there was richness in memories and holding on to things that have accompanied you on your bumpy and beautiful life journey.

Now I understand this is the biggest category for downsizing. I have to learn to simplify those categories. I imagine it is the same for many of you. It is going to involve decisions and tears, but we can do it together!

Learning to Simplify Does Not Have to Be Boring

As you get ready to join me on this downsizing exercise, I will share one essential truth. What I’ve learned most of all is that simplicity does not have to be boring. It can be elaborate and funky and abundant. It leads you to your true self which is a pretty amazing place to land!

They say that living small is the new way to live big – in terms of fewer possessions, more creative budgeting or physically in fewer square feet. And that is my next challenge. I can’t wait to start my own adventure with all of you.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you in the midst of your downsizing journey? Have you categorized your possessions? Which category was/is the most difficult to tackle? If you have already downsized, do you think the simplicity is better?

Read More

Paige DeSorbo’s White Contrast Trim Sweater Dress

Paige DeSorbo’s White Contrast Trim Sweater Dress / Southern Charm Season 9 Episode 14 Fashion

I am soooo here for this friendship of Paige DeSorbo and Madison LeCroy. I mean can you imagine the outfits/photos shared on social media (it’s a bummer we’d only get to see Paige’s 😜)?! Though I’m not in the “rushing to get Paige living in Charleston” corner I do support it future wise and am looking forward to the cul-de-sac content. We at least got a little taste here at the dinner party where Paige wore the cutest white contrast trim sweater dress. And us shopping something similar to it seems to have a really nice ring to it.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess


Paige DeSorbo's White Contrast Trim Sweater Dress

Style Stealers





Originally posted at: Paige DeSorbo’s White Contrast Trim Sweater Dress

Read More

Madison LeCroy’s Blue Zip Up Dress

Madison LeCroy’s Blue Zip Up Dress / Southern Charm Season 9 Episode 14 Fashion

If Charleston had a Real Housewives show, I think Madison LeCroy would be the perfect candidate after seeing her throughout last night’s episode. Everything seemed to come out perfect including the pasta she “made” outfit she wore. It was a blue tweed zip up dress that looked absolutely adorable. And even though it’s only available pre-owned we rounded up some similar styles that you will def want to host in your house.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess


Madison LeCroy's Blue Zip Up Dress

Style Stealers





Originally posted at: Madison LeCroy’s Blue Zip Up Dress

Read More