Stylestance Essential: Black Cashmere Gloves

Stylestancers, let's talk some more about the rush. The feeling we get from finding those items that truly make us feel good (and not just buying for the sake of buying). This is how we can stock our closet with things we love.

This is the first year I treated myself to cashmere gloves. I'd always worn regular wool ones, but seemed to tire of them by the next year. They were pure practicality, with no rush. Recently I found a rush-worthy pair of melty-soft black cashmere gloves (on sale in Macy's for just over $20), and I know I'll wear them season after season.

Like a more affordable version of a cashmere sweater, my gloves make me feel pampered, as if I splurged. Well-priced options abound right now, like these from Target for just $19.99. So sweet but currently sold out: Coco Cashmere Gloves from Delight.com above.

See you tomorrow stylestancers!

Stylestance Feels the Rush

My husband asked me what I want for Christmas. This was a tough one. I really do have enough. Really I do. I've been focusing on shopping my closet and being content with what I already own. But an opportunity to get something frivolous and don't actually need? Hmmm.

My thoughts turned to boots, which I always crave this time of year. But wait. I recently posted about my favorite boots, and how they're all I need right now. Ok, I said, let's go shopping and just look around. Research.

We headed to my all-time favorite store, TJ Maxx. And there they were. A pair of Theory patent flat boots (retail $645! On clearance for 149!) that, to me, were perfection. Made in Italy of soft supple patent with soft leather lining and sueded sole, they almost melted in my hands. Instantly they became my new favorite boots, and they weren't even mine yet. (Come Christmas I'll probably wear them every day.)

So, stylestancers, here's what I learned. Of course we need to be smart and practical about our clothing choices. But I want every purchase I make to give me the rush that those boots did. Years ago I read an article that said the way to develop our own style is to only own things we love, and I'm learning that's true. Aren't our best pieces the ones that give us that rush? Did you ever find a piece you just couldn't resist?

Stylestance All in the Jeans

Jeans are definitely in my top 5 must-have clothing items. A great pair of jeans can make us look good, feel good, and sometimes even do good.

The fabulous Pierce Jeans donates an incredibly generous portion of its proceeds to help feed children around the world. In fact, that was the reason the company was formed in the first place. Equally cool: each pair has unique stitching on the back pocket that represents the country whose children your jeans are helping to feed.

All of which makes the rear view of your jeans even more amazing than ever.

Stylestancers, see you tomorrow for some impulsive stylestance.

Stylestance of a Different Color

Despite my best intentions to continue wearing spring/summer colors into fall and winter, I once again find myself favoring black this season. It's not unusual for me to wear a black dress, black coat and black boots on any given day (though I've been leaving out the black tights to lighten up the look).

So I try to add color in small ways through accessories in pretty shades (as beautifully demonstrated by Coach above). Purses, wristlets, gloves, scarves, all are perfect places to add bold color, make our outfits pop and quite literally brighten our day. How do you bring color into your winter wardrobe?

Stylestancers, see you tomorrow for an ingenious idea.

Sunday Stylestance: Home Edition

First I'd like to thank my new readers who joined me this week: Natalie, Nathalie and Diane. I am honored by your visits, and I hope you find something of value here, every day.

This is another in my series of stylestance in the home. To me, lighting is an easy way to add style + substance. A great lamp can add personality and mood while bringing the necessity of light. Here's a glimpse of our family room. I think this lamp, purchased in Lowe's, is almost a sculptural piece of art, instantly adding stylestance where there was none before.

Stylestancers, see you tomorrow for some colorful stylestance.

Saturday Stylestance: Music to My Ears

I love listening to The Message on satellite radio in my car. The music is so inspiring and uplifting, other drivers must wonder why I look so happy behind the wheel. It's because I am.

Sometimes I hear a song that makes me want to stop, pull over and just listen. One of these is the captivating The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophet, which captures having faith on behalf of a friend when he's lost his own faith. My favorite line: "God's got his hand on you, so don't live life in fear."

Take a moment to listen and read lyrics here.

Stylestancers, see you tomorrow for Sunday Stylestance, home edition.

Stylestance Cheat Sheet: December

As part of my ongoing process of streamlining my wardrobe and shopping my own closet (wearing and appreciating what I have instead of always buying more), I'm starting to think about easy ways to create outfits with style + substance. In December in the Northeast, substance translates to warmth.

As I am often rushed in the morning, here are some quick "cheat sheet" outfits that make it easy to get dressed for work (my office is a casual environment, so these apply to weekend also). December mornings when I can't decide what to wear, I grab one of the following combinations:

1. Distressed jeans, tee or ruffled shirt, refined blazer. Key winter stylestance add-on: short boots with jeans rolled

2. Long-sleeved day dress with boots and boot socks (without tights, unless it's really cold). Key winter stylestance add-on: long cardigan

3. Tunic or long sweater and leggings, boots. Key winter stylestance add-on: chunky scarf tied at neck

When I need more inspiration or tire of my "cheat sheet" looks, I just open a J Crew catalog and try to somewhat imitate looks with pieces I already own.

Try making a cheat sheet of your own, a list of 3 or so go-to outfits that work with your lifestyle and can be put together in a hurry.

Stylestancers, see you tomorrow for stylestance music to my ears.