All Dressed Up

"Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress." - Coco Chanel

Who doesn't love shopping!? Finding the right dress makes me oh so happy! I have a curvy figure and it can get challenging nailing down the perfect dress that flatters me the best. Luckily, I can always find an amazing piece at White House Black Market. They have so many dresses that flatter every body type. 

Today I'm sharing a few dresses that will match perfectly for your body type. Also, I'll be giving some tips when it comes to selecting new dresses. 

Hourglass

Wrap Dress | This is the perfect option because you are able to adjust the belt around your waist. You are able to accentuate the best part of your body, while feeling comfortable and confident!  Your silhouette will look absolutely stunning, and it'll be flattering. 

Apple

Shift Dress | Your legs will shine in this option! This dress will be comfortable and flow over your middle-section. 

Pear

Fit & Flare | This dress resembles the wrap dress by accentuating the waist and giving a nice flowing fit on the bottom. If you are curvy this is an excellent option and is absolutely stunning on.

Dress Buying Tips

1. Alterations are your best friend. I always have a seamstress on standby to make sure that my new dress fits perfectly. Also, if I feel like a dress may need a little bit of work, I'll order the piece a size up to ensure I feel absolutely comfortable. It's important to have the dress tailored to your body perfectly for the best fit.
2. Try on various options. I love trying on dresses to see if they will work well with my body type. I typically gravitate towards fit and flare and wrap dresses. Experiment with various styles to see what you love!
3. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident. At the end of the day if you feel comfortable and gorgeous in a dress - got for it! A dress should always enhance what you have and make you absolutely confident wearing it!

Happy shopping ladies!

XO, Analise

Spring Cleaning

"I look forward to spring cleaning and putting things in their place. It's therapeutic for me." - Kimora Lee Simmons

Spring has sprung! I absolutely love spring. It is the start of a new season, and to warmer days! I prepare for this moment in many ways. One of my favorites activities is spring cleaning! As you all know I'm a huge neat freak, and cleaning is something I take very seriously. I typically clean out my closet each quarter, just to make sure everything is in tip top shape.

Today I'm sharing my tips and tricks for the ultimate closet clean out!

1. Toss. Donate. Sell. Keep. This is a phrase I live by when I'm cleaning out my closet. I create four piles and indicate which item goes into the category. The Toss category is for any item that is worn out and no longer worth keeping. These items are typically damaged or broken beyond repair. Donate are for the pieces that have been used, but are still in decent condition. These items can certainly be worn again but may not be worth re-selling. The Sell pile is perfect for gently used pieces. I get amazing luck on selling my purses that are in excellent condition! My favorite pile is the Keep! When I see what I'm left with in my wardrobe, it gives me a great idea of items that need to be replaced. I make a list of my must-haves and begin updating my closet. Also, I uncover some amazing pieces that suddenly appear during my closet clean out :) 
2. When was the last time you wore it? My ultimate rule of thumb is, if I haven't worn the piece in the last 6 months, it has no place in my closet. If there are items that are collecting dust let it go. With these items you can donate or re-sell them if you find that you're not getting much use out of it anymore.
3. Check the fit! If the piece doesn't fit get rid of it! When the article of clothing is too tight, there is no sense in trying to hold onto it. Also, if the item is too big, take the piece to a local seamstress and see if alterations can be made. I've done this for a few items that I really love and didn't want to get rid of. 
4. Does the piece match your current style? My style has changed and evolved over the years. It's really important to acquire and keep quality pieces that fit your lifestyle. If an item doesn't match my current style, out it goes!

What are some of your tips for spring cleaning your home?

XO, Analise

Shopping Habit

"Shopping is my cardio." - Carrie Bradshaw

Shopping is absolutely one of my preferred methods of cardio. I have a few stores that I'm in love with, and really enjoy going to on a regular basis.

Today, I'm sharing my favorite stores and why I like shopping there.

1. Nordstrom - This store has been my favorite for years! When I started my professional career in 2011, Nordstrom was my go-to for office attire. One of my favorite things that Nords offer are stylists. I'm super busy, and one of my least favorite things is going through the racks hunting for my sizes and different pieces. The stylists are able to pull any items of your choice, in your size and hold them for you to try on at your convenience - total lifesaver! Also, they offer in-house tailoring and alterations! This service is awesome, and their seamstresses are so patient and absolutely amazing. I have a curvy figure, and any time I purchase pants from Nords it's great I can leave them right at the store for alterations! Also, lets not forget that Nordstrom's return policy is stellar - you can return any item whenever you like, no questions asked! Overall, this store is amazing, and will forever be one of my faves.
2. White House Black Market - This has been a new favorite of mine within the past year! A former co-worker recommended I come into the shop one day, since she works there part-time. She pulled so many items for me, and I fell in love with the quality of the clothes and designs! Just like Nordstrom, WHBM follows an appointment based model with a stylist. You are able to make a reservation in advance to try on clothes at your preferred time. I absolutely love the variety that WHBM offers. I'm able to find a lot of clothes for work, weekend, and date night!
3. TJ Maxx - I really love this store. This is typically my go-to before I go anywhere else! The price point is phenomenal and I'm able to get a lot of bang for my buck here! I like discovering new and different designers at the store. Also, I experiment with different styles as well. TJ Maxx is where I get many of my staples, such as t-shirts, workout apparel, and accessories. There are so many gems in this store and I love going in and finding awesome pieces!

What are some of your favorite places to shop?

XO, Analise