I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.
I feel like Clinton Kelly, style guru, author and The Chew host, and I are pretty intimate. I mean, how could we not be after I spent months topless in front of him? At least, it feels like I know him personally, from the hours gleaning every bit of fashion advice from him that I could while I nursed an infant Eli on the couch.
I’m sure Clinton is relieved that he’s never actually seen me topless, though he certainly has good advice on the girls. (Get a professional bra fitting every year! Your bust should fall halfway between the elbow and shoulder! Keep ’em locked and loaded!) However, I was thrilled to see him at a special Macy’s Girl’s Night Out Event last Friday. Clinton was in town to host a fashion show, highlighting this spring’s biggest trends showcased on millennials, curvy girls (that’s me!), and mature women. And what are spring’s must-haves?
The Moto Jacket
I love this look, and will definitely be adding it to my spring wardrobe. One of my biggest struggles, which I asked Clinton about, is how to not ruin a cute spring outfit with ugly outerwear when it’s chilly. Layers, like an edgy moto jacket or interesting cardigans in a bright color, are the answer. One warning: do not make the mistake of pairing a moto jacket with the boxy shirts that are also popular right now. No boxy under boxy! Choose a fitted shirt instead.
Lace
Lace is hot right now, but it doesn’t mean you have to look like Laura Ingalls Wilder. Pair a lace top or a knit blazer featuring lace details with edgy jeans. Notice the curvy model is wearing skinny jeans. My curvy friends – do not fear the skinny jean! And don’t feel like you have to cover a bigger booty in skinny jeans with a long, flowy top! It will make your legs look stumpy and your back end appear bigger. The key, according to Clinton, is to divide and conquer the big booty! Pair those skinny pants with a shirt that hits right in the middle of the backside. By essentially cutting the booty in half visually, it will appear smaller.
Floral
This is a trend I’ve yet to try, but would love to. I’m print-phobic, unless it’s a stripe. I’ve never met a stripe I didn’t like, so I had to put myself on a stripe-strike! I forbid myself to buy another printed shirt in a stripe pattern. I know how important a good print is for adding visual interest to an outfit. The models were shown wearing different floral prints, which scares me, but Clinton assured us that you can mix prints by pairing a neutral print with a bold print. That was a lightbulb moment for me … and will completely change the way I think about decorating as well!
The Full Skirt
I’m a huge fan of skirts in warmer weather. A cute skirt can take me from running errands to the playground to a girl’s night out effortlessly, just by changing my top and accessories. I feel as comfy and cool as I would if I were wearing shorts, but I look so much cuter! According to Clinton, there’s nothing an A-line skirt can’t fix on a curvy girl. I couldn’t agree more.
Black and White
The cheers went up in the audience for this look, as we Hoosiers love our black and white during the month of May! Whether you’re an Indianapolis 500 fan or not, everyone can pull off a version of this look.
After the show, I had a few minutes to chat with Clinton one-on-one. As a blogger and Pinterest addict, I had to ask him how he thought these things have impacted women and mothers. I just loved what he had to say:
“People are getting so many more ideas, from real people. It’s not like looking at a fashion magazine. The average fashion magazine has about as much relevance to the average American mom’s life Popular Mechanics! So what’s happening is that women are seeing ideas from other women just like themselves, whether it’s crafting, food ideas, or putting together cute outfits on a budget. I think it’s awesome. I think people are starting to feel more creative, and it’s so refreshing.
His outlook on clothing really resonates with me. He reminds us that fashion is what you see on runways, but style is your approach to fashion. He honestly does not care what you wear! But he does make an excellent point: like it or not, your clothes tell the world how you want to be treated. And to a further extent, your clothes tell you how you treat yourself. If you always wear something schlumpy, people will have a harder time taking you seriously. When you dress in nothing but loose shirts and yoga pants (unless you’re always off to yoga), you’ll feel less confident, less motivated to face daily life with energy and joy. When you wear something fitted, attractive and fun, you’ll exude confidence and feel better about yourself. I know this, because I’ve lived it.
Clinton also has a new book, which looks as fun and adorable as the man himself. It’s called Freakin’ Fabulous on a Budget. I mean, who can resist Clinton Kelly on their nightstand or coffee table?
Finally, to answer a couple of your burning questions that everyone’s been asking. No, I did not stress out about my outfit. Yes, Clinton is as witty, nice and handsome as he appears on television. And no, I don’t care what anyone says, I will never try to pull off white pants. I’m all about the moto jacket, though.
What’s a spring trend you want to try this year? Heard any style advice recently that’s rocked your closet?
Ann-Marie says
I would like to try more jackets. I like layers, I’m always cold, and it’s a great way to create more outfits by mixing and matching. Win-win-win!
Angie Six says
Me too! I always shy away from them, because they can be an investment. Then I realize I’ve spent just as much (or more) on shirts I don’t need … or shirts that could use a cute jacket over them!
Lesley says
I love the point “your clothes tell the world how you want to be treated”. Being a SAHM mom for several years now I could’ve moved into the sweats slump. But I love wearing cute/stylish clothes because they make me feel good!