Category Archives: Looks

Steps 9 & 10: Savor Joys, Commit to Your Goals

Top: ModClothÂ | Â Skirt: Lulu’sÂ | Â Heels: Similar hereÂ | Â Necklace: ModCloth – Similar here

This is it! The final steps on Harrietâs journey and the wonderful woman sheâs become. As she finally decides what makes her happiest, and chooses some very specific goals to focus on, her outfit today has a definite, specific theme. And that theme is birds. Trust me, it makes more sense when you know the particulars. Letâs just say that today birds represent hope, freedom, love and happiness. So we begin with this rich, colorful blouse in marigold with navy, magenta, and pink birds in flight. Then she choose to bring out the red, the color of passion, with a long and full, red and white, plaid skirt and burgundy, peep toe, Mary Janes. The final touch? A delicate, sparkly, silver pendant featuring a pair of lovebirds. Sometimes actions speak louder than words, and Harrietâs outfit today definitely speaks from the heart.

Step 1: Express Gratitude

Ep_72 Dress: See U Soon | Heels: Lulu’s | Bag: Similar here

It was a long road getting here but itâs finally over! I’ve completed all the steps of recovery and now, inspired by Harrietâs journey, Iâm going to try for a happy and fulfilling life. The first step is gratitude. I have so much to be thankful for, have so many wonderful people in my life, that it makes me feel free, simple, and easy. This outfit captures all that and more. A refreshing, light, crisp white dress with a halter top and a drawstring waist. Plus, what could be easier than jewelry already attached? This dress includes a colorful, beaded, statement necklace sewn into the collar. Isn’t it great when someone does the work for you? Paired withÂ sturdy, tan, multi-strap sandals with gold buckles and a compact, dark blue, envelope clutch, it took me no time at all to get ready this morning. Which meant more time spent enjoying my day and all the wonderful things and people in it.

Steps 6 Thru 8: Forgiveness, Coping, Go with the flow

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Skirt: ModClothÂ | Â Top: Color Block – Similar hereÂ | Â Bag: Cambridge SatchelÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Necklace: ModCloth Â | Â Booties: Lulu’s

Harriet had a lot to deal with today, and once again she blew me away with her kindness, maturity, and keen understanding of the human heart. She is honestly one of the loveliest people I know, inside and out. And her outfit today is another great example of her lovely taste and self expression through fashion. What first appears to be a plain white blouse has a pattern of leaves underneath the surface, and matches these beautiful, white lace covered boots that give it a Victorian elegance. Her long, below the knee, pale blue, full skirt is covered in colorful blooms but the palate is deeper and jewel toned which has a certain gravitas. It is complemented by her deep burgundy briefcase bag and all together her outfit has the sweetness of spring but the depth of autumn. Perfect for her, and perfect for this time of year.

Step 7 – Helping Others Like You

Ep_71 Top: ModClothÂ | Â Jeans: Similar hereÂ | Â Heels: ModClothÂ | Â Clutch: Similar here

Today turned out to be a series of heart-to-heart conversations. Some were planned and some were surprises. One even allowed me to give support and sympathy to someone who also makes mistakes. Itâs definitely been a long day. So as far as fashion is concerned, all I can say is Iâm glad I dressed comfortably. A pair of rich blue skinny jeans and a simple, bright, and refreshing tank top in pink and blue paisley. Sturdy, black and white platform sandals and a small pink clutch. All together pretty and practical, especially when there are more important things to deal with.

Step 6: Admit When Wrong

Ep_70 Dress: Lulu’sÂ | Â Heels: Betsey Johnson, ModCloth

I’ve been wrong, a lot. And that includes how I’ve been approaching this fashion blog. I’ve been using the theory that you should dress based on what you want to make happen. Which, if you have a big date or a job interview, still holds true. But trying to control everything doesn’t make allowances for being surprised or lucky. They say that you never know in advance when the big moments are going to happen, so Iâm adding a new approach. Love what you wear every day, no matter how ordinary, as though it is going to be the biggest day of your life. Because it just might be. For example I had no particular plan in mind when I choose this sweet, pink halter dress with itâs romantically draping skirt. I just wanted to give myself a boost, and pink has always been my favorite color. I complemented it with these charming, designer,Â white satin heelsÂ with a floral T-strap design. Altogether a lovely, feminine look that instantly makes you feel special no matter how ordinary you day turns out to be. And if itâs not ordinary? Youâll be happy you made the effort.

Step 5: Make The Most

Dress: Lulu’sÂ | Â Bag: Irene’s Story – Similar hereÂ | Sandals: Similar hereÂ | Â Necklace: Lulu’s

Harrietâs lesson of the day is to work on nurturing her relationships. All of them. That includes co-workers, acquaintances, hope of future relationships, and old friendships that have been left behind. The thing about old friendships is that even when renewed, itâs never quite the same. That doesnât mean different is bad, in fact, it might be better than before. That got me thinking about expectations and how there are a lot of things, including fashion, that are at their best when a little different from normal. Like Harrietâs outfit today. Blue and white stripes is a traditionally used pattern and a summer staple. First inspired by the navy, she chooses a fitted dress with a full skirt and sweetheart neckline. But instead of the traditional blue and white, this dress is an interesting combination of navy and beige. It gives the whole look a slightly more serious, somber tone and compliments her peaches and cream skin tone. Paired with wovenÂ wedge sandals with a zippered front and a matching dark blue handbag, Harrietâs outfit proves that different can be refreshing. And a color that might seem boring at first is ultimately flattering and complementaryÂ to you.

Step 5: New Code and New Rules

Ep_69 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Dress: Lulu’s – Similar hereÂ | Â Bag: Lulu’sÂ | Â Heels: BCBGenerationÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ring: Forever 21 – Similar here

Todayâs lesson, stop rehashing the past and move forward with your new perspective and improved set of rules. And my new code of conduct includes being open, straightforward, and taking things as they are. That put me in the mood for this elegant and uncomplicated ivory dress with a full, swinging skirt and a simple black and lavender pattern. If you take a step back the print looks blue, and reminds me of a traditional porcelain pattern that gives the overall look a sense of refinement and dignity. Basic accessories includes matching black pumps and a white purse because I tend to over think things and thatâs just one more habit to be broken. Eventually.

Step 4: Nobody Puts Baby in The Corner

Dress: Lulu’sÂ | Â Purse: Forever 21Â | Â Heels: ModCloth

Harrietâs latest lesson, which she has struggled with in the past and finally conquered, is avoiding social comparisons. She has informed me that she finally realizes her own worth and no longer feels that she is unequal to anyone. That the only person who decides where she belongs is her. Which Harriet says she learned from me, and I canât be anything but proud of that. On the heels of this declaration Harriet decided to dress more womanly, sophisticated, and confident than I’ve ever seen her dress before. A real showstopper in this fitted, stretch knit, coral dress with a notched, scooped neckline and cap sleeves. It makes a statement and says she now knows her own power and isnât afraid of it. She really showcases it with her hair swept up in a bun and adds to it with black and white, checkered pumps that indicates a woman more complicated than she might otherwise appear. Last a structured, white handbag big enough to be a briefcase because this outfit is still for work after all.

Step 4: Make Amends

Ep_68 Top: Color BlockÂ | Â Skirt: DarlingÂ | Â Heels: ModCloth Â | Â Bag: Irene’s Story – Similar here

Itâs not enough to apology for your past mistakes, you must learn from them and prove to the people you’ve wronged that it will be different from now on. This requires you to handle delicate situations with care, balance, and courage. So with that in mind, I chose this artsy, sleeveless blouse with a gorgeous, multi-color abstract pattern somewhere between a stain glass window and calligraphy. It suggests care, precision, and high-minded ideals. Paired with a sophisticated and bold red-orange pencil skirt for bravery, and black and tan, peep toeÂ platform pumps for simplicity so that there are no more misunderstandings. Finally, a pure white structured backpack to carry all your good intentions.

New Beginnings

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â TopÂ Blouse: ModClothÂ | Â Bottom Sweater: ModClothÂ Â |Â Â Pants: Similar hereÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Sandals: Similar here

Hello everyone! Meet Maddy Bates, the newest member of the Emma Approved team! Maddy is a long time member of the Highbury Partnerâs Lifestyle group with her own successful business, Bates Financial Services, and Emma Approved is just one of her lucky clients. How did we become one of the lucky few? Well, knowing her since I was born might have helped. But seriously, we were in need of some help and despite having a packed schedule Maddy swooped in to save the day. Because she has the biggest, most generous heart of anyone Iâve ever met. And her fashion sense has always reflected her larger than life personality and sense of fun. Starting with this adorable, black and white, button up blouse. Worn with trim black slacks itâs completely professional in both style and fit, and covered in a pattern of tiny hearts. Because if thereâs one thing Maddy understands better than finances itâs how to love. And what can top that? Just this lovely, V neck cardigan in a glowing shade of honey yellow. Itâs snug fit shows off her awesome curves and the color is as happy as a sunset and welcoming as a hug. Paired withÂ black skinniesÂ andÂ casualÂ summer sandals, this sweater is prettily put on display. Maddyâs fashion sense is just one of a long list of talents I hope to learn from her in the days to come. Thank you Maddy, for being my hero, and welcome to the Emma Approved family!