A couple years ago while thrifting, I came across something that most would pass by: a 3XL white cotton ladies nightgown with great pleat work on the top. I felt it would make an awesome dress… with a little work.
STYLIST TIP: When thrifting, there is no section that is off limits, or void of potential. I could easily just go to my size and find cute stuff (and I totally do), but I never would have found this awesome nightgown if I wasn’t willing to at least look at other sections.
I paid $1.99 and brought it home to disassemble it. I cut out a ton of fabric in the back and sized it to my shoulder width. Then just brought up the hem. I wear this dress all year round in a million ways (ok, more like 7 or 8).
I have quite a few pictures of me in the dress from different seasons, but to clearly convey the styling options,
I went on Polyvore and made a White Dress Collection using a similar looking dress. ENJOY!
Using the dress as a blank canvas, pick almost any item to pair with it, and build your outfit around it.
I started this look off with the shoes, then softened it a bit with pink.
Boho Rocker.
Sweet Vintage Cinched-In Glam.
Comfy Nerdy Explorer.
Festival Chic.
How do you build a look? Do you go for comfort? For color?
Well,depending on the day it is. That cute little groundhog saw his shadow, so technically we’re still in winter. But depending on the day, it can be cloudy, dreary and raining or bright and sunny with high 60’s all the way to 80’s. Freakin make up your mind, California!
With our weather in an identity crisis, we thought we’d share our version of a transitional winter wardrobe. I’ll be upfront: I’m a firm believer in layering. Obviously you want to be seasonally relevant (no bright spring florals), but much of your rest-of-the-year wardrobe still works for winter with just a bit of layering.
The key to the winter wardrobe (and a transitional one): OUTERWEAR.
We went on Polyvore and put together what we feel are the essential outerwear
pieces a girl needs for surviving
the remainder of winter and transitioning into spring. Here’s a look at the basics to look for in each item and some styling tips:
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— OUTFIT: Part of it: Blazer stays on, so integrate how it hangs & works with your blouse/dress into the overall look. Buuuut, there’s 2 different schools of blazers…
TRADITIONAL:
— FIT: Completely fitted is the key. The blazer needs to have the shoulders hit just right and be able to button comfortably without pulling. Unless you’re going for an intentionally retro look, it should hit at or right above the hips.
— COLOR: For the traditional blazer cut, go with black or another basic solid.Simple, chic. THEN there’s the other school of blazers…
INDIE:
FIT: the indie fit is much less, well, fitted. longer, with wider shoulders,
(much easier to find while thrifting, as it’s a vintage look made-modern).
COLOR: go big with pattern on the blazer and go simple underneath. Or vice versa.
Add a hat, dark rimmed glasses and chunky flat boots: you’re so indie.
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— OUTFIT: Part of it. Wear it super accessorized (above) or totally simple.
Easy to throw on over complete basics and Voila! you have an outfit.
— FIT: slouch + comfort — however you wanna rock it. Length/volume is up to you.
— COLOR: As with the blazer, black or dark grey are the most versatile, but for this piece in particular, it’s great to have a fun pattern.
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— OUTFIT: Part of it, or an addition. Up to you.
— FIT: completely fitted. Needs to be able to fully zip up and not pull.
— COLOR, ETC: black. period. This jacket can dress up or dress down pretty much anything. How much embellishment (zippers, belts, epaulets) you choose will determine how versatile it is. Simpler & cleaner lines: wear with everything.
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— OUTFIT: strictly outerwear.
— FIT: fitted, but not too snug. People can tend to do this piece a bit too boxy. Get tailored lines, but with room for extra layers underneath.
— COLOR: sometimes you can find an awesome bold colored pea coat, but usually you find black, grey and navy. You know your colors, and what you’d be wearing it over. Your call, as it is outerwear.
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— OUTFIT: outerwear or integrated. This is my ultimate easy-day cheater winter piece. Leggings, a comfy stretchy long sleeved top and flat boots. Throw a poncho over it and it’s suddenly an outfit (I laugh when I get complimented on this look, but it’s awesome!)
(Did you see my post with the poncho? )
— FIT: loosey-goosey, comfy awesome. Whatever volume, color, you do it and be happy with your easy look.
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— OUTFIT: outerwear only.
— FIT: the more fitted, the better. Make sure all the buttons line up and fit you well. If the shoulders are great but you need a little tighter / looser fit, it’s often easy to have a tailor adjust the button placement.
— COLOR: I’m trench obsessed… I have 7 or 8. All thrifted, all different colors. The fit is most important on this one. Have fun with color & pattern!
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[Models: Autumn Sky, Jennifer Beile, Nicole Dove]
Keep your look grounded with deep burgundies
and blacks, paired with peachy and creamy colors.
The perfect untamed wave, glowing skin and a red lip punch up this floral look.
[handmade black cascading necklace, by ShopJust: $32]
[perfectly floral dress: $46] [vintage burgundy belt: $14]
[vintage beaded pink sweater dress: $38]
[local handmade black arrowhead necklace, by Real Life Doll House: $52]
[grey leather vintage clutch with strap: $28]
[vintage black dress: $42] [creme lace blouse: $28]
[local handmade pink stone necklace, by Vivid Venus: $40]
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Check out our talented photographer, Sarah Hawkins.
I mean – look at her! So sweet & petite, a ringer for Reese
Until next time, loves!
xoxo Kari & Skylar
When your weekend goes from one event to three, your wardrobe has to step it up. Our crew pulled some great pieces from GAP for our Friday night event, then, when Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon events came up – we got the chance to mix it up and show off the versatility of what we pulled. After the whirlwind of events, we’ve got one thing to say:
Dear GAP – we’re kinda smitten.
What do you say, let’s see where this thing goes?
[ bright, fresh, clean & simple. ]
the cuffed railroad girlfriend jeans add pattern, the hat and belt pull in some
texture. the BAG of course is the quintessential POP that pulls it all together.
and then, to mix it up a bit.
tan wedges give it a bit of height and go
with the coral cardi on the little-bit-dressy vibe.
We chose the red from a number of great bold colors, and made it run-around-townable
with this perfect worn-in jean jacket and flats. As the Friday event was all about moms,
this is a colorful pulled-together option for chasing little ones or running errands.
Gorgeous momma Cara in the look.
[original look we put together.]
this mustard linen top was a huge hit!
add a coral skinny belt and some stripey patterned goodness, with
clean white eyelet shorts bringing it all together with subtle texture.
Saturday afternoon, we mix it up with GAP’s adorable eyelet cutout dress.
the flats keep it casual, but you could go with wedges or heels to dress it up even more.
the mustard top is the perfect compliment to the dress
in pulling off a sweet audrey-esque look.
this look would usually translate to business casual. nice earrings and sensible heels…
so after we did that look, we amped it up a little (it’s all about versatility!).
we took a casual office look and turned it into a classy/edgy night out look.
studded booties, tied-up instead of tucked-in, and a big statement necklace
and our girl is set.
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Overall, as a stylist team, we see a lot of client closets chocked full of cheap, implulse-buy trendy pieces, because women buy straight off of a mannequin with no concept of proper fit, longevity or versatility. News flash: it’s better to be YOU, in functional, mix-and-matchable staple pieces that will last. We loved styling from GAP and hope our clients-to-be will be inspired to grow their wardrobe in that direction.
A huge thanks to Michael and his team at GAP for being so accommodating in the expanded events.
Our JJ Crew of stylists — proud to have you on our team. Thanks for all your hard work this week!
Thank you to our sweet hair & makeup artist Ashleigh who jumped in with both feet and saved the day for all 3 events! On Instagram: @shaymakeupca
And a big thank you to Stephanie and Emily with Westfield for the opportunity to work with these retailers and be a part of the whirlwind of events!
Maybe the only thing cuter than your kids are pictures of your cute kids with their dads.
…….
It was an honor to capture them for you. Here’s a couple of our Dads & Darlings:
[ greg + his girls ]
[ryan & his daughter]
[clay & his son]
Nich & his littles.
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All images by our talented photographer,
SARAH HAWKINS of SHOCKINS PHOTOGRAPHY
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Here at Juniper James, we’ve been on hiatus since the arrival of my little one in July, and the last few months have been wonderful. My husband and I have had our hands full finding our rhythm as a family, and connecting with our daughter. I am choosing to continue to stay at home as a mom, and in that, was open to new partnerships that would enable me to continue making a difference, use my skills and work with great people. I am proud to say, we have found just that:
My main undertaking is conceptualizing and styling Kidaround’s covers, starting with their March/April issue, shooting early January, and I am beyond excited to be collaborating again with our favorite photographer, Sarah Hawkins of SHockins Photography for this first issue.
I have been invited to not just be their stylist, but also a part of the Kidaround Team, speaking into the vision for each edition, styling Kidaround to bring each issue to life in a way that helps inspire and move families forward, as well as helping to translate that over to Kidaround’s digital and social channels.
Most importantly, Kidaround has a heart that strives for what we strive for here at Juniper James – content and stories that make a difference: They are also giving us the opportunity to periodically feature the makeover of someone special, inspiring and deserving (child fighting a terminal illness, special needs children, homeless mother, etc.).
Amidst this exciting new endeavor, we will continue to offer our individual and editorial styling services. Contact us to book your appointments starting in February!
Stay tuned – our team is looking forward to enriching the lives of families
in Sacramento with Kidaround, and making a little magic in this next year!
