It’s hard not to be distra-er excuse me. My phone buzzed.
As I was saying, so many selfies, so little time! Ahem. Where were we?
Something about staying focused-so much for wearing Warby Parker’s today! (kidding!) Back to business. Whether it is our expectations for ourselves and others, technological advances or a combination of completely unrelated reasons, the equation for distractions feels endless. Continue reading
5 Ways to be Snug and Stylish
Wondering how to express your personal style when in actuality, you have become one with a blanket? Good news, it’s totally doable. Check out a few of our favorite ways to put on your coziest armor to brave the cold while being your fabulous fashionista self!
Layer It.
Wear fun tights under your fave ripped jeans! I know what you’re thinking, really… tights? Yes, yes, tights. Pair a fun color with a looser fitting jean you adore. I like wearing whitewashed, loose boyfriend jeans with a fun flavor tight, like leopard print. Hot pink or yellow would be fun too. For extra heat, I add socks under heeled booties and my feet are cozy and ready for airtime!
Personal Flair.
The cutest knit hat. These special earmuffs. Fingerless gloves. Add a special pop to make yourself stand out, in the warmest possible way.
Mens Flannel.
Cozy, simple, adaptable – what’s not to love? I discovered this shirt shopping for my brother and realized it was actually meant for me. Nothing against womens flannel, there’s something about the fit and cozy factor of menswear that just gets the job done. [Future boyfriend, you have been warned!]
Side note: In a perfect world, all clothes would be tailored just for us. Instead, we live on earth, where most of the time, we find our clothes by labels and sizing. What I love about fashion is the freedom and unique expression it ignites. Being put in a box by labels, norms, gender, expectations is not my idea of fun. Up for a challenge? Shop somewhere that you normally wouldn’t. Try the opposite side of the store just to see what it’s like! You might even find a better deal.
Fashion is like a snowflake-full of unique possibilities. Be the snowflake! Or as Moira Rose would say, ‘Be the snowball!’
Boot Legged.
Rock some over the knee boots. My personal fave is gray or black. optional: wedge heel. Style plus extra warmth. You can go for fitted or looser, firmer fabric-we’re a form of the latter.
Day + Evening Coat:
a. Day Coat: Peacoat or fitted bubble coat! Rock a classic peacoat or bubble coat that you love day to day. Check out our color recommendations from our last post if you aren’t sure on colors.
b. Evening Coat: You can absolutely turn your peacoat into a night on the town coat. It’s all about how you style it. However, if you are looking for a different night look, go for a color you don’t normally wear, longer length and one that still shows your gorgeous figure. Some of our faves were coats found at consignment, vintage or used clothing stores.
Have a fave wintery chic go to? We’d love to hear! Let us know @fashionstoppe and tag us in your post!
As always, thanks for breezing by, fashionistas!
Until next time,
xoxo FS
When my photographer friend, Jason, said he was breezing through town and asked if I was free to meet up and shoot, I said oh em gee, YAS! On our shoot, Jason asked me Continue reading
Ciao, friends & fashionistas!
First of all, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season!
Second of all, let’s talk fashion and the process. Continue reading
Hello, fashionistas! :]
Cheers to a new and fabulous year ahead. I hope you are feeling inspired and rejuvenated for an enlightening 2016. If not, I do hope you find some restoration soon – you deserve it!
To start off the year, I want to share with you some of my fave go to looks-some for winter, going out, and pieces that speak to my heart! I believe what and how you wear something affects who you are, how you feel, and where you are going, whether it’s a conversation with a friend or your personal journey. Sometimes it’s whimsical, others reflective, perhaps mournful, silly, experimental, loud, distracted or successful. Are these things you think about when you get dressed? Why do you wear what you wear? :]
I’ve been incorporating color into the looks-something that has taken me several years to transition! Black has been my go to for a long time. While I will always love a chic, timeless, or edgy black ensemble, I’m so glad I invited some color back in. 🙂
One thing I will add for us to dwell on as we enter 2016…you are Loved* no matter what! Also, you have a unique and beautiful purpose** now, before, and ahead. Something I wonder about personally day to day, (i.e. what is my purpose in life?!) but we can meditate on these versus as we adventure through life. If not, please enjoy, I hope you are inspired by the fashion. I would love to hear what inspires you!
*”For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8
**”For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Photos from Dinah Pittman
xoxo Fashion Stoppe
Super. Mighty. Awesome. Righteous. Triumphant.
The SMART Hat Collection is a stylish clothing and accessory line that transforms the fashion industry as we know it. From urban streetwear to a fun night out, SMART’s clothing, hats and accessories send a stylish and positive message to wearers.
<Below catch an exclusive interview with designer and founder of the SMART Hat Line, Dinah Pittman.>
This collection is inspired by a 10 year old with Asperger’s dream to bring confidence for end of year test takers. Fast forward one year, and the line has taken off. Most recently, the SMART Hat Collection was a featured designer in the 4th annual Trend*Setting Fashion Show with producer, Latrisha Valdez-Rushing. Now, SMART continues to grow with big plans for the future, including raising awareness and giving back. Something that never goes out of style.
We were fortunate to do be featured in a photoshoot for the SMART Line. Working with multitalented designer Dinah Pittman is a joy! She radiates energy and love. Her line is a true reflection of her and her son’s heart-sharing faith, love and style. Check out some of the looks and our fave pieces of the line.
Here are some of our favorites.
One of our faves, the Custom Designed by God tee. Available for men or women. Look for a standard or baby tee. Plus, who can resist an animal print hat?!
<For you formed my inward parts, you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalm 139: 13-14> You are truly Custom Designed by God. You’re beautiful and there is no one like you!
The SMART Hat Collection keeps us on our toes 🙂
Meet Model Brandi Crenshaw. Dress it down, dress it up. She pairs a SMART tee with a colorful tutu perfectly. Check out some other ways she pairs the look at smart-hat.tumblr.com and shop the Look Book!
<So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27> God intricately, purposefully and intimately designed you. He is interwoven in the fabric of our beings. He is our ultimate Designer and Inspiration.The Smart Hat Collection reminds and connects us to our true selves, meant to be in harmony with God.
We love how versatile the SMART tank can be! Add to a skirt to hit the town, incorporate flops and a suit for the beach, or add jeans for a casual look. You’re going places.
The SMART Guy. Meet model, Payton Bolin. This tank is perfect for khakis or jeans, casual or comfortable wear. Don’t forget your SMART Hat on your way out the door.
Below: Exclusive interview with Dinah Pittman, designer, founder, stylist and photographer!
Learn the designer’s fave pieces, how to get exclusive news and more!
Meet the Designer of the Smart Hat Collection: Dinah Pittman
What started you on the Smart Hat Collection?
Well, my son, who had just turned 10 at the time (he’s now 11), was getting ready for the 4th grade End of Grade testing. For all kids, this is a big deal, and sometimes it can be super scary. When you throw in Asperger’s syndrome, which my son was diagnosed at 5, or any other learning difference, for that matter, it can be even more difficult to provide encouragement. During that time, he said to me, “Mommy, I think I need to make a ‘SMART’ hat to help me pass my EOGs.” So we did just that.
I told him we should think of words that SMART could stand for. He started calling out words for each letter: ‘SUPER, MIGHTY, AWESOME, RIGHTEOUS’, and we later thought of ‘TRIUMPANT’. This made me think of the fact that these are all words we use to describe God, and things that we strive to be. So, the SMART hat can encourage us to be our best, and define ourselves with these words.
Such an inspiring story. Recently, SMART made its runway debut at the Trend*Setting Fashion Show. What was going through your mind during that?
I was super nervous, because it was the first time I had presented my line, or anything at a fashion show. I really appreciate LaTrisha Valdez-Rushing (producer) for her encouragement and the opportunity to present my collection. I just wanted everyone to get the message, and I think they did.
What is your source of encouragement with this line?
Honestly, the grace of God. With all that He has done for me, I would dare not allow the gifts and graces He has given me be wasted or not used for His kingdom. So when people say, “I love your message”, I know I’m doing the right thing.
Love it. What are some challenges you’ve faced pursuing your line? How do you overcome them?
Major challenges have been funding. I have some things in place that are helping with that part. Another is dealing with people who only have their interest at heart. You have to separate friendships and work, and figure out who you can and can’t work with.
So true. Business is a tough balancing act. What advice would you give to a new designer or artist starting out?
Stay true to the gift or passion that you have been given, and don’t try to work in anyone else’s passion. God has given us certain gifts to equip us to do work so that He will get the glory.
Just DO IT. Wise men have told me, don’t be afraid to fail, that’s the best thing you could ever do.
Words of wisdom. What is your fave piece(s) from the line?
My favorite is anything with “DEX” the Brainiac on it. I designed him and I love the way he looks on anything! Also
, I love the shirts that say “CUSTOM DESIGNED By GOD” because, we are just that…Custom Designed by God, for God, and to do His work.
Anything else you want fans/people to know?
Just that God is greater than anything. Any problem, any sickness, any situation…anything! And if you give Him the glory, He will bless your socks off!!
Also, we support Autism Awareness and Breast Cancer. Once we get to a certain point, SMART will be donating some of the proceeds to a camp in Georgia that facilitates activities for children on the Autism spectrum, as well as one of the causes for Breast Cancer research.
Where can fans follow you on social media?
Our blog is smart-hat.tumblr.com. Fans should subscribe to become a part of the SMART Insiders (they will receive special emails updates, news, product releases, and special discounts!!)
More on SMART Hat:
Shop the looks and the snag the latest news: smart-hat.tumblr.com
Follow SMART on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearSmarthat
Be inspired on Pinterest: Pinterest.com/thesmarthat
Check that Insta: @smart_hat with posts featured on my Twitter: @iamdmari
Thank you so much for the interview and exclusive news on SMART. We can’t wait to see your SMART takeover!
*All looks and photos were styled and taken by Dinah Pittman.
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