Spring into Style

It's not even February and I'm already dying to dump my sweaters and jeans and jump back into my skirts, tanks and sundresses. You'd might think that I only have a few more weeks of this restriction by weather, but if you've lived in Wisconsin, you'd know that I may have months yet to wait!
It doesn't help that I work at the Gap, where we've been selling our Spring line for over a month now. The yellows, pinks, and whites that have long been absent from my wardrobe are popping up everywhere in store windows. I'm even tiring of the red hair I got after my wedding in October and am ready to go back to blonde.
Everything is fresher in Spring and Summer. No pantyhose required. No drab wools. No having to worry about whether or not I'll freeze at the office. There's nothing quite like the feeling of not having to wear a warm wool coat and mittens while trying to look effortlessly stylish.
At this point, I'd even take one of those rare, monumental days where it's 50 degrees and then 20 again the next. Just for one day - I'll take it!

Where to Shop

This is just a quick post to get the word out about one of my favorite - if not THE favorite - store in my life. FRED, a boutique I "discovered" about 5 years back when I was a sophisticated East Sider, is closing the doors it's known all this time and opening a two-level, redecorated boutique. If you've never been, it's right on Water Street near Joey Bueno's Restaurant. Not only is it an adorable store with lots of unique (and reasonably-priced) designer pieces, but it also has some of the best customer service around with it's two knowledgeable, friendly and stylish employees. Visit fredboutique.com for more info on them! I am told the grand re-opening is this Monday, February 1st. You know I'll be there!

The Two Hepburns

I can pinpoint the day that I found my style. I got a DVD set of Audrey Hepburn movies for Christmas – including “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Sabrina,” and my favorite, “Roman Holiday.” Not only were all three great movies, but I was awestruck by the fashions of Holly Golightly, Sabrina Fairchild, and Princess Anne.

Now, when most people think of Audrey Hepburn, they think of the little black dress (LBD), pearls and hat she wore as Holly Golightly. But to me, I was captured by Sabrina Fairchild – her white-and-black Givenchy dress – black capris – and the laid-back shorts and flannel button-up. I was in love!

Until that day, I thought that gorgeousness and allure had to come from today’s look of leggings under dresses and mini skirts and tube tops (which I hate!). No, you could be those things with a covered-up innocence!

It was also that day that I realized that anything could be worn – and then styled with your own twist.

Take for instance, the other Hepburn I idolize – Katharine. Among being a many-time Oscar nominee, this girl is still famous for her menswear-meets-feminine style. She had the ability to put on a pair of men’s loafers and trousers and make them incredibly sexy. I credit her for helping women in the 40’s and 50’s find their way out of skirts and into slacks.

These women were simple, classy and elegant in their own ways. Audrey incredibly girly and demure – Katharine – tomboyish and chic. They’ve both been long out of Hollywood but still manage to influence women and designers all over the world. They are my all-time favorite and will inspire me for a lifetime.

Style By Sarah

You're looking into Sarah's Mirror - a blog about everything from fashion, to body image, to being a woman. Let me introduce myself. I am Sarah, a 26-year-old college graduate of UW-Milwaukee. I am recently married, very close to my family, and am trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.

One of my greatest passions is fashion. I'm not just talking about major designers or the latest trends. I mean that I live for personal style. For the way putting the perfect outfit on can set your day right and make you feel amazing. How a closet full of clothes can present endless amounts of expression - describe who you are inside on the outside.

I wasn't always a fashion enthusiast. It pretty much started when I got my first retail job during college - back at Maurices. I worked with so many stylish girls of all shapes and sizes. I hadn't even come close to finding my own style at that point - but I certainly was inspired.

It took a few more years (and body image acceptance) until I finally started shaping my own wardrobe. The body image acceptance is a whole other story (which I'll get to another time). I found that the right clothes for MY body - not what the magazines were selling or what the latest trend was. That was the difference. To see myself finally as the beautiful woman I never knew I could be.

Long story short, I've been building my wardrobe ever since. At this point, it's more like "tweaking," but who's keeping track?

Well, that's my short story. The bits and pieces will come together as I continue this blog - which hopefully will give me the outlet I've been looking for to share my love for fashion. Thanks for "trying me on!"