In the next couple of weeks, I more often than not found myself in the middle of my closet, scratching my head, putting together outfits that don’t align with my aesthetic. Rushing to fulfill an imaginary command, I searched my drawers for tighter jeans and more revealing tops; found myself wishing for a wardrobe full of flirty, feminine dresses, totally on autopilot.

One day, having discarded 3 or 4 of my girliest outfits and on the verge of a major case of The Sads, something in me asked, “What are you doing?”

I looked around at the mess - the pants from my college days, the dress I was going to sell after swearing I’d never wear it again - and realized I’d spent weeks wading knee deep in the very quicksand I tell every client to avoid: I’d been getting dressed, not for me, but for someone else.

Over the many years I’ve spent working as a stylist, I’ve found that the alignment of one’s style can be found when each item of clothing worn is comfortable, exciting, and authentic to the wearer.

This discovery for me as a stylist has been wonderful. But as a person who loves getting dressed? It has been revelatory. I know myself and my sense of style so well that I need no one’s approval except my own when I get dressed. Affirmation doesn’t hurt, of course, in fact it feels great when I get it, but I’ve learned that it doesn’t feed me or add to my confidence. I know what you’re thinking, yeah no shit lady, of course confidence comes from within. And I know you know that! Except I didn’t realize how tangible that confidence could be, how literal its manifestation!

As I begin to think about my Fall clients, this theory is my North Star. It’s why I don’t charge commission on the pieces a client buys from me during a fitting, it’s why you’ll find me discouraging a client from a new purchase if they’re on the fence, it’s why if it’s not a yes, it’s a no. You know?

If you were my client, in preparation for a session with me, I’d want you to do the following:

1. Think about the last 2-3 outfits you wore that you felt really good in. What was it about those outfits that inspired confidence? There’s no wrong answer here - maybe it wasn’t the outfit at all, but the day or the circumstance or the company - this is all important information!

2. Observe what you consume. Whose style are you into? Which brands are you scrolling on Instagram? What new piece are you passively hunting for? Then ask yourself: how does that relate to my style? What about it draws me in, what about it do I want to explore within my own aesthetic?

3. Challenge yourself to get dressed for YOU. Put together an outfit with no one else in mind but yourself. What do you own that makes you feel comfortable and confident? What excites you during this process? Are you willing to take a bit of a risk and try a new way of styling a piece? Or does it feel grounding to simply put together a couple of your go-tos?

Since my style shake-up a few weeks ago, I’ve spent a lot of time getting dressed with the recalibrated intention of making sure I’m aligned with Allie only. I’ve done a lot of self-talk not just about style, but body image and what it means to be a 41 year old woman with a body. I’ve stopped trying to find something new to buy (an instant tell that I’m not grounded in my personal style), and have started experimenting with the pieces already in my closet that I love so much, taking risks when I want and can, and noticing what comes up without judgement. The result is a renewed excitement paired with the relief that I only need to worry about making the woman in the mirror happy, and no one else.

Based on the above, here’s 5 pieces I’d buy if I wanted to do my best AC impression:

Reversible car coat

Denim bomber

Slouchy pants

Red sunglasses

A Sapphic belt ;)

If you’d like to discuss working together, you can book a phone call here. I can’t wait to chat!

xo,

Allie

I let myself sit with that query and then all at once I was reminded: we cannot skew our style to fit someone else. My style is mine, and within that there is good and bad and a generous grey in between. But that encompasses only me, and to hold that against someone else is doing my hard won style a disservice.

In an effort to get centered for the year ahead, I decided to think critically at the past year. I don’t meditate, but I found a lot of joy in this style-centered mindfulness exercise, and I encourage you to take a look back at your sartorial year to inform your purchases and style for 2025.

Best purchase of 2024 and why: Dries Van Noten Peyton jeans. Technically I bought these at the tail end of 2023, but they’re one of my favorite purchases ever. I tried these on at Outline almost purchased them at full price, but really couldn’t justify the price tag at the time. They went on super sale and my friend Henry found them for me in my size from UAL…fate! The style is flattering even on a shorty like me; I had them hemmed by Todd Martin and they’re, well, perfect. They’re a great example of playing the long game with your purchases. Because I held off on buying them, I was able to determine how much I actually wanted them, and when the price was right, they were a no-brainer.

Worst purchase of 2024 and why: I love and lusted after this Mecha Mendez purse for months before I purchased it in the Spring…but I just don’t wear it. I need a bag that can hold all my bs, doubles as a grocery bag, and can handle the random detritus that a 6 year old acquires. At the moment I put a small purse with my wallet, etc inside a Longchamp market bag and that works fairly well, but in 2025 I really want to find a single bag that works for me.

Most worn item of 2024: It’s always going to be denim for me, and I stayed true to my favorite jean rotation of R13, Mavi, and Moussy.

In what way did my limiting beliefs about what I’m allowed to wear affect my style: I am still working through the ways in which my style and my sexuality intersect, and the process can trip me up at times. I like the idea of dressing girly, for lack of a better word, but often feel like I’m wearing a costume in a dress. I find I feel most confident with the addition of a menswear inspired shoe and tights. Food for thought for my 2025 style!

What outfit made me feel the most confident and why: This outfit is a great example of how getting dressed for yourself (as opposed to what you think is trendy, chic, or what people want to see) always yields authentic style. I’d been leaning into holiday eating and drinking, and when I had a dinner to dress up for, I was not feeling my best physically. I wanted a comfortable outfit that felt festive and cool. I put together the above and was patting myself on the back all night.

Least favorite outfit and why: I looked through my camera roll and there was only one outfit I didn’t love that made it out of the house. It was fine, but the top would have been better suited to a high waisted pair of jeans. In general though, I did okay at only wearing items I felt really good about.

What trends did I fall prey to: The Dad Sneaker. I bought these earlier this year and I just don’t feel great in them. I like them, I wear them, but they really aren’t me. This isn’t the first time I’ve fallen prey to a trendy sneaker; the same thing happened to me when On Cloud first launched. Lesson hopefully learned, I vow to be more judicious with my sneaker purchases in the new year!

Style forecast for 2025

What I instruct my clients to do at the top of the year is make a list of desired items to add to their closets. Separately, think about how much you’d like to spend on clothing in the entirety of 2025. Can you manage to use that budget to purchase only the items on your wishlist? And what’s more, can you think back to the items and outfits you didn’t love last year to make getting dressed a little easier, a little more confident and a little more fun?

I hope your 2025 is incredible!

x

First off, I’m so excited to be partnering with two incredible women in virtual style Q&A/webinar. Rachel Peck is the founder of an Executive Coaching and Talent Development consulting firm called Metronome, and Madeline Kaplan is a Principal at a VC firm that invests in CPG, based in LA. They reached out about a month ago and asked if I might want to talk about the intersection of style and career (and for many of us, motherhood!), and I couldn’t say yes fast enough. We’ll be chatting on December 10th at 1pm EST. If you’d like to join, drop me a note and I’ll send you the calendar invite with the zoom link. I’ll be offering a special discount to attendees, so please tune in!

Secondly, I have an extended Black Friday sale going on! I’m offering a one on one style consult and sourcing for new clients. This is great if you feel stuck with your style, are navigating your postpartum body/life with a baby, or have a bunch of items in your closet that you love but never wear. I got you! This promotion is going until Sunday, December 15th, and I’m so pumped to be working with you all! Any questions please email me allie@allisonkoehler.com.

Till next time :)

I realized recently upon my acquisition of yet another chambray button down that where quantity is concerned, the limit does not exist. I have a denim shacket, a gauzy oversized shirt perfect for the beach, a drop shoulder high/low hem for when I’m feeling feminine…you get it.

These shirts are thin enough to layer under something, thick enough to keep you warm, and look equally good tied around your waist or billowing out of your bag at the beach.

Here are 5 of my faves:

1. Ralph Lauren - Wearing this one in my glamour shot above. It’s hearty enough to use as a layer while also light enough to wear on its own, which is strangely a tough line to toe for a little shirt. Here’s an almost identical one from Gap.

2. Kule - My new personal fave, I find the length to be perfect. Sometimes you want a little extra coverage, you know? (Wearing below)

3. Blaze Milano - This one is my Holy Grail, but isn’t a shirt so much as a proper jacket. For Summer this is your outerwear, as it’s too heavy to really do anything else with.

4. Sezane - As light and airy as they come.

5. Cos - been eyeing this beaut for a minute and now she’s on sale. Watch her become my beach sweatshirt all summer and then layer her over turtlenecks all next winter.

That’s all for now. And Happy Pride Month! x

1. J Wortham’s article about Brittney Griner in the New York Times is so beautifully written, I was absolutely rapt and cannot wait to read her new book out Tuesday. I’m a huge J Wortham fan from their podcast Still Processing, and there’s something so powerful about a queer person of color writing about a queer person of color.

2. This dress from Doen . I have to say, the brand in general gives me a bit of pseudo science, anti-vax vibes, but I have a couple pieces that I love and wear religiously.

3. Met Gala Monday is tomorrow! I cannot WAIT to see what Zendaya will wear, as it’s hard to imagine her outdoing her Challengers press tour looks, or any of her red carpet looks for that matter.

4. I reorganized my client’s closet this week and we switched all of her hangers over to the only acceptable hanger option according to any stylist worth her salt. A rack full of these is a beautiful rack, indeed!

5. I’ve had my eye on one of Mecha Mendez’s bags for over a year and finally pulled the trigger earlier this Spring. They’re handmade in Argentina and the brand plants a tree with every sale!

See you soon x

So this question has me stumped, because I truly don’t know that I’d buy anything full price...ever. Taking into account the fact that life has gotten so expensive and the quality of fashion has gone down, but also considering the fact that I simply do not want to own anything that isn’t reinforcing my sense of style.

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But if you’re currently in sartorial Rut City (thank you to my best friend Courtney for coining this term), may I advise a 30 second exercise?

I want you to think about any outfit you wear consisting of 4 parts: a top, a bottom, a layer, and a shoe. And I want you to think about the 4 items in your closet that are the most likely to wind up together. For me it’s going to be a t-shirt, a denim shirt, r13 jeans and sambas. And I feel great about that, but it’s on heavy rotation (remember, we are proud outfit repeaters), and I want out of sartorial Rut City.

Let’s play Switch, Style, Nix!

Switch - Switch out one of your go-tos. Instead of my go-to denim layer, I’m wearing a cardigan here, and I love how it adds a little levity to the outfit overall. Yet still very me!

Style - Wear one of the 4 parts differently. Instead of a half tuck on my t-shirt, I’ll wear it out, or fully tuck it in. I’ll wear the layer over my shoulders instead of around my waist. Below, I’m letting the denim shirt be the star of the show.

Nix - Take away one of the items completely. Swap boots for sambas, lose the layer! Or wear a dress with your layer and shoes instead of t-shirt and jeans. Above, I lost the tee completely. Admittedly I haven’t done this before, but I really like it! I do these exercises right along with you all :)

Till next time? x

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Here’s what’s been on my mind this week:

1. We Were The Lucky Ones on Hulu

I’ve devoured every available episode of this stunning story, and it is required viewing. I recently worked on a shoot with Joey King and Logan Lerman, and found out that they filmed the series in 2022, long before the events of October 7th, 2023. I find it so interesting and timely; let me know if you’re watching!

2. Cillian Murphy in Versace

This man defies gender and sexuality! I love the campaign so much, and I find it hilarious that an actor seemingly so opposed to the media circus surrounding his profession willingly signed up to be the face of a designer, saying “Clean and classic…it’s Versace.” But I’m 1000% in.

3. The Row Margaux

I do not understand the appointment of this tote as “the next Birkin.” A Birkin is a Birkin, surely we don’t need to make that comparison, though I suppose anything made by The Row has a price tag closer to Hermes than anything. If you love it, though, here’s a great dupe on Etsy! This is different but I much prefer it.

4. Cardigans

Either they’re having a moment or they’re just very in my orbit. A client recently purchased this from our fitting, and I’ve got my eye on this in brown, and am curious about this activewear version.

How was your week? Talk soon yeah?

…I ask you, when was the last time you wore something that felt truthful to your sense of style? When was the last time that you wore an outfit you liked but in retrospect realized that it wasn’t serving you?

Next time you go to put on pair of workout pants as your outfit, I challenge you to reconsider.

Circling back here…and this time I’m going to get specific with examples for you on how to dress with truth.

Every time you put together an outfit, I want you to cycle through these questions:

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1. Normally overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up with fashion week in real time, I finally got around to digesting some of the shows from fashion week, and absolutely loved the succinct commentary provided in the latest episode of The Run-Through podcast. Even better was their interview with celeb stylist of the moment Danielle Goldberg (clients include Greta Lee, Ayo Edibiri and Olivia Rodrigo), who said of her clients, “They really know who they are, and I think that’s half the battle when getting dressed.” I couldn’t have said it better myself!

2. I saw the highly anticipated Love Lies Bleeding last night, and absolutely loved it. Did I see it on principle as a longtime fan of Kristen Stewart? Yes. Did I see it because I feel the need to consume all same sex love stories about women? Also yes. Is it a must see aside from both of those facts? ALSO YES! The Cut’s review captured it perfectly, but contains spoilers.

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3. The Tiny Big Sister, which is the women’s offshoot of children’s brand Tiny Cottons, is having a winter sale and it’s really good. I’ve got my eye on this coat for spring, because sadly this one isn’t available in my size (I’m on the hunt for dupes, though).

   

4. With all of the rain this week and my unfortunate commitment to a winter coat without a hood, I’ve been looking for a chic solution. Aside from the above, I’m thinking I might just fully commit and go with this Gorpcore cap from Amazon or this hood with attachable mask.

That’s all for now…anything I missed? Drop me a line! x

So let’s talk styling kit.

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First things first, you need a good steamer.

A steamer can’t get you that crisp, starchy look that an iron gives, but for the most part is way more useful than an iron. If you’re steaming outfits multiple times a week, you absolutely need a standing steamer and there is only one option: The Jiffy.

It’s not chic looking and it’s pretty pricy but if you steam clothing with any regularity, it is the holy grail. There are decent options online for refurbished or used models, and you can usually find new ones under $250 if you do a bit of digging.

The key with steaming is to get in there and go for it. I usually run the steamer on the inside of the garment first, then finish stubborn wrinkles on the outside. Depending on the material and in most cases, you can hold the nozzle right up to the garment. If you’re worried about water stains, throw a clean sock over the nozzle.

And if you’re in the market for a reliable handheld steamer, the above are my two favorites that I recommend for clients.

Fashion Tape

Similar to steamers, there’s only one fashion tape that has a prayer of working, and it’s Topstick. Originally used for men’s hairpieces, it has long since been a favorite in any worthy stylist’s kit. My main advice with Topstick is to apply with the help of someone else, as it can tug at the skin, pucker, or show if you do it yourself. I also like to cut the size I need; a little goes a long way. Tread carefully when using Topstick to hold together fabric that is pulling, though (i.e. at the bust of a button down shirt). If the gap is larger than a centimeter, I’d suggest having a tailor put in a hook and eye or snap.

Stains

Tide to go and Shout wipes? Yes. BUT! Though I was once chastised by a celebrity for this, my go-to stain remover is babyganics baby wipes. I know it’s sort of strange, but I’ve been using these as my first line of defense since before I had my now 5 year old. They’re extremely gentle and they WORK. The key is to dab at the stain when it’s fresh, rather than wipe or rub. If the stain is old, try Dawn dish soap, warm water and an old, soft toothbrush first. Soak or hand wash with a scoop of OxyClean. If all of these fail…check out the Instagram of NY dry cleaner Jeeves and/or order A Dirty Guide to a Clean Home (co-written by my beloved client Carla!).

Boob Tape

Having styled for red carpets and weddings, I have taped my fair share of boobs. As I type this I’m realizing I’ve never taped my own boobs, which I fear says something about me, but I digress. I’ve seen many contraptions with which we are encouraged to tape our boobs, but remember I’m a purist and a loyal Scorpio. I maintain that a roll of skin toned tape is the best. This job is also done best with people, but can be done alone fairly easily. Start by applying the tape centered under your breast, then pull to lift. You may need a second piece for support; place that on the outside of your breast closer to your arm.

Shapewear

Let me know if you want a whole post on this, but I’m just going to go ahead and say it: Skims makes the best undergarments. Their bras are my personal favorite for myself and clients, and their shapewear comes in endless iterations and colorways. Start here: naked plunge bra, plunge bralette (I wear this one!), mid thigh bodysuit, high waisted short, white cotton tee

Other Handy Items

Leather hole punch, sweater shaver, deodorant removing sponge

Talk to me! Is this helpful? Any other questions?? Feel free to get in touch!

x

Years ago some friends and I went outlet shopping on the way to the Hamptons for work. Though what they wear differs greatly from my style, I allowed myself to be swept away in the J. Crew outlet. With abandon I plucked items off of their hangers. A preppy sweater, a quilted vest. I felt jubilant, unstoppable; I felt like someone else. Months later as I was editing my closet, I felt embarrassed looking at the items I had purchased. They weren’t me at all. I tossed them into a pile of clothing to donate and vowed to not be so overcome in the future.

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When I think about getting dressed according to my truest sense of style, I remember an interview -or was it a Kardashian show confessional - where Kourtney challenged the early aughts obsession with leggings (remember that?). I have scoured the internet for evidence of this quote and come up empty-handed, but the gist was this:

It takes just as much time to put on a full outfit as it does a pair of leggings.

In other words, why would you bother putting on anything other than something that utterly thrills you? And moreover, why wear “leggings” (read: a trendy, unoriginal piece) instead of something true to yourself?

The kids would call this my roman empire; I think about it all the time, and it chills me to the bone. Aside from “You’re never fully dressed without a smile,” can you think of something more all-encompassing when it comes to personal style? More foundational? It’s so simple, and yet…it’s sort of the key.

With that in mind, I ask you, when was the last time you wore something that felt truthful to your sense of style? When was the last time that you wore an outfit you liked but in retrospect realized that it wasn’t serving you?

Next time you go to put on pair of workout pants as your outfit, I challenge you to reconsider.

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Okay, that’s all for now, but I’ll leave you with some stuff that’s been on my mind:

Have you watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith yet? My kid was at his Dad’s this weekend and I essentially spent the entirety of his time there bingeing the series. The bevy of guest stars is so impressive, the writing is brilliant, and the chemistry between Donald Glover and Maya Erskine is electric. I cannot recommend enough!

I’m eyeing this cardigan from Lemaire and this sweatshirt from The Attico. Opposing sihlouettes, but not entirely different vibes?

My Mom made these stuffed shells last week when I was visiting and my kid actually ate them!

Next up on mission to read every memoir…ever.

x

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The impulse control of a 39 year old mom on a strict budget is pretty good though, I have to say. And I’ve noticed something that happens much of the time when I stop myself from buying just to buy. With time, that item I wanted so badly no longer piques my interest. This is a triumphant realization for me! Am I…mature? Is this…mindfulness?

It may be the closest thing I’ll ever get to meditation, and darn does it feel good. It’s not foolproof though. We still occasionally fall prey to the panicky FOMO of that viral piece du jour (remember the Toteme coat?), and that’s okay. I’d like to propose a mental shift, however.

Take, for example, this coat:

Other than capitalism doing its absolute best work, I have to ask myself why anyone is shelling out hundreds of dollars for a coat that by every metric, fails to do the one thing a coat needs to do??

In a recent poll on my Instagram stories, when asked what you’d buy right now if you had some extra cash, over half of the dozens of responses said they’d splurge on a new coat. Polyester should be reserved for the occasional trendy piece that will defy the odds and become a mainstay in your wardrobe. For a new coat, we gotta go purist. Wool. Leather. Shearling. Real! A quick aside here to say that, to me, a vintage fur coat is far less damaging to the environment than a brand new vegan leather coat.

With that in mind, feast your eyes on these similar options that are real shearling, same price point as Mango, and one of a kind.

If we didn’t succumb to the ever-present pulse of consumption, if we waited a second or asked ourselves what we really wanted, and then searched for a truly unique, mainstay piece…maybe we’d begin, slowly, to build the foundation of our most authentic, joyful wardrobe.

Talk to me. What are we buying (or not buying?) right now?

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What I’ve been doing plenty of, though, is reading. I’ve been devouring memoir after memoir for the past two months. I’ve stayed in to read when I could have been seeing friends, and I’ve read instead of writing more than once. Always one to search for meaning in everything, I wondered how my recent fascination with memoirs could possibly be related to furthering or bettering my career as a stylist.

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Given my profession, I have to examine my biases. Will I start wearing heels to set? No. Will I become a ballet flat girly? Sadly no. But I’m ready to diversify a bit.

Day to day I wear sneakers or loafers. The Adidas sambas have become like slippers to me, and I always wear them with these Hanes crew socks that Amazon tells me I’ve purchased 4 times now. My holy grail of socks, they’re warm, breathable, fitted but not too tight.

The Prada loafers, though ubiquitous, are admittedly extremely comfortable. I’m talking 12 hour days, no problem. I like to wear them with lurex crew socks or fishnet ankle socks. They were an accident, though. Right when they came out, I lusted after the rust colored pair with soles the color of sand (I cannot find even a dead link, not so much as a photo of these…did I dream them??). They immediately sold out and Prada didn’t restock.

If you can’t tell, I am not -nor do I encourage my clients to be- the type of person who wears something just because they have it. If I pushed myself to expand the sort of shoes I can wear for work, standing for long periods of time…what should I choose?

We’ve got the warmth, we’ve got the whimsy, durability and timelessness.

I want to wear these with jeans, I want to wear these with skirts. I want to wear these for apres ski. Check, check check.

These provide the illusion of height without having to sacrifice the balls of your feet. I love how unexpected the color is; I’d like to wear these with the ribbed pant of the moment. They’d also do a great job as a transitional piece between seasons.

I love the 80’s rerun of sheer black tights and stilettos I’ve been seeing, but a girl is cold and old and I need comfort! I love the square toe of these, and brown is truly having a moment.

What shoes are you lusting after right now, and are they realistic and comfortable or pie in the sky unattainable?

x

At 39, where the switch happened is unclear to me. I still love girly clothing, makeup, bags, jewelry. I just don’t always feel they’re for me. As a stylist I categorically reject the idea that what we wear is restricted and defined by anything, let alone gender or sexuality. So why do I limit myself?

While I continue to explore my own limiting beliefs with regard to femininity, I have lately been enthralled with what seems to be the resurgence of the skirt. Admittedly I don’t own many skirts; I am perplexed by them. In my work as a stylist, they are rarely utilized. Maybe it’s Taylor Swift’s uniform of skirts in 2023, or Miu Miu’s SS 22 collection that recalls Paris Hilton’s micro minis of the aughts. Either way, I had to try it. Here’s what I gleaned:

The Sweater Skirt: 6/10

I want to look cool while feeling like I’m swathed in a Barefoot Dreams throw blanket. This outfit works, no? I don’t like being too physically restricted at work, so I dig that this skirt works beautifully with an untucked button down and the best cardigan ever. I’d also love to see it with turtleneck or bodysuit.

The Sporty Mini: 7/10

Speaking of Taylor Swift! I really wanted to try a dressed down mini skirt and this one from Alo is earning a prized place in my closet. Although it felt a little too short for my nearly 40 year old body (limiting belief! Working on it!), it is so comfortable and has built in briefs which make it perfect for NYC and mom’ing.

The Jack of All Trades: 10/10

This outfit feels perfectly me. The Goldilocks of skirts, this Susana Monaco jersey skirt is not too short, has no elastic, and has an extra wide waistband that can be folded over. It will work with tights, it will work on its own. It folds to nearly nothing for travel; it will rotate in and out of my closet forever. I am so happy I decided to give skirts a go!

The Row Dupe: 7/10

Eternal to-do: retain the mystifying appeal of an Olsen twin. That means looking tailored, accidentally chic, comfortable but structured. One large, expensive sartorial juxtaposition. A long black skirt has all the versatility of a pair of jeans or trousers, but is somehow better. Imagine this with a tuxedo shirt and oversized blazer for a black tie wedding! Imagine it with a striped shirt or a menswear button down. Consider the pencil skirt replaced.

Color me feminine, this was fun! Thoughts?

The number one question I get from potential new clients is: How do I start a capsule wardrobe?

My short answer? You don’t.

Without sounding too dramatic: the idea of a capsule wardrobe is a myth sold to us by the internet. It’s a capitalist wolf in a minimalist sheep’s clothing…stay with me here.

Remember those cringe-y lists that blogs of the 2010’s (ahem, I was one of them…) used to post? 30 pieces every woman should own before 30. Five things every woman should add to her closet. It was so alluring, so simple…the siren song of a comprehensive, definitive ANSWER to the age old question “what do I wear?” The idea that if you just get that leather jacket, classic blazer, LBD, crisp white button down, you’ll be one step closer to having it all figured out.

The huge problem with those lists? They aren’t comprehensive at all. In fact, they’re alienating. They assume that the reader has a certain style or taste, a certain identity, and a certain budget.

When a client asks me to create a capsule wardrobe, I know what they’re really craving is confidence in their personal style. If we took away the time we spent second-guessing our appearance every morning, imagine the possibilities! 10 extra minutes of sleep…coffee…peace!

So, what’s the secret to mastering our closets and our personal style without having to subscribe to a one-size-fits-all myth?

The way we actually dress every day is the key to unlocking sartorial freedom.

Dear reader, it’s as simple as observing what you actually wear. In your every day, what you wear IS your wardrobe. If you’re back in the office 3 days a week, maybe more often than not you catch yourself wearing black jeans and a striped top. I hope this doesn’t sound radical but…your closet should reflect this! Have 3 pairs of black jeans you LOVE in your closet, and have 5 striped shirts as well. Maybe one is a turtleneck, 2 are short sleeved, one’s a knit, one a boatneck. But you get the idea, right?

This may come as a shock but it should also be a relief! If that is your uniform, you needn’t bother trying to find that elusive crisp white button down.

Okay but WHAT IF…you don’t like what you wear in your every day?

If you need to recalibrate your style, refresh your vision, this formula is for you.

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All of this to say that Xmas is days away, and if you celebrate, the narrow window for buying a gift online and receiving it on time is closing. I got you, okay? From a self proclaimed online gal, here are 6 unique gift ideas, right on time.

What: Uniqlo Fair Isle Heattech socks ,$8 Who: Your friend who bikes everywhere, no matter the weather. Why: I’ve talked about my love for Uniqlo before. They’ve got basics down, and their heattech product line is magic. These socks are practical and a chic alternative to ski socks.

What: Salt Drop Class Pack, $38 Who: Your friend who loves to go dancing but is doing Dry January. Why: Salt Drop was my go-to workout class during the pandemic. Dino’s classes feel like a mixture of cardio, yoga, barre, and pilates, with the most incredible playlists. They fly by leaving you breathless and wrung out in the best way.

What: Colorful Dominoes from Rider Gifts Who: Your aesthetic friend with kids who refuses to allow more toys in the house. Why: Rider is a cozy but mighty store in the heart of Park Slope, with options for everyone on your list. You could easily spend an hour in the tiny space poring over everything. Even if you’re finished with your shopping, it’s worth a visit!

What: Pens from Goods for the Study Who: Your best friend who doesn’t ever miss her morning pages. Why: Of all the paper goods stores in NYC, Goods for the Study is my absolute favorite. They have beautiful Japanese planners, cards that look more like art, and yes, a pen for every type of person.

What: A session with a personal stylist Who: Your sister who always thinks of everyone else before herself. Why: Last year I had a longtime client purchase a closet session with me as a gift for her sister. The two of them were both so excited about it, the joy was contagious. My work with my private client lifts me up more than anything else that I do, but this was a special one. Book here!

What: Nora Kogan signet ring Who: Yourself, you deserve it. Why: Buying for yourself is an unspoken rule during the holidays, why are we not more brazen about it? Nora’s jewelry covers everything from cheeky to whimsical to simply beautiful. Better yet? The vibes in store and the chance to chat with her one on one. Cannot recommend swinging by her store enough.

So, what do you think? Any gift recommendations for me? I’d love to hear xo

When I’m working with my personal clients, much of the time we’re focused on undoing their pre-conceived notions about style. A sneaky example of this is the idea of “running out” to buy clothing. When considering the items that take up precious real estate in our closets, the approach we take to acquire these items should be deliberate and meticulous. I cannot tell you how often I hear clients describe situations in which they “just needed” a black dress, for example, so they “ran to H&M.”

Let me stop you right there.

We’re not making tacos. Your clothing is not an ingredient that can be quickly acquired at the bodega next door. This isn’t a 30 minute meal; it’s a soufflé. A made-to-order masterpiece that takes the better part of an hour to bake. Which is why I believe in coming up with a list of items you want to purchase - along with a coinciding budget- at the beginning of the year. In anticipation of (gasp) January 1st, here’s how to do that…

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So without further ado, here’s a list of things I love to give, by brands I’ve vetted. Enjoy!

Yuko Nishikawa Mug - I discovered Yuko’s work during the pandemic and treated myself to one of her mugs last year. Great to drink out of, even better to admire.

French Soap - The perfect gift for anyone, anytime. This soap lasts *forever*.

Anya Hindmarch x Uniqlo Gloves - During the winter, Uniqlo’s heattech is essential for me. I love this cute collab for kids and adults alike.

Raey Sweatpants - Slouchy, comfy, chic.

Happy Menocal Stationary - Happy did my wedding invitations way back when; I will never tire of her work. I love the whimsy of her painting. Can you imagine getting one of her cards in the mail?

Kule Oy Vey Socks - Also available in sweatshirt form!

Byredo Suede Hand Soap - I get complimented on this soap more than anything else I have in my apartment. A little goes a long way, so each bottle lasts ~6 months.

Deep Sleep Oil - My best friend gifted me an essential oil rollerball years ago; it’s a luxe way to pretend I don’t have insomnia ;)

Nicki Sebastian Print - On my wishlist this year is one of Nicki’s incredible prints for a cause. A survivor of Leukemia, Nicki donates 50% of the proceeds of her work to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Airpods Case - You can take the girl out of the 2000’s…but I will regret never owning a blinged Motorola sidekick forever!

Happy happy holidays, and thanks for reading! xo