Never Too Festive: Parenting with More Joy & Less Mom Guilt

Elevate Your Wardrobe: Personal Style Mindset Shifts and Top 2025 Trands with Stylist Sahra Brandt

• Elizabeth Hambleton

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Unlock the secrets of personal style with personal stylist Sahra Brandt, as she joins me, Elizabeth Hambleton, for an empowering episode of Never Too Festive. Discover why personal style is more about a mindset shift than a mere wardrobe overhaul. Sahra's journey from fashion model to style guru offers a unique perspective on aligning your fashion choices with your lifestyle and personal aesthetic. Together, we unpack the art of creating style pillars that transform the often-daunting task of getting dressed into a joyful and effortless experience.

Peek into the world of wardrobe remixing and sustainable fashion practices, as we share practical strategies for curating a closet that resonates with you. From the nuances of appreciating fashion trends to the importance of closet management, Sahra and I provide insights into making intentional shopping decisions that enhance your personal style. Explore creative styling tips, the power of Pinterest boards, and the shifts needed to embrace a dynamic and evolving wardrobe without succumbing to overconsumption.

For every busy mom juggling life’s demands, our conversation brings a refreshing take on balancing style with practicality. We discuss fashion solutions that cater to active lifestyles, such as washable silks and stain-resistant items, without compromising on elegance.

Connect with Sahra here.

Speaker 1:

Hello and welcome to another episode of Never Too Festive. It is the new year and, like many of us, you're probably thinking about what is the new you and one thing you would know about me if you've been listening to the show is that I believe that style is for everyone and it doesn't take a massive shift to improve your style every day. It just really is a mindset shift, more than it is about what's in your closet. And with that in mind, today we are talking about how to improve your style without adding to your mental load, because I know we just ended the holidays, we're all tired, right, and for that I am so excited to have a very special guest, sarah Brand, who is a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant, and she's going to talk to us about all things style.

Speaker 1:

Hey there, mama, and welcome to Never Too Festive, the podcast where we celebrate the extraordinary in everyday motherhood. I'm Elizabeth Hambleton, your host and fellow mom, on a mission to help you rediscover your sparkle, redefine your style and reclaim your sense of self in the midst of motherhood mayhem. Do you ever feel like you've lost touch with the stylish, confident woman you used to be before kids? Are you tired of living in yoga pants and feeling like you've gone from thriving to just surviving. Well, mama, it's time to reclaim joy, creativity and style, while embracing the fabulous mom you were meant to be. So, grab your iced coffee and join me as we embark on a stylish adventure together, because here, on Never Too Festive, there's no such thing as too much sparkle, too much flair or too much celebration. Get ready to shine bright and live your most fabulous joyful life, because you deserve it.

Speaker 2:

Welcome. Thank you so much for having me. I'm so excited to talk about this new year, new you, and really help people find their style, get inspired yeah, I love that.

Speaker 1:

And find their style. Get inspired yeah, I love that. And before we kind of dive into tips, tell us a little bit more about yourself and how you got into this.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, so I've been in fashion literally forever.

Speaker 2:

I started as a fashion model when I was 13, moved to New York City when I was a teenager and worked as a model there, and then when I was 19, and worked as a model there. And then when I was 19, I decided to pursue fashion merchandising in college and became a buyer after graduation, worked as a buyer specialist and then I was living in Washington DC, which is not the most sartorially inclined city. It's kind of known for its pantsuits and its functional footwear. So I really wanted to help people find their style and really step out of that Ann Taylor J Crew aesthetic. So I launched Shop the City to kind of bring style to the people and help people find more unique places to shop and really expand their wardrobes. I then moved to California about seven years ago now and I have just really embraced the kind of Bay Area techie aesthetic and really trying to elevate those clients and then focusing on moms and taking the mental load out of getting dressed with all of my clients, whether in California or virtual clients.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, that's funny because I can see how DC to Bay Area would be like a total shift. And most people won't know this about me, but I actually worked at an embassy in Washington DC for a while. I worked at the Canadian embassy, so I hear you on the pantsuits. It's definitely a very specific vibe in DC and I'm in Dallas, so we're kind of in the middle. Actually, we're kind of a dressy city, I would say overall compared to some, but it's so interesting, dallas can get glam it is.

Speaker 1:

We are more glam, I think, than a lot of places. I think there's a like a more makeup, a little dressier everyday look than some places, probably than California overall. But yeah, it's funny how, like I think, regions do affect what we wear and even just functionally right, like it's really hot here most of the year. It's a lot cooler in the bay area. But when you work with clients, how do you sort of encapsulate or define the idea of style, like for someone listening, listening, who's like yeah, I want it to be better, but I don't even know where am I starting from? Where do you start from with clients.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, so every single session with me starts with a style assessment. So the first 30, 45, maybe an hour of each session is spent on a style assessment where I go through like 50 images of a slideshow that I pulled from all across the Internet Pinterest, instagram, tiktok, and they are all across the style spectrum and I go through them with my client to get their feedback on what they like, what they don't like, what they would wear, what they wouldn't wear. There's usually like a red dress next to a blue dress and I'm like why would you choose one or the other? Is it the length, is it the print, is it the neckline, is it, you know, the color? What inspires you? And then we do a lifestyle chat what they do for work, what they do outside of work, are they more active, going, hiking, playing tennis, running, or are they more like going out to trendy restaurants? Or are they a mom and they're like playground central and really trying to take all of that and infusing what they like in style and their lifestyle and putting that into what will become their personal aesthetic. And with all of my clients I give them a little lookbook and I make these style pillars.

Speaker 2:

I think other stylists online have been calling them their style words. I've called them little style pillars for a few years, and it helps you to like be like oh, I am colorful, with pops of edge, and I am feminine and I am a little bit bohemian, so that when you're shopping, you're like, ok, I can like go to this brand that I know is going to fit like this part of my aesthetic, or knowing that you can go into a store and be like I like this, but does it fall into any of that? Is it colorful? Is it like one of two of my style pillars? Should I get it? Will it work in my closet? Should I get it? Will it work in my closet?

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it's funny. I worked at Stitch Fix back before anyone had ever heard of it and like it was brand, brand new. And then I was there for five years all the way through going public, which it changed a lot, and now it's like very computer algorithm driven. But we did a similar thing with clients where we would they would take an assessment and then they would kind of see like, are they more boho, are they more classic? But it's funny because I like that you walk people through what elements of it.

Speaker 1:

Because I've done personal styling and I've also done a lot of brand design and I think sometimes people see something and they're not good at articulating why they like it and sometimes that, I think, leads to a lot of closet confusion because they have an emotional reaction at some level where they're like, oh, I like it, but they can't necessarily articulate why they like it and then maybe they buy it but it doesn't really fit in with their lifestyle or with what else they have in their closet. And for people who have a closet full of things where they were like I think I liked it or I thought I liked it at the time I liked it, or like I don't even know what I like anymore, but they look in their closet and they just don't know how that stuff got here. Like, what's a step that people can take to help clean out some of that and focus on what should be there?

Speaker 2:

I think the first part is recognizing that there's a difference between liking something for yourself and appreciating it for the beauty that it can be. So a lot of my clients, when we're doing that style assessment, will be like you like it, but you don't know why. So you can appreciate it and be like maybe it's not for you. You can appreciate that looks good on someone else, while also being like that just isn't for me. And then when going through your closet, I think being able to take everything out, look at it under clean light like sunlight or something really good lighting to make sure that everything is like stain free, no pilling, in good enough condition and then making sure that it's something you enjoy wearing.

Speaker 2:

I know a lot of people don't clean out their closets very much and so they might have things from like a previous lifetime, like anything pre-2020 is probably not still functional in your wardrobe because so many people went through so many big changes. I know I became a mom during the pandemic and like nothing pre-pandemic fits. Some people started working remote and they have all of these suits and like dressier clothes and they need to figure out hey, how often am I wearing this? Does this make sense in my wardrobe. Can I wear it in different ways that make it make sense to hang on to, or could someone else appreciate it in a better?

Speaker 1:

Yeah, for sure I can really do that. I always see date night roundups of clothes and I think, oh, that would be so fun to wear, but the reality is like we just don't go on that many dates. I do not need that. Like the practicality of something is different from the idea of like I like this as an idea but doesn't need to be taking up time and space and financial resources is definitely. It's just like a different thing, right?

Speaker 2:

absolutely, and I think if you're someone who wants to have something for the like, occasional event or something, I think rentals is like the most sustainable, genius way to do that. I used to have a big walk-in closet in a bedroom before I had kids and now I share a double wide closet with my husband and there's not much room. So I like mostly rent all of my clothes so I can like stay on top of trends, have a little bit of fun with my style without like fully committing to way too much overconsumption.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, no, I agree. And I also think anyone in sort of a weight transition can really benefit from rentals, like if you just had a baby and you don't want to commit to buying jeans and a certain size because you know it just feels maybe a little permanent or overwhelming or you're just not really wanting to stay there, or you're just not sure and you know like, don't put that stress on yourself to be a certain size immediately. Just rent for a couple months and see like where, where do you end up? Because we all bounce back differently from all of the life changes that our bodies go through. So I agree, sometimes rentals are a fantastic.

Speaker 1:

Or for somebody who goes out frequently, you know it could be like you don't, because you want new stuff. I think that the idea of newness is, I think, very influencer driven in our culture and I know I like, like am raising my hand for being guilty for this because you see something on an influencer and like you're like, oh, that's so cute and you kind of like there's a part of you that like wants that freshness, dopamine bump, but you know like I probably don't need another, like Amazon matching set or you know whatever it is right, because you see a lot of the same stuff online. How can people remix what they have to get that sense of excitement without necessarily consuming or buying more?

Speaker 2:

I think a great way to look at it is think of like your favorite pieces that make you feel trendy and then go on Pinterest and be like slip skirt 2024. Look at how people are wearing it differently for the new year. I'd say like, if you have pieces that you've had in your closet for five, six years and you're like, oh, I don't know if it's trendy, you can usually update it by having like another updated piece, like having a little bit more of a modern shoe paired with like an older style skirt or something like that, and finding that balance of old and new and like bringing it a little bit more current and, I think, just having a good Pinterest. I, my Pinterest is like probably 50 boards deep because, like I do like a new one for every year and then, like I have my seasonal boards and I just like look at the last one, 30 pins that I've pinned and I'm like that's the aesthetic for this year's season yeah, I agree, I feel like I use accessories that way, and especially like traveling.

Speaker 1:

You know, I can have kind of a wardrobe that's I'll wear a lot of black, but like I can really change it up with a good accessory and revive something that's older. And speaking of sort of staying on trend, do you have your eye on anything in particular going into the new year or even maybe looking ahead to spring? I know like a lot of that's not out yet, but just like, what do you have on your radar for the coming year? Is there anything like you're dying to try or you're telling clients they should be trying?

Speaker 2:

Yes, so I do release seasonal trend reports to my clients and I release them on social media. I'm just bringing up my spring one. I know for fall and winter I have been really into burgundy and powder blue colors, and especially together. So like this winter, I mean like we just wrapped holiday, it was all sequins and velvet and sparkle, which I'm here for, yes, but I think going into winter right now, I'm like ready for burgundy and powder blue and this kind of like ice queen aesthetic and just like cozy sweaters and stuff even though it's not that cold here in California, I still like to envision it. And then, going into spring and summer, a lot of the trends I'm looking forward to is like a butter yellow. We are seeing this in footwear, in like shirts, in accessories, and I think if you were to get like a fun yellow accessory, that would just make you a little bit more trend forward and easy to wear, because I know not everyone feels like yellow is their color, but like a handbag or something.

Speaker 2:

It's not right next to your face, guys fine, exactly fall, winter was all about like siren red. Next spring and summer we're doing a lot of yellow. And then menswear. We've been loving blazers. They're like the new denim jacket, like for millennials and anyone looking to be a little more trend forward. Just throw a blazer on with everything and we're just seeing more of that coming in spring, like suiting a little bit more shoulders, a little bit more tailored and into that kind of menswear inspired look and into that kind of menswear inspired look. And then, unfortunately for us moms, everything really low slung Skirts, pants, really low rise and getting into that.

Speaker 2:

I will firmly be skipping that. Yes, me too. My body can't handle it.

Speaker 1:

Two.

Speaker 2:

C-sections here not happening, of course, yeah. And then the last one I really like for spring and summer is watercolors, so really ethereal kind of like, not so much pastels but anything that's a little bit more artistic with its prints. Just gives such a fun, refreshing vibe, as opposed to, like you worked at Stitch Fix, the classic ditzy florals that are kind of ubiquitous, groundbreaking a little bit, yeah, going a little bit more um artistic with it.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I love that. I was an art major. I'm here for that trend. I will be skipping low rise and getting heavily on board with that one. What it's funny, circling back a little, you talked about burgundy and blue together, which I think is a beautiful pairing, and I have done it. I don't know that it's intuitive for everyone, and I think that's actually a really great hack that anyone can implement is unexpected color combos can jazz up pieces you already own. And where do you look for inspiration for that kind of thing? Probably Pinterest, but is there like a search term that you would recommend for people?

Speaker 2:

So part of my background is in trend forecasting. So I'm like reading the Pantone blogs and like what the color of the year is and then looking at, you know, interior design trends and all of that and then figuring out, based on like runway trends, what colors are big and what colors are kind of secondary and how they're going to be paired together and then just kind of what feels fresh. I think I do a lot of it based on like what I'm feeling inspired by and what I'm seeing on the runways. But I'm sure you can look up color combos 2024 on Pinterest and I think it comes up with some.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I'm sure it would, and even like I don't know if anyone wants to get that into it Like Pinterest predicts, you can Google that term Pinterest predicts and then see Pinterest's trend forecasts and you don't have to be like a special account Anyone listening could do it and then you can see some of theirs are a little quirky, like it's not just fashion would be all of their predictions but you can see fashion trends.

Speaker 1:

But for anyone who doesn't want to be that in the weeds I get that most of us are not maybe doing trend research when people have, like what maybe I would call a heavy mental load or like just a hard time facing getting dressed, that classic a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. In my experience a lot of people have not bought things that go together, like they've bought in as an item like, oh I like this shirt and oh I like this dress, and, but it's not sort of thought out. But I'd love to hear your take on how, like, what is the main problem that you see? Where is it happening? Is it at the shopping level or is it at the getting dressed level, kind of, is it what they have in their closet, or like, how do they reduce that? If people say you know, I just I hate getting dressed. I don't know what to do. I'm uninspired. Like what's the first step to getting dressed with more ease in 2025?

Speaker 2:

Like what's the first step to getting dressed with more ease in 2025? My number one tip and this is not going to be accessible for everyone is to work with a personal stylist like myself, who can just come in and like help you make sense of it all. I use a software that a lot of fellow stylists use that can have a virtual closet component and so you can upload everything that you have and like, play around with making outfits. If you do not want to work with a personal stylist, I say grab, like your best friend, your partner, something like that and make like a day of it where you go through your wardrobe and you just play, dress up, you put on things that you feel good in, take photos, save them to an album on your phone and be like these are the outfits that I feel good in, these are my go-to outfits.

Speaker 2:

Then, when you're getting dressed in the morning, you know it's three weeks later and you're like oh, I don't know what to wear. You can go through that and be like what outfits did I feel good in? What do I want to wear today? You can also scroll Pinterest for inspiration, of course, but I think really taking stock of your wardrobe is going to be the best thing and then like checking for what you can add to your wardrobe from that. I think, going back a little bit to what you said, like what the biggest problem is, I think there's two big problems. I think one, people don't shop with intention. They'll just like go shopping and be like I need new clothes, but they don't know what they need Do you need your pants.

Speaker 1:

You're emotionally shopping like I just feel sad. I'm gonna go to the mall, but that can lead to some very random purchasing.

Speaker 2:

My dog died a couple months ago and I like just went on a spree. I was like I'm just spending money and I'll just return things. Yeah, I mean I bought myself some cute things, but it's like I feel like a lot of people do that where they're having a bad day, or you know, we had the election not too long ago and I saw a lot of people emotional shopping before that.

Speaker 1:

Oh, definitely, I got some texts about it. Definite emotional shopping.

Speaker 2:

Yes, I think people do that and they don't shop with intention, which leads to buying things that are not great. I think a lot of people gravitate towards the sales racks, and the items on sale are usually on sale for a reason. There is a fit issue, there is a style issue. Maybe the fabric's not great, it's been returned. People aren't buying it for a reason. People need to be careful shopping those sales racks, and I think the other big issue is people don't buy for themselves. They're not buying the right brands for themselves, they're not buying the right cuts for themselves and they're not buying the right size for themselves.

Speaker 2:

So a big tip is that most stores have pre-shrunk clothes these days, and so when you're buying jeans, you may be like oh, I want them to fit comfortably in the store. And then you get home and they stretch out a little bit and you're like why do I feel frumpy in these? Home and they stretch out a little bit and you're like why do I feel frumpy in these? They're like I feel saggy.

Speaker 2:

Um, a big thing is to shop for jeans for a size down. Get them so they're a little bit snug, so that they can then stretch out, because when you buy them. That's the smallest they're going to be and then also don't just like go to the internet and be like what jean brands should I buy? Because? Because everyone has different body shapes, and I feel like I see this in so many Facebook groups where people are like I love mother jeans, and then I see people go and try on mother jeans and it's not working for their body shape, but they're like but, like everyone says, I have to have these jeans, and so they buy them and then they're like wow, I do not feel great in these, and so just finding what works best for you is going to be so key. And I totally have a free denim guide by shape on my website blog.

Speaker 1:

So that's all out there for you.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I hear you Because actually it's funny.

Speaker 1:

I think Stitch Fix got a lot of its customer loyalty from jeans because there was a lot of training on jean brand, jean fit, jean inseam, jean cut, and then we could see like a lot of information about people and then match the jean and people would always be amazed Like it didn't matter how many shirts you sent them, they were like, oh okay, whatever, but like if you could send them jeans that fit out of the box, they were like this is magic.

Speaker 1:

And because people do struggle with jeans, but it is a lot about, like you're saying, it's like different brands for different shapes, like curvy through the hip or straighter and different things, which I think a tangible way people can improve this if they don't have time to do a ton of research is like try to follow one or two influencers who is a similar body type to you and like I'm guilty of this too right. Like I follow a really I follow loverly gray and I love her and I will keep following her, but she's like a double zero and I am not a double zero and she is not amply chested as you wouldn't be as a double zero, and like I need a more curvy fit at the top, you know. So it's like you like what works. And she was funny because she loves mother jeans and um, but like she, and I are.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, they're just a different shape, um, and it's like it. I think it can be easy to see it on someone and be like, well, she looks so cute in it and she does. I mean, she looks fabulous in her mother jeans. But when you follow people who aren't maybe the same shape as you, you kind of have to have that filter and know like maybe it works for me, maybe it's a little different, and just take it as like a looser guide rather than like I'm going to buy this exact thing sometime.

Speaker 2:

I think that's one of my favorite things is, when I do my lookbooks for my clients, I try to find them an influencer who has like a similar style and body shape to them and be like this is who you should follow and why. And I love when influencers put their measurements in their bio.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and I actually I'm so like OCD, but I have them all organized on my like saved spot so that, like when I'm looking for a certain client and I'm like, oh, she's about a size 12 or 14, I go to my little page of, like this size saved influencers, I'm like which one would match this client style?

Speaker 1:

right, and even if you're like a six, you may be, like you know, a curvier six or a straighter six and, like you know, different, just like where you carry your weight is so different. So you know, I think it is. It's hard on the internet sometimes to feel like you know, you see something and think, oh, it's gonna be great. But then I don't think they can create this cycle of disappointment, because I think a huge part too about getting dressed is the story that we tell ourselves about the clothes. And like, if you do go through the process of trying on and maybe some stuff doesn't fit anymore, like what are you telling yourself about that? Like, is it this? Like I'm a failure narrative, or like it should fit, or I should have bounced back. There's so many shoulds that we bring to clothing and then I think, if we're gonna do it like a closet clean out, I just encourage everyone to embrace it with so much compassion, because who knows what 2024 had for you? 2025 is a new year and it does not matter what size you are.

Speaker 2:

Like, let go of the shoulds around your clothes yeah, I feel like that should be the homework for every listener here is like find some influencers that match your body shape, accept, accept who you are, talk nicely about your body. That is something I work with. A lot with my clients is they can be so hard on their bodies and I have to be like okay, mindset shift, it's not that, it's not your body not fitting in the clothes. We need to find the right brands and I think if everyone starts the new year with that mentality of like I'm done following the influencers that are not going to suit me and I'm going to follow ones that are going to suit me, I think everyone would just be happier and like more inspired in a more appropriate way.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, for sure, and I think we can be so hard on ourselves, like you said, like we wouldn't tell our best friend or our sister. Oh my gosh, you look terrible in those jeans. You're such a sausage.

Speaker 1:

The holidays were horrible for you like you wouldn't say that out loud to someone you loved. But like, people say that kind of stuff in their head and I think it can really defeat the process of getting dressed and just bring so much like emotion to it. That's counterproductive and that's like how you're starting your day every day because, like you know, the tan france quote if you're not a nudist, style is for you right. So, like, we all get dressed every morning.

Speaker 2:

We don't want to start our day on this like negative spiral yeah, I think everyone deserves to be in outfits that make them feel confident and comfortable in who they are, and I think that everyone should start the new year figuring out what is going to make them feel like the best version of themselves yeah, I am here for that.

Speaker 1:

I would love to hear one thing too about like when you became a mom since our listeners are moms how do you feel like your style changed or evolved? Because I also think there can be such this negative like, even for dads to like dad bod is not a compliment, like you're saying. You, they've let themselves go and like the idea of mom gene. They're like that's such a mom thing it's. I think it can be kind of used in a you know, let's say, demeaning way maybe, or like at least leaning towards demeaning Like. How do we take back the idea of like moms having style, that, yes, we've evolved and there may be more catch up involved on our clothing than there was pre-kid, but how do we like roll with those changes and still claim something that feels positive? Roll with those changes and still claim something that?

Speaker 2:

feels positive. I think one of it is just the mindset shift. You are a completely different person than you were before. You were a mom. Like all of your styles have changed, your priorities have probably changed a lot, but you are still a standalone person and so you still deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your clothes. You shouldn't just put on, like so many moms wear sweatpants and joggers and leggings because they're, like it's comfy and easy to watch.

Speaker 2:

But I think finding pieces that can fit your lifestyle is so important, and because I work with so many moms to take that mental load out of getting dressed, I am not recommending like dry clean, only fancy pieces. I am like let's go to Kintz and get some washable silk, let's go to Abley and get some stain resistant white t-shirts and let's go to Uniqlo and get some like really cheap basics. It's about balance and like finding the pieces that are going to withstand your lifestyle and then also finding a few pieces that make you feel like your best self, whether that's investing in, like the good blazer that you take off and turn inside out around your kids, or if it's like finding a really good like denim jacket that you know that you can spot clean or something. I definitely have pieces that I wear out, that you can spot clean or something. I definitely have pieces that I wear out with clients or to work or something that when I come home, I feel okay to just be like I'm taking this off before my children touch me.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, absolutely, and I think that's okay, well, it's funny, I wear well sad. Everyone feels sad for me. Right now I actually have to wear orthotic inserts, which is horrendous, um, in your 30s to be diagnosed with that and they say it's for the rest of your life. So I wear a lot of um, hyper stylized fashion sneakers because you can take the insole out and put in an orthotic and like none's the wiser. But for, like real shoes I am largely chained to the brand bionic, which, no, knocking them the best. I love them.

Speaker 1:

They're not the best I'll, we can break that down later the best, um, they are not the most stylish, like it's, they're not sexy mostly, but like they have some okay ones. I have like a leopard print, like that you can pick and choose right. But I wear these like bionic flats when I'm at like work, events or speaking or whatever, but largely I'm in sneakers otherwise because of my orthotic issues. And, um, my son the other day was like oh, are you speaking at a conference today? And I was like no way, why would you ask that? He's like you're in your conference shoes? But so it's funny, like how it?

Speaker 1:

We do all have things that like we don't wear every day and that's okay, but it's like still looking for those things, like having a few things in your closet that are like this is my up level, right, like this makes me feel more professional, or like this makes me feel more sexy for date night or whatever it is, and it doesn't have to all be so deeply practical, right. It's all about balance, yeah, I agree, and for everyone whose kids are small mine are now 11 and 8 and they haven't spilled on me in quite a long time, so it does get better too like those early years are the messiest, for sure.

Speaker 2:

Mine are foreign too, and I got spaghetti sauce on myself last night.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, right. Well, by the time they're 11 and 8, you will have aged out of that and you can be back into cashmere land if you want to be. You don't have to be, but it's definitely not. It feels like forever when you're in it, but the years do go by. So there's that encouragement for anyone who is stuck in like ketchup and sauce land or your purse is full of like weird stuff and goldfish, like I don't carry snacks anymore, so you will reclaim your personal space at some point. So hold on. I just got rid of a diaper bag, so I'm the way.

Speaker 1:

I remember that feeling real good when I could haul less stuff and like formula and outfits. So I get it for sure. But, yes, there is an end to that. They will eventually be their own people much more so. Well, this has been a fantastic. I think this has some great actionable insights that anyone can take to look and feel better in 2025 in their clothes, because really it's about how you feel more even than how you look. But before we end up, I wanted to ask you for a petite plaisir and for anyone who's new listening, a petite plaisir is French for a little pleasure, and we just like to ask every guest for something that is bringing them a little bit of joy or happiness in this season of life.

Speaker 2:

So it's the new year and I am so deep into the Romandasy universe and all the new books are coming out and I'm just so excited to get back into the land of fairies and ignore the world and just like dive right in and ignore the world and have that little pleasure of fairies and dragons yeah, I'm here for that.

Speaker 1:

Uh, we were talking before we started recording. We're both really excited about Onyx Storm coming out. If anyone's been reading the fourth wing, that's January um, I actually feel like you have the perfect look for that. Like if you told me you were a bookstagrammer who did some romanticism, I could totally see it.

Speaker 2:

So yeah, I've got an elven. Look about me, I've been told, so yeah that's awesome.

Speaker 1:

And do you do other romanticism? Because I'm also excited about the Emily Henry coming out in April.

Speaker 2:

I, being a mom of very young children, don't get as much time to read, but I am. I've done all Rebecca Yarrow's, all Sarah and J Maas I have done.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, there's a couple other authors, but maybe I'll look up that one and yeah well, emily Henry, she's not fantasy, she's romance, but they're quick, great and um, but they are fun, like I think a lot, like a lot of moms have enjoyed it. So that's another big one coming out this year. I read a lot. I have read over 52 books. Last year I was trying to pace at one a week and I one a week but again, my kids aren't as small like I mean my kid's 11.

Speaker 1:

I can be like go get your shower by yourself, bye mom's. Reading the same, not the same, but, um, I too am into romanticism and can't wait to see what else comes out this year. And for anyone who's not into that specific genre, I encourage you to read a book, because it can be such a nice break for you and you deserve the time away from your family to do something that's just for you Dive into another universe. That's right. Yeah, sometimes we all need that escape Absolutely. And for anyone who would love to work with you or get more information, where can they find you?

Speaker 2:

So my website is wwwshopthecity and I do have in-person sessions in California. I'm in the Bay Area in LA about once a month and then I do also work virtually, so you can also find that on my website. My Instagram is shop underscore the underscore city, and then I do release seasonal trend reports and have little sales and events and little shopping notes in my emails and stuff. So people can always catch up that way and get some really good inspirations.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, that's fantastic and we will be sure to drop the link for that in the show notes so that it's easy to find and click. And thank you so much for being here.

Speaker 2:

Thank you so much, it's been fun.

Speaker 1:

Thank you for joining me. It's been fun review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to grow and inspire more women. Like you, have questions or feedback you want to share directly with me? Simply click the link in the show notes to send me a text. I'd love to hear from you until next time. Remember, all we have is today, so let's choose to live our most fabulous, joyful life together.