“What do I wear?” How many times have you asked yourself or someone else this question?

 

Do you love getting the invitation and then it hits you, oh what am I supposed to wear? It does seem that we have more rules these days about how to dress for special events in our lives. The dress code might be implied, and even when it’s made explicit on the invitation, these descriptions can be difficult to decode.

 

I think we are a bit out of practice, and hosts are getting more creative with dress codes, so deciphering between what’s “casual chic” versus “festive cocktail” attire is really confusing.

 

Whether it’s for a wedding, baptism, funeral, job interview, casual party, holiday party, baby or bridal shower, some planning is in order. (Let’s face it, even going to the gym requires some thought and planning.)

 

So many situations in life require us to meet certain standards when it comes to dressing and presenting ourselves to the world. I believe what it truly comes down to is dressing for yourself, not others. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but hear me out; When you are dressing for a particular occasion, you want to look situationally appropriate, while not ignoring your authentic self and what you feel comfortable wearing.

 

With spring on the doorstep and many weddings and gatherings on the horizon here is your guide to occasion dressing.

 

White Tie

White tie is one of the most formal of affairs. Think very formal wedding or a state dinner situation. This requires a full length ballgown, or princess-style dress with all the extras like gloves and diamonds.

 

Black Tie

Black tie dress is a formal way of dressing. A mid to floor-length gown is the way to go for upscale events, like formal weddings & charity galas. You can never go wrong with a long black gown with bold jewels.

 

Black Tie Optional

What does this mean? When an invitation says a style of dress is “optional” the host is stating their preference, but allowing for some wiggle room. If you have a long dress, wear it—or the next best thing. Shorter hemlines that hit around the knee at a black tie–optional affair is acceptable. If you decide to go short, the dress should be fancy.

Always be mindful about the intended theme of the event. Check out what has been photographed and documented online to get an idea of formality. Religious ceremonies deserve respect with a more conservative outfit.

 

Cocktail Attire

The translation is semiformal, think elegant party dress and a great pair of heels. The LBD is a great choice for most wedding, engagement parties, and many fund-raisers. Color is always in style for a cocktail party. The easiest way to achieve the perfect cocktail-party outfit is by opting for a short dress with an A-line cut to add a bit of drama.

 

Creative Black Tie

Think of black tie with a twist. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

 

Festive Dress Code

Also known as holiday attire, creative cocktail attire, or dress-to-impress. It means to bring some fun and creativity, either in the design, color or both.

 

Beach Formal- Dressy Resort

Heading to a beach wedding or a rustic rehearsal dinner? Ditch the heels!

It’s common to see dressy resort (or garden party) on an outdoor wedding invitation. Think easy and breezy with a touch of elegance!

 

Smart Casual

Ok, my least favorite! UGH! Looking pulled-together and party-ready in jeans, I think requires a very unique blazer or a very special blouse with “kick ass” heels.

 

And lastly,

Come As You Are

Don’t believe it! Pretty much anything goes except leggings/workout wear. But, think about how you would like guests to dress if they were coming to your party.

 

 

 

Putting an event driven wardrobe together is like completing a puzzle. Sifting through the pieces making sure things fit together just right. Most dress code “rules” should be seen as general guidelines—with a few exceptions-like avoiding wearing white to a wedding unless the bride says so, and underdressing for an event such as an outdoor wedding in a casual setting.

 

–Click on images for link to website–

 

For some of you that are looking for shopping ideas, contact:

Me! Lynne Kehne 612-708-2244

https://lynnekehne.com/personal-shopping-2/

 

 

Other Resources:

https://motherof.co/

https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/women/clothing/dresses/mother-of-the-bride-dresses

https://dressupgoout.com/collections/gowns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What could be easier than a matching set?

Here are a few of my favorites!

The blouse can be casual or dressy. Throw on a pair of jeans with it as fall approaches.

This matching blazer and shorts is so versatile.

Now that the workplace is more relaxed,

this look will make you feel like all business while wearing shorts.

You can always break the pieces up to expand your wardrobe.

JSlides sandals are the neutral color we all need.

They also have fall platform tennis shoes. So cute!

Throw an oversize sweater or blazer over this 2pc set and extend it into fall.

Florals are not going away. I like the tailored look of this 2pc.

The top will be perfect with white jean. For a more laid-back look,

pair the skirt with a white tee and tennis shoes.

One last set!

Next time we are going to talk weddings.

Cracking the code on the appropriate wedding attire.

With so many weddings this summer and upcoming fall,

let’s get you set to attend a wedding in style.

Enjoy Summer!

–Click on images for link to website–

Ok, I wish I was talking about the sky. Summer is around the corner and transitions abound. If you are tired of wearing winter clothes let’s just pretend it’s summer. If you wait too long you will miss it. Hey it is Minnesota after all, a bit of “fake it till you make it” attitude is in order. So if I can motivate you to at least haul the wool out of your closets, that’s a good start.

The theme, if you haven’t already guessed, is BLUE! I am also saying summer rather than spring because I think spring has passed us over this year.

A new summer handbag in blue patent will go with just about anything.

For us petites

For the plus size

Blue Bling

The working woman

Garden party dress

The sun will soon be shining and we will be wearing summer clothes before you know it. This is a good time to evaluate your wardrobe and add a little blue too!

https://lynnekehne.com

Lynne@LynneKehne.com

612-708-2244

Whether you are planning a big closet purge or a minor cleanout, do you ever wonder where in the heck you should donate clothing and other items you no longer want or need? I don’t know about you, but sometimes there is freedom in just throwing unwanted clothing in the trash. But that’s not the answer, as it adds an unwelcome burden to our overflowing landfills. Check out this information from the EPA website:

Donating your unwanted clothing will keep it out of a landfill

Where are your donated goods really going? I get asked this question a lot. Here is the rundown on where you can bring your clothing so they can have a second life.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store accepts clothing donations. This is from their website:

“When it comes to men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, St. Vincent de Paul – Twin Cities eliminates the decision to donate or toss. “

“If you would give an item to a loved one … we would love it! If your item is torn, stained, out of style or has a broken zipper … we’ll take that too!“

This last line is music to my ears! What? They will take torn and stained clothing?!

​​St. Vincent de Paul volunteers sort each piece of clothing – keeping quality items for Thrift Store sale, Parish Free giveaways, or shipment to missions abroad. Items that don’t make the cut are recycled to produce everything from insulation, stuffing for cushions, wiping rags, or soundproofing material. They will do home pick-ups too.

Arc’s Value Village shops, take clothing and even stuffed animals. Some number of years ago, I needed to donate a few garbage bags of stuffed animals and it was tough to find a donation site. I can thank Build-A Bear and my daughter’s desire to be a vet when she was young for all stuffed animals that needed a good home!

Goodwill and other charities want items that can be reused and resold in order to make a profit to further their missions, like community causes and job training.

Local Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and Savers Stores will recycle any textile that is not sellable in their stores.

Many charities have free donation pick up; Arc’s, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Goodwill, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent de Paul.

Another way to recycle is to think about selling or consignment

If it’s worth your time, sell it. Did you know that you can ship your consignments to a Turn Style consignment shop? Items that don’t sell after the consignment period has expired get donated to the Salvation Army. They also offer a pick-up service for a $60 charge. 

Poshmark, is a new and used clothing online platform where you can sell your clothing. Posting secondhand styles for women, men, kids, pets, and home goods, can put a little cash in your wallet.

ThredUP, is an online consignment and thrift store. ThredUP will send you a cleanout kit that includes a bag to put your stuff in along with a shipping label. It’s that easy. They list it and sell it for you.

Donate goods for good

Stay local and swing by Select Resale store, in Plymouth. Your donations of clothing, Jewelry and much more, are sold to the public with proceeds benefiting Interfaith Outreach or are made available to low-income neighbors free of charge. It’s a great feeling to know that your donation will benefit a local family in need, right in your own community.

Drop off unwanted items at stores that will help recycle, restore and resell

There are even some big-name stores that will accept your unwanted clothes and recycle them for you. American Eagle Outfitters and Eileen Fisher stores will take your old clothes and shoes for you, recycle them, and even give you a reward for it.

Madewell will happily take any denim jeans off your hands. They partner with a green company that turns denim into housing insulation. Drop off a pair of pre-loved jeans in any cut, style, or color, and you will receive a $20 credit to use toward a new pair of jeans.

DSW will take your used shoes and in return give you a $5 reward to use on your next purchase and 50 points for those in the VIP program. Just drop them off at any DSW store. SOLES4SOULS organization takes the shoes and repairs and donates back to low-income communities across the world.

If you don’t want to drop your items off, try shipping them

Give Back Box is an easy way to just ship your goods. They work with retailers and individuals. Reuse your own cardboard boxes, to ship up to 70lbs. Nordstrom Rack & American Eagle stores use this system to recycle.

Things to consider when you are decluttering your closet

Do you love this piece?

Have worn this clothing item recently?

Will you really ever wear it again?

You don’t have to love everything you own. Holding on to particular pieces for specific purposes like travel, seasonal wear, or for the Holidays, only makes sense if you will not want something new when the next event rolls around. Be honest, if that’s the case, let someone else have it. Letting things go in your physical space can also free up emotional space too. I know for me; the clutter can make me crazy! Just ask my husband.

See you soon to help you navigate a new way to let go!

https://lynnekehne.com

Lynne@LynneKehne.com

612-708-2244

BE EMPOWERED | BE PROACTIVE | BE PINK!

I am partnering once again with Park Nicollet Foundation and Park Nicollet Jane Brattain Breast Center. Throughout October, I will donate $20 for every “Closet Consultation” or “Personal Shopping” appointment booked in October. The proceeds will benefit the Jane Brattain Breast Center Mammo a-go-go Community Outreach Program.

This unique community program brings no-fee 3D screening mammograms, diagnostic services and education to underserved women in community settings via their mobile Mammo a-go-go truck. Women supported are ineligible for other programs, have limited access or transportation barriers to care or are uninsured.

Mammo a-go-go travels to locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area, giving women convenient access to the latest screening technology in a tranquil environment. Walk-in and scheduled mammograms are available, including same-day appointments. The mobile mammography units have provided more than 30,000 mammography screenings to women at hundreds of screening events since 2014.

You can also make a direct donation at this link:

https://app.mobilecause.com/e/qXsm8Q?vid=m446g

Thank you for opening your hearts!

Lynne

https://lynnekehne.com

Lynne@LynneKehne.com

612-708-2244