No Celebration is Complete Without Rémy Martin XO

Happy Lunar New Year! Here’s hoping you and your family have a healthy and prosperous Year of the Tiger.

The past few years have been tough, so I have taken this Lunar New Year quite seriously. I am ready to focus on the positive.

The tiger traditionally symbolizes bravery, wisdom, and strength, and I believe that is what this year will bring.

That’s why I have made a point to celebrate this Lunar New Year in a big way – and indulging in the limited edition Rémy Martin XO is one of the most fitting ways to do so.

Our Go-To Drink for a Luxurious Celebration

No celebration is complete without raising a glass of cognac to cheers.

But it can’t be just any old cognac. A celebration deserves the best, which is why Rémy Martin XO is a fixture for our celebrations.

Rémy Martin is the maker of one of the most well-known and luxurious cognacs globally – for very good reason.

Since 1742, Rémy Martin has been curating brandy made exclusively from grapes grown in the Cognac region of France. Hence the superior quality and flavor notes of Rémy Martin XO.

You can taste the difference, and there is no better taste than luxury for a celebration like Lunar New Year. 

Why I’m Thrilled with Rémy Martin Family Spirit Campaign 

As a longtime fan of Rémy Martin, I was thrilled to learn about the Rémy Martin XO Family Spirit campaign for the Lunar New Year.

The Family Spirit campaign highlights the bond between tradition and modernity across the generations of families and friends who gather at the table of Lunar New Year celebrations with the timelessness of Rémy Martin XO.

Each Lunar New Year, different generations of family and friends gather to celebrate the old traditions of our unique and powerful heritage while also embracing today. 

With two young daughters, Lunar New Year is very special. My girls have grown up in New York City, but I want them to know and respect the customs of our culture. During Lunar New Year, we have the incredible privilege of teaching the next generation about their heritage. 

I love that the Rémy Martin XO Family Spirit campaign honors my culture and traditions in such a meaningful way.

We can raise a glass while eating a traditional Lunar New Year meal and passing out red envelopes. 

The Rémy Martin XO is a Complete Sensory Experience

The lavish limited edition Rémy Martin XO is a complete sensory experience. 

From the second it arrived, I was in awe. 

The gift box alone is stunning, but then I opened it to reveal the most beautiful and intricate decanter.

The limited-edition glass decanter includes the ornate personal branding of Rémy Martin and several pictographs representative of Chinese culture.

What a unique and powerful way to honor my heritage. It is a treasure I will enjoy long after the last drop of cognac has been poured. 

Beyond the visual experience, the tasting experience is one-of-a-kind. One taste will help you see why Rémy Martin XO is beloved by connoisseurs. 

How to Elevate Lunar New Year with Rémy Martin XO

I always look forward to celebrating certain traditions during the Lunar New Year.

The limited-edition Rémy Martin XO makes it easy to celebrate these traditions – and elevate them.

The delicious flavor of Rémy Martin XO can be enjoyed on its own, but what makes this limited edition gift box even more special is that it includes a QR code that provides exclusive access to recipes for cocktails and food, specially designed for the Lunar New Year.

We enjoyed old fashions and crab rangoons using these exclusive recipes. 

While these were enjoyed during the Lunar New Year, I have no doubt we will pull out these recipes to elevate other celebrations throughout this Year of the Tiger. 

The Special Edition Rémy Martin Even Includes a Fun Activity

While drinking a glass of Rémy Martin XO is a special activity all its own, I love that this special gift set includes a Bầu cua cá cọp game board and dice. 

Bầu cua cá cọp is a traditional dice game that is popularly played during Lunar New Year. 

The special edition game set consists of a game board and three six-sided dice. Each side of the dice displays one of the six characters of the game (Deer, Gourd, Rooster, Fish, Crab, and Prawn). The game board also displays all six characters that correspond with the dice.

My husband and I loved throwing the dice and making our predictions as we sipped Rémy Martin XO.

Rémy Martin is Making It Easy to Look Stylish While You Indulge

In addition to releasing this lavish Rémy Martin XO for the Lunar New Year, they have also created a limited-edition Lunar New Year jacket with designer Sue Tsai.

The bold and edgy look is inspired by the Year of the Tiger, with detailed, vibrant tiger imagery. 

This exclusive piece is available at NTWRK for a limited time, with proceeds going to the Asia Society, whose purpose is to foster insight, encourage engagement, and elevate the voices of the Asian community.

Indulge with Rémy Martin XO and splurge on this luxury fashion collaboration. 

How to Stay On Top of Fashion Trends

As a mom in the fashion industry, I am often asked how I manage to stay on top of fashion trends.

I get it. As a mom, it is hard enough to get yourself and your kids put together each day without worrying about the latest fashion trends.

But here’s the good news. It is possible to keep your wardrobe trendy and fresh.

Here are some of the best ways to stay on top of fashion trends as a mom.

1. Watch Fashion Shows and Major Events

You probably won’t have a chance to attend Fashion Week, but that doesn’t mean you can’t watch clips virtually. Premiere fashion shows are one of the best (and most fun) ways to see what trends will be taking over stores soon. Additionally, look at what people are wearing at major events, such as The Grammy’s or Coachella.

2. Subscribe to Fashion Magazines

I love getting my issues of Vogue in every month. They are full of beautiful photographs of glamourous people modeling the latest trends.

3. Bookmark Your Favorite Fashion Websites

If you’d rather not subscribe to magazines, it is a good idea to bookmark fashion websites and blogs. When you get some free time, peruse these websites to see what’s new.

4. Follow Celebrities, Brands, and Stores on Social Media

Celebrities are often the fastest way to tell if something is trending. If you notice the same fashion trends popping up on celebrity social media accounts, it is a good sign that this trend will soon be everywhere. So make sure you follow the celebrities, brands, and stores you get fashion inspiration from.

5. Pay Attention to Stylists

Keep in mind that behind every wonderfully dressed celebrity is a super talented stylist. If you really want to know what is up and coming, pay attention to stylists. Follow their social media pages.

6. Make a Pinterest Board

Don’t just take every picture in. Instead, make a Pinterest board for each season and as you find looks you love, pin them to the board. This is a quick and easy way to keep track of trends.

7. Go Window Shopping

One of my favorite ways to stay on top of fashion trends is to go shopping. Window shopping, that is. I love to wander around and look at what stores are displaying. It is a fun way to see what looks are trending.

8. Work with a Personal Shopper

As a personal shopper, I can tell you honestly that if you want to look on-trend and fashionable, a personal shopper is the way to go. Personal shoppers often get access to the latest fashions before they even hit the sales floor. 

9. Keep Your Eyes Open

Sure, you can get fashion inspiration from Paris runway models and celebrities, but often all you need to do is look around you. Let’s say you are stuck in Mom Land and haven’t purchased any new clothes for a while. Simply spending time looking at what others are wearing will help you know how to upgrade your wardrobe.

10. Look for New Accessories

Don’t forget about accessories. Many moms don’t have the budget to buy a whole new wardrobe every season. In this case, knowing which accessories are trendy and fashionable is a more budget-friendly way to update your fashion.

Are You Wearing the Right Size Bra?

After months are not wearing a bra, women across America are begrudgingly putting a bra back on as they head back to work. And many are surprised by how uncomfortable their bras fit. But, what if the problem isn’t the bras but rather that women are wearing the wrong size bras? Statistics suggest that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. No wonder they are so uncomfortable!

Your True Bra Size May Shock You

The truth is many women have an idea about bra sizes, but they are often wrong. For example, many women assume a C cup is big and an A cup is small. As Wirecutter explains, “When trying on sports bras, one of our testers was surprised to find that a 34JJ bra fit much better than the 40H they thought would fit—that’s a difference of two band and cup sizes.”

Moreover, women tend to get one bra size stuck in their heads and that is what they always wear, but just like clothes sizing, it varies from brand to brand. Women should pick the bra by how it fits rather than the size.

How to Tell If Your Bra Fits Correctly

Sometimes women get stuck wearing their same everyday bra until it falls apart. Imagine how awful that would be if that every day didn’t even fit correctly? Instead, you want to make sure your go-to bra fits you correctly and comfortably. Use these bra fitting tips as a guide:

• Your bra band should fit snuggly but comfortably on the loosest setting. As the bra stretches over time, you need to be able to tighten it. If you can stretch the band far from your back, you need to go down a band size.

• The band should not ride up. It should stay in place even when you lift your arms.

• The straps should not dig in or fall off your shoulders.

• Wirecutter says, “For underwire bras, the gore (the center piece joining the two cups) should lie flat on the center of your chest. If it’s floating off your body, your bra may be either too big or too small (you can look for other fit signs to determine whether to size up or down), or you may just need to try a different style or brand.”

• As far as the cups, you shouldn’t be spilling out. That means the cup size is too small. In contrast, gaping or wrinkling is a sign the cup size is too big.

For the Best Fit, Get a Professional Fitting

So, let’s say you haven’t had a bra fitting in more than a decade or since before you had kids. It’s time. As breastfeeding mothers are well aware, your boobs do change. That means your bra size changes, too. This means you need to get a professional bra fitting done. I know many women think this is a form of torture, but bra fittings have evolved from the days when a Victoria’s Secret fitter would measure you with measuring tape.

Recently, I had a professional fitting at Soma. And my mind was blown. Soma uses a smart bra to accurately find your bra size. Real Simple explains, “[The] new SOMAINNOFIT new smart bra uses copper fibers that connect to Bluetooth technology that then sync to a smartphone app, giving you specific measurements all while you’re wearing the bra.” Upon entering the fitting room, I was given a SOMAINNOFIT bra. Once I had the bra on, the bra fitter scanned the tag at the back with her mobile device to find my perfect size.

If you don’t have a Soma store near you, you can order a bra and measure yourself at home. Additionally, online stores such as Third Love, offer online tools like a Fit Finder to help you find the right bra for the size and shape of your breasts.

How COVID Has Changed the Way We Dress

COVID-19 has changed our lives in many ways. One of the most noticeable changes we may not have anticipated at the start of the outbreak is in how we dress. When we were told to work from home and then to shelter-in-place, we adopted a new dress code – what I affectionately call “comfortable fashion.” We said goodbye to our high heels and bras and hello to all things comfy. Lounge wear became the norm, sweatpants came back in style, and pajamas were worn night AND day.

Our everyday style radically changed. But will the fashion changes we made during the coronavirus quarantine be permanent, or will we go back to dressing up daily? Fashion historians have indicated four ways COVID will change the way we dress.

We Care Way More About Our Tops

As we entered the world of working remotely, we quickly embraced the “business mullet” - formal up top, party down below. We took care to wear a nice blouse and do our hair and make-up, but we were rocking leggings down below.

The Charlotte Observer reports, “Based on data from 80 of the top 100 retailers, Adobe Analytic found a 143% jump in pajama sales, a 13% drop in pants sales and a 12% decrease in the sale of bras this spring.” And Walmart reported a sharp increase in sales for tops with a decline in sales for bottoms.

In other words, our clothing shopping demonstrated our love of the business mullet. Now, it’s doubtful that we will wear this clothing back into our workplace, but we will likely still choose our tops and blouses with more care.

We Are Dressing Down for Work

Speaking of dressing for work, we are doing away with some of the gender-based clothing. For example, while we still find it important to look put together, we no longer feel the need to wear high heels, pencil skirts, or other uncomfortable female clothing.

As Allison Pfingst explains in InStyle, “While it is still advisable to look presentable from the chest up, no woman is putting on a thong or an underwire to attend a Zoom meeting. When we have to go back to the office, there’s a good chance it will no longer be in uncomfortable heels, or hard-to-tuck-in blouses. Expectations of impractical, uncomfortable work attire are floating away along with a feeling of obligation to appear ‘attractive’ at work in the MeToo era.”

We Are Buying More Secondhand Clothing

With most retail stores closed during statewide shelter-in-place orders, we started shopping online. Specifically, we started shopping at resale sites, like The Realreal, Poshmark, and ThredUp. And experts are expecting the resale market to explode! Get ready to embrace vintage fashions.

We Have A Renewed Desire to Dress Up for Special Occasions

Now before you try to resell all your high heels and designer dresses on one of these sites, you might want to think about how you want to dress when “all this” is over. Based on fashion history, we are likely to want to continue to dress up for special occasions. I don’t know about you, but I was thrilled to have an opportunity to wear shoes and high heels on our first family outing in three months. We might not dress up every day, but we will appreciate getting dressed up for the right occasion more than we ever did before.

Why You Should Shop Your Favorite Stores Online While Stuck at Home

Listen. COVID-19 is scary. As soon as you turn on the news, the body count goes up. We are practicing social distancing and staying inside, but we don’t know how long this will go on. Non-essential workers have been sent home. Thousands (upon thousands) of people have lost their jobs. It’s serious.

I want you to know that I know how serious it is before I dive into today’s talk. All of us have heightened emotions, and we are quick to react. I don’t want anyone who reads this blog to think I am callous or oblivious. I am very (very) aware of the danger. I live in New York. I have a job that could disappear at any minute. I’m not trying to be insensitive. Just the opposite.

That’s why today, I am telling you why you should shop your favorite stores online while stuck at home.

Experts say online shopping is permissible and encouraged

Not only have experts said that it is safe to shop online (especially if you opt for no-contact delivery and sanitize after receiving products), but it is also encouraged. Business Insider suggests, “Consumers don't need to feel shameful about buying goods online, especially from small businesses currently hit by the blow of temporary closures. [Treiber of RevTrax] says, ‘In this environment, consumers should support any of their favorite retailers that may be suffering from forced store closures due to coronavirus.’”

While big-box stores like Walmart and Target are still open because they sell essentials, retailers that primarily sell clothing have shut their doors and are only making money through online sales.

You’ll help the economy

The economy is really struggling as a result of all the closures. And, while I am hopeful it will receive a big boost from all of us who have been cooped inside once the doors of our favorite retailers reopen, we can still do something to help the economy today. Vanessa Friedman, for the NY Times, writes, “After 9/11, George W. Bush urged everyone to go shopping. At first it seemed silly. But what he was really saying was: Redistribute the wealth. Get the economy going again.”

You’ll help small businesses stay in business

After the last recession, we saw stores we loved close up. I’m afraid we will see that after this is all over to. One way to help prevent your favorite stores from shuttering is to support them now. Consider purchasing gift cards to use at later dates or ordering products online.

You’ll help retail survive

Finally, when you get an email from a retailer that is advertising huge discounts, see it for what it really is. It is a cry for HELP! As Friedman explains, “This is not 25-40-60 percent off time. Except it is, because this is crisis time. The stores are closed. […] And because online sales are the only source of revenue they have to keep their employees paid and their business afloat.” The purchases you make are helping retail and employees (like myself) stay in business.

I’m not asking you to spend what you don’t have or to make poor choices (especially if you aren’t sure about your own income), but if you do have the ability to shop your favorite fashion retailers, now is the time.

Do You Love the Mini Handbag Trend or Are You Sticking with Your Oversized Bag?

Lizzo might have captured the world’s attention with her upbeat, feminist lyrics, but she definitely caught everyone’s eye when she carried the teeniest purse we’d ever seen to the American Music Awards recently. It was clearly a statement piece – there were a lot of statements made about it – but it wasn’t exactly functional.

Fashion Magazine suggests, “While most mini bags aren’t big enough to fit an iPhone, and some a credit card, they definitely make a statement, and guarantee a shower of compliments. Is this fashion’s way of telling us we should stop carrying so much stuff?”

That got me thinking. I am all about the mini bag and assumed it was because of my fashion sense. But what if there is something more to it?

Oversized Birkin Style Bags are Old News

In the last couple of decades, it seems like our bags got bigger and bigger. The popular Birkin bags were all the rage. But did you know that even the namesake of the Birkin bag is over the oversized bag trend? This is what she said to BBC News:

“The French luxury fashion house Hermes designed what became known as the Birkin bag in 1981. But Birkin, 70, has told the BBC that if, like her, you fill the bag with ‘junk... and half the furniture from your house, it's a very, very heavy bag.’ She said: ‘Now I fill my pockets like a man, because then you don't actually have to carry anything.’”

And that’s so true! How many of us (especially moms) ended up putting way too much stuff in our oversized bags simply because we could? I know I did! At some points, it was like I had my own Mary Poppins magical bag.

The Surprising History of Mini Handbags

You may also be surprised to discover that mini handbags have been around for a long time, and they have a history that goes against the idea that the bigger the bag, the bigger the wallet.

According to CR Fashion Book, “It could be argued that a bag’s size is indicative of status: The smaller it is, the more it functions only as a form of ornamentation, implying that you have hired help to lug your belongings. […] In fact, from the 1900 to the 1920s, ‘reticules’ were in fashion, while working-class women were often seen bearing larger shoppers.”

Fashion gurus also argue that this is the reason you never see royalty with anything larger than a clutch. They have no reason to carry a large bag!

Plus, Small Purses are Better for Our Health

Given the number of things we can stuff inside an oversized bag, Jane Birkin is right. These bags become very, very heavy. According to Forbes, “Experts find that carrying around a large, heavy tote can cause back pain, neck pain, and even headaches.”

PHOTO: Cosmopolitan

What Size is Too Small? What Size is Too Big?

So what size is right? Ultimately, to each, her own! You choose the right size bag to meet your needs. For example, I don’t know a single mom who would carry Lizzo’s minuscule purse since it doesn’t fit an iPhone or a credit card. At the same time, if your oversized bag is causing you pain and you catch yourself carry more than you need, maybe it is time to downsize.

Don’t Worry, Moms, Your Time Will Come

Now, I know I have some moms reading this that can’t imagine a day when they leave the house without a giant diaper bag stuffed with anything and everything their child could ever need. To these ladies, I say: your time will come. You will one day return to the land of cute handbags and purses, and the diaper bag will be given to charity. And, when the time comes, the littler, the better!

The Best Accessories Sparkle

We all know diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But even if you can’t afford a jewelry box full of bling, you can still add some shimmer to your wardrobe. Going into the 2020s, sparkling accessories are everywhere, and I am here for it! If you are hesitating to buy that sparkly fashion accessory, it’s time to embrace all things shiny. Everyone else is!

Humans Love Shiny Things

First, humans love shiny things. It’s true! According to The New York Times, “Humans, even humans who don’t like glitter, like glitter. We are drawn to shiny things in the same wild way our ancestors were overcome by a compulsion to forage for honey.” It is natural to feel drawn to that sparkly purse and those gem-embellished shoes!

Sparkles Make Dark Days Better

Not only are we naturally drawn to sparkly things, but during difficult times, we seek out things that shine. Check out this quote from Fashionista:

“A heavy political climate […] brings the need for fashion as escapism. ‘Definitely, gloom means glitter,’ she notes. ‘Turbulent times across the globe always drive a surge in bright color, sequins and maximalist styling. The concurrent '80s trend brings with it a heavy dose of better-times nostalgia for designers, which goes hand-in-hand with excessive glitz, too.’”

With the world feeling out of sorts, we are seeking out fun fashion. Makes sense, right? What lifts your mood better than a sparkly pair of shoes?

Sparkle at Any Age

Another major reason we love accessories that sparkle is because you can “sparkle” at any age. Think about it. Young girls absolutely love sparkly clothing items and are drawn to glitter like moths to a flame. We tend to think it is childish, but if you look in the women’s department, sparkly clothing is taking over! Even older women rock outfits and accessories that are embellished and shimmery.

Sparkle Day or Night

Once upon a time, sparkly accessories were reserved for only the fanciest evening occasions. This is no longer the case! You can rock a sparkle day or night! We see everything from slippers to nightgowns that sparkle. Sequins adorn everything from evening gowns to t-shirts. Day or night, you can shine.

Sparkle from Head to Toe

The ability to add a little sparkle to any accessory is another reason why we love it. I currently own several pairs of sparkly shoes – even sparkly boots – and some purses that shimmer. You can literally find every accessory with some glittery or sparkly embellishment.

However, the key is to choose one statement sparkle piece rather than wearing sparkle everything at the same time. A little pop of sparkle is all you need to lift your mood and catch someone’s eye.

Why You Need to Reduce Your Closet in 2020

You may be surprised that as a personal shopper and a fashion lover and shoe addict, I am telling you that you need to reduce your closet in 2020. But I have very good reasons. And, they are reasons that do not go against my love of having beautiful clothing, purses, and shoes in my closet. If you want to go into the next decade feeling lighter and freer, then you need to reduce your closet in 2020. This is why.

Less is More

It is easy to get caught up in wanting to have it all – that’s what society teaches us. But, instead of embracing a “more more more” lifestyle, try to remember less is more. Let’s think about this idea and our closets. What is more attractive? A closet that seems to explode when you open the door because there is too much stuff or a clean and organized closet where you can easily find everything you are looking for? See? Less is more when it comes to closets, too.

A Capsule Wardrobe is Easier

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing items that can be worn in multiple ways by mixing, matching, and accessorizing. When you simplify your closet to a smaller number of essential items, you will find it is easier to get dressed and ready to go in the morning. Plus, it will help you stress less because you will know you look good and feel good since you have chosen the key pieces of clothing in advance for this purpose.

Times are Changing – Don’t Get Stuck in the Wrong Decade

You can still be fashionable if you embrace the idea of a capsule wardrobe for each season. You may even be more fashionable. By reducing your closet to key clothing items that don’t go out of fashion, you won’t find yourself wearing something no longer in style. Think about your closet. Are there clothing items that are “so last decade” or even further back? If so, it’s time to say goodbye. You don’t want to carry decades worth of clothing baggage into the next one.

Quality Over Quantity

Rather than stuffing your closet with a bunch of cheap clothing items, choose to purchase fewer, more expensive items that will last longer. A closet that has a few quality clothing items is much better than one overflowing with stuff that will fall apart after a few washes. Take time to get rid of the clothing items in your closet that look cheap or already show wear.

Because It’ll Bring You Joy

If we learned anything towards the end of the 2010s, it was that we should care about what brings us joy. And, according to Marie Kondo in her book Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, cleaning your closet will bring you joy. By removing the items in your closet that do not spark joy, your closet will begin to make you happy rather than overwhelmed.

5 Black Must-Haves for Every Wardrobe

Black is one of my favorite classic colors. If it’s not yours, I’m here to change your mind and help you embrace the ultimate classic color that is perfect for every wardrobe. There really is no point in hesitating – black will never go out of style.

Why Black Will Never Go Out of Style

• Black makes you look slim and hides imperfections. The number one reason why women everywhere love to wear black is that it is thinning! The color works to make you look slim, and it also helps to hide any fat or imperfections you may have.

• Black is sexy and classy. If you are ever unsure what color is appropriate to wear in what setting, you can never go wrong with black. Black holds the title for being both classy AND sexy.

• Black is easy to accessorize and pair. This simple color is also well-loved because it is so easy to accessorize or coordinate outfits with! When you wear black, you can wear all different colored accessories. Likewise, a black shirt pairs with any color pants and black pants pair well with any color shirt. With this in mind, having black essentials in your wardrobe makes it easier for you to get dressed in less amount of time.

• Black knows no age, season, or skin tones. You can wear black no matter how old you are, what season it is, or what your skin tone is like. Black works in the summer as well as the winter. It looks great on pale or dark skin. Black makes both college girls and their grandmothers look on-trend.

The 5 Black Must-Haves for Every Female Wardrobe

Now that I have convinced you that black is here to stay and is a must for your wardrobe, let me break down five of the essential black wardrobe pieces you should own.

Black Shoes – Of course I am going to start with shoes! Because of my love for shoes, I can’t narrow it down to one type of black shoes. Let’s just say you need to have a fabulous pair of black shoes for each season and a pair of black dress shoes for any formal occasions.

An LBD – Ladies, if you do not own an LBD (little black dress), you need to head to the store right away! This is a quintessential wardrobe piece that will come in handy at a moment’s notice. Sudden formal invite? An LBD is perfect!

A Black Coat – Coats come in many colors, but if you want a coat that will still be fashionable years later, go with black.

Black Pants – Black pants (or trousers) are slimming and another key piece of any woman’s wardrobe as they can be paired with a variety of different colored tops.

A Black Purse – As purse crazy as I am, I am the first to admit that a black bag should be a top priority. Not only will the color never go out of style, but a black bag hides stains and dirt.

Only Wearing White Between Memorial Day and Labor Day? Toss that Old Idea.

If you have lived in the US long enough, you have surely heard that the fashion rule that you should only wear white after Memorial Day and before Labor Day. Well, now that I am officially “allowed” to wear white, it has me thinking about whether or not I want to put all my white clothes, shoes, and bags away come Labor Day. I’m thinking that’ll be a NO.

Some of the Possible Reasons This Rule Existed in the First Place

Now, if this is a new idea to you or one you’ve bee taught your whole life, you probably don’t know why this fashion rule started in the first place. I didn’t! So, I did some digging and found some interesting tidbits I thought I’d share.

• According to Reader’s Digest, “Social acceptance for wealthy women was based very much on what you wore—and when you wore it. If you were “on-trend,” you only wore white during the warmer months, since you could probably afford to wear leisurely lightweight clothing—and afford to buy new clothes if you sweat through them.”

• Then, fashion magazines started promoting and reinforcing the rule in the 1950s.

• According to the Emily Post Institute, white signified summer resort wear, so there was a distinct shift in seasonal dress for work and play.

Basically, wearing white only during the summer became a way to show you were wealthier than your peers because you could afford to purchase different wardrobes for the seasons. Another fun fact for those of us who live in the Northern US, the rule actually shifts from Memorial Day to Easter in the Southern US.  

Why I Wear White All Year Long

Have you heard the saying, “Life is short. Take the trip. Buy the shoes. Eat the cake.”? Well, I think the same way when it comes to my fashion choices. Who wants to be told when they can and cannot wear something they love? Life is too short! Plus, white has proven to be classy and chic year-round. If that wasn’t true, then why are American wedding dresses white?

Why You Should Too

Not only am I encouraging you to wear white all year, but so are the fashion and etiquette experts! The Emily Post Institute says, “Of course you can wear white after Labor Day, and it makes perfect sense to do so in climates where September’s temperatures are hardly fall-like. It’s more about fabric choice today than color. Even in the dead of winter in northern New England the fashionable wear white wools, cashmeres, jeans, and down-filled parkas.” Plus, Coco Chanel famously wore white year-round.

But, There are Still Some Times When White Is Not Right

Now, I’m not saying to go crazy and show up wearing white to your BFF's wedding. That would definitely be the wrong fashion choice. When you choose to wear white after Labor Day, make sure the fabric choice is right (such as not wearing linen in winter) and an appropriate setting (preferably one where you won’t get dirty easily). And, if this is too rebellious for the rule-followers in the room, opt for off-white in the off-season.