Please let me be the first to introduce you to KassiesCloset 2.0 – it’s new and improved, and it’s right around the corner. The new Closet is soon to launch featuring new stylists, geographic trends, and a filtering system of the outfits to be able to view just what you want to see.

It’s been a work in progress. It’s a labor of love, but everyone involved, from the stylists to programmers, all believe in the mission of the Closet: to help women look good and feel good, so that they can pursue their passion and fulfill their purpose.

Making a difference, one outfit at a time, that’s the Closet way.

I’ve just returned from a fashion show for fall, and I have to confess that I’m conflicted. As much as I cherish heat and 90 degree days, I’m eager for Fall 2013 thanks to the gorgeous things I saw floating down the runway.

The three big themes I saw for Fall 2013 are…
1. Asian prints and necklines: Asian brocades and floral patterns are going to be big for Fall, in rich shades of black and deep green
2. Plaids and tartans: Patterns big and small
3. Highs and lows: Skirts and dresses above the knee in front and below the knee (but above the calf) in back

It all started with a single piece and then I was hooked. Jackets, all kinds of jackets, they are what I love to collect. Of course it took root in college with the original Levi Jean Jacket. We lived in our jean jackets and we were never without it. We wore it under and over anything and used it as a stadium pillow to a picnic blanket. This jacket was an indestructible piece of comfort in a very turbulent time in history. I still have my original jacket but I have to admit it’s a little snug.

Since then there have been many prized pieces and I still make room in my closet for all kinds of jackets found in the most unpredictable fabrics and colors. Jackets are one of my favorite things about spring. I get to show case them all… vintage will never go out of style! So splurge and enjoy that special jacket for years to come.

Are you hunting for your own vintage jacket?
Check out this helpful blog post on “How To Date Vintage Levi’s Jackets”.

Closet Stylist – Chris Thomas
March 2013

Click on the outfits above for ideas on how to wear your vintage Levi’s jacket!

Marissa Meyer, the CEO of Yahoo, is making headlines. It’s not because she’s part of the frightfully few female titan CEOs, it’s because her compassion towards working women, specially career-oriented moms (of which she is one), is being called into question. Starting in July, no employee will be allowed to work from home. Women organizations everywhere are crying out in fear that this move will roll back the progress women-in-the-workforce have been able to make in the last 20 years.

Marissa’s argument is that Yahoo is a mess, and the staff is needed to be office-present to better collaborate, brainstorm, and produce.

Being a working mom and a woman who works from home, I empathize with those affected (men and women alike). Working from home eliminates commutes, arguably freeing up more time to focus and produce. But not everyone thrives in such a setting. I hear it all the time that when people try to work from home, they get nothing done. Not everyone has the ability to truly dedicate home space to office space. Moreover, despite technologies such as Skype and Google Hangout (which I highly doubt Yahoo would avail themselves of), when a large company is evolving, streamlining, reconfiguring, etc. it just seems logical that the people affected need to be physically present to participate in the discussion.

I actually applaud Marissa for making the decision, which undoubtedly was a tough one. I just wonder if the publicity it has received would have been the same had a man been at the helm.

Over the weekend, I was invited to a Masquerade Ball. With the below freezing temperatures in the District I was very nervous about what to wear. My weekend was already slammed with two other events, so I had no time to prep.

After rummaging through my closet for all of 15 minutes, I decided on a simple black Ralph Lauren gown, Guess by Marciano shoes, black satin gloves, and diamond accessories. I did manage to snag an awesome mask at Party City. The final look was simple, mysterious and fierce! The night was more fun than I could have ever expected and thanks to the great turnout, being cold was not an issue as the bodies of great friends kept me warm

Closet Stylist – Ebony Gilreath
February 2013

I am pictured with fellow Closet Stylist Janice and my handsome husband.

Sure, it’s a chilly day outside. But I’ve got a cocktail party at a downtown museum tonight, and I don’t think my LL Bean boots, jeans and a sweater will cut it! Instead, I’m taking a cue from a European pal who told me about layering tights.

Simply take any tight that’s crochet or fishnet (aka that expose some skin), then layer over a tight in a different color (you can go bold or simply do black over gray). The result is both edgy and warm. I’ll tuck them into another secret winter weapon of mine: La Canadienne snow boots.

This Montreal-based company not only sells truly warm and waterproof footwear, they also make it stylish. That it’s made in Canada is just the icing. I’ll pair this all with a cozy winter dress in black and some bold accessories — I might not even need a cocktail to warm up!

Closet Stylist – Jennifer Barger
February 2013

On December 20th, 2012 my life changed forever. My precious baby boy was born and for the first week my wardrobe choices had me a bit scared! I think I saw my wardrobe flash before my eyes.

The first week was rough, I am not going to lie. I am not even sure if I changed my shirt for the entire week. I felt like their was no time to change or rather why change when you would just get spit up on again. I was a bit scared that I would succumb to sweatpants and button down shirts for the rest of my life. I have to give a shout out to my mother and father who came to stay with us for a couple of weeks. During their visit I was able to shower and get dressed and feel like a “cute” mom.

My advice to new mothers is go ahead and let family watch over your little one for a few hours while you take the time to get spruced up. You have an entire closet of cute outfits and hot shoes so why not put them to work. You will ultimately feel better and your little one won’t stare at you thinking; “why does my mom look like a hot mess?”.

Even if you are not a new mom we all get stuck in these wardrobe ruts. We tend to throw on the same 1 or 2 articles of clothing that are comfortable and “easy” instead of taking a little extra time to browse our closet to find that colorful blazer or cashmere sweater that would take our look to the next level. Remember ladies, what we wear makes a statement about who we are. Do we want to be remembered for sweatpants and t-shirts or do we want to be remembered as the “cute” mom who always looked chic in her Bettye Muller heels and J.Crew blouse. Just go for it! We only live once! You can always change your shirt if it gets spit up on, and change it again, and again, and again…….

Closet Stylist – Megan Dickens
February 2013

When my friend Adrienne sent me a picture of the pair of shoes that were her Christmas present this year, my immediate response was, “those are event shoes… you must be going to a ball.”

It turned out to be better than that: Adrienne and her fiancé Tom had secretly tied the knot.

On Christmas Eve, under sleeting DC skies, accompanied by only their parents (with an in-home cameo by Buddy, their dog) they stood under an umbrella at the DC War Memorial and pledged their vows to each other.

My first question was not how did you pull this off or how long had you planned this secret event but, of course, “what did you wear?”

The bride was stunning in an ivory one-shouldered Tadashi Shoji dress, protected against chilly temperatures by a classic winter white J. Crew coat. For a subtle nod to the holidays, Adrienne added the aforementioned festive green pumps, while the groom donned equally fun green socks. Emerald brooches adorned her coat.

Hair done up by not only the best stylist but the best secret-keeper in town (how my long-time hair stylist Mickey Bolek didn’t confide in me that he was doing Adrienne’s wedding hair when I popped into his salon the day before the blessed event, I do not know) the bride looked gorgeous.

As Adrienne demonstrated, one does not need to spend a fortune to look fantastic on her wedding day. She could wear the dress to a black tie event in the future, but if she doesn’t, pangs of guilt should never plague her as they do many a bride who overspends on a wedding gown. I expect her emerald shoes to get repeated use and of course, the coat is a classic. But most importantly, the memory of the lovely elegance of this day will last an eternity.

Closet Stylist – Chelsea Henderson
February 2013

Photography Credit: Jessica Shepard

I’ll be honest, I always turn to Neiman Marcus when the time comes for the change of seasons. They always have (in my opinion) the best, most clear and concise summary of the seasons hottest trends and color pallets. Granted, being a buyer for SimplySoles, I do get an early glimpse of the upcoming seasons trends attending the buying shows. The shows always seem to be eons before the season I am buying for, so it’s fun to see the list that Neimans pulls together!

Here are some of the on-trend spring items I hope to find in my closet sooner than later (some items I’ll just keep dreaming about…)

Closet Stylist – Austin Thomas
January 2013

I recently overheard a woman, talking to her friend in the fitting room, about how she doesn’t like to tell people her fashion secrets (i.e. where she shops). Not me! When I discover something great, I love to tell everyone about it. Actually, I start to wonder how it is that I have never heard of it and why I live under a rock.

One of my recent discoveries is Loehmann’s. My friend was shocked to find that I had never been there, so after lunch she took me. After hearing about all of her awesome finds, I can’t say I’m surprised that I found amazing pieces too. I bought Joe’s Jeans for $80 and a faux fur vest for under $40. Not that you can’t find similar deals at other discount retailers, but I wasn’t forced to pick through dozens of racks to find something good and I found plenty of selections in my size. For those reasons, and half priced DVF, I will be returning.

Closet Stylist – Ashley Anderson
January 2013

View my latest discovery in The Closet now!