Author: Kbrugger12@gmail.com

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Changing for the better ….. well I hope

It’s crazy to think about how much has changed over the past 2 years and how my goals in my career and life have done a drastic 180. Let’s do a quick a run down so that everyone can be on the same page.

In the beginning of 2021 I was laid off from my product development job in fashion while I was 9 weeks pregnant. I had been doing IVF for 4 years so we knew very early that I was indeed pregnant. After going through a tough pregnancy and delivery, our beautiful daughter was born. This was the most amazing and most stressful time for me in recent years. I was a new mom with a beautiful baby but I had to figure out what was next for me in my career. We had been able to survive for the length of my pregnancy and immediately after her birth on my husbands salary and our savings but I was going to have to go back to work. There was just no way around that.

This is where things took a rather strange turn for me, which seem so to actually be a thing for me and finding jobs. While looking at job postings in the fashion field, I was getting more and more depressed and angry. The few jobs that I could find were either in the city or wanting a ton of experience (with salaries that did not match what they wanted I might add). My previous fashion job had me working long hours and made me feel that if I wasn’t connect to my email and job at all time that I could loose a promotion or my job. The thought of going back to that same type of stress terrified me. I wanted to be a good role model for my daughter and thriving in a career seemed like something that I should do. But I didn’t want to sacrifice time and activities with my daughter for my career either. This is where things got tricky and complicated.

However, one day my mom sent me post for a job in the borough I grew up in and said, ‘I know it’s not what you were looking for but it might be worth a shot.’ And she was right, it was almost everything I wanted in a job. Good hours, good benefits, stability and it was close to out daycare (aka Grandma Daycare). However the biggest down fall for me was it wasn’t in fashion. In my head it was just a secretary position and what would people think of me if I took this step backwards in my career? What would my daughter think when she got older?

But even with the doubts yelling in my ear, I took the jump and sent in my resume. After a couple rounds of interviews, I was offered the position. With no other bites in anything I was applying too (not even rejection letters), I took the opportunity.

It’s been a huge change and a massive learning curve but after a year into it I can say I’m starting to settle in. But as I settled into my new career focus, I realized I was missing the joy and fun that the fashion world brought me. I missed the excitement of trying a new pattern out or drawing up a new design. Than, I also thought about my fashion blog, the one I started and loved but never had the time to devote to. Which led me to another realization, how do you do a fashion blog when your so far out of the fashion world?

I realized that question actually made me think really hard about what I was doing. I was happy with my choice to move my career away from the fashion world, but realized that I didn’t need to have it as my career to enjoy it. So I picked up my laptop and decided that was what I was going to write about, I was going to take that leap of faith and see where it took me (since it seemed to be working in other parts of my life). Of course fashion will always be in my heart and at my fingertips but writing about anything and everything is also part of who I am now. I know that doesn’t make a lot of sense but we’ll figure out its meaning together. Just because I’m not in a fashion career based job anymore doesn’t mean I can’t write intelligently about fashion but it doesn’t mean that is the only thing I can write about either.

So basically this long winded post is me saying that I’m going to be blogging a lot more but it’s not going to be just fashion focused. I’m going to write about what interests me as a mom, a woman, a nerd and a fashionista, as well as just things that are happening in my life. Sometimes you just need to learn to go with the flow, and it’s something I’m working on.

If you made it this far in the post you deserve a cookie break, so go on and get yourself a snack while I figure out what craziness I’ll write about next.

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What Does Fashion Mean?

I wanted to write a short post about how fashion terms break down but mainly how I personally break them down. Fashion is somewhat a broad term that includes many different areas and words that tagged along to it. However, some of the most popular words that get fashion gets put together with are trend and style. Some people believe that these 3 words are all synonyms for each other but actually they are all a little different.

Fashion is an aesthetic expression through different means such as clothes, accessories, lifestyle, footwear, make-up, hairstyles, etc. Fashion typically gets linked with the words trends and style because it has such a broad overview. Fashion isn’t necessarily something that is hip and on point but just the clothing that we wear on a daily basis or the way someone furnishes their home.

Trends are something that are very specific to an aesthetic expression and often last a very short period of time before becoming extinct. There is often more than one trend happening at a time in each different part of the fashion industry. An example of this would be the bucket hat that was trending in late 2019, now in early 2020 we already see the trend fading to the background and something else taking its place (step away from the Bra top craz, nobody needs that).

Now let’s get to my favorite fashion term, style (I’m looking at you Jackie O). Now style is something every designer wants to have and I know that is something weird to say. But having a style created after you or something you created in the fashion world is extremely difficult. This is mainly because of pieces becoming popular and then quickly becoming unpopular (see that pesky word above). Even with the core style types such as, vintage or artsy, there are new style categories being created from trends often. Style is basically something that has been maintained by the consumer through time and is often seen from generation to generation. It is something that is a staple in your closet, for instance something like the little black dress.

This is the most condensed and consolidated way that I can describe what fashion, trends and style are in the most basic format. I often get asked what these words mean and thought it would be good to write it up for everyone. People don’t usually understand that fashion terminology is not as easy as it seems, but hopefully this helps someone out there.

Was this post helpful to you? Let me know in the comments. If you have something you want me to write about let me know below or email us at iconicwhispersllc@gmail.com.

image from Pinterest user Bata, I do not own or take any credit for the above image.
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Creative Fixes for the On-The-Go Problems

Everyone has been out running errands, going to work or at a party and something has happened that has brought your day to an abrupt halt. Whether it’s a broken heel, a spilled latte, or tragic case of static cling, we have all been there and had to figure it out how to fix the problem, quickly. Well hopefully with below I will help you prepare for the next time you have that ‘oh sh*t’ moment. There are a few things that I always try to keep me in purse to assist me in those ‘oh sh*t’ moments and through the post I’ll let you know what I use. So let’s get started.

Static Cling

You are getting ready for work and you put on a new blouse. You are feeling fabulous and ready to conquer the day. Quickly throwing on your jacket you’re out the door and head to work feeling fierce. Once you get to work though, the new blouse has turned on you and is clinging to you in all the wrong places. Don’t panic! Static cling happens because of 2 fabrics rubbing together and they create an electric charge, especially in dry weather. There are 3 easy fixes for this. The first trick would be if you have a metal hanger, you should rub in between your clothes and body, rubbing it on the pieces of clothing. If you don’t have a metal hanger, you can also put lotion on, which I know in some settings might be difficult. However, the last trick is a little more discreet but you need to pack ahead, a dryer sheet. I personally try to keep a couple in a ziplock bag in my purse all winter. All of these ways will help to take away the static charge and get you back to feeling fabulous.

Spills

So you are out with the girls and going to dinner then dancing. You’re at dinner and start digging in and as you take that first nacho and take a big bite 1 piece falls from your mouth. Watching in slow motion as it falls to your lap, right on to your brand new skirt. The worst part is no one has a Tide-To-Go pen, for shame, and you don’t have time to go back home to change. Don’t worry we have a way to clean it or at least make it less noticeable. First you’re going to have to ask the cute waiter/waitress (you do you boo) for a few lemon slices, seltzer and a clean napkin (fabric is most desirable). Once you have everything take the lemon and squeeze some of the juice out on the spot. Now you NEVER rub, just blot, the spot with the dry napkin. Then take a corner of the napkin and dunk it in the seltzer and blot the spot. Let it dry and repeat if the spot is still really bad. Lemons have a high acidic content and make a great natural cleaner. This helps draw out the stain from the fabric. Once the spot is dry you are good to go and get your dance on.

Broken Heel

For anyone that has worked in the city you will appreciate this next one. You walk out the door and catch your bus to the city. You have your most comfortable heels on, the pair that not only make your legs look amazing in the dress you’re wearing but you can walk all day in them if you have too. You’re one block from your building and the worst sound for any woman in the city is heard ‘CRACK’ and you almost lose everything across 5th Ave. After you quickly get your balance and recover the shock of your favorite shoe breaking, you start to panic because there is no way you are walking barefoot the last block. This is exactly why I always carry ‘Flats to Go!’ by Dr. Scholl’s or Kushyfoot. They have saved me more times than I want to admit. I know you’re thinking but Krystal how do I fix my heel?! It’s my favorite shoe! Well personally sometimes I know I can fix it with a screw or nail but most times I end up bringing my broken shoe to a shoe repair place and hope they can fix it. I know, I know, not really a quick fix but still information that I think is super useful.

Stinky Shoes

I don’t know about anyone else but I have been caught off guard so many times with stinky shoes. I know what your thinking, how do you get caught off guard with that? Well most of the time it happens with a Fugg (Fake Uggs) or a flat after having to make a mad dash in the rain and now they are drying out. The stink gets real. If you happen to have baking soda, not baking powder these are 2 very different things, in your purse or easy access to it, take about a ½ teaspoon and rub it on the inside of the shoe. Let it sit for a few minutes before putting your foot back in but you should notice the difference right away. However, I know not everyone carries baking soda around so another item that could help is something you could use earlier in this post, a dryer sheet. I will say I have been known to whip out a dryer sheet and put it in my boots to help minimize the smell. This will not get the smell out of the shoe but it will help cover it for a few hours. The baking soda will actually get rid of the smell from the shoe.

I hope these are helpful! Let me know if you have another problem that needs a fix. Or if you have a suggestion to add to the above. Until next time, stay fabulous!

“Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.” – Audrey Hepburn

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Welcome Back!

I love fashion, it’s kind of my thing. I love how it makes me feel and the ability that it has to ignite a passion in not just myself but people around me. There are so many different moving parts of the fashion industry that someone that isn’t in it won’t understand. The complexity of the machine that it is, it’s fascinating. The fashion industry can suck you in so fast, with the bright colors, the sparkle, the charm and glam. With all that said, the industry can also bring the strongest person to their knees without them even realizing, and that is exactly what it did to me.

A few months ago I lost my passion, and in losing that passion I feel like I lost a part of me. The love that I would feel when I walked into my sewing room was gone. The joy I would feel at work knowing the day was almost done and I could go loose myself in my fabric and design was a thing of the past. I didn’t realize for a long time how much it had affected me and my everyday life. I felt sad about the changes I was seeing in the industry and world, having the harsh reality that things were not going to be great for a while was taking its toll on me.

However, some recent events in my life have opened my eyes and made me see that just because things are changing doesn’t mean that it is all bad. I realized that I wanted to change and do things that make me happy, even when people and situations around me are telling me no, that it wasn’t who I was. As a person, you are constantly growing and changing. Letting people tell you how you should act or be will only hinder the potential you have. So I have decided to do some changes and do things that make me happy. I know people will critique me and say things that I might not like but as long as I stay true to myself and do what makes me happy, I don’t see how I can go wrong.

So with all that being said let me tell you about some of the changes I am looking into. I want my blog to be something that can help people either by teaching them something new or helping them learn more about a subject they already knew about. (So I am going to put it out there, I did not go to school for writing and grammar so there will be mistakes. I have an extremely wonderful support system but sometimes things will be posted with errors.) So my goals going forward are to focus on the parts of the fashion industry that I love most. Showing a little glimpse into what makes me tick. I’m a big sewer, I have my own sewing business on top of this blog, so I’ll show you projects I am working on and how I have constructed them. I help a lot of people by fixing their clothes or tailoring something for them, I’ll show you my techniques and hopefully help you learn how to fix your own items. I’m also going to tell you where I get my fashion news from and tell you my opinion on it. The wonderful thing about fashion, I feel, is hearing someone else’s opinion when it differs from yours.

I am so excited to see what the future holds and to learn my voice again in the crazy industry. Hopefully you come along for the ride and learn to love it as much as me!

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street. Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – Coco Chanel

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Holiday Parties: A quick guide to making that holiday outfit special

I love going out to a holiday party and spending time with friends and family. However, there is always that pressure to look good. Getting ready for a party can be stressful as you ask yourself – Has the family already seen me in this? Will grandma tell me I look pregnant in this shirt? Will my ex be at my friend’s party with a new partner? Don’t worry, we all have these thoughts. Looking good and feeling confident in that holiday party outfit is one more thing that can add to the anxiety this time of year. And who needs more anxiety when there are drinks, cookies, family and friends to enjoy? I have put together a quick help guide to get you through those moments of holiday stress and turn them to holiday cheer.

Color is good!

It’s the end of the year, try something new — expand on your outfit choice and maybe try something that’s a little bit different. For instance, the below cable knit sweater and plaid shirt are the perfect color combination for the holiday season but by adding a pair of talk worthy shoes you have upped your game. These sneakers with the lip detail are the perfect addition to this outfit.

https://www.polyvore.com/cable_knit_sweater/set?id=232452263

Chic but comfy

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to look chic. Personally, I love a good sweater dress. There are many different kinds and some are more casual than others. I personally Iike the below dress because of its versatility. It is styled for a more casual event but change out the high knee boots to a bootie in a similar color and then add either a sparkle headband or an elegant scarf and you are ready for a fancier event.

https://pin.it/wajv2gfaef5si5

Ready to Party

Everyone needs that go to outfit and this should be one of them. I love to wear black with a bright color, it makes the outfit stand out for all the right reasons. This look is great for going out with the girls or going out with the family. By adding a fun clutch and bulky jewelry you can complete the look without going over the top.

https://pin.it/dngsmvgiyw4if7

I hope these holiday ideas help relieve some of your outfit anxiety and gives you the confidence to face those holiday parties with family and friend this holiday season. Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

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Updating Your Wardrobe on a Budget

A common misconception is that when the seasons change, your bank account will feel the drain of the summer heat or decrease as fast as the temperature in the winter months. All because you are trying to update your wardrobe to stay in touch with the latest trends. However, in reality all you need to do is make a few small changes to the clothes that you already love to wear.

I know what you are thinking, everyone has seen these clothes and there is no way that I can hide the fact that my average white tank top has been sitting in my closet for years. To help demonstrate, I’m going to walk you through a few examples that are currently sitting in my closet. I am going to go through the ways that I keep updating the outfit without sacrificing grocery money for the sake of a new look. All while being able to keep those favorite articles of clothing that I want to hang onto as long as I can.

First –  I want to start with a dress that I have had since college. It’s a simple cotton empire waist navy knee length dress. A dress like this is extremely easy to update season after season. For instance, when I first bought the dress I wore it with black knit long sleeve sweater all of the time. It was a great dress for school as it was comfy and safe, but as I left school and my style expanded I wanted to try new things. That’s when I went out to look for something that could update this dress, I ended up in Dressbarn where I fell in love with a bright yellow bolero. This helped to change the look from a college classroom to an office. Also by simply changing the shoes I wear  – the look can change from from daytime to office to an evening out with friends. A simple change like this can cost you $0 by just looking in your closet for those heels you haven’t see in months or the cute strappy sandals you forgot you owned.

The next article of clothing that I love to rework is my black skinny jeans and my black no sleeve satin top. I love wearing black because I can add whatever I want to it. For example, when I go to work I can wear a bright coral blazer and a pair of patent heels to dress it up. The blazer is from Torrid and the shoes from Payless. (Fun Tip: Many people think poorly of Payless because of past quality issues. However, in recent years the company’s overall product quality has improved and is worth the trip. They have a lot of items and a fast turn around on styles. This means shoes go on sale quicker here than in other stores.) Together these two items came to $65. When I want to dress this look down I change out the blazer to a knit beige sweater and my Coach sneaker with a sequin flower on the side. These sneakers I’ve had for about 10 years and my sweater was a gift so not only am I able to update this look twice but I can bring in pieces that I’ve had sitting in my closet next to it.

A fun way to update a look is by getting creative and using items in your closet that you wouldn’t think to put together. A great example would be my yellow cotton lace dress. I found this dress at Dressbarn and fell in love with it. This particle dress can fit all types of moods just by changing the accessories you add to it. For example, I love wearing this particle dress with brown cowboy boots and a brown suede belt. In the fall I will add a light blue denim jacket to complete the look. I love the 80’s vibe I get from this outfit when I pair it like this. For this look the denim jacket is from dressbarn. The cowboy boots are from DSW and I bought them in the off season about 8 years ago and they were under $50. (Fun tip: When you are looking for a certain item but don’t want to pay full price for it, wait a couple of weeks and then return to the store. Many stores have a 4 week turn around period for inventory which means in the item will only be full price for about that time period.)

Another way I love to wear this dress is with my nude heels and blush beaded headband. By taking away some of the heavy items, like the jacket and boots, it gives this dress a more spring feeling. The headband came from Accessories, which has gone out of business, so I am not sure how much I paid. The nude heels are from Payless and were only $20, which for an item that can be worn with hundreds of items — I’ll take that as a win! Also by adding something simple like a headband or heels you are changing the outfit so something that can be worn to a bridal shower or work event. Sometimes taking items away can be just as good as adding them.

These are some ways of updating a look you love without spending a ton of money to do so. Do you have a look that needs to be updated? Tell us below of items that are in your closet that need to be reworked.

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Get to Know the Writer

I’m excited to get started. There will obviously be times where you may disagree with my outfits and that is definitely okay. Like art, we all aren’t going to have the same tastes. One person’s garage sale sun dress is another person’s new BBQ fun wear. I thought it might be helpful to share some of my favorite styles. What better introduction to someone then a look into her closet? While these are my personal favorites, I want to promise you that I will be talking about more than just these types of looks. The goal is to stretch our imaginations and try new things but if you are going to take this journey with me then the least I can do is tell you a little about me.

Let me start with my first love, vintage looks. Fashion trends tend to come and go and then come back again. But, I think taking a vintage look and adding a modern twist really helps to elevate the style. Make it something new and something that is you. I enjoy the 1950’s “house wife” dresses, but with a millennial remix.. For example, take the dress and add a fun belt or alter the neckline. (I have spent the last two decades sewing, so I will sometimes alter an outfit. However, don’t let a lack of sewing background deter you. There are always options that don’t require alterations.) There are many companies that sell this look, such as Torrid, ModClothing, Simply Be, and Zappos. If you decide to try and buy something like this already put together, remember to look at for sales and coupons. The sticker shock can sometimes be a little intimidating. This is why I recommend trying to piece together a look that you see in the store and like. You can take that vintage outfit from mom’s closet or a Goodwill store and update it so that it matches your personality. Usually for half the price.

When I am buying new pieces, I like to find things that can be dressed up or down. I work in the fashion industry, so my dress code is not as strict as someone who works in a law firm. I don’t know about you, but if I am shopping and find a top for $30 or more — I want to be able to wear it to multiple functions. I want to be able to wear a shirt to work and then change something such as a jacket or skirt in order to dress it down for drinks with a friend or date. Sometimes, even a small change —  such as a necklace —  will make a huge change to the appearance.

Accessories are one of my favorite things. I think you can say a lot about yourself with a handbag or piece of jewelry. Purses can be changed to match an outfit choice, a mood or a political statement. Sometimes I just want to blend in with everyone else, and other times I want to be bold and stand out. I also use jewelry or add a fun headband to my outfits to help complete a look. It may sound silly, but I have even added small items to my outfit knowing that I could use them to help break the ice in a new social situation.

Now, that’s enough about the things I like. Let’s start putting together some new looks!