ASK SARAH : ADVICE FOR PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE?

Hi Sarah,  I absolutely love your blog and your style! I'd love your advice on a somewhat personal issue. You've written some really great posts on anxiety and the future and I thought you'd be a good person to turn to. I'm a 30-year-old woman and have been with my boyfriend for over 4 years. Lately, I've been feeling really anxious about marriage and having a baby. My boyfriend is fine with the way things are, but I've just been feeling like we have to make all these important life decisions and that he has all the time in the world to make them. I'm a planner, and I don't like all the ambiguity about where we're going to live, if we're going to get married and if we even want children. Do you have any advice on how to handle this? I'm not even sure I want to get married or have kids, but I guess I just wish I could feel more laid back about our path. It feels like everyone else in the world is making these decisions and we're just trucking along as is. Any advice you can offer would be so appreciated.  - Emily   {answer after the jump}

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ask sarah: what are your closet staples?

question: Hi Sarah,  I recently lost a bunch of weight and need to invest in a closet makeover.  Can you recommend some basics that I can start with and build off of?  I'm fairly casual, but want to look put together and would love some ideas on where to start.  Thank you!  - Best, Erica

answer: hi erica,  i'm happy to help!  i've put together a list of what i consider closet staples, with options below in the links for most of the items.  these pieces all provide a great neutral base, and you can play around with your accessories while you build up your closet since those are generally more affordable!  think: scarves, hats, shoes, lipstick, jewelry, etc.  hope you love what i've put together for you! xx- sarah

CLOSET STAPLES:

1. Panama Hat  1  //  2  //  3 //  4

2. Chambray Shirt  1  //  2  //  3  //  4

3. Grey Tank 1  //  2  //  3  //  4

4. White Jeans 1  //  2  //  3  //  4

5. Striped Tee 1  //  2  //  3  //  4

6. Blue Skinny Jeans 1  //  2  //  3  //  4

7. Military Inspired Jacket 1  //  2  //  3  //  4

8. Black Skinny Jeans 1  //  2  //  3  //  4 

9. Classic Black Bag 1  //  2  //  3  //  4

10. Tortoise Sunnies 1  //  2  //  3  //  4

11. Sandals 1  //  2  //  3  //  4 

ASK SARAH: WHAT TO LAYER WITH DRESSES IN THE SPRING/SUMMER

QUESTION: Hi Sarah! I always adore your fashion posts, so I'd love it if you'd help me out with a little conundrum - I love wearing dresses & skirts in the spring and summer, but since I'm often out and about into the night, I like to layer. I'm ridiculously short (5') so blazers tend to look silly on me with dresses, but I'm quickly tiring of only adding a cardigan on top. Any creative ways to broaden my layer horizons? Thanks! xo, Anni

ANSWER: hi anni!  i've put together some options... mostly of the cropped variety.  you can almost never go wrong with throwing a denim cropped jacket over a dress, but even that needs mixing up every now and then.  so i've given you some other options too!  i love the juxtaposition of feminine dresses with army jackets, so there are a couple of those options (and if you're 5' throw on some heels when you're out and about for the night and you can get away with a longer jacket!).  i also included a motorcycle jacket and a less traditional blazer (i think the super short crop would make it workable on your petite frame!) and, if you're still looking for more options i've added some extras in the links below! hope you love!  xx- sarah

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ASK SARAH: WHAT TO WEAR TO A WEDDING IN BALI?

today's ask sarah question came from my friend lucy, an australian living in germany who is just about as entertaining and fun as they come. i adore her!  so, here we go....

QUESTION: I am going to a wedding in Bali in October, I need a dress - and I have no idea what's good. The reason I am stumped  is that it will be tropical, like humid/ hot - and you just can't do silky numbers in those conditions. I know you love shopping, and vicariously is good for your wallet. Got any good recommendations? Holla. Your mate, Lucy

ANSWER: oh darling lucy, i  do love shopping for other people.  you know me well!  here's what I rounded up for you.  three looks, all perfectly suited to the tropics ( i do not worry about silky dresses so long as they're sleeveless!) when i think about bali i think of bright colors, palm trees and warm breezes.  and weddings are the perfect excuse to look your most fabulous.  without further ado...

this is my first option for you.  the shoes are an investment (but also really versatile so can be worn for years to come) and the rest is all very wallet friendly.  i'd wear this with hair down in loose waves and a bright coral lip (like this).  the blue would make your eyes pop, the dress would flatter your curves, the shoes would give you some height/length and you'd look perfectly, effortlessly, tropical-lucy fabulous.  

SHOP THIS LOOK: dress: asos, cuff: luv aj, shoes: DVF, bag: zara  more after the jump!

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ASK SARAH: WHAT DO I WEAR FOR A FIRST DATE?

Hi Sarah,

I'm hoping you can help me.  I'm recently single after ending a 7 year relationship and am starting to date. I actually have my first date next week, with a guy I might really like.  My self esteem is at an all time low and I don't want that to come across on my date.  Do you have any suggestions on something to wear to a dinner date?  Thanks!  -Carrie

hi carrie,

thanks for writing!  it's true, a killer outfit will boost your self esteem and make easing back into the dating world a less scary experience.  i'm going to give you two options, and hopefully one of them feels like your style!  good luck to you, happy dating!  xx- sarah  

OPTION 1:  a silk romper feels playful, sexy and easy.  paired with strappy heels and great accessories you're pretty much guaranteed to look and feel like a total fox.  i'd wear hair down and a coral lip gloss to vamp it up a bit.  add your favorite gold watch and a simple bangle and you're completely styled! 

SHOP IT:  romper: rory beca (a more budget friendly version here), shoes: zara, necklace: j crew, bag: zara

OPTION 2:  this spotted dress is flirty, breezy and designed to flatter any shape!  add a simple gold necklace, a fun watch and throw your hair into a messy pony.  you'll look effortlessly put together and chic.

SHOP IT:  dress: topshop, heels: boutique 9, vest: topshop (another here), bag: zara, lipstick: nars

ASK SARAH: SNAP HAPPY CAMERA CHOICE?

hi sarah,

the photographs on a house in the hills are beautiful and I'm wondering if you have any advice for a fellow blogger looking for a good digital camera.  any advice would be appreciated. thank you!  - carmine {answer after the jump}

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ASK SARAH: WHAT TO WEAR TO AN OFFICE JOB?

Dear Sarah,

I would love a post on what to wear to work. All you ladies who own creative businesses and dress so stylin’ everyday make me jealous! My office is business casual and although I don’t have to wear a suit everyday I have trouble putting something together that is professional but still cool and creative. Any advice?

Thank you!  -Katy

dear katy,

thanks for the great email!  you are the sweetest for thinking that I dress all stylish everyday.  here's the reality of my working from home situation:  i have a grey cotton onesie (as in: long sleeves, pants, drawstring waist) that i spend 85% of my life in. ok, i have two.  and i rotate them.  i have my husband take pictures of me when i DO manage to get dressed and leave our house because it's just that much of an occasion.  HA!  i kid.  kind of.  

along with my pair of grey onsesies i also have a very rich fantasy life where i get dressed to go into an office everyday.  so here is my advice:  invest in a high quality and versatile handbag, buy pieces that can be mixed and matched, make best friends with accessories (they'll be what make you look put together). most importantly: remember that clothes are a tool that can be used to send a message to the people you work with. think about what message it is you want to send and invest time in putting together outfits that send it loud and clear.  good luck katy!  xx- sarah

who this is for:  the young femme in a creative field who wants to be taken seriously but doesn't want to lose herself in business casual dressing.

why this look works:  it's playful but still put together and polished.    it says "i take my job seriously, but I also have a personality.  RESPECT!", which is what you want your clothes to say about you, right?  a simple gold necklace like this one and one of these will take this outfit to the next level.  

SHOP IT HERE:  zara blouse, linea pelle belt, philip lim pashli zip satchel bag, j crew pants, zara flats

TWO MORE LOOKS AFTER THE JUMP!

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ASK SARAH: HOW DO I GET BANGIN' BANGS?

// question //

hi sarah, your hair always looks so great, and especially your bangs! i just joined the forehead fringe club, and i was wondering if you had any tips for styling them? particularly keeping them in place so you don't end up rocking a frontal toupee look, and making them look nice and full! (that second part may just be a personal fine-haired problem). thanks  - virginia

// answer //

hi virginia,

thanks for writing!  i have a love affair with bangs.  when i first cut mine in 2010 my hair-life changed forever. but it did take me a minute (or a year) to figure out how to best manage them.  here are my tips for embracing the fringe and making the best of a most versatile hair-do!  

- if you're concerned about having fine hair and bangs my first recommendation is to see a great colorist!  they can add so much depth and dimension to your hair and give you the appearance of a thicker bang with color alone (highlights and a variety of color creates layers and works wonders)!  also go for a bang-cut that starts farther back on your head.  for example, that pretty red head above- her bangs start pretty far back and it definitely helps with her situation since she doesn't have the thickest hair!  also, keep them on the long side for a similar look.

- blow dry immediately after showering.  this might not be necessary for those with super straight hair but if you have even a hint of wave this is critical!  when i first cut bangs i used this product in wet hair to help "train"them to lay flat.  this was especially important for me because i have a big ol' widow's peak (yes, kids teased me and said i was a vampire in 5th grade)

- when blow-drying, hold hair dryer over top of head and blow dry down on your bangs... you're basically drying them in the place you want them to stay

- i use this travel sized flat iron to go in after the blow dry and flatten the ends.  in my experience if i flat iron the entire fringe, it gets suuuppper flat, so i just stick the the very tips where the blow dry wasn't able to do the job

- and this trick i learned from my hairdresser- spray hairspray (i like this one) onto fingertips, rub together and then use fingers to put the tiniest amount onto a few pieces of your bangs- this gives you a little hold while simultaneously avoiding the oh-so-awkward BANG HELMUT!  seriously- avoid the bang helmet at all costs.  if the wind blows, you want your bangs to move.  even if they move to a less ideal place, at least you won't look like you've time traveled form the 80's.  and that's a good thing, in case it's in question.

- so those are my tips!  friends, do you have advice for virginia?  feel free to chime it!  

EMAIL ME AT [email protected] TO HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

photo one : susan kindt  photo two: vogue, germany 

ASK SARAH: tips for keeping your love life healthy?

hi sarah,

i come from a family of divorce and i worry a lot about my own marriage failing.  we're newlyweds and things are great, but i think that's the case for most newlyweds.  i'm wondering if you have any advice for us.  it seems like you and lou have a good thing going.  thanks!  - cassie  

hi cassie!  

thanks so much for writing.  i'm so sorry to hear you're worrying about this but i think it's normal for people who have experienced divorce through their parents to have mixed feelings about marriage.  years of therapy taught me this: you are not your parents.  repeat it to yourself every time you start to worry that you'll end up turning into them!  your awareness of it already puts you ahead of the game.   {more after the jump}

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ASK SARAH: are you still following the macrobiotic diet?

question:  

hello sarah, i was just wondering if you still follow a macrobiotic diet? or are you more on the vegan program? i was curious how long you followed it and how it effected you? it seems so strict, but i have a digestive disorder and i have heard it's a pretty helpful diet to follow. i'd love to hear your insight. thanks!

answer after the jump!

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