Tracy Walsh, 33, had a one-two-three identity punch recently: becoming a mother, losing her job as the art director of a gardening magazine, and growing her burgeoning photography business, Poser Design (poserdesign.net). That’s enough to throw even the most put-together of us into a tizzy. When life changes, so must our routines, and, possibly, our styles. Tracy had a new need for low-maintenance luxe—something that would make her feel confident and put-together in front of clients, but also take her to her other job—caring for her son, Evan. Luckily, there are tons of high-low combinations and styles that radiate a certain preparedness on the outside, even if the inside is left feeling anything but—and that will take anyone from day to night, CEO of the home to CEO of the company. It’s the everyday costuming that can give us the confidence to grow into any of our new identities, whenever they shift.
FROM THE EXPERTS
The Challenge: “As a new mom who owns her own business, it’s especially hard to remember to take care of yourself,” Faith says. “She needs a wardrobe that can work in both parts of her new life.”
Good Hair Day: Justine Hornick and Sarah Navratil of Root Salon agreed to help Tracy tackle her hair concerns. Tracy disliked the brassy tone in her hair, plus she needed something that would be quick and easy to style—while getting her natural curl under control. Justine used her patented “tri-blonding technique” to cover grays, add depth, and limit salon visits. “I painted deeper golden and sandy-beige shades to define curl and delete the brassiness,” Justine says. Sarah cut the bulk while keeping the length, and added face-framing fringe. “I really wanted her eyes and cheekbones to stand out,” Sarah says. “I did intense face framing and layering to open those areas and ‘release’ the curl.”
Tracy’s Takeaway: “I went shopping and bought a classy black-and-white blouse, a sweater (in my size!), a dress I never would have even considered before—and of course a belt to go over the top.”
WHERE TO GET IT
Outfit, main image: Aryn K. white blouse with rhinestone collar, $105; Line and Dot blouse, $98, both @ Parc Boutique, 320 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls., 612-353-4966, parcboutique.com. Big Star denim, $142 @ Houndstooth, 8310 Egan Dr., Savage, 952-440-1100. Inzi handbag, $95 @ Lily and Violet, lilyandviolet.com Outfit, above: Christopher Fischer cardigan sweater, $330 @ Houndstooth. MM Couture by Miss Me dress, $108; Elise M belt, $54, both @ Parc Boutique. Jessica Hilde smoky quartz necklace (worn as bracelet), $400 @ Arafina, 3365 Galleria, 69th St. and France Ave. S., Edina, 952-925-1565, arafina.com. Seychelles shoes, $108 @ Parc Boutique. Outfit, below: Kersh sweater, $76 @ Houndstooth. Chain, $310; Jessica Hilde smoky quartz necklace, $400, and amethyst, $400, both @ Arafina. Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch, $258 @ Nordstrom. Christian Louboutin booties, $1,095 @ Neiman Marcus. Big Star pants, $89 @ Houndstooth. Hair services provided by Root Salon, rootsalons.com
Daily Design
Dressing up everyday basics.
1. A smartly printed sweater is as easy to wear as a sweatshirt, but looks polished.
2. Don’t be afraid to layer necklaces to create a whole new look.
3. When you can ditch the diaper bag, switch it out for something small.
4. Swap daytime flats for sexy booties for an evening event.
