Hillary to Paris

The style trend that will save you money

August 22, 2019 by Hillary Wortham Leave a Comment

Hello friends, thank you for stopping in. This week has been a whirlwind of excitement. We are working on a new website to launch at the end of August and have great content headed your way very soon. I am feeling thankful for the existence of creativity and excited about trying to harness what I am given. Creativity today is leading me into a full style change. This new shift in style is a commitment that I predict will catch fire in the coming seasons for many. In a phrase it can be summarized as Slow Fashion.

Every season there is a new trend with new social events to attend. This begs the question, “What will you be wearing?”. It is easy to feel the quickened pace of the year and almost undeniable pressure to wear something new at every turn. You are not alone. This circle of “new” can be utterly exhausting, not to mention expensive. I have chosen to end the snowball of “new” for myself in the form of a stylistic statement.

Timeless pieces are the key in slow fashion; having no end to their relevance and able to be worn in repetition without notice. Wardrobe pieces are understated and classic in color and silhouette, leaving you with great use and style. In this waltz of fashion, quality will need to lead every time. If you are one who enjoys the show stopping entrance of a sparkly new dress this may not entice you. However, this approach will most likely elevate your style choices longterm and save you money over time.

My go to timeless ensemble is inspired by the enduring style of French culture. A simple boat neck blouse in classic navy and white paired with a trend fitting straight leg denim in black. My look will not make any waves or get people staring. This look is an investment that will stand the test of time, it already has.

Wearing classic materials and pattern can simplify a busy life. This change may even save you time in categories of shopping and getting dressed for events. In a fast paced community to slow down any category of our lives will be beneficial. This next big sweep in fashion for me will be slow fashion with high functionality. In a world where things are only speeding up, I am ready to slow it all down.

If you are with me let’s strengthen the change by doing it together. Head to my Pinterest account for some inspirational wardrobe ideas.Thank you for reading!

Shirt similar here/ Denim// Shoes, better price here and here / French Market Tote, better price here / Necklace

Photography by Shelley Foster

3 ways to improve grocery shopping

August 20, 2019 by Hillary Wortham Leave a Comment

I don’t get to shop in a French Market but this look elevates my entire experience in any grocery store. I need to buy fresh produce weekly so why not do it in a way that is enjoyable? Think about it…you may not always get your yoga in or that book reading moment but you WILL buy food. Let’s make this a happy occasion.

The gift that keeps on giving in my wardrobe is the least expensive bag I own. I bought this Moroccan straw tote two years ago for less than fifty dollars and have never looked back. This bag is my grocery bag, the “I need to take all of this stuff to the car” bag, and the “I don’t have a hand for all of this” bag.

These bags are so handy to have on hand because of their extreme versatility. If you have been wanting to lower your footprint by bringing your own bags to the grocery store, I highly suggest investing in one of these. The price is unbeatable, especially for the amount of times you will use it.

To elevate your experience in the grocery store here are my three simple steps to make this mundane task feel more like self care.

1.) Wear something you don’t mind being seen in.

You know when you wear pajamas to the grocery store and then you inevitably run into someone you know? Well, the entire time you are out of the house your head is down. This doesn’t make for your ideal experience. Life is too short to not like what you look like. When you leave the house, take an extra minute or two to ensure that you feel your best. You don’t need to dress to the nines or apply bold lipstick but prioritize your confidence in appearance.

2.) Embrace the line.

This may sound hilarious because no one actually has ample time laying around but this won’t cost you time, just intention. When you wait in line to buy your food , or anything for that matter, it is easy to be consumed by the rushed tempo of the task. Some people tap their foot, others scan their texts quickly, but most are focused only on how fast they can get out the door labeled “EXIT”. This moment of waiting in line can make all the difference. When you are waiting in line to check out, focus on your senses. Treat this like the valuable ending to a yoga class. Stop yourself in the moment, and embrace where you are and what you are doing with your day. Know that you are doing enough and that you are enough.

3.) Bring your own bags. It’s CHIC!

By bringing your own bags you instantly become the most stylish shopper. Now, this isn’t exactly a high school superlative award ceremony but being the most stylish in the room never hurt anyone, or their self esteem. You are also healing the planet by saving plastic and paper bags and inspiring others to do the same.

These simple steps take little to no extra time out of your day but truly make grocery shopping feel more like an investment in self care. Stop by my Pinterest page for more images to inspire chic shopping.

Thanks for stopping by!

Top is sold out, similar here, here and best price here / Denim/ French Market Tote, better price here / Shoes / Necklace / Jacket

-Hill

Photography by Shelley Foster

How to Shop Designer for Less

August 8, 2019 by Hillary Wortham Leave a Comment

Chanel Flats, also options size 37.5 and size 40.5 / Tee / Denim / Louis Vuitton Tote

The goal is to look good and invest in pieces that will last you through the seasons. Designer shoes, handbags, and sunglasses, they can all add up. You can argue these pieces are truly worth the investment but how many investments should we be making? Your money is precious. There is a thing or two I have learned and want to share. We should all share our tricks and embrace the success as a community, looking fabulous along the way.

Is it possible to save money and still receive quality with every purchase? Yes. This is generally too good to be true. You do not want to sacrifice quality to save, especially when it’s a look alike product that won’t make it to next season. What if you could have the best of both? Save money and receive designer goods? It is possible and the key is patience.

All good designer pieces reach eBay or postmark at one time or another. If you’re willing to wait for that piece you have had your eye on you can save significantly. You have to wait for it to arrive in your size and in that color, which takes time. Here are a few tricks to help you along.

1.) Decide what designer piece you would like to invest in

You probably already have something that has caught your eye. My tips in this department are to stick to classic pieces and colors. A black handbag, nude shoes, or cat eye sunglasses are all timeless staples in a women’s wardrobe. These selections are popular and will also appear in your search more frequently with sizes and shapes to choose from. A pink Gucci loafer is harder to come by.

2.) Make sure you have read reviews

If you know you want a pair of Chanel Ballerina Flats in black read reviews. Do they fir true to size? How well do they wear through time? What sizes are available? (questions addressed below) These are all great things to keep in mind when shopping previously loved items. Some pieces wear out quickly and need to be inspected closely before purchase. Also, if the shoe is only available in whole sizes and the listing is for a half size you know it is dated or lacking authenticity.

3.) Know your fit and the color selection

Each designer is different and products can be redesigned over time. I would fully recommend going in store and talking to designer ambassadors about the product you desire and handling it in person. Look at different styles, colors, and sizes. If they are shoes try them on. The last thing you want is to purchase a nonreturnable item on Ebay that is a size too small or unexpectedly ‘off black’.

4.) Search with saved settings

Whether you use Ebay, Postmark, or Fashionphile be sure to search specifics and save your preferences. If you are looking at a specific category or designer save that in your search preferences. I search with my size or exact color to save time. When the piece you desire comes along you can decide to make an offer. On eBay you have the option of buying when it becomes available if you really think it is a good deal and skipping the bidding game altogether. Again, patience will help you win in the long run.

5.) Move Quickly & Be Decisive

If the item is available on Ebay and listed at a fair price you can exercise the ‘Buy Now’ option and skip the bidding war altogether. This is sometimes helpful if it happens to be a perfect fit. It is important to be decisive and not impulsive, they are different. In Poshmark or any other site it is important to move quickly in contact, offer, or purchase. This is why steps 1-4 are set you up for success.

Thank you for stopping by! Feel free to let me know what you have your eye on that I can help you shop for. Follow me in the Link to Know it App for updates on designer goods linked in real time to shop.

-Hill

Chanel Flats, also options size 37.5 and size 40.5 / Tee / Denim / Louis Vuitton Tote

Photography by Shelley Foster