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Posts Tagged ‘Lauren rothman’

Here’s what stylist Lauren Rothman is shopping for right now

Each week, we’re catching up with local stylists to discuss life at home, go-to loungewear and newfound obsessions during the coronavirus crisis.

Lauren Rothman in her closet
Fashion consultant Lauren Rothman has spent most of her at-home time shopping within her closet, instead of outside of it. In the right, Rothman shows off a sequin jumpsuit she planned on wearing for her birthday celebration. (Photos courtesy of Lauren Rothman)

While browsing through spring collections at local boutiques may not be an option right now, that doesn’t mean shopping is a thing of the past. Whether it’s self-care products, desk organizers or the perfect work-from-home outfit, many are continuing to find the items that make them look and feel their very best in the midst of this global crisis.

Lauren Rothman, fashion consultant and founder of Styleauteur, knows this firsthand, as she’s been working with companies virtually to rediscover the looks and regimens that work best for all employees, ultimately improving overall work ethic during this trying time.

Below, she shares her thoughts on current trends, must-have items and the showstopping outfit she plans on donning once Virginia’s stay-at-home order is lifted.

desk in a closet
Photo courtesy of Lauren Rothman
On the new normal: 

I spend so much more time seated now! I am online with clients almost every day doing sessions in style coaching, closet organizing and virtual shopping. I feel fortunate to be leading seminars over Zoom to help companies define work-from-home attire and empower their employees to practice self-care, and also be present in the midst of multitasking during this challenging time.

On what shopping looks like today:

I am definitely shopping less, and am helping everyone make the most out of what they already own. I have been shopping my closet more than anywhere else. My Lauren Moshi face mask (spray painted with red lips) is a new highlight in my wardrobe and Walmart is retail therapy—I recently grabbed a neon yellow bikini for less than $20 on my way to pay for groceries.

Also, I am helping my clients shop for WFH lounge and exercise clothes—golf attire is high on the list for many!

face mask with lips
Photo courtesy of Lauren Rothman
On self-care:

Doing my nails and creating my Zoom-friendly beauty routine is fun. About once a week, I use my Beachwaver and indulge my hair in fabulous waves. Exercise is key too.

On WFH attire:

Harem pants and jumpsuits are my staples. I live in a lot of basics like T-shirts, casual jeans and statement earrings. My fuzzy UGG slippers with glittery stars that my husband bought me for Hanukkah bring me daily joy too.

On the latest must-shop styles and sales:

A face mask is the hot accessory of the moment! Shopping my Instagram feed is one of my favorite new activities. And, I love supporting local businesses and have worked with stores to curate items for my clients that they then try on at home via video.

Plus, department stores are having terrific specials and the return process remains easy. Sephora is also having some awesome beauty deals if you’re looking for that right now.

On the look she’s most excited to show off when the pandemic ends:

I missed having a birthday party this month—I had a multi-color sequin jumpsuit all picked out and I can’t wait to add heels and give it a spin outside of my closet!

To learn more about how NoVA’s most stylish women are adapting to the coronavirus crisis, subscribe to our Shopping newsletter. 

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How to Maintain a Professional Appearance While Working From Home

Wearing pajamas is not the answer to staying productive.

By Lauren A. RothmanStylist and fashion expert
Getty Images

The way we dress impacts our performance. There is so much in this world we cannot control and one daily routine we can practice at home is getting dressed with intention. My best advice: don’t just dress from the hip up for your next video conference call.

When I style clients we talk about strategies that make you feel empowered and confident, like you own the room. As our new normal starts to shift and you find yourself working from home more often, define the look of your most productive self as you move from your home office set up to your exercise and beauty routines.

During a time when you can feel easily overwhelmed, it is more important than ever to practice self-care. It can be uplifting to be fully awake and engaged in a home setting. Self-care requires practice and many of us now have plenty of newly unplanned time to perfect this art form.

Here are my top self-care style tips to help you stay productive and professional:

Make sure your hair is tempered.

This sounds so simple yet many people undervalue the importance of hairstyles at home. If you are spending any time teleconferencing, keep in mind that a polished appearance remains valuable.

Frizzy hair is a common distraction on video but can be very easy to tame with hairspray or product. Spray your comb or your hands with product and run it through your locks. If you are so inclined, explore the many available online tutorials. You can also sleep with your hair in a bun or a braid for a low key yet fun look — you don’t need a professional blowout to look successful.

Define your work-from-home routine.

Don’t underestimate the power of looking well-rested. This is the time to go through any free samples of skincare products you have collected over time. Focus on maintaining healthy looking, glowing skin instead of perfecting a Saturday night smokey eye (unless that’s your thing).

Also, moisturize. It is still cold in parts of the country and we’re all pumping the hand sanitizer — many of my clients report dry skin as one of their biggest beauty challenges. Try a face mask or pack of nail stickers.

Continue to wear your contacts or find some blue light eyeglasses that could help you feel more comfortable and refreshed. Daily makeup routines are also evolving, but some people, myself included, find that makeup helps us wake-up. If stress and anxiety are keeping you up at night, fake it on your next video work call and wear concealer and lipstick. It is easy to look washed out on video calls and a little makeup goes a long way. Try focusing on creating an even skin tone, highlighting your eyes to help keep your audience engaged and wearing a lip color that complements your coloring.

Practicing self-care can be like caffeine and is a terrific way to supercharge your day.

Shop your closet.

Working from home could give you an opportunity to wear pieces in your closet that still have tags. Break in the new shoes you pre-ordered for spring. Stretch out your white jeans from last summer while you sit at your desk. Purge, edit and store winter pieces you will no longer wear this season.

Organize your closet, the hallway coat closet, your toiletries, and your office. If you usually go barefoot at home (as many of us do) identify your work-from-home shoes. Find your perfect heel height that helps you feel on duty and ready to face what comes your way. Getting dressed helps us feel more accountable and wearing shoes can help us remember we are meant to be doing something productive. Don’t dress uncomfortably, but also possibly don’t plan on wearing your sports bra every day for a month either.

Build a capsule wardrobe.

Designate a section in your closet for grab and go wardrobe essentials that will appear professional over video conference. While you may be able to work from home in your pajamas, you definitely don’t want to wear them on Zoom calls with your boss. It may seem obvious, but wear undergarments and shop your closet for solid colored tops and appropriate pants. I’ve had too many clients unintentionally stand up during a video call when a child, spouse or roommate walks into a designated work space without warning.

Channel your personal brand as you curate your video conference capsule wardrobe and work from home outfits. You may be able to pop onto social media broadcasting from your bed wearing workout gear, but avoid doing this on a business video chat. Avoid busy patterns or shirts with writing that will be distracting. You can show off a hint of personal style with interesting collars, colors, earrings, and shorter necklaces.

If you’re now working-from-home for the first time, it’s good idea to use this newfound time at home to discover and update routines. Some are hunkering down to cocoon, others are balancing working from home while parenting and many of our past patterns are shifting. Wearing your pajamas endlessly is not the answer. This is not a staycation or a singular sick day — this is our foreseeable new normal. It’s a luxury to work from home while so many essential workers continue to commute and risk their health. Find your new favorite outfit that is both comfortable and professional and get yourself dressed.

Published on: Mar 23, 2020
The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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7 ‘Revival’ Trends You Can Actually Wear to the Office Right Now

Shop your closet for these 90’s inspired looks that you never pitched last decade

By Lauren A. RothmanStylist and fashion expert
Getty Images

What’s old is new again and the top trends for this century’s roaring 20’s are very 90’s inspired. Oversized blazers, mom jeans, bodysuits, combat boots, crop tops, crochet, and padded headbands are everywhere. However, just because dress codes are slacking across the country, do yourself a favor and don’t walk into a boardroom looking sloppy, unpolished or unaware of your audience.

Spring is on the horizon and my clients want to know what to wear this time of year. Winter is in full effect yet stores are blooming with next season’s looks. Here’s a rundown of 7 revival trends that are stylish and safe for work.

1. Fleece

Once a material reserved for the outdoors and Silicon Valley techies, fleece has gotten a makeover. From tailored pieces to chic sweater styles, this cozy material can take you from your couch to the office. Try a trendy zip-up or blazer style in a bright color or muted animal print paired with dark denim and booties on your next casual Friday instead of the traditional fleece vest.

2. Polka Dots

This classic pattern is perfect for the office. A welcome change from floral patterns we typically see at this time of year, polka dots are spring’s version of houndstooth. It is one of the rare flattering patterns that works universally on many body types. Try it as a wrap dress or silky blouse while guys can add a pop of pattern on their socks or pocket square. You will start to see it in many stores this spring but you may also be able to shop your own closet.

3. Brights

Color is everywhere. Spring often blooms an inner release from the boredom of everyday neutrals. Brights are popping up and there is a color in style for everyone. Whether you add a shoe in Pantone’s shade of “classic blue” to your wardrobe or indulge in reds, pinks, and purples you are sure to make your audience smile in these happy tones. For an extra bold look, dip into the neon highlighter reel and choose one piece to wear to work.

4. Micro Bags

If you’re not using your phone to pay for everything and actually want to carry lip gloss, keys, or on-the-go essentials next time you run out for a coffee break, invest in this trendy bag. Its predecessor, the wristlet, still lives on but these micro bags are often miniature versions of your favorite handbag styles. They are a versatile, easy travel accessory that is sure to bring endless compliments.

5. Matching Separates

One of my personal favorites, these outfits are the perfect hybrid between business attire and business casual. Matching separates create a polished look and there is no need to add a jacket. Look for coordinating basics in neutral tones to lengthen your shape or stand out in a column of color. Dressy but not stuffy, this trend is easy to wear and will help you exude executive presence without looking like you’re trying too hard.

6. Leather

This fall trend has major staying power. In any of its iterations, ranging from couture vegan leather to shiny fabric that is leather inspired, this material is popping up head to toe. Men will find leather piping along blazers or sweaters while women will see any number of pieces competing for attention. Shop this trend carefully and avoid pleather that looks too shiny or squeaks.

7. Belts

High waisted pants are a revival trend many women would like to see stay in style. The art of tucking in a shirt is a lesson I teach many clients. The most classic and professional is the full tuck, while the half and front tuck add a little street style to your look. All of these styling tricks showcase your waist and beg for a belt. If you find yourself perfecting the art of tucking, invest in a bold style with a statement buckle.

Power dressing is always in style. Sticking with these versatile trends will help you transition your work wardrobe from a more conservative winter to a colorful, comfortable, and office appropriate spring.

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Don’t make these embarrassing style mistakes at your company’s holiday party.

By Lauren A. RothmanStylist and fashion expert
Getty Images

Tis the season for festive fashion faux pas at the office. Whether you’re attending your own company soiree or will be someone’s plus one, make sure to keep your holiday inspired ensembles on point. While dress codes have shifted to be more casual at some companies, holiday attire should still be appropriate.

Party invites are out for the season and champagne towers will be high. Consider these events a form of networking for the job you want, not just the one you have. While you mingle with both senior management as well as employees you oversee, avoid making these embarrassing style mistakes.

Don’t be a “Sexy Santa.”

Office holiday parties are not an opportunity to cut your hemline in half or reveal too much cleavage. Guys, this goes for you too. Keep your dress shirts buttoned and pants shouldn’t be overly fitted. Your boss and coworkers don’t need to see you in leather head to toe, baring your midriff, or in excessively platformed high heels.

Do dress like a regular work day, make sure your clothing fits well and is not too tight, sheer, revealing or inappropriate.

Don’t overdress.

If you haven’t been hired to dress in costume, don’t. Leave your Hanukkah Harry and Santa gear at home. Festive inspired holiday wear is different than novelty style touches.

Do wear a red velvet tie or colored outfit like the one below and save your festive onesie to win best-dressed at your neighbor’s Ugly Sweater party.

Don’t be too wacky.

Office jokesters beware. Do not be the person who carries portable mistletoe or wears clothing that lights up like a christmas tree and jingles. Chances are high alcohol is free flowing, do not add to the mix with an obvious flask of eggnog or by wearing a drink guzzler helmet.

Do keep novelty fashion to a minimum and stick to a couple statement accessories. If you must, don a reindeer headband like the one below, or single light up holiday necklace.

Don’t be too flashy.

There is such a thing as too much sparkle. Have fun with the holiday spirit, but there’s no need to pair sequin shoes to a matching dress for an office luncheon. Feathers are fun on sleeves or even on a bowtie but leave the boa at home.

Do opt for fun shoes and jewelry for the ultimate icebreaker while you network your way around the buffet.

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Life is too short to wear boring shoes. 🤩

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13 Must-Haves to Help You Pack Like a Boss This Holiday Season

Creating a uniform that fits in a lightweight carry on is essential to surviving the chaos of holiday travel.

By Lauren A. Rothmanstylist and fashion expert
Getty Images

What you pack for a business trip or to visit family at the holidays matters as much as what you wear to travel. Creating a uniform that fits in a lightweight carry on is essential to surviving the chaos of holiday travel. Foolproof ensembles that take you from Thanksgiving dinner to corporate retreat the following week must accommodate layers and accessories as well as shifts in weather and audience.

Packing clients is one of my most requested services. At this time of year, many of my clients in politics are balancing family time with end-of-year campaign stops. What you wear, says a lot about who you are and when you’re traveling you need to effectively project a successful image without your entire closet at your disposal.

I start by shopping a client’s closet for the best pieces that match the dress code of their destination. To be an efficient traveler, you need to be a smart packer. Here are my recommendations on what to pack to stay stylish while traveling.

  1. Mini steamer. Don’t get caught without the ability to quickly release a wrinkle from your ensemble. Small in size and big on efficiency, I never leave home without one.
  2. Packing cubes. Compartmentalize your suitcase with packing cubes to stay easily organized. Separate pajamas from toiletries or business clothes from lounge wear to pack an enviable suitcase.
  3. Travel size beauty and grooming products. Even if you’re checking luggage, buy or create your own mini sized samples of your favorite products that will make your skin glow and hair shine while out of town. If you have hard to manage hair, invest in mini hair tools such as a travel sized curling or flat iron and if you require extra light for applying makeup, pack a rechargeable, portable lit mirror.
  4. Travel-friendly shoes. Lean into the athleisure trend and invest in a dressy sneaker that can be worn day to night. Expect to include one more pair of shoes in your suitcase to transform ensembles for family dinner or work meeting.
  5. Clothes you can wear in layers. Carry a scarf, shawl or pashmina on board in case you are cold or need to rest your head. Pair with your coat when landing in cooler weather.
  6. A third statement piece. This is your blazer or power jacket that will transform any outfit with color, styling, or fit while anchoring your daily ensembles. Men should consider a deconstructed blazer while a ‘jardigan’ works wonders for women (comfort of a cardigan and the look of a blazer). Depending on the duration of your travel, weather and capsule wardrobe, you may need to pack more than one.
  7. A column of color. Choose a base color you can wear head to toe and add your third piece to exude a stylish presence. For maximum crossover, pack hybrid pieces that can easily work day to night. Expect everything to be worn more than once and mix and match with shoes and accessories.
  8. A backup outfit. If you lose your checked luggage packed with your travel steamer and work capsule, don’t despair. Be sure to roll, rather than fold, your clothing to avoid wrinkles or add a versatile, wrinkle resistant ensemble from a travel friendly brand like Argent or Ministry of Supply to your carry on.
  9. Accessories. Add a splash of color in your tie choice, belt a dress or change your jewelry to transform a look. Make a statement and include accessories in your carry-on in case you need to make today’s outfit work tomorrow.
  10. A bag you can pack within a bag. You never know when an unexpected casual opportunity will present itself. Store tech accessories or makeup in a wristlet or cross body style small bag that can double as a casual on-the-go handbag if needed.
  11. An all in one charger. Be a tech minimalist and keep your devices organized and charged with this savvy tool while you’re on the go.
  12. Scented dryer sheets. Pack a couple of dryer sheets to keep everything smelling fresh.
  13. A luggage scale. Unless you’re flying private, avoid baggage fees by weighing your bag in advance.

Win best-dressed this holiday season. If you’re worried you will forget exactly how versatile your capsule wardrobe is, be your own stylist and take pictures to forever record the memory.

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