Real (approachable) Style Advice for Real (grown-up) Women with 

Real (smart) Budgets

Hello First name / friend,

 

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know about my beloved mom, Mary. She passed away three years ago today at the age of 97 after living with my family for 10 years. There’s no doubt that the best gift we ever gave my sons was the experience of growing up with Grammy living with us (and even sharing a bathroom with them). 🤔

 

Today at Mass, they played On Eagle’s Wings—and if you know the hymn, you can imagine how it hit me. I feel her presence every single day and hear her in my head. I find myself using her Mary-isms all the time. If I’m lucky, I’m becoming more and more like Mary… It’s my goal.

 

Later today, I’ll be getting together with friends (and fellow Mary fans) to toast her with an Old Fashioned—her favorite. Here’s a pic of her taken two months before she passed away.

 

And if you want to know her beauty secrets, here are a few:

 

❤️ She washed her face with whatever soap was next to the sink.

 

❤️ She used no “products” but kept a tub of generic Cetaphil lotion next to her chair for the growies on her face. I have no idea what she meant by that, but clearly, it worked.

 

❤️ She obsessed over her hair, and even after losing her vision, she somehow always knew when it needed to be washed or cut. For the last year or two, I cut it for her… I had no idea what I was doing, but thankfully, her hair was forgiving.

 

She claimed I gave her “the best haircuts she ever had.” I told her, “That’s a nice compliment coming from a legally blind person.” 😂

 

❤️ She wore no makeup except for lipstick, which she applied daily until the end. (And sometimes blush… which was just a spot of lipstick she’d rub on her cheeks. 😊)

 

❤️ She moved her bod daily. From swimming when she was young to Body by Jake videos during my childhood (remember him?). Even at the end, she walked, took the stairs, and did her calisthenics in bed. Move it or lose it was her daily mantra.

 

❤️ Until the very last day, she would always #justgetdressed, and this outfit below was her go-to formula. That jacket (from Peach—RIP) was her absolute favorite. She was wearing it when she passed away peacefully, and I’ll keep it forever.

 

But anyone lucky enough to have known Mary knows her real secret was her faith, her gratitude-fueled approach to life, and her genuine love for everyone around her.

 

Here’s to you, Mary!

Now, here's what you may have missed this week from B.Styled:

1. Tipsy Tuesday - 5 Spring Refreshes!

 

➡️ You don’t need a whole new wardrobe each season! A few small, strategic updates can make everything in your closet work better.

 

✅ Denim Jacket Refresh – The shrunken, fitted denim jacket we’ve worn for a decade has gotten a make-over. Instead, try a relaxed, slightly boxy fit, a cropped style that hits at the waist or just below, or even an oversized version with modern details. 

 

I know this is a confusing one. I'll continue to wear the denim jacket from Peach that many of us have. It's fitted, but not too fitted and I'll be sure to wear it with modern elements like wide or loose straight-leg jeans and maxi dresses. I found these screenshots of dated looks for a visual:

L: The tight jacket, the scarf, and the tote 

R: The fitted pants/leggings, layered shirt, and shorter jacket

…all scream 2018

 

✅ Sneaker Swap – While chunky sneakers aren’t out, we’re seeing a shift toward low-profile suede sneakers (think retro-inspired styles) and sleek leather sneakers. These still give comfort but look more refined and versatile.

 

✅ Jewelry Update – The delicate, minimalist pieces that have been everywhere are making room for more substantial jewelry. Think bold hoops, chunky chains, statement rings, and layered bracelets. Even a simple outfit can feel intentional with the right accessories.

 

✅ Flats Refresh – Chunky lug-sole loafers had their moment (and are still around), but now we’re seeing a return to classic loafer styles, elegant slingbacks, and Mary Janes. These feel polished but still wearable every day.

 

✅ Handbag Shift – Crossbody bags are still great, but we’re seeing a shift to shoulder bags, top-handle styles, and structured totes. These silhouettes add a polished, put-together feel to any outfit while still being practical.

 

Bottom Line: You don’t need to start from scratch—just update a few key pieces to make your whole wardrobe feel more current. 

 

2. Spring is Coming. Are you Ready? 🌸

Winter is an easy time to fall into a style rut—but now’s the time to shake off the blahs and get back on the #justgetdressed wagon! The Spring Style System is here to help you refresh your wardrobe, use what you already own in new ways, and step into the season feeling confident and put together.

 

👉🏼 Outfit Prompt emails start in ONE WEEK—join now so you’re ready to go! Don’t wait until spring is in full swing to realize you have “nothing to wear.” Let’s make getting dressed effortless and fun again!

 

3. Outfit Creation Tips From Today's Look

Sharing what I'm wearing today (it's still wintery in Rhode Island) along with a glipse into my thought process:

 

I started with a favorite sweater🐆, but since tan isn’t my best, I layered a white collared shirt underneath and added a silver necklace close to my face. I wanted to wear my black-and-brown belt, which has a gold buckle, so I chose a short two-tone necklace that peeks out from the collar to tie it all together. The brown boots pick up the tones in my coat and sweater, and their higher shaft slips under the hem of my cropped jeans.

 

It might sound like a lot of steps and thought, but once these strategies become second nature, getting dressed is a breeze—and you’ll be out the door in minutes! #justgetdressed

 

These strategies is what I love to help women learn in the Style System. Join me! 

P.S. My sweater and belt are last season from Cabi so no longer available, (though you could search on Ebay or Poshmark).  I am no longer selling Cabi, but I'm sharing a link for a client/friend and new Cabi Stylist, Terri Chemberkur. You can shop the new collection with her HERE and she'll happily help you! 

 

That's it for today. Thanks for being here! 

 

Just hit reply to this email if you have any questions for me.

I love hearing from you! 

Have a great week ahead, and remember to #justgetdressed. ✅👍🏼

On Instagram @b.styled