Style Buzz: Style in a Style Desert + Anatomy of a Pink Blazer Outfit

Ideas to Inspire Your Style This New Year!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"You're very fancy - you must not be from around here?!"

A lovely lady at Melange told me she'd been asked this when she stopped at a grocery store after work, just dressed as she normally would. Funny, I'd been told something similar by my own neighbor the same day because I was wearing a cream wool coat. What is it with the Pacific Northwest so proudly and fiercely holding onto the idea that style is for "elsewhere", that people in Oregon can't possibly know about - or more importantly want to have - style? Why on earth not? The shops here have stylish pieces (yes, really!), but perhaps the real barrier is knowing where to find them and what to look for. And for that, you've got me. Think of a personal stylist as your ticket out of the dreary PNW style and into your dream wardrobe, no passport needed!

 xxx rachel

As soon as she put this suit on, she lit up like a firecracker. It's bold and bright, just like her. And yes, she lives here!

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BEING STYLISH IN A STYLE DESERT

(AKA: Ignoring what other people think!)

Because it's not just my job but my nature, I spend a lot of time looking at what people wear in our community. In this corner of the country, casual isn’t just the dress code; it’s a cultural value. Comfort, practicality, and a healthy suspicion of anything that looks like it “tried too hard” run deep. But there’s a quiet cost to always dressing down, and it’s worth talking about.

Dressing with a bit more intention - pants with a modern cut, real shoes, a coat that doesn't make that swish-swish noise as you walk - isn’t about being fancy. It’s about signaling to yourself and others that you’re worth the effort. Clothes don’t change who you are, but they do change how you hold yourself. Standing a little taller, speaking a little more confidently, feeling slightly more capable isn’t vanity; it’s self-esteem doing its job.

There’s also a ripple effect. When one person raises the bar, even gently, it gives others permission to do the same. You’re not judging the room, you’re offering an alternative. And often, people respond with relief rather than resistance. Many want to dress better but fear standing out more than being invisible. You can show them it's not that scary. Yes, there's a bit of effort up front but "effortless" doesn't mean "without thought". It means you've figured out a formula that works for you to make things easier.

Of course, you may hear not-so-subtle commentary. “Aren’t you overdressed?” (Translation: "...and making me feel frumpy.") “Wow, big plans today?” (Nope, just headed to Safeway.) “Who are you trying to impress?” (Myself!) Other classics include “That looks uncomfortable,” and the passive-aggressive “I could never pull that off,” both of which usually mean "I wish I were brave enough to try."

Style doesn’t have to be loud or precious to be powerful. In a culture that prizes blending in, choosing to dress well is a quiet act of self-respect. And sometimes, the most generous thing you can do is show up looking like you care both about yourself and the space you're walking into. It really IS possible to shift the mindset about what style in the Pacific Northwest can look like, and it can start with you. Look at you, changing the culture and elevating our community, all by just doing what makes you happy (and comfy, of course!).

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ANATOMY OF AN OUTFIT

This is a peek into my favorite outfit of the week where I break it down for you: why I've put it together and why it works, what elements could be swapped out, things to consider, etc.

I saw a photo of Stacy London in a pink velvet blazer last week, and while she paired it with a leopard print blouse, I was inspired to do my own version. I wanted the pink to play the primary role so I paired it with neutrals. It's also fitted at the waist, allowing for a wider leg jean on the bottom. The cream top is lacy, adding some visual interest that doesn't compete with the velvet's sheen. Because of the high neckline, a necklace would have been too fussy so I added a sparkly brooch with pink stones to draw attention to my face. I considered a pewter metallic bootie and bright silver earrings that would have tied in with the shine of the blazer and brooch, but chose dangly pearl earrings and cream mules as complementary finishing touches to the overall look.

Blazer: White House Black Market from ThredUP

Blouse: Tommy Hilfiger from Macy's

Jeans: Letters to Juliet from Gilt + Gossamer

Shoes: Matisse from Miss Meers

Brooch: Unknown designer from Labels Luxury Consignment, Berkeley CA

Earrings: Tiffany & Co

I also French tucked the blouse if I took the blazer off. Here's a quick how-to if you're short-waisted like me!