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Tory Burch “In Color”

October 14, 2014 by Bethany Siggins

Tory Burch, known as much for her love of the color orange as for her sporty flats and dreamy caftans, has released a gorgeous coffee table book today, “Tory Burch: In Color” about her 11 favorite colors: orange, blue, green, purple, pink, red, yellow, white, black, natural and gold.

Tory Visited Dallas

I was blessed to meet Tory last week and have her sign the book, which is being released today. Last Friday afternoon at the Nasher Sculpture Center in downtown Dallas, Tory was joined by her friend Jessica Alba (actress and founder of The Honest Company) to discuss the book and other topics of interest including how she balances motherhood and a career, and the roundabout path she took in starting her namesake company.

Tory’s Start

Tory considers herself a late bloomer having only started her wildly successful company 10 years ago. Tory departed a career on the rise with LVMH to stay at home with her three young boys. Four years later, she started her company because she felt there was a need for high-quality, affordable clothing and accessories. She certainly hit the mark! However, she said she was not an overnight success, spending many of her first two years on the phone with her Hong Kong operations until 3:00 a.m. her time.

Tory’s Beginnings

Tory was raised on a farm in Pennsylvania with three brothers. Her parents Buddy and Reva (for whom Tory named her first flat) who would leave Tory and her brothers with family to take six-week worldly vacations, returning with various exotic souvenirs. In addition, Tory’s childhood home entertained many “overnight” guests who invariably would stay long past their expected departure dates. As as result of this unique upbringing, Tory’s aesthetic reflects an appreciation for diversity, one that is decidedly multicultural.

Get the Book!

I greatly enjoyed the event, hosted by American Express, and I am very appreciative to my dear friend Peg Baird for allowing me to be her plus one! Pick up a copy of Tory Burch: In Color, even if you are not familiar with Tory or her company. I think you will find the content, including many beautiful photographs, to be highly inspiring and a lovely addition to your library. Tory sees the world in color, and I think we all should!

Fixes for Your All-black Wardrobe

October 13, 2010 by Bethany Siggins

Many of you know I love to get on my soapbox about wearing black. Don’t get me wrong. It isn’t that I am completely against wearing black. On the contrary, black can be quite chic. In fact, it would be remiss of me not to tell you I own quite a bit of black in my own wardrobe and several little black dresses (aka LBD). It’s just that in order to wear black well, you first need the right body coloring (dark hair is a good start), and black also requires some spicing up to communicate your style statement.

Since I know many of you wear a lot of black, I thought I would share with you a few things I generally do to add life to an all-black ensemble.

(1) Add color! Here I am wearing a black and gray ensemble. In order to stand out in a sea of black-clad fashionistas, I enjoy throwing on a statement necklace, often a colorful one. This way my style comes through and you can pick me out in the crowd. If black isn’t your best neutral, add a colorful accessory near your face in one of your colors to neutralize the stark effect of black. Not sure if black is a good neutral for you and want to know your best colors? See me for that!

(2) Add a metallic topper. To bring life to your LBD, add either a silver, gold or bronze jacket or sweater. Gold and bronze generally work best on most people, but if you really like to sparkle and stand out give silver a shot.

(3) Wear a fabulous shoe. If you prefer the clean, chic look of an all-black ensemble, why not throw on a drop dead shoe to snazz it up? I think a LBD with minimal accessories and a killer shoe is effortlessly chic. Wear a deep red lip color, as well, if you dare!

As you can see, this isn’t rocket science. Bottom line: fabulous accessories separate you from the next black-clad gal. As Clinton Kelly once said on an episode of “What Not To Wear”: Accessories explain who you are as a person. So true, Clinton. I could not have said it better myself. Before you step out in all black, add a bit of your personality to it. You’ll add intrigue and interest to an otherwise forgettable outfit.

Your Shoes – They Matter

July 7, 2010 by Bethany Siggins

Some of you know about my love of shoes. Thus, it may surprise you to learn I have not always been into shoes. Up until about 8 years ago, I never paid them much attention (on myself). I thought no one noticed my shoes. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The Lightbulb Moment

I distinctly remember my oldest brother telling me when I was in my twenties how important shoes are and how telling they are about a person. This struck me. I was probably wearing a nondescript black or brown pair at the time, and I wondered what that said about me.

A Shoe-loving Friend Opened my Eyes

Several years later I was shopping with a friend who has great taste in shoes. She was contemplating a pair of pumps for around $200, not a bank-breaking number but far more than I’d ever dreamt of spending on a pair of shoes. She asked me, “Is that too much to spend on shoes?” I had to smile and laugh as I pointed to the $30 of sandals on my feet. She laughed, too, and bought the shoes. Great decision. They looked fab on her.

What I Know Now

So, why all the fuss about shoes? In short, shoes set the tone for your entire outfit. Imagine a woman in a black cocktail dress wearing tennis shoes. It’s a completely different vibe than if she were wearing a simple pair of black pumps. On the other hand, imagine ankle boots or a pair of leopard-print sandals with the dress. Each shoe choice changes the impression.

Your shoes tell us your personality.

“Accessories explain who you are as a person.” Clinton Kelly

Look at your shoes. Are they scuffed and worn out? If so, have them fixed or replace them. Run-down shoes ruin your look. You may not see them once they’re on your feet, but everyone else does.

Shoes are Dual Purpose

Everyone owns shoes that are purposeful. We have gym shoes, work shoes, evening shoes, etcetera. However, do you own a pair that communicates who you are? If not, it’s time to move beyond purpose to spice up your shoe wardrobe. Your assignment: find a few pairs that tell your story! Need help? Message me, and we will tackle it together!