Green Feather Energy

I would define my personal style as feminine, informed, intentional, and classic. I gravitate towards timeless pieces and believe that taste always trumps trends. After two decades as a fashion stylist, I have a system. I know what to wear for every occasion and for the most part, have some black version of it hanging in my closet ready to go. I am discerning and care deeply about style-how I look-and how I feel in the clothes that I wear, (most of the time anyway…). I know that black is always a good choice for me, and if I stick to my ‘uniform’, I will look and feel acceptable. I like to look sharp but not stand out. Usually, I prefer to blend in-black is excellent at this. When I’m not doing morning school drop-off in yoga gear, or running errands in a graphic print t-shirt and leggings (like all the other Studio City moms), I’m in one of my cute, black ‘go-to' tops paired with good denim and sneakers (LA is notoriously casual). Sometimes I get bored of the monotony. Of my style. Of black. Of blending. 

It was a hot sticky day in August that I realized I was in desperate need an outfit zhuzh. I was in line at Whole Foods post work-out, in one of my many black yoga sets, an oversized logo-T and white Birks, right behind another woman wearing her version of the same kit. Habits die hard, and my routine of leggings to denim and back to leggings-all in black- was taking a toll on my self-esteem. I needed some color in my life!

There is no greater excuse for a shiny new outfit than a girls night out in NYC. An upcoming dinner reservation served as the perfect opportunity to breakout of my black lycra bubble. I was determined to find something fun and fabulous to bring along with me. The wonderful thing about New York, is that no one gives a shit about you, and I mean that in the most loving way. There’s a hustle, an edge, a beat that demands attention; People are so busy doing them, they don’t have time to pay you any attention. This offers a certain freedom to play, an autonomy to experiment that other cities don’t have. I find LA to be the opposite. People care. A lot. A lot about themselves, how they look, how you look, how everybody looks, compared to you, compared to them-it’s exhausting! So dinner and drinks in Manhattan was my chance to reset, to be bold, to step out of my style safety zone. It’s not like I’ve never dabbled in looking extra, I was a raver in London in the 90’s- that was largely about looking extra! It’s just that in my grown-up, mom-ing, wife-ing, work-ing, zoom-ing-life, I have gotten so practical and comfortable and organized in my style, that I lost some of the joy of dressing up. I was determined to get that sorted and had the perfect excuse to jumpstart the process.

After many hours scrolling, and several trips to Beverly Hills, I landed on a Kelly green-ostrich feather jacket. It was loud and proud and bold (just like NY) and completely impractical, not at all versatile, and rather expensive (just like LA). It was perfect! I decided to wear it with all black (baby steps people), and paired it with black leather shorts, black heels, and a black tank! With a bright red mani, and fresh blow-out, I gave myself a once over in the hotel lobby, it was a look for sure! I felt fancy, glamorous, (and a hint self conscious) but reminded myself that in a sea of style, I was a teeny drop. As we stood in line at the venue, I noticed that I was being noticed (or perhaps it was just the feathers), but I definitely did not blend, I definitely felt visible, and that in and of itself felt really good. Turns out that green feather energy is very good for the soul.

In an Uber headed back to my hotel, I soaked in the boost that only a fun night in a great outfit with good friends gives-it’s like style medicine. I believe that style is one of the most accessible and underrated forms of self-care one can utilize. It doesn’t have to be anything other than what you makes you feel good. Feeling special is the goal and if you can get there on repeat, you can start to make shifts in other areas of your life. 

Some moments deserve extra care and attention, warrant something new, and give you an opportunity to style up self-love! Turns out green feather energy is good for the soul.

Love (and style),

amyluxo