The older I get, the more clearly I’m learning that there are two distinct types of people in the world...no, no, I don’t mean Republicans and Democrats. I’m talking about the controversy that really matters; that truly polarizes people. 

I mean those who love Summer and want it to always be warm, and those who wait eagerly for all the Fall things. 

What about Winter and Spring, Emily? You may be thinking to yourself as you hang upon each of my words with bated breath (ha, ha). Interestingly enough, I don’t know too many people (or ANY people for that matter) who would choose either of those two seasons as their favorite one--my friends list is pretty much composed of Team Summer and Team Fall. It’s a battle as old as time; as hotly contested as dogs vs. cats; coffee vs. tea. 

Can you guess which of the two camps I fall into (get it...FALL into?)

Unlike our fearless leader Marni, I’m almost never cold, so the heat of summer is absolute torture for me--I pretty much hibernate inside as much as possible, blessing the inventor of the air conditioner with love in my heart. I spend every month of summer longing for Fall: Daytime temperatures that never top 70 degrees (with no humidity), gorgeous trees, cool nights that just beg for a bonfire, and spooky season (not to mention the tantalizing promise of all of the holidays) right around the corner...and the fact that bugs (the horror!) finally descend back to the shadows from whence they came. When you spend your entire summer shouting a Gandalf-like “You shall not pass!” to every bug that comes your way (was that a murder hornet? A big bee? My husband’s quarantine hair doing a Rapunzel spiral into the yard?!), you look for the end of all that deeply. 

However, with the end of each season, every woman is faced with the same dilemma: A closet full of clothes that are no longer reflective of the changing temperatures outside. 

I don’t know about you, but when I was growing up, I remember my mom switching out my winter and summer wardrobes (it should be noted that I didn’t inherit my mom’s incredible domestic talents, much to my poor husband’s chagrin). I, however, never end up doing this myself, because I’ve found that there are a few staple pieces that should take precedence in every woman’s wardrobe to ensure a seamless transition from season to season (and...because I’m a lazy housewife). 

So, folks, here are my style staple recommendations for every girl’s wardrobe that you can wear year-round with some creative layering and accessorizing. All of these essentials are available online at thecuratedcloset.net! 

Wardrobe Staples for Season-less Style

1. Basic V Neck Tanks in neutral colors (I recommend white, black, and tan/nude): V neck tanks are literally impossible to mess up. I recommend choosing ones with a slightly relaxed fit (like this one: https://thecuratedcloset.net/products/8748-bow-shoulder-top?variant=32278997893207), as they are flattering to every body type. Not only is a basic tank cool enough to wear on its own during the summer months, tanks are an effortless staple to wear until your favorite cardigans, jackets, and blazers as the weather cools down outside. 
2. Jeans: A great-fitting pair of jeans is like the perfect man: sexy, flattering, and confidence-boosting. They are also essential for every season because they are so easy to dress up or down. I LOVE this pair from Enjean, sold at TCC: (https://thecuratedcloset.net/products/8254-enjean-tuxedo-stripe-jeans?variant=15478378135639)
3. LBD: An LBD is an essential piece of a woman’s wardrobe--from the office to date night to a more formal event, it’s simply never a wrong choice. It’s also a comfortable choice when temperatures soar, and easy to pair with tights and a jackets once it becomes cool again. This dress (sleeveless, V neck, knee length) is my style of choice: https://thecuratedcloset.net/products/7448-laundry-by-shelli-segal-classy-lbd?variant=1219156289135
4. Cardigans/Blazers/Jackets: Obviously any of the above work great to keep you warm once it’s cold outside, BUT I also recommend keeping these items in your closet year-round to carry with you to work/a restaurant/etc. You never know when you’ll exit the blazing inferno that is the outdoors, only to enter into the arctic blast of someone’s air conditioner (I’m the person who likes things to be arctic at all times as I rarely get cold). This Guess blazer is a perfect example: https://thecuratedcloset.net/products/w83n18_g7o1?variant=31286528016471
5. Long-Sleeved V neck tee: Easy to layer, breathable fabric, and great on its own, a long-sleeved tee is a truly seasonless essential. My personal favorites tend to come from Old Navy or Target
6. Dressy camisole: Glamorous, pairs with everything from pants to skirts, sexy, and yet suitable for work under a blazer, these types of tops are some of my favorites. TCC has a great one this year: https://thecuratedcloset.net/collections/spring-20/products/8725-cowl-neck-cami?variant=32272189390935

You’ll notice I didn’t list my essential all-year SHOES on this post...I don’t think we have that much time :) 

There you have it folks, my fail-proof pieces that never leave my closet. Though I’m sure my mom would beg to disagree, I think it makes sense to only keep pieces in there that I don’t have to rotate constantly (being the mom of a busy two-year-old might also have something to do with my reluctance). 

As always, send any questions or comments my way. I’d love to hear from you (or turn you into a feature...you never know. No one is safe with us writers…)

Now, if you will excuse me, I’ve heard that Starbucks and Dunkin’ have both debuted their PSLs (or Pumpkin Spice Lattes for you non-believers) for 2020...maybe the best thing to come from this insane year...and I think at long last, it’s time. 

‘Til next time, stay beautiful, and remember that life is YOUR runway. 

<3, 

-Em

Image credit: Miriam Sandler Photography

Hi there! My name is Emily. I have been a part of the TCC family since 2018, when I stumbled across our previous brick-and-mortar location, my then two month old (now two YEAR old) baby girl strapped to my chest. I quickly fell in love with the concept of the store--designer clothing, all brand new with tags still attached, sold for thrift-store prices! I like to say I walked into TCC and never left.

I figured I would start out this blog with a brief introduction; a “why you should trust me to give you fashion and beauty advice” bio, if you will. 

Well, I can honestly say if I had looked ahead as a kid in the 90’s and seen that I would be writing a fashion blog, I would have had two major questions:

1. What the heck is a blog (90’s, remember?)
2. Um….me?!?!

Growing up, fashion was not my strong point. I had glasses by the age of 9, dressed myself in a selection of carefully thrifted garage-sale couture items, and...did I mention?...I was also homeschooled. This was a flawless educational experience that I can’t wait to try with my own daughter, but I never had to worry about what I looked like. What I lacked in style, I made up for with an abundance in quirk--I was obsessed with Shakespeare, opera (I was a trained singer as a teen), Lord of the Rings, and math. By age sixteen, I might not have been able to pick A&F out of a lineup, but gosh darn it if I couldn’t sing in Elvish and complete college courses in Precalculus and Calculus while still in highschool. While I certainly remember thinking that the height of glam and fashion dwelt somewhere within the Lord of the Rings creators’ costume closet (I mean...those dresses though, right ladies?), I do recall a yearning to be beautiful; to be seen as beautiful, and to understand the ins and outs of fashion. 

Fast forward to college--after being genuinely flattered when I was mistaken for a scheduled model on my college campus while waiting for my then-boyfriend to pick me up for a date--I decided to go for it and applied to model in a Penn State fashion show. I was accepted, made my runway debut, and started modeling for local photographers. I did this as a hobby, as my main profession was teaching. I began modeling more professionally in 2019 when I signed with LOOK Models and Actors Agency in Doylestown, though I still do quite a bit of freelance work (in fact, I honestly prefer it). I have vast writing experience as well; I’ve written a novel (currently being edited), and am a freelance reporter for Berks Weekly. Oh, and I’m a professional princess (yes, really), through a volunteer organization I started in 2015 (more on that later), and a pageant contestant/beauty queen. If you want to know a bit more about me, feel free to visit my personal webpage and online portfolio at emilykenniston.portfoliobox.net.

So...what is my vision for this blog?

I want this to be a place where I can share tips, trends, and beauty advice, a skill that I have carefully curated over the last decade plus of my life. I want it to be a place where you can feel free to ask questions and get answers; a place where you feel encouraged and as beautiful as God created you to be. 

I also want it to be a place of fun--of laughter, of lightness, and of inner beauty--because, let’s face it, 2020 has royally sucked. We need something gorgeous in our lives right now. 

So, that’s it folks, that’s a bit about me. Next up I’ll be posting about summer-to-fall fashion and beauty trends (I LOVE products and clothes that easily make the transition!), and I would love to hear your questions, if you have any. 

Remember, my beauties, that life is YOUR runway. Strut it all day long, in the way that only you can. 

<3, 

Hey there! I'm Emmy. I'm a Christian wife and mom who is happily married to my college sweetheart, Dillon. We have a little girl, Brielle, who turned one on Monday and is the light of our lives.

I've had an interest in fashion ever since I was a teenager, which in turn sparked an interest in the beauty industry. I've modeled off and on for the last decade, primarily for local boutiques, salons, and photographers, and am delighted to put this to good use promoting TCC. I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and taught for years before my daughter was born, and look forward to homeschooling her in the future.

Hello Everyone, 

In preparation for our in-store Stuff the Bag Sale tomorrow, we want to re-introduce you to our dedicated team here at The Curated Closet. 

First up is owner and founder, Marni:

It's getting hotter outside, and soon you'll be making that annual trip to the beach or pool. Whether you're soaking in the sun, making a splash, or just dipping your toes, you want your bathing suit to be on-trend. An old fashioned suit can leave you feeling frumpy or look saggy when wet! Here are five bathing suit trends that will ensure you'll get noticed for all the right reasons. From feminine ruffles and boho chic, to the sleek military look, bathing suits come in all shapes and styles and there are so many ways to stay trendy.

Crocheted Swimsuits

One of the coolest trends that’s carried over from last year is crocheted swimwear. Whether you're going for the tankini or the classic bikini style, crocheting isn't just for hats and scarves anymore. Mix it up with a colorful crocheted bikini set in sunflower yellow or pair a crocheted top with a traditional bikini bottom with a pattern like florals or geometric designs. Regardless of what you do, the crocheted fabric can help elevate a boring suit and keep you looking on-point.

Boho Swimwear

Who doesn't love boho? This classic style gives you that breezy look you immediately associate with the ocean and the beach. Boho bathing suits with cool and carefree patterns, earthy colors, jewel tones, and all things bohemian chic will always steer you right. For men, incorporate these carefree patterns and colors into your swim trunks for the ultimate tropical look.

Ruffles!

If you thought ruffles and frills were old-fashioned, 2018 has brought this feminine style back to life with a modern twist. Classic ruffles along the shoulder strap of your swimsuit will give your look an elegant and pretty flair. Pair ruffles with a bold color or an interesting pattern for even more style.

Military-Inspired

For men, the military look is the peak of cool this spring and summer. From khaki to shades of olive and camo patterns, this look is a classic that will flatter you regardless of skin tone. To give things a twist, incorporate pops of color or an animal print if you're looking to get noticed.

Swimsuits Inspired by Activewear

In case you haven't noticed, activewear is everywhere. From windbreakers and upscale sneakers, to fashionable sweatpants. These days, people want to be comfortable and still look good. Swimsuits inspired by activewear incorporate solid colors, white bars, stripes, and the sleek, cohesive look that will look great on both women and men.

You'll be looking your best this spring and summer with these unique swimsuit trends. Out with the old and in with the new!

A beautiful smile is often the first thing people see. When first impressions matter, it's time to put your best smile forward. This list ranges from oral hygiene products to cosmetic products that will get your gorgeous mouth the attention it deserves.

For Your Mouth

Whitening Strips or Professional Whitening

If you’re embarrassed of your yellowing teeth, use whitening strips once a day for 30 minutes and you'll see a noticeable difference within just a few days. Results, depending on the brand and quality, will last for around 6 months—so touch-ups will be required. If white strips just won’t do it for you, we recommend getting in to see a dentist. Why? Because they have more intensive and longer-lasting options for teeth whitening such as ZOOM! which is “a common in-office whitening procedure,” according to Hoosier Dental, which results in “dramatically whiter teeth that will last for years.”

Activated Charcoal Powder

If you’re struggling with stains, charcoal is the tool to use. It's safe if you accidentally swallow some and less harsh than bleach. Charcoal is also known to reduce mouth odors. Charcoal works by binding to surface stains and removing them from the tooth's surface when you rinse. They keyword here is surface stains; 123 Dentist explains that “activated charcoal does not change the colour of teeth that are deeply stained or naturally yellowing.” Activated charcoal powder is not a miracle worker; it is a means to lift recent stains and to prevent stains from building up over time.

Electric Toothbrush

Using an electric toothbrush over a manual one has been proven to clean teeth much more efficiently. In one study cited by Consumer Reports, electric brushes reduced plaque by 21% and gingivitis by 11% in individuals that brushed with them consistently for 3 months, as opposed to those who used regular brushes. Of all the different kinds of electric brushes, the ones that appeared most effective were heads with rotating, oscillating brushes. So if you’re looking to really boost the appearance of your teeth and the health of your mouth, electric is the way to go.  

Mouthwash

Using a mouthwash is proven to lead to better overall gum and tooth health. Not only does mouthwash kill bacteria and plaque responsible for halitosis, or bad breath, did you know that it also strengthens your tooth enamel and prevents cavities? Always look for a mouthwash with fluoride and without alcohol to get the best benefits from your mouthwash.

Floss

You've heard from your dentist how important flossing is to your overall mouth hygiene. Flossing between the teeth is important for preventing plaque buildup and yellow stains. If you find it hard to stay motivated to floss, then floss picks are an easy solution for you. They are cheap, they make reaching the spaces between your teeth so much easier (especially the ones in the back of the mouth), and they are easy to carry on-the-go.

For Your Lips

Lip Scrub

Your beautiful, white smile isn't going to impress anyone if you've got crusty, dry lips surrounding it. Using an exfoliating lip scrub followed by a balm or oil treatment will save your dry lips. Adore Beauty says “Excess dead skin and dryness on the lips can also cause premature ageing. If you want a youthful complexion, you need healthy-looking, youthful lips to boot. Hydrating efficiently after a good lip scrub is the best form of anti-ageing care for the lips, aside from sunscreen, of course.” Using a lip scrub regularly will help keep your lips looking plump and youthful for a long time.

Lip Primer

If you’re going out for a night-on-the-town or you have a long hard day of work ahead, then lip primer is your new best friend. It helps the texture of your lipstick stay natural and beautiful, it makes liquid lipsticks feel more comfortable, and plus it gives the vivid color of your lipstick stamina (even after meals and snacks). Be warned: not all lip primers are created equal. Make sure to read the review of a primer product before you purchase.

Red lipstick

There are more shades of lipstick available today than ever before, but we recommend sticking with a sultry red. There’s hardly a look more stunning. To give the illusion that your smile is whiter than it really is, try a blue-based red, a beautiful classic that will have a whitening effect on the appearance of your teeth. If possible, avoid peach-based colors as they will make any yellow hues in your smile stand out.  However, you should also take into account the color and undertones of your skin in order to find a shade that is flattering.

Whether it's a job interview or your first date, try these tips to give your smile that boost it needs. And don’t forget: smile with confidence!

As most women know, good eyebrows can sculpt your face and enhance your natural features. However, very few women are blessed with perfect eyebrows, and achieving the perfect shaped brows on your own can be challenging. Follow these do's and don'ts to get the best look possible regardless of what methods you want to use.

Do Use Powder

Many women use a colored eyebrow pencil to fill in their brows, but this can create an unnatural and harsh look. Eyebrow powder is much more subtle and is the best way to achieve a natural looking color. Be sure to use a powder that is as close to your natural hair color as possible for the best results. A small, angled eyebrow brush will also give you the most control while applying powder.

Don't Over-Pluck

Plucking your eyebrows with a high-quality pair of tweezers is a simple and effective way to remove tiny, hard to reach hairs. However, it is also very easy to overdo it. To avoid over-plucking your eyebrows, only pluck a little at a time so that you can find the perfect shape. You should also make sure that you are using good tweezers and that you are keeping a natural arch.

Do Get a Professional Shape

While you can always pluck stray hairs on your own and be fine, it may be a good idea to look into getting your brows shaped professionally if you always need to tweeze or wax your brows. A professional can help you get the perfect shape without guessing. This also gives you a chance to talk to them about your plucking or waxing methods and make sure you aren’t damaging your skin.

Don't Despair Over Thin Brows

While thick brows are in right now, having thin brows isn’t the end of the world. If you just can’t fall in love with them, and you don’t like having to constantly draw or powder your brows to make them look fuller, you can look into microblading to give you a little extra something. Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure that adds pigment in a way that resembles eyebrow hair. It can give you a great shape and fuller brows that will last for at least a year.

Do Seal the Look with Gel

Eyebrow gel is a handy tool to have because it can prevent stray hairs throughout the day and add shine to your eyebrows. It is essential for anyone with thick or coarse eyebrow hairs. Eyebrow gel comes in clear and tinted formulas if you prefer a little extra boost of color. Make sure you don’t overuse it though. There is a world of difference between just enough to help your brows and so much that they look slicked down.

Achieving perfectly sculpted eyebrows on your own can be difficult at first, but is well worth the effort. Properly shaped and well-defined eyebrows can instantly make your face appear more sculpted and symmetrical. Get started today to enjoy fantastic looking brows!

There are skin care products out there that women swear by, and many of those products have stood the test of time and others are new to the marketplace but have taken it by storm with increased effectiveness. When trying to figure out what is best for your skin, here are a few products that you should be looking at.

Cleansers

If you have any specific skin conditions, look for a cleanser that is formulated to help you. Whether its acne, Rosacea, extreme dryness, oiliness or anti-aging factors, there are cleansers developed for almost any one of these issues. Look for cleansers with low pH formulations that include purifying botanical ingredients, antioxidants, mild alpha-hydroxy acids, Vitamin A (retinoids) and C derivatives. You can also look at natural and soap-free cleaning technology, like cleansing waters (micellar) that are irritation free and moisture-infusing.

Toners

Toners are another group of skin care products that should have a steady role in your skincare regimen. Cosmetic technology has taken toners from alcohol-based products that tightened and removed residue from the skin to skin-nourishing liquids and mists that contain peptides, herbals, antioxidants, and almond derivatives (spin trap) that brighten, firm and energize the skin after cleansing.

Serums

Toners prepare your skin for serum application. Serums are another newer skincare treatment that has gained traction and favorable attention from women over the years. Serums are highly concentrated liquids that are thicker or gel-like in texture and consistency. While they aren’t a necessity for everyone, you can use serums to target skins problems such as hyperpigmentation, dullness, lines, wrinkles, and sagging.

Moisturizers

Moisturizers are another mainstay of skincare that you need to use every day. You can use a moisturizer to address specific skin issues, but they should be part of every face wash, especially if you are using other products to target skin problems. Moisturizers are usually applied towards the end of your skincare process. They can be grouped into different categories, such as under-eye creams and lotions, neck, lip and hand treatments, sunscreens and overall face moisturizers. They are usually made in different formulations for day and night use and have varying ingredients.

Exfoliators

Exfoliator and scrub skin care products are formulated to slough away dead skin cells, clear the pores of debris and bring a clear and clean glow to the face. Depending on your preference and skin, you can find a cream, liquid, or skin polish exfoliator. Exfoliators usually contain alpha hydroxy and glycolic acids, other fruity acids as well as oat kernels, rice bran, herbs, fruit extracts, aloe vera, ginseng, sugar, honey and other ingredients that safely and effectively slough off dry skin cells and clear skin. Make sure you don’t exfoliate your skin too often to avoid irritating your skin.

No matter what specific skincare products you end up using, these different categories are agreed on to be some of the most useful. However, the most important thing is to figure out what works best for you skin. You know yourself the most, so experiment until you find a good fit.

References:

http://intothegloss.com/2018/01/anti-aging-nighttime-skincare-routine/

https://www.dsa.org/forms/CompanyFormPublicMembers/view?id=7F30000D7FC

https://thecuratedcloset.net/blogs/news/ingredients-to-look-for-in-your-skin-care-products

https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/basic-skin-care-tips/how-to-put-together-a-skin-care-routine.html

https://blog.mariobadescu.com/skin-care-essentials/

Constantly making impulse purchases can easily lead to one of those mornings where you stare at a full closet and feel like you have nothing to wear. However, if you take a more thoughtful approach to buying clothes, not only will you avoid buyer’s remorse, you will also have a lot of pieces that go well together. Here are a few basics you should start with, regardless of what kind of style you have.

A Simple Cardigan

Cardigans are great for office wear, yet they are also casual enough for the weekend. You can stick to neutral cardigans, or you can spice it up with some brighter colors to add a pop to your wardrobe. Cardigans have a great effect of smartening up any outfit, and they come in so many styles that you are bound to find one that you love.

The Perfect Tee

Tee shirts are an essential wardrobe basic that can be used for multiple types of outfits. A staple tee should be fitted without being clingy, and the neckline should hit just above any cleavage. Since you wear them so much, you should invest in quality tee shirts that will not get thin or stained.

A Classic Dress

Depending on your lifestyle and body shape, your perfect dress might be a sleek sheath, a flirty sundress, or a flowing maxi dress. The main thing to look for is a versatile style that can be dressed up or down. Cute dresses that can be classy or casual are an essential part of any wardrobe.

Nice Jeans

Avoid temporary trends that will look dated in months, and stick to nice jeans that you can wear in a variety of situations. You want jeans that can easily be worn with a nice top and heels for a date night or styled with a tee shirt and sandals for a casual day. There are a variety of styles, and you should choose one that fits your style and body shape. Try to avoid jeans that have a lot of embellishments, especially on the back pockets. While they may look nice, they aren’t always very comfortable to sit in, and if the embellishments fall off, they start to look old, even if they aren’t.

A Casual Skirt

The casual skirt is ideal for situations where you need to look put together without being dressy. Look for something with a medium length and a flattering silhouette. A skirt can be nice and breezy during warm weather or comfortably cozy when worn with tights in winter.

Depending on your own needs, you can select different versions of these staples that are more casual, dressy, or alternative. The key to selecting them is to focus on well-made pieces that fit you perfectly. Owning these five staples will leave you feeling confident that you have something to wear in almost any occasion.

Photo Credit: Hope Ave Boutique