transitioning your fashion for the seasons

Fashion & Beauty

Transitioning your Fashion for the Seasons

Drescription

As you may know I have a partnership with thredUP that involves me playing a lot of dress-up. Read all about why I partnered with the world’s largest online thrift store, here. If you hate clothing then skip this post and come back Monday for design content, but if you find yourself sitting, wondering ‘how does Emily Henderson transition her striped dress from winter to summer’ then you can check that box off your bucket list because that answer is FINALLY going to be answered (keeping in mind, I’m “transitioning” here in Los Angeles, so there’s not a heavy snow jacket in sight).

We all know that layering is key both in home and fashion, so that’s pretty much what I do here. First up – the pink shift dress – for work and play.

Emily Henderson Transitional Fashion Pink Dress

This whole experience was great for me because I rarely curate my outfits and I mostly just throw things on as soon as one of my two kids lets go of my legs, 2 minutes before I should be out the door. For this first outfit, I tucked a short and fitted chambray underneath this thick pink shift and wore my no-longer-available blue menswear duster with some booties.

EDITThredUp_AB-6164

Then I de-shirted, added my go-to mules (which I wear almost every day) and spring sprang.

EDITThredUp_AB-6187

That bag is from Fashionable, and it’s a b-corp company (meaning that they are invested in making the world a bit better) so if you are interested in that bag, I highly suggest it. It’s just so pretty. Most of the clothing is no longer available but you can troll through thredUP to see what similar pieces you can find. Meanwhile we put together a get the look (tip – the chambray shirt we chose I love but I just realized that it probably isn’t fitted enough to work underneath a dress, so make sure to get something stiff and fitted to layer).

Below is the outfit that I would say is the biggest risk for me, and in many ways not me. I mean, I love a culotte on those fashionistas but I fear that they don’t look nearly as good on most of America as they do on models. HOWEVER I do kinda like these electric blue mom pants. The sweater is not something I would normally gravitate towards but heck, we were in a playful room so lets put on something playful, no?

Emily Henderson Transitional Fashion Floral Sweater

I do, however, love a boxy top on a fitted short/skirt or skinny jeans (and yes those are shorts, I’m not wearing THAT mini of a mini).

EDITThredUp_AB-6800

That is the first time in SBEH history that I’ve worn my hair up in a bun. Don’t know if I’ll rotate it into my constant ‘wavy loose hair down’ or ‘unmade hair + hat’ repretoire, but even I was like oh man, it’s nice to see her doing something different with those locks.

Now to a more typical ‘me’ outfit – the old striped boxy top + wide leg jean combo.

EDITThredUp_AB-6294

These jeans were pre-Elliot jeans, and while my post-2-baby body may not be rocking them as well as I used to, I LOVE them and feel good in them. If I could duplicate that sweater I would. I love the fit, despite the 9 stains it now has that I pretend to not notice.

Emily Henderson Transitional Fashion Jeans

Winter = sweater/closed toe, summer = blouse/open toe. It’s not rocket science but it is kinda fun to see, right?

For those of you not interested in non-design content, here! I’m holding flowers! They are for you to forgive me for a fashion post.

EDITThredUp_AB-6350

For those of you interested in fashion, here are some get the looks:

Lastly, and maybe my most favorite – The ‘playfully outdoorsy neutral flea market’ outfit.

EDITThredUp_AB-6445

Fun fact, I’ve had that Old Navy jacket since I was 23 – which was like FOUR YEARS AGO (jk) and I still wear it. This one was about the dress (which was actually a maternity dress, that I still wear) and how I wear it in winter and spring.

Emily Henderson Transitional Fashion Stripped Dress

Fall/winter = pants, boots, jacket, and hat. Spring/summer = jean jacket, colorful bag, and mules. My I’m having so much fun in that outfit! And my how very short that skirt is . . . I don’t typically rock a colorful bag, but this outfit kinda wanted it and it’s making me start to rethink my ‘only camel, nude, and black leather bag’ subconscious rule.

EDITThredUp_AB-6605

There you go. Again with this dress make sure that it’s thick enough to go over your jeans without doing that annoying things that jeans do underneath longer dresses.

This post wasn’t sponsored by thredUP, although I did steal all the photos from them :) So if you are looking for a VERY affordable way to hunt and find used but quality clothes, head to thredUP. Otherwise all the links here are for similar clothes as well.

There you go, folks. You get it – more layers, more warmth, closed toes, and more coverage in the fall/winter. Brighter colors, less layers, and apparently MUCH more leg in the spring/winter. Thanks to thredUP for giving me an excuse to get my model on. It was actually far more fun than I thought it was going to be.

*P.S. As you know I am very fair skinned, so I do a spray tan called the ‘Versa Spa’ on level 2 (but it’s probably different everywhere – so try before some sort of important event). It’s way better than the mystic, but so much cheaper, faster, and more natural than airbrush (at least for us pale people – they ALWAYS over do me). It takes me 4 minutes from parking to back in my car and makes me feel a little better about showing so much skin. I know a lot of you have asked about it on Instagram or in comments so I figured I’d give them some unpaid endorsement.

The Post-Vacation Slump Is Real—Here’s How to Snap Out of It

After a vacation, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway to the lake or two weeks backpacking across Europe, you’d expect to return home feeling restored and maybe even ready to tackle your to-do list with new energy. But for some, the opposite happens: instead of feeling optimistic about everyday life, your inbox feels overwhelming, your routine feels more exhausting than usual, and you’re already thinking about your next big trip. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The post-vacation blues are real—and surprisingly common. “Reorienting back to reality after a vacation can be challenging,” says Kara Lissy, a psychotherapist who specializes in managing stress and burnout. “Even if you were relaxed and stress-free on your trip, the visual and audio cues of your every-day habits and patterns can subconsciously remind you of how stressed you were before you left.” Tiffany Green, a trauma-informed therapist based in Chicago, notes that this emotional whiplash usually has a deeper psychological root. “Vacation blues can stem from cognitive dissonance,” she says. “You may understand the importance of returning to work and your routine, but at the same time, you might crave the rest, spontaneity, and joy you felt while away. That inner tug-of-war can leave you feeling emotionally stuck.” But here’s the truth: feeling a little down after a vacation doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you, and it doesn’t mean your trip wasn’t restorative or restful enough. The contrast between the pace of vacation and everyday life is jarring, and what matters is how you ease yourself through the transition. Mental health professionals agree that with a few intentional shifts, it is possible to carry some of that post-trip clarity and inspiration into your everyday routine. Here are a few therapist-backed tips and tricks to help you reconnect, recalibrate, and bring a little of that vacation calm back with you, even after your suitcase is already unpacked. 01 of 06 Build in a Buffer Day “One way to ease the transition back to daily life is by building a buffer and taking a day or two at home after your trip to unwind and regroup,” Green says. “This extra time can help reduce stress and make the shift back into your post-vacation life feel less abrupt.” Jumping straight back into work after vacation may be a ticket to burnout. Even just one extra day to unpack, do laundry, or sleep in can soften the shock on your brain and body. 02 of 06 Bring a Piece of Vacation Home With You Both Green and Lissy agree that bringing a piece of your vacation back home can help reintegrate you back into your real life. “I often recommend that my clients bring home a small memento from their trip to help carry the sense of relaxation and inspiration into their daily lives,” Green says. She suggests placing a photo from the trip on your desk as a visual reminder, or carrying around a small souvenir. Lissy even recommends creating small “bite-sized” parts of your vacation at home, like looking up a recipe from a dish you had and cooking the meal in your own kitchen. 03 of 06 Do Something New in Your Own Town Sometimes what we miss is the feeling of exploring something new. “Humans crave novelty, but we don’t always need to take a flight to get it,” Lissy says. She suggests small things like trying a new restaurant, visiting a neighborhood you’ve never explored, or finding a new walking route. Even small changes can help trigger that same exploratory feeling your brain felt on vacation. 04 of 06 Set Small, Actionable Goals for Yourself “It might feel daunting to completely throw yourself into preparing for a workweek,” Lissy says, which is why she recommends setting a few small goals when you get back from vacation rather than diving right into tasks. “Try focusing on one or two attainable goals, like getting to bed at a reasonable time or doing one load of laundry.” 05 of 06 Pay Attention to How You're Really Feeling If the blues don’t lift after a few days, or if you return from vacation just as exhausted as you left, it could be signaling a deeper issue. “If someone comes back still feeling physically and emotionally drained, it may be a sign of burnout or even symptoms of depression,” Green says. That may be your cue to seek extra support and reevaluate your workload or stress management tools. 06 of 06 If Money and Time Permit, Plan Your Next Getaway Whether it’s a big trip or a simple weekend escape, scheduling downtime before you’re burned out helps make self-care a priority instead of an afterthought. Looking forward to your next getaway can actually boost your mood. “Having something to look forward to creates a sense of anticipation, which can increase motivation and improve your outlook,” Green says. And Lissy agrees. “The best time to plan your next vacation is when you are calm, centered, and relaxed—not when you are already at the point of burnout and exhaustion,” she says. So book that next vacation ASAP, even if you’ve just returned from one.

I’m 5’1", and I Curated a Wrinkle-Free Wardrobe for Petite Travelers, Up to 60% Off

While living in New York City is fun, I love a good weekend getaway during the spring and summer months. And now that the weather is finally getting warmer, I’m taking my trip-planning more seriously. This preparation includes having enough travel-ready outfits that won’t wrinkle in my suitcase and that I can repeat-wear to pack lightly. As someone who’s 5’1” and curvy, I’m very intentional about my hunt for new clothing. I need to make sure that my picks offer a flattering fit and are comfortable, too. That’s why I was thrilled to find tons of petite-friendly travel styles at Nordstrom, which also happen to be wrinkle-free and ideal for my getaways. Shop my picks from Vuori, Spanx, Madewell, and more below, with savings up to 60 percent. Petite Spring Travel Outfits at Nordstrom Caslon Drawstring Wide-Leg Linen Blend Pants, $45 (was $60) Lands’ End Lightweight Jersey Side Tie Blouse, $48 Foxcroft Taylor Non-Iron Sleeveless Shirt, $88 Pact on the Go-To Crop Tank, $34 Treasure & Bond Shirred Lace Top, From $24 (was $60) Madewell The Petite Darted Barrel Leg Jeans, $138 CeCe Tiered Ruffle Minidress, $89 Halogen Essential Compression T-Shirt, From $16 (was $35) Vuori One Shot Tennis Dress, $98 Wash Lab Denim Crop Cord Jacket, $104 (was $148) Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants, From $72 (was $110) Vince Camuto Convertible Double Breasted Twill Jacket, $80 (was $149) Caslon Drawstring Wide-Leg Linen Blend Pants These flowy wide-leg pants are made from a linen and rayon blend and have a comfy elastic waistband, which is ideal for when I have to sit for hours on a train. They’re on sale in all four neutral colors, including flax, striped navy, and black. One 5’2” shopper said they’re “perfect in length for petites,” noting that they’re a “staple piece” for hot and humid weather thanks to the breezy, “loose, and comfy” design. Pact on the Go-To Crop Tank This contouring bra tank is made from a stretchy organic cotton and elastane material that makes it an ideal base layer for my upcoming travels. I can easily wear it alone or with a light jacket and dress it up or down depending on the day’s events. It's “very soft and comfortable,” according to one customer, while another person called it “movable and breathable.” Vuori One Shot Tennis Dress I’m a fan of Vuori’s clothing, so I was excited to find this tennis dress in five spring-ready colors. It comes with built-in interior shorts that will make it more practical for days spent exploring different cities, and its pull-on style makes it easy to take on and off. The dress is “so soft,” per one reviewer who noted that they wear it casually, for dates, and nights out. They added that they have a 36D bra size and the “shelf bra is supportive.” Madewell The Petite Darted Barrel-Leg Jeans I’ve been coveting barrel jeans for awhile, so I’m grabbing this light wash pair from Madewell. They’re made with 100 percent cotton, have five pockets, and are machine washable. I love the jeans’ curved fit for my body type without being overly baggy thanks to its petite-friendly sizing. Shoppers love them, too, including one who is 5’1” and shared that they “fit great” around their hips. They’re super packable and versatile, so I can wear them practically anywhere. Discover more of Nordstrom’s petite-friendly travel outfits below, with savings up to 60 percent. Treasure & Bond Shirred Lace Top CeCe Tiered Ruffle Minidress Wash Lab Denim Crop Cord Jacket Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants Vince Camuto Convertible Double Breasted Twill Jacket

5 Common Flowers You Should Plant in August for More Blooms All Through Fall

Key Points Plant hardy fall bloomers like violas and asters to keep your garden blooming into cooler months. Choose blooming fuchsia for instant color that lasts through October or longer. These low-maintenance plants add color and charm to any fall garden or outdoor space. After reaping the benefits of beautiful blooms all summer, fall's the reality check we're not quite ready for: cooler temperatures and saying goodbye to our favorite flowers. With summer finally winding down, you may be looking to extend your gardening season as much as possible—and fall doesn't have to be the end. Luckily, we reached out to a garden pro to find out the top five flowers to plant right now for stunning blooms all fall long, and they did not disappoint. Meet the Expert Melissa Quinney is a garden expert and garden writer at Cabin Master, a United Kingdom-based fully-insulated garden room installation company. Winter-Flowering Violas These beautiful orange and purple flowers are excellent for creating fall colour, especially due to their tough nature and the way they’re able to bloom from autumn to winter with minimal attention, according to garden expert Melissa Quinney. "While they may look delicate, they are incredibly resilient," Quinney says. "Upon planting in August, gardeners can expect blooms within two to three weeks, and in milder climates, their blooms typically last well into winter.” USDA Zone: 3–8 Color Varieties: Purple, orange, white, blue, yellow, red Mature Size: 4–10 in. tall, 4–10 in. wide Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Asters “While the aster is often overlooked in favour of other plants, like chrysanthemums, its daisy-like blooms in shades of purple and pink are excellent for brightening up fall gardens and attracting pollinators later into the year," Quinney says. If the plant is already established once planted, then blooms should appear within one to two weeks. If you plant asters from seed, then germination can take up to three weeks, with another six weeks until blooming. USDA Zone: 3-8 Color Varieties: Purple, pink, blue, white Mature Size: 1–6 ft. tall, 1–4 ft. wide Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Fuschia If you're looking to add fuchsia to your garden for some fall flair, Quinney suggests planting your fuchsia while they're already in flower rather than planting from seed. Fuchsia grown from seed is unlikely to bloom in its first year, so planting one already in flower ensures a wow-worthy fall display. “When choosing a Fuchsia plant for a fall garden, it's important to look for its hardy variety," Quinney shares. "Perfect for planting near seating areas or outside garden rooms, hardy fuchsias can thrive well into fall with gorgeous pendant flowers in reds, purples, and pinks." USDA Zone: 10-11 Color Varieties: Red, pink, white, violet, purple Mature Size: 1 to 2 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide Penstemons Penstemons are hardy perennial plants with trumpet-shaped flowers that will keep blooming into autumn. If you plant penstemons when they're already flowering, they will bloom immediately and can continue to bloom until your area's first frost. "One of the major perks of having this plant in the garden is that it is drought-tolerant and doesn’t require much maintenance at all, helping it survive through fall," Quinney says. USDA Zone: 3-8 Color Varieties: Purple, blue, orange, red, yellow, pink, white Mature Size: 6 in. to 8 ft. tall and 8 to 20 in. wide Abelia x Grandiflora This semi-evergreen shrub has long-blooming, fragrant flowers in white, pink, and peach tones—and its foliage turns a stunning bronze shade in the fall. "It excels so well in the autumn because it’s low maintenance, and it provides great structure and colour later on in the year," Quinney says. "If planted while flowering, the Abelia x grandiflora will bloom from August through to fall, and its beautiful flowers and foliage display can last into October or November.” USDA Zone: 6 to 9 Color Varieties: pink, peach, white Mature Size: 4 to 6 feet

Travel Helps Reduce Signs of Aging and Keeps You Healthy, New Study Says

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of exploring new places. Whether you choose to stay close to home and walk the streets of a new-to-you town or stamp your passport on the way to some far-flung location, travel is on nearly everyone’s personal bucket list. And now, there’s proof that it does more than just fill your camera roll with memories. According to a new research paper from researchers at Edith Cowan University, there’s scientifically backed evidence that positive travel could experiences could be your best defense against signs of aging, both physically and mentally. How Does Traveling Reduce Signs of Aging? It probably comes as no surprise that travel can act as a serious mood booster—after all, many of us have felt the euphoria that comes from exploring a new place, finding the perfect roadside lobster roll, or cozying up in a quaint inn. However, according to the researchers at ECU, stepping out of your routine and experiencing new cultures can also lead to noticeable improvements in mental clarity and emotional health. Here are some of the major benefits. Provides Mental Stimulation When you travel, you’re not just collecting souvenirs; you’re also engaging your brain in fresh experiences, in turn giving it mental stimulation that can help enhance cognitive function and even fend off the cognitive decline that often comes with aging. Encourages Physical Activity That’s not the only perk of hitting the road (or skies), though. Physically, travel can encourage you to be more active even outside of your regular workout routine, whether it’s indulging in a mid-day hike, wandering through a vibrant market, or taking a leisurely stroll along the beach. Swapping your desk time for a more active vacation lifestyle helps to keep your body moving, which is crucial for maintaining strength and mobility as you grow older. Gives You Energy The excitement of a new adventure (and a new backdrop) can give your energy levels a natural boost, making you feel more youthful and vibrant. Reduces Stress Beyond the physical benefits travel can provide, the researchers at ECU also found a significant impact on stress reduction and adaptability. Getting away from the grind of everyday life (think work responsibilities, house care, and after-school activities) allows you to relax, recharge, and break free from the pressure that comes with, well, adulthood. Improves Resilience By exposing you to novel environments or situations, travel can also stimulate what researchers call your stress response, essentially training your body to be more adaptive and resilient against stressful situations and the subsequent signs of aging. All that said, a life of travel isn’t feasible for many of us—and luckily, you can still achieve some of the touted benefits without blowing through your vacation days. Instead of booking a month-long excursion across the globe, start small by planning a weekend getaway or a day trip to a nearby town. Even a weekend spent embracing the joy of discovering new environments, foods, and people can give you a taste of that travel magic.