Style

Celebrating women is what STELLARGIRL is all about. March is International Women’s History Month and March 8th being International Women’s Day, I want to share some inspiring stories of women I have met throughout my travels.

My wanderlust has taken me to over 40 countries and what has always brought me so much joy is meeting, learning and laughing with the women from the places I’ve travelled. I spent 2 weeks in Ukraine as a folkorique dancer, I’ve toured throughout Europe, Iceland, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Morocco, Thailand, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, to name some highlightsand what I found is that women have more in common than not. What starts many of our conversations? Well….it is usually centered around fashion and style. Either I will seek out independent clothing or jewelry boutiques, local designers are my favorite or shop and walk the local markets and be enchanted by their energy and love of fashion. Also, walking around (that’s the best way to see a new city) will entice a conversation and I will compliment a women on her outfit or vice versa and voila instant connection!

One story in particular, in Japan, the “Coming of Age Day” is a Japanese holiday and held annually on the 2nd Monday of January. It is when a woman reaches 20 years of age (between April of the previous year to April 1 of the current year). They dress in the most spectacular furisode’s (kimono) and zori sandals. I was in Toyko that week and at the Asakusa Shrine and the Sensoji Temple, the women were magical. They shared their stories with me, they wanted to take photos, they love their culture with intense passion and they have tremendous hope for their futures. A week I will never forget.

The women in Thailand and Vietnam are a mix of vulnerability and strength and are incredibly sweet. They shared stories of their family traditions, food, flowers and love of life. The local women would also want to hear where I am from and want to learn about Canada (btw I am Canadian and moved to the US in 2005)…. but it is listening and learning from women all over the world that all have hope for the future and all love sharing their cultures and traditions. Women forever inspire me and that is stellar!

Teri xo

Accessories can take an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.  Also, they are one of the most affordable ways to keep up with the trends or to feel more refined. For me I don’t “match” my metals (I wear both yellow gold and silver on the same wrist), I never match my belt with my shoes and I rarely wear one necklace at a time.

However, accessories can be just for fun, make a bold statement or they can have tremendous sentimental meaning. I have an antique pendant necklace that was my grandmothers that has been in 4 drivers licenses and 3 passport pictures. I have a gold bracelet I haven’t taken off in 6 years, I wear the same thin gold toe ring that I got in Hawaii 15 years ago. I accessorize with costume jewelry, real gold, or diamond studs that I never take off. I select high- and low-end rotation items that I wear on repeat. I used to wear scarves, don’t know why I stopped…..also being super busy I find it a hassle to change up my handbag, so I usually stick with a cross body bag to keep my hands free. Yet, I do change up evening bags on vacation when I have more time and different places to go.

Are you a luxury, logo lover? Or a simple understated dresser? You can “hide” yourself or be mysterious behind a large pair of sunglasses.  You can cover up a bad hair day with a hat or show support for your favorite sports team by wearing their logoed baseball cap. Maybe you collect hats with the city written on the brim or the college you went to. Or perhaps you wear a head covering that is a part of your culture or religion and it is a “piece” of you.

I feel naked without my jewelry. It is symbolic and gives me peace. It is a “part” of me. Sneakers, boots, heels, mules, slides….yes, they are accessories but that will be an entire new blog of its own! But they are equally important. I sometimes base my entire look on my footwear….

Ok, back to the topic at hand…I do have something to share that’s on my bucket list… I can’t wait to head to the Kentucky Derby and wear an outlandish derby hat. Or even enjoy the weekend of festivities and dress up with more than one chic headpiece. Hmm, do I go for the traditional bowler hat, aka the billycock hat, or a cartwheel hat? Options…and that is why accessories are so much fun!

Stellargirls,

I have a fashion crush…… I am obsessed with maxi skirts.

My obsession began in ballet class when I was five. The students had to wear tights, a leotard, and a stiff itchy pink tutu, but my ballet mistress always wore a long, beautiful, flowy black wrap skirt. Her skirt cascaded when she gracefully chasséd around the dance floor. It twirled around her body when she spun into a pirouette. I never did follow in her career footsteps, but clearly she made a stylish impression!

My maxi skirt collection is, well, rather extensive. I couldn’t get them all in one photograph! One of my favorites is a raspberry and grape plumage vintage Valentino from Ebay. Yep, Ebay. My maxi skirts range from a twenty dollar black and white polka dot high waisted vintage gem that I purchased from the Randolph Street Market in Chicago to a spectacular knit Missoni I spotted in a store window in Florence.  

Maxi skirts come in infinite options, from pleated to asymmetrical, a-line, slim, ruffled or a gown skirt with pockets that flatter all silhouettes. There is no limit on fabric choices either. From knit to chiffon, cotton, jersey, silk or rayon their wearability is solidified in any climate. You name the occasion and a maxi skirt never disappoints. I travel in them with my Golden Goose sneakers and a cashmere sweater. I zip one up and pair it with a crop top and head to brunch. I add some flips flops and my bikini top for a walk to the beach. I slide on booties over black fishnets with a rock ’n roll sweatshirt during the fall season. I can throw on a bomber, a cropped leather or even a jean jacket with a maxi when it’s chilly. I can even belt them ….or not. Endless options really. I  feel feminine, cool, sexy and comfortable, but now my adult version of a pink tutu is best suited with my stiletto Minolo’s  and olive army jacket for date night!