Your Style & Making It Truly Yours

Hello there, Friends!

It sure has been a minute since I’ve been able to clear a second to spend some time here. Busy, busy. Having said that, I will get right to the point. I’ve been reflecting on style and what it means to each person. In the next couple weeks, every Monday (or maybe Tuesday), I am going to share a little insight into my own style. Here are three things that I have done maybe without even realizing it to find my most true vibe that makes me feel so comfortable in my skin.

1. Find your inspiration

   Start with any style icons that speak to you. For me my inspiration has a lot of range because I don’t feel like my look really fits in one box. For example, people like Iris Apfel, Blake Lively (oh leave her alone), Olivia Palermo, Coco Chanel, DVF, Mae West, and Jackie Kennedy. I think the fact that they are all so different really speaks to me.

2. Keep your eyes open

   Style and fashion are everywhere you look if you’re paying attention. Watch movies old and new. I know this will sound cliche but every time I watch The Devil Wears Prada or Confessions of a Shopaholic, or even something like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes I find myself with new inspiration in some way.

3. Don’t give a shit.

   I have always felt that to be the best version of you, you must first be honest with yourself. If you like a trend wear it! if you hate it, skip it. But most importantly, you cannot care what anyone else thinks. I mean I never have but being able to truly shine as your true self and truly lean into a look or style that feels authentic is so important. Be you always.

I’ve been working on this idea for this post for the last week. I will never stop being a cheerleader for other women and finding the style and vibe that works for them. Thank you for stopping by today and I look forward to bringing you more fast tips on articulating a style all your own.

May your Monday be short, your outfit making you feel good, and your coffee strong.

“I say dress to please yourself. Listen to your inner muse and take a chance. Wear something that says “Here I am” today!”

— Iris Apfel

The Return of the Brooch, and…

I’ve been blogging for 12 years!

I must say it’s been so fun getting to express my creativity in different ways. I love being able to share that with you and a huge thank you goes out to all of you who have supported me throughout the years.

Now, on to the real matter at hand. The brooch (yes I did google the correct spelling, haha)! It’s back in a big way. Did I overdo it? Of course. But, this is such a way to have fun with fashion. Get creative. Use a brooch to pin jeans that are too short. A problem I have a lot due to the legs. You can add one to a blazer or coat for extra pizzazz. For the opposite problem, I recently used one to pin up satin pants that had a drape that was too long. Here are a few ways I’ve worn one recently.

The point here is to adding a little excitement to an outfit! And don’t we all need a little more sparkle in these cold dreary months? Well at least those of us who are currently dealing with a winter tundra that doesn’t seem to be going away. That groundhog better say spring is coming or people will be out for blood. Anyway, I digress. Let’s get shiny huh?

I’m so excited for the things to come here on this space. Thank you again for stopping by my teeny little corner of the internet.

Have the best February ever!

“All In” on 2026

Hello, Friends

Happy 2026 and Year of the Horse, All!

Usually, I have a word for the new year but this year I have two All In. I’ve decided to blindly embrace 2026.

Before I get into it, I want to thank every single person who has read this blog in all the years I’ve been typing away, those who have cheered me on, the strangers who have become long time readers, and the ones who say to keep going. So why keep going? A few reasons. One, for a friend who passed that urged me to start a blog in the first place. Second, it’s a hobby I love.

Every December, I like to reevaluate The Fast Fashionista. Which has been my little corner of the internet for almost twelve years. Blogging has changed, content creation has changed, and I have changed. All have been good changes. I’m always feeling very zen after my usual blogging hiatus (where I amerce myself in my kiddo’s birthdays, the holidays, and travel). I’m feeling refreshed and back again and ready to welcome a New Year. Not a new me that’s for sure. Same me, even though I am always aiming to be better no matter what time of the year it may be.

I’m still keeping my three categories of Fashion, Food, and Cocktails…fast. I’m not the blogger who is going to tell you a three year long story before I give you a recipe. No need for that. Who has the time for that anyways? Not I. This, and my Fall Fashion post are the longest ones. But that’s why I like to keep it short and sweet so you can check out something new but also get on with your life. I’m also not the blogger who will monetize. I’ve frequently gotten that question over the years and it’s a simple answer. I don’t want to, and I don’t need to. This space is for me to share my passions and creativity not to make money from you reading that.

This year keeping with my “all in” theme I’m starting the year with my favorite fashion things that are “in”. I love fashion deeply in my life and it’s certainly the most popular third of my blog. January gets extremely busy for us and kicks off “busy season” for our photo biz. But I’m really going to focus on fashion this year and I’m very excited to share it with you. While adding in my two cents with what’s “in” keep in mind, I’ll always say that if it’s a trend you don’t like then please, please skip it. I feel style is a constant evolution and I love that so many of you have been on that ride with me throughout the years.

Now, if you know me even a little then you know how much I love to cook. It’s truly my love language. I want to focus more on making easy, fast, but also beautiful food, in my Perfectly Plated third of The Fast Fashionista. Keeping that in mind I also want to continue to hone my skills and try techniques I’ve never done before and cook with foods I never have. Yes, there may be a few I have yet to dabble with.

“My Martini Moment” is a segment that I’ve had around since the beginning. It’s taken on many different shapes and concepts but is now fast, pretty, and delicious cocktail recipes to share or keep for yourself. Since my early employment days of being a bartender. I fell in love with shaking up a good drink and sharing that experience. Experimenting with new cocktails is something (when I have the time) I love doing.

I love you all and here’s to moving forward with grace and power just like the horse.