Gloss & Grit - Polished thoughts. Real talk.

 ✂️ Hair Is Identity Why Blowouts & Natural Curls Are About So Much More Than Style From creating  Dreamcoat reels to chair chats at Blo  FiDi, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the connection between hair and identity—how the way we wear our hair reflects how we want to be seen, and sometimes, how we’re allowed to be seen. Hair is one of the most visible tools of self-expression, transformation, and even rebellion. Especially for ambitious, expressive women—it’s not just style, it’s strategy. 🎨 Color Me (Brand) Beautiful A hobby of mine is constant learning. While working at Colgate-Palmolive, I took evening classes at FIT —everything from Designer History to Trend Tracking. But the class that really stuck with me? Image Consulting. That course cracked something open. I had spent my entire career in brand management (starting after Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management ), yet I’d rarely thought about my brand. What do I bring into a room—visually, en...

Mom’s Blouses (And the Closet She Never Locked) Remember the days when you'd sneak into your mom's closet and clomp around in her high heels like you were born for the runway? If your family is anything like mine, the photo albums are filled with images of a sweet little one in some outrageously oversized pumps. (Okay, technically those pictures are mostly of my sister—the running family joke is that they stopped taking photos when I came along. Classic younger-sibling sob story.) A few years ago, I found myself back in Altoona, PA, raiding my mom's closet all over again. It had been a while, but the magic was still there. My mom had a chic ‘80s vibe that just can’t be replicated. Sure, some of the pieces are too big (those shoulder pads meant business), but each blouse carries a kind of joy that’s hard to explain. It’s like going back to your favorite restaurant and being hugged by the meal. That’s what her blouses do for me. The wild thing is, she never really knew she wa...

Travel Treasures: Stories Woven Into What I Wear As travel season gears up, I’ve been reflecting on the journeys I’ve taken with loved ones—and the memories I carry home with me, quite literally. Despite my extreme fear of heights (yes, I’m that person who won’t look down at scenic overlooks), I’ve found myself in elevated destinations I once only dreamed of. From mountains to medinas, my heart races just as fast from beauty as it does from altitude. If you’ve read a few of my posts by now, you know I’m a sentimentalist. That extends to how I collect memories. For years, I’ve been drawn to travel keepsakes—but I’ve traded classic magnets and keychains for something more wearable. These pieces help me carry the spirit of a trip with me every day. How It Started: The Magnet Era It all began with magnets. Tiny tokens from everywhere—gift shops, airport kiosks, museum lobbies. I loved them...until I realized they were just taking up space (and dust) in my one-bedroom Manhattan apart...

The Gable Edit: The Case for the Everyday Kaftan If you’ve been here a while, you know I’ve been embracing my Grandma Era . Truthfully, it started creeping in nearly a decade ago—and kaftans were the gateway. Kaftans are relaxed, romantic, and—let’s be honest—unfairly stigmatized. They’ve been dismissed as loungewear for housewives in the 1970s or reserved for grandmothers in retirement communities. But let me offer a counterpoint: Babe Paley in Halston . Hosting a dinner party. Floating through Fifth Avenue society like a dream. That’s the kaftan energy I’m channeling. Sure, kaftans are a staple of resort wear. But what if I told you they’re also your secret weapon for dressing up, dressing down, and everything in between? Here’s how I’ve collected—and worn—mine over the years. ☀️ Resort Romance: The Cartagena Kaftan The first one came into my life in Colombia, while island-hopping with my two best friends— Little Londoner Jen and Chi-Town Charmer Jane (new nicknames, who dis?). I...

Birkenstocks: A Boutique Debate Turned Blog Post **Product Images borrowed from Birkenstock.com While spending time at my friend Kelly’s boutique— Kelly’s Kollections (you’ll definitely want to check it out, so I've linked it here!)—I often jump in to help with social media and whatever else she needs. And like any great boutique, the conversations tend to swirl around trends: what’s in, what’s over, and what’s suddenly back again. Recently, while chatting at the store, my friend Heather sparked a conversation that instantly lit me up. “Sara,” she asked, “what do you think about Birkenstock sandals?” And let me tell you—I responded with serious enthusiasm: GREAT QUESTION. Because let’s be honest, Birkenstocks aren’t just shoes—they’re a whole conversation. Are Birks Still Cool? It’s an ongoing debate. Are Birkenstocks reserved for the crunchy crowd? Are they nostalgic relics for those of us who first wore them in the '90s? Or are they now full-blown fashion renaissance reserve...

Grandma Chic: A Love Letter to Hermes and the Timelessness of Silk Coastal Grandma started it all but come on—did it really?? Let’s give credit where it’s due. Diane Keaton has been fabulous from the start. Scarves have always been in the picture. And I’m here to make a bold but very true declaration: Grandma Chic isn’t a fad. It’s not even a trend (and anyone in marketing knows that’s still a step up). No, my friends, this is a CLASSIC. It’s enduring, it’s elegant, and—blessedly—it’s not going anywhere.  So you'll be seeing multiple posts about my love affair with my 'Grandma' like styles. A Look Back: From Jackie O to Cannes Aliens Think old money style with a modern wink. Jackie O and the Kennedy clan made polo and prep feel aspirational. Grandma Chic is simply the silked-up version of those days—the dressier, glossier, sometimes sassier cousin to the crisp white pants and club blazers. Personally, I’m obsessed with Hermes scarves. They bring wit, charm, and joy t...

Coming Soon: The Gable Edit — A Stylish New Chapter on the Blog I'm thrilled to announce the forthcoming launch of the third section of my blog: The Gable Edit — a curated space where personal style meets storytelling. This section is all about sharing my latest fashion finds, style inspiration, and seasonal obsessions (spoiler: scarves will have a starring role). If you're as fascinated as I am by the art of the accessory, expect plenty of tips and tutorials on scarf styling — from effortless knots to statement wraps. With The Branded Perspective , I’ve shared my take on marketing and business. In Paws & Prose , I’ve celebrated the joy of being a dog mom. Now, with The Gable Edit , I get to bring you into my world of personal style — playful, elevated, and just a bit unexpected. Stay tuned for the launch — and don’t worry, the fourth and final section of the blog is on its way too. The upcoming  Frame of Reference  section will explore my favorite exhibits, beloved a...