Style Lab

Philadelphia style blogger Russian Philly blogger tanya kertsman

The Blazer and Jeans Outfit I Wear All Year-Round

Give me a double-breasted blazer and a pair of pointy-toed heels and I am basically set for the day, at least where my outfit is concerned. I bought this camel-colored blazer from H&M last year for less than $30 and wear it all the time.

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Elevated Basics That Aren’t Boring

Hello! It’s been a while but it feels so nice to write again. I’ve been posting on social media here and there but there’s something different about a blog post. So much has happened these past few months (years?). How are you? I’ve been home with Brody and thinking about next steps once he starts school.

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Summer basics you can live in

Summer Basics You Can Live In

There are certain Summer basics that I live in and wear repeatedly. My Summer attire admittedly fluctuates between a basic black ribbed midi dress or

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In adoration of heels quarantine coronavirus

In Adoration of Heels

Slowly slipping on a pair of suede point-toed pumps while attempting to balance yourself, sneaking glances at the clock to check just how late you are, the click-clack sound of your heels hitting the payment as you rush to get to dinner. Getting caught in the rain and realizing you don’t have an umbrella because let’s face it, you never do. There was a time when you cared about perfectly blown out hair getting soaking wet but those times are gone. Turning a corner and slowing down upon seeing the restaurant. Opening the door, turning back the curtain and smiling as you see your husband across the room at the restaurant. A toast at the bar to celebrate being out in the world, together. Holding hands underneath the table as you dine al fresco and notice the feeling of being in close proximity to others.

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Chic and Elevated Places to Buy Maternity Clothes

One morning as I was getting dressed to take my kids to preschool, it occurred to me how my style has ebbed and flowed over the past few years, changing slightly with each life transition. With all these style adaptations, a few things have remained constant, my quest for chic and elevated quality clothing that lasts. Regardless of the role I was inhabiting, I gravitated towards chic and elevated neutral pieces (black, beige, grey) that fit really well.

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in adoration of the little black dress

In Adoration of the Little Black Dress

Part of me feels like it’s boring to adore the little black dress. There are so many other types of clothing to find adoration for in life. Why did I choose the little black dress? It feels too basic and cliché. It even has its own acronym. It’s quite possibly the most universal item of clothing in existence today. It’s somehow simultaneously always on trend and passé at any given moment. It’s everywhere. Yet, I love it despite what I’m afraid it says about me.

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The Ribbed Midi Sweater Dress

February has arrived, which means I’m two months away from my due date and my fashion choices have gotten significantly more limited. These photos were taken a few months ago and my baby belly is much more large and in charge at the moment. Other than wearing Julian’s t-shirts and sweaters, which are a staple whether or not I’m pregnant, I have resorted to wearing a handful of items repeatedly. One of which, is the ribbed midi sweater dress. Most people are surprised when I tell them that I don’t wear many maternity clothes. Most of the clothes I’ve been wearing are my non-maternity pieces that have some stretch to them.

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slip dress combat boots zara

One Slip Dress, Two Pairs of Boots

If there is one item in my closet I have fully embraced in my thirties, it’s the slip dress. I recently styled it with combat boots and although it was slightly out of my comfort zone, I loved the look. It’s the most minimal item of clothing that can be styled in endless ways. I bought this slip dress/sweater combination from AllSaints and was immediately drawn to the neutral tones and the fact that it came with a sweater. Finally, a slip dress and sweater combination that you know will be perfect together without needing to worry about coordinating length, shape, or color. I loved this dress so much I ordered it in the dark green color too. It’s called the Tierney 2-in-1 dress and the roll neck sweater version is currently on sale (see below). I included a few store links because it is often sold out so keep an eye out.

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Sarah Flint shoes classic heels that are comfortable for work

Classic, Comfortable Heels by Sarah Flint // Work Diaries

One of the most frequent questions I get from readers and friends is where to find classic heels that are comfortable for work. I have my favorite brands that I have personally tried and loved but the brand I recommend most often is Sarah Flint. Sarah Flint heels are timeless and have that classic look that everyone searches for but is so hard to find. Most of the heels I find are either too uncomfortable, too expensive, or don’t have quite the right shape.

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Pregnancy style philadelphia fashion blog most worn items December

My 15 Most Worn Items Lately

While I get immense joy from putting together new outfits, my ever-changing pregnancy body has a mind of its own. Below, you will find my most worn items that

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DSG holiday shopping with DICK's

Last Minute Holiday Shopping with DICK’S Sporting Goods

Outfit details // Leggings: DSG / Sports Bra: DSG / Top: DSG / Jacket: DSG / Sneakers: Adidas / Coat: Abercrombie No holiday experience is complete without last minute holiday shopping. It’s the most wonderful time of the year but also somehow seems to be the busiest once Thanksgiving hits. With work deadlines, evening festivities and […]

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Pregnancy maternity style tips using your own wardrobe from Philadelphia NYC fashion blogger Tanya Kertsman
Winter Work Style Diary, what to wear when it’s cold outside, work wear

Winter Work Style Diary

I have another little surprise I have been excited to roll out over the past few months. Welcome to the first style diary – Winter + Work. The style

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Fleur Du Mal teardrop army green slip dress

An Army Green Slip Dress

The army green slip dress. Its lightweight material hugs every curve and bump. And yet, it’s difficult to move through a clothing rack and not stop to

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Where I Shop For Toddler Boy Clothes

Where I Shop For Toddler Boy Clothes

One of the most common questions I get on my Instagram is where I shop for toddler boy clothes. Before I had Dylan, I never thought dressing a boy would be this much fun. I’m happy to report that it’s been so satisfying putting his outfits together. He doesn’t have strong opinions yet on what […]

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long camel cardigan Kirby Sweater by Babaton from Aritzia Fall transitional weather work look
Coats on rotation for Fall

Top 5 Fall Coats on Rotation

These are the Fall coats I have on rotation and will be wearing through the Winter. I usually go back and forth between my camel and grey coats for everyday

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black dress, little black dress, what to wear, philadelphia style blog, philadelphia blog

Black Dresses For Any Event

I obviously have an obsession with little (or long) black dresses, given the name of this blog. A black dress is classic and always chic. Nothing makes me

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The Simplest September Outfit

This has to be the simplest September outfit-jeans and a t-shirt. I usually wear a variation of this look in the summer, sometimes swapping out the nude strappy heels for slides.

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