It Starts Underneath

Sometimes I think the most important part of your wardrobe can get neglected.  Your style really begins underneath...your outfit.  Your style starts at your undergarments.  Proper fitting undergarments can make or break your outfit and therefore, Your Style  

Recently, I had the opportunity to host a great event at our local Soma store.  The event was called a "Get Gorgeous Party".  Soma stores across the country offer this event to anyone who is interested in hosting.  You choose a day and time, invite some friends, and shop for great foundation pieces.  As long as 4 or more people purchase everyone who attends and purchases anything at the event will receive 15% off everything they purchase.  I invited some friends and clients, brought some sparkling water for refreshments and we had a blast!

Whenever I work with a client on any project I always take the opportunity to talk about foundation garments and how important they are.  I believe if you have the right fit, wear the bra best for you (as well as proper panties/bottoms) you not only feel pretty to start, but you look better on the outside of your clothes as well.  Getting a proper fit on a bra is more important than the fit of the garment on top...I'm not even kidding.  Along with the fit is the idea of pretty.  Let's face it, if you are wearing pretty undergarments you feel pretty...come on you know I am right.  I think you have to spend some money on your undergarments.  You wear them everyday and they "set up" how your wardrobe will look on your body.  You've all seen the woman in the great form fitting dress but then you see either "her cups runneth over" or you can see the band of her bra in the back, or some other sad story.  I think having the proper fitting (and subsequently the proper size bra) not only eliminates a sad fashion story but just really makes the dress fit that much better.  The same is true for the panty/underwear/bottom (whatever words you like saying).  Not long ago I had the unfortunate viewing of what was otherwise an adorable outfit on an adorable woman...only problem was the skirt was sheer and I all I could see was her thong....argh.  Proper undergarments with sheer garments people!!  

I think you have to find the store, company you are most comfortable with and then get a good fitting.  Even if you have been fitted before, if it's been more than a year I would say do it again.  I am not a paid spokesperson for Soma, but I have to say they are one of my faves and here's why:

1)  great customer service and all the associates I have come in contact with know how to fit any size woman correctly

2)  selection - the stores carry a great selection of styles, fits, patterns/colors.  Better still - their size selection is vast both in store and online.

3)  Pricing and quality - for the price the quality is outstanding - the pieces wear well and when washed properly, last a long time.

4)  Made for the modern woman- this is not your mom's old bra.  This is also not the teenager's bra store.  The styles are sophisticated and all grown up.  

5)  They also carry great sleepwear, loungewear, other foundation pieces, and even some dresses all with the modern woman in mind.  This includes sleepwear with "cool" material, as in ease of heat :).

Regardless of where you go I have created a great list for you that I will post below.

1. Bras- skintone and black
2. Multi-wear bra (halter, strapless, etc.)
3. Slip (1/2 and/or full)
4. Panties (with invisible panty line)
5. Sleepwear  

Before you spend a fortune on your wardrobe start underneath.  If you have pretty, great fitting undergarments you already feel pretty before you ever step in to your closet to get dressed, and really that's what it's all about...the pretty.  If you feel pretty you will Own your style.  

Quick Weekend Away

You've been invited for a quick weekend away...what to pack?? 

I pack with  a common color combination running through so it's easier to mix and match your pieces. In this set, there are some great neutral bottoms along with one printed top and of course the maxi is a print.   The print and versatility of the maxi dress are perfect for both Friday night dinner out and Sunday brunch.  Pack either a jean jacket or neutral color cardigan (not both if you are packing light) for cooler evenings or cooler restaurants.  The color of the cardigan and the jean jacket make either piece totally wearable with the entire ensemble.  The drawstring linen pants are a great summer alternative to shorts or capris (if those aren't your thing) because they are cool and comfortable.  I added a couple of versatile t-shirts to mix and match to make different outfits with the linen pants.  By adding either the statement necklace or the scarf you "dress up" the outfit a bit.

For accessories and footwear keep it simple.  Pack one statement necklace that you know will also add a pop of color.  Add a simple necklace, some bangles for layering, some stud earrings and perhaps one statement earring to complete your jewelry wardrobe.  This gives you a ton of versatility for all the clothing you have packed.  For shoes, again, keep it simple.  The shoes I chose are from a brand (Kork-Ease) that makes super cute shoes but they are super light and comfortable. 

A few more ideas for this set:

Pair the linen pants, t-shirt, sneakers for a casual afternoon.  Run back to the hotel add the statement necklace, change to the wedge shoes and you have a great dinner outfit. 

It's cooler than you thought- the cropped denim, printed top, cardigan, wedges make a great evening out ensemble.

Sunny outdoor concert? Pair the denim with the sleeveless top and wedges .

Dinner on the patio of a slightly dressier restaurant?  Maxi dress, statement necklace, wedges and layer with the jacket or cardigan (whichever you packed).

Antiquing (is that a word?) on Sunday afternoon?  Linen pants, t-shirt, and definitely  the sneakers. ( You could add the scarf to this easily for another look)

Here is a link to the actual polyvore board if you would like a closer, more detailed look  http://www.polyvore.com/quick_weekend_away/set?.mid=set_share&id=164897007

I love the idea of all this fitting in a small suitcase or duffle yet it gets me through the entire weekend perfectly.  Now, for somewhere to go...

Personal Style Win

Whew!!  We have made it through my son's high school graduation, graduation open house, and college orientation!  Now, on to some talk about one of my new faves I purchased for this year. 

So, I first saw these pants in an ad in early spring in a fashion magazine and fell in love with them. 

here is the ad... culottes!!

I have made no secrets that for me, one of my favorite denim brands is Kut from the Kloth.  The fit is the best fit for my body type (smaller waist, fuller hips and thighs), they are trend right, and affordable.  The quality is great - they wash well and maintain their color and fit over time.  It was a total win win for these beauties to also be one of my favorite brands.  I had never ordered directly from their website before but I had to have the pants so that's what I did.  I ordered two sizes to be safe and patiently waited on their arrival.  Argh...they were backordered!  So, when I finally received them I loved them but they were too long (or I am 5'4").  I have a friend who is a very talented seamstress and she took care of that for me! When you look at the pic of the pants you will see - this was tricky- the pants are fringed!  I have worn the pants several times both dressy casual and totally casual.  I pair them with a basic tee shirt and casual tennis shoes or dress them up with a flouncy blouse and my favorite espadrilles. 

Here is the funny part.  I read a lot of fashion magazines, blogs, articles.  I watch a lot of fashion "things" on the internet and tv.  Sometimes, I get frustrated though.  I see all these great pieces that I think I would love AND that would be great for my body type, lifestyle, etc.  Then, when I see the price tag I go crazy.  I love the dress, the pants, the sweaters, (whatever) but even if I had an unlimited bank account I wouldn't spend the amount of money they are suggesting I pay.  So imagine my surprise when I see a great pair of pants that are so similar to my new faves only their price tag is over $900! 

Beautiful Valentino Culottes

Yes, I know about the cycle of fashion and how trends start and all of that.  But I love it when my theory of owning your own style shows up like this.  I saw them and I bought them because I loved them and I knew they would be "right" for me, not because they were of a certain designer name or trend.

If you keep it, you need to wear it.

There is lots of chatter about the whole "clean your closet"  thing now that Spring finally looks like it's coming.  The seasonal shift of the closet has taken on a lot of different names and methods.  No matter how you do it you always end up with a couple of different piles of clothes.  Those you donate or toss, maybe a few things that need altering or repaired, and the ultimate "keep" pile.  The "keep" pile should be back in your closet hanging on nice hangers, organized and most important - ready to wear.  That's right ...you kept it, now you need to wear it! 

When I work with a client and we do a closet restyle this part is probably my favorite...the part where we "re-invent" what she decided to keep.  If something was worth keeping it HAS to be worth wearing.  I recently started a little re-inventing of my own and I have been having some great fun with it.  For example the shirt you see below

This is an Etc shirt I purchased several years ago.  I haven't worn it in forever but I love the color, the material, and the shape of the shirt so I decided to keep it.  I have worn the shirt with black pants or jeans and that's it.  I knew if I was going to keep it I needed to do a little "reinvention".  I paired it with an ankle length pair of wool blend, (seasonless and timeless) trousers from JCrew purchased a couple of years ago.  I added a great pair of peep toe shoes  from my favorite consignment store for my feet.  For accessories I added new pearl studs from Bauble Bar (for $10, yay me), a great pearl statement piece from Stella & Dot (I have also had awhile) and lastly a bracelet given to me as a gift several years ago but never worn.  So, all in all, I say I spent $10 on this because the only thing new are the earrings ... ha! 

So, I am keeping the shirt and now I have 3 ways to wear it instead of the tired old 2 ways.  You can and should do the same with your keepers!  It's like having tons of new clothes...okay maybe not tons but at least a couple new outfits and who doesn't love that?? 

One more pic of the new ensemble

Are you ready for your closet restyle?  Contact me and let's get started.  Whether re-inventing or updating for the new season I would love to help you own your style. 

www.yourclosetyourstyle.com

fresh look

Spring is just around the corner...I think.  I have cleaned my closet (video coming soon) and now it's time to "freshen some looks"- this is another way of saying I went shopping.  This time in between seasons can be difficult to dress for.  I know for myself, I am sick of my winter clothes but Michigan weather isn't ready to release Spring temps just yet.  I love transitional pieces that allow me wear to wear it different ways and in different weather conditions.  I bought a great skirt this weekend at Marshall's that matches this criteria.  It's a Cynthia Rowley print that can be worn several different ways. 

Here are pics of 3 different ways I will wear the skirt.

Skirt worn when the temps warm up a bit with these cute new sparkly sandals (also from Marshalls).  I will also layer with a denim jacket and maybe leggings layered with flats for cooler temps.

This is the way I wore it Sunday.  I wore light gray tights along with my favorite Kork-Ease Mary Janes.

Layer the skirt with black footless leggings and these cute flats for right now as well.  Once it gets warmer I can lose the jean jacket and wear the cute sparkly sandals!

Now is the time to do your spring shopping!  The selections, colors, sizes, etc. you are looking for are at their strongest right now.  I hope you are inspired to add a few new pieces to your existing wardrobe.  The only new clothing piece in the options I showed here was the skirt, everything else was from my newly cleaned and organized spring closet. 

Make it Spring...at least in your closet.

Today in West Michigan it is cold, snowy, rainy, sleety, and driving is treacherous.  But, that doesn't matter.  I know Spring is just around the corner, and I for one, am going to make sure my closet and I are both ready.  It's time to organize the closet and get ready for spring.  (Notice I did not say take all the winter clothes out yet, ahem.)

Obviously here in the Midwest winter has decided not to go away yet so I can't put away all the winter clothing today but I can reorganize, purge some, freshen up some, and just make the closet "pretty" again after what seems like an endless season.  If you are ready to do the same here are some tips to get you started.  I promise, if you take care of this now you will feel so much better when Spring finally shows her pretty face.   

First up - you must have all the right equipment before you get started.  Once you get started you will lose your momentum if you don't have something you need.  A few of the things you should have on hand:  clear storage bins, a labelmaker with plenty of label tape, if you aren't a label maker-kind-of-person you need a chisel point sharpie and some masking tape, non-metal hangers (nice if the whole closet can be done in the same color and style), any extra jewelry organizers you might need, at least one cotton garment bag, and trash bags or more bins.  If you happen to have some great formal wear or a few pieces you don't wear often at least a cotton shoulder cover is great to have as well.  If you prefer visual aids rather than reading all the supplies see below  

One of the easiest things to do first is immediately pull out anything from your winter wardrobe you did not wear this year.  Decide on the spot if you will donate or consign.  (You will already have a tub labeled consign and a bag read for donate).  Go through all the clothes you didn't wear and divide them now.  Anything that has been worn gently, is free of stains, holes, rips, etc. should be folded neatly and placed in the bin labeled "consign".  Anything that shows more obvious signs of wear such as faded color, washed look, shrunk, should be donated.  Just a quick plea - if you have clothing with generous holes, stains, etc. it should be tossed, or added to your cleaning rags.  Next, take a look at anything you are sick of wearing but know you will love to wear as if it were brand new - next year.  Place those items folded nicely in the clear tub marked "winter".  If you have been able to maintain your closet divided by each classification such as shirts, blouses, skirts, pants, etc. then just some quick maintenance of this will be all you need.  Next on the list, make sure have not let any of those unthinkable wire hangers slip in to your wardrobe...eek...if you have quick switch them out.  Now, the hanging stuff should be back to looking great.  If you have some transitional pieces you would like to start wearing you can easily slip them in with ease.  Some things you can start wearing - cotton sweaters - even a short sleeve sweater - layered with a long sleeve blouse.  Ankle-length pants paired with booties for now.  A cute short-sleeve dress layered with a long-sleeve top and then worn over skinny jeans is another great transition piece.  Speaking of transition - I know some of you are more sensitive to the wool discussion but I want to suggest you start pulling some of the heavier wool sweaters and pack them away for next year if you are keeping them.  Remember to dry clean before packing away in your clear tub.  I promise, once you do, you will start feeling more encouraged for spring, no, really.  Just a quick word if your closet was truly a disaster.  First - don't fret.  Second - it will just mean you are probably better to pull all the clothing out and reorganize from scratch. 

Okay next, take a look at your jewelry and accessories and do the same thing you did with the clothing except you will need to take all the jewelry and accessories out of the closet, jewelry keeper, etc to do the best work.  You will have the jewelry you are keeping which you will organize in whatever bins, trays, racks work for you.  Next, you will have the jewelry you are consigning and the jewelry you are donating.  Have a labeled container for each.  Remember, your winter clothes that you are consigning will have to be stored until August when consignors again accept fall/winter goods.  However, most jewelry can be consigned anytime.  Check with your favorite consignor to find out.  Repeat the same steps with all your other accessories such as scarves, hats, belts, etc.  The same is true of your footwear.  Don't forget to take advantage of keeping a great pair of shoes or boots you spent a lot of money  on but may just be in need of a minor repair by taking them in now to a local reputable shoe repair store.  If you don't have one ask your friends for a referral to one.

Okay, you are finished.  Close the door.  Now re-open the door, isn't it pretty in there? (or do you think I'm crazy)   Some of your clothes will look brand new and you will "invent" new ways to wear them.  You will easily be able to add a new piece or two.  Perhaps a floral shirt you can wear now and introduce a great spring trend regardless of the weather.  Regardless of when it finally arrives you and your closet are ready for spring. 

translation ...

So my favorite look from the recent Golden Globes show was by far Sienna Miller's dress designed by Miu Miu.  I loved the color, the flow of the gown, the silhouette, and the embroidery.  So I thought to myself "how can I translate my love for this dress into something I can wear?"  So, here are a few of my ideas of translation.  I believe we can all be inspired by the fashion world and then translate our loves to our own style.  Enjoy and get inspired.

Public Service Announcement about Awards shows

If you are anything like me ...you are waiting in anticipation for the Red Carpet tonight prior to the Golden Globes starting.  It is for all intents and purposes the beginning of the award season, which to people who love fashion ...is kind of like our playoffs and then superbowl all in a matter of weeks.

I thought I would just post some quick reminders before the show starts in a couple of hours and we all become engrossed with what everyone is wearing.  So here goes.  Oh, and if you don't know the Golden Globes and when I say Red Carpet you are thinking "red carpet?  who has red carpet anymore?" - this little public service announcement probably doesn't pertain to you :)

1.  Remember, as you watch these guys and gals and their fabulous attire complete with diamonds and jewels, perfect hair and make-up, etc. remember--they have an army working behind them to get them looking so fab.

2.  It's Hollywood.

3.  Translation - find the look you love the most and figure how to translate that in to your wardrobe, your closet.  You may not be attending a swanky party or awards show anytime soon but you can still look fab in something new.  What is it about the gown that you really love?  The color?  The way it fits?  The way it flows ?  The cut?  All of those things can be translated in to something you can find and wear for your life.  I promise.  Crazy you say?  No, really.  It's all about feeling pretty in what you are wearing. 

New Year New You?

So it's a new year and if you listen to the hype everywhere you should seriously be thinking you must need a new you!  Resolutions, new fitness programs, new diets, new reading lists, and the so-called self-improvement lists go on and on.  I don't know about you, but I don't think I need a new me.  I might need a couple of updates, might need to tweak some things here and there (less technology more people for example) but I am not about all the new new new.  

It's no secret I love fashion and I love clothing.  But, what I love more is the thought that what makes us each so cool (because we are) is our own style. So, how to start the year off right without resolutions, weird diets, new fitness routines that might not stick?   How about just refreshing the good that's already there?  I mean yes, eat healthy, do some type of exercise, blah, blah, blah  (all that good stuff).  But what I am talking about is what you need to dress your personal best to feel your best.  Did you know you wear less than half of what you own in your  wardrobe?  Yep, more than half of what you own never makes it out of the closet (drawers, or other assorted hiding places you keep things).   

Take time this month to really look at your wardrobe.  Purge what you know you don't wear and make your closet pretty again.  Find new ways to wear the pieces you love...and the pieces you haven't worn in forever but want to keep.   like this white blouse - everyone should have at least one and it should be in great shape.  Stain free, wrinkle free, all buttons in tact, fit is good. 

The gray jacket below belongs to a client who I recently visited to shop her closet for new outfits.  Another great example of finding new ways to wear some favorites.

Did you get some new beauties for gifts?  Figure out ways to add them in and find at least 2 different outfits for each of the new pieces.  This is the perfect time to reorganize and really bring your closet up to date for your style.   If you need a "system" of sorts - don't add anything new unless you purge something that you already own but don't wear. 

Bottom line from my perspective - when you feel great in what you are wearing you radiate confidence and happiness.  Take some time now to make your closet pretty and new to fit with the great You that's already there.  Need help?  Want someone along for the journey ?  Contact me and let's chat and get started.       

It's here...last minute shopping

So, it's here really ... last minute holiday shopping.  I thought I would send some love with a quick post mentioning some last minute gift ideas for the fashionista in your life.  Items that should be easy to find and better still, do not require you to know any sizes.  So just some great gift ideas in no particular order:

1)  a new clutch bag - EVERY woman needs at least one small dressy bag to call her own - these bags are available in every price range for you and because they are small - easy to wrap !  Tip:  choose a neutral color so she will get more use from it. 

1a)  (yes, a two-parter)  If your fashionista isn't a woman who dresses up a lot, or she already has the previous mentioned bag, she still needs a clutch or a wristlet to call her own for her everyday life.  Again, readily available in not only department stores, but also accessory stores and off-price retailers such TJ Maxx and Marshall's.  Tip:  again, choose a neutral so she can wear with multiple outfits.  (Think gray, black, brown.)

2)  a pashmina - (google if you don't know)  I hate to sound like a broken record, but these are available everywhere right now.  Sure, selections will begin to dwindle, so shop now while the choice is yours and not determined by "what's left".

3)  a great pair of post diamond-like earrings - depending on your price range go for diamonds or nice sparkly crystal - but every fashionista needs these.

4)  a great pair of hoop earrings - I don't care how old you are - if she loves fashion and has your own style (frankly, who doesn't?)  she needs a great pair of hoops. 

5)  a throw for her favorite room - fashionistas like to look great even when relaxing.  Choose a throw to coordinate with the colors in the room you know she likes to spend her time relaxing.

I could go on but I need to get back to shopping and wrapping ...don't you ??

Unpacking the Closet Restyle - part two

So, things have been cleared out, piles have been started.  You have decided what you are keeping and also have some things to tailor (or fix).  I love love this part of the Closet Restyle. 

The "tailor/fix" pile is pretty self-explanatory.  I have two words for the criteria for stuff making it here - money or love - or both.  If you spent a fortune on the those designer trousers and they are too long for you to wear, but you would wear them if you could - get them tailored.  If you love love love the coat you bought on sale at the end of last season but the sleeves are too short and there is room to alter - get it done.  If, on the other hand, you spent a fortune on an dress at a sample sale but no matter if Rumplestiltskin or your local tailor are available they still can't make it fit, the dress should be consigned or donated, really.  If you have other things that need simple alterations, get it done, you will thank me later. 

Okay, on to the keep pile.  Anything left in this pile should match you and your lifestyle.  If it doesn't it will go back in your closet and continue to not be worn.  The biggest portion of your wardrobe should truly be classic, basic, timeless styles.  I don't mean it should like cardigans and pearls and turtlenecks, but key silhouettes and styles that are timeless for you.  (Think the basics from a few posts ago.)  Your bit of trendy, color, sparkle should be the smaller portion of the closet.  For example, if your lifestyle is all about comfort and casual flexibility your closet should reflect that.  I don't mean yoga pants and tops ---please no - but I do mean there shouldn't be a lot of dresses, dress trousers, and skirts.  Along that same thought, quality above quantity every time.  If you are a lover and everyday wearer of denim, you should have multiple pair that you have to choose from.  You should only keep the jeans you love and the jeans you love yourself in when wearing them.  (Otherwise, let's go shopping for jeans !)  If you have a great basic wardrobe each season we can add a few key trendy pieces so that you are always up to fashion, I promise.  Once the keepers have been decided we will hang on proper hangers (NO WIRE), organize in your closet and get going on the new looks that we create right from your own stuff!  I don't want to spoil all the fun of doing a restyle with me, but this is where we make new outfits, new looks, and put your items to multiple uses for wearing in different ways. 

This entire process I always find to be therapeutic.  Whether I am helping a client or doing my own closet it always feels great when it's complete.  It really does give you a chance to clear your thoughts and refine your look.  Maybe you are thinking it's time to totally reinvent - that's okay too (and soooo refreshing).  I promise you, either way, there will be pieces we are able to save and reinvent. 

unpacking the closet restyle - 4 piles explained - pile 1 and 2 Keep and Toss

So here in West Michigan January decided to bump November out of the way.  I am thinking this is a great time to get your closet restyled since we barely had a minute to wear strictly fall pieces and are now meshing fall with winter.  The closet restyle is one of my favorite things to do.  Why?  Because I believe every woman should be able to go to her closet every day and find something to wear that makes her feel pretty (or great or fabulous insert your own descriptor for this).  All of this begins with emptying your closet.  When you research for a wardrobe stylist, closet re-do, fashion recovery, whatever the term for the person to assist you with this, they will  begin with your closet.  I thought I would take the next few posts to explain what I do in a closet restyle. We will focus mostly on the clothing but suffice to say the same principles apply to shoes, accessories, and jewelry in general. 

Keep, toss/donate, consign, fix

First things first.  Yes - you really will be taking absolutely everything out of your closet!  As you take all of it out you are sorting (as you go) into 4 piles:  keep, toss/donate, consign, fix.  The keep pile shouldn't necessarily be the biggest pile.  It's time to let go of some stuff ladies.  Toss/donate or consign can be two most difficult piles to fill.  Listen, I know, some of this will be like counseling :)  Take a really good look at what you own- ask yourself some key questions most important - "when was the last time I wore this?" - if it's been awhile - it's time to let go (key the Frozen song maybe??).  This is when it can get a little "dicey".  Seriously I know - Great Aunt Olive bought that for you, or you wore this that time you had the best time, or once - someone told you how great you look in this - I know I know but really, if you didn't wear the item in the last season it's time to say good-bye.  There may also be those pieces you are "saving" until your shape, weight, hair color, circumstances - something is different.  I want to tell you this is a no.  These pieces can start to bring you down - not kidding.  Remember my "thing" I said earlier?  Everything you wear should make you feel pretty or great or sexy or fabulous - if not, it is just taking room in your closet where something better should be !  So - challenge yourself in this step to really toss/consign what doesn't meet that criteria. 

Toss/Donate - This is a great pile!!  No, really.   The only thing to figure out in this pile is - whether to toss or donate to someone well deserving.  Take a look - if there are stains, significant holes, tears, rips, etc. it really should be tossed.  Only the worn but not worn out stuff should be donated.  You have a lot of options for donating.  Research your favorite causes - maybe a women's shelter in your area is taking donations, maybe a teen shelter (if appropriate), maybe a job-readying program in your area (if you have work attire), or the simple solution of Goodwill or The Salvation Army will work best for you.  Once we are done for the day I will take all your goodies to their new home so no worries for you.

Consign- LOVE this!  Your consign pile gets a new life and you get a little cash to help you fill your wishlist items.  When consigning in order to get "top dollar" be sure to inspect before you consign.  Items going to consignment should be gently worn - meaning they still have some fashion life left- and current styles only.  (Your first interview suit from 1985 ...no).  When I take these lucky pieces with me they should all be hanging, wrinkle-free and ready to wear.  Your style needs to match the type of consignment store you are working with.  I have my faves - we'll talk. 

Once these two piles are done we get to move on to the fun part -- the keepers!!  TIme to reinvent and shop what you already own...stay tuned.