Here are a few steps that will definitely help you put together a casual wardrobe capsule that is functional, versatile, fun and fashion forward. The options are perfect for weekends, casual vacations, shopping outings, family get togethers, and casual dates with friends.Step one:Start with a basic bottom in one of your best neutrals like olive green, chocolate brown, black, or a dark denim. This item could be a full or ankle pant. For this example I chose a dark denim skinny jean.

Step two: Either shop for three tops that will work with that one bottom or select some from your existing wardrobe or both. Create variety. Choose from patterns, solids, knits, cotton, pullover & button ups. Be sure the colors go well with your neutral-colored bottom.

Step three: Find a jacket or a jacket – like piece (boyfriend cardigan, novelty cardigan) that can be worn with all three outfits. A short trench coat could be an option as well as a light weight leather jacket.

Step four: Look for a comfortable shoe that you can be in for hours. This could be a flat boot, an ankle bootie, oxford, or a simple ballet flat. Go for function, but don’t sacrifice fashion.

Step five: Accessorize. This is key for making your outfits look distinctive like “you”. Add the latest in current sunglass shapes, a crinkled scarf, an interesting patterned ballet flat, a multi starnd of pearls, elastic bracelets or metal bangles, long earrings. The possibilities are endless. But remember to stay within the color theme you’ve selected. Safety in metals.

Don’t forget your softly structured handbag or tote. Put it all together and what do you have? A look that says ease, effort, comfort, versatility while a lot more bang for your shopping dollar.

Are great casual outfits missing from your wardrobe? You know what I’m going to say, I’d love to help you create them. We can shop in your closet and put new outfits together or go shopping in the stores. You can enjoy having a lot of style without spending a lot of money. I’ll show you how. Call me. If you have luck experimenting, I’d die for some pictures!! Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

This blog is a spin off of my December Newsletter’s theme – What’s Going On In Here. Why? In reviewing last year, I’ve noted a strong trend in my consultancy –  spending much more time working with clients in their closets, using what they have, items they’ve spent money on, love and just weren’t wearing enough.

 

So you probably are like the many ladies I meet, thinking you’re in a wardrobe rut and have nothing to wear. I’m pretty sure there are gems in your closet just waiting to be appreciated & worn. If a friend or image consultant were to view your closet right now, she’d probably pull out ten great items and ask, “Why aren’t you wearing these? They’re perfect!”

So, time to put your detective hat on and investigate your wardrobe to see  what’s in there and how you’re gonna use it.

 

Reasoning

Not wearing it because you feel it’s special? You perhaps have clothes saved for a special occasion. Guess what?  That dream occasion may never come up but that doesn’t mean you can’t be wearing that great blouse, skirt or jacket now.  How about expanding your idea of “special” to include feeling special, today, tomorrow, everyday. NOTE: I actually do this. I create the outfit based on something I have neglected, hang it on one of those over the door hooks. And then it’s there, reminding me to wear it.

 

Recording

Take an inventory of the items you love and enjoy, but haven’t been wearing. These items could include a pair of shoes, a bracelet, a hat, a pencil skirt, etc. Organize them where you can see them, write these items on a list or take photos of them to keep in a “favorites” folder on your smart phone.  Now you’re ready to pay attention to them over the next two weeks.

 

 

Reacting

These special items need to find a way into an outfit so you can start enjoying them. Find a couple of hours in your schedule and dedicate that time to creating fun and fresh new outfits with these favorites. That done, make a commitment to wear them. Look at your calendar, decide where and when you’re going to wear these new outfits. You could even write it on your calendar – some of my ladies do!

Recycling

Your favs want to be paired with other greats. While you are building outfits, you no doubt will discover items that just aren’t working for you anymore. If you don’t love it, let – it – go. Why put them back when you know you won’t reach for them ever.? Take them out. Make piles for

• someone who might need it
• a  charity
• a resale shop – items that are in good shape can  earn you a few dollars at a resale shop. Boutique Top Floor (Lambeth) or Style 360 are excellent options.

and makes downsizing so much easier. Clear out the things that are taking up space and you’ll be more visually motivated to wear the things you love.

 

Rejoice

Those fabulous items that weren’t being used should  be in constant rotation  now. After you’ve spent time creating outfits you really love, you’ll be thinking about where you can wear them. Those great outfits have been there all along and now you’re out of your rut. Put one on, go out and celebrate a job well done.

 

Reach Out

If you’re missing some pieces that are holding you back from wearing your favorites, or this advice seems hard to do on your own, remember I’m an email or phone call away. I’ll help you get the most out of your clothing investments this year. Don’t let another day go by. You can be enjoying your favorites, have fun getting dressed and save a bundle on what you need to tweak what you have.

 

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled!

Best: Vintage favorites with modern pieces from fringed shifts to vintage brooches. Love how this could add your signature. Animal prints in accessories added just the right amount of “wild” to an outfit. Brighter colours of cobalt blue, yellow and red brought vibrant life to our wardrobes. Maxi dresses were ultra comfortable and needed only a couple of accessories to create a put together look. Really laid back and loved that carefree feeling when I wore mine. Cross body bags made multi tasking that much easier. Thank goodness for that! Bold rings packed a powerful punch and brought an edge to any outfit day or night. Nail polish shades gave us bright pops of color or let us be moody in deep mysterious hues. Great accessory for timid types. Short booties with dresses or pants gave a needed break from high heels. And so much fun. Ruffles added a soft and romantic look for the days when we wanted to feel feminine or girly. Great partnering with the masculine details in our corporate looks. Color blocking gave us a chance to be bold and feel confident while wearing two or three solid, interesting colors at once. Working prints in the same outfit demonstrated creativity, moving outside the box in baby steps – “no other accessories need apply”. An ‘always’ fav of mine.  Jumpsuits or rompers were fun and created a feeling of days gone by. Great belted, with longer jackets or a fab huge scarf.   Worst: Head to toe denim was a look that should have been left to real cowboys only. Short shorts should have an age limit attached to the price tag. If you can walk into a bar you shouldn’t be wearing them. Good grief. Tall wedges looked great on display but felt like we were walking with toy trucks on our feet. Absolutely silly. Not to mention how many ladies I saw trying to walk confidently in them. Structured handbags with casual outfits were too serious. Casual outfits needed a less formal, slouchy bag. Wacky tights in crazy colors or patterns stole too much attention from the rest the outfit. Also accentuated where they shouldn’t have. Leather jeggings were a bit too tight, a bit too shiny, and only worked on itty-bitty bodies. But were worn by far too many “other” body types. Overuse of animal prints or feathered accessories – left people mistaken for animals that had escaped the zoo or who had flown the coop. Too much spandex, without long enough layering pieces, made outfits look more like gym attire than legitimate daywear. Ruined the trend for me. Ripped fishnet stockings enough said. Leather sheath dresses looked gorgeous but if you invested in any color but black and heaven forbid you perspired at all – done, ruined, wasted.   But hasn’t it been fun to play with your clothes and try different ways of wearing things? I cannot wait to show you the trend reports for spring 2012. If you still are adding to your winter wardrobe and need any kind of guidance sorting out where to invest, I would love to help you with that. Mixing and making what you have work with what you buy is so much fun – that’s the way to define your personal style. Until next year, enjoy being personally styled.

15 SHOPPING TIPS YOU’RE GONNA LOVE

 

‘Tis the season…….. to be thinking about seasonal gift shopping, tricky people on your list, mother in law, niece, best friend….. There’s always a bit of stress over what to buy, whether they’ll love it or just say “thank you.” I’m hoping this tip sheet will have you covered and make this years’ shopping pleasant, stress free and your efforts appreciated Then you’ll love hearing all the … “Fra la la la la la la la la’s…!”

 

• Define your shopping trip objectives – never buy on impulse – ok almost never

• For the best selection, shop early like now, especially if the people on your list are hard-to-find sizes, difficult to buy for or just plain picky

 

• Know the return policy of all the stores where you make purchases

• Never go shopping while tired, rushed, or hungry (Who are we kidding – do your best to accomplish this and shop with snacks or take small breaks)

 

• Go shopping looking great, with hair and makeup done the way you like it. You’ll feel good, get better service and be ready if there’s a little something you see that would work well for you (that never happens does it?) 

 

• Be cautious of sales: Ask yourself if you’d buy the same thing if it were full price 

 

• Buy what you love. Pretend the gift is for you. Makes giving it so much more special

 

• Best shopping times are first thing in the morning and on weekend evenings when stores are less crowded

• Remember, every woman loves and needs accessories. You know this person, make a special effort to find something that suits her personal style. They’ll love you for it (and your gift)

 

“Thank you so much for taking the dread out of my holiday wife gift shopping. My intention is to always buy something special but I am quite aware that I always miss the mark. Hiring you to shop for accessories was the absolute best decision ever. Not only did my wife love her new jewelry, she loved that I asked you to do it since she could really and truly love my gift. What a win – win.” Peter,  London

 

If you don’t like to shop, cannot see yourself making that extra effort even though you should or maybe you just don’t have the time, I can help. Your solution is as easy as calling me. With list in hand, your shopping is taken care of quickly, precisely with your special person in mind!

Fra la la la la la la la done!  

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

How comfortable are you with trends? Find out which trend personality expresses your style best and then you’ll better know what to purchase this season.

 

Fashion Fast Tracker – Is this YOU?
Motto: All trends, all the time – the more outrageous, the better.

You are fashion forward and anxious to be wearing the hottest, latest trends. You have a rush of adrenaline as you flip through the pages of the new fall fashion magazines. Within five minutes you’re at your computer filling up your shopping cart and typing in your credit card information. You may be purchasing:

• Bold fringe in metal, leather, or feathers on necklaces and/or bracelets

• Bellbottoms and wide legged pants to replace the now too common skinny pant

• Refined bondage and fetish fashion including latex trousers, leather harness
accessories, and jackets detailed in zippers, studs and chains

• Sexy, lace up high-heeled over-the-knee boots in maroon-colored suede

• A green python print clutch to wear with your large-scale floral print dress

 

Fashion Savvy Strategist – Is this YOU?
Motto: Use trends strategically without looking trendy.

You are a patient enthusiast of fashion. You are willing to collect special pieces as they come along. You strategically collect the best of the season and are willing to wait for the right moment to wear them. You make smart investments in key items. You have a well-edited stash of unique pieces that you mix up with classic ones. When the trend headlines surface you head to your closet and jewelry drawer and pull out the items that are ‘on trend.’ This year you’re pulling out your:

• Vintage brooches

• Pearls and mixed metal necklaces and layering them all together

• Lace, knee-length skirt from three seasons ago while shopping for an exaggerated
chandelier earring to pair with it

• Wide-leg pants or trouser jeans and planning to shop for a classic, oversized cape to
wear with them

• Reptile clutch and patiently waiting to purchase the reptile boots that will go on sale at
the end of the season

Fashion Freshman – Is this YOU?
Motto: Ten percent trend and ninety percent classic is just right for you.

You favor classic designs and can get excited over a crisp white shirt, gray well-tailored trousers and a stunning pair of Mabe pearls. Your fashion point-of-view is admirable but it would be good for you to try a trend or two to stay modern, current. Here’s a shopping list for you that will have you flirting with trends while staying well within your comfort zone. Look for:

• A classic shaped clutch in a reptile faux print

• A riding boot in any color other than black

• A useful puffy coat with a fur lined hood

• This season’s red in a sheath dress you’ll wear for years to come

• An updated bag to wear everyday such as a cross-body bag with a chain strap and
quilted Chanel-like detailing

 

If you are still not sure where you stand with trends because all of these are you, you don’t want to make costly mistakes and just want to get it right, let me help you make the choices that are perfect for you! I would love to help! Give me a call.

 

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

Did you know that women wear 17% of what’s in their closet? Do you know that women go shopping & buy things they already have? Did you know that if your closet is an organized sanctuary for your clothes you will look and feel better each day?

Will you be shopping this season? Are you ready to be ready for fall? A wardrobe edit may be just what you need. If interested, please read on.

Pick a day when you know you have time. So that means:

Husband is not home: working, golfing for the day, fishing for the day or just…..gone.

Kids are away: at grammas, visiting with the neighbours, school or just…..gone.

Your girlfriends are busy, that is, not helping.

 

This takes time. But it is time well spent and so rewarding in the end.

“I was exhausted after our session but I felt so, hard to describe, liberated, free and relaxed. Does that make sense? I love how my clothes can breathe now.” Jen  London

7 Steps to Wardrobe (and closet) Tranquility:

You’ll need: full sized mirror, zip lock baggies, 3 garbage bags, lots of hangers, masking tape, pen, clear storage bin(s), and patience. Label your 3 bags accordingly: Recycle, Restyle, Reuse

Start with one wardrobe area eg) bottoms – pants, skirts

Try these on, one at a time – all of them UNLESS you look at it and say – no way.

Look in the mirror – front, side & back view. Does this item fit you? Do you like it, love it? Would you buy it again? Does it serve a need in your current life? (other than gardening) If you’ve answered YES 4 times, it can stay. If you’ve heard yourself say NO or aren’t sure, it’s going. Unless it’s a classic – pencil skirt, high waisted, wide legged jeans, neutral leather bomber etc

If it is in good shape, still current but it’s going, place in Reuse bag. These can go to a second hand shop.(www.style360.com)

It the garments are stained, pilled, faded, torn / worn out, stretched place in Recycle bag. These will go to Goodwill or a similar drop off location.

If you like the fit, feel it’s got potential but is too big, long, wide, needs a button etc place in Restyle bag. These will go to your new best friend, your tailor.

“I can’t believe it. Look at the way she fixed my pencil skirt and my mom’s old Chanel style jacket. I never would have worn these again if you hadn’t introduced me to “tailoring.” I love this jacket now & wear it with my jeans!” Christine London

There may be a few things that you just aren’t ready to part with. Old favourites that have classic lines, an inherited piece that needs to stay a while longer – place in a clear flat under the bed storage container or stackers and revisit next season.

Next try on all underpinning tops – sleeveless, blouses, turtlenecks, V, scoop neck tees, etc. Follow the same procedure as above. Continue with top layers ie) cardigans, V neck sweaters, jackets, vests. Repeat this again with dresses.

Give yourself a break. You may not want to dig in and tackle your accessories today. That can come later. Zip lock bags come in handy for jewelry. Donate what you do not love, wear or want – coats, boots, scarves, jewelry, gloves, handbags.

Not sure what to keep or what needs to go? Call me! I would love to help you see the potential in your wardrobe and eliminate the things that are holding you back. Your wardrobe is about to become a lot more useful, practical and personal.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

I love scarves and must say that most days, I have one nearby. They’re such an easy way to dress up your look in an effortless – like way, when you just don’t feel like wearing a necklace but know you need something else. A great way to add a little color to your otherwise monochromatic look while being a subtle invitation that draws attention to and illuminates your eyes, scarves, like us, are major multi-taskers.

 

Back as a serious contender on the Fall 2011 Must Have’s list, scarves are the most versatile member of your accessory collection. Below are some practical, hands on ideas. I truly hope they’ll convince you to tie one on.

 

• Wear a scarf to add interest to your outfit. Summer & transition dressing is achieved with simple pieces: a dress, jeans and a t-shirt, Capris, a linen / cotton blouse, and a light cardigan, depending on your age, shorts and a sleeveless linen top. Adding a scarf with interesting texture in a cotton/linen blend or a crinkled fabric or a loosely woven silk shows you have panache. Chic.

• Wear a scarf to keep the air conditioning draft off your neck. The cool indoor air is a welcome reprieve during hot summer days, but a cold draft of air is just as miserable in the summer as it is in the winter. If your neck is comfortable but your bare shoulders aren’t (or you want to cover up your arms) just slip the scarf around your shoulders instead. Gorgeous silk options elegantly dress up your LBD.  Versatile.

• Love this. Wear a scarf in a print that takes you a bit out of your comfort zone. A whole outfit in zebra print or platter sized pansies or lime green polka dots against an orange background could be really scary. But in a small dose, those prints confined to a scarf can turn a simple outfit into something special. Try an animal print this fall. Adds your signature. Stylish.

 

• What about this idea? Check out scarves from the men’s department or from a men’s department store. Men’s scarves are famous for great textures and color combinations. Recently while with a client at Channer’s www.channers.com  we worked with a few gorgeous ones by Etro,  www.etro.com Something to consider before making your final selections.You just may find what you love and I’m pretty sure it will make for a unique look. Winner

 

• Wear a scarf and create a conversation. Scarves can be such works of art that you can find your ‘style’, start a collection, they may even become your signature. Don’t be surprised when a conversation ensues. What will your response be? Individual.

 

• Not so, so long ago, scarves used to be worn to protect the collar of leather jackets. Well that trend returns as leathers become more delicate and refined. And with leather jackets being worn all year round in lightweight, supple and irresistible versions, you’ll want to protect your investment. (this might even be a reason to start shopping for one)  A thin scarf just inside the collar or one of your favourite stand alones will work. It’ll collect the natural oils & perspiration from your neck, which will eliminate leather discolouration and be a statement if you take your jacket off. Spectacular.

 

• This happened during a recent luncheon – to not just one of us – but three. Black pants, my black dress, beautiful white linen napkin. Not a great fashion combination. White linen napkins are lovely but they can leave an unwanted memory – lint. If you suspect this could happen, create a barrier with your scarf. Place the scarf (not your silk ones) on your lap first and then the napkin. Magical.

 

• I truly want my clients to enjoy wearing all colors – so this is where we’ll try colors that they love but that in large doses could be unflattering. For instance, mustard isn’t a good color next to my face but I love wearing it in a print mixed with colors that are flattering – like the 3 examples below.  Some scarves mix warm and cool colors together. Try stores like Club Monaco, Banana Republic,www.thethousandvillages.com and great picks for less at www.style360.ca   You’ll be flattered by the right color temperature while wearing something forbidden. Devilish

 

• What about those little scarves that just won’t fit around your neck but have great sentimental value? Why not tie a thin one cleverly around your wrist & wear as a bracelet. My favourite tiny one, a gift from one of my daughters, has a special, permanent home, tied on the handles of one of my classic black handbags. If it suits you, wear one in your hair. A scarf goes anywhere. Effortless.

 

I hope you are inspired or that I reignited your scarf passion. If so, go on, tie one on. If you still have questions, call me. I promise to make you a believer.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full. Hold the door for people entering behind you. Don’t interrupt when people are speaking. Say please and thank you – they are golden words and show signs of good upbringing. Use an indoor voice when speaking in a conversation. Respect the space of those around you.”

That’s what I heard growing up. Parents who role modelled good manners and yes, they expected us to exhibit them. There were consequences when we ‘forgot.’ I’m by no means perfect (who is) and have been known to speak up when perhaps I should have bitten my tongue (but always with good intention – usually witnessing something that wasn’t right or getting over impassioned). These two situations that occurred while I was on holidays stood out. Unfortunately. Hopefully not a sign of the times but (sadly), I think they are.

The First.

Minutes after our flight departed, 3 disgruntled “thirsty’ passengers started complaining loudly about the lack of bar service. When ignored by staff, they stormed first class only to be asked (then told, finally escorted) to return to their seats. This act was repeated too many times to count.

Eventually a very timid flight attendant caved–and brought them 9 drinks. They were slammed in minutes and demands for more revved up again. As time went on, their noisy complaints escalated into bullying any and all who made their way to the washroom, which unfortunately was directly in front of where they were seated.

As this was a night flight, sleep would have been a reasonable expectation. Not a wink, for anyone. Nervous parents huddled their children, tried to avoid contact and did not say a word as these 3 ruled the air.

In the end, 2 were arrested upon landing at Gatwick but here’s my point.

Everyone was affected by their rude, disrespectful behaviour. An elderly gentleman beside me was terrified, visibly shaken & eventually was treated in private. Their sense of entitlement was as shocking to me as it was appalling. And although a couple of people politely asked them to tone down, watch their language, most just observed and endured. On one level I understand – uncertain of where any confrontation would lead. On another,  I do not – why did everyone sit there fuming?  Collective action would have thwarted their behaviour. Is looking the other way, not getting involved and tolerating unacceptable behaviour a new standard that we now accept as the norm?

The Second

My daughter and I traveled by train to Paris. Our hope & need to rest during our 2 hr return trip was not meant to be.

12 middle school aged boys were clearly on a school excursion – a cultural outing – we learned as time went on. Private school students, not that it matters.

Their card game was fine, conversation low key…initially. Soon the aisles were overrun with backpacks, laptop cases, bodies stretched across seats, loud voices, competitive burping, and harmless arguing. Finally a teacher appears–who joined in the fun despite the looks, comments from others and passers by who patiently waited as the students leisurely moved temporarily out of the way for them to pass.

My daughter studied me, wondering when I would intervene.

I didn’t. Not until the Head Mistress appeared asking the boys to bring it down a notch, did I respond when my look engaged her stare and she asked “What is it?”

I laughed I think and replied “It’s a little late now, we’ve arrived.” She looked at me and said without hesitation, “ Well,there are other seats!”

I was dumbfounded. In my mind, the field trip was a perfect teaching moment, a time to demonstrate how to behave in public, how to show respect for those around you. Wouldn’t a parent expect the adults in charge to role model appropriate behaviour and take advantage of those wonderful “teaching” opportunities that present themselves in the real world?

It’s easier not to engage, to ignore. Short term. But demonstrating and accepting responsibility and being aware of the consequences for one’s actions is important, an invaluable life lesson. In this case, I too was an enabler of bad behaviour. I’m not even sure why except I truly think I kept expecting one of their own to step in. I was wrong as was my inaction. The students learned that they could do as they pleased.  Unhappy onlookers would just, well, look on.

Having been a teacher for years, who loved taking students by train to Toronto, I always established the ground rules, expectations and consequences before the trip. Did that mean we didn’t have fun? Did that mean no one could utter a word? Absolutely not. I looked forward to those trips as much as the students and even organized the “snacks” we would bring to share.

Actually, I still have many of the letters & notes my students wrote thanking me for those trips, for helping them be recognized for their good manners & behaviour.

So you see, making the effort is not just necessary, appreciated and rewarding, it’s desired.

As my esteemed colleague and friend Deborah King (www.finaltouchschool.com) writes:

“If civility is not taught and modelled in the home there is little chance for a civil society.  Civility requires character, confidence and class”

These situations didn’t ruin my holiday at all. I took notes, observed, reflected and knew I would put finger to key to write this. These situations renewed my own resolve to role model positive behaviour and not just expect, but insist upon, civil behaviour.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

………..about your image when you pay little or no attention to how you present yourself to the world. So what you may say. I can tell you from experience both personally and through my image and wardrobe consultancy, it matters. Why? Because when you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, people respond, they sense your positive energy.  The moment you start to make an effort with your appearance, others will notice.  They may even compliment you. That feels good too. They may not always comment but I promise you, they’ll notice.

This post was prompted by something I witnessed during a recent trip to southern Florida where I was attending our annual international image conference. This particular incident happened on a break where I took in the surroundings – ok, I’ll be honest – a beautiful mall that housed stores unavailable to me living in Canada.

I was approaching the entrance to Neiman Marcus – a favourite and somewhat upscale shop – my sole destination on this hurried outing.

When there she was, in front of me, headed the same direction. I slowed down, hoping I was wrong.  Nope, she strode on.

Was it sweltering? Yes. Was she just out for some browsing and shopping? Yes. But that’s the point. You are your brand. What you wear and how you present yourself tells the world how you feel about you. If you don’t feel you’re worth the time and energy who else will? Can you expect them to? Can you expect to command respect?

To be taken seriously you need to be serious about your image and demonstrate self respect. I can’t imagine what she was thinking going anywhere like that let alone a nice department store.

Here are a couple of options that are easy alternatives and  wouldn’t require much time fussing. These type of warm weather casual looks send a message of pride and confidence. Dressing with assuredness is not about size, age, or money. It’s about knowing what looks good on you and making an effort.

 

 

So throw on your fav bracelets or fabulous necklace, grab your satchel and off you go! Looking good, put together and saying you love yourself.

Heads will now turn for the right reason.  And please remember, your best investment will always be you.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

This blog is the direct result of a recent shoe shopping outing I had with client and numerous calls / emails I’ve received from wondering minds.

As an image and wardrobe consultant, who works with women of all ages desiring to dress for who they are now, I can tell you shoes are an issue.  From the closets I shake up to the wardrobes I reinvent, shoes are a major stumbling block.  That is, the right shoe can transform a pant that was in the “to go” pile just as the wrong shoe can sabotage an amazing designer ensemble. It’s true, a fact.

I get that everyone wants to be comfortable.  No one more than I. Foot issues abound — I know all about them. My hubby wears orthodics, my challenge, like countless other women of all ages – bunions.  In my world this is a particular draw back since I need to walk the talk so to speak. Being current and expressing my own individuality is important – and at times, quite tricky since in the end it’s not what shoe will I wear it’s what shoe am I able to wear. What’s an image consultant to do? The exact same thing as you. My homework. Research. Nine West, Franco Sarto, Ferragamo, Stuart Weitzman and Cole Haan offer some delicious choices at all price points. And, they deliver on all style fronts including comfort.

No matter how you cut it, wearing heavy soled, black clunky shoes will always have you falling short of reaching a pulled together look.

So once you’ve decided footwear shopping is in order, where do you start? Here are a few things to consider:

• Is there a dress code in place where you work? If so, what are the expectations for summer footwear.
• Determining your lifestyle & needs are key – look at what you have – all the same genre ( casual, athletic, dressy) or do you expect one or two pair to fill the criteria from wedding to soccer field.
• Are you a stay at home mom running children here and there? Probably not going to need the latest and most artistic sky high stilettos.
• Is your workplace more casual in nature? Do you want to adhere? Do you like to “feel” that you are dressed for work? Then sticking to more traditional, classic styles will help. Is this important? That’s up to you.
• Is your workplace traditional in nature? The expectation in this case follows a conservative dress code regardless of the season or temperatures.

 

For example a great place to start, especially if you are building a shoe wardrobe, is with a classic pump. Black is the safest color as you can wear them all year round and the look always says ”polished.” (assuming they are)

If you have some freedom of choice but like the more pulled together look of a heel these options are fun, professional and flattering.

In a more casual environment but image is important to you or there is no way you can or want to wear heels all day long? Ballet flats offer great style, comfort and personality.  Sandals with added coverage say serious, confident and add a polished vibe to your wardrobe. The darker the sandal, the more likely you’ll be able to transition it into a fall look by adding leggings or tights.

If you are one of the lucky ones who can wear what you want whenever and as often as you like, then the sky’s the limit, literally. From sexy jewelled sandals to towering high platform options, you can strut your style.

 

In the end what did my client choose? The shoe that had her beaming from ear to ear and massaging it as if it were exotic luxurious hand cream ( ok, we both did that) or the one that would do the job – send the message she needs in her career at this time? Of course, the latter… for now. She’s smart and understood she was making a business decision (Let’s face it, she had me keeping her focused). This pump will serve her well both professionally and personally. The flats are fun and appropriate for her dress down days – still looking like a boss who knows image matters.

But, all is not lost.  Mother’s Day has just passed.  She’d been dropping not so subtle hints at home for the last while.  To find out if her shoes, the ones that made her weak at the knees, have moved from on hold, to on her,  please check in again.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.