Splurge on the basics

If a suit is a much-used item in a work wardrobe then a well-tailored suit is an important splurge.

It’s especially useful if you’re someone who doesn’t go up and down in sizes on a regular basis.
This one great suit can be put together with a variety of blouses, knit tops and accessories to look different week after week.

Don’t splurge on the basics

If you’re going for some basic core pieces for work – slacks, blazers, skirts – and you’re looking at neutral colors (brown, black, navy, charcoal), why spend the big bucks?

Look at moderate priced lines and look for clean details.
The simpler the pieces, the easier it is to make them look expensive if the outfit is well put together.
If you’ve embarked on a weight-loss program buy less expensive basics until you reach your goal.
Remember tailoring is always an option.

Splurge on color

Someone who wears color well can really stand out in the workplace.

If you’re that someone special who wears plum, aubergine, dessert rose, or turquoise better than anyone, it could be part of your brand.
Brighter colors look best in quality fabrics so be prepared to spend money to get the best you can find.
Brighter colors in cheap fabrics look cheap.

Don’t splurge on color

Keeping to a neutral color palette may seem boring but in most business settings, your clothes shouldn’t be shouting at others.

Too much color in conservative work environments sends the wrong message.
Small splashes of color in items like scarves, the stripe in a skirt, the color of an underpinning, can be perfectly adequate.
Neutral colors can look more expensive in work pieces, saving you money to spend on accessories.

Splurge on details

Certain symbols carry a lot of prestige in the work world.

A leather briefcase, handbag
a gold watch
expensive trench coat
can send a signal that you are highly successful and competent at what you do. Splurge on the details that send the message of success that you want others to notice.

Don’t splurge on details

Expensive watches can’t hide incompetence for long. If you’re using symbols to provide something that isn’t already there, you’re wasting your money!

Get the experience and education you need to be great at what you do and then reward yourself with those symbols of success.
In the meantime, keep your modestly priced shoes polished.
Wear appropriate watches to work that don’t get undue attention for color or style.

Splurge on the accessories

If work outfits are classic, accessories will bring the magic to your wardrobe.
Buy lasting pieces of jewelry in colors you always look great in.
To get more use from pricier accessories, consider bringing them over into your weekend upscale casual wardrobe as well.
Quality handbags that are well proportioned to your body can be a great investment. Remember, always strive to achieve overall balance.

Don’t splurge on the accessories

Can you tell real pearls from fake ones? Most people can’t.
You can buy diamonds or pearls that have the look you want at a very low cost compared to the real ones.
Costume jewelry is a great way to add a lot of variety to simple work outfits.
They can make you feel current, modern and stylish.
If you’re someone who gets bored easily, a lower price point is great for experimenting with different looks. TRUTH TIP: Less guilt when finding another new piece that works for you, that you just must have.

I know that for some of you it’s hard to make these spending decisions alone. Call me and I’ll help you discover the right mixes of splurging or conserving as you build your work wardrobe. Now that’s what I call fun!

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

In order to post more often, I have decided, thanks to a wonderful woman named Dawn, to create a few shorter blogs that may be helpful yet not overwhelm you as we move rapidly from one season to the next.

What you will need: patience, time, garbage bags, a marker, pen and some clear storage containers.

First up: Heavy sweaters

• remove every sweater you have that you consider ‘heavy’ outerwear – like. Lay them in clear view. A bed, dresser top even a dining room table works for this part. I use an old trunk top.

• Before you make ‘decision’ piles, pick each one up and consider the following : Did you wear it this season? If not, why? This is the time to decide whether you should keep it or store for resale / donation.  Place accordingly. Please, some are of the mind set that if you didn’t wear it this season, it needs to go. Not true. As our moods change so do our style personalities. That’s why you need to think about why you didn’t reach for it this season. Maybe it’s as simple as you just forgot it was there. This is an example of a sweater that I didn’t wear at all last season but that was a favourite this year. Good thing I didn’t toss it!

• Now that your ‘decision’ piles have been created, you can check them, without emotion for snags, pilling, holes, stains and stretching beyond repair. If the garment doesn’t look like it did when you bought it and restoring it is out of the question, it should be placed in a bag labelled ‘donation”. When would I retire a sweater that I once loved, even a ‘this year’ purchase? When I wear it feel self conscious because it hasn’t worn well. Not a good image (or confidence) builder and that’s reason enough.

•  As you are moving along, having made good sound decisions, you’ll begin to see a pattern: sweaters you may have bought & didn’t wear and don’t plan on wearing – those can be bagged and marked ReSale if you like that option; sweaters you love and that look brand new can now be laundered / dry cleaned before being placed in clear storage containers. And then there are those you love but that have seen better days – they should be placed into a garbage bag marked DoNation after being properly laundered.

If you are noticing too many that you have never worn, wore once, don’t love, have no emotional attachment to, take a closer look. Why did you buy it -> last minute, needed a new outfit, it was ok, or shopped it with a friend. This exercise can not only help you ready your closet for spring / summer but can shed some very bright light on your shopping habits.

Of course, if  the idea of having some help with making better shopping choices interests you, I would love to be your guide.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

1. You have a classic style

Add a polka dot blouse to your skirt suit for just the right amount of interest. Or, swap the polka dots for a small to medium scale floral print. Another always feminine option, classic black and white.

2. You like a modern look

For you, sporting something brand new is important. So, how about a dynamite color blocked dress in your best colors? Or, if you’re up to it, layer two dresses. One in a sheer fabric over a bright neon dress or pop a lace overlay atop a colorful slip dress. 

3. You go for a Bohemian look

This is your season! Hemlines are full of interest so instead of going long or short, do both! Wear a skirt or dress that’s short in the front and long in the back, maybe even a ruffle all the way around. Add boots or wedges to complete the look. Really fun!

4. You’re a lover of minimalism

You might prefer non-fussy architectural silhouettes in one simple dress with a bit of volume for edgy interest. But if you really think less is more, go with your most classic dresses, add red lipstick, pearl hair ornaments and jewellery. Any of these combinations are stunning.

5. You’re preppy all the way

Enjoy your classic casual style wearing stripes or go a step further by adding some pointy-heeled pumps and a pearl necklace. Feel really daring? Add more than one strand of pearls!

6. Your style is alluring

This is the season to bring attention to your hips. Peplum details on jackets or dresses will show your curves. If this look isn’t for you, bring attention to your legs with one of the many styles of ankle strapped heels.

7. You favor the retro or vintage look

You won’t have to visit too many vintage stores looking for just the right pieces to add to your collection if you don’t want to since fashion is giving you the look in current accessories & clothing options. Cat eye sunglasses are an instant hit as well as necklaces, earrings, hat and hair pins that have that heirloom look. In the London, Ontario area check out Lovesick, Style360, Boutique Top Floor & Weezi for second hand & vintage things you can’t even imagine! Let the fun begin!

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

(most photographs courtesy of Nordstrom, collage & others – moi)

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. ]]> http://www.personalstyleconsulting.com/2012/02/12/creating-a-fabulous-casual-wardrobe/feed/ 2 http://www.personalstyleconsulting.com/2012/01/14/its-in-there-youve-just-gotta-use-it/ http://www.personalstyleconsulting.com/2012/01/14/its-in-there-youve-just-gotta-use-it/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:33:36 +0000 sjacobs http://www.personalstyleconsulting.com/?p=1788 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.  
]]> http://www.personalstyleconsulting.com/2011/12/13/it%e2%80%99s-been-the-best-of-times-it%e2%80%99s-been-the-worst-of-times-my-take-on-2011-fashion/feed/ 0 http://www.personalstyleconsulting.com/2011/11/09/dont-shop-til-you-drop/ http://www.personalstyleconsulting.com/2011/11/09/dont-shop-til-you-drop/#comments Wed, 09 Nov 2011 01:33:57 +0000 personaladmin http://www.personalstyleconsulting.com/?p=1712 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.

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.

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.

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.