What is your personal style?

I was at a women's event once when a lady came up and said she had heard me speak at some other event. She told me that she was so relieved when she learned about her style.  All these years she had been buying purses all the time.  She thought she must be crazy to have so many purses but then she learned that her particular style loved to accessorize and change their bags often.  It gave her permission to be herself.  I love stories like that!

So, what is your personal style?  The easiest way to find out is to print this out and take this very short  quiz.  Choose one word on each row (across) that best describes you.  You may think that two words describe you but go with the one that is most like you.  Add up the columns (down).  The one that with the largest number is your primary style.  You will generally have another one that is close or has the next largest number.  This is your secondary style.  If you have equal numbers in all the other categories or you are pretty equal all the way across contact me for more information.  While it is unusual, it also happens sometimes.

I.  Alluring

II. Traditional

III. Bold

IV. Casual

V. Sentimental

Write down your style because we will learn about each over the next few days.

What is your body type

You may know right off what body type you are.  But, for those of you who are unsure, let me ask you to take your measurements.  I know, nobody likes to do this, but it is necessary.  Don't worry about the actual number, figure out the differences.

Here is what you want to know:

1. How much difference is there in your bust and your waist?  Bust smaller or larger than waist?
2. How much difference is there in your waist and hips?  Waist smaller or larger than hips?
3. How much difference is there in your bust and hips?  Bust smaller or larger than hips?

Now we are ready to figure out your body shape:

• If your bust is within a couple of inches of being the same as your hips and your waist is at least 8 inches smaller than either your bust or hips...you are an Hourglass.
• If your bust is 8 inches or more smaller than your hips and your waist is smaller than your hips...you are a Triangle.
• If your bust is 8 inches or more larger than your hips and your waist is within 2 inches of your hips...you are an Inverted Triangle.
• If all of your measurements (bust, waist and hips) are within 2 inches of each other...you are a Rectangle.
• If your waist is your largest measurement...you are an Oval.

If you have any trouble figuring out which one you are, go to the Contact Us page and send me an email.  I'm always happy to answer questions!

What You Should Have in Your Closet

I could tell you that there are five things that every woman should have in her closet, but that wouldn't be the truth.  Think about it...don't you have friends that have a different style than your own?   You might admire the way that someone dresses but it doesn't mean it is right for you.  There are different personalities and different body types as well as different lifestyles!

I've been working with women for a long time and one thing that I've found to be true, no matter what, is that no two women are exactly alike.  And, being authentic to yourself is the only way to become truly stylish.  I'm going to give you information that I use with my clients.  And, I'm going to give it to you for free.

I am going to make 26 posts over the next month that all have to do with finding your own personal style.  There will be quizzes, suggestions and links to items that will work for your particular shape/style combination.

I hope you will enjoy learning more about yourself.  I get tremendous pleasure out of seeing a woman settle into her own personal style and becoming more confident in the way she looks.  If you enjoy what you learn, I ask only one thing...share this blog with your friends.  Get as many women as you can reading about how they can feel great too!!

Global Color Expert

Do you ever wonder how every store all over the world has the same color scheme going on at the same time?  Did you know that there are actually people who decide a year in advance what the "hot" color of the season will be?  Do you want to know who those people are?

Color research is done by Pantone all the time.  They contact designers and others in the fashion and interior fields.  They ask questions about inspiration and vision for their collections.  Then they compile the information and come up with a palette for the seasons.  This is why you will have a hard time finding emerald green this spring or bright yellow this summer.  Oh, other colors will still be out there but they will be few and far between.

So what do you do if these aren't your colors?  Well, the good news is that the regatta blue fits most every skintone.  If in doubt...go blue.  You have the russet brown, beeswax and coral rose for warmer skin tones.  Lavender and honeysuckle for the cool skin tones with darker hair.  And the light girl with blonde hair fairs very well this year.  Everything except russet brown, beeswax, coral rose and honeysuckle will work for this girl.

The important thing is to not fall into the trap of buying colors that don't work for you.  A beautiful, filmy silk blouse may look great on the hanger but make you look like a corpse.  Pick your best color and stick with it for the season.  Add a couple of accent colors and you are good to go!

Yesterday I posted ideas for this in between type season.  And, I know that a lot of people are dealing with this because Facebook had tons of posts from around the country about how nice the weather was.  If it is 50-60 degrees during the day then you can bet it is cooler in the morning.  So, as cute and thin as those models are, they don't represent the average woman.

We hear it all the time...a size 12 is the average size for the American woman.  REALLY!!!!  As a boutique owner I would go to market all the time.  Many designers only go up to a size 10.  Personally I am offended by that.  If I can stay a size 10 fabulous...but I often creep up to a 12 or 14.  So where are the models that look like the rest of us?  Well you're not going to see them.

Even in magazines that are dedicated to the "real" woman, we see the not-so-average 6's and 8's.  Even Oprah has a few pounds carved off of her voluptuous figure for the cover of her magazine.  No wonder we all have image issues.

I was talking to a girlfriend the other day, who is one of the most elite image consultants in the country, about this very issue.  How images in the media make women feel inadequate.  This isn't a new topic.  We have heard about this issue for years.  The only thing we can do is turn off the tv, put down the magazines and "own" who we are.  That's right....if you are short like me, a little heavy like me or anything else; it is okay!!  It is okay because we are loving, intelligent, funny, nurturing, talented women!!  We don't have to look a certain way to have value.  Our society just tells us we do.

So the first thing to looking your best is OWN IT!  Then find things that fit your body well.  These particular tips are for the shorties like me who want to look great and feel great.

 First and foremost...think balance.  People always want to put me in straight leg jeans because I'm short and they think volume is going to make me look too big.  Ha!  Straight legs make me look like an ice cream cone. A little junk in your trunk?  Opt for at least a boot but, maybe even more!

                                            

 These are my all time favorite jeans and they are Lee!  Great waistband that doesn't roll down, a good amount of stretch and short or medium lengths.


Then I have the issue of the big boobies (which my husband reminds me is never an issue).  The best thing for us is stretch, stretch, stretch.  Used to be stretchy materials were just for gym clothes.  But now you can get great ponte knits, matte jerseys and even stretch silks.

I love this jacket for just throwing on over a cute shirt with jeans.  I also love that you obviously need more to fill it out than what the model has going on!!  This jacket is classic, stretchy and incredibly priced!

Opt for a cute top made out of a stretchy knit.  The thing with tops is remember to get movement without adding volume.  The cut of this top is perfect because it is fitted at the bodice and has a little more movement around the hem.  And, don't worry if you are well-endowed you can still wear ruffles as long as they are small and soft (the ruffles....not the boobies)

I've never been a shorts girl.  Which makes me love the trend of dresses.  Take a plain, knit dress and pump up the volume with cute jewelry and ballet flats or flip flops.  

No matter what you put on, remember to strut your stuff like you were on a New York runway!!

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The In Between

These months where it is 35 degrees one day and 70 the next are the most challenging of all times.  So here are three quick hints for keeping up with the weather demands.

1.  Keep yourself warm weather ready.

     

You may have gone for weeks without shaving your legs in the winter.  Your underarms might not have been silky smooth every day.  And, your legs may have been wearing the seasons stylish crocodile look.  But, the weather is getting warmer and you need to get your body back into bare shape.

Get yourself a really good body scrub and use it is the shower every day.  Either put lotion on your skin at night or slather on the body oil.  If you use something like Jojoba oil it will dissolve into your skin instantly.  It is the closest to our natural body oil that you can get.

If you are tired of shaving those legs and underarms, consider investing in an at home laser hair remover.  Do it now because you can't use it as you start to spend more time in the sun.  I've been using the Tria all winter and can really see the difference!!

2.  Layer, layer, layer
     
I just can't emphasize this one enough.  Start with a cute, sleeveless top.  Put on a lightweight sweater and top it off with a trench or other cute jacket.  Finally, tie a light weight scarf to your bag.    

You will be ready for anything from sitting outside where the breeze makes it a little nippy to going into an overheated restaurant.

Cute options for the season:

                          

3.  Break out your flip flops

     

It might still be a little chilly but I'm sure your feet are dying to be out in the air after being cooped up all winter.  Throw a little pair of flip flops on and carry the oh so popular, travel flats with you.  If  your toes get a little frost bite, switch out your flip flops for your stylish flats.  You are good to go no matter what the temp.  Just make sure your feet have had their spring treatment to remove all the dead skin from winter!

Don't get caught in temperature inappropriate clothing during the in-between season!!  

  

Versatile Pieces for an Outdoor Wedding

My brother is getting married outdoors in March in Texas.  That means it could be hotter than hell, a monsoon or freezing cold.  March is completely unpredictable in many parts of the country.  It might not seem to be a dilemma but, there's more.

I am driving to Texas several weeks early so that I can visit friends along the way.  And, I have a tiny car that will only hold a suitcase slightly larger than an overnight bag.  That means that I have to decide what to wear before I leave and feel very confident in my choice.

That only leaves me one thing to do.  Layer!!  I need a fabulous outfit that I can wear with flats or heels (flats in the grass and heels for the reception).  Plus, I will need layers from light sweater to long overcoat.  Not a problem.  Flexibility in the face of any situation/occasion is truly one of the key elements of the stylish.

Here are my choices for the event.  If you have something similar arise remember...layer...layer...layer!!

St. John classic black sheath dress.  An investment piece that you can wear for years.  And, here's a hint, St. John knits can be blocked to fit approximately 10 lbs up or down!!  Makes it an even better value.

Beaded St. John jacket dressed up the simple black sheath.  It is the perfect transition from day to evening piece.

Samuel Dong Taffeta Bubble Coat.  This lightweight, water resistant coat is the updated version of the traditional trench.  The slight sheen gives it a dressed up look.  And it stretches!!

Hot Rollers

I haven't used hot rollers in decades.  But, now that my hair is longer, I was trying to achieve that loose, sexy curl and the curling iron just wasn't doing it.  So, I googled "jumbo rollers" and found this YouTube video.  It's a short video so I didn't think much of taking the time to watch it.

After watching, I dug out my old hot rollers which are not the kind that they recommend on the video.  At the end of the day, before I went out, I decided to give her instructions a try.  Now, I've been out for cocktails and dinner.  Come home and put my jammies on before I took this picture.  As you can see, the method works!

Here is the video!!  

I love that the stylist is wearing a Texas charm on her bracelet!!  No wonder she can get big, beautiful hair!

Casual Chic and Easy

Are you going out tonight or just want to look a little special at the dinner table?  Most women know how to put on a dress and heels and look smashing.  The real question is usually, "How do I stay comfortable and casual with a WOW factor?"  Clients have been asking me that question for years.

Of course, venue is a piece of the equation.  But, if you are going to a restaurant and want to focus on the person across the table from you and not worry about how you look or fidget with your outfit, then read on!  First, what makes you the most comfortable?  Jeans?  Yoga Pants?  Dresses?  Go with what you feel your best in.

I am a jeans or yoga pant girl.  So, when I want to dress up and add a little punch to my usual casual outfit, I focus on the top.  I will add sheer, sparkles and probably show a little decolletage.  When I'm out I'll never think about my clothes.  All of my attention will be on that sweet man that I married!!

Add a sheer blouse to your nicest yoga pants.  Make sure that your undergarments are the same color as the sheer blouse.

Pump up the volume with a simple, sequin tank under a casual jacket.  The light reflecting from the sequins will make you sparkle all over!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Sexy Shoulders

We are talking about shoulders.  Did you know that Donna Karen always says that she shows shoulders because they are the only part of a woman that doesn't gain weight.  Maybe...maybe not, but, I do think they are one of the sexiest parts of a woman.  And, most men would agree.

So, the one shoulder trend of this coming season is hot!  The great part of this trend is that you can still get a little coverage (if you feel like you have grown out of your strapless years) and still be smokin'!!  Plus, the one shoulder style lets you put a bra with straps under your dress.  They actually do make convertible bras that will work with this kind of dress.  I say hallelujah, because these girls need support!!

Christian Siriano...at the top end of price, this evening dress is an absolute stunner!

Guess by Marciano gives the one shoulder dress super elegance!

Jay Godfrey's Paradis is a sexy, easy to wear dress that will go anywhere.  Your jewels and shoes dictate how dressed up this will be!!  Perfect for vacations!

This BCBG dress is a great option for cool, casual dressing in warmer months.

And, here's the bra!!

It doesn't matter what the occasion, a little shoulder goes a long ways!

My Favorite Hip, Comfy Shoe

I first saw these at market years ago before they became uber popular with the celebrity crowd.  I kinda thought they were unremarkable looking at the time.  Simple canvas shoe in ordinary colors.  But, there was something really cool about them.  Their story.

Blake Mycoskie knew from the beginning that he wanted to start this company to make the lives better for people in Argentina.  For every pair of shoes that Tom's sells they give one away.  One for One.  That's their company motto.  How could you not think that this kinda ordinary, canvas shoe was super cool?!!

So, I bought a pair.  Then I bought another pair.  They are the most comfortable shoe I've ever owned.  One of the salespeople I talked to said they feel like wearing cushy socks.  Yea, kinda.  But, I love that they look cute with skirts, jeans, shorts, ankle pants....anything.  They are the new ballet slipper for the socially aware.

Wanna be a style icon?

Are you one of those women who just have to have the latest fashions?  Do you run out and buy something in the color of the season?  Do you just die to dress like Natalie Portman or Kim Kardashian?  So, how's that working for you?

Wouldn't it be nice to be one of those women who just throws something on and looks like a million bucks.  I mean, they don't even seem to be breaking a sweat to be a style super star.  I bet you think that if you could just get the perfect (fill in the blank).  It doesn't matter whether you filled in boots, necklace, jeans...whatever!  If you had the perfect whatever, do you really think it would make you a style icon?  Hardly!!

The women with effortless style own it.  Huh?  They dress without regret.  That's it!!  They don't have to be the tallest, the thinnest or the richest.  They just end up looking that way because they don't fidget, adjust or sit like they're trying to hide something.  That is the gigantic secret.  Be comfortable and be yourself.

Now, go out there and get some yoga pants, skinny jeans, leather skirt....whatever it is that you feel is a true reflection of you and fits your body.  Then, own it!  Only then, will you be a style icon in your own right.