20 Days of Style Inspiration!!

Sometimes we all need a little EXTRA inspiration when getting dressed in the morning or for whatever we have planned for our days!  Full of classics, trendier items and color ideas you shouldn
Sometime we all need a little extra inspiration when getting dressed in the morning.  Full of classics, trendier items and color ideas you shouldn't have any trouble getting inspired by the list below...at least for the next month!





Week #1:

• Monday: Pop that basic black outfit with a splash of color.  Be bold and go for hot pink, lime green or red to chase away those Monday blues.
• Tuesday: Pair that beautifully embroidered top with flat front trousers and strappy sandals.
• Wednesday: Wear ruffles today. 
• Thursday: Mix a bold floral top with your basic black or tan blazer. 
• Friday: Go for broke...it is Friday after all!  Mix large and small prints together, but keep the colors harmonious to make it all work.

Week #2:

• Monday: Keep your outfit simple so you can show off a fabulous statement necklace.
• Tuesday: Wear jewel tones today, either in your outfit or your accessories.
• Wednesday: Mix up your patterns again, this time pair a floral and a stripe.
• Thursday: Wear a summery dress, but throw on a belted cardigan or blazer for the office.
• Friday: Pair a pencil skirt with a crisp button down and throw on a scarf at your neck.  Add sky-high or funky heels to make it interesting.

Week #3:

• Monday: Go glam and wear black and white.  Try black on top and white on the bottom for a totally chic take on this classic combo.
• Tuesday: Wear a boyfriend cardigan instead of a blazer today.  Try it belted over a short skirt (but not too short!) and some fun platform pumps.
• Wednesday: Wear something with an animal pattern, and pair it with all neutrals. 
• Thursday: Wear a feminine, full skirt with a fitted button down, ballerina flats and pearls.
• Friday: Find an item you haven't worn in a while and FINALLY put together an outfit so you can wear it today.  No excuses!

Week #4:

• Monday: Take a cue from the runways and try a small scale floral top a la Liberty of London.  Pair it with structured pants to keep it from getting too Laura Ingall.
• Tuesday: Mix up your suits, pairing the jacket from one with the pants from another.  Keep the mojo going and spice it up with several brooches at the lapel, or layer on several chunky necklaces.
• Wednesday: Purple is one of the reigning colors this season...try a dash in your outfit today.  If you're feeling particularly bold, pair it with golden yellow, or a dash of red! 
• Thursday: Get your safari on today.  Wear one safari inspired item, and add metallic touches, wooden bangles, and high heel gladiator sandals. 
• Friday: Roll up your khakis, layer on a classic tee and wear it with a skinny metallic belt and high heeled sandals.  Don't forget the chunky necklace to complete the look!

Stylish Tip:  If you're more visual, try heading over to luckymag.com and look for their Cute Outfit of the Day section under the "Style and Fashion" column.  Lucky's staffers are highlighted with some inspiring ways to wear classics and trends.
't have any trouble getting inspired by the list below...at least for the next month!

Week #1:

• Monday: Pop that basic black outfit with a splash of color.  Be bold and go for hot pink, lime green or red to chase away those Monday blues.
• Tuesday: Pair that beautifully embroidered top with flat front trousers and strappy sandals.
• Wednesday: Wear ruffles today. 
• Thursday: Mix a bold floral top with your basic black or tan blazer. 
• Friday: Go for broke...it is Friday after all!  Mix large and small prints together, but keep the colors harmonious to make it all work.

Week #2:

• Monday: Keep your outfit simple so you can show off a fabulous statement necklace.
• Tuesday: Wear jewel tones today, either in your outfit or your accessories.
• Wednesday: Mix up your patterns again, this time pair a floral and a stripe.
• Thursday: Wear a summery dress, but throw on a belted cardigan or blazer for the office.
• Friday: Pair a pencil skirt with a crisp button down and throw on a scarf at your neck.  Add sky-high or funky heels to make it interesting.

Week #3:

• Monday: Go glam and wear black and white.  Try black on top and white on the bottom for a totally chic take on this classic combo.
• Tuesday: Wear a boyfriend cardigan instead of a blazer today.  Try it belted over a short skirt (but not too short!) and some fun platform pumps.
• Wednesday: Wear something with an animal pattern, and pair it with all neutrals. 
• Thursday: Wear a feminine, full skirt with a fitted button down, ballerina flats and pearls.
• Friday: Find an item you haven't worn in a while and FINALLY put together an outfit so you can wear it today.  No excuses!

Week #4:

• Monday: Take a cue from the runways and try a small scale floral top.  Pair it with structured pants to keep it from getting too Laura Ingall/Little House on the Prairie. 
• Tuesday: Mix up your suits, pairing the jacket from one with the pants from another.  Keep the mojo going and spice it up with several brooches at the lapel, or layer on several chunky necklaces.
• Wednesday: Purple is one of the reigning colors this season...try a dash in your outfit today.  If you're feeling particularly bold, pair it with golden yellow, or a dash of red! 
• Thursday: Get your safari on today.  Wear one safari inspired item, and add metallic touches, wooden bangles, and high heel gladiator sandals. 
• Friday: Roll up your khakis, layer on a classic tee and wear it with a skinny metallic belt and high heeled sandals.  Don't forget the chunky necklace to complete the look!

Styling Tip: If you aren't sure of any of these looks.. get out your favorite mags and take a break for yourself and browse their pages and take some notes. You get soem relaxation and some info for youself all at the same time!

Photo YOU Perfect!

HOW TO TAKE and LOOK GREAT IN PHOTOS...

Even with optimal conditions and great photographers, not every shot is a winner. In fact most aren't even close. To insure good photos you need to take a lot of shots. Micro-movements between shots can make the difference between bad and beautiful.

If you don't have access to armies of pros to get you ready for your close-up, these are a few tricks you can use:

Do test shots. Even if you plan to have a professional session, experiment with a digital camera to find how you look best.

Get lit. Lighting can make or break a photo. As part of your experiment, try these shots: with and without flash, with a lamp on one side then the other, then behind you. Take some outside in the sun and make sure to shoot some with the sun behind you.
NOTE: Too much shade and very bright sun can both make you look washed out.

Find your angle. Everyone looks better from an angle. Experiment with different side angles, then take some shots from above and below.

Spin your chin. Look straight at the camera then tilt your chin a little to one side while keeping your eyes on the camera.

Pose. Assuming you want to look slimmer put one foot in front of the other and turn to the side just slightly. Wear high heels and good shapewear. 

Makeup. Have your makeup done, it'll make a huge difference. At least arrange an appointment at your favorite makeup counter prior to the session.

Hair. Do the same for your hair unless you're SURE you can get it perfect.

Clothes. If you're using the shots for professional purposes we recommend solid colors (not black).

Say cheese! Make sure the smile is genuine.


Some VERY important Wardrobe Warrior Tips to remember....

• Always lean forward... you will look more approachable!

• Wear your best color.... boring black is just that...BORING.

• Tear pages from magazines or bring photos that you like. Having a clear vision before you go to your shoot will help get the best results.

• Bring several changes. When booking a session try and negotiate for at least 3 changes. You never know how an outfit will look until you see a shot of it. Wear necklines that look best on you and bring lots of different jewelry to "play" with

Now get out there and get those FABULOUS new Headshots  or photos for that special someone you have been putting off! SMILE you're on camera!

An Uplifting Experience

The Dark and White of Laundry!

 

You invest a good deal of time and money in your wardrobe.  Protect your wardrobe investments by putting into practice a few key tricks:

 

Keep your Dark's Dark.  Dark clothing needs a little special attention to keep it looking it's finest. The advice I gave customers from my days of selling clothing many moons ago still holds true today. Indigo and black dyes are notorious for fading (hello 80's faded denim!) so turn your jeans inside out before washing, wash in cold and avoid the dryer whenever possible. Also remember to zip them up so they don't snag on some other unsuspecting item in the laundry. That goes for anything you wash that has a zipper.

 

Washable darks like pants and button-down shirts need to be treated the same way. Wash inside out, and in cold water. And don't forget about the effects of the iron as well. Keep the garment inside out when ironing to help prevent fading.

 

Lastly, don't over-wash your jeans or other darks. They only need to be washed every third wearing, spaghetti lunch notwithstanding.

 

Keep your White's White.  To prevent those nasty yellow stains from occurring so fast on your otherwise brilliant white shirt, launder it after every use. What you can't see, such as body oil, perfume and even slight perspiration can start to yellow if not removed from the garment soon after wearing. You can also prevent nasty yellow armpit stains by wearing underarm shields.

 

Thoroughly examine your white shirts before laundering. Ring around the collar is easily solved by using a spot treatment with every washing. Also check the tips of the cuffs and other vulnerable stain areas to make sure that you don't set a permanent stain by not removing it before washing.

 

 Tip:  Take a cue from the pros...don't invest tons of money in white tee's and tanks.  If you really love the fit buy two and rotate their use or just plan on replacing these items each year.

Bring out your inner Style Icon!

 

 

Ever wonder how someone has a style so iconic that when you hear their name you get an immediate image in your head?  When I say the names Jackie O, Katherine Hepburn, Diane Keaton, Audrey Hepburn, Farrah, Beyonce', Jennifer Aniston, Heidi Klum or Victoria Beckham it's not difficult to conjure up a mental picture of the person and her style.

 

Who is your Style icon? What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of them?

 

How did they do it?  A style icon is someone who:

 

• Knows how to edit her wardrobe.  She only buys what will flatter her skin tone and body type.

• Is as concerned with how something fits as much as how it will fit into her wardrobe.  She has her tailor on speed-dial.

• Understands how to build a wardrobe that works.  She has all the "basics" and builds from there.

• Has a wardrobe of accessories and knows how to use them.

• Doesn't allow the fashion world to dictate her personal style.

• Mixes high and low.  She effortlessly combines her thrift store shirt with her designer skirt.

• Treats her clothing as a means of self-expression and isn't afraid to have fun with it!

 

Everyone has the ability to obtain style icon status.  Do you have "it"?

 

Words from the Warrior:  If you didn't see yourself in some of these style icon stats, why not?  Get to the root of that "no" and see what needs tweaking to turn it into a "yes"! 

 Style icons did not get there without being purposeful in their clothing choices and planning to make it happen!

An appointment or two with the Wardrobe Warrior and you could have ICON status! Be creating amazing outfits effortlessly.

 

 

What Do YOUR Favorite Colors Mean?

 Knowing the meanings behind colors can put you at an advantage.  If used wisely when getting dressed, color can help you in some unexpected ways! 

The Color White: Wear white if you need a mood lifter.  Nothing says bright and happy like a crisp white shirt.

The Color Black:  Wear black to symbolize prestige, but be sure to wear form fitting garments.  Oversize or baggy clothing will just look sloppy. 

The Color Gray:  Gray is the one color that alone says business.  It should be your first choice for a professional look.  The darker the gray, the more power it connotes. 

The Color Red:  Red is a very expressive color, so much so that people have a biological reaction to red: it gets people all hot and bothered by quickening the pulse and increasing the breathing rate.  Wear read when you want to imbue a sense of ambition or passion.  Hello, lady in red! 

The Color Pink:  Pink is a very feminine, gentle and calming color and speaks of innocent romance.  Women in pink tend to be more attractive to men so wear pink on a first date.  It will exude warmth and tenderness, immediately putting you both at ease!

The Color Purple: Purple has traditionally represented luxury, royalty, wealth and sophistication.  Purple is known to stimulate the imagination.  Wear it when you're pursuing more creative endeavors.

The Color Blue:  Blue is the most popular color. Opposite to red, blue affects us biologically by producing feelings of peace and tranquility.  Wear blue to a job interview if you want to show you have great loyalty. 

The Color Green: A calming and refreshing color, green represents nature. It's also the color of money, and can suggest wealth.  Wearing green will cause people to relax and trust you, also good for someone in a position of selling.

The Color Yellow: Yellow is the most difficult color for the eye to process, therefore it can be overpowering.  Keep your use of yellow to softer colors in the office.  Too intense and you may wind up with an angry co-worker. 

The Color Orange:  A fantastic way to command attention is by wearing orange. Orange shares aspects of both passionate red and happy yellow.  Since it indicates warmth and a strong personality, orange is the perfect color to wear when you need to stand out.

The Color Brown: Brown is an earthy color that is abundant in nature. Shades of brown symbolize reliability and structure, so it's an ideal shade to wear for business. 

Things to think about when it comes to color:  Think of color as your secret weapon!  If it scares you to wear too much color, try adding a few colorful accessories to your wardrobe and work up from there.

I love finding this to be able to share with everyone! It is always nice to know what you are saying with the colors you are wearing.

 

Time to BREAK UP with your suit!

Tell a woman she has to dress professionally and there is a lot of baring of the teeth and hand wringing that ensues.  Many women hear the words “business suit” and they get the shivers!

They immediately conjure up images of women running around corporate buildings wearing all-black suits with the ubiquitous white shirt while the words “stuffy”, “stodgy” and “boring” " no personality" float around in their head.  I mean, REALLY folks this not the dark ages!

The good news is most women have no need to wear a traditional matched two-piece suit. 

So if I’m breaking up with my suit, what constitutes an outfit that can still be called “professional”?
The modern take on a professional look can vary depending on your business type.  But for a polished look that is appropriate for every business setting, I would still recommend wearing a jacket.  This is especially true for a first interview, client meeting, certain networking events or whenever you’re not sure who is going to be present that you want to leave with a good impression. You only get one chance to make a good first impression!  Soft cardigans are nice and definitely have their place in your wardrobe, but they are not going to command the same authority as a structured jacket and say I am here and I am serious!

Pair your jacket with a trouser, or well made dark denim, in a complementary color, like a navy jacket with a tan pant, or a gray jacket with a black pant. REMEMBER, white is a year round color now as well. That pairing of complementary instead of matchy-matchy colors is what’s going to give your outfit an updated feel. Show off your identity and personality.  A skirt is a nice option as well, either an a-line or pencil shape is an easy pairing with a jacket.  Just be sure your skirt hits a few inches above your knee; any higher and it’s just not professional…I don’t care what they’re wearing on The Real Housewives of Anywhere!

Of course you can reach for that white collared shirt and it will always look professional, but for something that will leave a lasting (in a good way!) impression try a blouse in a v-neck or scoop neck style in a favorite color.  That navy jacket and tan pant combo would look fantastic with a soft lilac, pink, fuchsia or soft red top. And of course black, white and red is always a winner!  Feeling a little more creative?  Try a blouse that ties at the neck or some other embellishment like a simple ruffle front or look for a jacket that has playful details like 3/4 sleeves with unusual details.

And as always ACCESSORIZE!

Just keep in mind,  your professional look needs to help you create a good first impression, it’s best to choose on the side of being a tad conservative both in the colors you choose, the styling of your pieces and the accessories you wear.  Once you’ve slammed dunked  the job or landed the contract, gotten that new client, etc.. you can let that inner diva out a bit more, show a little more creativity and really let your personality shine through! PROFESSIONAL can still be fun!

Professional doesn't mean don't be yourself!

p.s.  A helpful hint : mix and match some of those suit pieces with other items in your wardrobe..you will be amazed at what you can come up with!