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!

Looking Stylish WITHOUT Breaking The Bank

You’re building your business, and now it’s time to head out to meet all the people you’ve been connecting with online, Facebook, Twitter or any other social media forum. You walk into your closet and don’t know what to wear to look the part. You want to look great, but you don’t want to spend a ton of cash before you’ve even got your first client. Making a great first impression is essential to your success.

Here are a few tips that can help you look great today and save you money.

1. Shop Your Closet. Is there anything that can be altered to bring it up to date? Make sure everything is in tip-top shape. Trim threads, adjust hems, make sure items are pressed and free of spots. Wear your best pieces to your next event.  Look for ways to mix and match existing items with something unexpected for a new twist. Don’t worry if you’ve worn it before. Wearing clothing only once is an old paradigm. It’s time to think like the fashionably chic Parisian’s do. Build your wardrobe with quality pieces that you can wear for years to come.
2. Wardrobe Fitting. Try on your outfits before you leave the event. It may seem time consuming, but you’ll avoid making mistakes. You won’t forget the shoes, the accessories, or even the right underwear for the outfit. You want to look and feel comfortable. Trying everything on before hand allows you to make the minor adjustments to make your existing wardrobe feel like it’s been customized especially for you.
3. Polish + Shine. If your budget doesn’t have any wiggle room for new shoes or a new purse, than make sure the shoes you choose to wear are polished, clean and ready to go.  Take them to a shoe repair and have them primed for your next event. If you have a pair of neutral shoes, it’s time to pull them out. Nude shoes are the rage. Dust them off, check the heels and see if they will work. Clean out your purse. Trim down all the junk. You’ll need your wallet, ( Get rid of all the receipts) your business cards, a small note pad, and a pen. Most of the business women I know have a special signature pen they carry with them. Check your drawers in your house. You may just have a beautiful pen that you forgot about. Make sure it has ink and your ready to go. These are the little details that finish off your look.
4. Solid Colors. Wearing solid colors to big events looks elegant, chic and classy. It’s not that prints don’t work, they’re great too. Solid colors make you look thinner,  and you’ll look powerful and dynamic in photographs. Plus packing solids will make it easier for you to mix and match items to change up the look of any outfit.
5. Your Signature Accessory. Chose something that is YOU! A great pair of earrings, a solid bracelet that doesn’t make a lot of noise, a beautiful statement necklace can make a huge impact and change any outfit into a chic ensemble. Keep it Simple. Even if you love accessories, don’t go overboard. If in doubt, take one item off before you leave the house.
6. A Great Hair Cut. Your hair is the one accessory you wear everyday. Make sure to get your hair cut and colored before your next big event. If you don’t have time to make it to the salon,  at least take the time to do a deep conditioning treatment on your hair at home.  A good blow dry makes a big difference also. Learn how to blow dry your hair like the pro’s do and you’ll always be able to look finished and polished for your events.
7. Fresh Face. Keep makeup clean and simple. Moisturize your skin, conceal only what needs help. Don’t go overboard on the foundation. It can actually make you look older than you are. Curl your lashes to open up your eyes, and add some waterproof mascara. A big event is not the time to have mascara under your eyes. Remember to carry a small powder compact or oil blotting papers with you to keep any unwanted shine under control. A lipstick for a quick touch up will make sure you look great and put together at all times.
As your business grows you can add key pieces to build your wardrobe and step up your style. For now, these seven simple tips will have you looking undeniably chic without spending a fortune.

Always remember your Wardrobe Warrior is here to assist in anyway I can! "You don't have to be rich and famous to be organized and styled"!

Wardrobe Warrior
http://www.wardrobe-warrior.com/
www.facebook.com/wardrobewarrior

Dress With Intention?

Do you get dressed with intention? 

When you get dressed each morning, you have a unique opportunity to display a message to others about you, your personality and your intention. 
What do I mean by intention?  The way you dress impacts how you feel and what you create in your life.  If you choose clothes that fit your body type, flatter your coloring, and are functional for your lifestyle, you will begin to attract what (and who) you want into your life.
Determine what you want others to see when they look at you and dress accordingly.  Want to appear successful?  Creative? Powerful?  Happy?  Then dress for it!! Don't let non-descript clothing or lack of a personal style speak for you!

 Tip:  Start paying attention to how clothing makes you feel.  Chances are if you feel drab or boring, that is how others will see you as well.  Be intentional in what you wear for what you want in life

New Year-New You

Its that time again..time to get to those "Resolutions" we make for the first of every New Year. I think they are great because they represent change and promise of good things to come for ourselves in the fresh new year. But, most everyone focuses their goals and resolutions around getting slimmer and changing their financial situations. Those are FABULOUS goals and resolutions, but along with those should come the story you tell from the outside... your "first Impression" . Think about your style and how it respresents you. Is your wardrobe a bit outdated or need a minor "face lift"?  Experts say that most potential employers or clients will form an opinion of you within 15 seconds of meeting you. In business and social situations, your image delivers a snapshot of everything you represent. So, as you are all going on these AMAZING journeys of health, fitness and goals to financial security. Think about a complete NEW YOU..head to toe as well as inside out. It may just the thing to land you that big client, or the job you've been wanting, or create a door to open for more prospects. Who knows? But one thing is for sure you only get one chance to make a first impression. Let's all make 2011 the year of many great "first impressions" and you and your style Rockin' it out!

Deb Hurter
Wardrobe Warrior