We have many excuses for hibernating during this festive time of year.  As I'm writing this, hibernating seems to be my M.O. due to a post Thanksgiving cold followed by a skin treatment that, trust me, no one wants to look at.  Needless to say, I've had my share of Christmas films and Food TV's holiday baking challenges of late. So forgive me for the cheesy movie references. Have you found yourself staying in more?​ Is it too cold to go outside and not worth the effort to leave the comfort of your warm house and fuzzy slippers? Or like the Grinch, and me after a skin treatment, is your schedule booked with at home "self loathing" activities? Or do you simply have no answer to the question, "But WHAT will I WEAR?!"  Not to worry, my friend. We're going to get through this together. I'll be ready to face the world within a week and it will be quicker than that for you to be the belle of the ball, office party, church activity or whatever is on your schedule that's worth taking the slippers off for.  I've got the tips for you to be the best dressed, anything-but-the-grinch, person at your holiday party.

Wear them with shiny navy corduroy pants, a black skirt and tights, or jeans and boots.  ​

***But really, the best tip for your holiday look is to smile.  Yes, Buddy the elf is very, very wise. ***

Thoughtful gifts are also a favorite of pretty much everyone.  Here's your chance to be a considerate gifter by giving your loved one the gift they will use every day for the rest of their lives.  The gift of confident, charismatic, authentic style.  Get the details HERE. 
And to help you out a little, I'm gifting you a limited time $ savings. 
GET 5% OFF STYLE PACKAGES WITH CODE HAPPYCHRISTMAS. 
​Expires December 25th.  

When I was a girl, my mom used to sew dresses for me and my sisters for some of the major holidays.  Christmas, Easter, and occasionally Thanksgiving.  The first two holidays had dresses, usually fitted at the waist dresses, that looked amazing when twirling in them.  Then there was the Thanksgiving dress, which always allowed room to grow.  She was definitely onto something.  Why not enjoy the best low stress holiday of the year with clothes that are equally pretty and comfortable.  Yes, stretchy pants are still an option, but a little more polish reminds us that the dark days of covid hibernation are in the past.  I have some great options for you - and btw they all passed my personal try on fit test.  ​

Check out the video segment from Good Things Utah below. 

In the spirit of the season, thank you so much for taking the time to read my Thanksgiving dressing done well post and for being the caring person that you are. If you took the time to read this, you obviously care about others and giving them something wonderful to look at.  Gracias, malo, wir danken dir, tak, merci, kansha shimasu! (Thank you in Spanish, Tongan, German, Danish, French, and Japanese.) All the best to you and your loved ones this holiday.  ​

While a rainbow of flavors is great for Skittles, it doesn't translate into closet efficiency. 
Yes, it looks lovely, but this method generally costs you an extra 15-30 minutes and creative energy every time you go to get dressed. When organizing by color or garment type, the clothes that are grouped together aren’t the clothes you would wear together.  So each time you go to get dressed you have to come up with a new way to wear the multiple combinations, usually recreating the wheel and taking up a lot of time and creative energy.  So most just revert back to wearing the same thing every day. (Which is why most people only wear 20% of the clothes in their closet.) Or just buy something new because they get tired of wearing the same thing everyday but don’t want to take the time to style what they already own. This revamp method will save you time without wearing a uniform so you can get out the door quick and look amazing. 

1.  The first step is to take out the summer or (off-season weight clothes). 
2. Put together outfits with the things you love. 
3. Expand those outfits…creating a 5-8-12 piece cluster that includes tops, bottoms and 3rd layer pieces that all work together.  (Use ring dividers to section off.) 
4. What’s left? Wardrobe orphans that work into the clusters? Are they just missing a piece to make them wonderful or do they fail to bring you joy? (As Marie Condo would say.) Did you hate it or did you not have anything to wear with it. If it needs another item to go with it put that on your shopping list.
5. Use your shopping list to fill the closet with love.  I'm so happy to help with this one!  Let the focused shopping begin.  

This process will put time back on your side!  Check out my list of pro tools like my favorite hangers to make this revamp process even better. GET IT HERE OR CLICK on the image BELOW. 

One of the questions I am asked most often is, does this color look good on me? The key to choosing the best colors for you is to become part of the color scheme with your clothes - to be harmonious.  So that the clothes are not wearing you! Yet some colors just make you feel alive, some make you feel calm, some make you feel regal, and many of these colors have nothing to do with your personal coloring.  Can you wear those? Yes, yes and yes!  When you learn your best colors, you can sprinkle them into any outfit and/or combine them with other colors to look harmonious, gorgeous, handsome, put together, AND in tune with the emotions those other colors evoke.   HERE'S HOW...(be sure to check out the video at the end of the post).
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​Repetition of clothing color with glasses

Don’t box yourself into a specific color palette by calling yourself a “season”. It takes the fun out of changing the colors you wear as the seasons change.  You literally can wear most any color by just adding your personal coloring to that favorite color or by repeating the clothing color up and around your face. Not sure what your personal colors are? You'll love my brilliant coloring session that includes your own personal color swatches to combine with any and all of your favorite colors. Learn more HERE.​

If you are dreaming of that beachy, upscale, Hampton-esc vacation ala Martha Stewart, Diane Keaton, Ina Gartin, and Nancy Meyers. The coastal grandmother vibe could be for you.  It’s comfy, it’s casual, it’s chic…it’s also classic and fairly timeless. In spite of the TikTok hype surrounding this trend, the clothes are about as classic as they come. Which means you won’t regret spending a bit more money on some of these items because they’re not going out of style any time soon. Start with simple pieces like...
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1.  Collared button up shirt​ - the collar frames the face and vertical buttons draw the eye toward the middle for a more slim focus.  Leave it untucked for a super relaxed look, or tuck it in to emphasize your waist. ​

2.  Straight leg pants and/or wide leg shorts - with silhouettes that work for most figure types.  Finally we have shorts that are great for ladies who have broader hips!

3.  Comfy shoes - even better with a little platform, who couldn't use a little lift to spice up the granny vibe?  These are water resistant. 

4.  Woven hat - because sun protection is always a good thing.

5.  Sweater - even tied over the shoulder for a ready for any weather on the coast vibe.

6.  Linen, or light-weight organic fabrics - easy breezy is key with this look.  Look for high quality fabrics made from responsibly sourced materials and recycled cotton. 

7.  Washed out beachy colors with an occasional nautical stripe - picture a bright colored towel you left out in the sun for days...that's what we want.  Summer sun-bleached colors. 

On my last trip, traveling through the airport, I noticed the one thing most travelers had in common. Wearing sneakers. Most people had them on. And most, while going through security, balancing bags and retrieving digital devices also spent extra time fumbling to take their sneakers on and off. I noticed how much more efficient and less stressful it was to slip off the slip on shoes. Seriously, there are plenty of legitimate things to worry about when traveling, like which gate you’re going to and if you remembered to take your favorite pocket knife out of your bag.  Hasteling with your footwear is one stress that can be easily avoided. There’s also the added benefit of slipping your shoes off on the flight, hello happy toes. Which as you and I know, can be a tricky endeavor when you’re dealing with laces and confined to the itty bitty space between your seat and the seat in front of you on the plane. This is why slip on shoes top my list of genius travel packing tips. Check it out below👇

1.    Slip on heaven in the form of shoes - although these don’t go in your suitcase per se, they’re a travel staple. Be sure to choose those that have the versatility of working with most of the clothes you packed.

2.    Alternate style of shoes - yes shoes are on this list twice…they are that important. There are two things that are instant vacation busters  - one is getting a blister on your first day away and the other is getting a sunburn on the first day, (which is why the next item is on the list). If your shoe does happen to rub you wrong, be sure to have an alternate style that can’t possibly rub in the same area. This pro stylist recommends two-three pairs of shoes. One flat shoe and one with a lift that can be dressed up or down.

3.    Travel purse - Great sized cross body travel bag for phone, passport, credit cards, lip stick. Wear under your jacket on the train to avoid pick pockets.  Just be sure to remove your favorite pocket knife before going through TSA.  I used this for one of my trips and loved it so much, I stuck with it when I got home.  It fits easily into a larger purse if you need to pack more.  

4.    Make up remover mini-towel - my new favorite thing. A great way to remove the day’s face paint while reducing waste caused by wet wipes. It’s so small, that it easily fits in your makeup bag.  Just add water, wipe the makeup off, rinse out with soap, and it’s ready for you the following day. Easy peasy and planet friendly.

5.    Warm fuzzy socks - hotel rooms can be cold places, there’s nothing like a pair of warm fuzzy socks to bring comfort of home without taking much space. If you’re like me and tend to get cold feet when you first go to bed, these warm you up and slip off easily during the night.

6.    Zip lock bags - it’s so simple that some may think unnecessary until you’re the one who has their favorite smelly lotion leak all over the inside of your bag spilling over into every piece of clothing you brought. Sometimes staining and ruining them. Anything that can spill, put in a zip lock bag. It’s also handy to have one for each swimsuit, in case there’s no time for it to dry between destinations. I also pack underwear and shoes in their own bag.  It’s nice to add the dirty underwear to the bag on the way home and keep the dirt on your shoes inside the bag.

7.    Primer with sunscreen - keeps the make-up on all day long for travel pics you don’t need to be embarrassed by.

8.    Cluster your clothes - the most efficient way to plan which clothes to pack. With 3-4 tops and 2-3 bottoms that all work together, you will have more outfits with less clothes and a smaller bag to lug around. See the complete list of cluster guidelines HERE.

9.    Tide Travel Packets - pack less and if you need to do the wash, these tiny packets make it pretty easy.

10.    Mini perfume - smell as lovely as you would on date night at home when you add your favorite fragrance to this tiny vial. (Be sure to pack it into an equally tiny zip lock bag).

11.    Super compact umbrella and/or stuffable wind breaker - getting caught in a downpour is no fun! I always throw in at least one of these depending on the destination.

12.    Fashion emergency kit - 17 essential items for life's little mishaps.  Never underestimate the power of stain remover on your first day of the trip when you plan to wear the same shirt a few more times.

And “you’re off to great places, today is your day” so says Dr. Seuss. Instead of worrying about packing and having the right thing for travel emergencies check off this list and you’ll be looking, smelling, and feeling amazing! Safe travels my friend.

Have you ever had that experience where you absolutely LOVE the dress on the instagram model or mannequin, but when you actually try it on, it's down right awful?  And hopefully your first response IS NOT what's wrong with me? I wish I were.... 
Remember these wise words spoken by my mentor of all things image, Judith Rasband....
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The easiest, or beginning strategy, is to simply repeat your shape with the same shape in your clothes.  Here are just 4 of the 7 main figure variations (below).  Notice how the dress on the left is shaped like a triangle, which is great for the triangular figure type as it fits narrower shoulders and camouflages a fuller hip.  Inverted triangle is second from the left, accommodating broader shoulders and narrower hips.  Rectangular figure types (right of center), those with shoulders symmetrical over the hips and very little waist indentation, will find the rectangular shaped dress to be a quick, easy fit.  And hourglass shaped women, those with fuller hips and bust will appreciate the dress shaped like she is, with more waist indentation, (far right). ​

The second strategy, which works for virtually every figure type, is to bring attention toward the middle. Create a longer line that draws attention in and up and around your face.  Do this with any type of contrast.  It’s not just about covering up.  It’s about controlling where people look at you.  If you have larger hips, don’t put the contrast there (with lighter colors, wide stripes, etc).  If you have a tummy bulge, don’t place a circular pattern on your tummy so that it becomes the target of focus.   This could include adding a third layer piece, a vest, sweater or jacket to create a contrasting line in the center front, (left).   Adding a necklace to bring the focus in, (left of center).  A noticeable vertical row of buttons will also create a longer visual line, (right of center). Even a short necklace will bring the focus away from a broader body silhouette and up to the face, that's right, back to the "money maker", (far right). 

There are more options, but the first step is to determine your specific figure variation.  To learn your version of the ideal, and gain your fabulous fit, you'll love my hybrid virtual/in person session.  Check out the details HERE. 

“My teenager looks like an old man!” Says my client when talking about the trend of late…baggy jeans.  It’s always in fashion to mix up the fashion.  After a long run of skinny jeans, the trend was bound to change directions at some time.  So here we have it folks, baggy and / or mom jeans.  For those of you who only remember wearing skinny jeans, this new one is going to take some serious behavior modification and maybe even counseling.  You can wear a different style of pants. I believe in you!
The problem with a new trend is that it often favors the ideal figure type. Once the trend becomes more mainstream, manufacturers modify the design to work for more than just the ideal figure.  This baggy trend is no exception. Ideal figure or not, here are 8+ ways to wear baggy jeans and look slim, chic, and comfortable without looking like an old man…or sloppy looking teenager.

1.  Look for jeans that are fitted above the hips and loose below, instead of those that are wide from the waist down  - the second option tends to bag out around the zipper creating a tummy pooch....oof.

2.  Add some stretch. ​A bit of stretch = a bit more comfy. When in doubt look at the label, even 1% of elastane will make the difference in more comfortable movement - especially when sitting.

3.  Bring on the fitted top. When one piece is loose fitting, balance it with another that is more form fitting.  

4.  Give yourself the illusion of a waist!  Here you have many options.  If you are so inclined to show some skin and have a small waist,  wearing a crop top or crop top with a jacket or shirt jack will draw the eye to your narrower waist, balancing a bulkier leg.  

5.  Another way to draw attention to the waist without showing your belly is to simply tuck in your shirt, with or without a belt. Adding a belt will also draw attention to the waist, with the added bonus of looking more pulled together.  Be sure to blouse the top slightly above the waistband. 

6. Tie it up! Knotting a shirt at the waist draws attention to the waist and camouflages a tummy bulge. ​ It's also a great way to add shape to an oversized shirt and give you the illusion of a waist. 

7.  Try a top with should pads - broadening the look of the shoulders will often make the waist appear more narrow. 

8.  Give yourself a lift with heels/platforms/wedges - this elongates the visual line making you appear more tall and less wide. 

All of the sources for images above can be found in my online catalog HERE.  For a more customized approach to know the best fit for your figure, you'll love my Fabulous Fit session.  You'll know your figure type and love the many options you'll have to create your illusion of the ideal - looking true to you gorgeous! 

Are sunny skies calling your name? Are they expecting you in swimwear? Before you go through Rapunzel style mood swings about getting into a polka-dot bikini, take a deep breath, ponder your beautiful body that takes you to that sunny vacay and answer the four questions below.  Find the resource catalog next, and order your peace of mind in the form of a swimsuit for sun filled memories of fabulous fun. 

 Floating in water is calming, almost euphoric to some, it's definitely my happy place. What you put on your body should put you in the mood for the mental rest that's sure to come.   When you learn how to dress for your shape, and confront those troubled areas head on, you'll be on your way to a vacation just by donning your swimsuit.  Pick the right fit for you with my catalog below.​

Have you ever looked at something in your closet and wondered if it looks dated?
Does it make you appear less current and somehow communicate you are  less witty and charismatic in the process? Now is a great time to declutter and streamline the wardrobe, so I thought I'd provide advice on common suggestions I give my clients when revamping their closet.    After all, the key is to look like the most vibrant version of you, instead of a dusty - recently unboxed from grammy’s stuffy attic - version of you.  (Unless you’re going to a Golden Girl's themed party.) When we really analyze the clothes that tend to outlast the trends and become vintage, they are often simple in style, line and shape.  ​With this in mind, you will be smart to...​

3. Avoid oversized, 70s era gigolo sized collars. They may be spot-on for another themed costume costume party, but not your every-day current looking wardrobe.  Make sure the collar is small to medium, in proportion to your body size.  ​

4.  Look for medium to small lapels on jackets instead of the oversized alternative. 

5.  The shabby chic ruffled edges on sweaters and jackets have transitioned to a more stream-lined edge. 

6.  Avoid clothes with dirty looking distressed areas on them, usually found on the thighs and back side.
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Now that you have the list of "rules", know that rules were meant to be broken....it's not just what you wear but how it works for your body type, coloring and personal style.  It's not just what you wear, but how you wear it.  However, if you stick to the list, you will look like the most vibrant version of you, instead of someone stuck in time.  (For this year anyway.)