The weather is changing - this is the perfect time to transition your wardrobe from summer to winter. Does your closet look like this? Organized by garment type and then color? 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.
Looking to add an extra half hour to your day? With a professional wardrobe evaluation you'll experience efficiency & inspiration that puts time back on your side! Learn more HERE. DOES THIS COLOR LOOK GOOD ON ME? HOW TO WEAR ANY COLOR IN YOUR WARDROBE WITH 2 simple strategies8/30/2022
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). Strategy #1 - Repeat your personal coloring—your hair, eye, skin, and cheek/lip color—in your clothing. In other words, take your personal coloring down into your clothes. You can expect these colors to look fabulous on you AND you can wear virtually any color if you just add your colors to any outfit. Repetition of Hair Color Repetition of Eye Color Repetition of Skin Color Repetition of Blush and Lip Color Creating your clothing color palette is as simple as repeating the colors you wear all day every day in your clothes. Strategy #2 - Repeat your clothing color on or near your face—with makeup, earrings, hair accessories, headband, scarf, tie or hat. In other words, take your clothing color up onto or near your face. Repetition of clothing color with glasses Repetition of clothing color with hats 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... 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. If you’re done with mom jeans, it may be time to upgrade to Gram land with this classic trend anyone can wear. Speaking of trends...are you wondering which trends to adopt and which to leave to the teenagers? Wanting to look current yet age appropriate? Then you will love my personal style session where we zero in on the design elements that make your clothing choices oh so you. Learn more HERE. Check out my favorite Coastal Grandma finds BELOW
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. Did you know I have a travel packing service? Look great on vacation and carry a light suitcase? Unheard of right?!?! Packing beautifully is all about great planning. After this session, you will have a cluster specifically designed for your vacation, personal style, and figure with professionally created looks to amaze every day of your vacay. Hello photo op! Be sure to get the links for all of the resources BELOW 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.... There are NO figure flaws...ONLY fitting flaws. If the clothes don’t fit, it’s not your fault it’s the clothes fault! They may simply be the wrong shape for your shape. There are 7 main figure variations that are different from the ideal, which rarely exists. The ideal figure has shoulders symmetrical over the hips, she’s about 5’5”, bust cup size B, and she can walk into a store and most styles are going to fit her well. Instead of using the shapes of fruit to describe the different figure types, we use geometry. There just isn’t enough fruit to describe all of the different figures. So we’re going to use geometric shapes, because you may be exactly like one of these shapes, or you may be a combination. (See video for my method on how to determine your shape.) 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. 1. Large or small bust? Full-busted women need some extra support. Try under-wire tops or a suit designed for long torsos as you may need extra fabric. If you are smaller busted, try a halter neckline or a high boat neck style. 2. Long or short torso? One solid line of color (below left) visually elongates a shorter torso, while two pieces (below right) causes a longer torso to visually appear shorter. 3. Wider waist size? If you’re wider than you want to be in the waist, look for diagonal stripes, rouching, or color blocking with the dark panel on the outside. Design details like the grommets on the right draw the eye up and around the face while the extra fabric camouflages fullness in the waist. 4. Side thighs? There are options with this one as well. You can wear a longer swimsuit with a skirt or shorts but also bring the focus up with design contrast on the top half with darker, duller colors on the bottom. 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. Need help prepping for vacation? We'll get you packed by a pro with customized looks for each day of your trip so you can look great, forget about yourself and enjoy the trip! Get the details HERE. Vintage or Dated? How to Know What to Keep & What to Eliminate As You Revamp Your Wardrobe1/31/2022
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... 1. Look for a good fit in the shoulders and sleeves. 2. A small shoulder pad is great, but save the football sized shoulder pads for the 80's costume party. 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. 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.) Looking for a seasoned set of eyes to tell you what to should keep or toss? A wardrobe evaluation will help you look current and uniquely you instead of shabbily dated. I’ve been pondering on John Lennon’s Happy Christmas song, “So this is Christmas and what have you done?” While thinking of you, my clients and friends, I wondered what I could give you that would be helpful to you this time of year. Because so many of you would rather go to the dentist than go shopping, I've decided to give you the gift of my shopping treasure map. Being in the stores as often as I am, I’ve learned which stores have the highest turn over, which have the cleanest and well lit dressing rooms, who loves to crank up the AC in the winter and oh yeah who has the best clothing options for specific pieces, body shapes and personal style types. After all, you are good at what you do, you don’t have to be great at everything…especially shopping. That’s why you have me. Your friendly neighborhood stylist. (You thought I was going to say Spiderman, didn’t you?) "And so happy Christmas…." my gift to you is to help with your shopping, now and in the future. Feel free to share with those shopping for you who may need a little assistance. Disclaimer: The following resource list does not include product links or gimmicks but instead is a comprehensive list of my tried and true shopping places for your specific needs. (Both in person/in store or online.) Feel free to copy and paste to your notes on your phone to pull up when that moment of panic strikes because you can't find what you're looking for. If after reading this, you still feel like the dentist is a better alternative to shopping, I’m going to give you another gift. 10% off shopping and any of my packages when you purchase before December 25th with the code HAPPYCHRISTMAS THE GUIDE For Women
1. Tops - H&M, Marshall’s 2. Pants - Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Dillards, Loft & Athleta (joggers) Jeans - Madewell, Dillards (NYDJ brand & Levi’s) 3. Jackets/Blazers - Zara, H&M 4. Dresses - Nordstrom Rack 5. Suits - Ann Taylor, Zara, H&M (sometimes available) 6. Shoes - Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, 6pm For Men 1. Shirts - Nordstrom for dressy & athleisure, H&M for relaxed button up and polos 2. Pants - LuLu Lemon (athleisure), Banana Republic (dress & athleisure), Macy’s, Travis Mathews Jeans - Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Banana Republic 3. Jackets - H&M 4. Suits - Macy’s, H&M 5. Shoes - Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, 6pm The holidays are approaching, next up is Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday! And I'm not about to skip over it for any amount of blingy promotion for the December holiday they may throw my way. Why would you? It's all about gratitude, being together, and food. And who doesn't love to eat Thanksgiving style comfort food? Eating comfy doesn't mean you can't dress comfy and still look put together. Besides, Thanksgiving is one of those lovely holidays where you can focus on the abundance in your life, show respect for the occasion, and those around you. So let's dress up for it! It’s also a great way to show we care about others enough to look nice for them. So how do you balance comfort with style? Is it possible to dress comfy without looking like you're headed for the gym or back to bed? Yes, yes it is. Check out the live video from Good Things Utah (above). 1. Start with comfortable pants that stretch. Joggers or jeans are great. You may even try a faux leather jogger with the look of lux that you could wear all day long. 2. Add a shirt with a collar. I love a basic white shirt, and prefer a stiffer fabric in the collar that will stand up under a turtleneck or cowl neck sweater to create a little face framing magic. Yes, I know, very preppy. The shirt also adds angularity to the look, balancing any curviture in the face or on the bottom half of the body. 3. Add a third layer. A cardigan, jacket, or cowl neck sweater are my go-tos. This adds a little warmth and also tends to be more slimming. The cardigan and jacket break up the horizontal waist line to create the illusion of a smaller waist and the right sweater camouflages any tummy bulge. 4. Add a detail near the face to draw attention to your loveliness with a scarf or necklace. 5. Heels are a great way to dress up the stretchy pants. Nicer sneakers or ankle boots will also do the trick. It is possible to be comfy, eat comfy and also look hip while doing it. Need some help? I'm just a click away! the fall boot guideNeed a new pair of those oh so comfy I could wear them all day long boots? Click below for this professional stylist's top picks of the season. |
Dani SlaughImage consultant and personal stylist. Dani is happily married, the mother of 3 charming children, and an Aussie named Josie Wales. Archives
June 2023
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