Holiday Style Basics

Happy Holidays!!!! Here are a few brief tips for the holidays. Enjoy!

What are the 'in' looks this holiday season?
Ladies: Metallics, jewel tones, velvet dresses & jackets, dressy suits, peep toe heels, red or dark wine painted toe nails, classic anything, pearls, sexy boots, skinny jeans, leggings, longer coats, wearing what you feel amazing in!

Gentlemen: Velvet blazers, funky blazers with dark jeans, layers, red, off-centered designs on shirts or blazers, metallic ties, wearing what you feel comfortable in!

What should I wear to my corporate office Christmas party?
Ladies and gentlemen, wear outfits that feel comfortable, yet look classy. Wear something that still lets people know who you are at work. People don't forget what you look like or how you act at parties... Afterall, work must go on!

Ladies, you may want to avoid showing too much skin; you're still in a professional environment (or will be on Monday). A little black velvet dress would look fabulous! If you would like to stay away from dresses, you should wear a dressier suit with a non-traditional cami or embellished shirt to add some flavor. Throw on an extra accessory to complete the look. The key here is to think CLASSY, but fun.

Gentlemen, you have two basic options here, generally speaking. Shirt and tie combos or full suits, depending on the industry and party type. You may be able to get away with a fun blazer with dark jeans and nice shoes. This look would work for a more casual party.

What should I wear to my own Christmas party?
Ladies, go for what you can easily move in (as you're the hostess). Choose an outfit in which you feel confident, sexy and take-charge. A little black dress, dressy pants with an elegant top or a wrap, a pencil skirt with a low neck top, an A-line skirt with a fitted sweater... your options are endless here. Just make sure you feel confident and comfortable!

Gentlemen, show your guests just how much you respect them by dressing for the occasion. Wear a tie or a blazer if your party includes more cockails than beer. Sometimes, it is fine to wear a sweater, but this is tricky. If you do wear a sweater, make sure it honestly looks great on you. Sweaters can sometimes appear outdated and too casual. It's okay to be picky here!

Good luck with your party and enjoy yourself... Cheers!

(c) 2007 CB

Welcome to StyleLife!

Hi, I am Catherine, a StyleLife consultant in the St. Louis, MO area. Thank you for visiting my blog.

So what does a StyleLife consultant do? Well, I assist people with their style/fashion choices, closet organization, shopping- basically anything that relates to STYLE (personal or home). I want to enhance each person's style/image and to improve his/her confidence, whether it be a complete makeover or some encouraging words.

Put another way, style is a way of life! Clothes are a necessity in our society. Whether or not you wear clothes that fit and flatter you is your choice, but wouldn't you rather feel confident with what you wear and what you portray to others? And isn't time to help yourself, to make some time for yourself and to achieve a style that you love and with which you are comfortable and confident?

You deserve a treat for yourself! My goal is to improve the quality of your life, through style, without changing who you are.

This blog provides several tips, tricks and tools of the trade. If you would like to contact me personally, please email me at the address displayed at the top right corner of this blog. Once I receive your email, I will then provide you with my cell number so you can reach me at any time. I am available to answer style questions and to provide consultations. I look forward to working with you! Remember, today is your day!

Invest in Yourself

Ladies & Gentlemen: Make your clothes work for YOU!

Your style is an investment. Many people convince themselves that worrying about one's style is superficial and of low priority. However, buying appropriate clothes and maintaining your style/image is an investment in yourself, your life and your future- socially, professionally and personally. The way you maintain yourself speaks volumes and often times speaks louder than what you may say with words. Typically, your style can tell people about you and your interests, like whether you're detail-oriented, artistic, conservative, etc. Are you portraying the image you want people to see?

Taking care of yourself is extremely important. Your style needs maintenance and upkeep. Are you still wearing clothes that you wore when you first started your job ten years ago? When was the last time you donated to the Salvation Army or Goodwill? Weeding out old clothes feels liberating, and it helps you 'cleanse' your wardrobe.

People do judge us based on appearances, fact. First impressions usually happen within the first five minutes of meeting a person. What kind of impression are you making? What sorts of impressions do you formulate when you first meet people? Pay attention to first impressions, style, body language... what do you discover? If one doesn't feel comfortable or confident, others can perceive that. Don't let this happen to you!!! Achieve comfort and confidence just by using the proper tips and tools that I provide in this blog and in my affordable StyleLife consultations.

So how much should you spend on your style? This is a tricky question. Some say that 20% of your annual income is a good amount to go toward your style and wardrobe (without overspending). If you're clever, you can easily stick to 10%. It's all about coordinating main, high quality pieces with moderate to high quality accent pieces. You should choose higher quality for the pieces you wear more often. In the end, the piece pays for itself especially if it's a little pricier than other pieces.

Find pieces that are timeless and look fabulous on you NOW. If you just have to have a piece of trend-only fashion then make sure it actually looks and feels fabulous on you NOW. Try it on before you get it home. Can you walk, sit, stand, bend over, move comfortably while you're wearing it? Does the color/ pattern accent your features, not make you look pale or tired? Does the piece fit and flatter your figure, height and size? Do you feel amazing in it? If you answered "yes," then congratulations, it seems that you have found a piece for your wardrobe! If you answered "no," then please put the piece back on the rack and move on to the next item. Your fabulous pieces are out there; don't give up! And don't settle for something that you don't absolutely love! The goal is for you to exude confidence by loving how you look and feel.

If you have style/ closet organization questions or want to completely overhaul your closet, I recommend calling a style consultant. Your image represents who you are. If you would like to speak with me personally, please email me at the address shown at the top right corner of this blog, and I will contact you. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you.

(c)2007 CB All Rights Reserved.

DIY or Hire a Pro?

Should you hire a style consultant to enhance your style or should you do it yourself? Well, that depends on you. Do you have a lot of extra time, creativity and energy to devote to revamping or enhancing your style/ appearance? If your answer is "no," then hiring a style consultant would be very helpful. If you answered "yes," then you may be equipped to handle the style enhancement yourself, but keep a style consultant's number on hand in case you come to a roadblock or have questions along the way. A style consultant also provides encouragement in what may seem like a chaotic and emotional time.

You might still be asking, "Why should I hire a style consultant?" Well, a style consultant is a professional style expert. We know what looks good and what doesn't work so well. We are objective and imaginative. As a style consultant, I can help you save your time, your money and your sanity. I can save you money in the long run because I can help prevent big dollar mistakes. For example, many people actually spend too much money A. on too many clothes, B. on clothes that they may never wear, and/or C. on clothes that don't look flattering. I offer thorough guidance, ongoing advice, a constructive analysis of your current wardrobe, style, closet and body shape and encouragement along the way. I am here to help with any and all of your style needs at your convenience.

Do you need a little more confidence in yourself and your style? Do you want to be happier with your style and yourself? Would you like to purchase items that look and feel fabulous on you as you are now? Do you want to look in your closet and feel excitement, not anxiety? These are some questions that you should ask while deciding whether to hire a style consultant. If you answered "yes" to the above questions, you may want to hire a consultant right away. There's no better time than now!

I offer affordable, convenient style services. If you have any questions, comments, concerns or would like to schedule a style consultation, please email me at the address located the top right corner of this blog. Thank you, and I will get back to you immediately.

(c)2007 CB All RIghts Reserved.

Ladies AND Gentlemen

For the most part, I have posted advice geared toward women. However, many of the tips can work well for men as well. I apologize for failing to direct advice toward men since I do direct much of the information toward women. So, today, I am changing that! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you tips for all of you. I will continue to make an effort to give advice to both genders. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please post a comment or email me at the address located at the top right corner of this blog. Thank you and enjoy!

Mixing textures can be lots of fun. Be creative! Think smooth with not-so-smooth. Ladies, wear a satin-like top with a suede-like skirt. Add a strand of pearls and heels, and wow, talk about glamorous! Gentlemen, wear jeans, a leather jacket and a fitted T-shirt or try a pinstripe blazer with jeans.

Ladies, wear an interesting, textured scarf or tie as a belt or headband. Gentleman, ties are abundant. Find some interesting ones for yourself to coordinate with a suit or just your favorite pair of dress slacks. I've even seen ties pulled off well on guys in jeans... try it out for yourself.

Ladies and gentlemen: Layering tops is a great look. Take it one step further by jazzing up layers with different textures. This looks amazing and is perfect for the fall and winter seasons.

Wear accessories that accent, not detract from, the rest of your outfit. Too many accessories can look gaudy or over-the-top so be picky about which pieces you wear and when.

Mix and match. Ladies, ever feel like a princess and rock diva at the same time? Express it with your style. You can be girlie and rock’n’roll at the same time. Improvise and use your imagination! For example, pair a guitar necklace with a pink top. Gentlemen, ever feel like a rockstar and a professor all at once? Try pairing a dark blazer with a pair of jeans. Add a cool chain or leather necklace for a stylish impact.

Have fun!!! Getting dressed should be an amazing, inspirational time of day, not a dreaded chore!

(c)2007 CB All Rights Reserved.

Own Your Size

Wear your clothes in sizes that fit and flatter. Who cares what the tag says… I mention “sizes” as a plural because if you tried 10 different designer jeans in the same size, they would all fit you differently. I can wear 3 different sizes! If thinking about size really bothers you, cut off all of the size tags once your purchase the clothes. The important part here is to feel good about what you’re wearing. You’re sexy; own it!

Flattering your body is up to you. Much of the time when women attempt to hide what they think are their not-so-perfect areas, they actually HIDE their positive qualities. Reality check: we are women. Most of us do have curves. Let’s show them off!

There’s a line between too loose and too tight. You want to stay on the line of “just right.” Wear clothes that skim or glide over your body, not clothes that cling to or hide your curves.

Every body is different. If you are unable to hire a tailor/ seamstress to custom-fit your clothes, try choosing only the clothes that fit & flatter you off the rack. Try on every piece in the store fitting room before you purchase it to make sure that it fits and flatters you. If you hire a tailor, start with your most “important” pieces first to make the biggest impact on your wardrobe.

It's not your size that matters; it's the way you feel about yourself that matters!

(c)2007 CB All Rights Reserved.

Style Update

Your style is a very personal and expressive form of art. Your style should be comprised of what you want others to see, what you want to see yourself, what makes you feel amazing and what excites you every day, especially when you get dressed. So, how do you achieve such an ideal style? That's easy! Take a thorough, OBJECTIVE look at yourself. Use the following questions as a starting point. Think of it as a very personal interview! Be honest with yourself and embrace the results.

List three (3) or more words that describe your personality.

List three (3) or more words that describe you, physically.

How do you think people currently view you, physically?

How do you think people view you based on your emotions and personality?

How long have you had your current wardrobe?

Do you have a defined style?

How often do you clean out your closet and weed out old clothes?

Do you own clothes that you don’t really like or don’t ever wear?

What is your least favorite piece from your wardrobe? Why do you still own it?

Who are your fashion icons? Why?

Are there any items of clothing that you want to try to wear but haven’t tried yet? If so, what are these items? Why haven’t you tried to wear them yet?

Have you recently had a life change (gaining/losing weight, graduation, new job, marriage, kids, divorce, career change, self-exploration)?

Are you bored with your style, wardrobe or closet?

Do you have a closet full of clothes but suffer from "I-don't-have-anything-to-wear-itis?"

Your style should reflect who you are, what you want to see on yourself and what you want other people to see. After thinking about the above questions, do you have a better sense of your real style? How different is your real style from the style you currently own in your closet? Do you currently have a defined style or a mix of everything?

When should you update your style? Well, if you are asking this question, then the answer is "now!" Confidence is the key when choosing and maintaining your style and wardrobe. If you aren't 100% happy with each and every piece you own, then it is time for a change. Maybe the change entails weeding out some older clothes and adding some new items... Maybe the change involves looking at yourself and your closet differently... Whatever the change, you're in for a treat! Wouldn't you feel better about your style, yourself and your life if you were more confident and projected that attitude in your style? I thought so.

What should you do if you don't have time to update your style or don't know where to start? That's simple. Contact me today for a free estimate. I will work to fit your schedule and your budget. I can teach you how to organize your closet, how to define your style and how to be confident with your style and yourself. I offer many consultation options from a Closet-Cleanout to Personal Shopping Assistance to a Complete Style Enhancement. I will work to fit your style needs, whatever they may be! Your style should represent who you are NOW. Focus on the present you because you are fabulous now! To contact me with questions, comments, concerns or to schedule a consultation, please post a comment or email me at the address located at the top right corner of this blog. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you! Remember, today is your day!

(c)2007 CB All Rights Reserved.

Color Me Pretty!

Make colors and patterns work for you!!!

*Mixing patterns is tricky so if you’re unsure how they look, try one patterned piece at a time. Too many patterns will clash and can look tacky.

*Find your color palette. Do you have a cool, warm or neutral skin tone? Colors can affect your mood and your appearance.

*Mix and match your clothes. Did you know that you can piece together 15 different outfits with 5 main pieces without looking like you’re wearing the same things over and over?

*Build a foundation for the rest of your wardrobe. Be creative when you’re shopping for new items. Will they coordinate with other items (old or new)? Are they classic or trendy?

*For a slimmer look, wear solid colors.

*Wearing conservative colors in a professional setting is the typical ‘professional uniform.’ However, you can add a splash of color and still look professional. Accent & balance are the keys! Try a brighter colored accessory or cami (under a jacket, of course) for a fun change.

Brighten up your wardrobe (even if just weekend wear); brighten up your life!

(c) 2007 CB All Rights Reserved.

Go Figure!

Ladies, it's time to feel good about your bodies as they are NOW!

What looks best on your figure?

Please keep in mind that this is a brief (not exhaustive) list, and there may be exceptions. This is your chance to have fun trying different styles, fits and textures. Mix and match fitted pieces with not-so-fitted pieces. Try layering pieces for an amazing look, especially great for fall and winter. Remember that size and height also play important roles when assessing what will look best on your figure. No two people are the exact same, so enjoy your individuality and empower your femininity!

Most shapes:
"True waist belts," wrap dresses (fabric depends on individual), a perfect-fitting bra (see Victoria's Secret to find your true size), a smile and confidence!!! I cannot stress the last two (smile & confidence) enough! Enjoy who you are and what you wear!

A-shape:
Button-down tops, longer tops that fall past your "lower waist," deep V-neck tops, long flowy tops, A-line skirts, wide-leg pants that flatter hips- The key here is to balance the top and bottom portion of your body.

AV-shape:
Long dressy jackets, slight V-necks, scoop necks, longer tops, A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, tailored/fitted dress pants that skim over the hips, collared button-ups- Here, we want to embrace your curves!

V-shape:
Flowy (not overly loose) dresses, Empire waist tops and dresses, A-line skirts- The key here is to balance the top and bottom portion of your body, reverse from the A-shape. Here it is even more important to have a bra that fits, for medical reasons and for style reasons!

Linear:
Pencil skirts with collared button-ups and a "true-waist belt," (fitted) halter dresses, deep V-necks, sometimes even plunging necklines, dresses with "rouching" at one side- Here we are aiming to amp up, or give the illusion of, curves.

O-shape:
Avoid the potential trap of trying to "hide" in your clothes. Choose pieces that accentuate your favorite features. Longer suit jackets with matching pants, flowy (not overly loose) tops, mostly solid colors, few to no horizontal stripes- Here the important part is to find what works best with your height in addition to your shape.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please leave a comment or email me at the address at the top right corner of this blog. Thank you!

(c)2007 CB All Rights Reserved.