Lots of Luxe

17Sep

The Key to Easy Outfits is Mastering Monochromatic Dressing

September 17, 2020 Lots of Luxe

Want to make dressing easier with one simple step? Try your hand at monochromatic dressing for a surprisingly stylish look with little effort.

If you struggle with getting dressed every morning, you might be tempted to try anything to change that. There is an effortless way to look chic every day, and that is using monochromatic looks.

The good news is, you probably already have plenty of outfits to start with, and you might not even know it. You might be wondering what I mean by a monochromatic look, and simply put, it’s all about wearing separates of the same color, but with different textures and tones for some flair. You might think the same color from head to toe is dull, but au contraire! Monochromatic dressing can be incredibly chic and powerful.

Here’s how to create a monochromatic look the next time you step into your closet. You might surprise yourself with how simple this is!

When picking out a monochromatic outfit, start with what you already have. Decide which colors you have most in your wardrobe. If you already organize your closet by color, you are a step ahead! After seeing what you have in the same colors, you can mix and match; creating outfits, you may not have thought to put together. You can choose seasonal colors or neutrals, whatever works for you!

White/Cream

“No White After Labor Day” rule be damned, it doesn’t exist anymore. Wearing monochromatic white or cream is done by wearing the lightest tones of white or cream at the bottom and similar hues in the same color family, be it the identical cream/white color, oatmeal, or taupe colors on the top. Wearing cream, taupe, and oatmeal colors top-to-bottom will give a monochromatic look a bit more depth.

Black

If you decide to wear monochromatic black, having all the same shade of black will elongate your silhouette, and you will appear taller and slimmer. This is also true for navy and browns. For many women, this is exciting news! But, it’s essential to add some excitement to the outfit. This can be done with different textures or delicate patterns. You can also add pops of color with a scarf or handbag.

Gray

You can definitely wear all gray (or any neutral). Gray can look classic and chic. If you want to try a monochromatic look but don’t want to try bold colors, gray is an excellent place to start. There are so many shades of gray, and silver tones can be integrated too.

Try Sticking with One Color Family

Many people might shy away from wearing a bold color from head to toe, but it can be done. Just like with all black, sticking to any one color can elongate and slim you. Monochromatic looks can be done with jewel tones, neutrals, or a “color family.” The key is to keep all your separates in the same color palette. Don’t be afraid to experiment with monochromatic looks!

Add a Pop of Color

If you want to break up a monochromatic outfit with a pop of color, you can! Adding a brightly colored accessory can make it pop. While your outfit will remain a visual relief from patterns and colors, a bright accessory can add some interest. Add a hat, handbag, or outerwear in a different color than your outfit. A great necklace or bracelet and earrings with color can be a great way to add that pop-of-color, too.

Welcome a Stylist’s Opinion

If you need an opinion or want a wardrobe stylist to help you create a monochromatic look (or any look), we are available. If you aren’t sure about a particular look, a second opinion from an expert eye is helpful. If dressing is a struggle, we have so many solutions available, from wardrobe styling to personal shopping to a Box of Luxe. If you want to see how it works, reach out for a consultation. See you soon!

27Aug

Size Isn’t Standard

August 27, 2020 Lots of Luxe

Body Positive Changes to Finding Clothes that Fit

Women have cursed their size for decades. Some decades have been worse on us than others (think the gaunt models of the 90s when anything more than super thin was out), and thankfully we’ve made some progress on how we view women’s bodies. Lately, the media shows a variety of shapes, from petite to full-figured, and models are more diverse than they ever have been. Still, worrying about size is a common problem for women. If we aren’t a particular size, we feel bad.

It’s safe to say that most women have worries about their size, whether it be “comparisonitis” with other women or how personal size stacks up with the “ideals” we see in the media. There is no shortage of women who are not happy with their clothing, size or visiting the fitting rooms. I think it’s time to change that!

Here’s the thing: It’s less about your size and more about fit. Let’s emphasize a good fit over a number that comes on the tag. When women wear well-fitting clothes, they feel good about themselves, regardless of size!

Clothing size is merely a number, a measurement. It has no emphasis on how kind, funny, or astonishingly beautiful you are. Size cannot quantify your beauty and worth. Let size be just a number and focus on how you feel instead.

One thing that can help you achieve feeling good in your clothes is connecting some valuable words to your personal style. What is your truth when it comes to your style? Is it cool, posh, outrageous, iconic, luxurious, or striking?

Here’s what to ask yourself: What words do I want to attribute to my personal style?

As I write this, I am reminded just how powerful words are. Having powerful words assigned to the clothing you wear gives your personal style definition that you can rely on when putting outfits together or purchasing new items each season.

This idea is an inspiration from Brenda Kinsel, who has written about her search for the perfect sized jacket. She finally narrowed it down to a petite medium, after trying on a few sizes, saying, “And you know how I knew it was the right size for me? The standard-sized jackets felt dowdy on me. I wouldn’t have bought it. I’m a spunky, spirited kind of gal, and dowdy isn’t in my style vocabulary. When I got to the petite medium, it felt just right.”

Brenda makes an excellent point here. If your personal style is defined as “spunky,” for example, then anything “dowdy” just can’t be right for you!

Want some more tips? Here are five tips for nailing your personal style and focusing on fit, not size.

1. People notice when you look and feel good, and size is irrelevant. Size is for you (and your personal stylist) to know. Nobody else knows or cares for that matter. When you walk into a room as your-best-dressed-self, you get noticed regardless of your size. That’s why focusing on fit is so much more important. When clothes fit, you know it, and you feel good. You’ll also attract a lot of compliments. Fit is more important than any number.

2. When you wear clothes that fit, you are much more comfortable AND your confidence level immediately goes up. Comfortable fitting clothes allows you to relax, be yourself, and focus on more important things. Time spent tugging and pulling on ill-fitting clothes is time wasted. Don’t waste your time trying to fit into the clothes. Instead, concentrate on how well your clothes fit and watch how you’ll have an extra pep in your step.

3. Remember that size is often relative. Have you ever been one size in a store and a totally different size in another? Clothing sizes for women fluctuate from designer to designer. Some designers’ silhouettes might run small and others larger. Clothing size varies a lot, so don’t be so hard on yourself. If clothing size isn’t even down to a science, then it shouldn’t be fretted over! Even if you think you’re sure of your size, it’s always a good idea to take two or three sizes into the fitting room, so you can decide which fit feels best.

4. Your body changes a lot. Give yourself some credit for being a woman, first and foremost. Over the years, our bodies change, and therefore, clothing sizes change. Even if your weight has been the same for years, our bodies can suddenly hold weight in different areas, or water weight can be a culprit in tightly fitting clothes. Cut yourself some slack because this is normal, and it happens to every body. If anything doesn’t fit you anymore, it’s time to consign it or donate it! You get to buy new clothes that fit right and make you feel wonderful while another woman will get to enjoy your previously-loved clothing.

5. Fashion changes and so do sizes. That has nothing to do with you or your body. Designers change the way clothes fit and fashion trends can change the way things fit on us. Once again, find clothes that fit your body without worrying too much about the numbers.

Finding Clothes that Fit With a Personal Stylist

Finding clothes that fit can be a frustrating task for many women. But it doesn’t have to be. If you need help implementing the tips above, we’re always available. Sometimes, finding clothes that fit and make you feel great can be accomplished by using professionals, from tailors to wardrobe stylists. If you need help finding clothes that always make you feel fabulous, contact us for a consultation.

16Jul

Don’t Leave the Fitting Room Without Knowing These Rules for a Perfect Fit

July 16, 2020 Lots of Luxe

Sometimes the perfect fit can seem rather elusive. And, it doesn’t matter if you’re petite, really tall, or full-figured. All shapes and sizes of women seem to have a common problem — finding clothes that unequivocally fit. When you’ve found that perfect pair of jeans that fit like a glove, we tend to cherish them like a prized possession, and that’s how you know the perfect fit is rare!

Aside from having a wardrobe stylist who can find you the perfect fit, the following fashion secrets are your best bet for finding clothes that truly fit. If you’re shopping on your own, here’s how to ensure all of your clothes fit properly.

If you’re trying on pants…

Give yourself a little extra wiggle room when trying on pants. You should be able to put two fingers inside the waistband. The truth is…sometimes we’re bloated. Women can’t expect to measure the exact same way all the time. So, having a bit of room will ensure you’re always comfortable in your pants and you won’t have to worry about them being suddenly too tight. It’s important to keep in mind that there should be no puckering or wrinkling in the front panel of the pants, and if that’s the case, they are too tight. On the flip side, if the fabric doesn’t lie flat, especially when you sit down, the pants are too big.

You have heard me say this before, having a tailor is crucial when it comes to the proper fit. Even the best quality pants’ pockets can gap when you sit down. And, many times, pants are too long. An easy fix is having a tailor remove the pockets to create a smoother silhouette and of course hemming the pants to create the perfect length for you is also easy and a must.

If you’re trying on blazers or jackets…

The best test to see if a blazer fits perfectly is being able to give someone a big bear hug. If you can’t comfortably give someone a hug or you can’t drive comfortably with it on, your blazer is too tight. When trying on blazers, make sure they aren’t too snug by wrapping your arms around yourself. Sometimes, blazers seem to fit until we decide to button them. If you prefer an open blazer, as long as the blazer isn’t too tight across your shoulder blades, it’s okay to leave them open. If you prefer a buttoned blazer, be sure it’s not too tight in the front!

When it comes to the seams, the shoulder seams should sit right on your shoulders. If the seam is too far over it is too large and will probably look a bit sloppy. Sleeve length is a personal preference, entirely up to you. Getting blazers to fit your exact proportions can be done with alterations.

If you’re trying on jeans…

Have you ever brought five or more pairs of jeans into the dressing room with no luck? You’re not alone in this. Many women have trouble finding jeans that fit, regardless of size. Many companies use models with a specific waist to hip ratio, so it’s no wonder that most women don’t find trying on jeans easy. The trick is to find a pair of jeans that fit fairly snug, especially because most jeans are made with Spandex or Lycra these days. With the addition of Spandex or Lycra in jeans, they will maintain their shape for longer periods of time which is a plus.

Again, for an authentic fit, getting a tailor to help create the perfect jeans for your body type may be necessary. If you find a perfect brand and size for you, stick with it and let your tailor make them perfect!

If you’re trying on button-up-the-front blouses…

With button-up blouse, the seams should lie flat, and be sure there is no gap between the buttons, a common fit issue with large-busted women. Button-ups, with a little stretch to them, tend to look better and provide a better fit. If the blouse is flattering but you still have some gaps between the buttons, a tailor can add hook and eye closures to help fix that. The length of a blouse’s cuffs should lay just below your wrists, just enough to peek out from a blazer. If there is extra fabric that reaches down to your hands, then getting the length shortened is recommended.

Be sure that the area of the blouse that covers your hips isn’t too tight or doesn’t ride up as you walk. Stroll around the dressing room to make sure.

In addition to jackets, make sure your blouses and your knit tops fit in the shoulders. Only blouses and tops with inset shoulder seams will need to sit right where your arm and shoulder meet. This is a location that you will want to fit first. Once the top fits you in the shoulders, you may need to tailor the sides or bust area. If your top has another shoulder design such as a drop-sleeve, ragland sleeve, or dolman sleeve where the shoulder seam sits off the shoulder, then the shoulder fit is not an issue.

If you’re trying on skirts…

Know your body type and based on this know which skirt silhouette looks the best on you. Is it a straight, pencil/pegged, A-line, or a fit and flared skirt shape? Like pants, pockets should not pull open, you should not have any puckering or “whiskers” across the front and no “cupping under” in the hips. What is “cupping under?” If I said, “bubble butt,” would that help? In other words, you don’t want a skirt that’s too tight across your hips.

If you are a woman whose waist is smaller than your hips, get the size that best fits your largest point. In this case, your hips. Then you may need the waist nipped in a bit.

If you have the opposite issue, your waist is larger than your hips, then you will want to purchase the size that fits your waist the best. You may need to have the sides of the skirt “pegged-in.” This is when the sides of a skirt tapers in. This is easily remedied by your tailor taking the back center-seam in, giving the skirt a tapered silhouette. It makes all the difference in the world.

Knowing which silhouettes fit your body type the best, will help you eliminate additional alterations.

In addition to knowing which skirt shapes look best on you, you should also learn the various lengths you should wear your skirts.

If you’re trying on dresses…

Dresses can be a hard fit for a lot of women. If you are the same size on the top and bottom, you’re in luck. I recommend you use the same tips mentioned above for blouses and skirts when shopping for dresses.

A couple of additional tips for dresses…

If you’re trying on an empire waist, be sure it doesn’t sit too high on your bust because tailors might not be able to fix this. If the bust line does not look right, the dress isn’t for you!
Be aware that dresses without structured waistlines flatter most figures.
You can easily spot-check if a dress is going to fit by how the shoulders fit. The width of the hanger should be the width of the shoulders of the dress.

A simple way to always make sure your clothes fit…

If you’d rather not go it alone, a wardrobe stylist is the easiest way to get the look you want with the least amount of effort. One of the greatest benefits of a wardrobe stylist is that we are trained in the area of measure and proper fit, meaning you get a fabulous fit, every time.

Fit is important. And it doesn’t have to be hard! As always, consultations are easy and I’m always here to answer questions. And, I have connections to some of the best tailors in town.

18Jun

A Closet Love Affair: How to Love Every Piece of Clothing in Your Closet

June 18, 2020 Lots of Luxe

Do you have that feeling that you have nothing to wear but your closet is jam-packed with clothes? That feeling comes from not loving everything you have. It’s probably safe to say that most of your clothes aren’t your favorite. There are ways to turn that around and finally know what it feels like to love stepping into your closet to pick out an outfit.

We all know that incredible feeling when we put on a really special outfit. When you try it on and it’s perfect. You get so excited to wear it out for the first time. When you do, you feel stunning and attract tons of compliments.

Imagine having that feeling every day?

It’s so important to adore every piece of clothing in your closet. When you love everything in your closet, getting dressed is a breeze. Everything fits, you feel great in everything, and outfits are easy to create. You will never feel like you have nothing to wear when you love everything!

It’s time to say goodbye to anything that’s “just okay.” Life’s too short to wear anything that doesn’t make you feel great.

Here’s a quick guide to getting the wardrobe you want by creating a closet that you love.

Take a minimalistic approach

First things first: starting a wardrobe of all lovely things doesn’t start with a shopping spree, it starts with a purge. If you’re on a journey to love every piece of clothing in your closet, you’re about to learn that you probably love only a fraction of the things you currently have. It sounds almost awful to have fewer clothes. Who would want less?! But, here’s the thing: It’s more about quality over quantity. It doesn’t mean you’ll have less than you need or want, but it’s about having less clutter and fewer pieces of clothing that you don’t absolutely love. When you embrace the art of minimalism, you will only invest in pieces you love and get rid of anything that “doesn’t spark joy”, as Marie Kondo would say.

So begin taking inventory of what you have and get serious about donating or tossing anything that just isn’t quite right. If it’s old, worn-out, the wrong color, doesn’t fit (or flatter) it goes!, And don’t hold onto things out of guilt. Just because you spent money on an item and maybe didn’t wear it, doesn’t mean you have to keep it. Donations are a great way to not feel that guilt! When purging, remember, if you don’t love it, you won’t wear it.

Ponder your daily needs

It’s important to create a wardrobe that caters to your lifestyle. A practical, sustainable closet can be yours when you think about who you are, what you do, and what your wardrobe goals are. Where you live and what you do are definitely two determining factors when it comes to creating the perfect daily wardrobe with pieces that you love. Being realistic about your lifestyle can help you determine what to pack your closet with. Ruthlessly get rid of things that don’t fit, anything that doesn’t suit your lifestyle, and anything you don’t love.

When everything in your wardrobe fits your lifestyle, it’s easy to love everything! If your wardrobe is cluttered with blazers and pantsuits that you haven’t worn in years because you currently work from home, maybe it’s time to purge! If you don’t wear it, make room for what you’ll love and wear all the time.

The quickest way to a closet love affair…

What’s the secret to loving your closet? It’s having a personal stylist. If you’re feeling ambivalent about your wardrobe, it’s time to change that! That’s where a personal shopper and wardrobe stylist comes in.

A personal shopper takes the guesswork out of picking out clothes you’ll love. With a personal shopper and a wardrobe stylist, you can get the assistance you need to purge anything you don’t love, and only keep everything that suits your lifestyle, plus you can:

Pick a color palette, which makes creating flattering outfits so simple.
Define your personal style, which boosts your confidence and individuality.
Organize what you already have, toss what needs to go, and fill in the blanks you’ve been missing.

You’ll save time, save money, and learn how you can maintain a closet full of clothes you absolutely love. Life is simpler when you don’t have to worry about what to wear.

If you’re ready to love everything in your closet, schedule a consultation to learn more about working with a personal wardrobe stylist. We’re ready to help you love everything in your closet.

28May

What’s Your Power Color?

May 28, 2020 Lots of Luxe

Colors have the power to make us feel emotions, and it’s truly fascinating!

There is psychology in how we perceive colors and it’s used everywhere, from interior design to advertising, and yes, you can use it to your advantage in how you dress! It’s true, colors can affect our spending habits, appetite, stress level, and more.

So, the next time you dress, imagine the feelings you will provoke when you step out into the world. I encourage you to find a power color or two!

Finding your signature power color can help you establish your personal style, increase confidence, and help you influence how others see you personally or professionally.

While some say that black makes them feel powerful, sophisticated, confident and the like, this blog will steer away from all neutrals. Neutrals like black won’t stand out in a crowd and finding your power color is definitely about confidently standing out, so I will specifically focus on bright colors.

Red

Wear red if you want to feel: Passionate, lively, ambitious, sexy, motivated, or in charge.

This ultimate power color stimulates emotions like strength, determination, and desire. Red is associated with love, energy, passion, and action. Some people shy away from red because it’s a color that can’t go unnoticed! Red is such a powerful color that the sight of it raises blood pressure, increases the metabolism, and boosts breathing rates.

Not only does red automatically put you in the spotlight, but it also looks good on everyone. Red is a universally flattering color, regardless of skin tone or hair color. So, if you don’t frequently experiment with wearing red, try it out for yourself.

Power it up: Red is one of a few colors that stands on its own and doesn’t need any help! If you want to wear it as a power color go for crimson, ruby, or cherry red, instead of something muted like burgundy. If you don’t usually rock red, try just some red accessories or red lipstick to get noticed.

Blue

Wear blue if you want to feel: Confident, wise, relaxed, smart, stable, or sincere.

Blue is the power color of corporate America because it’s linked to stability, intellect, precision, and leadership. It’s often named as the best color to wear to an interview, as it’s a sign of sincerity and devotion. Blue is associated with productivity and is likely to be used to decorate offices and studies. This color is also calming and steady. The sky and ocean are blue, which we usually connect with tranquility.

Wearing blue is non-threatening, yet it kindles feelings of someone who is a leader. Blue is the color to wear if you want to position yourself as an authority and be someone that people trust. It’s reliable, secure, and a sign of high intelligence.

Power it up: Wear royal blue, electric blue, or sapphire. While light blue is associated with peace, health, and softness, deep blues as a power color provoke influence and integrity.

Pink

Wear pink if you want to feel: Energetic, playful, feminine, compassionate, or hopeful.

Pink as a power color is positive and bright. In color psychology, pink is a sign of hope, love, and tenderness. Pink is seen as the most feminine color, and it’s almost impossible to not feel girly while wearing it, which is why it’s most often used for women’s events and charities.

Wearing pink brings on feelings of warmth, excitement, and energy. The color is cheery and has youthful vibes. When you want to feel vibrant, pink is the way to go!

Power it up: Choose brighter pinks like hot pink or magenta to wear pink as a power color, as light pinks are soft and nurturing. If pink isn’t a color you typically wear, balance this super feminine hue with charcoal or other dark colors.

Yellow

Wear yellow if you want to feel: Optimistic, happy, positive, or cheerful.

Is there a happier color than yellow? Yellow is the color of sunshine, the color we associate with fun, cheerfulness, and positivity. Yellow stands out from a crowd, much like red does, and it’s one color that can be seen from a distance, which is why taxis and buses are often yellow.

As a power color, yellow is received warmly by others and you’ll be seen in a positive light. Yellow increases mental activity, activates memory, encourages conversation, and builds confidence.

Power it up: Wear bright yellow tones, that signify the positives of yellow like clarity, confidence, and energy because the psychology of dull yellows can be seen as caution or sickness.

Purple

Wear purple if you want to feel: Luxurious, ambitious, regal, wise, or imaginative.

The psychology of purple combines fiery red with calm blue, and purple is somewhere in between. Often associated with royalty, purple elicits feelings of dignity and grandeur. Purple also inspires the imagination, deeper thoughts, spirituality, and fulfillment.

Wearing purple will affect the mind and body with uplifting emotions and introspection. As a power color, purple is both balancing and intense. Purple is the color of imagination and creativity.

Power it up: Purple is the kind of color that any shade of it can be a power color. Purple is almost always eye-catching, from deep gem hues to light purple. Light purples like lavender are rare in nature and also much rarer in clothing versus, something like light pink. Lavender is perceived as graceful, elegant, and can be used to identify wealth.

Power Up Your Closet with Color

Feeling powerful is a personal thing so I can’t say there is just one color that will do this for you, it’s your choice! We all have a color preference and feeling powerful will be affected by our confidence level and how good we feel in our clothes.

I hope you find your power color; wear it, feel it, own it!

Want to learn more? Need help finding your authentic style? That’s what I’m here for. From wardrobe styling to personal shopping, I can help with it all. Get started by contacting me today!

29Apr

Life, Simplified: How Home Delivery Services Have Changed the Game

April 29, 2020 Lots of Luxe

Let’s get straight to the point: We are always busy. Especially women who tend to wear many hats. We juggle careers, marriages, kids, finances…all of it. Even while under a stay-at-home order, we’re busier than ever. And what we’re learning during this stay-at-home period is how convenient delivery and subscription services really are.

We can get anything delivered, from meal subscription kits to bags of fresh groceries to essentials from the pharmacy. Subscription services are also in every niche imaginable, from makeup to coffee, all tailored to your tastes and delivered to your door. We can even get food from restaurants that traditionally don’t deliver brought straight to us wherever we are via food delivery services. Even when we’re not super busy, it’s easy to use concierge-y services to help us out while we kick-back.

Another benefit of these delivery services is they can be automated, so we don’t even have to think about them. And the coolest thing is, none of these services break the bank…not even close. I’m trying really hard to see any downside here!

So if you’re already using UberEats, Instacart, Home Chef, Ipsy, and others, have you tried our Box of Luxe yet?

Box of Luxe allows you to stay on top of your wardrobe needs with beautiful pieces from the Carlisle and Etcetera collections. For no additional fees or commitment of a subscription, clothing pieces are selected by a Personal Stylist who carefully considers your lifestyle needs, your likes and dislikes, and even fit issues. These carefully curated wardrobe pieces, your Box of Luxe, is then delivered to your doorstep.

Box of Luxe makes managing your look, adding new pieces to your closet, and updating your clothing each season easy. You can consistently maintain a stunning, fresh wardrobe without shopping.

Honestly, it’s a no-brainer, and you’ll have a team of Stylists behind every choice, guaranteeing you’ll love everything. If you don’t love it, return it within five days, no questions asked.

How it Works

Complete a Style Profile. Tell us about your style so we can pick the perfect items for you.
Receive your box. You’ll receive 4-6 pieces personally selected for you by a Stylist from our Carlisle and/or ETCETERA collections. Your Box of Luxe will be shipped to you free or hand-delivered by a Stylist.
Try on your clothes You’ll have five days to try on the clothes. Keep what you want. If needed, exchange what you want for another size, or return anything you don’t want hassle-free.

The Benefits

Your time is respected. Save lots of time by having clothes shipped straight to you; avoiding those time-consuming trips to the mall.
You’ll have a stylist on your side. A Personal Stylist can help you make purposeful decisions about your wardrobe. Take the guesswork out with a Personal Stylist.
It’s tailored to you. Box of Luxe picks pieces from the Carlisle and Etcetera collections that match your lifestyle, size, body type, and personal preferences.
There are NO FEES! You will never pay any membership, styling, or subscription fees. No deposits and no return shipping fee.
You have control over delivery. Get a box when you want it. You will not be committed to a subscription. If a subscription is your preference, no problem. We can arrange that for you and help determine the timing.
Use your preferred payment at sign up. You only pay for what you keep.

Style, Delivered

Box of Luxe brings you the freshest pieces each season from the Carlisle and ETCETERA Collections. You can count on the finest fabrics, a fabulous fit, and superior service that consistently delivered with each Box of Luxe. If you have questions or you’d like to know more, contact me.

Ready for your first Box of Luxe? Complete your Style Profile here.

15Apr

A No-Fail Wedding Guest Style Guide for Her

April 15, 2020 Lots of Luxe

Weddings are exciting events to look forward to! Getting the invitation is a moving experience as you anticipate the big day with loved ones and friends. And then, the invitation addresses attire in two words that don’t even go together: Beach formal. What’s that even mean?

Before we decide exactly what to wear to a wedding, we have to decide how dressy to get. That’s where it gets tricky. What’s the difference between white tie and black tie? Black tie optional? What about an invitation that is vague and doesn’t mention a dress code?

Don’t worry, I have answers.

I’ve created a quick guide on wedding attire and what to wear, in all scenarios.

Quickly though, some very general rules:

Women wear dresses and men wear suits.

Women don’t wear white, in any form. This rule is an old rule that falls within the social norm to not outshine a bride on her wedding day. Unless the dress code is specifically noted in the invitation, e.g., a “white wedding” or “black and white attire only”, stay away from white dresses.

Time of day matters. Day weddings and night weddings mean different things in terms of how formal to get. Day weddings are automatically less formal than night weddings. So, an early afternoon ceremony followed by a brunch reception means lighter colors, cocktail dresses, sundresses, informal maxi dresses, and the like. Evening weddings that go on into the night mean more formal dresses, longer lengths, deeper colors, fancier accessories, etc.

White Tie

This is the most formal dress code for a wedding, and it’s typically not too common but it happens. Be sure to wear a formal, full-length gown in rich hues or black. Most white tie events happen in the evening, so night wedding rules apply. Feel free to go all out on your ultra-formal look: Updos, makeup, and statement jewelry.

Black Tie

Black tie is more common and these weddings are less formal than a white tie event but still require proper dressing up. Wear a floor-length gown or formal cocktail dress. Depending on the venue, a formal jumpsuit can be appropriate as well.

Black Tie Optional

The name may be confusing, but it simply means that this event is a bit more toned down than a typical black tie event. You have some wiggle room here on how fancy to get. The black tie dress code is a good jumping off point: Wear a floor-length or cocktail dress.

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire is fancy but more laid back than black tie. These weddings are festive events where you are free to dress less formally than the previously mentioned style rules. Cocktail dresses or skirts and blouses are appropriate.

Beach Formal

Beach formal is an upscale beach wedding where flip flops are never allowed. Maxi dresses, knee-length sundresses, and wedge sandals all fall within the beach formal dress code. Remember that wedges and espadrilles are your best friend, as heels and sand never work. Makeup and hair should be polished, yet much more relaxed, like beachy waves or a simple chignon.

Casual Attire

Casual attire is laid back wedding attire. There is still some dressing up to do, just much less formally. Wear sundresses, relaxed maxi dresses, or a skirt and blouse. Subtle accessories are fine.

What to do when the invitation is vague?

When the invitation doesn’t mention the dress code, there are a few clues to follow to gauge how to dress. First, how fancy is the invitation? The invite is a good clue as to the formality of the coming event. If the invitation is very formal, consider black tie or cocktail attire. A more casual invitation means less formal.

Second, with a bit of investigation about the venue, you can also gauge how dressy to get. Where will the wedding be held? Use the venue space as an indicator.

Need extra assistance during wedding season?

Formal dress codes often mean getting help from a personal stylist. New gowns and cocktail dresses definitely require tailoring to look and feel your best at the event. I can guide you through wedding season! If you need anything, consider reaching out. That’s what I’m here for

XOXO, Melrose.

26Feb

How to Recycle Outfits: Here’s How to Wear the Same Outfit Twice

February 26, 2020 Lots of Luxe

While some would consider wearing the same outfit twice a huge faux-pas, we all do it because we’re human and we use what we’ve got. Why not wear something twice -or three times- a month if we love it, it’s comfortable, or we just feel confident in it? I say if you love it wear it, and really, who cares if we’re caught wearing the same outfit twice? If celebrities and even Duchess Kate Middleton have been caught wearing the same thing twice, we can too.

But, there are ways to make it seem like your wardrobe is endless and you wouldn’t dare recycle an outfit. Sometimes we’d like to wear the same dress to two different events but not get caught in pictures wearing the same thing. If you want to create the appearance of an abundant wardrobe or just add more creativity to what you wear, here are some great ways to add diversity to your favorite outfits.

Here’s how to wear the same outfit twice and fool everyone. A few subtle tweaks are all it takes.

Play with Makeup and Hair

Makeup and hair can completely transform your look even if your outfit is the same. The art of playing with a bold lipstick or new hairstyle can change the vibe of an outfit. It also completely takes the focus off your outfit and onto you! Using celebrities as an example, typically, when a celebrity wears the same dress twice, she will have changed her hair or makeup to try to throw us off. An evening gown look can look different with an elegant updo versus a long, flowing hairstyle. Using that image for inspiration, why not get creative?

Style, Restyle, Style Again

A quick way to easily get away with wearing the same outfit over and over again is by restyling! Changing up how you style an outfit can add some flair, dress up or dress down any kind of garment. A t-shirt and jeans can be switched up by knotting the t-shirt, to create a casual look. Switch heels for flats or sandals for sneakers for a fresh look to your outfit.

Add or Subtract

On a similar note to the above suggestion, don’t underestimate the power of accessories when restyling your look. Add a belt, hat, blazer, or jewelry to your restyled outfit. Layering is fun, great for seasonal wardrobe changes, and a must-do when recycling outfits. A sundress with a sun hat is a much different look than a sundress paired with a leather jacket. Contrarily, subtracting from your outfit can drastically change the look of it.

Capsule Dressing

One of our favorite ways of creating a wardrobe that is versatile enough to utilize pieces more than twice is to create capsules. When updating your wardrobe each season with new pieces, think about what’s in your closet and then select pieces that allow you to easily mix and match creating the perfect capsules for a weekend getaway, business trip, or an easy dressing work week.

Create a Purposeful Wardrobe with Box of Luxe

Most women don’t have time to be constantly thinking about their wardrobes, which results in recycling outfits. It’s just easier that way! But, there is a way to build a wardrobe without having to do any of the work and it’s called Box of Luxe. Box of Luxe is the answer for busy women who don’t have much time to put in the effort of shopping and creating the wardrobe of their dreams. With Box of Luxe, a personal stylist uses your personal style, body type, and preferences to deliver 4-6 pieces of clothing to you. Keep what you love, and return what you don’t. No subscriptions, no fees. Any questions? Contact me and I’d be happy to help!

11Feb

Celebrate February in Red and Pink: The Psychology of Two Powerful Colors

February 11, 2020 Lots of Luxe

Red is one of the most manipulative, dominant, and effective colors. Red is naturally occurring in nature, and cavemen wrote in red on cave walls. Fruit is the ripest when it’s red and many are used as precursors to romance. Red is an important color in many cultures, signifying energy, prosperity, good luck and more. Red is the color of our blood, the life force in us. Vivid shades of red are reminders of power, sex, and dominance.

Countless studies show that men and women are perceived to be more attractive and sexy when wearing red. Red roses are associated with romantic love, red sheets signal passion, and flushed red cheeks mean robust health and good circulation. The color red has no choice but to evoke emotion from us.

So, what happens when we wear red?

You’ll get noticed! There is no doubt that red influences our feelings. Both humans and primates respond to red in a primal way. In the animal kingdom, red is a sign of dominance and humans see red the same way, in many cases. If you want to get noticed in the office, on a night out, or anytime really – wear red. Even just subtle red accessories or red lipstick will do the trick! Red can be a very empowering color if you want to feel more confident, sexy, or in charge.

Is red flattering for everyone?

Good news! Red is universally flattering on everyone, go ahead and feel good about wearing it.

There are more than enough reasons to wear red but what about red’s lighter counterpart, pink?

In essence, pink is just a calmer, lighter hue of red, which means it signals many of the emotions that red does, but more subtly. Like red’s little sister, pink is the ultra-feminine color that is associated with love and romance. It’s also a cue for compassion, kindness, and nurturance. Different shades of pink can predict behavior. Light pink is known to be very calming and it is even used to calm prison inmates. Hot pink, on the other hand, is vibrant, creative, and full of life.

What happens when we wear pink?

Pink is flirty, refreshing, fun, and joyful. Pink is the most “feminine” color, which stems from little girl’s toys being made in pink for decades. Pink is youthful and vibrant. Depending on what shade of pink you choose, the color can influence people’s opinion of you. Light and medium pinks show the world that you are sweet, kind, happy, and nurturing. Hot pink and deep pinks can be construed as creative, euphoric, and vivacious. Again, just wearing pink accessories can do the trick. If pink isn’t a color you’d typically wear, remember that there are several shades of pink. Check below for a quick guide to which one will look the best on you.

What shade of pink is best for your skin tone?

Warm undertones: Raspberry, coral, and peach
Neutral undertones: Deep pink, amaranth, and rose
Cool undertones: Carnation pink, purple-pink, and hot pink

More good news: Blush is another universally flattering tone. No matter your skin tone, blush looks good on everyone!

The Spring Collections of Carlisle and Etcetera are Brimming with Pink and Red Options

If you want to add more powerful colors and prints to your wardrobe this season, check out the newest collections from Carlisle and Etcetera. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and so is spring, so now is the perfect time to add more red and pink to your closet. If you need any help with choosing pieces or deciding which shades to pick, I am always here to lend an honest opinion.

16Mar

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March 16, 2018 Lots of Luxe

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