Lots of Luxe

30Nov

8 Tips for How to Dress When You’ve Gained Weight

November 30, 2022 Lots of Luxe

Let’s face it: most of us have experienced weight gain to some degree at one time or another. Whether it’s because we ate too much while stressed or bored during the pandemic or for another reason, we suddenly find our pants are not fitting like they used to. (How were we to know after two years of wearing nothing but leggings and yoga pants?)

But it’s not just food that can result in weight gain. Certain medications can cause extra pounds to accumulate, as can hormonal fluctuations and insomnia.

No matter how the added pounds got there, we must dress our bodies daily. Punishing ourselves by refusing to buy anything new and trying to squeeze into clothes that no longer fit is not the answer. Weight gain is not a personal failure.

Dressing your best, regardless of weight or size, is the solution. When we look good, we feel good.

We absolutely know how overwhelming and even emotional it can be when you’re trying to get dressed and nothing fits as it used to. Clothing is an extension of ourselves, a semaphore for how we see the world and how we want it to see us, and with a change in size, there’s often a shift in how we view ourselves.

However, you have not changed. What’s needed is to create what we like to call a transition wardrobe. Your clothes should make you feel and look good no matter your current size. The joy and confidence you’ll have will make getting back into shape or down to your best weight easier.

Here are some tips on how to dress after weight gain. And note we’re not advocating buying an entirely new wardrobe. There’ll be pieces in your closet that you can still wear and pieces that you don’t need to replace immediately.

1. Start with what you have in your closet.

Be sure that the only clothes in your closet are for the current season. Now, try everything on. That’s right, everything. (Yes, it’s sad and triggering, so take your time.) You’ll want to take anything that does not fit out of the closet or put it in a separate section. Everything that fits should be easily accessible. This allows you to assess what you have and determine what’s missing. Maybe you have sweaters, blouses, and skirts that work but no jeans or trousers. Start a list of what you’ll need to round out a capsule of go-to pieces. I suspect a new pair of jeans and dark trousers (navy, brown or black) might be on your list. Remember, you’re creating and investing in a transition wardrobe.

Always keep in mind where you go and what you do on any given day of the week. Do you go to an office, to dinners and parties, and on dates? Do you normally run a lot of errands? If so, you’ll need to replace the kinds of clothes you feel you need for those activities. But again, you don’t have to break the bank. Go only with what will get you through the next few months.

2. Wear the Correct Size.

Not the size you want to be. Your actual size. Clothing that is too small will pucker in the most unflattering ways, reveal lots of lumps and bumps, and, quite frankly, make you look bigger. You want pieces that “skim” your body—more on the “fitted” side. So, determine your new size and purchase the pieces you’ll need for the near future. Remember, with a good tailor, you can alter most well-made pieces by at least 2 sizes. Keep this in mind when you do purchase those important transitional pieces. With alterations, you’ll be able to wear beyond your transition period, getting more bang for your buck.

3. Invest in Proper-Fitting Undergarments

Be sure to invest in shapewear. If you haven’t been building a shapewear collection, now is the time to begin. The right kind of shapewear can smooth and elongate your shape, and which one of us doesn’t need that?!

4. Do Dresses

Dresses, in general, will be your best friend during this transitional time. Avoid oversized styles because they will make you look heavier and frumpy. Go for something more fitted (yes fitted) that highlights you just under the bust. An empire waist works well to achieve this.

Do not be afraid to belt your blouses, lightweight sweaters, and dresses. Accent your waist! Therefore, a wrap dress can be your best friend too. Wrap dresses shrink and grow with you, and the wrap tie at the waist is slimming because it defines your waist.

An A-line skirt or dress looks great and can hide many sins. Remember, body skimming, not oversized.

5. Take Care with Tops

If your transition wardrobe is missing tops, keep these tips in mind:

a. Stay away from oversized blouses and choose those that are body-skimming instead. Oversized, as we said above, will make you look big.

b. Look for detailing just under the bust or a faux wrap style.

c. Statement sleeves will draw attention to the sleeve.

d. Structured fabrics are more forgiving.

e. Consider the neckline. High necks are less elongating, while open necklines elongate, which is what you want to achieve.

f. Rounded hemlines elongate your lower body.

Adding a jacket, particularly a shorter one like a moto style, over a longer blouse can hide a tummy and create a waist.

6. Be Picky with Pants

Go for high-rise pants or jeans. They will tuck you in, hide that tummy and eliminate any sign of a muffin top. Also, wide-leg jeans or trousers create visual balance and an hourglass shape.

7. Be Careful with Patterns and Prints

Large prints and patterns make you look bigger. A more diminutive print can distract the eye, so if you like prints, make sure to keep them small. Any pattern that features a gathering or a rushing design along the torso will help to hide a tummy.

As far as stripes go, vertical rather than horizontal ones are best. The latter adds weight to anyone who wears them, but if you really love that horizontal stripe tee you have, add a jacket.

8. Be Choosy with Colors

Monochromatic dressing is the tip that almost everyone knows works well in camouflaging weight gain. More specifically, dress in a column of a dark color such as black (of course) but give navy, brown, dark grey, deep green, and even magenta a try during this transition period. Your top, bottom, and/or cardigan/jacket do not have to be a perfect match. Just remember that the color needs to be “tonal,” where the colors are pleasing to the eye, not exact. Add a scarf, belt, or a great necklace to add a pop of color to jazz up what could be a “boring” outfit.

How can we help you? This is our area of expertise. All day, every day, we’re working with women to help them style a wardrobe that fits perfectly, works with their lifestyle, and with their budget. Great-fitting clothes that you love will lift your spirits, and you deserve that.

Get in touch, and let’s discuss the benefits of working with a Lots of Luxe Stylist. Whether you need help determining your current size, assessing the pieces of your wardrobe that fit, or figuring out what you should invest in now, we’re here for you.

Please feel free to reach out through our website luxenc.com.

21Sep

Going Gray Can be a Daunting Proposition

September 21, 2022 Lots of Luxe

All of us would be happy to say goodbye to the time, expense, and hassle involved in hiding our grays or whites, that’s for sure. But knowing that going natural will transform how we look in ways we might not absolutely love and are not used to fills us with trepidation galore. After all, most people believe gray/white is synonymous with OLD.

But that’s not necessarily so.

Going gray is inevitable – some women have their first gray hairs in their twenties – but there are ways to do it without looking as old as Methuselah. There is a silver lining!

Ash blondes and streaked brunettes are everywhere these days. Movie stars like Andie McDowell, Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, and Elizabeth McGovern are living examples of how gray hair can be surprisingly stylish. You just have to decide how you want to handle the transition.

Finding the right way for you to transition will take some experimentation. Going gray gracefully can be tricky because there is no one process to do it. It depends on several factors, including how much of your hair is already gray or white, your natural color, and your hair type.

Be sure to consult with a stylist ahead of time. Your hair might be less gray than you think, for example, and your colorist can come up with a plan that avoids that awful gray-roots-growing-out look.

Ways to Transition

1. Let your natural hair color grow out.

This is the cheapest and easiest option, but it’s not for everyone. Waiting for hair to grow out can be frustrating depending on how fast your hair grows, and that line between the new white hair and the old colored hair doesn’t look so great. However, if you decide to take this route, experiment with different hairstyles that can disguise the demarcation line.

2. Cut your hair short.

If that line is too horribly obvious, chopping your hair off is the easiest way to get you from here to there. The transition stage will be less noticeable as you begin to embrace your gray. Short hair doesn’t suit everyone, however, and cutting off long-loved tresses is a personal decision for every individual woman.

3. Dye your hair to match your roots.

The lighter your hair color, the easier this will be. Blondes don’t have to bleach their hair as brunettes do, so it isn’t as difficult to strip the hair of color before applying gray dye. However, with a good colorist and a lot of patience, any shade of hair can be dyed gray.

Remember this, however: gray hair needs maintenance, too. It is not upkeep- or cost-free because lighter shades of gray hair tend to fade faster than darker shades.

How often you can dye your hair depends on how your hair responds to the dye. Washing your hair less often, limiting heat styling, and always using a heat protectant will help prevent the dye from fading too quickly.

4. Add lowlights or highlights.

This helps blur the line where your color meets the grays and allows you to keep your pre-gray color longer by creating a softer contrast between your colored hair and your gray hair.

Things to Consider…

Maintenance

Though going gray may ultimately save you time and money, you’ll still have to take care of your hair which, when gray, can change in texture to coarse, dry, frizzy, or fly-away and, in tone, to brassy. Thus, you’ll need to step up on your moisturizing and deep conditioning products to combat the dryness creating those dull, yellowing gray strands due to pigment loss. Using the appropriate toning shampoo formulated just for gray and white hair will help keep brassiness away. For most women, a purple-tinted shampoo works well when used once or twice a week and reduces salon visits. Don’t forget to use hydrating and smoothing hair masks regularly. They can keep your grays or whites softer, shinier and healthier and give you an attractive silver shade. You can also do highlights every few months.

Adjustment

Going gray often can affect how you do your makeup and what you wear. Yikes! What worked for you before might not be as flattering after going gray, so consider having your hair occasionally styled, adjusting your makeup, and figuring out what colors look best on you. And which don’t.

Cost

Getting highlights or other treatments is expensive, so you’ll need to figure out what options you want to pursue with your colorist. Gray hair is not free hair!

Although we’d all like to see a picture, there’s no real way of knowing what your gray or white hair will look like until you actually grow it out. And that takes time. Only then will you see what your pattern is: lighter top layers and darker gray underneath or a streaked look. And because looking young is important in our society, for most women, going gray is a big step, whatever transition they use. Just know that there are several ways to go salt and pepper, and choose whichever suits you.

And if you want to keep coloring your hair, go for it. Either way, we believe in doing what’s right for you!

22Aug

Dressing a Curvy Figure

August 22, 2022 Lots of Luxe

Let’s face it: few of us are 100 percent happy with our appearance. We’re constantly agonizing over our body shape, no matter what it is. And, by the way, we wish that muffin top would go away and never come back.

We hear this all the time. We ourselves say it all the time. Some of us have even dared to dream of waking up looking like Heidi Klum. (Not going to happen!)

Many women look at a curvy figure as the kiss of death. But we believe curves are feminine and should be embraced as a positive feature. Granted, the word “embrace” when speaking about our curves is a hard one to swallow. No one wants to “embrace” what they consider a shortcoming. We want to eliminate it all together!

But the fact is every woman is unique and the sum of much more than her body features. And the good news is that with the right clothes, there are numerous ways to mitigate what we don’t like about our figures and emphasize what we do. Knowing what to wear for your particular figure is vital in allowing you a way to dress in your personal style with confidence. (Hint: curvy ladies should stay away from anything that’s too tight or too loose. Clothing that skims the body is better.)

Here are some simple guidelines to help turn your negative attitude about your curves into a positive one. Keep these in mind, and you’ll feel like a million bucks every time you walk out your door.

Go For:

Defined Waists

Waist-cinching and wrap dresses are very flattering. So are wrap tops. When your waist is defined in the clothing you wear, especially a dress, it draws the eye to your natural waistline, which gives a slimming and elongating effect. As someone who is curvy, it’s likely that you have a naturally defined and smaller waist. Add more emphasis to that waist by styling outfits to highlight that area of the body.

Avoid the Oversized

Many women think that a billowing sundress will cover all ills. Not true if you’re curvy because all that does is create a shapeless figure which will look fuller than it already is. You don’t want to wear bulky items because they add unnecessary volume to your shape. If you are a curvy girl, make sure your clothes fit you just right and stay away from clothes that are.

No Voluminous Sleeves

While bell sleeves and other exaggerated styles can be fun to wear, the curvy gal should stay away from them. Once again, voluminous sleeves add unnecessary volume to your curvy shape.

Monochromatic Dressing

If you’re really curvy, this is the single best way to camouflage those curves. The color of the pieces does not have to match identically but be tonal in nature. Tonal means the colors may be “off” a little and not match exactly, but they should blend beautifully. Tone-on-tone.

Dark Solids

Piggybacking onto Monochromatic Dressing…don’t go for only black. Think navy, brown, magenta, or spruce green. You will find these colors in our current Carlisle and ETCETERA fall collections.

Color Block Styling

Choose a design with a mix of two contrasting colors in your separates, dresses, and jumpsuits. For separates, go for a dark color on the bottom (as mentioned above – think dark brown, navy, spruce green, magenta, and black) and a bright top if you’re concerned about your lower half. The bright color will draw attention to your face and upper body, and the darker bottom will camouflage a heavier behind. Do the same with dresses and jumpsuits.

High-Waisted Clothing

A pant or skirt with a high waist has a slimming effect on the Curvy Figure, as long as you’re not petite in stature. Petite in stature means if you’re high-waisted.

Cropped Tops and Jackets

Any short clothing item will make you look taller and thinner, but beware of where your waistline sits. If you are high-waisted (petite) you will not want to wear cropped tops or jackets. It’s all about balancing those proportions that we preach about. Curvy Petites is a blog for another day.

Wrap Tops

These are one of the most flattering items for curvy figures. The wrap feature cinches you in and hides problem areas.

General Guidelines

Wear Clothes that Fit Your Body

This is the most important advice I can give you and is the advice I give to all my clients. We have weekly “fit appointments” at a tailor’s shop to ensure that every item our clients purchase fits them perfectly. Wearing clothes that fit and hang properly on your body can make the difference between terrible and terrific or fantastic and frumpy. Just because you’re curvy doesn’t mean your outfit has to look like you just pulled it out of Little House on the Prairie.

A tailor will help you ensure that your clothes are not too tight or loose. There is a difference between squeezing yourself into an outfit and your outfit fitting your body perfectly. Look at your rear end. You don’t want to see any panty line. If you do, that dress, skirt, or pants are just too darn tight. One tip: check out vanishing edge-type panties. Soma has a good choice of styles and colors for these magical items, which are smooth, seam-free, and carry no tags. Wearing clothes that are properly proportioned to your body is key. Again, not too small and not too big. Clothes should skim your body and accent your curves.

Shop Now

No matter if your weight fluctuates, don’t wait until you shed those extra pounds to look for clothes. We advise our clients to go shopping and invest in the essential pieces immediately. It is so important to wear clothes that fit while losing weight, so you’ll look and feel your absolute best. Good pieces, garments with seam allowances of ¾ of an inch or more, as well as seams and darts, can be easily altered as you lose weight. This is also where a talented tailor and a personal stylist come in handy. They’ll be able to guide you in purchasing the clothes that look good now but can also work for the future. Tip: if you don’t like high-waisted pants or skirts, a tailor can “notch” a V at the back waistline to release that high-waist and drop it down a bit.

Don’t Forget Undergarments

Every woman can do with a little cinching here, there, and anywhere at times, so be sure you have a body briefer in your shapewear arsenal. A body briefer works like a swimsuit and has strong structuring and elasticity that supports your curves while enhancing your shape.

Curvy Figures, Please Do Not!

Wear leggings as if they’re pants. They’re not. Keep the leggings for the gym or while relaxing at home.

We understand that there can be a lot that goes into dressing for your figure type. We know the ins and outs of dressing any body type, and we would be happy to help you understand what is best for your body type, personal style, and budget. Get in touch! Or complete our brief style profile and set up an initial call with a Personal Stylist. Click here for the Style Profile.

25May

Take Your Personal Stylist’s Advice

May 25, 2022 Lots of Luxe

What to Wear to a Christening, Baptism, Funeral? How a Stylist Can Get it Right

Dressing for a special occasion can be tricky. Adhering to all the unwritten rules that govern these events can be challenging to negotiate but important to do. Should you wear that trendy jacket with those daring cutouts to your uncle’s funeral because, at least, it’s black? A personal stylist can guide you in these types of instances. He or she has lots of experience in dressing clients for all kinds of occasions and can help you avoid making an embarrassing mistake.

Sometimes you just need someone there who will say, “No!”

Here are some tips to consider that I’ve gleaned over years of dressing women for every type of event possible. I am hoping they will help you down the path of choosing the most appropriate outfit for wearing to a christening, baptism, or funeral.

Show Respect

Clothing should always respect the occasion. Respecting the event, venue, and the person(s) you’re celebrating, along with family members and friends involved in these ceremonies should guide how you dress.

For christenings and funerals, you should always dress semi-formally and modestly. It’s always better to err on the side of conservative clothing and colors at these religious ceremonies.

Wearing only a lace bra under a silk jacket is not going to win you any brownie points with your friend(s) or family, trust me. A jacket with just a bra may be a trend, but it’s NOT what your mother wants to see you in. Remember, these religious occasions are not about you, so don’t dress to get noticed. Be sure to avoid low-cut tops and plunging necklines, and any tight and clingy clothes. Spaghetti straps fall on the side of sexy so consider a thicker strap if you’re going sleeveless. Or opt for short sleeves. If you look at your outfit and think “sexy,” you’ll want to change into something more demure. Very short anything doesn’t mix well with church either, so try to keep your hemlines anywhere from just above the knee (around 1 inch) to midi or maxi length. Save your sexy and/or trendy outfits for other events.

Know What Works . . .

Fabric With Movement

Clothes with motion can feel just dressy enough for these occasions. A midi- or maxi-length dress with a great print that has a bit of swirl to it is perfect.

Pants and Pantsuits

Don’t hesitate to wear pants to these events. Just keep them on the side of dressy, so no jeans for sure. They are just a bit too casual for these momentous occasions. Where I think denim could work might be a smart denim jacket worn over a printed midi dress or jumpsuit. Pants, as well as dresses, are most comfortable for these types of daytime events.

Formal Shoes

No flip-flops or sneakers or, God forbid, Uggs. You are not going to your kid’s soccer game. Find a pair of attractive, formal pumps or sandals that are not too high and don’t attract attention.

Don’t Forget the Important Things

One of my go-to recommendations is to always bring along a wrap, shawl, or cardigan that matches your outfit so that if you get cold during the ceremony, you’ll have something to warm you up that also looks exceptional with what you’re wearing. These accessories can also be the “pop-of-color” you might add to keep that LBD (little black dress) from looking so somber.

Be Careful with Color

Wearing white for either a christening or funeral is perfectly acceptable. Unlike a wedding, where you never want to be in white. You don’t want to upstage the bride, after all. Again remember, the event is not about you. I personally consider white a preferred color for funerals. In many religions, white symbolizes life, celebration, renewal, etc. What better color to wear to a ceremony celebrating a person’s life?

Black is generally an accepted color at weddings, especially the more formal ones, but it can also be a bit too gloomy for a christening or baptism. If you want to wear your LBD, consider adding a pop of color with your accessories to avoid looking too drab.

Black is also a color appropriate for funerals. But something to consider is that people often think about funerals as celebrations of life rather than mournful end-of-life events these days. If this is the case and you’re attending a celebration of life, ask the family involved if they desire a specific look, color, or general feel to everyone’s attire.

Avoid Perfumes

Do not wear strong perfumes. They draw attention to yourself as well and can potentially cause allergic reactions like sneezing or coughing among other people during the service.

With these tips in mind, if you’re still unsure of what to wear or want to avoid making a new purchase that ends up being a mistake, ask your personal stylist. She can help you find a new outfit or work with pieces already in your closet that will make an appropriate ensemble.

Having a personal stylist can take the guesswork out of dressing for almost any occasion. It is our job to be up on not only what’s trending in women’s fashion, but to help you with so many different dressing questions like…

How to dress for a Black-Tie Affair?

Best Options when dressing for a Summer Wedding?

What to wear to an Informal Daytime Wedding?

What is Semi-Formal attire?

The best part about consulting a personal stylist is she’ll understand not only what’s acceptable for any occasion, but she’ll be able to take into consideration your body type, your personal style, and your skin tone when making suggestions for what you should wear. The ins and outs of dressing etiquette for all occasions are part of our job description. We can even give you advice on the best stores and boutiques if you need to shop for these special occasions.

We look forward to working with you on your next important occasion!

21Apr

What to Look for in a Personal Stylist

April 21, 2022 Lots of Luxe

Some folks believe that Personal Stylists are just for people with lots of money and no time. And stylists can help those kinds of people for sure. But the truth is that anyone can benefit from the services of a stylist. And those services can actually save you money. With someone advising and guiding you to the right clothing choices and helping you build your wardrobe with quality pieces that work with everything you already have in your closet, you will avoid making mistakes on your shopping trips and thus save your hard-earned cash.

Why Consider a Personal Stylist

We all make mistakes in this arena. Impulse buying, especially at bargain prices, feels like a win, but unless the piece you buy is fantastic and really works for you and the rest of your wardrobe, the excitement is quickly gone. The thing about clothes shopping is you have to buy strategically and intentionally. Otherwise, you’ll end up with piles of items that don’t work. If you buy clothes randomly, one piece at a time, and not with your entire wardrobe in mind, you risk having an item not fitting in or matching with anything in your more extensive collection of clothes. And because of that, you’ll end up not wearing it and having wasted time and money buying it. Shopping in malls, boutiques, and even online can be time-consuming and can easily result in clothes that don’t fit, are of poor quality, and may require the dreaded returns process. A stylist will select pieces that will fit your body perfectly, as well as work with your existing wardrobe.

You don’t want a closet full of clothes that don’t align with your personal style. You want a cohesive look that you can build on. And a Personal Stylist can help you achieve that. She can help steer you toward buying an outfit rather than just one piece or purchasing items that don’t go with what is already in your closet. The stylist can also update your wardrobe every so often, so your clothes feel fresh and exciting, while also providing suggestions on how to mix and match the clothes you have. The stylist helps you invest not in trends or fads but in things that you will love and wear for years to come.

I primarily work with women who have full lives, whether they’re corporate executives, moms, leaders, or volunteers. Partnering with them over time, I create a wardrobe that works for their personal style and life. And what I offer my clients is what you’ll want to find when looking for your own Personal Stylist.

Communication Skills

A good Personal Stylist will be an exceptional communicator and offer advice on what colors look good on you and what colors look good together. You may love lavender and wear it a lot, but it might not be the best choice for your skin color. A stylist will also make recommendations on how to dress for special occasions and events, as well as what to pack for a weekend getaway or vacation. She will consider your body type, skin tone, current style, and taste when selecting items for your wardrobe. On occasion, she may help you organize your closet and assist you in letting go of pieces you don’t wear, no longer serve you, or never worked in the first place. And she will need to be an excellent communicator to do that without upsetting her client!

Skills For the Job

Educate yourself on the stylist and preview her work online or on her blog or social media and see what kind of references she has. Is her content helpful and delivered simply? Did you learn something from her you didn’t already know? If so, she might be the one. Read her reviews because they will offer clues about how it is to work with her.

My work with a new client is to get a complete understanding of her style preferences and body type and what features she likes to highlight, and those she would prefer to downplay. You, too, will want a stylist who gathers all of this information upfront before shopping with you or selecting items for your closet. A stylist must consider every aspect of her client’s style, life, and physical attributes when planning additions to her closet. Her goal is to help her clients create a cohesive wardrobe that makes getting dressed for any occasion easy.

I educate my clients on capsule dressing, the best layering techniques, how to dress as the seasons change, and how to accessorize. These services make what to wear painless, and easy and you’ll want to be sure your stylist understands all the different dressing techniques.

Compatibility

Styling is a very individual thing, and the relationship between you and your stylist should be that of a partnership. She should be someone you trust and get along with. The most important thing you’re looking for in a Personal Stylist is compatibility. As you interview and shop around, you’ll want to ask yourself, do I like her, or can I see myself having a long-term relationship with this person. Can I trust her? And, just as important, is she a good listener? It would help if you looked for someone who takes in and truly understands what you are saying, your likes and dislikes, and what you want. You don’t want someone who suggests $600 shoes when your budget stretches only to $150. The superior Personal Stylist will listen to your preferences and not try to put you in clothing that just doesn’t suit you.

Establishing a relationship with my clients is essential to our work together. This trusting relationship helps them find their own style so that everything in their closet is true to who they are, and each outfit gives her confidence in how she’s showing up each day. A good stylist will help her clients feel their best, discover their needs, spend their personal style budget wisely, bring together their look, be a good listener, and solve problems quickly.

Attention to Trends

While you don’t want to dress in an outfit held together with safety pins just because skin is now in, you still want to stay current with what’s happening in the fashion world, and a stylist should help with that. She will keep you on-trend in looks that feel fresh and of the moment but won’t bare your midriff.

Knowledge of Fit

Make sure your stylist is a fit expert. Fit is crucial to your clothes looking good on you. You can have the most beautiful jacket in the world, but if it hangs on you like a limp tea towel or is too small, that doesn’t matter. Your stylist should probably also have a relationship with a tailor who will assist in making sure you get that fabulous fit.

Fees

Because I represent several lines of designer ready-to-wear women’s clothing and work exclusively with these collections, I do not charge a fee for my expertise and guidance. However, you can expect to pay an hourly fee to work with most Personal Stylists. You can work with them regularly (i.e., on a seasonal basis) or just for specific events or occasions.

Virtual Styling

Look for a stylist who can offer you virtual styling. Styling over the internet has taken off since the COVID pandemic started, and let’s face it, online appointments give you and your stylist much more flexibility with scheduling. A stylist can run virtual appointments with you at any time that’s convenient. This way, you won’t have to wait for, as in my case with clients, in-home trunk shows.

Style Subscriptions

Boxed clothing subscriptions are an easy way to align yourself with a Personal Stylist. Several companies offer subscription-style boxes (i.e., StitchFix, Nordstrom’s Trunk Club), and these companies pair you with a stylist.

Because of the number of collections I represent, I offer what I call a Box of Luxe. This allows me to work with clients from anywhere in the States. I create a box of pre-styled looks from my collections. Clients try them on in the comfort of their homes and purchase only what they love. Returning what they don’t is easy. It’s all about convenience. And I’m happy to offer that to my clients.

If you’re interested in working with a Personal Stylist, there are four of us on the Lots of Luxe team. Let’s connect and see exactly what you’re looking for in a Stylist.

15Mar

Clothes as Semaphores

March 15, 2022 Lots of Luxe

We all know that clothes are more than clothes.

Yes, they protect you from the elements, keep you warm and dry.

But, as you also know, clothes are semaphores (apparatus to create a visual signal) for so much more. Fashion, the prevailing style of dress at any particular time, is used as messages and symbols that we all decode in an effort to understand who and what we are seeing. If you see a homeless person shuffling down the street in rags, you will interpret her differently from a woman wearing a smart, on-trend dress with hose and heels.

If a woman is carrying a (genuine) Louis Vuitton purse, it means she has a high degree of disposable income and wants to spend it on the best. A pair of jeans speaks a different but equally clear message. Casual, laid back, comfortable (except when there’s a designer label on them). A woman in pearls is seen and decoded differently than one in Goth makeup and dagger earrings. The woman with pearls is seen as a classic, traditional dresser with style. The Goth woman is seen as dark, counterculture, and a little scary.

What we choose to wear reflects how we see the world and how we want the world to see us. Whether it’s as someone cool and powerful who keeps up with all the trends, or as a street-style type who joins a march with her political beliefs emblazoned on her T-shirt.

Obviously, clothing codes are tied to historical fluctuations so what we thought was great last year now looks outdated. But the overriding power of fashion is that it is dual and opposite in nature: it symbolizes class and socio-economic status – dividing us into social groups – but it also somehow unites us because everyone, high or low, wears clothes.

Because clothing is a matter of taste and the ultimate in personal choice and is irrevocably tied to our need to express our individuality, it tells a story and it’s that story we all need to consider when we’re figuring out our own personal style. Because they are right next to our skin, clothes, faster than anything else, tell the story of who we are – or want to be.

Let’s face it, we all judge people by the way they dress, what house they live in and what car they drive. We shouldn’t, but we do it automatically, and that’s why what you wear matters. Each piece means something, and I believe it’s important to figure out what that is and what you want to say.

And color matters, too. Black speaks to minimalism and is an anti-color that gives people options. Blue is much more open, red might indicate an extrovert, and pink is the most romantic of colors on the spectrum. And of course, it’s essential to be aware of the meanings of particular colors, which vary a lot between different cultures. The late Vogue editor Diana Vreeland, for instance, once proclaimed, “Pink is the navy blue of India.”

At Lots of Luxe, our stylists can help you define and refine your personal look and ensure that what you wear will give the right impression to the right person. We can guide you on what trends work for you and help you choose clothing that truly reflects who you are. We love helping women delineate their wardrobe needs and look forward to working with you in the future.

08Feb

Spring-Summer Fashion Trends

February 8, 2022 Lots of Luxe

Ready to skip the rest of winter and plan your spring wardrobe? Your personal stylists with Lots of Luxe are here for you and ready, too!

There are a host of spring/summer trends for this year, as usual. Designers must have their say and boy did they say it, showing underwear as outerwear, the skimpiest minis known to man, crochet, cutouts to reveal midriffs, patterns, all-white ensembles, and lots and lots of color. Think neon pink and highlighter yellow. (Get out those sunglasses, ladies.)

Don’t worry. We’re not going to dress you head to toe in pink or yellow. Or suggest you wear just a jacket over your bra. Our Carlisle and Etcetera design team always works with the most wearable trends. Below are a few that we’re loving this season, and we hope you will too.

KELLY GREEN

Bright colors: orange, fuchsia, lime green, and so on, were all over the runways in Paris, New York, and London. The brighter, the better. Bold, vibrant, and a bit flashy, these hues might strike you as too much, but don’t be afraid of them. Give one a whirl.

A safe way to add color is to opt for classic Kelly green, a rich, saturated green far too luscious to ever be called “grassy” again.

Designers showed a host of different greens for spring/summer but the Kelly green sheer wrap dresses and skirts by London’s Supriya Lele were so fun and attractive. At Rejina Pyo, the green was on shirts, midi dresses, and handbags, and at Molly Goddard, on some delicate wrap-ankle ballet flats. (Kelly green can be injected into every part of an outfit.) Former Bottega Veneta designer Daniel Lee started the trend for the color a year ago, and it hasn’t abated. It’s lighthearted, cheerful, and will get you noticed. In a good way.

We have a couple of pieces in Kelly green that we think you’ll love. One is a Carlisle shirt-style full-length, belted dress GERANIUM, with a pop of color in its fuchsia moire taffeta sash. The ultimate in stylish chic, it can be worn everywhere and in several ways.

Carlisle has also given us a Henley knit sweater dress with multi-directional Ottoman ribs made in a silk-enriched Italian yarn rightly named, DELIGHT. It’s easy and comfortable to wear and we all care about that!

GINGHAM

A cheerful, warm-weather print, gingham is an old favorite and looked great on the runways in unusual applications. While the Michael Kors Collection showed an Audrey Hepburn-style, classic-shaped sundress in black and white gingham, Brandon Maxwell showed jumbo gold checks and at Carolina Herrera, gingham got glossy with shimmer and sequins.

At Carlisle, we have the most gorgeous pannier-shaped skirt in sky blue Spanish organza that anyone can wear, BELLE FLEUR. It’s appliquéd with mini-gingham flanges in a swirling rose pattern while layers of tulle and a horsehair-stiffened lining hold the dramatic shape. Teamed with a white T-shirt or blouse or a little cropped cardigan, this piece is so versatile it can go from the office to lunch and then to dinner. An elastic waistband makes it easy to wear even if you do have that tiramisu at dinner.

FLORALS

With designers focused on the renewal of classic prints, florals are here, there, and everywhere. But these are not all Laura Ashley florals. This season’s botanical graphics range from bold, big, and bright to feminine and tender. YSL did tight catsuits in oversized red roses on a bright white background. Emilia Wickstead (one of Kate Middleton’s favorite designers) offered up a belted, midi dress created in green rose-printed taffeta faille.

At Carlisle we have the POSIES dress, a polo dress in denim-colored Italian cotton poplin emblazoned with a white floral print. The ease of this dress makes it a wonder to wear. Wear it as a runaround dress or pair it over white pants as a tunic.

Then we have a tailored jacket, IN BLOOM, in a Spanish stretch cotton with a floral design in lavender, teal, and white, printed in Italy. There are matching, cropped-length pants that when paired with the jacket gives you a floral pantsuit, which are trending for spring especially if you love lots of pattern and color. You’ll find IN BLOOM in the Carlisle spring collection.

A chicer than chic Italian silk chiffon blouse with an adjustable sash belt/necktie bears a floral print that includes 10 colors. ESTELLE, also from the Carlisle spring collection, is clean and feminine and will look great with pants or a skirt.

From Etcetera, NICOLETTE is a pretty blouse in a small white and blue floral print that’s made in a European fil coupé floral jacquard. It has convertible 3/4-sleeves and, while simple, has a lot of impact.

An organza sleeveless shift dress, FIORE, has luscious floral embroidery in several colors. This knee-length pullover style has olive satin binding at the neck, armholes and hem.

The FRANCESCA skirt and blouse are spectacular together or as separates. Both are made in a soft European twill and from the spring Etcetera collection. The ebullient flower and scroll design is skillfully framed in brilliant blue.

STONE COLD NEUTRALS

In amongst all the blinding colors for spring and summer there were lots of pieces in restful white. Etcetera has slim, drapey white dress pants, TREVI, that are so stylish and swanky. Carlisle has a great looking, jacket, CHAMPIGNON, in the softest European double-faced leather. It has the storm flaps of a trench with a much shorter length, along with removable epaulets and belted sleeves that bespeak a smart, military vibe.

Carlisle’s HELENA, a beautiful cool linen-blend tunic in European floral fil coupé with a rich luster. The easy fit and drop shoulders make it an A-list dressed-up option. The matching pants are an easy pull-on fit combined with a luxe fabric for dressed-up ease. These full-length lounge pants are crafted from a European jacquard with the same elaborate placed floral devore. Paired with the blouse you have a complete neutral silhouette.

We know that so many of you love being on trend but shy away from some of those runway looks. Our designers never fail at making some of the best runway trends wearable for you and we would love to help you add a trending piece to your spring wardrobe.

That’s what we’re here for, to make creating that perfect wardrobe with you easy and fun, season after season.

01Feb

Where and How to Get Rid of Your Luxury Items

February 1, 2022 Lots of Luxe

When a year ends and a brand new one starts, there is something in the air that makes us want to start fresh in all areas of life. It’s all about releasing the old and beginning anew. One of my favorite places to purge the old is my wardrobe, and I know many of my clients agree!

If you have clothes or accessories that no longer fit or just don’t appeal to you anymore, it’s a good time to release them. Some unwanted clothing can be donated, but what can we do with luxury items that have a higher value? A good option is to sell the items and get back some of your investment (if only to put it towards new items!)

So, where can you sell used luxury items? Glad you asked! Let’s go over a few great options for selling designer items. The good news is, you have plenty of convenient choices.

1. Take luxury items to a consignment shop near you

Typically, most consignment shops require an appointment before you bring in belongings. Some shops are pickier than others and don’t accept everything you bring in. However, if you have high-end goods, the odds are they will accept them if they are in good condition. Consignment shops will offer you a percentage of the sale when an item sells, often 50/50. The only effort you pay is dropping off the items, which is easy enough. Be sure to understand the store’s contract, so you know what to expect. If your items don’t sell, some shops allow you to take them back.

2. Try out resale stores

If you don’t want to wait to get cash with consigning, you can try taking high-end clothing, shoes, or accessories to resale shops instead. Here’s how it works: You bring your clothing and you will receive cash up front, which is different from traditional consignment stores. There is a sense of convenience here because you will leave with cash without waiting or risking the shop not selling your things. Another perk of resale stores is that they aren’t seasonal. Many consignment shops will take what’s in season right now, which might leave you with items you wanted to get rid of. Generally, these stores don’t require an appointment either, but each one will operate differently.

3. Online resellers are a popular choice

Here is an option if you want control over the items you are selling. However, it does come with more work. Generally, online selling requires you to take pictures of your items along with detailed descriptions so buyers know what they are getting. You may have to interact with buyers to answer questions or concerns. These websites safely process transactions and cash will become available to you once the buyer has approved of your items.

There are both upsides and downsides to these online used clothing shops. The upsides include control of your items, pricing, and a plethora of buyers. However, online options can be more time-consuming. The time it takes to list items and ship them can be a turnoff to some. There is also a bargaining culture that you may come across if buyers are looking for a cheaper price. Lastly, many websites will take a cut of your sales, depending on the platform, but this is similar to consigning.

Some popular reselling websites are ThredUp, Poshmark, Vinted, and The RealReal. Sites like ThredUp are less time-consuming because you can just send out your designer clothing and be done with the process, but keep in mind your payout will be lower. TheRealReal is similar to a high-end consignment shop but will require a bit more effort. One positive about online used clothing shops is that you will have potentially millions of eyes on your unwanted items. You may be able to easily sell things as there are tons of buyers looking for designer clothing at a discount.

Also, keep in mind that this can take time and you might want to update your items regularly to make sure to push them to the top of people’s feeds. You want your listings to be boosted and seen in buyers’ search results.

Wardrobe Purging with Professionals in 2022

Wardrobe organization can be overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what to get rid of and what to keep. If you’re busy, this can seem even more like a struggle. But, with the right person to help you, your wardrobe will be refreshed and ready for a new year!

Expert opinions, fashion industry experience, and no-nonsense standards are a must for your next wardrobe overhaul. Check out wardrobe styling at Lots of Luxe to see what we’re all about and how we can be of service in the new year. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

03Jan

Pantone Color of the Year – Very Peri

January 3, 2022 Lots of Luxe

After two years filled with unrelenting uncertainty and challenges, is optimism something we can regain? The folks at Pantone think so. Living in transitional and transformative times as we are, between isolation and normalcy, virtual and real, sameness and difference, the color authority’s cheerful color of the year for 2022 speaks to rebirth and vibrancy and adds drama to anyone’s wardrobe. Very Peri, a pulsating, purplish periwinkle blue with violet/red undertones, is the first shade that the company has ever created and encapsulates, it says, the uncertainty, cautious hopefulness and newness of our moment in which we’re all reimagining our futures and searching for a fresh start. The really good news is that the appealing springtime color is universally flattering for all skin tones because it’s a balance between cool and warm.

How to Wear Periwinkle

Periwinkle was all over the spring/summer runways in Europe (but not New York), from a short cape dress at Valentino to a long overcoat at Balenciaga, tailored pants at Saint Laurent and romantic ruffled dresses at Alberta Ferretti. It’s even showing up on bicycles, sneakers, KitchenAid mixers and sweat pants.

And yes, the color is bright, but that’s no cause for concern, even if you’re someone who usually favors neutral and muted palettes and doesn’t experiment much with color. A little of the hue goes a long way and you don’t have to wear it from head to toe. (None of us wants to look like a popsicle!) You can get a dash of periwinkle with accessories: earrings, sandals or a soft, silky scarf. And if you like the color but are unsure how to style it, simply start by pairing it with black. A textured periwinkle crochet, or popcorn-stitch cashmere sweater over some black pants looks great. (And Periwinkle also looks fabulous with jeans!) When worn with white, periwinkle dazzles. And if color is still a little too bright for you, you can always confine it to the lower half of your body and wear it as pants and skirts.

Colors That Go Best With Periwinkle

On the color wheel, yellow is the complement of violet and blue-violet which means citrus, sunflower and gold shades contrast nicely. White, salmon and dark blue look the best with periwinkle but the color also goes with pink, beige, turquoise, green, apricot and other blue hues. For shoes, try some black patent leather, silver, beige or pewter. And for a dash of glam, you could opt for a sandal style with glitter.

Help is at Hand

Of course, you are a woman who already knows what you like to wear and what works for you. And trends are just that, trends. Only you know how your wardrobe should fit your lifestyle and all the subtle details involved in getting into clothing you like – and which likes you.

When it comes to finding assistance to build the wardrobe you’ve always dreamed of, Lots of Luxe is here to help guide you through all your styling needs. We offer high quality clothing that can fit any need you may have. We look forward to working with you on what you’ll be wearing this spring/summer.

Virtual consultations are always available.

02Nov

What’s in Your Handbag Collection

November 2, 2021 Lots of Luxe

If you want to update or improve your handbag collection, you’ve landed in the right place! Every handbag collection should have something for each of your needs; even the minimalists have several bags, one (or more) for each occasion.

Let’s explore the different kinds of bags you’ll need in your wardrobe — everything from functional and practical to luxurious … and maybe a tad over-the-top.

The “Everyday” Bag

You’ll definitely need that go-to bag that you love to carry for its functionality and neutrality. The elements of a great everyday bag vary because you’ll need to tailor it to exactly what you need! Some women like to carry a small bag with essentials that effortlessly match their typical outfits, and other women need a large bag that can hold a laptop and whatever you’ll need for a busy day.

So, consider your daily needs when choosing an everyday bag. In any case, I have some recommendations.

Choose a durable bag — this bag needs to stand the test of time! As the handbag you’ll carry most often, choose quality. Personally, I look for handbags with feet on the bottom for added protection.

Find the right size — find a size that will allow you to bring what you need but will also be proportional to your size. You want the width, height, and depth of your handbag to be relative to your height, bone structure, and body shape. You don’t want a bag that overwhelms you or one so small it goes into hiding.

Shoulder straps or Not – if you like shoulder bags, make sure the straps are adjustable or the straps are a length that allows the bag to hit you at the right location on your side. Once again, it is about proportions. Not only do you want your sleeve length and hems to be proportional to your body, you want your handbag to also follow the rules of proportion.

Keep it versatile — this bag needs to match most of your day-to-day outfits.

Finding that “Everyday” bag keeps you from having to “change it out” frequently; therefore, keeping panic attics from occurring. Have you ever changed purses only to find out when you arrived at work or a meeting, you forgot to transfer your wallet, or lipstick?

The Little Black Bag

Just like its counterpart — the little black dress — the little black bag is reliable, timeless, chic, and oh so necessary. Finding a little black bag is adding a classic to your wardrobe that never goes out of style. You’ll likely have this bag (or multiple versions of a LBB) for years to come. Make sure it’s versatile and the right size for your needs.

The Tote

Everyone needs at least one tote! These bags are not only utilitarian, but they can look absolutely polished and professional, too. It’s wonderful to have a super roomy bag that can handle anything. If you are going to work, running errands, hopping on an airplane, or just heading to yoga, you’ll love having a practical bag that looks great too. Usually, totes are open tops, but you might prefer zip tops, which you can also find.

The Wristlet/Wallet on a Chain

When you want to carry as little as possible, grab a wristlet or a wallet on a chain. Having both of these options in your wardrobe is ideal! A wallet on a chain is just enough to carry cards and other wallet essentials, with a chain for a bit more pizazz if you want a more elegant look. Or, for something less dressy, a wristlet is the perfect little carrying case for essentials. Wristlets come in all shapes and sizes, from casual to professional.

The Crossbody

Hands-free all day? Crossbody bags are convenient, stylish, and carefree. While out shopping or running errands, one less thing to carry is just what we need! Crossbody bags can also be your everyday bag, depending on what you need. This bag should be versatile and durable.

The Belt Bag

Hands-free, but make it super trendy! Belt bags have been big in the last couple of years, and they’re on the 2022 runways. Belt bags are usually pretty small, just enough to carry a few essentials – ie. Phone, lipstick, credit card/license. Perfect for commuting or running errands, belt bags allow you to carry what you need while looking put together and having both hands free.

The Structured Bag

No accessory says “polished,” quite like a structured bag. A structured bag can instantly transform your look if you dress up, making it even chicer and put-together. Structured top handles are sophisticated and pull together a professional outfit or transform a casual outfit into a more ladylike and refined look.

The Clutch/Evening Bag

An evening bag is a wardrobe essential, although it’s probably the least used out of the bunch. There will always come a time when you need an evening bag for vacation, a wedding, or any event where you will be inclined to dress up, so it’s nice to have a few on hand. It’s a good idea to choose evening bags that will be neutral and paired with multiple outfits. Although most evening bags come in colors like black, champagne, or cream, you can always find a flashy one if that’s what dazzles you! If the clutch has a chain that you can convert to a shoulder bag, then you’ve got two for one

Personal Styling — More Than Just Purses

When was the last time you did something entirely for yourself? Sometimes, we all need a pick-me-up. Personal styling is a treat to give yourself when you want a fresh new look, trending clothing options, a personal shopper, or a wardrobe overhaul.

Whether you’ve just started a new job, you’re entering a new phase in life, or you just plain want to treat yourself, Lots of Luxe offers several options for busy women to get the wardrobe they love. If you’re shopping for a special occasion or just upgrading your look, contact us anytime to schedule a consultation.

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