23Dec

How to Wear a White Shirt

December 23, 2020 Lots of Luxe

Create Dozens of Outfits with this Versatile Closet Essential

Let’s talk about one of the greatest wardrobe-essentials. A classic, chic piece that every woman needs (at least one of) in her wardrobe. Perhaps the most versatile article of clothing you could own.

The white shirt.

A white shirt can go from jeans and sneaker pairings while running errands to a stylish night out when paired with black leather pants and heels. The same crisp white shirt can be paired with work pants or casual denim. White shirts can truly adapt in any situation, so I have to say that I recommend every woman has at least one white shirt she loves, if not more!

Here’s how to rock this wardrobe staple at work, date night, and beyond.

How to Wear a White Shirt For Work

I can’t begin these work outfit suggestions without noting a crisp white button-down and a blazer is endlessly chic and always in style.

For work, wear a white shirt with a pants suit, a blazer, and jeans, or with a pencil or a pleated skirt. Wearing a white shirt that peeks out from a sweater or vest is also clean-cut and classic. Collared white shirts are perfect for work, but of course, several styles can easily be worn in a professional setting. White shirts are classic, go with truly anything, and look immediately professional. The greatest thing is, if you buy white shirts for the office, they can work no matter the season. You’ll have a tried and true staple for creating polished work outfits.

Add polished accessories to complete your look.

How to Wear a White Shirt For a Night Out

The chameleon of clothing can go from a chic work outfit to something perfect for a night out.

Oversized white button-downs or longer white tunics can be paired with leggings or skinny jeans, with your choice of shoes. You can get creative with a white shirt by tying it at the waist or belting it. White shirts can even be worn over a slip dress or maxi dress.

Fitted white shirts can be tucked into jeans or pants for a more polished look. Of course, in the colder months, white shirts are great for layering.

Don’t forget to play with accessories. The right hat or statement necklace can completely transform an outfit.

How to Wear a White Shirt While Traveling

Travel is on hold for now, but it’s good to remember that white shirts are a traveler’s best friend. Packing a few white shirts can make it easy to create more outfits while packing less.

You can wear a white shirt with shorts and slip-on sneakers. Long white shirts can be used as a bathing suit coverup while on the beach or by the pool. Or, try wearing one with a maxi skirt.

If you’re headed to a colder vacation spot, white shirts are great layered or under sweaters. White shirts can be buttoned over a tank top or t-shirt, or worn with a sleeveless dress.

White shirtdresses are versatile and can be dressed up or down on vacation.

When choosing white shirts for travel, knits are a great wrinkle-free choice, as are no-iron white shirts. Banish wrinkles with steaming, and you’re good to go!

Need Help With Finding More Closet Essentials?

Closet versatility is a must for any busy woman. When your closet is versatile, you can easily mix and match outfits effortlessly. The white shirt is a classic must-have for creating countless outfits from casual to elegant. And for travel, this is a must, so pack white shirts for many outfit creations for the next time you’re on vacation for work or play.

If you’re wondering how you can add white shirts that flatter your figure into your wardrobe or need help creating effortless outfits, schedule a consultation at your convenience.

If you need additional help creating a wardrobe of essentials that make dressing easier, Lots of Luxe has many helpful services from personal shopping to wardrobe styling.

The last thing any woman needs is to fret over her wardrobe. Getting dressed should be one of the easiest parts of your day.

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.

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.

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.

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