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.

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.

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.

13Nov

Fashion Trends: Love Them or Leave Them?

November 13, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Your Ultimate Guide for Deciding Which Fashion Trends Will Work for You

Are you a trend chaser or a trend avoider? What thoughts inevitably come up when you hear the word “trend’? If trends are working for you, I would never challenge you to leave them. Of course, fashion is meant to be playful and fun. But, if you are a trend chaser familiar with the cycle of buying clothes, neglecting them and ending up with a closet full of “nothing to wear”, then this article could be your saving grace.

If you avoid trends completely, you could be missing out on some exciting new ways to showcase your personal style. The following tips will help you embrace changing trends in a way that doesn’t intimidate or fill up your closet with trends you won’t wear in six months’ time.

Trends come with the seasons and we sometimes have a love/hate relationship with them. You see a new trend made popular by a celebrity, you buy it, wear it once, and then never again. Sound familiar? So, how can you know whether to embrace a new trend or to let it be? Trends can be a fun way to experiment with fashion and self-expression. They can also be challenging to fit into our current wardrobe if our goal is to create longevity with our clothing.

Here’s how to decide whether to welcome a new trend or to leave it on the rack – The next time you’re tempted to try a trend, ask yourself the following questions:

Will the trend seamlessly fit into my current wardrobe?

We want to create and maintain a fluid wardrobe that works well as a whole unit. A wardrobe works best when we can step into our closet and easily choose an outfit, for any event or situation. Wardrobes should be cohesive. If the trend is the opposite of anything you typically wear or if you would have trouble pairing it with your current clothes to make an outfit, then don’t buy it. However, some trends can be easily worn and introduced into your wardrobe; these are the trends you’ll want to invest in. You will be more likely to wear a trend that easily aligns with your current wardrobe.

Is the trend classic or ostentatious?

Some trends are classics that come and go over the years. Classic trends include prints, colors, and fabrics. For example, you’ll notice prints such as stripes and florals pop up over the years, then disappear, and then reappear over time. With a classic trend, you will never look back at old photos and wonder, “What was I thinking?”. It’s the best of both worlds: you get to wear something on-trend and you can wear it for seasons to come.

But how do you differentiate between a classic trend and one that’s ostentatious? The classic trends tend to be more subtle, like a hot color or a popular fabric. While an ostentatious trend is meant to make a statement, such as unique styling. Some trends we’re seeing this fall are satin, shades of purple, and bike shorts paired with blazers. Items in purple or satin might be safe bets to add to your closet, but what about bike shorts with blazers? If this trendy look is a far stretch from your personal style than it may not be for you. However, if you’re a statement-maker, then give it a try! If not, try a more classic trend so you’re still dressing in a current fashion.

Some trends are merely showy and may be popular for a season but won’t stick around as effortless classic trends do. Ask yourself if a certain trend will be worth buying for the long-term goals of your closet.

Does the trend flatter my figure?

Trends might look fabulous on a model, celebrity, or even a friend, but will the trend flatter your own unique body type? Wearing clothing that flatters your body is important for your confidence and for creating a wardrobe that excites you every day. You want everything in your closet to comfortably fit and flatter your curves and body type. If it doesn’t fit in a way that makes you look and feel wonderful, then leave it. Comfort and confidence trump a trend every time.

Does this trend work with my personal style?

Okay, here’s where I can help. A lot of women don’t know how to define their personal style. If you can categorize the way you dress in a couple of words, you will have a template to consider for all your future clothing purchases. You will be able to easily decide what works best for you and your lifestyle, including colors, fits, fabrics, and more. Building a wardrobe is suddenly easier. This step can be especially trying, but an extra opinion from a stylist can be a huge help. Want to define your personal style and make your wardrobe work for you? It’s my specialty! And I always welcome calls or emails if you have questions.

06Nov

How to Determine Proper Pant Length

November 6, 2019 Melrose Fisher

When shopping for pants it’s common to consider the style, the color or print, and the size of the pant, but have you considered the length? One length does not fit all. Here are some basic guidelines to follow when determining the proper length for different pant styles:

1. Cropped Pants

Let’s get right into it with cropped pants – one of the trickiest styles to get right since they are intentionally worn shorter than typical. When not cropped to the proper length, an intentional cropped pant can look like an accident (think: unattractive ‘highwaters’). The hem for a proper cropped pant should hit right at the top of the ankle, showing a few inches of skin between the hem and the shoe. This rule is true for both slim-fitted and wide-leg styles.

2. Straight Leg/Classic Fit

Now back to the basics. A straight leg or classic fit pant needs a proper hemline to keep the look polished. You’ll want the hem to hit right below your ankle bone. Too long and your pants will look too big on you, causing your overall look to appear messy. Too short and, again, we get the dreaded ‘highwaters’ effect. You’ll know you’ve got the proper length when you look in the mirror, stand up straight, and your pant leg makes a clean straight line from waist to hem. Occasionally you may get a slight break in your pant, this is when there is a slight crease in the front pant leg due to the hem meeting your shoe. This is okay when it’s not overdone, as demonstrated in the 3rd image below.

3. Slim-Fit/Skinny Pants

A slim-fit pant looks best when the hemline sits right at the bottom of your ankle, above the ankle bone. This works when worn with flats or heels. If the hem is just slightly longer on a skinny pant, it can still work. If the pant gathers slightly at the top of the foot, this isn’t a problem. You just want to make sure you don’t end up with skinny pants so long that the bottom is completely scrunched up around your ankles.

4. Wide Leg

A wide-leg pant can already be overwhelming on a body, so choosing the proper length for this style pant is especially important. The hemline for a wide pant should graze the top of the foot. You need to find the sweet spot here – wearing a wide leg pant in a cropped length is okay, but you need to be sure to go with a true cropped length (as mentioned above in #1). Going too short can make a wide leg pant look silly and disproportionate. On the other hand, going too long can cause problems as well. You’ll know if a wide leg pant is too long if the pants are dragging on the floor. Even a little bit of the hemline skimming the ground can end up ruining your pants, not to mention your overall look. However, a quick fix to donning wide-leg pants that are too long? Wear a heel – elongate your leg to give the wide leg pant more length to keep them off the floor.

If you’re having trouble finding the right length in a style of pants that you just love, don’t hesitate in making your purchase. A good tailor can take your measurements and accurately hem any pair of pants to the proper length. If you need help, give me a call (919-819-9054). We have a professional Tailor available at the Lots of Luxe Studio every Wednesday and we’d be happy to assist you!

15Oct

6 Tips for Putting Together a Super Stylish Outfit

October 15, 2019 Melrose Fisher

1. Let’s Get Practical

First things first: Deciding what to wear requires a few logistical considerations. You need to think of the weather, your schedule, and activities for the day. When we dress, we want to start with practicality; so begin by asking yourself a few questions:

Is the weather predicted to be consistent all day or will you be needing to put on/take off layers? Should you wear pants and a sweater, or will pants combined with a sleeveless blouse and a cardigan be a wiser choice?

Will you have to walk long distances or stand for long periods of time? Will you be more comfortable in heels or flats?

Does your schedule call for dressy or casual clothes? Are you dressing for your workday, the weekend, or a special event?

Do any of your activities throughout the day require, or limit, particular items of clothing? Are you doing anything that could, for example, dirty your clothes, like gardening, painting, or hiking? Will you be doing any activities that would make it impractical to wear, for example, a dress or skirt?

Women who are confident and look polished all day think about these things. Don’t worry – This doesn’t have to be daunting, just remember that you want to feel comfortable, dress appropriately, and look your best!

2. Choose Comfort

Myth: Dressing for comfort means that clothing will lack style and personality and will be rather dull.

Fact: Dressing for comfort does not mean you need to walk around in something drab. Clothing should be comfortable in the sense that you feel your absolute best in what you’re wearing.

Comfort does not mean boring! Quality fabrics and proper fit should be the top criteria when considering comfort. If you don’t feel comfortable in clothing that you have to wear all day, chances are you won’t wear it. Or, even worse, you’ll get stuck wearing something that doesn’t feel quite right, which can affect your mood and really throw off your entire day.

When choosing comfort, consider your signature style. If you’re dressing true to your authentic self, then you will feel comfortable and confident in anything you put on!

3. Start With The Basics

Now that you’ve considered the external factors, start building your outfit with the basics. Your basics will be the clothing items that make up the foundation of your outfit. These are your solid starting pieces to getting dressed.

Imagine, your ‘body’ is your blank canvas and your ‘basics’ are the first layers of paint. You want to start with a good foundation, then adorn and style.

Your basics for any outfit can be examples like the following:

A casual day? T-shirt and jeans.

A day with clients? Pencil skirt and blouse.

A night out? A dressy top and black pants.

4. Jazz Up Your Basics

Now that you’ve laid the foundation of your outfit, add some flair in the way that you style the pieces that you’re wearing. Play with textures, lengths, patterns, and colors with whatever you choose to add to your outfit. Keep it functional, with your choice of layering pieces or accessories, or choose self-expression through the creativity of the pieces you select.

This might mean swapping a classic silk blouse for one that features smocked sleeves. Or, elevating a standard sweater by donning one that features a knit texture or an embellishment, like beading or embroidery. Add some flair to your typical solid-colored pants by trying a unique wrap overlay or cropped style pant, or simply opt for a printed pant.

5. Choose Your Shoes

Shoes can make or break an outfit. They can also drastically change the tone of an outfit. Think, jeans with sneakers or jeans with heels – very different vibes, right? Choose shoes that fit the practicality of your day, but also consider your mood and the style of your outfit. Some days a skirt goes better with flats and, other days, heels are needed to add that extra oomph to the same skirt.

6. Pick A Conversation Starter

You’ve created an awesome outfit! Now, to accessorize. Want to add some fun to your outfit? Choose a piece that will start a conversation. A beautiful headband, a bright necklace, or a fabulous fur scarf will surely do the trick. Some other examples are to incorporate a statement-making belt or an eye-catching handbag. Dressing to start a conversation can be a fun way to experiment with your style. Find the WOW piece that will take your ensemble to next-level style.

There you have it – Six steps to creating a stylish outfit every day.

What about the other fashion fundamentals?

If you have questions about tips for figure flattery, the best color palettes for you, or dressing to express your unique personality, I can help with that. Outfit creation is not always one–size–fits–all, pardon the pun. Every woman is unique and therefore her style is too. I am always available to help you to feel your best, and only an email away – melrose@luxenc.com.

23Sep

The Continuity of Classics: How to Build a Functional Forever Wardrobe

September 23, 2019 Melrose Fisher

“I feel like I’m constantly buying new clothes and I still feel like I have nothing to wear.”

“I typically wear the same outfits week after week.”

“I feel overwhelmed when shopping for new clothes.”

“I have so much trouble creating new, fresh outfits from what I have to choose from.”

Sound familiar?

The conundrum: a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. It’s all too common. So, how can we fix a problem like this and have plenty of clothes to choose from, shop smarter (without the dread) and always feel like we have a fresh mix of classics and on-trend clothes?

If we focus on keeping classics and adding in a few new trends each season then we can accomplish putting together a functional wardrobe that will last – timeless yet different each season.

HERE’S HOW TO GET IT DONE:

1. START WITH THE CLASSICS

Build the Basics

Classics in neutral colors will never go out of style. The bulk of your wardrobe should come from classics. This way, you always have a solid foundation of clothing to wear, no matter the trends nor the season. Pieces like button-down cotton shirts, solid-colored tank tops, little black dresses, cashmere sweaters, black slacks, and blue jeans are classics that never go out of style.

Choose a few of each of these basic pieces in neutral colors. A neutral color palette will give you the option of building a variety of outfits from just the basics. You can mix-and-match separates, layer additional pieces, and add accessories to create a variety of different outfits.

Layers on Layers

Next, focus on layers. Keep these classic and neutral too. Denim jackets, camel trenches, leather jackets, and cardigans are some good layers to add. Again, these can be added to neutral outfit basics when the weather gets cool or simply to make outfits more interesting.

Functional Shoes

Shoes can change the whole look of an outfit. Be sure to choose shoes in neutral colors that will be a functional part of your wardrobe… and lifestyle. Some basics to consider include neutral-colored pumps, casual sneakers, tall boots, flats, and sandals. Having timeless shoes on-hand will always lead to a perfect match for your classic outfit choices.

Add Accessories

Curating a collection of timeless accessories will allow you to easily match your accentuating pieces to any outfit. Accessories like classic-printed scarves, neutral-colored handbags, leather belts, and simple jewelry will add a timeless finishing touch to any look.

2. ADD IN SOME TRENDS

A wardrobe without some trends can become a tad boring. Trends elevate our outfits, giving our classic pieces that little bit of extra umph to turn them into new and interesting outfits each season.

But don’t start your shopping trip seeking out the hottest trends. If you start buying trends first, things get messy. You buy too much, you will end up with too many outdated pieces, and not everything will match. This is where wardrobe trouble starts and it is quite literally a closet full of (trendy) clothes and nothing to wear. This is why it’s important to build up a wardrobe of classics first. Once you build the foundation for your wardrobe, adding trends is simple and easy.

Trends are fun and allow you to experiment with your unique style, but they aren’t the building blocks of a functional wardrobe. So, add them as individual pieces to your classic looks, like through the use of an in-style print, a statement-making accessory, or on-trend pops of color.

If you have a closet full of basics in neutral colors that you can layer, you will always have enough to wear. Adding on-trend pieces will boost your personal style and help you to mix-and-match, creating unique looks with each new season.

Need more help?

If you aren’t sure where to start, I completely get it. You aren’t alone! Strategically building a wardrobe is some work and it can be overwhelming. This is what I do – I can help you build a working wardrobe of basics, sprinkled with season trends that fit your style. Our Carlisle and ETCETERA collections make this easy; each include both basics and seasonal trend pieces. Call or email me and we can set up an appointment that works for your schedule.

14Aug

How to Build a Wardrobe for Each New Season

August 14, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Each season brings forth new energy and excitement about getting last year’s clothes out of storage. Suddenly, everything feels brand new again! Or, does it? Well, it should if each season’s wardrobe is properly prepared in advance. Rotating clothing for the change of seasons can be an easy process if you know how to do it and have the right help.

The benefits of seasonal wardrobe rotations:

You’ll get inspired by clothes you already own.
Periodic inspections of clothing keep you from having a cluttered closet.
You’ll be forced to consider getting rid of ill–fitting, outdated items and make room for new clothes that make you look and feel great.
There will be fewer items in your closet, which means that it will be easier to dress every day.

Here’s how to evaluate, rotate and pare down your wardrobe for each new season:

Step 1: Evaluate Each Item

For each article of clothing in your closet, ask yourself if there is a purpose for each item. There should be a purpose for every piece of clothing you are keeping (e.g. for work, leisure, special events, etc.) or else it is just clutter and it needs to be donated. If you don’t have a purpose for the clothing, let it go.

Next up, ask yourself if you actually like each piece of clothing. Tastes change and so do trends, if you aren’t in love with an item, donate it. You aren’t likely to wear it if you don’t love it.

Do all of the items in your wardrobe fit well? If it doesn’t fit or feel comfortable, set it aside. Anything that doesn’t fit can either be donated or altered.

Lastly, donate or toss any clothing or accessories that aren’t in great condition.

Step 2: Sort Through the Seasons

There will be three categories of clothing to sort through: the incoming season, the outgoing season, and the season–less items. Choose the outgoing season’s items that you wish to keep and then prepare them for storage.

Before you put every piece of the previous season’s clothing into storage, take a few minutes to consider the following:

Do you still like the piece?
Does it still fit well?
Is it too worn for another season?
Do you think you’ll wear it again next year?

Use these deciding factors to keep or donate the outgoing season’s clothing and you’ll save yourself time and aggravation when pulling out your clothes a year later. The change of seasons is the best time to let go and make room for the new.

Step 3: The Incoming Season’s Rotation

Once you get your incoming season’s clothing out of storage, it’s time to reintroduce it into your wardrobe.

While you spend the effort to bring out next season’s pieces, consider a few of these questions:

Is the item in perfect condition?
Do you like wearing it?
Do you need any additional items to pair with the piece?

Step 4: Decide What You Actually Need

Now you have evaluated each item based on its condition, purpose, and wear-ability. You have also sorted your clothing by seasons. However, you may still have some questions:

What kind of pieces are you missing?
Are there gaps in your seasonal wardrobes?
What’s on trend for upcoming seasons?

Need more help?

Building a wardrobe can be a daunting task, but the easiest time to do it is when the seasons are changing. You’re likely to already be in your closet, rotating out one season’s items for the next. While you’re at it, it’s a smart choice to build the perfect wardrobe for the season and to prepare last season’s wardrobe for next year (you’ll be happy you did).

It will be fall before we know it. Now is the time to be taking your fall clothing out of storage and to consider how you can reintroduce it into your wardrobe. You will also want to do a review of your summer items before packing them up until next year.

I’ve given you the steps to build your wardrobe for each new season, but I understand that it may still sound like an overwhelming process, or perhaps you simply don’t have the time or don’t want to do it. If you need additional help, that’s what I’m here for! I can help you decide what goes and what stays, how to pair clothing, revive clothing, and how to set you up with a perfect wardrobe for every season. Call or email to set up an appointment!

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