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!

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.

15Jul

What to Do When You Have a Closet Full of Clothes and Nothing to Wear

July 15, 2019 Melrose Fisher

A closet full of clothes and nothing to wear is something that every woman can relate to. This is a popular conundrum to have, but why? This is one of the most frustrating situations to be in when dressing for work, special occasions, or just everyday events. You know you can relate!

Typically, when we have a full closet and feel like there is nothing to put together it’s because we haven’t actually made a functional wardrobe. Making poor judgements in the fitting room or hasty decisions at checkout are a couple of reasons for a wardrobe that doesn’t work well for you.

Why isn’t your current wardrobe working for you?

You refuse to let go of old clothing
Out with the old, in with the new! If you are holding onto ill–fitting or outdated clothing, then it’s merely taking up space in your closet. If you haven’t worn a garment sometime over the last year, odds are you won’t wear it again; so, let it go.

Your clothes don’t fit properly
Don’t keep clothing that doesn’t fit, it’s not good for your wardrobe or your psyche! If the fit isn’t right, then you won’t feel comfortable in that garment and you won’t want to wear it anyway, so don’t keep it. Make way for new clothes that fit your body and make you feel comfortable and confident.

You buy things you don’t absolutely love
Sometimes we shop and buy things just so our efforts aren’t squandered. Shopping can be time-consuming, so in order to feel like it wasn’t a waste, we go home with a purchase, regardless of whether we absolutely love it or not. Clothes are meant to be loved; if you don’t love it, don’t buy it!

How can we can fix a less than desirable wardrobe?

Everything fits
When consciously building a wardrobe, instead of aimlessly buying clothes, make sure that everything fits and that everything fits well. All of the clothing in your closet should make you feel good, if it doesn’t you aren’t likely to wear it! Choose clothes that make you feel fabulous.

Define your personal style
When building your wardrobe, choose a cohesive selection of clothing that represents your individuality. Instead of choosing clothing at random every time you shop, create a wardrobe that showcases your unique style, and keep building on it.

Create your color palette
We tend to choose similar colors all of the time, so you may relate to this. Always grabbing the black clothing on the rack? Well, it’s important to know what colors suit your skin tone and hair color. There are certain colors that you may not be considering (or even avoiding) when you shop. It’s important to know what colors suit you and to start integrating them into your wardrobe.

Everything complements your lifestyle
Do you tend to buy things on trend? Sometimes we buy trendy pieces of clothing or clothing that looks great on a friend only to find ourselves scarcely wearing it. Buy clothing that fits your body type and lifestyle, or else your closet will be filled with rarely worn clothing. Define what fits your daily needs – whether it be comfort, function, or style – and build your wardrobe based on those criteria. Your aim is to have a functioning wardrobe that you love, so embrace the kind of clothing you need for everyday wear.

Create easy outfit combinations
When you have created a wardrobe of items that look great and feel great, creating outfits will be much easier. If you’ve chosen the colors that flatter you, everything fits as it should, and all of the garments reflect your personal fashion and lifestyle, dressing is easy.

Need some help building your new wardrobe?

Creating a wardrobe that works for you can be a bit intimidating or even overwhelming. Maybe you aren’t even sure where to start! That’s where I come in – I’m here to help you with donation decisions (see: wardrobe auditing), understanding your personal color palette, and determining which garments will fit your lifestyle. Together we can work on perfecting your wardrobe!

19Jun

First Impressions Are Everything: Here’s How to Always Make a Stunning One

June 19, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Clothing speaks before you do. It’s human nature to make a quick judgment about someone upon first appearance. Even those of us who have been taught to not judge a book by its cover can’t help but to quietly assume someone else’s values, work ethic, personality traits, and probable lifestyle.

Imagine how we view people in uniform. We might view a police officer as stoic, brave, or stern. A farmer could be seen as humble, hardworking, and down to earth…literally. Thinking of any other professionals now? I bet you can decide what kind of person a teacher, real estate agent, or construction worker is just by a first impression. Now you might be imagining how others view you!

First impressions are not reserved for job interviews and business meetings alone. It’s important to always be on top of your game no matter where you go or who you’re around. Why? Because first impressions are everywhere! You truly never really know when and where you’ll meet a potential new client, friend, or even your next boss.

Fortunately, there is no need to put forth job-interview-effort when choosing everyday outfits. If you create a wardrobe that suits your body and lifestyle, dressing to impress will be truly effortless.

Make your first impression before you even speak. Here’s how to do it:

1. Mind your posture

Project confidence by standing and sitting up straight. Walk with purpose and keep your head up, chin parallel with the ground. Good posture is important for first impressions because you can either radiate confidence or appear to be insecure. Whether you’re walking into a board meeting or walking into the gym, be mindful of your posture and what your body language may be expressing. Body language can tell others how you feel about yourself, so show them you love and respect yourself just the way you are.

2. Be comfortable in your clothing

In order to appear confident and capable, it’s important to be comfortable in whatever you choose to wear. Being comfortable can make you feel more empowered and that will translate to how you make first impressions. Make sure your clothing fits your body the way it should. Clothing that is too loose can come off as a bit sloppy, while clothing that’s too tight can look inappropriate. If your clothing doesn’t fit you perfectly, get it tailored to suit your body. The investment in properly fitting clothes is well worth it when you look and feel your best. Not to mention, once tailored properly, you’ll be able to start wearing all the ill-fitting clothing you’ve neglected to wear since you bought it.

3. Represent your profession

Your clothing should always be appropriate to the setting you’re in. Keep your look neat and tailored no matter the occasion. It’s just as important to look tidy in the grocery store as it is at work. Remember that your clothing represents you, your status, and the company you work for. Decide what your “uniform” should be to represent what you do. Should your signature style be conservative like a banker or super chic like a master hair stylist? Especially if you want to establish yourself in your field, your outfits will let others know what kind of work you do.

4. Make a statement

Choose to show the world who you are with the clothing you wear. Wear styles that flatter your body and colors that compliment your skin tone. One of the best things about building a wardrobe is showcasing your personality with it. Your clothing says a lot about you, so use it to show off elements of your personality. Bright accessories, bold handbags, and stylish prints can give others a first impression they aren’t likely to forget. But it’s also okay to make a more subtle statement with understated style to portray a more reserved look. The important thing to remember is, be true to you – make the statement that you want to make.

Lastly, remember to mind your head to your toes. Make appropriate makeup choices and don’t forget that people notice your shoes.

Need some styling advice?

Are you still not sure how to properly make a statement or represent yourself with your clothes? If you need some advice in styling your wardrobe to make a killer first impression every time, I’m here to help! Reach out and let’s get your wardrobe first-impression ready!

12Jun

5 Items You Need In Your Closet

June 12, 2019 Melrose Fisher

There are certain items every woman should have in her closet to make getting dressed and looking stylish effortless. We’re not talking about the essential wardrobe pieces or fashion basics (you can read more about that here) but, the items that you wish you had when there’s a last minute issue when dressing.

These are the items that are going to help fix an unexpected fashion blooper. These simple tools will help save the day when you’re needing to rush out the door or quickly find the ‘right’ outfit in your closet. When you don’t have time to perfect your look, having these resources on hand will make it quick and easy to do so.

Review these 5 items and you’ll agree that you most definitely need to have them in your closet.

1. Steamer

Many of us own an iron and an ironing board but many of us also view ironing as one of our most dreaded chores. It’s a bulky setup and it’s time-consuming. We also have the option to use a dry-cleaning service but that can get costly and also adds a stop on our never-ending list of errands to run. Yet no one wants to be walking around in wrinkled clothing! A steamer is the perfect solution – it’s fast, easy, and effective! A steamer heats up quickly and is ready to go to work as soon as you put your garment on the hanger. Using this wrinkle-freeing process also makes it easier to get those hard-to-reach spots and can be used on virtually any fabric. By the time it takes to set up your ironing board and heat up your iron you could already be done steaming your garment. Save yourself time and energy by investing in a steamer; prices start as low as $20 for a portable travel-size steamer and can also be very affordable for a full-size model.

2. Fashion Tape

Also known as wardrobe, lingerie, or dress tape, double-stick fashion tape is a small, affordable fashion “must have”. You may even be surprised to learn of its many uses. Fashion tape allows you to quickly secure an unraveling hem or a floppy jacket lapel. It can be used to keep clothing items in place, such as preventing a plunging neckline or gaps between blouse buttons from revealing ‘too much’. And it can also be used to keep finicky bra straps from slipping off your shoulders. This little fashion accessory is a miracle worker and a true lifesaver when you’re in a sticky situation as you’re on your way out the door or into a power meeting! For around the same price as a glass of wine, you’ll be glad you purchased this handy fashion saver.

3. Snag Repair Tool

A proper snag repair tool will have you believing in magic! How many items of clothing have become ruined due to snags and pilling? A snag repair tool is simply a precision tool that repairs knitted and woven garments quickly and easily. This teeny tiny useful tool will bring new life to garments new and old that have had a bad run in with a snag! As the cheapest and smallest fashion necessity you’ll have in your closet, you may even want to keep one in your purse, car, or office desk.

4. Foam Deodorant Remover

A major fashion faux pas that many of us deal with often is deodorant stains. There’s nothing more annoying than being dressed and ready to walk out the door only to notice white marks smeared across your outfit. This frustrating occurrence can easily be fixed by briskly rubbing the sponge over the smudge, no water needed! When you’re in the car on the way to work or an event and you’ve just realized you have a deodorant stain, this tool comes in handy to keep nearby when a washcloth and water aren’t available. These fashion savers are also great for removing makeup residue from your clothing.

5. Sewing Kit

The most basic essential item for clothing repair is a simple sewing kit. Some of us own sewing machines, which can be a great thing to have! But many of us need to rely on the quick, old-school method of hand sewing. We’ve all found ourselves with at least one of these common problems: a loose or missing button; an unraveling hem; a pair of pants in need of a hemming; a blouse strap that needs to be shortened; a waistband that needs to be tightened. These minor fashion fixes probably occur more often than you put in the time to repair them. Keeping a small sewing kit on hand provides you with all the items needed to conveniently fix these issues.

Are you familiar with any of these items? You may already own one or two of them. Are there any that you haven’t thought of or didn’t even know existed? Trust us, these fashion-saving items will make your life so much easier! You can practically purchase all these items for less than you’re likely to spend on lunch today and they’re all available at many popular retailers and online for easy ordering. They’ll help you time and time again and they’re convenient for keeping at home, in the car, or when you’re traveling. Be sure to add these items to your closet and you’ll find that they’ll save you time, energy, and headaches in the future. Tell us – What’s in your closet that you can’t live without??

29May

Why You Should Establish Your Own Signature Style

May 29, 2019 Melrose Fisher

What do some of the most powerful people in the world have in common? From the founders of tech companies, to celebrities, to political figures, some of the most influential people in the world define and maintain their own signature style.

Johnny Cash wore black. His signature style was summed up in his words as, “rebellion against the status quo.”

Steve Jobs is well-known for wearing his standard uniform consisting simply of a black turtleneck and jeans.

Albert Einstein wore gray suits. He didn’t want to waste “brain power” on deciding what to wear each day.

A pioneer of androgynous style, Marlene Dietrich is famously known for her penchant for menswear.

When you hear the name Jackie O, you immediately picture the chicly dressed former First Lady, most notably seen in her signature pillbox hats and boxy Chanel suits.

No matter your profession or lifestyle, creating and maintaining a signature style can make a lasting impact, from basic functionality to self–expression.

Developing a signature style can be the hallmark of your individuality.

What you wear can become your personal brand. A signature style can be an empowering way to step into your authentic truth. Almost every fashion icon in history has created a recognizable signature style, from Audrey Hepburn to Madonna. But, you don’t have to be a style icon to have a signature style. You can set yourself apart from others. You can be a memorable person in the industry you work in. Clothing should be a way to express yourself, first and foremost. Creating a signature style makes you appear more confident in the eyes of others, too.

Your reputation comes from repetition.

Creating a signature style doesn’t have to mean wearing the same thing every day, nor does it mean always wearing a bold, over the top outfit. The key is consistency. It can be a certain color, style of clothing, or signature accessory. Not only does this consistency create your signature style, but it also has many practical applications. Consistency in your wardrobe makes shopping and dressing easier! How wonderful would it be to have a clear idea of what you need to buy and always know that you can effortlessly create stunning outfits?

You can shop smarter.

Have you heard of the 80/20 rule? We typically wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time. Not only does this mean we buy things we rarely wear, but it also means that our daily outfit choices get stagnant. If you choose to create and maintain a signature style, you will likely wear more of the clothes in your closet, and you will be able to match more outfits together in an aesthetically pleasing way. You will choose the best quality every time, because you know you can invest in pieces that you will wear long term. There will be no room for poorly fitting clothes. When you shop with your personal style in mind, you will only choose pieces that fit your lifestyle, flatter your body, and make you feel confident.

The Final Word on Creating a Signature Style

Need some assistance? If creating a signature look sounds fantastic but seems like a daunting task, then I can help. Together we can refine your personal style into something that will work for you. We can work on keeping everything that fits your personal style and getting rid of anything that dilutes it. Set yourself apart from the rest, simplify your life, and step into your authentic self. Call or email me to set up an appointment at your convenience.

03May

Building a Closet with a Sturdy Base

May 3, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Figuratively speaking, of course. Although we love a good DIY project, we’re here to help you renovate your wardrobe, not your house! While trends come and go, there are some wardrobe essentials that could last a lifetime. Having a few neutral staples in your closet sets the foundation for a classic wardrobe.

Here are 5 pieces we recommend to make getting dressed easy and effortless:

1. Fitted Camisole

A camisole in a neutral color can serve many purposes. It can be the base piece in a layered look, under an embellished jacket or cardigan. It can be a modesty layer under a sheer blouse. And, done in a fabric with some stretch, it can also double as shapewear to help smooth things out under a fitted dress or tunic, for example.

2. Your Favorite White Blouse

This should be the piece that, when you ‘have nothing to wear,’ you can always turn to your favorite white blouse. Classic, yet chic, a crisp white blouse can be worn sleeves-rolled and paired with jeans for a casual look, dressed up with a skirt and heels for cocktails, or ready for a board meeting with slacks and a blazer.

3. Light Cardigan

A light cardigan can help you transition from the summer heat to the blasting a/c indoors, or from heated rooms to the lower temps brought in by the colder months. You know- that ‘chill’ that you get from being in the cold; it’s hard to shake and often lingers throughout the day. A light cardigan is easy to throw in your bag or have handy in your car so you can pull it out and put it on whenever you feel that chill coming on.

4. LKD – “Little Knit Dress”

We’ve all heard of the “Little Black Dress” but a “Little Knit Dress” can be just as valuable, if not more so! A knit dress is perfect for virtually any occasion. Worn with flats and a ponytail, your little knit dress will take you out for a day of shopping, running errands around town, or brunch with the girls. And, paired with heels and fabulous jewelry, a little knit dress can be made appropriate for the office, after-work drinks, or your weekend dinner date.

5. White Denim

You may already have a pair of classic blue jeans in your closet, but have you considered what white denim can do for you? White denim jeans are classic, yet chic. They can be dressed up or dressed down when paired with the right blouse, shoe, and jewelry. And, remember your mom’s rule, “No white until Memorial Day” – Consider that old-fashioned because the runways have loved seeing white denim worn all year round!

If you’re unsure of where to begin when putting together the ‘essentials’ for your closet, the pieces above are a good starting point. And, you should notice a theme when looking at the pieces we’ve shown here. The key to building a ‘sturdy’ foundation for your closet is to choose pieces in neutral colors. Keeping your basics ‘basic’ will ensure you get a longer life out of each piece. If you need further help or would like our suggestions, send us a message and we’ll make sure you have everything you need to create a wardrobe with a timeless foundation.

05Feb

How a Personal Stylist Will Become Your New Best Friend

February 5, 2019 Melrose Fisher

No matter who you are, what you do, or what your closet currently looks like – you can benefit from working with a Personal Stylist. A good Personal Stylist is more than just a ‘personal shopper’; she is someone who will take the time to get to know you, your style, and your lifestyle. With this information she will curate a wardrobe that will make you look and feel your best. And that is something worth investing in.

When you’re unhappy with your wardrobe you’re likely to do one of two things: Go shopping to try to update or refresh your wardrobe. Or, recycle the same few outfits that you really like week after week. Thus, creating two problems: You’re either wasting your time and money or you’re keeping yourself stuck in a fashion (and confidence) rut. If you don’t have the tools to properly style your wardrobe, then things won’t change.

This is when a Personal Stylist can step in and help you get back to feeling and looking the way you’d like.

Taking care of your wardrobe needs is a form of self-care. How you look and feel in your clothes affects how you look and feel overall.

A Personal Stylist helps you present your best self to the world.

Contrary to what you may believe, this isn’t just a shopping spree.

Your Personal Stylist will consider what’s currently in your closet. She will help you do a wardrobe audit, determining which pieces are ‘keepers’ and which should go into the ‘donate pile’. After reviewing the pieces that have made the cut, she will know what gaps need to be filled, how some pieces can be worn in new ways, and which pieces can be styled together to create a whole different look.

Make ‘getting dressed’ an enjoyable process.

Clothing can be finnicky – it can shrink, it can get stretched out, it can go out of style (sometimes very quickly!), it can become uncomfortable or unflattering. You will want your wardrobe to contain quality, timeless pieces in a style that feels like your own. But how exactly do you do that?

Your Personal Stylist has the tools to create the look you want in a way that will make you feel comfortable and confident. She will include flattering pieces that can be reinvented so that you’re not constantly wearing the same old thing or spending money on more pieces that will sit unworn in your closet.

An outstanding wardrobe doesn’t need to drain your wallet.

Your Personal Stylist will help you create a wardrobe that can transition and evolve with you and your lifestyle. We’ve all felt the stress of an event that we didn’t plan an outfit for, leaving us in a frantic scramble through our closet to come up with something ‘just right’ as we need to be walking out the door. Or, even worse, the pressure of last-minute shopping for an upcoming occasion, when we often purchase something we don’t truly love or won’t ever wear again.

You want a closet that will have you prepared for any situation. Whether it’s a power meeting that suddenly springs up or a friend’s unexpected celebratory dinner, you will know what to wear and you will be excited to wear it.

However, it’s also important for your Personal Stylist to manage your wardrobe over time so that smart purchasing decisions can be made to extend the life and look of your wardrobe.

Having the right pieces in your wardrobe means that time isn’t wasted on unnecessary, unflattering, or unrealistic clothing options.

The shopping process can be a tedious one. Sorting through racks upon racks of clothing, trying on each piece individually and then seeing how it pairs with something else, waiting for a sales associate to bring over a different size for you to try, and then you need to wait in line to make your purchase.

Or, maybe you’re an online shopper. Sure, that can be more convenient but online shopping can also be a time drainer. Instead of racks you’re sorting through, it’s pages and pages of websites. It’s quick and easy to click “Add to Cart”, but is it as quick and easy to return an online purchase? It’s always disappointing when an online order arrives and the quality of the product is inferior, the style is not what you had expected, or the size or fit just isn’t right. Now you need to start the ‘reverse’ online shopping process – initiating an online return.

I think you can relate. And I think you’d enjoy the relief of working with a Personal Stylist who takes the stress out of the shopping process, who takes the uncertainty out of the styling process, and who gives you back your valuable time to focus on the real priorities in your life.

Working with a Personal Stylist can be life-changing.

Investing in a Personal Stylist is an investment in yourself – your comfort, your confidence, your message to the world. The Personal Stylists at Lots of Luxe elevate the wardrobing experience to a much more personal one.

A Lots of Luxe Personal Stylist becomes your new best friend as she truly gets to know you and learn your likes and dislikes. She chooses each garment specifically to complement your body type, your lifestyle, your personal style, and your goals. Just two or three appointments a year can transform your wardrobe into something you’re proud of, making you look and feel like you can conquer the world. And you’ll have your Personal Stylist to thank for that!

Lots of Luxe is always committed to making your personal styling experience one of joy and ease. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about working with a Personal Stylist. We’re always happy to get to know you, making sure you’re comfortable with the whole process and enjoying the exciting changes we can bring to your wardrobe and to your life!

03Dec

Build Your Footwear Wardrobe for Easy Dressing

December 3, 2018 Melrose Fisher

Whether you’re a shoe lover or you feel like a misfit when it comes to shoes, one thing is certain: we all wear them. Chances are we need ones we don’t own yet. With lifestyle changes, you could be requiring a different type of shoe. Fashion offers new styles using updated technology. Shoes are a quick way to add style to any look. And then there’s that other thing that’s changed: fit needs have changed.

Wouldn’t it be great to have an updated full-service footwear wardrobe? Let’s take a deeper dive into this subject. When you lace up, zip up, or pull on your shoes or boots, I want you to feel confident that you’re in the right pair.

There are shoes and then there are shoes. Some activities are more demanding on our feet than others. The shoe or pump you wear if you’re on your feet all day will be different than the one you’ll wear with girlfriends when all the walking you’ll be doing is exiting your Uber car service and walking into a wine bar for drinks. Here are categories to consider in order to have the right shoes for any occasion.

Boots

Flat booties or flat boots are perfect for active days. Whether you’re running errands, taking a class at the nearby college, or working in a casual setting, they’re up to the challenge of your busy life. Choose a style that relates to your personal expression. You may like a Chelsea boot or a riding boot if you like classic looks. Maybe you prefer a boot with western details. If you like variety in your life, you’ll want to have boots or booties in more than one color and style. Cover your neutral-colored bases first—like brown, black, camel, or charcoal—but don’t be afraid to purchase boots in pops of color.

Dressy boots are a must-have for women who enjoy a more alluring or glamorous look. This boot is generally more elegant and heeled. They’re perfect for wearing with fabrics like lace, velvet, brocade or jacquard. This boot is generally close-fitting to the ankle and calf. Stretchy fabrics are great if you have a fuller calf. If you shop online, add ‘wide calf’ to your search.

Flats

Dressy flats could be used for polished outfits or they could make a statement when worn with casual pieces, like jeans and a sweater. You’ll notice fashion editors inspiring us to put casual and elegant elements together for daytime outfits. What makes a flat dressy is in the details. Look for shoes that are beaded, have sequins, ornate buckles, or bows. They could be ballet flats, T-straps or ankle wrapped. They could be metallic, patent leather, velvet, animal print, or lace. Shop around until something strikes your fancy.

Oxfords

Oxfords are a popular choice if you prefer a menswear look in your shoes. The fact that they lace up can give you a personalized fit. Lace them tight if your heel or foot is narrow. If your foot is fuller, give the laces some slack. An oxford looks sharp with trousers, ankle pants, or rolled up jeans. You’ll discover this style comes in a variety of textures and materials. They may be adorned with tassels, have lug soles, or be heeled.

Pumps

Pumps can function as a professional shoe for some workplaces. Work pumps have a closed toe and are typically low-to-mid heeled. They can be slingbacks or have ankle wraps. The block-heeled pump is a great addition to this season’s trends. Higher, more slender-heeled pumps can look dressy and sexy. These are the heels that earn their ‘killer heels’ reputation because they’re not easy to stand in for long.

Sneakers

The sneaker offers a modern look plus comfort. Slip-on or laced sneakers are having their fashion moment to the joy of many people who are experiencing style and comfort in a shoe they can wear all day. There are many choices so give yourself a chance to explore this style fully before making a purchase. You can get a pair that looks athletic or you can go for sneakers in materials like embossed snakeskin, leopard print, or velvet. If your style is sporty or fashion-forward, you may want a few pairs of this style.

If you’ve read through these categories, you may have already discovered where you need to focus to get the shoe wardrobe that works for you. I’d love to help you update your shoes and be sure you have what you need. Give me a call at (919) 819-9054. A short amount of time devoted to this one item will make a huge difference.

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