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.

17Apr

5 Reasons Why You Need to Understand Your Unique Body Type

April 17, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Clothing trends change rapidly and it can be tempting to wear a new trend. The question you need to ask yourself is, “How will it look on me?” Perhaps one of the reasons why trends come and go so easily is because not everyone benefits from wearing them.

We’ve all had that moment when we see a new clothing trend in a magazine or on another woman and think how fantastic it looks. Admiring a trend and trying it for ourselves is a huge hit or miss and, inevitably, not all trends flatter everyone. Finding something that you love on the clothing rack but then loathe on yourself is disappointing. So, what can we do to totally avoid that disheartening dressing room moment?

The answer is: Know your body.

Bodies come in all shapes and sizes; every woman is unique. You can find the shape that closely matches your own with “The Foolproof Way to Find Out Your Real Body Type”. By identifying your body type, you can then read on to learn what types of clothing to choose and what styles to leave behind.

Here are the 5 Reasons Why You Need to Understand your Unique Body Type:

1. You will always look your absolute best

Knowing how to make your body look horizontally and vertically proportioned will flatter your body type. Each outfit will be balanced, perfectly fitting, and virtually made for you. You can forget about feeling uncomfortable, looking bad in photos, or worrying that you don’t look fabulous.

2. Play up your assets

Certain clothing can emphasize the body parts you love. By simply knowing which styles match your body shape, you can highlight the curves you feel good about. Examples include hourglass–shaped women wearing waist–cinching styles to emphasize their curves, or apple-shaped women showing off their legs.

3. Minimize your flaws

We spend a lot of time trying to hide our flaws, but it gets much easier when we buy clothes that automatically flatter us. One extra perk is that you won’t be creating flaws by wearing the wrong things. Wearing the right pieces can balance out your body by highlighting the good and minimizing the bad.

4. Create outfits with ease

You will be able to easily decipher lengths, cuts, and styles that fit you best. Shopping will be much easier and, if you hate online shopping, it will become less stressful. You’ll save time and money by knowing what’s right for you and leaving all of the rest. Shop by style when you know the go-to pieces that make your body look great.

5. You can build a killer wardrobe

Out with the old and in with the new and flattering! Much of our wardrobe typically can go neglected while we stick with the pieces we’re comfortable with. If you create a wardrobe based on your body type, you can never go wrong.

Still need some help?

If this is all too complicated and you still feel like you need some help with dressing for your body type, that is what I am here for. The most effective way to understand your body type is to take measurements and help from a Personal Stylist. As always, I am available when you have questions or you want to make an appointment.

11Apr

5 Ways to Wear a Scarf on a Warmer Day

April 11, 2019 Melrose Fisher

As the warmer months are upon us, just like you do with the rest of your wardrobe, you will want to change out your drawer of winter scarves and replace them with your lighter-weight scarves. For warm weather you’ll be more comfortable wearing scarves in airy fabrics such as cotton and linen or thinner, sheerer gauzy fabrics.

Think you’ll still feel stuffy and overheated bundled up in a scarf while the sun is shining? Think again! Here are 5 innovative ways you can wear this stylish accessory well into the summer months:

1. Keep It Loose

Casually drape a scarf over your shoulders instead of tying it up close to your neck. You can also wear it loosely around your neck and allow it to drape or hang further down from you neck. Worn in this way, your scarf can replace a necklace and it can add a pop of color or eye-catching print to a basic blouse.

2. Hair Flair

Try wearing a scarf to elevate your summer hairstyles. There are many ways to wear a scarf as a hair accessory, some examples are: Wrap the scarf around your head, tying it in the back, to create a headband look; Wear a ponytail tied in place by a scarf instead of using a regular hairband; Or, try a ‘messy bun’ with the scarf tied into a bow or a twist knot at the top.

3. Belted

Wearing a scarf as a belt is more about style than function. While you won’t be able to rely on a scarf to hold your pants in place, you can be sure it will make a statement as a standout accessory. Thread a scarf through the belt loops of your jeans or slacks or wear it as a sash over a tunic to pull off this chic look.

4. Accessorize Your Accessories

Tying a scarf onto the handle of your handbag is a fun way to add a pop of color or to add a print to tie colors together to complete your look. Bonus: If the wind picks up during the day or if it gets chilly into the evening, you can pull your scarf off your handbag and use it as a warming layer!

5. Wrap It Up

Although they make beautiful accessories, scarves can still be functional through the warmer months. Wear it as a wrap over your sleeveless dress or blouse for arm coverage at those special occasions you’ll be attending, such as spring graduations or summer weddings.

Remember these tips as you’re transitioning your wardrobe from the cooler months to the warmer days that are upon us. Scarves no longer need to be associated solely with keeping us warm throughout the winter. Used as an accessory or as a functional piece that’s practical for a warmer day, a scarf can add a lot of style to your overall look.

12Mar

10 Ideas to Easily Transition Your Wardrobe From Winter to Spring

March 12, 2019 Melrose Fisher

It’s that time of year again – those few weeks between the chilly winter weather and the soon–to–be budding springtime. Dressing for this time of year, or in between any of the seasons for that matter, can be tough.

I’ve created 10 tips to help you transition from winter to spring with ease! The weather might not be predictable, but I can show you how you can work around it while looking flawless no matter the weather.

1. Wear Scarves

There’s still a chill in the air and scarves are great accessory for 2 reasons: they’re fashionable and they’re functional. All you have to do to make your outfit more spring–forward is to add an eye–catching scarf. Try stripes, floral prints, or checked prints in lightweight wool.

2. Choose White

It’s time to add lightness to traditionally dark winter clothing! Adding a pop of white to any outfit brings light to it and it’s super easy to incorporate into your winter wardrobe. Pull out your white blouses and start wearing them more often. Add a necklace with some luster or sparkle and you’ve pulled together a perfect winter to spring look.

3. Show Some Ankle

Jeans are a favorite for any season. When the weather is still cool but slowly warming up, roll up your jeans or choose a cropped length to show some skin. Pair jeans with sandals, sneakers, or pumps.

4. Add Colorful Accessories

It’s time to add a pop of color to your winter wardrobe. A colorful accessory like a bright moto jacket or anorak or a bold bag can instantly transform dark clothing.

5. Denim Jackets

Ditch your heavy coat for a lighter jean jacket for an added spring vibe. Denim is versatile, looks great, and adds a layer for warmth.

6. Lighter Knits

When it’s chilly but you still want to look season-appropriate in spring, reach into your stash of lighter-colored, finer-weight wool sweaters. You can also swap out pants for skirts to wear with light–weight sweaters.

7. Transitional Footwear

Booties and mules are great for winter–spring transition. Show a bit of skin or pair them with nude fishnets or lighter colored tights. Perforated, lighter-colored booties are a great fashion catch if you can find them.

8. Wear Layers

Layering is multi–functional because it looks great and it will help keep you warm when the temperature is still low. When wearing loose knits, layer a tank underneath in silk or polyester. The tank will cut the winter chill that could still be lingering in the air.

9. Put on a Poncho

Ponchos, capes, wraps, or shawls are transitional must-haves. They’re warm, stylish, and they are made for in–between weather. Heading into spring, choose a wrap in a pastel color – baby blue, blush pink, or mint green. Or if you prefer neutrals, look for one in sand or dove gray.

10. Trench Coats

Trench coats are a perfect transitional piece since they are more lightweight than heavy winter coats, yet still provide protection from the elements. Instead of black, go for classic tan or white, or introduce trenches in fresh, unexpected colors or patterns. Checked or striped trenches are also perfect for spring.

Transitional seasons can hang on longer than we’d like. Call me at (919) 819-9054 for a styling session. I’ll pull pieces from your closet to make outfits that look like spring but feel warm enough to wear if winter is lingering. We could also do some shopping to get your wardrobe working all year round. I’m eager to help!

20Feb

Spring 2019 Fashion Trends

February 20, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Spring is an especially celebrated season for many reasons, including in the fashion industry. Spring is a time for new beginnings and for warming up after a long winter. So, in the spirit of spring, here are the trends from Carlisle and ETCETERA for this year’s upcoming season.

Natural Neutrals

In the spring of 2009, Vogue said, “Fashion’s strength this season comes from its quiet authority; dress softly and carry a leopard-spot purse.” Neutrals were big that year and, although neutrals have never left us, they are big again this spring. Neutrals come in all shades of beige: camel, cinnamon, coffee, and chestnut. Earthly neutrals are the perfect basics for building your spring wardrobe. Head-to-toe neutrals are a trendy way to wear a luxe monochrome look. Feel free to add pops of color to neutrals if that’s your thing. Neutrals provide us with plenty of options. Natural colors are graceful and elegant, and they can be easily styled.

Bold Brights

On the flip side of spring’s neutrals, comes spring’s brightest colors. Vibrant shades can enliven your wardrobe whether you choose brights for the office or casual wear. The shades of this season’s brightest colors include taffy, persimmon and all shades in between. Office style gets more than a pop of color this spring. Don’t be afraid to mix spring’s brightest shades for a fun, fabulous look. Color blocking is in style this spring season, and many styles of color blocking are using either bold brights or sandy neutrals–or both for a fresh look.

Fresh Florals

Florals are an absolute spring classic! Florals are far from new, but they are feminine, whimsical, and flirty. Nothing lightens up a wardrobe quite like fun florals. Wearing florals can be casual and light or even dressed up for the office. This year, spring’s blooms come in prints, lace, appliques, and embroidery. If florals aren’t typically your style, try black florals for a more demure look. Edgy black florals are a glamorous way to add flowers to your wardrobe.

Beyond Beige

The season’s new neutrals come in a plethora of earthy shades in a spectrum that flirts with yellow, grey and brown. Neutrals are incredibly easy to work with, especially when adding to your wardrobe. Neutrals can be easily added to build a number of different outfits to choose from.

Think Pink

This spring delivers exciting shades of pink ranging from pale blush to hot fuchsia. Blush is one of the universally flattering colors because, regardless of your skin tone, blush flatters everyone! Wear your favorite shades of pink as solids, stripes, ombre, color blocks, and more. Spring has never looked so bright!

Neutral Ground

Black and white is a classic combination that always delivers. Go graphic this season with a myriad of ways to mix black and white. The elegant and dramatic opposite shades provide a canvas to add to. Black and white clothing comes in color blocks, stripes, solids, and even stunning python. Add a bright scarf or blazer to black and white to automatically upgrade the look.

Bright Lines

This season’s lines go beyond simple stripes, playing with texture and tones for modern twists on a classic. A new take on pinstripes is chic for the office and is a great way to add texture and something new to your wardrobe. Stripes are an easy way to make any outfit a little bolder.

Need A Fresh Spring Makeover?

I’m here to help! If you need a styling consultation to renew and refresh your wardrobe for spring or are in a dilemma with what to wear for a special occasion, it would be my pleasure to help you decipher what you need. Wardrobe styling and shopping when you aren’t sure what exactly you need can be overwhelming and frustrating, but I can take the confusion out of it.

If you’re ready to take your wardrobe to the next level, organize, fill–in, and revitalize your closet, give me a call! Or, get in touch here.

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!

23Jan

How to Get More Enjoyment from Your Wardrobe

January 23, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Do you look at your wardrobe, shrug, and want to walk away? Are you uninspired? Do you wear the same basic uniform every day? Have you thought about calling it quits with fashion?

Everyone goes through slumps over their wardrobe. It often takes months, and sometimes even years, to realize we’re in a slump. That’s the bad news. The good news is that you can get out of that slump and have fun with clothes again!

Let me show you where I’m headed with this.

Clothing yourself is one thing – That is, simply, getting dressed.

Then there’s getting dressed with intention.

And then there’s getting dressed and leaving a pleasurable impression.

It’s your choice and there’s help available if you need it. (More about that later.)

We’ve all been left with pleasurable impressions by how someone looks. It could be a stranger in the grocery store, someone at work, a sales associate at a store, or someone in your book club. When you see them, your eyes want to linger and take in their look.

Perhaps her look is creative and clever, and it makes you smile. Maybe it’s a friend who consistently wears color in her outfits in ways you haven’t and it pleases you.

Let’s say you’re ready to leave the fashion slump and dress in a way that puts smiles on the faces of strangers. One strategy is to find something that’s already pleasing to you and then go for it with a little more gusto than you have so far.

Here are some ideas for you:

Leave a pleasurable impression with your use of color.

This could be as simple as introducing some pleasing colors into your wardrobe. Every fashion season there seems to be an emphasis on a few specific colors. One excellent color resource is Pantone, a company that does color forecasting. If you want inspiration, start there. Or simply go to
a retail store where you can pull items from the rack, walk over to a full-length mirror and hold them up to your face. Which colors make you happy? Choose a few colors to play within clothes, coats, shoes, handbags, or scarves.

Take the time to find the colors that flatter your skin tone, eyes, and hair color. It’s important that we wear colors that brighten and compliment us. Bringing the right colors into your life will inspire you and make you feel refreshed.

Leave a pleasurable impression by adding one more accessory.

Coco Chanel is famous for telling people to add accessories to their outfit, take a look in the mirror, take one thing off, and then step out into life. But Coco was an icon during a time when men and women dressed elegantly and much more formally. As people, in general, are looking more and more casual in their dress, this is a rule that typically no longer applies.

If you like rings, add one more to your fingers than you have. If you like bangles, create a cluster of them for your wrist. If you like finer, more delicate jewelry wear two or three necklaces at once. Make accessory additions to your outfit, not subtractions.

Leave a pleasurable impression by wearing one standout piece.

Even if your lifestyle is casual or your workplace is more relaxed, you can always walk out the door wearing one standout piece.

One way to picture this is to think about how you’d dress a table for dinner guests. You may use your everyday dishes and cutlery, but you have fresh flowers at the center of the table in your favorite vase. The centerpiece brings the eye in and then leads you to the other accents you’ve used. So think of the standout piece as being on par with the centerpiece of that dinner table.

Your choices are many. Let me suggest a few:

A blazer in a pattern when you’d have customarily worn them in solid colors.
Carrying an oversized handbag. The exaggerated shape draws someone in, and they desire to see the rest of the outfit.
Instead of wearing a black or tan trench coat, wear one in an icy tone or one in an autumnal shade.
Wear an oxford shoe in burgundy, blush, or blue and give your black or brown shoes a break.
Wear a bulkier scarf than usual. That little bit of extra volume adds drama.

Lastly, organizing your closet can make a big impact.

If your closet is filled with outdated clothing or is generally unorganized, it wouldn’t be surprising that you don’t feel inspired by it.

Get rid of anything that doesn’t make you feel fabulous and donate it. This includes your shoes and accessories. Organizing everything will make it so much easier to see what you already have and what you might need.

Make your wardrobe clearer by sorting it by color. This makes it easier to see what the possibilities are for creating a fun, exciting outfit.

It doesn’t take a lot of change to feel a big lift. Clothes and accessories are here to be enjoyed. When you wear them in a pleasing fashion, you are making someone else’s day brighter as well as your own.

I’d love to help you make some adjustments to your wardrobe, one’s you’ll find pleasing. It’s all possible! Give me a call or send me an email and we’ll get an appointment on the books. You’ll love the results!

08Jan

How to Build a Dream Wardrobe in 7 Easy Steps

January 8, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Building a wardrobe is a truly daunting task. How many of us can devote the time to create a flawless, versatile wardrobe that never leaves us wondering what to wear?

Most of us buy more and more clothing without consciously building a wardrobe that allows for easy access to outfits for every occasion. If we don’t build a functional wardrobe, then we are likely to end up with a closet filled with clothing to mix and match at random. Of course, it ends in wearing the same outfits repeatedly or obsessing over what to wear.

It’s worth it to create a wardrobe that suits your needs, but you may be wondering where to start. It takes some time and strategy to build a wardrobe, so how is it done?

Starting with your own personal wardrobe stylist; I can help you do each of the following steps in order to build a cohesive, varied wardrobe. The end result will be a wardrobe that suits your lifestyle, flatters your body, and expresses your personal style. Here’s the run-down of the steps to create a dream wardrobe easily and quickly.

Establish Your Body Type

You must know what body type you have before building a wardrobe. We are all unique in shape and size and knowing the types of clothing that suits your body type is crucial to looking flawless all of the time. Finding clothes that flatter your body can boost your confidence and ensure you have a closet full of clothes that make you feel great.

Determine Your Color Palette

Just like with body types, we all have a unique skin tone. Skin tones range from not only light to dark but also cool to warm. Knowing your skin tone is key to knowing which colors enhance your look and which colors don’t. Wearing colors that don’t compliment your skin tone can make you look tired, washed out, or simply not your best. Conversely, choosing the perfect colors for your skin tone can enrich your look automatically.

Shop to Fit Your Lifestyle

It’s important that the clothes in your closet suit your daily needs. We can easily buy clothing that is momentarily trendy on impulse, but does it really suit our lifestyle? For example, a wardrobe filled with 40% career-minded outfits, 30% clothing for social events and outings, 20% leisure, and 10% formal special event attire could be suited for your lifestyle.

Detox and De-Clutter

If you’re going to build a wardrobe you love, you will have to get rid of all of the items that you don’t love. Sort through your closet and remove any ill-fitting, unflattering, out of style clothing. Make room for pieces you’ll love and wear frequently.

Create a Foundation of Basics

Building a wardrobe around classic basics makes dressing simple. Choosing neutral-colored tank tops, black pants, pencil skirts, white button-ups, and cardigans are good basics to build from. Most of your outfits will begin with these basics, so having many on hand will create the foundation you need to build a wardrobe.

Add Statement Pieces

You’ll need to let your personal style shine with statement pieces in the colors and fabrics that you love. These statement pieces can be added to your wardrobe basics for easy pairings. Tailored investment pieces can be added here as well.

Maintain your Wardrobe

You’ll need to add to your wardrobe to keep things fresh. This will ensure you’ll always have something new to wear and new outfits to create. The easiest way to maintain your dream wardrobe is Box of Luxe, a time-saving home delivery box of 4-6 hand-selected pieces of clothing.

If you don’t have time to shop and maintain a wardrobe, this is the answer for you! It’s as easy as completing a quick style profile and your Box of Luxe will be delivered to you filled with pieces that suit your style needs. You’ll have five days to try on the clothing and if you decide something isn’t for you, simply return it hassle-free.

Another option is to schedule a consultation call or to meet me for a cup of coffee. In 30 minutes I can help you determine your wardrobe needs and guide you through the services provided by Lots of Luxe. A Personal Stylist could be your answer to a wardrobe that works.

Style Tips

Join Our Team

Stay Connected

Shopping for a special occasion?

Contact Us