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.

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.

12Nov

The Importance of Wardrobe Auditing: How to Create Your Dream Wardrobe

November 12, 2018 Melrose Fisher

When is the last time you did a full inventory of the clothing you have? Many of us struggle with choosing what to wear on a daily basis. Do you typically wear the same outfits on a regular basis even though you have dozens of neglected pieces of clothing in your closet? It’s the timeless dilemma: a closet packed with clothes but nothing to wear.

There is a simple solution to all of this and it is a wardrobe audit.

What is a wardrobe audit?

Simply put, wardrobe audit is the deliberate purging and organizing all of the items in your closet. If done correctly, your closet will be full of versatile outfits that are customized to your lifestyle and flatter your body perfectly.

Why is a wardrobe audit so important?

It helps you to eliminate unwanted clothing that is crowding your closet
Your wardrobe will be organized, making it easier to plan and dress
You will be able to effortlessly style yourself daily with relevant and eternally elegant outfits
You will be able to bolster your personal style and enrich your personal brand
Have peace of mind, less indecision, and easily identify the outfits you need to put together a specific look
Your wardrobe should reflect who you are in personal and professional areas – first impressions are essential

When is the best time to do a wardrobe audit?

At least once a year at minimum, but the best and easiest time to audit your closet is when the seasons change. As summer has turned into fall, we’re starting to put away our summer clothing and bring our winter clothes to the forefront of our closets.

DON’T: Wait to do a wardrobe audit until you’ve lost 15 pounds or any other excuse that is stopping you. You are worthy now! You deserve your dream wardrobe now.

Here’s how to do it:

We’re moving into the winter months soon, so first remove all of the summer clothing in your closet. When your summer clothes are packed up until next year, it’s a good time to dust the shelves of your closet, purchase new hangers, and generally clean up. If needed, a fresh coat of paint and new light bulbs give your closet a fresh makeover.

Now you can begin to organize your fall and winter clothing.

Next, organize your clothes into three groups:

Must keep:

Anything that you love!
Clothing that you wear often
Clothes that fit you beautifully
Clothing that is in good condition
Major investment pieces

Hold onto it:

Anything you like
Anything you’ve worn at least a few times
Clothing that fits and is in good condition
Any piece of clothing that holds great memories for you

Toss it: Get rid of anything that is no longer serving you. Unwanted clothing can be donated, gifted, or consigned.

Anything you haven’t worn within the last year! If you didn’t wear it last fall or winter, then you probably won’t wear it this year either. Make room for clothing you will wear.
Anything that is stained or in poor condition.
Clothing that doesn’t fit. (It probably won’t ever fit again, let’s be honest!) Anything that doesn’t flatter your body goes.
Anything that is no longer your personal style or anything that you are simply indifferent about. Your wardrobe should be full of clothes that you absolutely love. Don’t hang onto clothing just to have it, keep it because you love it and wear it.
Out of style clothing that doesn’t qualify as a vintage classic.
Clothing that carries bad memories.

Once the “toss” pile is out the door, you will have more space in your closet, making it easier to organize the rest!

Now is a good time to organize your wardrobe into sections so you can easily dress or choose outfits for any occasion. For example: professional wear, leisure wear, special events, social activities, etc. And, you will be able to identify what you actually need to add to your closet instead of mindlessly shopping for new clothes.

A wardrobe audit is a must for any woman who needs to organize and cultivate her own personal style. An audit can take a bit of time, and figuring out which items to let go of can be difficult. Many women put this task at the end of their “to do” list because it can be time consuming and hard to let go of clothing.

Fortunately, this is a service that Lots of Luxe provides! If you need an assessment and someone to help you organize, the path of least resistance is to have a professional help you with it. If handling a wardrobe audit on your own seems like a challenge, then we’re here to help you assess and organize your closet.

18Oct

Building Your Wardrobe is Easy in Threes

October 18, 2018 Melrose Fisher

Quite often we look in our closet, feel like something is missing, but we can’t figure out what it is. Wouldn’t it be great to have a simple way to assess your wardrobe so you know what you need to buy?

Let me teach you my secret process!

By looking at your wardrobe categories (tops, dresses, pants, etc.) in groups of threes, you’ll be able to assess the strength of your wardrobe and pinpoint the most glaring weaknesses. Once you spot the weaknesses, set a priority to take care of those within a month and I promise you’ll never have to worry about having something to wear for any occasion that may come up.

Does that sound like a significant promise? I think you’ll agree that this process will reveal your wardrobe problems quickly. So let’s get started!

Step #1

Think about the activities you get dressed for. Most people get dressed for three different types of occasions:

Casual

Casual activities may include running errands, picking up the kids, going to the grocery store, or working from a coffee shop.

Casual Chic

You want to look a little nicer to meet a girlfriend for lunch, attend a class or lecture, or go boutique shopping.

Chic Elegance

People aren’t always getting dressed up for activities the way they used to. For example, jean outfits show up at the opera. It doesn’t mean you have to wear jeans, but the lines between levels of dressing are a little faded. In general, you want to step up the level of your outfits and incorporate dressy pieces when you go to social events (theater, concerts, art openings), date nights, or celebratory parties.

In a well-rounded wardrobe, you’d have items that would help you build outfits that are casual, casual chic, and chic elegance. Any invitation could come your way and you’d be prepared to say yes without having to go shopping for the “right” outfit.

Step #2

It’s time to examine what you have in your closet that would fulfill dressing for each occasion. You’ll work from head to toe starting with your tops. Go to your wardrobe and choose a top suitable for casual, casual chic, and chic elegance.

Below are some suggestions that may apply to you and your lifestyle. At the very least, they’ll give you a place to start thinking about your wardrobe and what you’d like to wear for different occasions.

As you begin this process, start taking notes. Note if you have each area covered. Note if you really don’t have anything to wear for a specific type of event.

Ready to be illuminated? Let’s begin!

Tops

Casual: Great-fitting cotton tee in a color you love or a plaid flannel shirt.

Casual Chic: Silk blouse or a cashmere sweater.

Chic Elegance: An adorned tunic top or sweater or a lace blouse over a camisole.

Pants

Casual: Frayed jeans or knit jodhpurs.

Casual Chic: Dark denim or pants in prints or textured fabrics.

Chic Elegance: Brocade pants or palazzo or wide-legged pants.

Dresses

Casual: A simple cotton dress or denim A-line dress.

Casual Chic: Boho peasant dress or a wrap dress.

Chic Elegance: “Little Black Dress” or a printed silk dress.

Jackets

Casual: Jean jacket or anorak.

Casual Chic: Moto jacket or a quilted blazer.

Chic Elegance: Velvet blazer or an embellished jacket (fur-lined, leather trim, embroidery, etc).

Step #3

Analyze your results. As you go over your notes, the critical thing to keep in mind is whether each item you chose fits you, pleases you, and could be worn tomorrow. The strength of this assessment is your honesty.

Once you’ve done your assessment come back and let me know how you did. Did you find some holes in your wardrobe? Are you missing some essential pieces?

Let’s tackle this project together this month!

Remember, this is my specialty. I can help you find the items that are missing from your wardrobe and create outfits for each occasion of dressing. It would be my pleasure to help you attain a wardrobe that works just right for you.

Call (919) 819-9054 or shoot me an email and we’ll get started! For your convenience I can also help you do this in a video consultation. However you want to meet, I’m here to help!

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