Hot Trend - Lace

It is everywhere this Summer, but how do you wear lace without looking too fussy? First off, when shopping, look for something simple, like a basic cut lace top in a neutral colour so you can mix and match it with lots of other pieces and colours to create a variety of looks.

By the way, using one piece to create a variety of looks is something I always encourage clients (and show them how) to do during Wardrobe Interventions & Shop Your Wardrobe sessions. For example, below I have used the same top in each of the following 3 looks to give you some ideas to get you going.

Maximizing your Shirt & Tie collection

To get the most out of any wardrobe, the key is to have pieces that can all be used with one another. And when you shop in the future and consider buying a new item, to first assess whether or not you have at least 3 items in your current wardrobe your new item can "become friends with". Here's how to do that with your shirts and ties.

- At all times, make sure your ties are darker than your shirts...this will make things easier as you go along.
- Keep everything within the same colour groupings and make sure those grouping go with one another. For example, for guys who aren't afraid of colur, you may want to always go with greys, baby blues, light greens, and soft purples. For the more conservative guy, always stick to whites, navy blues, reds, and dark greens. This way, everything will always mix and match with one another.

Shopping Lists

Last week I spoke about the "Three Way" rule. The idea that when shopping and considering buying a new item, you need to think of three ways you can wear that new piece of clothing.

Today we are going to chat about Wardrobe Planning. The idea being, that after a proper Wardrobe Audit, you make a list of all of the items you need to complete your wardrobe and make complete outfits. Keep that list with you when you go shopping to help keep you on track and prevent impulse purchases.

Some more tips to save your shopping sanity (and some money too)!

1) Don't buy anything you can't already wear with at least three items already in your wardrobe.
2) If you don't LOVE it, don't buy it.
3) If it's at all uncomfortable...skip it. Think about it...if it is already pulling, itching, or too tight, imagine wearing it for hours at a time?!

"Springing" for some new clothes

With Spring just around the corner, no doubt, you're going to want to spring (get it? Spring? Okay, maybe it's not that clever...HA HA) for some new clothes. But rathar than heading out to the stores where you'll be tempted by all of the new and shiny items, and risking some serious debt because you "have to have it all"...let me offer you a tip for budget friendly shopping. It's called a Wardrobe Audit. Now, of course it's best to hire a professional (like myself) to help you with this, but if that is too much to invest right now, you can do your own version.

1) Set aside a few hours to give your wardrobe a quick once over and grab a pen and paper
2) Grab some of your favorite pieces (items that fit well, and are still in good condition)
3) Put together outfits using those items
4) While putting the outfits together, makes notes of what you need to complete each outfit and add it to your "shopping list"
For example, maybe you have a few cute tops in a multitude of colours, and some fun shoes to match them all, but need some bottoms. So, make a note to get some skirts and pants in neutral colours that will go with all of those tops and shoes...making a variety of outfits. Or maybe you have a bunch of dresses, but no shoes to go with them. Try to find a common colour theme in those dresses or go with a neutral to match them all. I'll use myself as an example...

I have a solid royal blue dress, a solid soft purple dress, and a multi coloured (purple, blue, yellow) geometric print dress. So, because I have a Creative Personality Style, I plan on looking for a pair of yellow heels to go with all of them. But for someone not as flashy, they could go with a metallic shoe.

5) Lastly, if you want to add some "fashion forward" to your look...think accessories

When it comes to trends, the least expensive way to follow them is with accessories. For example, "Future Warrior" is a big trend for Spring 2010 (see post below), so maybe look for a fun belt or shoes to pair with your new outfits.

Happy Spring Shopping!

"Cents" of Style

I am writing this today as result of a recent conversation. It began when I was asked by someone what I did for a living. When I told her, the first thing that came out of her mouth was, “Wow, your clients must be wealthy!” Now, this isn’t the first time I have heard this, so that is why I feel it necessary to set the record straight.

First of all, to my knowledge (I haven’t seen their bank accounts); none of my clients would be considered “wealthy”. Actually, in my opinion, someone of great wealth is probably NOT going to hire someone like me because (1) they don’t need/want someone to show them how to make the most of what they’ve got, (2) they could care less about how to “get the look for less”, and (3) they aren’t particularly worried about wasting money on clothes that are not best suited for them.

Saying that though, I understand that for some of you, the idea of hiring a Personal Stylist may seem like an extravagant indulgence, but it truly is an investment…in yourself! Why do I say investment? Let me explain by asking you something…

Do you have mistakes hanging in your closet? Have you spent money on items you never wear, don’t love, and that still have the price tags on them?

Now, I want you to take inventory of those items not being worn and just hanging in your closet and estimate how much money you spent them? More often than not, the amount would be significantly larger than what it would cost for one session with me. So, what is a session with a Personal stylist like? Again, there are some misconceptions…

No, I am not going to make you get rid of everything in your closet or berate you for choosing certain items and styles. a la What Not to Wear. During Wardrobe Audits, I often find treasures in my client’s closets that they didn’t even realize they had…making new outfits of items they already own! And when it comes to buying new items, I take the stress out of shopping when I show my clients how to streamline and focus their shopping, and how to create the look for less. Simply put, my goal is to help you create a fun and functional wardrobe that will make you happy, looking and feeling your best, and doesn’t cost a fortune.

Why take it from me though? Here’s what some Practical Fashionista clients have had to say about my services (by the way, NONE of them are “wealthy”).

"I hate shopping - everything about it. I always second guess my purchases and have spent a fortune buying certain items, and then they don't match anything I have in my closet....what a waste of time and money! So I was excited when my husband purchased Lisa's Personal Shopping service for me. She picked tops and belts and scarves and shoes and even jeans - off the rack and they all fit!!! Even the jeans! Everything was co-ordinated and she even gave me a cheat sheet of what items to look for to add to my new ones! Lisa, you were an absolute delight to work with and you picked items that I NEVER would've given a second look. My closet is now full of colour and I don't feel stressed about not having anything to wear! Plus, I'm getting lots of compliments, which always feels nice. Lisa, I can't thank you enough!!!"

C.P.

"I love it because I now have a guidance of what to look for and what to try on! I hired Lisa because I was committing crimes against fashion and her consulting, incisive questions and style knowledge (her deliverable was an actual personalized style guide which I refer to from time to time) have helped turn my life around! I now shop confidently, wear clothes that fit my body and make me feel beautiful and sexy. I'll definitely recommend Lisa - I had a great time and felt comfortable with, and trusted her. P.S. Thanks for the product & clothing line recommendations!"

D.Q.

"Fashion fades, only Style remains the same" - Coco Chanel

Contrary to popular belief, Style has nothing to do with Fashion. Nor is it something reserved for the thin, famous, or wealthy…or something you are born with. Sure, it does come easier for some, but it is a skill that can be taught if you are willing to learn.

Here, the Practical Fashionista’s top three tips to get you on the road to always looking your best and discovering your personal style…

1) Get to know your body shape so you can dress accordingly. In other words, learn how to amplify your assets while downplaying the parts you aren’t so fond of.
2) Go through your closet and get rid of anything that no longer fits, is outdated, or doesn’t make you feel GREAT when you wear it.
3) When shopping, be brutally honest about whether the item you are thinking of buying will fit in with the rest of your wardrobe, matches your style personality, and flatters your body type and shape. If not, skip it.