Wardrobe Rx Blog

Posted on: May 6, 2013 4:01 pm


Never Buy the Wrong Thing Again!

8820655_sDo you have a packed closet and nothing to wear…. except impulse buys you now regret? I have a simple Four Part Intervention to help you create a pared-down wardrobe of coordinating, enduring and great fitting pieces. Then, you’ll breeze by those unflattering markdowns.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the word Intervention, please! We’ll be working on this together for the next four weeks. One Part per week. Baby steps :) .

Part One: What’s Working?

You probably have a handful of go-to pieces you reach for when you want to look put together. Imagine having a rack full of them. This first step toward achieving that goal is to figure out what makes those favorites your favorites. Pull out five or more things you feel GREAT in and would wear every day if no one was keeping track. Now choose one thing in each category: tops, pants, jackets, skirts, dresses. Then, ask yourself a few questions about each piece. Note your answers so you can use them as your shopping guide later.

How would you describe the item? Crisp, tailored, soft, ruffly, etc.?
What image does it project? Smart, professional, edgy, fashionable, etc.?
What color is it? Does the shade brighten your complexion?
What fabric is it made of?
What is the silhouette like? Nipped at the waist? Flowing and hip-grazing?
What part(s) of your body does it accentuate?
What part(s) of you body does it de-emphasize?
Is it comfortable? The answer on this one should definitely be YES!!

Your answers reveal your style barometer. Use your notes to help pinpoint what you really like. You probably know much more about what works for you than you give yourself credit for! You may learn you prefer certain colors and shapes and begin to see a pattern! Think of it as nailing down your style essence or signature look. A style just for YOU.

Keep your eyes out for Part Two next week. Hint, hint… It’s Analyze Your Mistakes.

If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired of your wardrobe, I CHALLENGE YOU to take the baby steps outlined above. Steps toward ultimately looking great, saving $$ and simplifying your life!

Love and light!!



Posted on: April 18, 2013 1:26 am


13 For 2013! Your Spring/Summer Style Essentials

04-15-13-hp-qh-womenshandbags-7-adam-301aeb64-e17c-4410-8e95-a19c012ccb49-fil-filePulled these from Nordstrom.com and wanted YOU to see them!

Remember… these are general choices and just because they make the list does NOT mean they are necessarily right for you. Choose those that work for you personally and leave the rest!

1.  Blazer- Don’t relegate your blazer to 9-5. Throw it over a dress or wear it with jeans for unexpected weekend and night-out looks.

2.  Button Down Shirt- A great choice for the office, the woven button-down doubles as an off-duty option for the weekend. You can even pop it on over tanks as a lightweight layer.

3.  Cardigan- Your wardrobe workhorse. Throw a cute cardigan into your tote and you have a ready-to-go layer that works with practically every outfit.

4.  Tee- Of course and my favorite!  A classic for a reason- a perfect-fitting tee looks great on everyone. Pick one in a print or bright color to liven up your look.

5.  Black Pants- Go with black pants, a crisp button-down and a cardigan for a classically polished trio. The pants also serve as the perfect backdrop for colorful blouses and tees.

6.  Dark Wash Jeans- You can wear them just about anywhere, from casual Friday at the office to a night out on the town. Try them with sandals, flats and pumps.

7.  Pencil Skirt- Designed with a lean silhouette that flatters almost any figure, the pencil skirt transitions seamlessly from work to play. You can even pair it with breezy sandals and a tee on the weekend.

8.  Trench- A tailored trench is timeless and chic and it works with everything from an office-ready ensemble to jeans and a tee on the weekend.

9.  Bra and Panties- Here are the fundamentals: at least 4 perfectly fitted, convertible or t-shirt bras. Black and nude. Smooth, seamless panties to match.

10.  Crossbody Bag- The appealing, hands-free convenience of a crossbody bag is matched by the array of stylish silhouettes to choose from. From dainty minis to everyday satchels.

11.  Classic Pump- The pump’s beautiful curves instantly elevate your style no matter where you are, be it the office or date night. Start with at least two pairs: black and nude.

12.  Ballet Flats- More comfy than heels and more polished than sneakers, ballet flats go everywhere- from work to errands to dinner- without skipping a beat.

13.  Tote Bag-  The perfect tote possesses enough structure and poise to go from day to night with ease. Choose one that holds your daily essentials plus a few extras, like an umbrella, water bottle or cardigan.

These 13 picks would make a good packing list too!!  Have fun girls!



Posted on: March 16, 2013 2:34 pm


6 Instant Self Esteem Boosters

16674327_sIf you’re anything like me you have those days when you wake up, look in the mirror and say, “Hmmmm.” or “YIKES!”  Maybe you have a blemish that no amount of cover-up will cure.  Possibly you stayed out a bit too late the night before and your eyes are red and puffy.  And just maybe, it goes deeper.  You have ended a relationship, lost a job or simply going through the BLAHS!  I get it.  I’ve been there!!

 

You may be aware that I live by the saying, “The feelings follow the actions.”-J. Stitick.  It’s like my version of Nike’s “Just Do It!”  Living with that attitude has served me well! Each of the following tips have the common theme that you’re going to be taking an action you may not FEEL like taking, but in the end be glad you did!

 

6 INSTANT SELF ESTEEM BOOSTERS

 

1.  Call a friend or family member just because AND to tell them you love and appreciate them.  It shifts your inward focus outward to one of service and appreciation.

 

2.  Smile. ”There’s lots of research that suggests if you smile, even in a fake way, it will indirectly lift your mood, which makes you feel safe and relaxed”, says Nancy Etcoff, clinical instructor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and author of Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty (Anchor).  When you smile, others smile back and you may even make someone’s day!

 

3.  Wear a color that you get tons of compliments in.  The trick here is that you may feel like wearing black or gray to match your mood.  Throwing on a pop of color will improve your mood because you will be taking an action contrary to how you feel.  Then, you’ll get lots of compliments and… well, you get it!

 

4.  Smell something crisp .  Weird, but it works. “Green apple and cucumber are the most effective smells for elevating your mood and reducing anxiety,” says Alan R. Hirsch, founder and neurological director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. Keep those apples and cucumbers on hand and if you love fragrances try DKNY Be Delicious and Nina Ricci Love By Nina.

 

5.  Dump the junk.  ”Choosing foods like grilled vegetables and fish or going completely raw will make you feel great, which can lead to a better self-image,” says Zoë Sakoutis, founder of Blueprint Cleanse.  Think about how much better you feel when you make healthy choices.  Your body and you psyche will thank you.

 

6.  Reward yourself.  Give yourself credit for small, daily accomplishments.  Don’t wait until a project is finished. Make a list of what you have done (not what you have left to do).  As far as the reward goes, try a mani, pedi, massage or even a new pair of pretty panties.

 

**BONUSES** (because I kept wanting to add more :) )

 

 
Listen to upbeat music.  My choice is typically Mozart.  Turn it up loud.

 

 
Give as many two-armed hugs as possible.  None of those half hugs will do!!  While hugging, focus on sending your love out energetically to the hug’ee.

 

I’ll help begin your process by sending YOU a big heartfelt hug!

 

“Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and they will come true”



Posted on: February 26, 2013 3:55 pm


Pack in a Snap- Packing Tips and Must Haves

12810284_sSeems like I’m always on the road lately.  It may be business or leisure.  Either way I am a student of all things practical.  I enjoy talking to other travelers and when I come across a seasoned one, I always ask, “What is your best packing tip?”

Here are some of theirs AND mine…

1.  Begin packing a week before your trip.  If you wait until last minute you’re likely to forget something.  Create your outfits, accessories and all.  If you have items that need to be cleaned, you’ll have plenty of time to take care of it.

2.  Color Code your outfits.  Begin with a column of color (or two)- a matching underpinning and bottom (pant or skirt).  Then build your outfits around that column.  For instance, if you have a column of black, you can pair it one day with a fuschia jacket and silver necklace.  The next day you can create a totally different look with that black column paired with a blue casual sweater and watercolor scarf.

3.  Use your accessories to maximize.  Choose fun pieces to be the focal point of the outfit.  Scarves are super lightweight and add lots of style.  Tuck them away in a shoe to pack efficiently.

wool_front4.  Handbags- I recently found the PERFECT handbag for travel.  Designer Wendy McMonigle of WM Design House has designed luxurious, handcrafted, multi-functional handbags that can carry anything from your keys to your laptop.  Take a look at the Diane.  It has a removable messenger pouch to use at your destination for hands-free sightseeing.  Genius!  Love, Love, Love.

5. Lay your larger items like jackets and pants on the bottom and over the ends of your suitcase. Turn jackets inside out for less wrinkles. Fold your smaller items like shirts and pj’s along their lines and roll carefully for less wrinkles. Tuck them in and then wrap those larger items over the top.

6. My husband likes to compartmentalize his clothes in zippered packing pouches that have mesh pockets so items are easily id’d. Take a look at e-Bags Packing Cubes.

7.  Duplicate, in travel size, all of your skin care, cosmetics, etc.  Really simplifies packing.  The time to inventory your cosmetic bag is when you get back from a trip.  Replenish then and you’ll be ready to go for your next!

8.  Pack your heavier items on the ‘wheel end’ of your suitcase.  When your bag is upright those heavy items are at the bottom and not crushing what’s below it.  (This was such a practical tip, but I had NEVER thought of it).

9.  Create a packing list on your computer under ‘Travel’.  This way each time you pack, you’ll have something to refer to and don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time.

10.  Travel safe and have a great time!!

What are YOUR favorite packing tips?  Share with us.  Become part of the comment stream and you’ll be sure to learn more.

 



Posted on: January 9, 2013 5:51 pm


The First & Last 30 Minutes of Your Day

My mother always told me to eat a good breakfast.  Yours may have, too.  Of course, one of the reasons she did was because it was important to fuel my body with good food to begin my day.  At Your Success Style, we have taken that advice steps further.  Success Style Pillar 2 is Your Attitude & Energy Style and just like eating a healthy breakfast to begin the day, we believe that what we do with the first (and last) 30 minutes of our day is essential to our happiness and well-being (our attitude & energy).

Years ago, my husband and I used to turn the news on first thing in the morning.  Our heads being filled with bad news.  Not so great.  On that note, we now listen to uplifting music and each of us has our own practice of prayer/meditation to begin our day balanced and centered.  Then it’s on to a healthy breakfast with no sugar.  Any nutritionist will tell us that when we begin our day with sugars and starches, that is what we will crave for the balance of the day.  It’s the same thing with our mindset beginning with positive thoughts and practices.

Now for the last 30 minutes of the day.  Think of it as positively preparing for your sleep.  Are you watching programs that may be sad or violent?  Think about what that may be doing to your psyche when you are sleeping.  I do my best (not perfect by all means) to end my day doing or reading something that will create a positive mindset for sleep.  Chicken Soup For the Soul.  A bio about Mahatma Gandhi.  A warm bath.  Snuggles with my puppies.  You get the idea.

Are there practices that you might need to change?  I challenge you to make one small change for morning and one for nighttime.  Bet your Attitude & Energy Style will be calmer and happier.

Here’s to Your Success Style!



Posted on: October 25, 2012 2:24 pm


Pre Holiday Stress Prevention~ Shop For Your Festive Outfits NOW!

Think back on years past (sound of harps…:)). The holidays are upon you. You have a party to attend. You’ve put together the hors d’oeuvres! You’ve found the perfect hostess gift. Now… what to wear? Isn’t that the way it is? We end up putting our own needs last. We’re women, right?? :)

You run out of the house, last minute, stressed out, and SETTLE for the first thing that’s just ok. Hmmmm… This year, do it differently!

SHOP NOW!!

To begin with, there is no rule that says you need an entirely new outfit. Do you have a great dress, sweater or suit that fits perfectly? If so, pull one of your perfect Color Rx colors into your look with a scarf or bold accessory. Get the idea?

Let’s talk about color for a moment. Not everyone looks great in Christmas red or festive green. What I suggest is choosing a color from your palette that falls into that category of red’ish or green’ish. If all else fails, you can choose a metallic silver for Winters and Summers or gold for Springs and Autumns. A little bling that you can carry year round!

Not sure what your palette is? We’ve made it easy with Color Rx, our mobile app that provides a virtual color consultation and color palette on your smart phone!! Don’t really need new clothes? I get it, but it’s always fun to have something new to wear, right? I really don’t need anything new, but I have my eye out for the perfect festive scarf. As a Summer, I’ll choose a silver scarf and pop some color with a dark rose colored (my best “red”) brooch. BTW, brooches are BIG this year! Bet you have one in the drawer. Dust it off! And for more up to date looks…

3 Hot Holiday 2012 Trends

Fur~ Coats, vests, scarves, pins
Sequins~ Tops, vests, scarves, head bands
Color Blocking~ So many great dresses and tops to choose from!

So what we have here is Preventative Shopping! Make your purchases now, before you get so stressed that you waste money on something that may or may not be worn ever again! You’ll feel great about it! And… you’ll be more relaxed, confident and able to really focus on the reasons we celebrate our holidays!!

Hugs and deep breaths as you begin this season of celebration. Your call to action…??? Get your bootie out there and find your festive look soon!!



Posted on: September 25, 2012 1:53 pm


5 Steps to a Dazzling First Impression

Yes… I know we talk a lot about your wardrobe here at Wardrobe Rx, but there is so much more to a consistently fabulous first impression.

These may seem obvious and simple, but their implementation may be another story.

1.  Look polished. Yes, I did have to throw that in :) . Beyond wearing your best colors, cuts and styes, it is important that your clothing and grooming reflect a “well manicured” look. Even though it may NOT be the case, chipped polish and wrinkled clothes send the message, “I don’t care.”

2.  Be prepared. That begins with showing up on time or a bit early with everything in place. When you arrive flustered and disorganized, guess what kind of impression that makes to everyone observing you. YIKES!

3.  Your body language. It speaks volumes. The simplest fix is what your mother always told you, “Stand up straight.” When you carry yourself with poise, you look the part of confidence and success. My mother taught me to pretend I had a string pulling up from the top of my head. Then I pull my shoulders back and down and suck in my tummy! Lookin’ good girl!

4.  Your attitude. If you can’t bring a good one, it’s better to stay home. When I am having a tough time being UP, I listen to music that makes me happy on the way to my meeting or event.

5.  Be present. First off, put your cell phone away and keep it away, except when there are breaks and you can politely check it. When you are actively listening to someone, try to block out everyone else in the room. For those of us with attention issues :) , I know that can be hard. I hyper-focus on what that individual is sharing and how I might be able to be of service. What book can I suggest? Who I might be able to refer that person to?

So…. pull out your clothing steamer, show up on time, stand up straight, have a good attitude and be present!! I know I sound like your mother, but you know Mother Knows Best!

Have an amazing day!



Posted on: September 5, 2012 8:55 pm


Your Wardrobe~ An Investment in YOUR Health??

I’ve heard enough!!  Just letting you know I am officially on my stylish soapbox right now!!  When talking with potential clients or working with them, I hear this so often I wanted to make a loving and encouraging commentary!!  “I want to lose weight before I work on my wardrobe.”  To begin with, I really DO get the thinking there, but consider this:  Your Body Silhouette is only ONE element of many when it comes to your wardrobe.

You may already know that the Wardrobe Rx philosophy is one of taking care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually and then the clothing is the fashionable icing on the cake!

When a client (or potential client) says THAT to me, I respond by asking her if she is currently taking action with a healthy diet and exercise.  She may respond, “I’m gonna… or I’m thinking about….”  At that point I will challenge her to make the choice of either taking action to change her diet and exercise habits or learn to accept and love herself as she is.  More often than not, she will rise to the challenge!

Of course we want her to take those healthy actions, right?

Either way I ask her to consider it an INVESTMENT in her to purchase a fabulous outfit that fits her current shape!  An outfit that  makes her feel awesome!  Often times, the action of treating herself and knowing that she has this yummy outfit will increase her confidence and give her momentum for wanting to continue or even begin the healthy regime.

In the meantime… she can begin wearing her best colors, dress to flatter her shape, accessorize to bring the unique out in her and SASS things up as she works towards the healthy shape she wants!

Ok… climbing down off the soapbox, sitting on it and looking you straight in the eye as a friend!!

Is it time for you to take actions towards a healthy lifestyle?  Contact a nutritionist?  Begin walking with a friend?

Think of this… you can begin now and by the next time you receive our EZINE, you can be well on you way towards improved health!!  BIG HUGS as you are on your journey!  I’m on it with YOU!

 



Posted on: August 11, 2012 11:36 pm


Four Fabulous Fall Fashions- Even in HOT Weather!

The key to an amazing outfit lies in selecting the right accessories. Turn what might be perceived as a plain outfit, into something with sass. Take your fall look up a notch or two with these versatile, must have pieces!

A long necklace- Think necklace that hits just above your belly button. It will elongate your look and can create a leaner line!

A structured bag- Classic handbags with top handles never really go out of style. If you’re a Spring or Autumn, go for bronze. A Summer or Winter, choose pewter. it will go with any color in your palette. Scarf- Scarves are a fashionista’s best kept secret, or NOT!

A colorful, versatile scarf can sassy up your jeans and a tee (insert sassy up your jeans and a tee video) and bring vivid color near your face, making you appear healthier and younger.

Booties- They’re everywhere (possibly in your closet already)! Choose a black or brown ankle boot to pair with pants or a skirt (with tights when the weather cools down)! TREND Question?? Often I am asked how long something will be in style. Booties are worth the investment as they will be around at least 3-4 years, then you can pull them out again in 10!

Enjoy your new purchases, look amazing and keep COOL!



Posted on: July 19, 2012 3:50 pm


The Right Shoes Changed Cinderella’s Life!

The right pair of shoes can change your day. They changed Cinderella’s life!  Thanks to my friend Jeni for that quote!!  It got me thinking, how true it is.

Each and every morning we have the opportunity to make choices.  Choices about what to wear, what to eat, and how to feel.  Yes, I said how to feel.

The Wardrobe Rx philosophy has always been The feelings follow the actions.  What does that really mean?  Well, think of it like Nike’s Just Do It!  Those days we wake up feeling yucky and down can be altered if we decide to take the actions we would if we were feeling great.  It can mean, eating a healthy breakfast, even when we don’t feel like it.  It can mean putting on that bright blouse even when we feel like throwing on sweats and possibly staying under the covers.  The choice is, do I want to continue to feel down, or am I willing to take the actions to pull myself out if it?

What does this have to do with shoes?    As a stylist, I encourage my clients to have at least 2 pair (if not many more :) ) of shoes that really ROCK!  Red, turquoise, sparkles.  You name it!  I was recently working with a client who was deciding between two pair of shoes.  One was very practical and the other was FUN!  She was trying to make a decision.  I asked her which pair made her feel younger and sassier.  Easy answer for her.  She now calls them her I’m feeling sassy shoes!

Next time you are feeling a bit down, pull out those shoes that really make you feel awesome and WEAR THEM!!  Pair them with a pencil skirt, jeans or even a business suit!

Bet your day will be a good one… :)