Unique and Effortless

Okay, so this is a bit of a different post today. 

I decided to tackle the question of why one might consider a stylist for a couple reasons:

1) Over the holidays, I’d been asked this question with some confusion as how it could ever be that a women wouldn’t know how to shop!

2) When meeting new people and being asked what I do besides staying at home with my daughter, some don’t even seem to know anything about styling… which I think leads back to #1!

First, let me ask you a few questions:
Do you ever stand staring endlessly into your closet? Do you find yourself saying ‘I have nothing to wear’ a few times a week? Do you try on several outfits before settling on one and then only feeling just okay in it?

Ultimately, I believe everyone wants to dress uniquely incorporating trends without being a slave to them, while doing this effortlessly and not fitting a predetermined mold.

I can give you all my checklists of must-have’s for each season. You can know whether you’re a winter or summer color palette, a rectangle or hourglass shape, or even how to take an office-appropriate day look to evening by swapping the shoes and your handbag just by following a few fashion rules…

And yet following fashion rules doesn’t mean you’ll achieve a style uniquely your own and effortless to create. Sometimes rules are made to be broken. But which ones and when?

It’s my belief you shouldn’t be a slave to trends or try to fit a particular mold you are not. By understanding what trends can work for you, or how to modify a trend to work for you, there’s no doubt you can incorporate them if you like. But you should be comfortable in your own clothes. Trying new things is always great, and as your stylist, I will help you step outside your box; pushing you ever so gently… hey, you never know what you may find! But molding you into something you’re not should never be the goal. Stepping up your style? Highly encouraged!

One of the first, and important, questions I ask clients is how they want to feel.

While writing this post, I pondered the question for myself. If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed my style seem to flip-flop: one post may be super girly and the very next a more casual, even sporty, look. This may be due to the fact I’m a gemini and my inner twins are in conflict! But seriously, though my outfits may change based on occasion, my overall deep down feeling of style is the same… I always want to feel confident, happy, chic, captivating, and tasteful. And you can do this in a multitude of ways through style; whether your overall look fits a type of style or you move between styles.

sweatshirt {ON SALE!} // denim {ON SALE!} // chuck taylors // scarf c/o {ON SALE!} // watch

 blouse via francesca’s {similar} // faux fur vest // denim // camo flats via justfab // clutch via maison scotch {similar} // rings //similar vintage ring {my grandmother’s} // lip in scarlet empress

snake print top c/o // midi skirt c/o // necklace c/o // heels 

tee // plaid button down {similar} // card c/o // skinnies // earrings {love these} // sneaks

shop by jmv paisley blouse c/o// paige denim {Major SALE!} // maison scotch clutch // justfab heels // similar cuff // similarnecklace // essie polish in tart deco & mint candy apple

Though the above outfits are all a bit different, those feelings I describe as my ‘style,’ I feel in each.

Basically, this all boils down to one thing: style isn’t just all about what the heart wants; it’s also about your head… which simply means that feeling stylish {whatever that is to you} and pulling it together is about having the knowledge of what works, why, and how to create it with pieces you love. As your personal stylist, my mission is to empower you with that knowledge, guide you along the way, and be there as your style sounding board.

There are lots of ‘secrets’ and style tweaks out there to help you with what you want to wear, know when to wear it, and how to pull it off, and I’m here to break that all down for you.

This is a new year, and a great time to take your style to a whole new {yet your perfect you} level.

The Perfect Summer Dress, Styled

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

This dress combines everything trendy and is perfect for summer. I love the subtle side cutouts, the tropical print, and the flow created by the side slits. Spring was all about floral prints, and summer has been sporting a lot of fruit, so this tropical print plays with great trends by changing it up slightly while keeping it flirty and fun. Crop tops have been all the rage and for the daring, is a little more subtle. If you’re not so bold, the subtle cutouts give it a bit of edge without showing off too much. Add a great kimono to give you a little more coverage with just a bit of peek-a-boo to add mystery!

The Perfect Summer Dress, Styled

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

This dress combines everything trendy and is perfect for summer. I love the subtle side cutouts, the tropical print, and the flow created by the side slits. Spring was all about floral prints, and summer has been sporting a lot of fruit, so this tropical print plays with great trends by changing it up slightly while keeping it flirty and fun. Crop tops have been all the rage and for the daring, is a little more subtle. If you’re not so bold, the subtle cutouts give it a bit of edge without showing off too much. Add a great kimono to give you a little more coverage with just a bit of peek-a-boo to add mystery!

Talking Spring Trends: Westside Pavilion Collaboration & Youtube Video

Spring is here! And it’s a great time to step out of the box and try new trends. As a stylist buying for clients, as well as myself, I’m also concerned about having basic essentials no matter what season I’m purchasing for. But don’t be afraid to mix your basics and try out the trends you like.
Recently, I worked with Westside Pavilion in L.A. to create a spring trend collection for their youtube channel. I chose 3 top trends for spring, threw in some basic must-haves and put a bit of my own twist on them to keep them unique and interesting. So have a look at the video below…

What’s your favorite trend for spring? 

Talking Spring Trends: Westside Pavilion Collaboration & Youtube Video

Spring is here! And it’s a great time to step out of the box and try new trends. As a stylist buying for clients, as well as myself, I’m also concerned about having basic essentials no matter what season I’m purchasing for. But don’t be afraid to mix your basics and try out the trends you like.
Recently, I worked with Westside Pavilion in L.A. to create a spring trend collection for their youtube channel. I chose 3 top trends for spring, threw in some basic must-haves and put a bit of my own twist on them to keep them unique and interesting. So have a look at the video below …

What’s your favorite trend for spring? 

A Stylist’s 10 Shopping Commandments

miss my collab with Kleenex? Check out ‘What’s in All My Spring Bags…’

I get a bunch of questions from styling clients about some of my shopping ‘secrets.’ Probably the biggest question? My rules, or guidelines for a successful shopping trip… so I put together my 10 commandments, or shopping rules that I live by whether shopping for a client or shopping for myself. This list will help you become a shopping pro!

1. Do your homework. When meeting with a client, we discuss fashion goals, budget, and I get an idea of personal style. Have some ideas for inspiration and how much you’d like to spend.

2. Take a long hard look at your closet. Knowing what pieces you already have, what you’re missing, and pieces that could revamp your wardrobe give you a plan of action and makes for a smoother trip, so there’s no wandering aimlessly around the store. It also helps you stick to a budget, if there is one!

3. Spend your money on classic items. Trends come and go, but the basics like a white button down, blazers, denim, and neutral colors will remain staples in your wardrobe. Shell out a little bit of cash for those items. This is what I call ‘splurge factor!’

4. Save on the trends. Shop the inexpensive stores/boutiques for trends you want to try, but may give up quickly.

5. Try everything on. Just because it looks good on the hanger doesn’t always mean the fit is right. 

6. Imagine 2 to 3 different ways you can wear each piece. Before purchasing, think about how you could wear each piece with other items you already own. This is highly important when I’m considering pieces for clients AND myself. Not only will it help you stretch your budget, but it will also help you stretch your wardrobe, and there is more chance you’ll actually wear everything you buy. 

7. If you love it, get it! Most likely if you don’t snatch it up, it will be gone later. The only side note I have for this is if it is a rather costly purchase. I like to mull over large purchases before impulse buying. I feel like if I’m still loving it later, then it’s worth the purchase, and if it’s not around, it wasn’t meant to be. And besides, if it isn’t around, it’s probably because EVERYONE is wearing it… I’m totally OK with not wearing everything everyone else is!

8. Give yourself a chance. Put on a little makeup and wear flattering under garments. This may sound laughable, but you know you’re going to do that when you actually wear the items. Also, don’t go shopping out of anger or stress. You’re only likely to make purchases you’ll return later.  For you ladies, don’t shop during that time of the month! I know I never feel my best then, so I’m just setting myself up for failure.

9. Don’t let the clothes wear you, wear the clothes! This is my biggest motto. Just because it’s trendy, or everyone’s wearing it, if you’re not comfortable, the clothes are wearing you. It will come across in your confidence. It’s not so much the fashion you’ve chosen, but how you present yourself in that fashion. Dress poorly and everyone remembers what you wore, but dress impeccably and with confidence and everyone will remember YOU!

10. Throw out fashion ‘rules’! Rules are made to be broken. Stick to individual, personal style. Wear high-end pieces mixed with low-end items. Choose from classic labels, up-and-coming designers, specialty shops and big department stores. Mix your prints, wear a mini skirt if you’re 60, buy out of season because you fell in love with the piece. Fashion should be experimental, a self-expression, and FUN! 


And when in doubt, call your stylist!

Now go get your shop on! Remember, you can shop my closet, @fashionablyoutfitted, on Instagram for great, gently used items. 

There are some great pieces at steal prices, and I’ve just added some styles to get you through spring/summer! 

A Stylist’s 10 Shopping Commandments

miss my collab with Kleenex? Check out ‘What’s in All My Spring Bags…’

I get a bunch of questions from styling clients about some of my shopping ‘secrets.’ Probably the biggest question? My rules, or guidelines for a successful shopping trip… so I put together my 10 commandments, or shopping rules that I live by whether shopping for a client or shopping for myself. This list will help you become a shopping pro!

1. Do your homework. When meeting with a client, we discuss fashion goals, budget, and I get an idea of personal style. Have some ideas for inspiration and how much you’d like to spend.

2. Take a long hard look at your closet. Knowing what pieces you already have, what you’re missing, and pieces that could revamp your wardrobe give you a plan of action and makes for a smoother trip, so there’s no wandering aimlessly around the store. It also helps you stick to a budget, if there is one!

3. Spend your money on classic items. Trends come and go, but the basics like a white button down, blazers, denim, and neutral colors will remain staples in your wardrobe. Shell out a little bit of cash for those items. This is what I call ‘splurge factor!’

4. Save on the trends. Shop the inexpensive stores/boutiques for trends you want to try, but may give up quickly.

5. Try everything on. Just because it looks good on the hanger doesn’t always mean the fit is right. 

6. Imagine 2 to 3 different ways you can wear each piece. Before purchasing, think about how you could wear each piece with other items you already own. This is highly important when I’m considering pieces for clients AND myself. Not only will it help you stretch your budget, but it will also help you stretch your wardrobe, and there is more chance you’ll actually wear everything you buy. 

7. If you love it, get it! Most likely if you don’t snatch it up, it will be gone later. The only side note I have for this is if it is a rather costly purchase. I like to mull over large purchases before impulse buying. I feel like if I’m still loving it later, then it’s worth the purchase, and if it’s not around, it wasn’t meant to be. And besides, if it isn’t around, it’s probably because EVERYONE is wearing it… I’m totally OK with not wearing everything everyone else is!

8. Give yourself a chance. Put on a little makeup and wear flattering under garments. This may sound laughable, but you know you’re going to do that when you actually wear the items. Also, don’t go shopping out of anger or stress. You’re only likely to make purchases you’ll return later.  For you ladies, don’t shop during that time of the month! I know I never feel my best then, so I’m just setting myself up for failure.

9. Don’t let the clothes wear you, wear the clothes! This is my biggest motto. Just because it’s trendy, or everyone’s wearing it, if you’re not comfortable, the clothes are wearing you. It will come across in your confidence. It’s not so much the fashion you’ve chosen, but how you present yourself in that fashion. Dress poorly and everyone remembers what you wore, but dress impeccably and with confidence and everyone will remember YOU!

10. Throw out fashion ‘rules’! Rules are made to be broken. Stick to individual, personal style. Wear high-end pieces mixed with low-end items. Choose from classic labels, up-and-coming designers, specialty shops and big department stores. Mix your prints, wear a mini skirt if you’re 60, buy out of season because you fell in love with the piece. Fashion should be experimental, a self-expression, and FUN! 


And when in doubt, call your stylist!

Now go get your shop on! Remember, you can shop my closet, @fashionablyoutfitted, on Instagram for great, gently used items. 

There are some great pieces at steal prices, and I’ve just added some styles to get you through spring/summer!