If you have a narrow calf it can be hard to find boots

that don’t feel huge around your calf.

Follow some simple rules when shopping, and you can avoid the head-ache, and any future dis-content with your boots!

Shopping Tips:

– Start by measuring the circumference of your calf and then search for boots with a similar calf circumference.

{Rely on sites like zappos.com and 6pm.com}

(samples selected below from these sites)

-Don’t forget to read reviews.

-Feedback from others can also help you decipher the fit of a potential purchase.

Just found out you are expecting,

or a few-months in and looking to spice up your maternity wardrobe?

A couple years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter I remember wondering if designers who make maternity clothes think women quit their jobs immediately upon hearing they are pregnant in order to sit at home in casual frocks eating bon-bons.

Seriously people! ……Being pregnant doesn’t mean you don’t want to look chic and professional. 

Here are some closet additions to keep your pregnancy wardrobe versatile, professional, and fun!

Click here for quick links to purchase:

1. A Pea in the Pod Pants

2. Isabella Oliver: Easy to throw on Dress

3. A Pea in the Pod Top

4.Isabella Oliver: A-line Skirt 

5. Rosie Pope: sweater

6. Isabella Oliver: Everyday Blazer

7. Olian: Dress

8. A Pea in the Pod: Sweater

Networking is one of the most important activities you can do for the success of your business. Your appearance is a big part of your networking success. You are your brand, and your look is your logo. Your look will help you sell your product or services. Before you can sell anything, you have to sell yourself. A polished appearance is no longer considered frivolous or egotistical. In the business world it is a requirement for success. Before your next networking meeting, take the time to make sure you have put the same attention and detail into yourself as you do for your company.

Top 10 Clothing Mistakes Commonly Seen at Networking Events

1. Dowdy or outdated clothing:  If your clothing looks old or outdated, people will automatically assume your way of doing business is also outdated and should be passed by.

1. Clothing that is too revealing:  It is hard to appear professional in clothing that is too revealing. Even if the networking event is at night, a plunging neckline (this goes for both men and women) may not be appropriate.

1. Too casual or comfortable clothing:  Dressing too casually often translates as lazy. You may be the hardest working individual in the room, but your clothing is saying the opposite.

1. Forgetting that details matter:  The details of your clothing paint a picture about the character of both you and your business. Wrinkled pants and scuffed shoes will not give a potential client the confidence you can handle the details of her complex business.

1. Wearing clothing with slogans, logos, or prominent brand names other than your own:  After all, who are you working for?

1. Clothing that doesn’t make sense for your audience:  Think about who you will be networking with before getting dressed. Will your audience respond better to your branded polo shirt or a very classic and professional button down?

1. Clothes that don’t fit or flatter:  Clothing that is too tight can look trashy and cheap. Clothing that is too big looks sloppy and unprofessional. Discover how to dress your body type and wear clothing that fits.

1. Ultra trendy clothing:  Clothing that is ultra trendy can look costumey at a networking event. Unless you are in the fashion industry, stick to classic pieces that are infused with elements of your own personal style.

1. Clothing that doesn’t make sense for the industry you are in: Your clothing should make you look as if you are a credible member of your industry. Your clothes tell potential clients that you belong and are successful at what you do.

10. Clothing you don’t feel confident in: The right clothes will make you feel invincible, allowing you to sell your product or services with confidence.

Don’t let your style hold you back at work. Learn how to create a versatile wardrobe and dress for success by joining me for “Dress for Success on Any Budget,” a free teleseminar on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. For more details or to sign up, please visit http://www.getgreatstyle.com/dfs.html.

This Spring there are many different ways you can participate in the latest trends while staying true to your personal style. I recommend trying one of the hot colors of the season. Some of these colors are already in your closet and others can be added with a budget friendly accessory.
Black & White
Black and white clothing is everywhere this season, and is probably a trend already hanging in your closet. Black and white is always sophisticated and elegant. I love how this Diane von Furstenberg dress is paired with a pop of color and a nude shoe.

Go Nude
This season choose soft flesh tones and pale earthy neutrals. When you wear pale neutrals choose shades that don’t wash out your skin tone. Stay safe with a nude colored shoe. It is a versatile addition to your shoe wardrobe and makes legs look longer.

Pop Magenta
Hot Pink or magenta is back! It is a bright and bold color that looks great with many different skin tones. If it is too bright for you in a dress, try and hot pink shoe or bag.

Try Yellow
Yellow is such a great color and is the color for spring. The most versatile way to do yellow is through your accessories, such as a handbag or shoe. Yellow can be paired with a lot of your existing wardrobe. Have fun this spring and give yellow a try.

 
Let Charleston Style Concierge help you develop your personal style this Spring!

Last year one of my best friends started her own Personal Improvement Plan (PIP).  She called it her “J PIP.”  Her name starts with a J, hence the J PIP.  Her Personal Improvement Plan was a vow to be the best version of herself that she could be.  Her PIP inspires her to continuously make changes in her life that give her personal growth and happiness.  A PIP can be started any time of the year, doesn’t have to be big, or cost any money.  It can be as simple as taking a little more time for yourself.  All you need is a commitment to yourself to make little improvements along the way that will bring you happiness, health, and growth. 

Part of my continuing “L PIP” is a commitment to improving my health and fitness.  I struggle to make going to the gym a non-optional daily activity.  Some days I get there, and some I don’t, but I know it is key to my happiness and health.  What’s your Personal Improvement Plan?

When buying a new wardrobe piece, determine its versatility by calculating its cost per wear.  Cost per wear is the original cost of an item divided by the number of times or ways it can be worn. 

Let’s say you find the perfect trench coat for $300.  It is classic in design and neutral in color.  This coat can be worn all year round and will be a wardrobe staple for years to come.  During that year, even if you only wear it twice a month, its cost per wear would be $12.50.

Cost Per Wear:  $300 Trench Coat/ 24 Times Worn = $12.50 Per Wear

Cost per wear is a helpful tool during the allure of a killer sale.  A $60 top on sale that you can only wear twice might not be such a great deal.  That top has a cost per wear of $30 and won’t help you figure out what to wear on a daily basis.

Calculating cost per wear is often thought of as an advertising tool to get people to spend more money that they normally would be comfortable doing.  For me, it just makes good sense.  It forces me to analyze the versatility of each item I buy to determine if it will be a good investment for my personal style, lifestyle, and wardrobe.

Charleston Style Concierge believes in the importance of creating a versatile wardrobe.  Contact Charleston Style Concierge to get great versatile style.

It is possible to feel stylish and comfortable.  Use these tips to create a style you are comfortable in.

1.      Ask yourself why you are unhappy with the way you look?  How does your look make you feel?  There is a way to counteract those negative feelings with clothing, while being comfortable and staying true to who you are.

2.      If you feel unattractive, you are focusing on the wrong things.  Find the parts of your body that you like (If you can’t find them, ask a friend) and learn how to accentuate them.

3.      Make an effort to learn about your body type.  We are all different shapes and sizes, which means we will not all fit into the same pair of pants.  Learn about fits and designers that work best for you.

4.      If comfort is key, be realistic about your lifestyle when making clothing choices.  If you are on your feet all day wear a fashionable flat or kitten heel.  Save your amazing new platform pumps for a dinner that includes valet. 

5.      Clothing effects the way you feel about yourself and changes the way you are perceived by others.  With that in mind, only buy clothing you love. 

Want to learn more about merging style and comfort?  Contact Charleston Style to learn more about our services.  www.charlestonstyleconcierge.com