It’s that time again. The holidays. The time of year that’s packed with parties, concerts, shopping, dinners, parades, and the list goes on. With so much on your plate, the last thing you should have to worry about is what to wear and what not to wear.
Are you sick of running out to the nearest mall at the last minute to find an outfit you’ll wear only once? Hoping people won’t remember you wore the same dress to the last party? Worried you won’t be wearing the appropriate attire?
Have fun this holiday season instead of worrying about your style.
On Wednesday, December 3, 2008, at 8 pm ET, my friend Michelle Salater will host a free, hour-long call with me, Lee Heyward, personal stylist and owner of Charleston Style Concierge, to discuss tips on how to survive the holidays in style.
Don’t miss this call. Click here now to reserve your spot for the F*R*E*E call, Wednesday, December 3, at 8pm Eastern / 5pm Pacific.
On this call, you’ll discover . . .
Topic: How to Survive the Holidays with Style
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Time: 8 pm Eastern / 5 pm Pacific
Registration: www.marketingonlinebootcamp.com/holidaycall.html
Listen Now: http://marketingonlinebootcamp.com/audio/holidaystylecall12308.mp3
If you can’t join us for the live call December 3rd, the call will be recorded, but you must register to receive the recording. If you are new to telecalls, it is easy. All you have to do is sign up. You will receive an email with the phone number. Call the number and join us for a fun hour of style tips sure to get you through the holidays in style.
If you want to stress less over what you’re wearing this holiday season, make it a point to be on this call. Don’t miss this call. Click here now to reserve your spot.
To learn more about the Charleston Style Concierge and our styling services visit us on the web at www.charlestonstyleconcierge.com. Sign up for our newsletter for great style tips and information on future style telecalls.
The first step in creating a versatile wardrobe is to decide what style you desire. To put it another way, you need to figure out what you should be wearing to create the look you desire.
As you think about the style you desire, don’t worry whether or not you can pull off a particular style or outfit. Once you figure out what you like, you can find ways to wear the style of clothes so that they are appropriate for your body shape and lifestyle.
It’s impossible to create a versatile wardrobe when you have no direction or goal in mind. What you get is a closet full of clothes that you don’t want to wear and that won’t make different outfits. And clothes that still have tags on them.
We can all use a reality style check. It is very easy to end up with a style that makes you no longer feel good about yourself. The young professional whose wardrobe reflects who she was at twenty-two, not who she is at twenty-nine. The man who has lost a significant amount of weight, yet still buys baggy, unflattering clothes. Or the mother who has focused so much energy on her family that she’s forgotten herself, only to wake up one day and wonder why she is so unhappy with herself.
Whatever your situation, creating style goals is easy. Simply decide how you want to look and what you need to wear in order to create the style you desire.
Tips on how to discover your style goals:
· Observe what people are wearing when you think to yourself, “Wow! They look great!” Do you notice a pattern in what you like? If so, you’re onto something.
· Notice if you gravitate toward a particular style or look. Are you constantly drawn to classic sophisticate, bohemian chic, or preppy? Make note of this.
· Ask yourself if you want to look younger, more modern, more professional, more put together. Then ask yourself why.
· Pretend you live in a perfect world with none of your lifestyle and body constraints. Now, how would you like to dress?
· Cut out images in fashion magazines to narrow down what you really like. Don’t focus on what you think you can wear. Focus on the style you like.
Take some time to answer the above questions. Write down you answers and refer back to them as you develop a versatile wardrobe that fits your personal style.
This is an excerpt from our Style Guide: 5 Steps to a Stress-Free and Versatile Wardrobe. To view the entire style guide for FREE logon to our website and sign up for our mailing list. Once you have signed up for our mailing list the link will be emailed to you.
For more help creating style goals contact the Charleston Style Concierge. We can help you develop a unique personal style that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Take the stress out of this party season and brush up on your party etiquette. Discover what to bring, when to arrive, and other great etiquette tips from our friends at Southern Protocol, an etiquette company that believes you should always be gracious, stylish, and charming.
Is arriving fashionably late really fashionable?
There is no such thing as fashionably late. Guests are expected to arrive no later than 5-10 minutes after the arrival time listed on the invitation. In most cases 15 minutes is acceptable. If you are going to be any later than 15 minutes, you should call the host/hostess to let them know. Don’t expect the party/dinner to wait on you. NEVER show up to a party early unless asked to do so by the host/hostess.
Should I always bring a hostess gift?
There is no real “rule” on when to or when not to take a hostess gift. Our general thinking is that if the party/dinner is hosted by a family with whom you frequently visit no gift is required. If it is a first time visit a small gift would be appropriate. Consider what you know about the host/hostess when deciding on a gift. It would be considered inappropriate to give someone who does not drink alcohol a bottle of wine, etc. If you are completely unsure of whether or not to take a gift – you could attend the party empty handed and get a feel from the other guests actions. If the majority of guests did bring a gift, a nice gesture would be to send flowers with a nice note of appreciation the day following the party.
How long should you stay at a party?
The typical “rule of thumb” is that it is respectful to stay for about an hour after dinner. The best way to know is to take clues from the people at the party/dinner. When the other guests begin to leave, you should follow suit unless asked to do otherwise by the host/hostess. If everyone is still at the party and the host/hostess start to drop clues about how late it is or how early their day tomorrow is going to be, don’t be afraid to be the first to go. Hopefully the other guests will follow.
How do I know if I can bring a guest?
You can only bring a guest if you have been told directly, either on the invitation or in person by the host/hostess that it is ok. You need to let the host/hostess know if you are bringing a guest prior to the party. NEVER ask the host/hostess if you can bring a guest. This “rule” is also true with children. If the children’s names are not on the invitation or have not been specifically invited by the host/hostess themselves – they are not invited.
Discover more etiquette tips and how to stress less about what to wear during this holiday party season, by joining my free teleclass on December 3, 2008. My friend Michelle Salater, owner of Michelle Salater Writing & Editorial, LLC, will host a free, hour-long call with me to discuss tips on how to survive the holidays in style. The holidays are packed with parties, concerts, shopping, dinners, parades and the list goes on. With so much on your plate, the last thing you should have to worry about is what to wear. Sign up now!
1. How do I know what size belt to buy?
To determine your belt size add two inches to your waist size to know what size to buy. This will center the buckle in the belt holes and give you a proper fit.
2. How long is my tie supposed to be?
When tying your tie, aim for the end to hit the top of your belt buckle.
3. Are my socks supposed to match my shoes?
Your socks should match your trousers, not your shoes. The exception to the rule is when you wear jeans, match your sock to your shoe.
4. Do my belt and shoes have to perfectly match?
No, they do not have to be the exact same color. They should coordinate together. To play it safe keep your belt and the shoes roughly the same color.
5. Is it appropriate to go sockless?
If you aren’t going to wear socks make sure you are wearing a casual shoe, such as a casual sneaker or loafer, and that the occasion warrants casual attire.
If you have a question about what to wear, contact the Charleston Style Concierge for great style advice.
The next time your hips are the only thing you can see in the mirror, try these tricks when getting dressed.
I am often asked how much money is needed to buy a new wardrobe. I believe that with a little effort you can look great on any budget. All you need are the right tips and tricks.
1. Make the most of what you already have. Before you head to the mall, start by shopping in your closet. Take a mental inventory of what you own. Ask yourself how you can wear what you have more? Are you breaking up your suit to wear as three different outfits? Could the dress you bought for a special event look more casual with a simple change of accessories? Is your closet neat and organized so you know exactly what you have and where it is? The simple act of being more aware of what you have will help you discover the infinite possibilities your closet holds.
2. Step out of your shopping box. With so many retailers dedicated to our shopping pleasure, you can find anything you need at any price point. Step outside of your usual shopping habits and hit new and different stores. Try discount stores like TJMaxx or Marshalls. With a little patience you can find great designer pieces for a lot less.
3. Change up your accessories. Accessories can completely change the look of an outfit. Accessories are a fun way to add color, participate in a trend, or add versatility to your wardrobe. Try on your favorite outfit and then change a layer, your shoes, or jewelry for a completely different look.
4. Host a clothing swap party. Swap clothing with your friends. A clothing swap is a great way to get new wardrobe pieces and helps you create more room in your own closet. Not to mention a clothing swap is a great excuse for a party and is an environmentally friendly activity!
5. What’s old can once again be new. With the help of a great tailor you can turn your old clothing into something fabulous and new. Shorten a long frumpy skirt into a knee length wardrobe staple. Get a great shirt just by taking in the seams for a better fit. Modernize an old jacket just by adding belt loops and shortening the length. A great tailor can help you turn your favorite pieces into one of a kind looks.
For more help shopping in your closet contact the Charleston Style Concierge.
This past weekend, I flew to Kentucky for a dear friend’s wedding. I enjoy traveling and especially like the time it affords me to sit and people watch. Airports offer some of the best and most diverse people watching. I saw some interesting style choices and spent some time wondering how some of my fellow passengers would fair running for their gate in their ridiculously high heels. In my experience I have found that traveling guarantees a few things. You need some sort of shoe that you can walk in, sometimes run in, and can be removed easily at security, layered clothing that combats the often frigid air temperatures of the plane, and a great outfit that provides comfort and style throughout your journey. There are three essential wardrobe pieces that can comfortably get you to your destination in style.
Trench Coat A great structured jacket, like a trench coat will always give you a put together look. It looks great over anything, covers wrinkles or stains you may have acquired along the way, and can act as a pillow, a blanket, or a layer of warmth. No matter the climate you live in or plan to visit, there is a trench coat that can be a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
Pashmina/Wrap Pashminas come in a million colors and fabrics. They are handy for travel because they can serve as a blanket or a pillow during travel and function as a stylish wrap on a chilly night during your vacation. You can also use them to wrap breakable souvenirs on your return trip.
Stylish & Comfortable Shoes Give your feet a break and choose shoes that provide comfort and style for your travel. Your shoes should be able to be removed and put back on easily at security and shouldn’t hinder an emergency sprint to your gate.
For more travel tips or help with packing the right wardrobe on your next journey contact the Charleston Style Concierge.
Fall is here so its time to edit your closet and properly care for summer garments leaving your wardrobe rotation. You can protect your clothing investment just by taking the time to properly care for them as you switch to a new season. Fabrics are delicate and can change or deteriorate depending on how they are stored. You have worked hard to create a versatile and fabulous wardrobe, so take the time to read these steps on how to prolong the life of your clothing.
Launder or dry clean items being put away until next season. You will avoid stains that set into your clothes. Many stains like perspiration, clear beverages, and perfume are almost invisible but can be a detriment to your clothing because they attract bugs like moths and carpet beetles.
Store your clothing in cloth garment bags. Cloth garment bags allow clothing to breathe, contrary to their plastic counter parts. Remove plastic bags placed on clothing from the dry cleaners. Gases from decomposing plastic can be absorbed by your clothing causing it to yellow.
Opt for cedar instead of mothballs. Mothballs are toxic and smell terrible. The smell is very difficult to get out of clothing. Opt for cedar which repels moths with its scent. Replace cedar every year because it loses its scent.
Keep clothing out of humid environments. Clothes should be stored in a cool and dry environment. Humidity leads to mildew on fabric which is difficult to fully remove.
Empty your pockets. Check your pockets before putting clothing away for a season. You will remove any potential hazardous items and may even find that key you’ve been looking for.
For more tips on how to edit your closet or to learn more about prolonging the life of your clothes contact the Charleston Style Concierge.
Do you put together an outfit for a specific event with ease, but have trouble creating new and different looks for every day? Your wardrobe may suffer from lack of versatility.
Your wardrobe lacks versatility if…
1. You buy similar items to those you already own. The new black shirt you loved in the store is less exciting at home when you realize the outfit you will create looks the same as the one you always put together with your other black shirts.
2. You buy an outfit for a specific purpose and then never think about it again. Break up the pieces and think of other ways to wear them. Add accessories or layers to change the original look.
3. Your clothing purchases deviate from your true wardrobe needs. Buying what you actually need is a key element to feeling stylish and put together all the time.
4. You are not buying clothing in your correct size. Fabulous but ill-fitting items will do you no good hanging in the closet. Buy clothing that fits you as you are right now.
5. If you don’t have a mental inventory of what you own. Make an effort to edit your closet at least twice a year. You will remember what you own and will now be able to determine if a new piece will be a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
No, a closet edit is the foundation to great style and serves as an educational tool. The fact that your closet is neat and tidy when you finish is an extra bonus. Editing your closet regularly is the key component to making your clothing function for you and your lifestyle. You should edit your closet on a seasonal basis. By working seasonally, you will find items you forgot you had, think of new ways to wear what you already own, and keep your closet neat and organized.
A closet edit can be done on your own, or with a professional. A professional stylist will help you learn the best way to dress your body and is instrumental in making you feel put together and confident every time you walk out the door. No matter if you are doing an edit on your own or with a stylist here are a few tips to get the greatest benefit out of your closet.
FACT: We wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time.
That fact makes it clear why so many of us stand in their closet staring at a sea of clothes wondering why they have nothing to wear. You do not have to be part of that fact. Set a goal to develop a wardrobe that meets your style goals and functions for you.
Ask yourself a few questions about your lifestyle. On a typical day, where are you going? What are you doing? What percentage of time is spent doing those things? Which of those activities cause you the most stress while getting dressed? Your answers will uncover your wardrobe needs and challenges. For instance, if the largest percentage of your time is spent in a jean-free workplace, do you really need 50 pairs of jeans?
Begin by focusing on one category within your wardrobe. I typically recommend pants or bottoms to my clients because most people have fewer bottoms than tops. Bottoms are important basics that will be used over and over to make different outfits. Start wherever you like and examine each piece of clothing. Does it fit? Don’t know? Try it on. Have you worn it recently? Does it fit with the categories you determined for your lifestyle? Does it meet your style goals? I realize this is a lot of questions to ask about one little piece of clothing, but it is necessary to create a fashionable wardrobe that functions for you.
As you work through your wardrobe create three piles; give-away, throw-away, and to be repaired. Make notes as you edit your closet to help you determine where you may have wardrobe holes, and what pieces you may be missing to complete your style goals. Continue working through your entire closet until you have given each piece proper attention and put it back into the closet in an orderly fashion.
Now sit back and reap the rewards of a job well done. Getting dressed is now easier because you know what you have, where it is, and how it fits. Take your closet edit notes with you on your next shopping trip. Use those notes to make smart shopping choices that can be incorporated into your existing wardrobe and lifestyle.
Find a time to edit your closet. Be honest, be creative with new outfits, and have fun! For more information about editing your closet, or to learn more about hiring a professional to assist you, contact the Charleston Style Concierge.
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