Save Time Getting Dressed

Getting dressed can be quick and easy. Look great in ten minutes or less with these time saving style tips from Charleston Style Concierge.

1.      Get rid of clothing that doesn’t fit. Clothing that doesn’t fit tricks you into thinking you have more outfit options that you do. When you’re not happy with an outfit, you’ll take it off and start again wasting precious time.

2.      Edit your closet at least twice a year. A closet edit helps you know exactly what you have so you can put together outfits quickly.

3.      When adding pieces to your wardrobe, be a disciplined shopper. Only purchase items that can easily be mixed with your existing wardrobe.

4.      Hang pants together, shirts together, skirts together, etc. This helps you walk into the closet and grab an outfit easily.

5.      Take pictures of outfits you love. Put them in a Look Book as a reference for fool proof outfit ideas.

Charleston Style Concierge is a personal styling company that teaches women how to get dressed in ten minutes or less. For more information, visit http://www.charlestonstyleconcierge.com.

As the weather and landscape changes, so must our wardrobe. Even though September can still be hot and sticky, the time has come to begin planning your transition from summer clothes to fall clothes.

Wardrobe transitioning doesn’t entail an entire shopping spree. The transition is more about working with what you already have to create a new look and different comfort level. Adding layers to your attire will slightly alter your look from summer- to fall-wear, and ensure you’re comfortable in the lower temperatures.

There are two crucial steps involved in a summer-to-fall wardrobe transition: (1) Clearing the clutter / bringing out fall clothes and (2) Making the change.

Step One: Clearing the Clutter / Bringing Out Fall Clothes

It’s time to fight through the cobwebs of your crawl space and pull out some of those plastic containers holding your fall clothes. Once you’ve dodged the dust and spiders, it’s time to sift through your fall clothes. Look for light jackets, cardigans, sweaters, scarves, pants, and long-sleeve shirts. While you’re sifting, take note of clothes you know you haven’t worn in the last year or two and place them in a separate pile—I’ll touch more on the purpose of this pile later on.

Now that you have your selection of light jackets, cardigans, sweaters, scarves, pants, and long-sleeve shirts, sift through your summer clothes to see what will work with a cover up and what won’t. Usually, dresses and skirts that are knee length or longer can be worn in the fall, but anything shorter you might be too cold—so put away your shorter skirts and dresses to make room for fall items. Shorts should also be placed in storage.

NOTE: While sifting through your summer clothes, place items you didn’t wear this summer or last summer in the same pile you placed unworn fall clothes.  

Now, you should have several pairs of light jackets, cardigans, sweaters, scarves, pants, long-sleeve shirts, knee length—or longer—dresses and skirts, camisoles, tanks, and blouses to mix and match for fall. All other items should be placed back in storage for next spring.

Step Two: Making the Change:

Cropped / fitted jackets go perfectly with tanks, blouses, dresses, and skirts to achieve a new fall look and hold in more warmth. If you don’t have a cropped / fitted jacket, you might find it highly beneficial to purchase one. Because they are so versatile, cropped / fitted jackets are a fall must-have. I suggest going for neutral colored jackets that can be worn with a variety of colors and shirt styles. Navy, black, white, and tan are perfect for mixing and matching.

If the weather is still too warm for a cropped / fitted jacket, try wearing a light scarf, cropped sweater, or cardigan to accent your outfit and inject a little fall style. Light scarves, cropped sweaters, and cardigans have the miraculous ability to instantly transform a summer outfit into a fall outfit—making it appear as though you bought a whole new fall wardrobe.

Another fall staple is the pencil skirt. Because of their versatility, pencil skirts can be worn with a variety of different tops, jewelry, and accessories. Enhance your fall image with a sleek, simple, and sophisticated pencil skirt, sure to give you the confidence and effortless style you’ve been looking for.

As for the pile you placed all of your fall and summer rejects in, this is going to Goodwill. Don’t hold back—you’ll feel much more organized without it. I promise.   

If you need help finding the perfect fall clothes for your personal style or need some fall style tips, let Charleston Style Concierge be your personal shopper. You’ll come out with clothes that are comfortable, sophisticated, and fit your individual personality. Charleston Style Concierge is dedicated to helping men and women feel more confident by developing a unique personal style. Contact us  today at 843.323.2466.    

Lee Heyward to Speak at ECEW Network Luncheon Series: Successful Business Women of the Lowcountry

Lee Heyward
President and founder, Charleston Style Concierge
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Beginning at 11:30 AM, Waters Edge Restaurant
$20.00 per person includes lunch and gratuity

East Cooper Entrepreneurial Women (ECEW) is pleased to announce that ECEW member, Lee Heyward, President and founder of Charleston Style Concierge will be the keynote speaker for the ECEW Network Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at Waters Edge Resturant (1407 Shrimp Boat Lane, Mt Pleasant). To reserve your seat, register and pay online go to http://www.ecewsc.com.

Charleston Style Concierge is the brainchild of Lee Heyward. At a young age, Lee fell in love with fashion after she became a member of the Stylish Stitchers, a local 4H club dedicated to teaching girls about sewing and design. She learned to make stylish wardrobe pieces and modeled them in 4H fashion shows.

Lee, a College of Charleston graduate, is passionate about giving back to the community and has partnered with the Charleston, South Carolina, chapter of Dress for Success to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women. In addition to accepting appropriate donations from clients, Lee also helps organize fashion fundraising events and sits on the Board of Directors for Dress for Success.

An avid equestrian since the age of 5, Lee spends her free time riding and volunteering for the Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding Program. She lives in Mount Pleasant, with her husband, dog, and two cats.

East Cooper Entrepreneurial Women (ECEW) was founded in 2007 to foster networking and professional development of women who live or work East of the Cooper. Since that time our membership has grown to over 130 business women representing all aspects of our business community.

ECEW Networking Women’s Monthly Luncheon Series will feature successful business women of the Charleston Lowcountry that live and work in the Charleston area while their companies have gained national and international exposure. To learn more about ECEW, upcoming ECEW events, and to become a ECEW member, visit our website at http://www.ecewsc.com.

It is amazing how easy it is to fall off of your own priority list. The farther you fall or the longer you’re not even on your own priority list, you start to believe you simply can’t have what you desire. This happens a lot with style. You might have looked one way when you were younger, but no longer see that girl in the mirror. You don’t know how to get her back so you believe she and her fun style are gone forever. Or maybe you feel self conscious because you haven’t lost those extra pounds that make you only want to wear baggy and oversized clothes. So you give up.

Then you see the woman who literally makes you stop and stare. How can she possibly look so put-together? You automatically assume a team of experts show up every morning to pick out her clothes and do her hair and makeup. If you live in the real world, and not on a movie set, this is not the case. She knows that great style comes from believing in yourself. Style isn’t just for the rich, famous, and skinny. Looking great from head to toe can be simple and easy. You have to start by believing you can have the style you desire. If you don’t believe in yourself, you’ll never see what everyone else sees in the mirror. How many reality style shows have you watched where women talk about how they couldn’t possibly wear something because of their poochy stomach or fat ankles? You’re watching the show wondering, “What poochy stomach and where are these fat ankles?” We all have our insecurities, but you have to believe and know that there are ways to camouflage your insecurities so that they aren’t the only thing you see looking back at you in the mirror. That is the first step towards having a style you love.

“4 Easy Ways to Get the TOTAL Style Package”

Discover how looking great from head to toe doesn’t have to be hard.

FREE 60-minute teleseminar

Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at 7 pm Eastern

(Click here to sign up)

Do you walk down the street staring at flawless women in disbelief? Do you wonder if they have a team of experts who coif their hair and pick out their clothes each morning?

You don’t have to be a celebrity to look and feel fabulous! All you need to know are the tricks to easily achieve the total style package.

Join us for a FREE teleseminar and learn how to get the total style package just by tweaking your clothing, hair, and makeup.

Whether you need a style update to your clothing, hair, makeup, or all three, you will learn valuable secrets from two very savvy image divas. We believe that great style doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it should be both easy and fun. Let us show you how by joining us on this call.

(Heard enough? Sign up to join us.)

On this call, you will discover . . .

• What you can learn from your closet.
• What product is an instant face-lift.
• What type of clothing always makes you look thinner.
• How to get your hair to look as if you just came from the salon.
• How your clothing, hair, and makeup shape your image.
• What three makeup items work for every woman.

So, if you want to look great and finally get the look you desire, join us on August 19 at 7 pm Eastern time (4 pm Pacific). Please note that this call will be recorded, but you must sign up to receive the recording. Just enter your information in the boxes below to receive the complete call details via email. See you there!

Click here to join us for this exciting call!

We spend many years (and a lot of money!) preparing to enter the real world, get a job, and achieve great success.  Yet, many times the most important keys to reaching success are never taught. I believe the way you dress is the key to your success, and so often it is the last thing anyone thinks will affect their career. A polished appearance is no longer considered frivolous or egotistical. Today, especially in this economy, it is a job requirement.

In the business world, the way you look is the strongest sales tool you have, no matter what business you may be in. Before you can sell anything, you have to sell yourself. 

5 Reasons to Always Dress for Success

1. You are your brand and your clothing is your logo.
2. It takes only 7 seconds to form an impression about you.
3. The way you present yourself creates a thumbnail sketch of your character.
4. Your appearance influences the perceived quality of your work.
5. The strongest sales tool you have is the way you look.

Learn how to “Dress for Success on Any Budget” with this FREE teleseminar. Download it for free at http://www.getgreatstyle.com/dfs.html.

Do you lack confidence in your style, yourself, or your body? Maybe you feel you dress too old for your age or your business attire isn’t as professional as you’d like it to be. Whatever the case, a dose of style can bring a sense of hope and confidence back into your life.

A style consultation that is both extremely educational and enjoyable is an invaluable resource and can change your life forever. A result-driven personal stylist teaches you everything you need to know about acquiring effortless style that’s tailored to fit your individual lifestyle and body. The result? A style that makes you feel confident and happy.

It’s easy to feel down when you believe that you lack the “tasteful style gene.” It is a challenge to have great style if you never know what to wear to make your body look great, or have no clue where to go to find flattering outfits. Throw this negative attitude away and make a change.

Feeling better about your style doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is starting small. Here are some tips to get you started:

1.     Start by thinking about who you are, your lifestyle, and the style you desire. Do you work in an office, from home, or in a store? What activities do you do in your leisure time? Is your style holding you back from enjoying activities with friends?  Getting to know yourself and what you want to express through your style is a key element in transforming your appearance and mindset. If you’re going to create the style you desire, you must be honest with yourself and understand what it is that you want to change or improve. To move forward, you must confront the past. Remember that with the right tools, anyone can have great style.

2.     Learn about your body shape to discover what clothing shapes and cuts are most flattering for your body. The key is finding the right fit and remembering that you have control over your clothing. You can make minor tweaks and changes to get a perfect fit. You don’t have to accept clothing straight off the rack. If your hips make finding trousers a royal pain, don’t just settle for wearing skirts. Fit the largest part of you and have a tailor take in the places that are too big. Once you know the tricks to dressing your body shopping will become easier and you will start to develop the style you desire. If you’re not sure what size you are or what styles and shapes fit your body the best, ask a trusted friend or an expert stylist to help you find the perfect outfits that compliment your body type and lifestyle.  

3.     Look through your wardrobe to learn more about your style. Your closet will tell you what you actually wear, the styles you like, and pieces you are missing to complete a look. If you’re not inspired by your closet, tear out pictures from magazines or take note of women you see on the street.  You’ll start to discover patterns including what colors, materials, and sizes you often wear or like. Once you identify a steady pattern, analyze the elements that frequently appear in your wardrobe and classify the characteristics you like and dislike. Use this information to help you find a personal style that you truly love. Ask a close friend to provide you with an outsider’s perspective and some objective advice. For professional guidance, contact a trusted style expert.

Don’t live your life any longer feeling down about yourself and your personal image. Acquiring the necessary tools and knowledge to achieve effortless style for the rest of your life will bring you hope and have you feeling confident about yourself. Let Charleston Style Concierge introduce you to a new and rejuvenating way of life. Our personalized and tailored services are designed to fit each client’s individual needs and specific lifestyle. Contact us today at 843.323.2466. Isn’t it time you brought some hope back to your style?

“Dress Your HOME to Reflect Your Personality and Style”

FREE 60-minute teleseminar

Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at 2 pm Eastern

(Sign up today!)

Discover how you can live in both comfort and style. If you want affordable design solutions that help you live and feel better within your home, please join us for this exciting teleseminar.

So, if you want to redesign your entire house, or you simply want to feel more at home, you won’t want to miss this teleseminar as I interview my good friend and expert interior designer Ada Gonzalez.

Ada Gonzalez is an expert interior decorator, author, and creative director of Ada’s Interior Design. She helps people all over the United States discover how to feel great within their homes –without having to spend a lot of money. Her designs use clients’ current furniture  and / or new furniture with a big splash of STYLE!

In a hurry, click here to sign up.

We’re offering a free teleseminar on Tuesday, July 14, at 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific).

On this call, you will discover . . .

• The most important elements for adding beauty to a room.
• The best way to find your personalized design style.
• The importance of adding personality and style to any room.
• The four easy ways you can glamorously dress your walls.
• The fabulous way to dress your windows in style.

Why waste time painting walls the wrong color or buying throw pillows that lack style? Sign up today!

There’s no charge for this call. The call will be recorded, but if you don’t register, you’ll never hear it. Just enter your information in the boxes below to receive the complete call details via email. See you there!

Success is made up of multiple factors, but the way you dress plays a big role in the lifespan and path of your career. Studies show your appearance can even influence the perceived quality of your work. A go-getter assistant who’s always wearing a tailored suit will be thought of as highly promoteable, whereas an equally ambitious woman who has poor clothing might not be thought of at all.

We live in a very visual society. It takes 7 seconds for someone to form an impression about you. In that short timeframe your potential boss or client can actually determine your career path. From your appearance alone they’ve decided whether or not you are competent and someone they want to do business with, or a flake that cannot be trusted. It’s harsh, but true. We all make snap judgments about people. It’s human nature. The way you present yourself, from your handbag to your hair, creates a thumbnail sketch of your character.

And that sketch is always subject to instant interpretation by your colleagues, potential bosses, and clients. So dressing for success is an important part of making success a reality for you.  

Whether you own your own business, or you are the receptionist at a giant corporation, at work you ARE your brand. And your look IS your logo. You are telling people what you do simply by the way you look.

To learn more about how to dress for success download our free seminar on “How to Dress for Success on Any Budget.” Charleston Style Concierge is a personal styling company comitted to making women feel more confident through personal style. Contact us to determine what your clothing says about you.

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.