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Monthly Archives: July 2015

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9 STEPS TO MASTERMIND YOUR MAKEOVER

By | How To..., Personal Style | No Comments

There comes a time in the life of most women where we yearn for a new look. A look that will restore our self-confidence and place us on a new or better path.

I’ve been there – have you?

This need can arise from a stagnant love life or career, a divorce, a new lifestyle or vocation, or the need to recapture life after surviving a significant illness. Whatever the reason, achieving your new look does not necessarily require the help of an image consultant; after-all no everyone has that type of money on hand. If taken one logical step at a time it is possible to create a significant and successful makeover on yourself with the help of a friend or two.

One thing is for sure, a makeover has the power to affect real change in your life. A new look will affect the way you view yourself and can empower you with the confidence and energy to move forward and accomplish things that you may not have believed possible before. 

Over the years I have facilitated many successful make-overs and I’ve learned a few things that I’d like to share with you.

#1. Do it for the Right Reasons

Hurtling into a makeover right after a breakup, major disappointment, or a rough patch can seem like a good idea but often reaps only disappointment. If you are reeling from an emotional upheaval, you are prone to impulsive decisions that serve to impress others rather then yourself. It’s important that your makeover is done for the right reason – to please, enrich and help YOU and only you.  You should fully understand your reasons for initiating your makeover as only then can you really determine who you are really doing this for and why.

A period of self-reflection and conversations with a trusted and sensible friend or two can be invaluable.

Young woman consoling female friend while sitting on sofa at home

#2. Know Exactly What You Want to Achieve

Not only in your head but on paper. Knowing exactly what you want to achieve via your makeover is a important step towards knowing what you need to do in order to accomplish it.

  • What areas of your life do you want your makeover to improve?
    • When you have your answer ask WHY?
  • What do you want to achieve via your makeover?
    • Then ask WHY?
  • What parts of your present appearance do you think needs improvement?
    • Again ask WHY?

The asking of why will get you to the root of your reasons helping you know how valid they are.

#3. Take Your Time

Makeover segments on TV make it seem like a makeover can be achieved in an afternoon. A little shopping, some salon time, and voila, a brand spanking, shiny new you! In reality and my experience, the most successful makeovers and the ones that stick, take time to achieve. Think of the process as an evolution, not revolution – a gradual change as opposed to a quick and drastic revamp.

By taking your time and thinking each step through, you’ll have a far better chance of getting the results you want. Moreover, family and friends tend to respond better to a gradual metamorphosis than a sudden change. This will reassure them that you are thinking carefully about what you are doing. Change is always hard, and it might be hardest for the people around you. I have found sudden changes to have husbands suspicious that maybe there’s another man, friends deciding you’re trying to show your too good for them and family thinking your just being outrageous.

#4. Research What Works Best For You

Before hitting the stores for new clothes or deciding on a new hair color it’s wise to discover what works best for you. An inexpensive and accurate way to know what suits your shape is to get a body and style analysis . We recommend My Private Stylist. This website was developed by Image Innovators and is an excellent in depth style program. Loving your body or look will come easier once you understand exactly what you body needs to look it’s best.  

Likewise knowing which colors suit you best is equally important, after-all, a great style in a bad color is not a good buy. Consulting an experienced image consultant or having an online consultation through a reputable website gaining is the only way to find out. Reading books never give you the entire story.

#5. Express Yourself

Dressing authentically is key to feeling at home in your clothes. A new image that is not truly ‘you’ is hard to pull-off for any real length of time.

Here are some things you can try to help you reveal your true style personality:

  • Examine your closet and pick out your favorite pieces.
    • Which items make you feel good?
    • What traits do the pieces convey? 
  • Flip through a magazine and tear out the pages of outfits that speak to you.
  • Put together a list of adjectives that describe your style.
  • Find style icons you identify with
  • Try our style personality quiz
  • Experiment different styles and clothing combinations until you are happy with what style expression is most you. This will make shopping easier.
    • On that note, when you’re shopping don’t be afraid to try on styles you typically don’t gravitate toward. You never know when you’ll find a new favorite.

Whats your PSE#6. Get a Head Start

Your head is the easiest place to start when it comes to giving yourself an effective makeover. A new hairstyle and/or color ans a new make-up look gives you the most bang for your buck while simultaneously giving the quickest results. Get ready for compliments and answer with a smile and a sincere thank you. Don’t be that woman that says, “Oh, this is nothing.” Always graciously acknowledge compliments.

A great new look above the neck is the perfect first step to consider when starting your makeover. It’s like losing those first few pounds when on a diet, it gives you excitement and more motivation to continue. After you take care of your locks, turn your attention to your makeup and eye-wear.

As for makeup, make sure that is age appropriate and fits right into your lifestyle. While eye-wear needs to be both comfortable and on-trend, especially if it’s prescription and you wear it everyday. If you’re still in a style conundrum, don’t hesitate to get help from the experts. Consult a makeup artist or enroll in basic makeup lessons to better learn what works for your skin type and color, face shape, lifestyle, and age. A good hair stylist or colorist, who may or may not be the same person, is also another important piece of the puzzle.

The Makeover Guy

Click to Watch

#7. Hunt, Kill, Capture

Edit and curate your closet. Go through your entire wardrobe. Be ruthless and toss out anything that doesn’t fit, is dated, discolored, stained, or faded. Add to that list anything that you haven’t worn for two identical seasons. Depending on how many clothes you have this is an arduous process that may take more than a day. If you are too busy break the task up into bite size pieces – tops this weekend, pants and skirts next weekend etc.

Try on everything, and keep what works for your figure. Next organize everything into a workable space and finish with making a list of what you need to go out and buy.

These are times when a girlfriend comes in very handy. Not only for her opinion but also to take the unwanted items away to save you being tempted to put some back.

#8. Coordinate and Accessorize

Once you’re closet is cleaned out and organized, cluster our items into mix and match outfits and record what you own. That way you’ll never forget a great combination again.

Use accessories to change the look and mood of your outfits.

By performing #7 and #8 you’ll start to get realize what pieces are missing from your wardrobe.  Note them down for your next shopping trip.

#9. Don’t Rest On Your Laurels

Your life is constantly changing; be it through relationships, location, business, finances, health etc. All these changes alter the way you live and feel, and cause your style to change. The style you have today, may not be the way you wish to express yourself in the future. So while you’ve done an exhaustive evaluation and overhaul of your style, always give yourself room to grow or improve. Keep your eyes open for style inspiration, and don’t limit yourself to trends or to the style you have now. Remember that fashions come and go, but knowing what works for you is the one, true way to having standout style.

One thing is for sure – you are in charge of your life and the challenges and changes that you face are part of the wonderful tapestry called YOU.

 

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WELL HEELED: How Shoes Can Transform Your World – Pt 2

By | Accessorizing | 3 Comments

Following on from last week we continue our insights into shoes; how they impact our appearance and how to care for them.

Teaming Comfort and Quality with Style

Selecting the right shoe for your outfit/garment means covering off a few key aspects however, keep in mind that fashion is constantly changing and pushing the boundaries, which means that you will see outfits parading the catwalks that do not follow my guidelines. In addition individuals with strong personal styles can also pull off looks that the rest of us may not be able to.

  • Unless you’ve been blessed with long lean legs, high vamp shoes and boots are best with teamed a similar coloured opaque hosiery or worn long skirts/dresses or pants.
  • The more open the shoe the better sheer hosiery will coordinate with them.

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Image sources: Wardrobe Oxygen  and Girl with Curves

Flattering or Frightful

If I were to liken my legs to that of a breed of equine, it would be a Shetland pony. Because of this I have always used shoe strategies that will help give me the look of possessing longer, leaner legs.

  • Heel Height:  Medium to high heels will visually elongate your legs and beautifully shape your calf. Low heels can visually shorten and thicken legs.
    • Women with busts greater than DD are best to wear heels no higher than the mid heights as their
      center of gravity is different to other women and the chance of falling over is increased.  Likewise with a breast reduction comes the increased risk of a fall until their sense balance is restored.
    • With advancing age high heels become increasingly difficult to wear due to aging feet which includes the loss of fat in the pad under your toes (can be fixed with party feet gel inserts) and deteriorating joints in the foot. Wear high heels for the important events and lower heels the rest of the time.

heightineup

  • Heel Shape: This is the area that dates quickest, so do not select a fashion forward heel if you want the shoe to last for many seasons. As for what a heel can do for the leg:
    • Thick heels make heavy lower legs appear heavier and very thin legs and ankles look even thinner.
    • Very fine heels may look as if they will collapse under the weight/thickness of heavy/swollen ankles.

heelstyles

  • Soles: Soles can be thick, medium or thin and the rules are pretty much the same as for heel thickness.~ Thick soles and heavy stacked heels will make heavy lower legs and thick ankles look thicker and are best replaced with medium to thin soles and classic or lighter looking stacked heels. Women with heavy lower legs are also best to avoid stiletto heels as they result in an ungainly gait and often appear to be in imminent danger of breaking under the weight.

Soles

  • Toe shape: The toe shape is very important to the overall look of your legs and therefore your total appearance.
    • Very square or oblique toe shape will make most legs look shorter and heavier.
    • Round toes are associated with mature age and vintage looks. They are also the most comfortable and the least flattering, making most legs appear shorter and heavier.
    • Almond, square-round or tapered are great for every leg.
    • Point shoes are sexy and very elongating to both the foot and leg.
    • Peep toe shoes become increasingly uncomfortable the higher they are. The opening should also not be so large as to allow your toes to extend over the front of the shoe. 

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toehang

  • Vamps: The vamp of the shoe (aka mouth) is where you put your foot into the shoe, low vamp style are court-like styles and high vamp styles are mules, boots etc. Simply put, the more foot you see the slimmer and longer your legs will appear to be and this also goes for strappy sandals.One word of warning though – low vamps when they expose toe cleavage tend not to be comfortable after about 30 mins of wear.

Vamp1

  • Ankle Straps: Any item that interrupts the visual length of the leg can make you appear shorter and your legs a little heavier.  If you are short, have heavy/chunky legs or wish to keep the attention off your legs then choose straps that are as low on the shoe as possible e.g, Mary Janes. 

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Coordinating Shoes with Outfits

  • Garments made of heavy looking fabrics or textures are best teamed with shoes with a similar look for harmony and vice versa.
  • The proportion of the heel height in comparison to your garment hem length is also important and a good rule of thumb is (though not set-in-stone) is, the higher the hem, the lower the heel and the lower the hem, the higher the heel.
  • A patent leather shoe is youthful, will lighten the look of, and dress up an outfit.
  • Medium to high heels are seen as more formal/dressy and as such are perfect coordinates with corporate attire. 

Balance

Heels for Sex Appeal

Author Jena Pincott sifted through hundreds of scientific studies in order to explain what’s behind many sexy truths in her book, Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes?

When it comes to high heels, Pincott says “The stuff you strut is more sensual when you’re up on your toes. …Heels force your pelvis to tilt so that both your rear end and chest stick out.” One study showed that leg lengths 5 percent longer than average are the most attractive, so for most women, a 1.5- to 3-inch heel would create the ideal leg length. “This attraction might be evolutionary, because long legs are associated with better long-term health, which would appeal to a mate,” says Pincott. “Plus, much like a peacock flaunts his feathers, which are really quite heavy and a nuisance, a woman teetering in heels can show off her fitness and coordination.”

high heels

I have Feet Issues!

I can’t wear heels, I have bad feet/bad knees/bad back…I have heard this many times over the years.  The simplist way to combat this is to keep your feet quiet.  In other words wear the shoes you need to and ensure they blend with your legs and/or hemline then, add a high placed attention grabbing feature or accessory high on your body.  

  problem feet

Taking Care of Wear and Tear

No matter what item you own, you need to care for it if it is to last and look as good as possible.

Shoes, especially those made of leather need to be rested and not worn every day. Cleaning, and in the case of leather, polishing, should be a regularly practised with a quality polish or cream and protected against water damage.

Another significant area of wear and tear on women’s shoes is to the back of the heel, caused by driving. For any trip more than ten minutes I suggest you wear one of your older, less important shoes and change into your good ones when you’ve arrived at your destination.

Shiny shoes have a more ‘polished’ image. The shinier a shoe the more dressy and formal it will appear. Therefore polished leather shoes are more dressy and professional looking than matt/dull leather shoes and the shine of patent leather will up the ante to a sophisticated or evening image every time.

To clean leather shoes:

FINISHED LEATHER

Step 1: Place a small amount of a gentle, moisturizing soap on a damp cloth and bring it to a light lather.
Step 2: Rub the damp cloth on the leather without putting too much water on the leather.
Step 3: Wipe away lather with a fresh damp cloth. Don’t rinse the leather in water.
Step 4: Polish leather with a dry towel.
Step 5: Treat leather with a leather conditioner after it has dried completely.

UNFINISHED LEATHER

Step 1: Use a damp cloth or sponge to rub saddle soap into the leather; work soap into a light lather.
Step 2: Wipe away lather and allow to air dry.
Step 3: Oil leather with a leather preservative such as mink oil.

unfinishedleather

SUEDE

Step 1: Spray a recently purchased or recently cleaned suede item with one of the many products that protect against water damage and other stains. As with any fabric, test a small, unseen patch first.
Step 2: Store suede items so that they can breathe. Avoid plastic bags, which prevent air circulation, and opt for a pillowcase instead to protect clothing from dust. When traveling, store shoes in cotton flannel shoe bags instead of plastic bags.
Step 3: Keep suede away from light, which will fade the color, and damp conditions, which can encourage growth of damaging mold and mildew.
Step 4: If suede clothes or shoes get wet, soak up excess moisture with a clean towel. Then allow the suede to dry naturally; do not use a heat source to speed up the process. After the item dries, restore the nap (the raised fibers typical of suede) with a suede brush.
Step 5: Use a nail file to remove dry mud and scuff marks on suede shoes. Gently file away the stain with delicate strokes. A suede brush also works to remove dirt on shoes and clothing.
Step 6: Remove oil stains on suede by rubbing talcum powder or cornmeal directly on the spot. After several hours, brush off the powder. Repeat if necessary.
Step 7: Keep in mind that major stains will probably require professional care. Take your suede item to someone who specializes in leather and suede; inexperienced dry cleaners or cobblers can cause more harm than good.

PATENT LEATHER

Step1: Use a shoe brush to get out any bits of dirt from between the stitching. A shoe brush has soft bristles, which makes it the perfect candidate for cleaning patent leather shoes.
Step 2: Wash your patent leather shoes in a mixture of mild soap and soft water. Use a soft cloth made of cotton to wipe down the shoe, inside and out, until it is cleaned. This will prime the shoe for future steps, but you must do this first. Allow to dry at room temperature for two days before moving to the next step. 
Step 3: Use saddle soap with a soft cloth to clean your patent leather shoes inside and out. Make sure you clear off any excess saddle soap. The leather will absorb only as much as it can.
Step 4: You can also apply a leather conditioner to the shoe inside and out. This will not only finish off the cleaning process, but will soften your patent leather shoes a bit for maximum comfort.
Step 5: After cleaning and drying, you should apply a wax or polish to your patent leather shoe. This will protect the leather from future dirt, but it will also help to waterproof the leather, making for greater longevity.

ATHLETIC SHOES

Step1: Remove the laces.
Step2: Use a brush to remove any mud or dirt and don’t forget the sole.
Step3: Put a low-alkaline detergent in lukewarm water, and soak the shoes and laces overnight. Rub vigorously with a stiff brush to remove dirt.
Step 4: Get rid of excess water by placing shoes on a rack in your clothes drier. Alternatively, lace up the sneakers and dry them by hanging them out in the sun on the clothesline by their laces.

More Hints to Keep Shoes Looking Great

Water stain protector and waterproofing: Leather water proofer will prevent water from staining the leather of your shoes in addition to keeping spots off. Application is a snap — you simply spray the product and let it dry. It’s also a good, inexpensive investment, especially if you live in either a tropical area or someplace with lots of rain or snow.

Quick shine wipes: These handy little wipes (similar to the ones in a seafood restaurant, but made with shoe-cleaning stuff) won’t come anywhere close to the result you’d get with a real hand shine, but are good for quick touch-ups when you’re running to a meeting and short on time.

Leather conditioner: Try Kiwi’s Leather Cleaner and Conditioner, which uses jojoba oil and coconut oil as active ingredients, and keeps your shoes and other leather items soft and supple. Olive oil straight from the kitchen is great too.

 Terminally Ill Shoes

As much as we have all have our favourite, most comfortable shoes, there comes a time when mending is no longer going to bring the shoe back to a satisfactory appearance. Like your favourite outfits, old, worn out shoes must be allowed to die with dignity. Place them in a satin lined box and send them on to shoe heaven.

rip

Clever Storage Ideas

Shoes thrown in the bottom of a wardrobe will soon show the neglect. There are many ways to store your shoes depending on the size and shape of your wardrobe.

If you are short on space, consider buying an under-the-bed storage box or shoe racks designed for the bottom of your wardrobe. Hall cupboards with a hanging rack are great place for canvas shoe closets, where the shoes hang from the rack in compartments. I keep some of my shoes on an old bookshelf placed in a hall closet. For shoes that you may not wear very often keep them safe in their boxes with a label stuck to the outside indicating which shoe is in the box. Sandals, thongs and athletic shoes can be stored together in a wire basket.

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Source:

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WELL HEELED: How the right shoes can transform your world – Pt 1

By | Accessorizing, How To... | 3 Comments

Let’s face it what girl can live without lots of shoes? They can make or break an outfit and mood in milliseconds. Surely they have to be our ultimate accessory!

Shoes hold a special power over women and we need little persuasion to purchase a new pair. No matter how many shoes we have, there’s always room for more.

If you’re not convinced take this simple test:

Put on any outfit and try it with high stilettos, then a low sandal, a Doc Martin like boots, a pair of classic pumps and finally a pair or thong/flip flops. Instantly you’ll see and feel how each shoe lends its personality to the outfit and how it dresses up or down your look and if it meets your personal style. Instantly shoes have the power to change your image, demeanor and mindset. The power of shoes is quite amazing, and once realized, can become a powerful image making tool.

PASredShoe

Source

However, not all shoes are created equal and for that reason it is worth knowing a little more about the intricacies of shoes.

The Price You Pay

While expensive shoes offer a higher standard of craftsmanship and design, there are times when less expensive shoes have their place:

  • When comfort is more important than style. Especially if you are going to be on your feet all day. I have no hesitation in saying that I would rather wear my $89 pair of Easy Steps than my sky-high Prada stilettos if I’m set to walk the city in on a day long fashion reconnaissance mission.
  • When the shoes are for a special event and you have no intention of wearing them again. This could be anything from a pair of specially dyed satin court shoes to an extreme style for a special outfit.
  • When you’re doing the gardening or if the weather is bad.
  • When you’re wearing something on the cutting edge of fashion, and it’s not likely to stay around very long. Interestingly fashionable foot wear only came into vogue in the early 1960s with dramatic improvements in the manufacture of ready-to-wear shoes.

Cheap is Not All Right When

  • You’re aim is a great impression e.g., interviews and important occasions.
  • You’re about to purchase a classic style i.e. black pumps or knee high boots.
  • When you intend to wear them a lot. No matter what the style, value will always come from investing in quality for those items you intend to wear the most.

Options

Ten Basic Shoes Every Woman Should Own

  • Good quality black leather pumps shoes with a medium-high heel.
  • Good quality black patent leather pumps shoes with a medium-high heel.
  • Sneakers
  • Casual shoes e.g., loafers or ballet flats
  • Flat sandals in black, white or tan
  • Flip flops/thongs
  • Nude heeled sandals or pumps
  • Black medium to high heeled boots.
  • Tan low to medium heeled boots.
  • Dressy evening shoes

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They’re Gorgeous (who cares if my feet hurt?)

You will. It only takes about an hour of walking in an uncomfortable pair of shoes and your face will take on a tortuous scowl and your disposition will quickly follow. Uncomfortable shoes are not worth their cost, no matter how little you paid for them or how prestigious the designer’s name on the label.

For the sake of your health, disposition and those who have to work or live with you, buy shoes that are comfortable.

Here are a few of my favorite tips to ensure comfort:

  • Buy shoes in the afternoon when your feet have expanded somewhat through being upright and walking.
  • Know your size if buying online; like clothing sizes differ from country to county and even label to label. Have you feet measured years after you turn forty because your feel flatten with age.
  • Purchased lower heels the older you get. After fifty the pad under the front of your foot loses its depth of fat making standing in high heels more painful. TIP: You can try adding gel inserts such as ‘Party Feet’ to help.
  • Look for shoes made from soft, high-quality leather or suede as these tend to stretch to accommodate your foot shape.
  • Don’t get caught telling yourself the shoe will stretch, it may a little if it’s leather but on the whole it’s better to buy shoes that are comfortable at the time you buy them. Shoes that have top stitching around the outside of the mouth (vamp) of the shoe will never stretch in that region.
  • Stick to heels no higher than 8cms / 5inches.
  • Sturdy heels: those that have plenty of purchase with the ground i.e., stacked, classic and wedges cause much less foot strain than heels such as kitten and stilettos.
  • Pointy toed shoes are less comfortable than toes that are wider.
  • Sturdy soles: Ultra thin soles can be torture because there’s little between your feet and the street. Solid soles act as shock absorbers. TIP: You can also ask your shoe repairer to add rubber soles.
  • Go with higher cut vamps: the closer the vamp is cut to your toe cleavage the likelier they are to be uncomfortable – mid height vamps are best.
  • Shoes that encase your foot rather than allow in to just sit on the insole will ensure your foot stays in correct alignment and can prevent arch, ankle and knee pain.
  • Arch supports and at least a heel of 2cms / ¾” will also aid in the comfort of the shoe.
  • Comfort also comes from good fit and quality workmanship, so it’s wise to know the signs of good workmanship.

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Signs of Good Workmanship

  • Back height and heel pinch. Hold the backs of the two shoes together and check that they are equal height. Then put each shoe down to make sure the sole sits flat on the floor.
  • Toe spring. The tip of toe should sit off the ground to allow for flexibility when moving forward.
  • Synthetic or leather. No quality shoe has an upper or lower in anything but leather. The material in the shoe should be clearly stated on a label or printed on the inside of the leather upper. Leather soles are always better than resin. Resin soles will make your feet hot due to greater friction on contact with the footpath. Leather inner soles provide more structural support, insulation and greatly add to the life of the shoe.
  • Top line. Look at the inside of the heel to check that the shoe’s outside rim is straight.
  • Top stitching. This should be straight and well machined.
  • Sole bonding. You should not be able to pull the insole away from the base. There should be some cushioning material under the innersole for comfort.
  • Sole stitching. A leather sole should be stitched or welted, to the upper. A channel is cut into the sole, the shoe is stitched together, and then the channel is put back to hide the stitching. You should clearly see the welt mark running all around the sole.
  • Heel attachment. Press your finger inside and around the innersole and feel for any bumps caused by the size or type of nail used.
  • Heel position. The center of the heel should be placed directly under the center of your heel as it sits in the shoe (not pictured).

Quality Points

Want More? 

Watch this great feature on - the history of high heels.

Next Week:

How to Team Comfort and Quality with Style, Shoe Coordination, Clever Leg Enhancement Techniques, Care and Repair.

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HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD: 8 steps to head-turning style

By | How To..., Personal Style | 2 Comments

Fitting in while standing apart is an important element of personal style. In this era of fast fashion, social media style celebrities, and trends with a short shelf life it can be hard to know how to turn heads and stand apart for the right reasons.

To avoid the fashion victim trap or the too-basic/too-routine conundrum, it’s worth doing some sartorial introspection and self-evaluation. Start by considering your likes, dislikes, lifestyle, favorite pieces, favorite eras of fashion, etc. All these factors will come into play when determining the styles that suit you. It may take some time to get your entire fashion game dialed in, but it’s worth your while. 

Get to the root of what it is that makes your style tick, dig in and trust your intuition, discover which pieces and/or colors you absolutely love and how you like to wear them. Nobody ever admires contrived or derivative style; true style is all about revealing yourself and letting your light shine. This may seem like a tall order or it might seem intimidating but don’t fret. As you go through my eight steps don’t feel pressured to tick every single one off your list, try a couple and see what amazing changes it can bring you. Style doesn’t mean lavish outfits costing lots of money or a look that needs a stylist to keep you on track. Style means expressing yourself as a authentic and unique being. Oh, and, while you read my tips please consider this process an evolution not revolution – it takes a little time but it will happen . 

1. Be a Leader

  • It’s not always about what’s in fashion. If you are confident in your personal style choices, you can wear what you like. Own it. Love it. Live it. More often than not, it’s the unexpected that will get you noticed. Making bold fashion choices and risks every now and then shows off  your vibrant personality, which is definitely a good thing. So yeah, go ahead and wear that vintage psychedelic print scarf.
  • Pre-loved, vintage stores, etsy.com as well as new designer marketplaces, are all great places to find pieces for a look that’s all yours. Straying away from establish brands and mall fashion staples will ensure that your pieces aren’t mass produced and are more limited in its public exposure.
  • Be inspired. Blazing a style trail can be daunting. There’s nothing wrong with gaining a little style inspiration from fabulous women who have created their own fashion niche and undeniable signature. 

Style Icons

2. Engage in Fashion with Add A Twist

  • Mix items and add accessories that uphold and express your personal style expression. Whether it’s a frame bag from the 50s from your grandma that you love or an incredibly avant-garde artistic piece, wear it with pride. Throwing these pieces in with staples like ripped denim, leggings, or sundresses is a genius styling trick.
  • Go for the unexpected. The items and accessories you use to express your style will have more impact when worn with items it wouldn’t be typically worn with. A Chanel bag brings more pow and gravitas to a sporty off-duty look of sneakers and oversized cardigan. A pair of patent white oxfords is a refreshing pairing with a tropical print summer frock.

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Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5

3. Mix Patterns

  • Go beyond the everyday and look for combinations that are pleasing and different. Print on print has become a major trend as of late. But more than a trend, it is an interesting and clever way to get dressed. Print on print will outlast the test of time and trends given its stylishness when done right.
  • When doing print on print, it is the easiest to attempt it with monochromatic styling. Choosing two colors in different prints creates a visual and graphic interest that can be offset with the smart addition of an accessory in a striking complementary color.
  • If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive to don two bold prints, pick an understated print to match with your bolder one. Take Sarah Jessica Parker’s ensemble for examples, she coordinates her leopard print top with muted pinstripes.
  • Stripes and florals are an easy pick for print on print. For an extra feminine flourish (and something novel too!), try your hand at floral on floral.

Mix PrintsSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5

4. Think Statement

  • Look for items that stand out, this includes the shape or style of your garments to your accessories. A statement accessory, may it be jewelry, a bag, a shoe, or a piece of clothing, does wonders in establishing what your style is. These pieces are not for everyday, and these items are as far from basic as you can get. These are attention grabbers, scene-stealers, and jaw droppers. Invest in these and watch your fashionistas credibility go up a thousand percent every single time you bring it out.
  • Things to look for in statement pieces are bright color, embellishment, eclectic prints, and oversized scale.
  • When sporting your statement pieces, keep the rest of your look simple to allow the piece to shine.

 StatementSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4

5. Layer Creatively

  • Experiment with ways to layer your clothes and accessories that are slightly different to the commonplace layering style techniques.
  • Instead of layering a white collared shirt under a sweater (a classic fall/winter styling trick), why don’t you let a striped or printed shirt peek out from underneath your turtleneck?
  • Never let seasons stop you from layering. You can layer in the spring and summer too! Layer chiffon underneath a mini dress and/or keep a lightweight cardigan on hand for a quick style pick-me-up that works on even the most casual looks.
  • Break up a neutral palette when layering. Try a bright tote or an eye-catching red lip.
  • Play with silhouettes and texture when layering. Topping off your look with an oversized scarf or a cropped sweater is great. And so is, wearing different finishes in similar colors (satin, knit, metallic, etc.) in one ensemble.

Layer CreativelySource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5

6. Make the Most of Your Age and Shape

  • Great style always starts with discovering and then mastering the styles that best suit your shape and age. When you realize what style works for your shape and age, embrace it. While change is great, sometimes having a signature style that you always come back to is the sign of true style icon status.
  • Invest in shapewear and alterations to ensure that you look your best in whatever outfit for whatever occasion. When it comes to alterations, a little goes a long way. Taking in the waist or adjusting the hem can make the world of a difference in making you look more polished and pulled together. 

Shape and AgeSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5

7. Be a Head of the Rest

  • Lookie Here. Anything around your head, hair, makeup and eyewear, will be noticed first so make them count. These are three things that are worth spending on to get high-quality results.
  • Cheap eyewear isn’t just sartorially disappointing. It may end up damaging your eyes too. Opt for high quality lenses with UV protection. Take your time in selecting frames that are both chic and fits properly with your face shape.
  • We all can’t afford a blow out everyday. Make a routine for hair to make sure that it stays healthy and lustrous, even on days that you’re too busy to head to the salon. A good dry shampoo is a great addition to your beauty loot, as it can certainly boost your roots and give your locks extra volume the day after your wash.
  • Good skin care is paramount. Even the most expert application and the best makeup products cannot conceal bad skin. Your skin is everything. So remember, always remove your makeup at the end of the day and never ever leave the house without sunblock on.
  • As for makeup, choose a feature you love to highlight and stick with that as your signature. For days when you’re hectic, frame the face. Curl your lashes, fill in your brows, and add a little color to your lips, it’s a less-than-5-minute routine that can significantly affect how you look and your confidence for the day.

Great SkinSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4

8. Think Body Language

  • Complete your new found style with the attitude to match. Walk, sit and gesture with confidence. No outfit is complete without the confidence and bravado of the woman wearing it. Even the chicest outfit will go to waste if one looks grouchy or acts like a wallflower. So hold your head high ladies, you now have the outer beauty to perfectly match your inner glow. Take these simple tips from TED on how to subtly convey confidence in your posture everyday.

Body LanguageSource