Celebrate Your Style Independence

With Independence Day coming up I'd like to encourage you to celebrate your own Style Independence- that is, celebrate just being you! We're all unique and amazing in our own way, and as Karl Lagerfeld so eloquently put it, "personality begins where comparison ends."

Lady Gaga is a great (even if extreme) example of owning who she is and being herself. We live in a culture where everyone compares themselves to each other, to the magazines, to the celebrities on the big screen. It's downright frustrating, not to mention depressing. Yet when women can own who they are and celebrate their own unique beauty, then there is a real magic that happens. When we negate what we look like and talk negatively about ourselves (even if only to ourselves) we send a negative message that we're not good enough. When we stand in our power and love every inch of ourselves, cellulite and all, then we send a very different message. That message is empowering and helps us to embrace our female energy.

We're all born different. When we look around we see the perfection in others, but seldom recognize it in ourselves. Others are simply a mirror for your own beauty, although in reality you may look very different. All women are born beautiful. When you can take what you're given and play it up, dress to enhance your curves rather than try to hide your shape, show off your eyes, your hair, your legs and feel fabulous in the skin you're in, you'll begin to feel it.

Action items:

What three things do you love about yourself?

How could you play them up to help you look amazing?

What makes you unique? What could you do to express that in your style to let others connect with you?

Show off who you are and just be YOU! 'Always be a first-rate version of yourself rather than a second rate version of someone else.'

Is Going Cheap Making You Spend More Money in Your Closet?

When you look in your closet what do you see? A thoughtfully planned wardrobe rich with investment items and peppered with those less expensive items that bring in a dash of style? Or do you see a hodge podge of items bought on the clearance rack at a department store, Old Navy or even Target, that don't actually go with anything that haven't been worn - like, ever. In fact the price tags are still on many of them and you cringe every time you see that glaring $29.99 in red and think of how many lattes or fresh flowers you could have bought for that price (or even stashed away some of that money towards the $300 jacket you REALLY wanted).

Why does this happen? We set off with good intentions but go shopping without any real goal in mind. We drift aimlessly from store to store in search of that 'perfect something', even though we have never defined what that is. Oh, we already know that we'd love to have those perfectly tailored camel trousers that could be worn 12 months a year and would go with just about every top in our closet, but they're $250 and that's way too much to spend on a pair of pants. So instead, we buy things to satisfy our desire but, like a craving for food, it never really does the trick. So we buy more to fill the void. We've overspent (much more than the $250 the perfect pair of pants would have cost) but all we have to show for it is a closet full of sale items that are just ok. Help!

Well, the good news is you're not alone. In my experience as an image consultant I see it all - the good, the bad and the ugly (so no need to be embarrassed). Most of us don't grow up knowing how to build a wardrobe (yes, build - not just throw together) so we do the best we can. Trust me, I've been there. Instead of carefully planning out your wardrobe you end up with a random assortment of items that may (or in most cases, may not) go together. It can be an exercise in frustration to get dressed. But the worst part is how much money you throw away.

When I show up at a client's home for a closet clarity session I clean out all those items that don't suit them, don't flatter them or they just don't wear. They are always amazed at how many items they are able to let go of, but the biggest surprise is how much money they basically threw "down the drain" on items they never, or barely, wore.

Really, when you think about what you have in your closet versus what you actually wear, the truth might surprise you! When I leave a client's home after a closet clarity session, I leave with hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars' worth of items that will be donated or taken to a consignment shop (where they'll get back maybe 1/4 of what they actually paid for an item, if they're lucky). So next time you go out shopping, think long and hard about what you buy. Because going cheap is costing you WAY more money than actually investing in a nice wardrobe would.

Here are some tips to help you plan your wardrobe and get the most bang for your buck:

1/ Buy items you truly LOVE and can't wait to wear. You'll relish each time you put them on and ensure that you get your money's worth.

2/ Do a cost-per-wear analysis. Figure up how long you might keep an item and how many times you might wear it during that time. For example, if you bought the $250 pair of pants and kept them for 5 years, wearing them 50 times per year, that's 250 times and comes out to be $1 per wear - a real bargain! Conversely, if you spend $40 on a trendy top that you keep for 1 season and wear 4 times, that's $10 per wear. Not such a bargain!

3/ When you buy something ensure that it goes with at least 3 items you already own (and wear).

4/ Learn your best colors and styles so you can be assured that you're buying what's right for you.

5/ Plan your wardrobe. Working with an image consultant can save you valuable time and money. Invest your wardrobe dollars wisely and you'll reap the return.

Email me at michele@onechicmama.com about a Wardrobe Strategy Session and see how I can help you, no matter where you are! Change your wardrobe and you can truly change your life!

Editor's Note: July marks the beginning of some of summer's biggest and best sales. This post is just the beginning of a whole series on how to 'Look Fabulous for Less' that will help you know where to put your hard-earned cash to look your fabulous best, day after day. So stay tuned for many more budget shopping tips coming your way!

Find Your Perfect Swimsuit

Now that summer is here, chances are shopping for the perfect swimsuit is on your to-do list. While swimsuit shopping is about as popular as a root canal, success at selecting the perfect suit for your body type can leave you feeling confident and looking fabulous.

The key to finding the best swimsuit for you lies in the cut. You want to choose the best cut to enhance your shape, so let's start with the basics. If your body type is:

Pear Shaped: You carry more weight below the waist than you do above the waist. Pear shapes often have a lithe upper body, so show it off! While it might seem counterintuitive, you want to seek out a top that has full-coverage, whether choosing a one-piece or two-piece. These chic styles above have a retro flair and the ruching at top helps to create balance with a skirted bottom, which can offer a little extra coverage. If you opt for prints, go for an overall print, or wear your print on top for best effect.

Hourglass: Your curvy so show it off! A suit that has support and coverage will help keep you looking your best. Look for a balanced look overall in both cut and color to highlight your already balanced shape. A tankini can hide a little extra around the middle while keeping you looking chic.

Rectangle: Your long, lean frame is in great shape. To enhance it, add the illusion of a few curves with color, seaming and shaping. Texture and print can work for you to visually whittle out a waist and keep you looking sleek and chic.

Oval: You carry most of your weight in your tummy/bustline area so look for a suit that has full coverage and extra support. A one-piece will give you a slimming look, and when you opt for a suit with built-in shapewear it can be even more flattering. Keep your colors medium to dark and your look monochromatic.

Upper Body Dominant: Your upper body is larger than your lower body, whether you have wide shoulders or a prominent bustline. Create a minimizing and balancing effect with a tank style suit, whether one-piece or two-piece. A suit with extra support up top will be the best choice to keep you feeling secure.

Once you understand what style to wear for your body type, then you can think about color. Opt for one of your best brights such as turquoise or purple in place of black, which can be harsh if you have pale skin. If your skin is darker, try an espresso brown or a gorgeous teal to make your skintone look radiant!

So whether you're poolside, oceanside, or just in your own backyard, you can feel great in your new swimsuit, knowing you have the right cut for you!

Want to learn how to create your own summer style? Email Michele at michele@onechicmama.com to discover how!

In the Tank!

Summer is officially here tomorrow and the piece of clothing that best represents summer to me, aside from a pretty sundress, is a great tank. Chic, versatile and a great way to keep your cool, tanks offer a multitude of ways to wear them. But the best part is that you can snatch up a a handful in your favorite shades for just a few bucks, adding to your style quotient while keeping your pocketbook happy.

Wearing a tank is a fun and simple way to get dressed this summer, but something I feel I must point out is that it is never in good taste to let your bra straps show. I see this far too often and it simply takes away from your look. If you need to wear a bra then opt for a tank with wider, fuller straps that keep your skivvies under wraps.

Also, this brings me to another important point. Size matters when it comes to choosing the best tank for you. Tanks can be extra skimpy or offer full coverage, so choose the style that gives you what you need. If you wear too little, or too much, of a tank it will be unflattering to you and will do nothing to enhance your image. Conversely, if you select a tank that is in proportion to you (i.e. strap size should complement your overall size) and it gives you the coverage you need, you will look nothing short of fabulous!

One more tip I'd like to share is that wearing a tank can actually be more flattering than wearing a short sleeved shirt if you're busty. It seems counterintuitive, but try it and see for yourself. When short sleeves hit you parallel to your bustline, they visually make it appear larger (and your arms, too). The good news is that a tank can create a slimmer illusion. You can thank me later:)

Here are some of my favorite ways to wear a summer tank top:

1/ Pair them up: Wear not one but two of your favorite tanks to create a layered look. Mix bold, tropical hues together for a festive look, or layer up different shades of pale neutrals for a more understated mix. Let the bottom layer peek out at the hemline for fun, and layer straps for best effect. Try a thin, stretchy nylon tank as an underlayer to give you a sleek and chic look.

2/Layer it on: A tank can be a fun layer beneath a skimpy sundress and enough to give you the coverage you need. If you're full-busted and you must wear a bra with a plunging maxi-dress or strappy sundress, try layering a tank underneath to keep everything under wraps.

3/ Office chic: Layer a tank under your favorite jacket or cardigan in place of a blouse to keep your cool. Try a jacket with 3/4 sleeves to further your cool factor.

4/ To create balance: If you're upper body dominant, a simple tank can help you to create balance on top when paired with a full skirt on bottom. Try one of the seasons full maxi skirts to stay on trend.

5/ A shot of color: You don't think I could leave this out, do you? I love a tank for the simple fact that gives you the chance to add a bold hue to your look, bring color around your face and add in a little something special in such a simple way.

So grab a few tanks to get you through the summer and you'll love how they can help you keep your cool. Plus, they make packing a breeze!

Insider's tip: Want to stock up on a few tanks in stripes, bolds or neutrals? Then plan to hit your local Old Navy store this Saturday, June 25th. All tanks will be just $2 and up, giving you a great opportunity to boost your summer style EQ for less than a five spot!

Five Minute Makeover: New Ways to Wear a Sweater Wrap

Shop the (pre) Summer Sales

Summer is just about here and it's a great time to bring in a few key items to your wardrobe to help take you through summer outings, vacations and get-togethers, not to mention staying cool while looking chic at work. Here are a few fabulous deals that you don't want to miss!

1/ Today, take 50% off a $125 purchase at Chico's. Use code 17258 when shopping online. Chico's has some gorgeous items in beautiful, tropical colors and prints to help you feel like you're on vacay even if you're just sitting at your desk.

2/ Need a chic new pair of sandals? You can get free shipping at Steve Madden with code SMFREESHIP.

3/ Stock your underwear drawer! Soma by Chico's has begun it's semi-annual sale and this is one not to be missed! I personally love Soma and some of my favorite bras came from there. Now you can save up to 70% while treating yourself to some new skivvies. After all, it doesn't matter what your clothes look like if you don't start with a great foundation!

Shhh...I'm Sharing my Best Secrets

As a style expert and image consultant, it probably comes as no surprise to you that I have a few secrets up my three-quarter length sleeve when it comes to style. I have spent more than 20 years helping countless women across the country look their very best in a variety of ways - many of them from the perspective of designer, and now as a stylist. If only I knew then what I know now...heck, if I knew what I know now back when I was a teenager things would surely have been a lot different. But alas, it has taken me many years to discover some of the best secrets of style around. And now I want to share them with you!

Many people think that style is simply a matter of taste. I disagree, at least partially. First, style has to have substance and that substance begins with what I like to call the foundation. Without a good foundation, even the best style doesn't stand a chance. Your foundation is your starting point and where you begin to take baby steps to discover exactly what is right for you. What is 'right' isn't merely someone's opinion, but more a matter of science. It's discovering your basic elements and understanding how to complement them to bring out what's great about you! Without a clear understanding of your elements, you're really just guessing at what works and what doesn't.

Once you understand the basic elements (yours will be very different from your BFF's, so be forewarned) then you get to take into consideration your own personal self expression. This is my favorite part, the icing on the cake. It's what sets you apart and helps you to truly shine. Creating what I like to call your "Signature Style" is about putting all the pieces together and connecting the dots in a way that is just right. It's not necessarily predictable, but when you get it 'right' the outcome is greater than the sum of its parts. 'Right' is subjective, and by this I mean right for you. What's right for your sister, friend or neighbor will be very different from what's right for you. Understanding the subtleties that make something perfect for you, or quite the opposite, has nothing to do with anything except your elements. When you dress for who you are and what you have, it's magical!

Understanding the nuances of style can take some work. It's a process of learning that you can go as deep as you like with. But I've done the work for you. I've put together some of my best tips to help you discover how to bring out your best and play it up to the hilt!

In my new book, Secrets of Style...to help you look great everyday!, I offer you easy tips that you can do every single day. My approach is all about demystifying the whole process of style and breaking it down into bite sized tidbits that you can easily tackle in a matter of minutes. I encourage my clients to start their own style makeover a little bit at a time. It can be very overwhelming to know where to start, so I want to encourage you to start with one small thing. This book is filled with many small things that can add up to great results without feeling impossible.

I know you're going to love all the great tips that I give in this book that it will pay for itself pretty quickly. So stock up (these make great gifts!) and treat your friends and family to my best secrets of style!

PS - I would be honored and flattered as well if you would pass this along to anyone you know who might enjoy it. I want to help women all over the world see how easy it can be to look their best, each and every day. Here's to your great style!

Shorts: From Casual to City Chic

Now that the temperatures are rising, it is the perfect time to start rethinking your wardrobe. Sure, on the weekends you just want to throw on a pair of shorts, cropped pants or a sundress and relax knowing you'll be cool. But come Monday, the thought of hot and heavy layers does nothing to get you motivated. I have news for you - it doesn't have to be this way!

Shorts are a great alternative to pants or a skirt and can be dressed up or down quite easily, giving you more versatility in your wardrobe. I want to show you just how simple it can be to take your shorts to new heights and help them look polished and professional.

1/ First, treat your shorts just as you would pants or a skirt. Skip the casual tee and dress your shorts up with a top that has a little more structure to it. Tuck your shirt in and add a belt for more polish.

2/ A jacket or cardigan, either short sleeved, 3/4 sleeved or long sleeved with the sleeves pushed up, is a great third layer that brings polish to your look. Add one in a lightweight fabric that takes your look to new heights while helping you keep your cool.

3/ A great pair of wedge sandals give your look lift and help elevate you to city chic. Flip flops, flats espadrilles (such as Tom's) or even flats are cute but a little more casual.

4/ Add in some chic accessories to finish your look off. You want to create balance so don't go overboard, but a belt, some great earrings and a bracelet or watch will finish your look off in style!

Five Minute Makeover: How to Make Black Work for You

The Five Minute Makeover: How to Wear White