Are You in the Frumpy Zone?

There is a fine line between looking chic, polished and pulled together and looking frumpy.  While no one actively seeks to be frumpy, sometimes women resign themselves to the frump factor simply because they give up – they get tired of trying, they are too busy or they just have no idea what to wear and how it should fit.

While it can seem elusive to create a perfectly flattering outfit, it doesn’t have to be as hard as you might think.  In fact, sometimes it just takes one or two small changes to take your look from fabulous to frumpy and I want to enlighten you to some of those changes so that you can look chic each and every day and steer clear of the frumpy zone:

1/ Hemlines – Take a look at the skirts pictured.  The first style is primarily for younger women with great legs.  My best recommendation for skirt and dress hemlines is somewhere between the top and bottom of your kneecap.  Once your skirt length starts hovering around the mid-calf area that’s when it ventures into the frumpy zone.  The same is true for cropped pants, so beware!  This look will make your legs appear shorter and heavier so steer towards lengths that end at the slimmest part of your leg and see how fabulous you look!

2/ Fit – Trade in your big, baggy tee shirts and opt for something that skims the body and shows your shape.  Yes, I say this all the time but it’s so true.  Big and baggy may be comfortable, but body-skimming can be just as comfy without visually adding pounds or creating a sloppy appearance.

3/ Neatness – Take a look at your outfit and determine how neat it is.  Does your shirt need to be ironed?  Are there holes in your sweatpants?  Have your shoes or jacket seen better days?  These all add up to work against you and keep you in the frumpy zone.

4/ Unfinished Business – If you throw on a top and pants and head out the door chances are your look is unfinished, meaning you’ve left off the finishing touches.  What accessories could you add to give polish?  Sometimes just a belt, a watch and a pair of earrings are all it takes to transform your look from frumpy to fabulous.

5/ Go the extra mile – What else could you add to your look to take it up a notch?  Try a chic trench coat, a pretty cardigan or a scarf to give it that third layer that sends the message that you’re confident as well as chic and you know how to look fabulous!

Your assignment: When you get dressed have a checklist using the tips above.  If your look doesn’t pass muster take the necessary steps to get it up to par and see how not only your image is boosted, but your confidence will be too!

Need help? Email me at michele@onechicmama.com to set up a Find Your Style Inquiry session and learn how my StyleFinder™ System can help you to dress for who you truly are, in all aspects of your life.  Michele@onechicmama.com or 919-828-7529.

Your Guide to Shopping the Sales

Who doesn't love a sale?  They're a fun way for stores to generate excitement and they give you a chance to boost your style without breaking the bank. Yet as enticing as sales can be, they can also be money pits, coaxing you to spend money on items you would never have considered at full price.  Before you head out, read my tips to help you make the most of your shopping dollars - and to avoid bringing home any more one-hit wonders:


1/ Have a List - Before you hit the stores, have a list of items you know you need and that can work into your wardrobe to create more outfits using what you already have. You'll be less tempted to buy something you don't need when you're focused.

2/ Look for Season-less Items - Many items that are marked down this time of year are on sale only because of their arrival date and may actually work well year round. Buying at the tail end of the season ensures you'll get some great deals on summer merchandise, but steer away from the bright, summer-y florals and opt for those items that can take your clothes right into fall. Darker florals, peep-toe booties, military inspired pieces and dresses will all continue to be hot this fall. When you opt for items that don't scream summer, you'll get more mileage and they can freshen up your basics.

3/ Know Where to Splurge - Even when on sale, some items are still a splurge. Understand when it's worth it and when to move on. A great pair of shoes that will take you through fall is a great choice. Look for embellished flats, leopard print, boots or booties and you'll get your money's worth. Also, this is a great time to stock up on your core items - khakis, designer denim, a new suit, a fabulous dress...

4/ Don't Settle - When something is on sale that we REALLY like, it does crazy things to our brain. We try to squeeze ourselves into a dress that's 3 sizes too small, buy a top that's not in our best color or select shoes that don't quite fit right. The result is something you will not look forward to wearing and will probably end up in the Goodwill pile faster than you can say "all sales final." If you don't see your size, ask or find something else that fits you fabulously.

5/ Accessories, Accessories, Accessories - They can transform the look of what's already in your closet and make it look brand new! Instead of opting for one necklace or a pair of earrings, buy accessories that coordinate to create capsules or groupings and you'll take your look to the next level. Need I say more?

Also, when sale shopping you may be running on adrenaline and forget to eat or stay hydrated. Keep healthy snacks and a bottle of water in your purse to avoid a melt-down and to stay level-headed. After all, who wants to make a decision on something that you can't return when your blood sugar is low?

What to Wear if You’re Large Busted

Boobs are a surefire conversation starter.  Did you go up 3 cup sizes after you had kids?  Did you have a breast reduction?  Have yours gotten larger as you’ve aged?  Most women I know have something to say about their chest.  Especially when it comes to getting dressed. 

Now, not to offend anyone but I work with many women who are well-endowed naturally, and most of these women struggle with what to wear.  Dressing for a large bustline can be a challenge if you don’t know what you’re looking for - or what to avoid. You may see a cute top that looks fabulous on a small-busted woman, but put it on and it’s all wrong. 

Yet knowing what to wear and what to avoid can be quite confusing.  While there are many x-factors that determine what will work for your bustline and your body type, I want to offer a few guidelines to help you get the best fit and make dressing for a large bustline a little bit easier.

1/ Avoid banded sleeved tops – Short sleeves that are banded, especially in a contrasting color, do nothing but draw attention to your bustline and make you look bigger than you are.  Plus, they’re a little to ‘cute’ to look appropriate with a larger bustline.  Opt for a more sleek sleeve to create a more streamlined look.

2/ Avoid gathers above, on or below bustline – In short, if your top or dress has gathers anywhere around the bustline it will visually add pounds and you may even be asked if you’re expecting. Gasp! Instead, choose a top that has a smooth front and that gracefully follows your curves for best effect.   

3/ Create waistline emphasis – with a larger bustline it is important to wear clothing that nips in at the waist to avoid adding pounds.  However, this does NOT mean that you want to draw attention to your waist.  Simply wear clothing that accentuates your curves without drawing unnecessary attention to your waistline area.

4/ Avoid anything boxy, especially jackets in stiff fabrics – Boxy tops and jackets do nothing for your curves but with the added influence of a stiff fabric they really become the enemy.  At the first sight of a stiff, boxy top or jacket, run!  Instead of hugging your curves they stand away from the body and make you look much bigger than you are.

5/ Breast pockets or details – If your chest is on the large side don’t wear something that’s simply going to advertise that fact.  Instead, play it down by wearing tops, dresses and jackets without excessive adornments such as pockets (especially with buttons), appliques, ruffles or other trim. They’ll simply draw attention to where you’d rather not have it.  Wear your brighter and more adorned items below the waist, around your face or even on your feet!

6/ Knits are your BFF – When you have curves the best option for tops and dresses will be knits, rather than woven fabrics (think button down shirts).  They conform to your body, hugging it in all the right places.  Leave the crisp button downs to the men.  But ensure you wear a knit that has some substance. Some of the knits you’ll find these days are sheer, clingy and show every lump, bump and bulge.  Opt for something that has more weight to it with a little bit of Lycra for best effect.

7/ Open necklines – Anything close fitting or tight, especially turtlenecks, will simply amp up your bustline and make you look bigger.  An open v-neckline can minimize your bustline and enhance your silhouette.  If it’s too low and show’s too much cleavage, add a camisole underneath.

Another thing that can make a big difference is to get a great fitting bra.  This may seem like common knowledge, but wearing a great fitting bra will make all the difference in how your clothes fit.  If you haven’t been fitted in a while, have a fitting (you just may be surprised!) and buy new bras every few months.  They’re not made like they used to be and having an ample bosom will put more wear and tear on your bras.  Straps lose their stretch and don’t fit like they should, so pay close attention and know what your needs are.  Also, ‘the girls’ should be mid-arm in height, equidistant between elbow and shoulder.  If not, chances are a new bra is in order.

Editor’s note: While I don’t recommend wearing a crisp button down shirt, some women just can’t say no.  For you, there is a wonderful line of tops and dresses cut specifically for the large-busted woman from http://www.carissarose.com. 

Need help? Email me at michele@onechicmama.com to set up a Find Your Style Inquiry session and learn how my StyleFinder™ System can help you to dress for who you truly are, in all aspects of your life.  Michele@onechicmama.com or 919-828-7529.

Spring Clean Your Style!

This time of year we can all benefit from a little spring cleaning, but your style might be one place where you haven’t given much thought to a little TLC.  Your image works hard for you but it also needs a little assistance once in a while.  Taking time out to refresh and renew your look can go a long way to helping you look your best season in and season out, without missing a beat!

When working with my clients it is my goal to educate and empower them to take their style into their own hands.  Nowhere is this more essential than when it comes to maintenance.  Once you have cultivated your sense of style and get your wardrobe to a place you love, you don’t just stop there.  No, great style take ongoing attention and care to keep you looking chic and on-trend.

But where to start?  If you’re just now pulling out your spring clothes and accessories and haven’t looked at them since last year, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed.  Here are five easy steps to help you get a handle on your wardrobe and spring clean your style:

1/ At First Glance – When pulling out your clothes from last season, what do you already know you want to toss?  Instead of agonizing over that item bought on sale and trying to work it in, alleviate the guilt and stress and let it go now.  You’ll feel liberated while making room for something far more wonderful to come into your closet.  Also, take note of things you weren’t so crazy about last season but now you can’t wait to wear.  They may become new faves!

2/ Go Window Shopping – Set aside some time to stroll through the mall or visit your favorite boutique and make a promise not to buy anything – just yet.  This is your exploratory visit to see what’s new this season and get a feel for what you’re drawn to.  Often the first visit to the shops to see the ‘new’ goods can result in some serious impulse spending, so hide your credit cards and making a vow to yourself that you’ll come back once you know what you really want.  This will help to avoid some serious one-hit wonders, not to mention debt. 

3/ Girls’ Night In – Pour yourself a delicious beverage, put on some great music and spend some time getting reacquainted with your spring clothing.  Pull out your core items and see what you can mix in to create ‘new’ outfits.  Try things in new combinations, mixing bold colors, prints and patterns in with your most neutral items, or adding an unexpected touch in your accessories.  Flip through magazines for inspiration and then ask yourself what you’d really like to bring in that would work with what you already own.  Make a list, set a budget and then make a date with yourself to buy those items that will pull your style into the new season and set you up for a spring filled with style.

4/ Accessorize – Often the best place to start boosting your wardrobe is with accessories.  If you’re not ready to make any major investments yet, start by adding some inexpensive accessories that are on-trend to your most basic looks and see how much mileage you can get from something you already own.  Put a fresh spin on an outfit by teaming it with a pair of brightly colored sandals, a contrasting belt or a necklace that kicks it up a few notches.  Here is where you can go cheap and still get a lot of bang for your buck!

5/ Refresh Your Makeup – I encourage my clients to clean out their makeup drawers at the beginning of each season.  One client even wrote me a note telling me what a difference that made for her!  The simple act of getting rid of old makeup that she was ‘tolerating’ totally gave her a renewed energy and she felt great!  Weed out what’s old, broken or no longer serves you.  Make a list of what needs to be replaced, what new things you’d like to add and what you want to learn more about.  New eye and lipcolor are a wonderful way to refresh your image for spring, but don’t forget your foundation.  After a long winter you may need to reevaluate your shade, and even opt for a bronzer or shimmer brick to boost your glow factor.  Then be sure you clean all your brushes and give them a once over too.

Your call to action:

Ask yourself what your favorite looks are of the season and what you can bring in to create them.  Reassess your overall style and consider a new haircut or having your makeup done by a professional.  Small changes can boost your style in big ways and leave you feeling great about you look!

Good luck! 

xo

The REAL Reason Women Hate Shopping (and how you can learn to love it!)

I talk with a lot of women and often I’m surprised by what I hear.  In our conversations women often divulge their biggest challenges and frustrations when it comes to fashion and I’ve heard more times than I can count from women who simply hate to shop.  Now hate is a strong word that I don’t like to use, however sometimes it’s exactly the right word to describe the frustration and disgust that women feel upon leaving a store – or even entering one.

Why does this happen so often?  Well, I have a very good reason and the good news is that there is  a very easy solution.  Quite simply, women are overwhelmed when they go shopping.  They know they need new clothes so they set out to go to the mall or a local boutique.  They look around, can’t find anything that appeals to them, and leave soon thereafter with nothing new in hand – or another pair of black pants.  Has this happened to you? 

Shopping can be fun.  In fact, I love to shop, whether for clothing, accessories or even food (I love Farmer’s Markets!).  But there have been many times in the past when I didn’t enjoy shopping.  What changed for me?  Well, aside from the fact that I am a fashionista at heart, here are my best tips that made shopping so much easier for me – and how you can even learn to love it!

1/ Personal Discovery – If you don’t know what your personal attributes are, then how can you know how to dress?  Sure, you can just grab any old thing off the rack, but it’s not going to feel right nor will it make you look your best.  Taking time out to discover your personal coloring, your face shape, your body type and your personal scale will go a LONG way towards helping you determine what’s right for you and how to put together an outfit, no matter how simple, that takes your look to the next level.  Working with a professional is a great investment to help you understand what you need and how to wear it for years to come, while eliminating frustration and stress.  Contact me to set up a Find Your Style Inquiry session and learn how I can help you to dress for who you truly are, in all aspects of your life.  Michele@onechicmama.com or 919-828-7529.  Because you’re worth it!  Ask for my ‘love of shopping’ discount and save $50 off any package.

2/ What’s Your Style – After you uncover your physical attributes, then you want to get to the core of who you are and what’s important to you.  After all, you can pick any dress off the rack but finding the one that makes you feel more like you is like striking gold!  My StyleFinder™ System was created to help you determine exactly what is important to you in your style, and to help you create a look that’s right for you whether you’re working or just working in the yard.  Connecting with your personal style can help you feel more like yourself in all you do and makes it easy to know what to look for.  Plus, once you understand it you’ll get that you NEVER have to sacrifice style for comfort. 

3/ What’s Your Lifestyle – Look at what you do in any given week and that generally determines your lifestyle and how you should be dressing.  If you spend most of your days in your home office and attending networking events and meetings then an upscale casual mode of dress will be what you reach for most often and where you get the most mileage.  Spend the bulk of your budget on what you’ll wear the most and buy only items that give you maximum versatility.  You’ll make it easy peasy and dressing will be come a joy, not a chore.

4/ Know What You Have – Take stock of your closet and what you already own.  Then ask yourself what you can bring in to make new outfits.  When you are familiar with what is already in your closet, then making the most of it becomes easy.  Create your shopping list and do your homework BEFORE you hit the stores and see how much more simple it is to find something that you love!

5/ Wear What You Love – Nobody gets very excited about putting on clothes that are just ok.  When you have the choice, why not put on something that makes your heart sing rather than something you can’t stand to look at again.  If you feel that way about anything in your closet, ditch it quick!  It’s bringing you down and will not help you to boost your style – or your mood.

6/ Do Your Homework – What do you WANT to wear?  What styles are you drawn to?  What does your perfect outfit look like? When you get clear on what kind of look you really want to create then it becomes easy to find items that will help you to do just that.  When you don’t have any idea what you’re looking for and you wait for inspiration to strike once you’re in the store, that’s when you’re most likely to make costly mistakes, or leave the store in tears.  Know yourself, know what you want and learn how to put it together to make you look fabulous – and happy!

Learning to love shopping may seem like a lofty goal but it is possible.  I’ve worked with many clients who have gone from hating shopping to loving it because they know what to look for.  Take yourself through these steps (or call me and I’ll help) and you’ll save yourself tons of time, frustration and money because you’ll know what to buy and how to create a wardrobe that works for you. 

Good luck! 

xo

The Secret Power of Your Wardrobe

When you head to your closet to get dressed are you filled with inspiration – or dread? While you might think it simply has to do with the fact that you can’t really put together an outfit you love, consider this.  It may have more to do with the fact that your clothing has the power to keep you stuck in your life, just going through the motions – OR to catapult you forward into a life that you LOVE!  There just might be more to your clothing than meets the eye.

Your image doesn’t lie.  While wearing certain items may project a (false) image of confidence or success, the way you present yourself as a whole speaks louder than anything that comes out of your mouth.  But are you lying to yourself? 

I want to encourage you to tell the truth.  And not just about what you might think is the important stuff.  Tell the truth about you.  So often women accommodate others’ needs and dressed based on others’ expectations.  They wear their ‘shoulds’.  They dress in a manner that doesn’t rock the boat.  But sometimes you need to rock the boat! 

Tell the truth about who you are in your life right now – and where you want to go?  Have you reached a new decade?  Good for you. Celebrate with a new style.  Have you quit your corporate job and started your own business (or been fantasizing about it?)  Fabulous!  Now celebrate by dressing for your new (or soon to be) role doing what you’re passionate about.  Dressing for your truth will set you free!  Your clothing connects you in many ways to who you are, where you see yourself and what you think is possible for yourself.  It’s a way to see yourself as the amazing woman you were created to be – but it can also hold you captive in a role you never resonated with or that no longer serves you.

Now that you’re being honest with yourself, you’re free to create a wardrobe that truly expresses who you are.  Do you want to see more creative touches to your clothing?  Want to luxuriate in more sensual fabrics?  Want to show off your body more and get away from stiff, boxy clothing?  The beauty of this is that you get to decide.  If you realize the clothing you own doesn’t nourish your spirit, take some time to get clear on what changes you could make so that it would.  Then release what isn’t supporting you now – clothing, accessories, your hairstyle, your beliefs...When you make room for new things in your closet and in your life, magic happens!

Your call to action:

Take note of where you are in your life and what major changes have happened, are happening now or you would like to have happen.  Perhaps you want to embark on a new career, you want to have a man in your life or you simply want to be happy.  Define what that looks like and visualize yourself being in this new role.  Now ask yourself how you would dress to support the change.  If you’re not sure, start by doing some journaling or create a collage.  What speaks to your innermost desires?  What makes you feel more connected to you?  This is where the secret power comes in to work its magic and help you to step into what you’ve only dreamed of! 

Good luck! 

xo

A Fresh Way to Wear Color

This season color abounds but it’s presented in a fun and fresh approach that is attention getting for all the right reasons.  Plus, it’s a great way to liven up your wardrobe after the dark hues of winter. 

The other day when my mom and I were shopping we were both drawn to a dramatic combination of fuchsia pants with a bright green top. It was unexpected, yet oh so right!  Yet in talking with women I realize wearing this much color – especially colors this bold – can be intimidating.  But the great news is that it can be easy to dip your toe into the seasons best and brightest hues without flinching.  Here are my best tips to help you wear color with confidence:

1/ Start small – While bold color combinations can be exciting, if you’re not used to wearing color its best to ease into it.  Try one eye-popping piece paired with your neutrals, or add some bright accessories to your black and see how fun it can be to bring color into your wardrobe!

2/ Wear Your Best – Of course I’m going to tell you that you can’t just wear any color.  You want to wear colors that look best on you.  Choose a couple of your best brights and put them together in new ways for a fun twist on an old favorite.

3/ What’s Unexpected?  - I encourage you to ask yourself this question when pairing colors.  This will invite you to put things together in new and different ways, creating a fresh look and making you feel as if you have a whole new wardrobe, whether you do or not!

4/ Mix it Up – When assessing your wardrobe for spring, it’s great to have plenty of core items in your best neutrals.  However, mix it up by adding in a pair of cobalt pants, a bright yellow trench coat or an eye popping handbag that makes a statement. 

5/ Go Easy – While mixing and matching can be wonderful, a little bit of bright color goes a long way.  Pay attention to the colors you’re wearing and be sure they don’t wear you!

Mixing colors, prints and patterns in new ways can be one of the easiest ways to get more mileage from the clothing you already own.  So, go forward and see what kind of clever goodness you can create using things that are in your closet right now.  You’ll be ready for spring in no time!

Want to discover your very own unique style and what colors look best on you?  Contact me to set up a Find Your Style Inquiry session and learn how my StyleFinder™ System can help you to dress for who you truly are, in all aspects of your life.  Michele@onechicmama.com or 919-828-7529.