Frequently Asked Question: What is the Process?

Submitted by on October 23, 2009 - 3:45 pm

I’m often asked ‘what is the process of working with you as a personal stylist?’ Many women I meet haven’t ever thought working with a stylist was within the realm of possibility, so I’m really happy to make it approachable and fun!

Another SHOULD ask question: How can you SAVE me money? Many women feel that stylists will just take you out shopping for new clothes. Of course, this is part of the process, but I don’t believe it’s the only way to work with a stylist. The point of working with a stylist is your PERSONAL style … which always starts with what you already have.

How I can SAVE you money:

Empowering Women & Global Daughter

Submitted by on October 16, 2009 - 10:29 am

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY featuring ERIKA MOSEBACH

A few months back, I hosted a Global Daughter shopping party with co-founder Erika Mosebach.

Even though she was a bit camera shy, I got Erika to sit down with me and talk about Global Daughter’s impact in Nepal and it’s mission.

Watch the video!

Build me up, Buttercup!

Submitted by on October 8, 2009 - 9:01 am

buttercupWhat’s a better confidence boost than knowing you look amazing?

Here are some quick tips to ensure you always look and feel GREAT!

1) Know your Purpose
What are you dressing for? A date? A professional event? The office? Errands? What you’re dressing for will determine how dressed up or dressed down you can be while still dressing comfortably and well. If you’re ever unsure, err on the side of dressed up. You shouldn’t feel out of place being more dressed up – in fact, it should make you feel even more amazing. Even when dressing down (jeans and a tee), I encourage clients to add some oomph and dress the outfit up a bit with some easy accessories. You maintain your comfort level, but you look that much more pulled together. What’s a better confidence boost than being the best dressed person in the room? Exactly!

2) Consider your Audience
First impressions are everything! So if you’re going to a networking event or even the grocery store, you should always be dressed to impress (again, whether dressed up or down) because you never know who you’re going to meet or when. Of course, you don’t need to wear your best dress to the grocery store, but you also don’t need to wear your ratty old sweats either!

Even in a corporate setting, your presentation is important. Reallyputting effort into your wardrobe and presence tells your boss that you take your job seriously and are looking to get to the next level. You are a representation of the company, and it wants to be perceived as the best. Prove you do too!

3) Play with Color!
A really easy way to stand out is simply by wearing color. A lot of people keep it simple with neutrals and black and white because they’re easy, but it definitely doesn’t make them stand out in any way. Even if you do prefer black and white for it’s easy sophistication, add interest with a jolt of color. Try it – you’d be surprised how a bit of red can make you feel a bit more sassy and add some spring to your step! Consider your best colors and make an effort to work them into your outfits more consistently. This can be through prints, purses, belts, jewelry, etc. Just be sure to add color! And, as you get more confident with color, start playing with new, fun color combinations.

4) Build that Perfect Outfit
You may not think so, but you really do have the tools to build that perfect outfit within your wardrobe. All it takes is starting with a base and building. Create a solid foundation and you’re sure to find success (just like a business, relationship, and building!). So, start with a favorite piece and add the elements to the outfit. Maybe it’s your best denim, your favorite red shoes, a great belt or that favorite top. Starting with a favorite piece exponentially increases the chance that you’re going to feel amazing in the outfit and naturally exude complete confidence. From that base, start adding creatively to the outfit always taking into consideration balancing proportions, adding color and playing with accessories. Whenever I work with a client, this is one of the key things I teach so that they can fully maximize their wardrobe even when I’m not there.

5) Have Fun!
I got into this business because it’s fun. I like to refer to my job as ‘playing with clothes.’ I want you to feel the same way too when you’re getting ready in the morning. What a way to start the day off right! Just play! Fashion is such a great opportunity for creative release for women, even if you’re in an otherwise left-brained job. Don’t take it too seriously, just have fun with it! If you keep this playful mindset when it comes to clothes, you’ll always feel more confident with the creativity you have in building your outfits. And just wait for the compliments to start pouring in!

Don't STOP!

Submitted by on October 2, 2009 - 8:21 am

One reason why I enjoy listening to music while I work is the inherent motivation that often lies within the lyrics. A favorite of mine to get started with is Madonna’s “Give it 2 Me.” If you read the lyrics, they’re incredibly empowering, And if

stop sign you listen to the song, you can’t help but get up, dance a bit and feel rejuvenated. I’ve edited the lyrics a bit to save you from re-reading the chorus over and over.

“GIVE IT 2 ME”
What are you waiting for?
Nobody’s gonna show you how
Why work for someone else
To do what you can do right now?

Got no boundaries and no limits
If there’s excitement, put me in it!
If it’s against the law, arrest me
If you can handle it, undress me

Don’t stop me now, don’t need to catch my breath
I can go on and on and on
When the lights go down and there’s no one left
I can go on and on and on

Give it me, yeah
No one’s gonna show me how
Give it to me, year
No one’s gonna stop me now

They say that a good thing never lasts
And then it has to fall
Those are the people that did not
Amount to much at all

Give me the bassline and I’ll shake it
Give me a record and I’ll break it
There’s no beginning and no ending
Give me a chance to go and I’ll take it

Don’t stop me now, don’t need to catch my breath
I can go on and on and on
When the lights go down and there’s no one left
I can go on and on and on

Give it to me, yea
No one’s gonna show me how
Give it to me, yeah
No one’s gonna stop me now

You’re only here to win
Get what they say?
You’re only here to win
Get what they do?

They’d do it too
If they were you
You done it all before
It ain’t nothing new

Give it to me, yeah
No one’s gonna show me how
Give it to me, yeah
No one’s gonna stop me now!


 Now that you’re inspired, take action and don’t stop! Whatever area of your life you want to uplevel, do this:


1) Set a Goal

This could be big or small, but either way you’re setting an intention to accomplish something for yourself. If it is a big goal and you’re concerned about getting overwhelmed, then break it down into smaller goals. The point is to have that goal.  This will propel you forward and you’ll soon be achieving things you’d previously thought impossible!

2) Create a Plan

It’s really easy to say you’re going to do something, but it’s much harder to actually do it. If you set a plan, it becomes manageable since it’s just one step at a time. Always set a parameters to allow you to track your progress – this includes a timeline, the tasks, who to reach out to for help, your reward, etc. And be sure to write it down! Get it out of your head!

For instance, if you wanted to boost your confidence in your professional style your plan would include setting a budget for clothes, seeking out help from experts and friends, looking for inspiration and setting a timeline to achieve and then maintain your results.

3) Tell Someone

If you tell someone, you immediately create accountability.

4) Celebrate!

You’ve succeeded! Now take some time to celebrate what you’ve accomplished. In fact, you should be celebrating on the way as you get closer and closer to your goal. This will keep you motivated and moving forward. What is the reward you set for yourself in your plan? Go out and get it!