This Little Light of Mine!

Submitted by on December 27, 2010 - 1:16 pm

I’ve reflected back on this excerpt from Marianne Williamson’s Return to Love many times as it speaks so clearly to why I love working with women to bring out their personal, inner style. And it is very much something that I need to remind myself of for my own personal reasons as well.

Starting, building and running a business can be scary. As much as I would rather stay behind the camera, I know I need to step out and let MY light shine. And in the coming New Year, you will definitely be seeing more from U*styled!

I’m incredibly excited about what’s cooking here at U*styled, but more importantly, I wanted to share this with you again.

“We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~ Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”, Harper Collins, 1992. From Chapter 7, Section 3

As you go into the New Year, consider this for yourself. Let this be your Mantra: I’m Gonna Let it SHINE!

The Inner Game of Style

Submitted by on December 24, 2010 - 11:48 am

I have a confession to make. I like to lounge around in sweats when I’m not working. When I get home from a day out shopping, the first thing I do is change out of my tight jeans and into my comfy sweats.

Here’s the deal, though … they’re CUTE sweats! And even calling them sweats isn’t quite accurate. The term ‘sweats’ conjures up an image of an ill-fitting and ugly yet cozy marshmallow-esque ensemble.

The point is, while I’m a Style Consultant, I’m also human. And I have my moments when I don’t want to get dressed in the morning as well. But if I’m going to lounge in sweats, they’re still a reflection of inner me … and so they’d better be stylish!

However, I know how to pull it together and make it happen so I look and feel fabulous even when my schedule has me so busy I’d really rather just crawl back into bed.

Though, this wasn’t always the case.

My first job out of college was in the Advertising Accounting department at Robinson May while they were going through the merger with Federated. I thought it was pretty cool that I’d witness a Case Study in Change Management (something I studied at USC) firsthand.

However, as good as I was at accounting, it was incredibly boring for me. Every day I literally threw on my uniform of nice slack and some version of a sweater set or blouse. It was about getting out the door and nothing else.

Since I knew this was a short term job, I was soon looking for my next move. As I researched jobs in the Fashion Industry, I stumbled on Merchandising. OMG! It was the perfect blend of creative and analytical … it was the strategy of Fashion. LOVE!

Unfortunately, it was also really tough to break into. People would go back to school to be able to get a Merchandising job. That wasn’t an option for me (more because I’m stubborn than anything), so I strategized how I might be able to get a merchandising job … including taking another job I didn’t want, just to get a foot in the door at a company.

Fortunately, my dad gave me The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer to read.

Well, that changed everything. After finishing the book I quickly realized that it was completely possible to get the job I wanted since it was highly analytical and I had a degree from USC, gosh darn it!

2 weeks later, I got the job of my dreams at BCBG!

Very quickly I realized two things:

1) Wow, I really can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

2) I am going to have an amazing wardrobe!

At least my priorities were in order!

The point is, The Power of Intention got me started on this personal growth journey and if it wasn’t for that book and all the work that I’ve done on my mindset and self-image, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.

I started my business with no financing because I had a passion. I’ve built this business up over the past two years weathering the good times and the bad and you know what … business keeps growing and getting better and better.

While the first year in business as U*styled was admittedly very tough, I never bought into the ‘bad economy’ of it. When I was having a tough time, I worked on myself more than my business. And what happened? Business got better!

You know what else has happened over these past two years? My style has improved. While I was always a resource for friends, I was never as confident as I am now … in business, in life and in style.

By doing the work on the inside, it’s reflected and magnified on the outside.

And that’s really the key to easy and effortless style. Know who YOU are and you will know your STYLE.

Ode to Dog

Submitted by on December 20, 2010 - 11:36 am

If you’ve ever had a pet or fallen in love with a friends pet, you know firsthand the effect that they have on you. They change you. Much for the better.

Unconditional Love

The ultimate forgiver. Even if you don’t take them for a walk in a timely manner. Even if you get mad at them for some of their antics. Even if you’re not in your most jovial mood. They love you. Always.

Persistence

That treat from the table. Another walk. Some more love. To be let up on the bed. Whatever they want, they don’t give up. They look at you with those eyes and you can’t resist!

In life or in business, if you don’t give up you always get what you want.

Let it Be

Truly living in the moment. The dog’s life is sleeping, playing, eating and cuddling. Just being. We’re always thinking about the next thing we have to do. Let’s just go with the flow like our beloved pet.

I remember coming home to Aggie when I was in high school. Ever the over-achiever, I’d be stressed and she was just such a light to come home to. Giving her a bit of attention was also allowing myself a bit of downtime. The big test can wait. The best stress-relief!

Let’s Play!

Of course they don’t have to work, but they do seem to have their priorities in order. It’s about enjoying life, loving you, and just playing! They’ll never tire of fetch, wrestling, exploring on a walk. Life is an adventure to them!

Life can easily be overwhelmed by work. Since they don’t have that worry, they get to just enjoy life … and set that example for us. How many walks, runs or rollerblades, romps in the snow, keep away, etc. were really just an excuse for us to take a moment to play? Or maybe a bit of a wrestle as my dad often enjoyed after a 12-14 hour workday.

Relationships

Your pet loves to make new friends. Your pet loves you. Your pet doesn’t focus on what’s on the ‘to do’ list. The ‘to do’ list is all about you. Have you ever noticed when you’re a bit down, stressed, anxious, etc. that your pet knows it and immediately offers support. The truest companion and the best listener.

Relationships are vital. Communication, support, love and perspective … the elements of the best relationships. Aggie didn’t need to be the center of attention, she just wanted to be in the center of us. She kept me company when I was studying, my mom company when my dad was working away from home and would often follow whomever was home (but mostly my mom) around the house to hang out in whatever room we settled in.

Life is Short. Take a cue from Aggie. Live in the moment, enjoy the moment and just let it be!


U*Styled Holiday Survival Guide

Submitted by on December 18, 2010 - 12:04 pm

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

I love the holidays. It’s the time of year equivalent of Disneyland for me. And I love Disneyland. As soon as I step foot inside the gates a huge grin inevitably erupts across my face. All cares are washed away in this magical place.

And I really feel the same way about the holidays. The holiday songs on the radio, the lights around the neighborhood, decorating the house, an excuse to give thoughtful gifts to those you love.

LOVE IT ALL! Even when it means that I’m busier than usual – trying to fit in holiday shopping into my already busy schedule, deadlines at work that are shorter because of the holiday break, year end accounting for some of us, holiday parties galore, etc.

So, I’ll admit, it can get a bit overwhelming even with all it’s good intentions. Now, how to mitigate that feeling so you can thoroughly enjoy the holidays? Well, these are just a few suggestions I use myself …

5 Quick Ways to Brighten your Holiday Mood

1) Play with Color

They’ve done numerous studies on the effects of color and they all come to the same conclusion: color enhances mood. So, when you choose to wear a bold red or cobalt blue over black, you’re not only standing out fashionably, you’re also telling your mood that you feel great! It also influences the mood of those around you. Consider your favorite color to wear and wear it often and in varying shades. Have fun! Stand out!

2) Take a Timeout

Give yourself 5 minutes to recharge. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, clear your head and just be. If you’re like me and you have a lot of chatter pretty consistently going in your head, try a mantra. A mantra is something positive you repeat and you can tailor it to your needs for whatever is going on in your life.

Even if this means you have to step out and hide in the bathroom at work … do it! And be sure to close your eyes. That’s the most relaxing part!

3) Make time for Exercise

We all know that exercise releases endorphins that make us feel good. Still, that isn’t quite enough to get us to the gym. Well, it should be! All my life I’ve worked out consistently and specifically because it was my stress relief. (If you know me at all by now, you know that I’ve got a lot of things going on!)

Don’t slack on exercise because you have so many events. But you also don’t have to make it such a chore. I used to spend an hour at the gym 6 days a week and I loved it – it never was a chore. It was always a part of my routine. I’ve since relaxed a bit, but it’s still a part of my routine. Sometimes it’s fitting in 30 minutes or even a quick 15 minute yoga sesh in my living room

. Whatever works … just something!

4) Add Cucumber to your Water

With all the extra carbs and alcohol you’ll be consuming, your body is going to need a lot of water. You may not have time for the spa to detox, so why not bring the Spa to you? It’s incredibly refreshing and simply indulgent. Plus, your body (and your skin!) will thank you!!

5) Give

My favorite part of the holidays (and why I’m so glad to offer you 15% off U*styled gift certificates!). I love to be able to make someone’s day a bit brighter by showing them a bit of generosity.

Now, this doesn’t have to mean going out and buying gifts for everyone. It can be as simple as holding the door or the elevator for someone. Showing a bit of unexpected kindness (well, I live in LA … sometimes it feels that way), can really make someone’s day and they’ll likely pay it forward.

Another great way to give: Clean out your closet and donate your clothes to a homeless shelter, half way house or battered women’s shelter. Even if you think you can get a bit of money for your designer clothes you don’t wear anymore, imagine how much more someone in one of these places would appreciate it SO much more!


Easy and Effortless Holiday Style

Submitted by on December 14, 2010 - 4:31 pm

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

The holidays are officially here! That means one thing in particular for you – holiday events galore!

So now you’re not only worried about what to wear to work, that very important presentation or the charity luncheon … you have to factor in holiday events to your wardrobe.

Lucky for you, I’m here to break it down and make it simple. Really it doens’t have to be that difficult and you don’t have to spend a fortune.

U*styled’s Holiday Basics

Sparkle

You might interpret this to be sequins or shine, but sparkle really sums it up nicely. It also makes it a lot more straighforward. Instead of finding that perfect sequin dress, you can simply add a bit of bling to your LBD. Of course! Accessories are the easiest way to quickly update your look! Take a basic look and add some sparkle and you’ve got a holiday look!

Every year we see designer add more sequins and shine to their designs, so it’s a safe bet for you that this is one holiday trend that is here to stay. So, if you find yourself drawn to a great sequin skirt, top or dress, it’d be a smart investment for holiday seasons to come.

Jewel Tones

A little less obvious that red and green, jewel tones get you in the holiday spirit in style! I love me some cranberry and emerald and I see this year after year as well. Easy to incorporate into your wardrobe through accessories (maybe a scarf, a ring or earrings) or with a silk top or a sweater for layering.

Or, perhaps you have this in your wardrobe already … they’ve been showing jewel tones for the last few years now! Another great investment.

Luxe Fabrics

This is one way you can indulge that won’t kill your diet. I love how the fabrics get richer and richer as the holidays get closer. Silks, laces and velvet, oh my!

One thing I love to do is play with mixing fabrics. Try heavy versus light, delicate against tough, etc. I could see a wool with a velvet or a lace … what would you try?

Little Black Skirt

Or, if you prefer, brown. This can be pencil or a-line, depending on your body type, but this is such a staple during the holidays! This goes with anything and makes it quick and easy to pull together a holiday party worthy outfit! Try pairing a silk jewel tone top with your favorite LBS, some great heels, a bit of sparkle through your accessories and you’re good to go!

What are your favorite Holiday Basics? I’d love to know!!

Are you ready for a Stress-Free Holiday Season?

Submitted by on December 10, 2010 - 2:10 pm

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

OK. That might sound like an oxy-moron, but bear with me … it’s possible!!

Don’t hold this against me, but I rarely stress about the holidays. I think it mostly has to do with the fact that I love every aspect of it – getting together with family, dressing up for all the parties, buying gifts for my favorite people, etc.

So, since you might not have the same love (or you just have SO much on your plate), I want to share mine with you!

Top 3 Holiday Buzzkills and how to Overcome them …

Gift Shopping … with the masses

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I strongly dislike shopping. I’m not a shopper AT ALL! Well, I don’t like it when I have to do it with everyone else and deal with the long lines, finding a parking spot and the crowds (not to mention here in LA at least, the traffic!).

So, I avoid all of that.

I only shop on a weekday or first thing in the morning on a weekend (IF I HAVE TO!).

The optimal weekend time is 10-1. I know when stores and boutiques open and close and I take advantage of that. The chain stores usually open before the boutiques, so I plan accordingly.

(SIDENOTE: Thank you to my mom for instilling this shopping ethic. Though I fought getting up so early on a weekend when I was growing up, I thoroughly appreciate this awareness now.)

When I was at BCBG I was especially spoiled. I could get fantastic gifts for friends and family ridiculously discounted AND I never had to leave my office. I had knowledge of the entire line, how the sizing ran and could pick it up from the warehouse downstairs. Definitely a silver lining!

I shop online when possible. And I totally take advantage of those online sample sale sites. For a list and to sign up yourself all in one place, click here for my blog post on my favorites! Another resource I’ve used is gifts.com because you can shop by personality … which definitely helps narrow down the selection.

Personally, I love gift giving because it’s an opportunity to give a thoughtful gift someone wouldn’t buy for themselves. Of course, the thoughtful part is where it can get tricky. If you’re really strapped for time, I’d recommend outsourcing it completely. U*styled can help with this as can your favorite salesperson at your preferred store. Call them ahead of your visit with a list of what you need and they can pull it all together for you BEFORE you get there. How cool is that?

Getting ready for the Bosses Holiday Party … with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear!

Nothing is worse than building a pile of clothes that you don’t want to wear when you’ve got negative 5 minutes to get ready.

Avoid that completely by being prepared. Plan your outfits for your events in advance.

It sounds simple, but it’s not because that means setting aside an hour just to have fun playing with clothes. And if you’re a busy woman, there is always something else to do with that hour.

So, think of it in terms how many minutes late you’ll be to each event PLUS how many minutes it took you to get dressed. 20+20=40 … for ONE event! That’s almost an hour right there! Not to mention how much fun you have when you’re frustrated with NOTHING to wear … oh yea, that’s NOT fun!

Break it down and make it simple …

First, take an inventory of your basics … black pumps, nude pumps, black skirt, LBD, black pants, white blouse, etc.

Now, take an inventory of what could pass for evening and/or holiday … a jewel tone blouse, your sequin tank, your little purple dress, your leopard heels, all of your accessories (an easy way to add holiday sparkle to an outfit!), etc.

Finally, play with mixing and matching. Think outside of the box. Put together your outfits and even take a picture if that’s helpful for planning. Just have fun! Seriously, you will surprise yourself! And, I’d love for you to share a pic of your inspired masterpiece.

Or, enlist the help of an expert if you REALLY want to dress to impress this holiday season!

Family is FUN … or is it?

I love my family. I love my friends. They are incredibly important to me and I feel really lucky to have them all in my life. I know I’m pretty fortunate to have this. What family drama we might have is very little and more about us never really growing up (my brothers and I definitely still bicker and our dog, Aggie, still gets in the middle of it to break it up!).

This is mostly about stress relief and focusing on what you need.

Make sure you’re exercising. Even if it’s a 15 minute walk … something to relax and release stress. If you can fit in a hard run, a good weights session or some power yoga, even better!

Take some time for yourself. Indulge in a good book, meditate for 10-15 minutes or even just browse the internet. Whatever feels like a guilty pleasure that will recharge you quickly.

Don’t take it personally. Whatever family stuff comes up, don’t play into it. You’re only responsible for yourself and your actions and what YOU want to do. Simply taking a deep breath can be really helpful to calm you down when temperatures are rising.

Play a game! Get the family together focused on something else – a game, a movie, making dinner, etc. Just enjoy each others company.

Any additional tips are more than welcome. I’d love to share them with the U*styled community. If you’re an expert on any of these topics, please feel free to share and I’ll post on Facebook for you all! Happy Holidays!! xo

Do you LOVE your Wardrobe?

Submitted by on December 8, 2010 - 12:25 pm

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

If you experience frustration getting ready for work, play or a very important event from time to time- that’s normal. Even I have my moments!

If it happens at least once a week and/or more than that, you have a wardrobe challenge. I want to let you know that it doesn’t have to be that way! You CAN love your wardrobe too!!!

Seriously, I LOVE my wardrobe. I know I have the advantage of what I do for my day job, but it really wasn’t always this way.

Fairly consistently I would have piles of clothes on my bed and finally just opt for the usual. I would get stuck on how something looked on my butt or my hips or my stomach or even my arms.

It wasn’t until I set the intention to LOVE my wardrobe, playing with clothes and learned how to mix and match … not to mention be honest with myself about what works for my body type … that I really did start to love my wardrobe.

Three Steps to LOVING your Wardrobe:

1) Cleanse

Trust me, it feels REALLY good to get rid of the pieces that you don’t LOVE. Start with the pieces you know you never wear to make it easier. A lot you can edit out by simply looking at it – is it worn, faded or the quality not what you want in your life and wardrobe? Toss it!! Someone else will give it a loving home!

2) Focus on FIT

If you’re wearing something too BIG or too small, it makes you look bigger than you are. Wearing something baggy doesn’t hide your body, it distorts it. Show off your figure! Accentuate your waist! Own the fact that you have a cute butt!!

3) COLOR

Wearing drab neutrals doesn’t really sound pretty, does it? So why are you wearing black, brown, beige, etc. all the time? BORING! Please, even if it’s a bit of color through your accessories … add color! It brightens YOUR mood AND effects how people perceive you. Scan your wardrobe. How much color do you see? What are the colors that stand out to you and excite you? Focus on adding more of those to your wardrobe.

Of course, there is a bit more that goes into it, but these few steps can really help you get excited about your wardrobe.

I challenge you to try at least ONE of these steps and see how you feel. I bet you’ll move on to the next! Let me know how it goes.

An Evolution in Confidence

Submitted by on December 6, 2010 - 9:51 pm

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

I’ve shared bits of my story with you before, but this last month has been quite an introspective one for me. In fact, these last two years have been as much about personal growth as they have been about business growth.

I’ve had an a-ha over a couple of things in particular and I wonder if you can relate.

Have you ever dressed down because you didn’t want to bring attention to yourself?

So you have a great body, you know you’re beautiful, but you feel uncomfortable when someone comments or looks at you?

I remember one time when I was visiting my Grandma up in SF while I was in college. We’d gone shopping (as was a part of our ritual) and I’d bought this beautiful white skirt. The skirt was really feminine and pretty, but it was also striking because of the white. We were being seated for dinner (Grandma is a prime example of a life in style) and my Grandma pointed out to me that I was turning heads as we walked through the restaurant.

Instead of taking the compliment, I instantly became shy and self-conscious. Why would they look at me? I don’t want them to look at me!

Or, when I was back from my freshman year of college and at my debutante ball and I loved my dress. I loved the opportunity to dress up and hang out with my guy friends on the floor committee and my BFF. Not to mention my brothers had to get all dolled up, too, and learn some sweet dance moves. Anyway, even then, as I was being presented, loving my dress, I could feel the eyes on me and had to simply focus on my steps and moving forward.

(Yes, I was a debutante which means I’m also a great resource for etiquette tips!)

There are numerous similar accounts I could share, but I don’t need to. I think you get the picture.

It’s taken me a long time to be comfortable standing out in the spotlight and owning my feminine power. In fact, it’s really a daily battle still. However, I get to make the conscious decision to dress for myself, to inspire others and own the fact that I make a statement with my presence.

Because if I do that, then another women gets to as well.

Does your dress reflect your confidence and power? Or are you still playing the role of a wallflower?



Your Million Dollar Brand: 5 Tips to Present Yourself as the Expert (cont.)

Submitted by on December 3, 2010 - 1:02 pm

A guide for Philanthropists, Entrepreneurs and Ladder Jumping Corporate Women

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

In case you’ve forgotten the Tony Robbins quote:

“Initially Style is more important than substance. If you don’t have the right Style, you won’t get to share any of your Substance.”

So what is the final piece to pull it all together? To make sure they notice you?

Tip #5: Add a Statement

Considering your brand and your Style Statement, you should realize that it is about making a statement.

So, every time you get ready for an event or an audience … add a statement!

This can be a bold color, a stunning jacket or a statement accessory – bag, necklace, earring, bracelet and/or rings … or all of the above!

Are you going to go through the trouble to consider your Personal Brand and not take the next step to success? Yes, getting noticed is as important as discovering your Style Statement.

You will do it in your own way, but my goal for you is to be that woman who turns heads when she walks into a room. You know who I’m talking about.

When you’re going to an event, meeting new people and putting yourself outside of your comfort zone, dressing to impress really starts with and FOR you. Step up your style and you inherently step up your confidence.

Adding the statement creates an opportunity to begin a genuine conversation to establish a new connection and relationship that can be more meaningful and beneficial. A compliment about your shoes can flow to where you bought them, favorite places to shop, favorite neighborhoods, etc. You might just find something you have in common! Just like that – a great connection and a new friend!


Your Million Dollar Brand: 5 Tips to Present Yourself as the Expert (cont.)

Submitted by on December 2, 2010 - 10:25 am

A guide for Philanthropists, Entrepreneurs and Ladder Jumping Corporate Women

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

To BRAND into your memory the quote at the crux of this series:

“Initially Style is more important than substance. If you don’t have the right Style, you won’t get to share any of your Substance.”

Your style, your inner style, your INSPIRED style. This is what will get you noticed so you can share all your yummy substance. Like that prophetic “Build it and they will come” let’s think about “Style it and they will come!”

Tip #4: Make it Cohesive & Consistent

This is about making your branding cohesive with your personality … and your audience. It’s your Style Statement!

Style How To: Try mixing all different ‘occasions’ into your outfits. Don’t be afraid to mix your work with your play or your dressy with your casual. By pairing these different elements of your life together, you can actually dress to your audience while staying true to yourself and your Personal Brand.

For instance, if you’re a bit bohemian, you can still dress professionally by adding a blazer to one of your maxi or knee length dresses.

Bottom line is that it all has to work together. You have to always be true to yourself, while being aware of your audience. PLEASE don’t think that you have to sacrifice your personality and style for the sake of your audience. Your audience needs to see you AND your substance!

This is where it can be helpful to have some expert help to get you to pull it all together in a way that makes sense for your brand, your lifestyle, your personality and your business.

Once you’ve determined your cohesive Style Statement, it’s important to be consistent with your image. This is what the BRAND is about … literally branding it into your audience’s mind. I know that sounds a little bit much, but it’s true. Branding consistency is so important because every impression on your audience reinforces your brand perception.

If you need to, ask the question this way: What is the consistent brand impression you want to leave on your audience?