Spring Cleaning – For Mind, Body, and Style!

Submitted by on April 19, 2011 - 10:54 pm

Have you ever planned an outfit in your head and have 100% confidence that it will work … and then you go to try it on and … it doesn’t fit?!?! Argh! SOOO annoying! Especially as women with that 3-5 pound monthly fluctuation every month. Aren’t we lucky?

So, that was me on Saturday. A great outfit I’ve even worn before was simply not quite right. Dang water weight! (I’ll blame it on that! ;) )

However, fortunately, I can quickly pull myself together and create a plan B which is what I did and I had a ton of fun that night and felt great with what I was wearing.

Though, it did bring up some things that I’d thought I already wrestled away years ago … insecurities with my body. Can you relate?? In fact, it’s a bit of a blessing that this happened because now I’m aware I have some more work to do in that area.

That’s why today is all about Spring Cleaning … of your body, mind and Style!
(Psst! Take the time to read this all the way through. Trust me, you want to!)

BODY

I’m preparing to start a cleanse which I’ve never done before except for 3/4 of a day on the Master Cleanse. What drew me into the cleanse I’m starting is that it’s about eating clean and ridding toxins … not just losing weight. Also, it’s 21 days. So, it’s a real commitment to making changes and creating a habit. I’ve always been mindful of what I eat and would say I eat pretty healthy, but there is always room for improvement since no one is perfect (and I have a serious weakness for Trader Joe’s Gone Banana’s!).

A cleanse can be a great way to hit ‘reset’ on your diet and health while helping you to lose those stubborn 5-10 pounds (or more!). And this doesn’t mean depriving yourself. While you can’t have a glass of wine with dinner and you’ll have to skip dessert, you’ll still be getting plenty of calories and a ton of nutrients.

A few fantastic resources …

CLEAN with Dr. Alejandro Junger For more information, click here. I was drawn to this one because I’ve developed allergies in the last couple of years and I want to discover the culprit. Plus, it’s ‘do it yourself’!

Reboot your Booty with Tracy Lee Jones Click here to learn more and sign up for her newsletter to get great inspirational tips and find out about the program.

Be Well Jump Start Cleanse If you need a bit more support and want to have it all laid out clearly, including supplements then check out this cleanse (starting tomorrow!) here.

Your Wellness Tree Simple Weight Loss Video Series If you need a bit of inspiration and reminders to jump start your weight loss and/or healthy eating, these are great, quick video tips. Check them out here!

MIND

Where is your mindset around your body, health, style and life? Be honest with yourself. As I admitted, I still have a lot of work to do on my body image (and in other areas!) which is why knowing how to dress my body type and style myself with confidence is so important.

Also, having a great team around you to support you. This can be a mastermind group, a health coach, a trainer, a stylist, a financial advisor, your parents or your significant other … depending on what area needs a bit of Spring Cleaning.

For me, it’s my body and since most women have similar hang ups, I thought I’d share this with you.

I was meditating Sunday morning, after the wardrobe and weight frustration of Saturday night and my boyfriend interrupted me. Usually that would annoy me, but I just went with it … and he shared with me something I have to share with you. A few inspired affirmations that every woman needs to hear and know and repeat over and over …

You love your body.

Being a woman is empowering.

You are losing weight as we speak! ;)

You are confident in your body.

Write those down!!

A few things you can do for yourself to remind yourself that you’re amazing and deserve to live a life in Style:

Private Label Wine! I know it goes against being on a cleanse, but other than for 21 days, I will not give up wine! I do believe a glass a day is good for body and mind. One of my favorite labels, La Fenetre, is having a sale until April 21st on it’s latest vintage. Trust me, this wine is delish! Enter code Spring2011LF for 15% off!

Free Facials! My BFF also happens to be an account exec for Jurlique which is an amazing natural skincare line. (Try the Fruit Enzyme mask … It’s a miracle worker!). Coming up on April 29th they’re offering complimentary 30 minute facials at Barney’s Beverly Hills. I went to the last round and it was lovely and relaxing and 30 minutes is perfect for my schedule. Though, I would recommend you get there a bit early so you can peruse the shoe department – it’s to die for!! If you’re interested in this, email me and I’ll give you the contact information to sign up for an appointment!

STYLE

Well, by now I probably don’t even need to go into detail with Style since I’ve shared so much over the weeks. ;) Personally, I go through my closet at least every three months. Because I’m consistent, it’s never a huge ordeal. It’s actually quick, easy and fun. I love how it feels to have new space in the closet so I can welcome in my new favorite Wardrobe Updates.

A few quick tips for a Stylish Spring Cleaning:
* Go category by category to cleanse and edit
* Be honest about fit
* Add color!!!
* Define your waist (or create one, as the case may be)

Because we’re now in full swing of Spring, I decided to have another round of 21 Days of Style which will start on May 9th!

Check out this video I made for you below AND the amazing offer I share!!

What do you think?? Can you tell I’m a bit excited?

What’s more, I hope that you’re feeling inspired to do a bit of Spring Cleaning … wherever it will benefit you most. I would love to hear how you were inspired and took action!

Secrets of Style

Submitted by on April 12, 2011 - 8:50 pm

Many women I meet seem to think that they don’t have great style. They’re unsure of what they’re wearing and buying. So, they may create a uniform out of boredom. Or, they simply don’t try.

While, a uniform can be a great resource for a busy professional woman, it most definitely can’t be boring! Your wardrobe and style is an extension of your personality and mood. The way you’re dressed both expresses and impacts how you feel … about yourself and throughout the day.

Pretty powerful!!

Think about why we have women we look to as ‘Style Icons.’ What is it about them that makes them seem stylish? Universally, the answer tends to be the same, though two-fold: It seems so easy and effortless AND it’s an authentic expression of herself.

Really, style doesn’t need to be intimidating. YOU have style! If you’re not feeling confident about your style, you simply have to access it.

Whenever I work with a client, I access the foundation she’s already created and simply tweak it for her. This is why I love starting in a client’s closet. I bet you have an amazing wardrobe and you wear only 35-50% of it! What a waste. Imagine if you incorporated the rest of your clothes into your rotation? Amazing! And it becomes SO much more fun to get ready in the morning!

It comes down to discovering and teaching a few key things to my clients for them to uncover the secrets for themselves …

Know yourself
If you’re going to feel great about your style, it needs to be a true reflection of yourself. Your clothes and wardrobe should work FOR you! This means taking into consideration your lifestyle AND your personality.

So, what do you do each day? Are you in casual or formal environments? Who are you meeting? Are you active or at a desk? Are you chasing kids or meeting with clients? What you’re doing each day will determine what you’re wearing. And the frequency that you do different activities will determine how to build a wardrobe you love that really does work for you.

In terms of your personality, consider a few adjectives you would use to describe yourself. Now, you want to incorporate those ideas into your style. Are you creative, free-spirited, a bookworm, classic, athletic, etc.?

The bottom line is that if you’re trying to be something you’re not, the disconnect will be apparent and you may find that people don’t respond or relate to you as you would like. Even if you work in a corporate conservative setting and you’re a free-spirit, you need to have a bit of that free-spirit element in your style while still being work appropriate. Trust me, it’s possible!!

Shop Smart
You don’t have to have a huge budget to have a great wardrobe that works FOR you. For instance, I prefer to start in a client’s closet and re-work everything they already own! And there are so many resources for buying quality, designer goods at crazy savings!

The key is knowing when to spend versus when to save. I could go into so much detail on this which will probably have to be another article. (If you’d like more on this, please comment!)

For your basics, you should spend as much as you can afford. These will last in your wardrobe for years. They should fit you perfectly and work with your body type. These pieces are what I call ‘Closet Staples’ and stand the test of time. You will always need a dark blazer, a perfect cardigan and a great pair of nude pumps. However, I’m willing to bet that you can still find a lot of these pieces on sale.

For your trendier items, shop at chain stores that take inspiration from the top designers and interpret them at a price point that is much more reasonable. For instance, Zara, J Crew, Banana Republic and even Target! These are what I would call Wardrobe Updates and are prints, colors, fabrics, textures, etc. FUN!

Take Risks
One reason why Carrie Bradshaw’s style is so memorable is because she took risks. Chloe Sevigny is another great example of a risk taker. Even I will take a risk … and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Either way, I’m pushing my boundaries and comfort zone … and even discovering some great new things along the way. This is where you truly experience an evolution of style.

By taking risks you learn what you really like, which colors are best for you, what shapes work for your body type and how amazing it feels to stand out and get noticed!

Have Fun!
Your style is an extension of you and you’re an amazing woman, so don’t hide that! Have fun with color, textures, prints and all of the tips I shared above. Find what works for you and start playing! When you have fun with your style and don’t take it so seriously, you’ll realize it becomes a lot more easy and effortless. You can be honest with yourself about what works, what you like and what the occasion calls for and then you can add a pop of personality. Start with color, then add accessories, then play with color (unexpected and/or sophisticated color combinations), and finally play with proportions.

Those women you look to for being easy and effortless and may feel a pang of jealousy because it looks like they just ‘threw it on and went out the door.’ Well, they probably did! Simply because they’re having fun. They’re wearing what they’re wearing because it makes them feel great. And, it works with their lifestyle and personality.

Lucky Shops LA

Submitted by on April 5, 2011 - 8:40 pm

I rarely pay full price. After having worked in the industry on the corporate merchandising side and understanding how production and buying work … I know if I’m smart and hold out I can find exactly what I want … ON SALE! What beats that!

Now, I don’t believe in buying something simply because it’s on sale. So, how do you meet in the middle? How do you avoid making impulse purchases when something seems too good to pass up? How do you know when to spend versus when to save? If these are questions you have and would like to know the answers to, I invite you to join me at Lucky Shops LA.

Lucky Shops LA is a great opportunity to check out fantastic designers and save some money. At 70% off, you’ll essentially be getting wholesale prices. That’s freakin’ fanstastic!!!

So, I wanted to give you an opportunity to shop with an expert, learn more about your personal style and what works for your body type ALL while saving massively on great designer clothes thanks to this unique shopping experience.

More details …

What is LUCKY SHOPS?
LUCKY SHOPS is a shopping event hosted by Lucky Magazine. This past November, Lucky hosted the seventh annual event in New York City. In April 2011, Lucky Shops is coming to LA for the first time!

Where is it?
Siren Studios
6063 W. Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA

When is it?
First Dibs Friday: Friday, April 8, 12PM- 6PM
Saturday Shop-a-thon: Saturday, April 9, 10AM – 5PM

To be sure I give everyone great attention, I can only take up to 5 people each day. So, if you think this is something you want to try, then act now! Trust me, what you will save by NOT buying those ‘iffy’ pieces will more than cover the investment. Not to mention what you will learn about yourself and your style. Once you register, you’ll immediately get U*styled’s welcome packet in your email inbox so I can get a bit of direction around your style, your wants and your needs including where you are now and where you want to be with your style!

How fun is that???

Ticket to Lucky Shops LA is included in the price. :)

Click here to SIGN UP for Friday, April 8, 2011 from 12-4 pm (event is open until 6 pm) for $105.

Note: Ticket price for first day entry is more

Click here to SIGN UP for Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 10 am – 2 pm (event is open until 5) for $95.

I’m Not Perfect

Submitted by on April 3, 2011 - 10:00 pm

It’s hard for me to admit, but it’s true. I’m not perfect. I’m definitely a Type-A High Achiever who used to write on her resume ‘highly self-motivated quick learner” yet at the same time I’m constantly coming to terms with the fact that I’m not perfect!

And what a good exercise that is!!

Have you ever done a presentation or worked on a project that you thought after the fact ‘I wish I had done that this way’ only to have others praise your work?

Perhaps you’ve taken it a step further and reviewed said presentation or project after the fact and realized ‘hey, I actually did do a really great job!’

Can you relate?

If you can, you’re a perfectionist on some level. And it’s pretty hard to be perfect all the time, isn’t it??

It’s so draining!

I’m pretty sure as women, we’re all perfectionists on some level. Taking it all on, doing it all ourselves … for everyone else … and rarely asking for help.

The thing is, there is beauty in this. Beauty in realizing that your flaws are actually your unique assets. They set you apart. What would Cindy Crawford be without her mole?? Beyonce without her bootliciosness? I think you get the picture!

How about a Stylist who would doesn’t feel like getting dressed in the morning?
I will be the first to admit that there are many days I would rather stay in my favorite Lululemon yoga pants or robe instead of having to plan an outfit and get out the door to face the day. And if I don’t have to head out the door for anything, I will give myself the space to be comfortable.

Though, the inner debutante in me does come out. I will admit that as well. I prefer to be pulled together. It makes me feel better about myself. It makes me feel more myself. Rarely will you see me leave the house without makeup. Even for a workout. I can’t help it! It’s part of who I am. If you always see me pulled together and polished, it’s because it’s how I feel most confident.

But since I’m like you and I don’t have a team of people doing my hair and makeup in the morning, I do the best with what I have. I’ve learned tips and tricks over the years. And they make all the difference.

When I say ‘throw it on and go!’ … I really mean that!!

You’re busy. You don’t have time for a whole fuss, but you do care about how you present yourself to the world.

My tricks for getting out the door on those mornings when I’m feeling more like yoga pants and a good book? A quick makeup routine with my trusty makeup bag staples, my amazing hair dryer (the most I’ve ever spent on one, but worth every penny!) and my uniform.

Uniform? Yes, I’m a tee-shirt and jeans girl at heart. So, my uniform is a variation on that each day. It changes depending on which pants I want to wear – straight leg, skinny or trouser? It changes depending on how formal the occasion – tee shirt, blouse or jacket? It changes depending on the weather – hot, lukewarm or cold? It changes depending on my mood – blue, red, pink, navy or purple? And it changes depending simply on my accessories!

Accessories are key!!! A look can completely change it’s attitude depending on the accessories. And they’re the simplest thing to add!

So, what does it’ come down to when you’re not feeling it yet you’ve got to get out the door? Your uniform and some accessories! Simple as that. Please don’t make it more complicated. And if you have yet to discover your uniform or want to add more variety and fun, that’s where an expert comes into play. Trust me, it’s taken me years to get to this point of comfort and ease with my style and my unique assets. Especially considering all those mornings of ‘UGH!’ with my wardrobe. Do yourself a favor and shorten your learning curve!

My unique assets I’ve had to learn to love? My hair (which wasn’t always curly) and my bum (which was definitely always bubbly). And I still have my moments with both! We’re always learning. :)

Where is the fun in being perfect, anyway!?!