My Style is my Armor

Submitted by on July 8, 2011 - 9:41 pm

One summer, while I was home from college, I was going through some of the artwork and such that my parents had saved from when my brothers and I were very young. I found my Kindergarten report card! I was taken aback when I read: “Catherine is a little ray of sunshine, but she is really shy.”
It really hit home.

I’ve always been labeled as confident and outgoing, but I’ve also always been painfully shy. All of this is true. I love meeting new people and hearing your stories, but sometimes getting to that point pushes me way outside of my comfort zone. It’s my confidence and my determination that has allowed me to push through the shyness. But it’s always been there.

I was sharing this anecdote about my Kindergarten report card with a friend last week and it dawned on me why my style and empowering women through personal style is such a passion of mine.

It’s been my armor in moments of shyness.

When I switched from Catholic to public school in 5th grade, I carefully chose the outfit for my 5th grade photo. And I still remember the outfit I wore for my first day of school when we then moved from a Detroit suburb to a Chicago suburb (again, in 5th grade). I still remember some of my favorite outfits from that year in transition.

Not to mention, the power of color through those formative years. Blue was always a mainstay. I had one shirt I would wear probably once a week. It was a deep blue and, again, it made me feel confident and pretty. Who cares if I didn’t have as many clothes as everyone else. I still carefully picked out my outfit each day to make me feel good.

And then, thinking about what I wore when I was working corporate … and the lack of color in those wardrobes! Even when I’d try to punch it up, the lack of color is a clear indicator of how bored I was. Though I loved my job as a merchandiser at BCBG (for the most part), I need a bigger challenge – a bigger purpose.

Still, to this day, when I go to networking events or even speak in front of groups, it’s putting me way outside of my comfort zone. You know what? That’s OK. For one, it’s pushing me to grow and expand and I know it’s not about me. It’s about YOU. Plus, I have on my coat of armor and I know I look great. And that’s where my confidence comes from.

Are you hiding in your clothes or do you have your own personal coat of armor? If you need some bravado, start small and add some color. I promise it will give you a boost of confidence.

ESSENCEntial Style

Submitted by on July 7, 2011 - 8:27 pm

I passionately believe that every woman deserves (and should) work with a stylist. While some women need the constant support because of their demanding schedules, others need the tools and can (and want) to do it on their own.

And those style tools are PRICELESS!

I want to dispel a myth … once you hire a stylist, you shouldn’t feel like you’re connected to them for life and can never buy another piece or put together an outfit for an important event (or even just day to day) without them. You should look for a stylist who can teach what works for you so that you can style yourself every day.

Style Icon Audrey Hepburn knew her ESSENCEntial Style

After all, true style is really about confidence. And confidence comes from knowing who you truly are and showing up as that amazing woman every day.

Style is NOT about the trends and dressing in looks that you feel like you SHOULD be wearing because that’s what everyone else is. Of course, there is what is appropriate for an occasion. But there is also what’s TRUE to YOU.

Style is an extension of you. An expression of yourself. It greets people before you even have an opportunity to introduce yourself.

Having the tools to create your personal style means …

  • Knowing which colors work best for you and why
  • Understanding the meaning of color and how it affects your mood (and how others perceive you)
  • Being able to pull together a stunning outfit easily and effortlessly each morning
  • Knowing the pieces to add to your wardrobe to add depth and value for maximum mix & match-ability
  • Understanding what works for your body type and how to really flatter your best assets to make you look and FEEL amazing!
  • Realizing it’s not about a shopping spree to build a wardrobe; it’s about having a closet full of clothes you LOVE
  • Having a great wardrobe doesn’t mean having a large wardrobe
  • Knowing that your style is continually evolving as you grow and develop personally

Above all, having the tools to create your personal style makes fashion FUN instead of frustrating.

NEVER AGAIN will you shop last minute for an outfit for an event.

You will ALWAYS have a perfect outfit, no matter how your weight is fluctuating this week.

Isn’t that simply amazing???

And you can learn all this and more in a quick 90 minute Style Session!!

We will:

  • Determine your personal and branding colors
  • Style 10-12 outfits per your lifestyle & career needs (with possibilities of mixing & matching to upwards of 50 outfits!!)
  • Establish your ‘Elements of an Outfit’ so you can always quickly pull together the perfect outfit for an occasion
  • Create your own Personal Style Statement

As a BONUS, I give you:

  • A ‘Wardrobe you Love Action Plan’ so you know exactly what you need to add to your wardrobe, and in prioritized order
  • Your Personal Style File including detailed notes and pictures from our session
  • U*styled’s coveted Closet 911: A Guide to Build a Wardrobe you Love

All this for just $300!!

If this sounds perfect for you, then simply email me directly at catherinec@ustyled.com and we’ll set up your appointment and get you started living your life in style!!

Maybe you’re not in the place for this yet, but you know of someone who would be interested in this fabulous opportunity. If so, please pass this along to them. I know they would be so grateful!!

To your Stylish life!!

Catherine

Style Essentials for Being in the Spotlight

Submitted by on July 1, 2011 - 10:28 pm

If you’ve been following U*styled’s tips you may have gathered by now that I like to be prepared well in advance for any situation. I rarely shop last minute for an event and have planned out an outfit well in advance. Even if I haven’t settled on an outfit, I know what works with what in my wardrobe and can quickly throw together something appropriate and stunning. Last minute shopping is the biggest culprit for a closet full of clothes that you never wear. This is why I am so adamant about BUILDING a wardrobe that works for you, which is exactly what I do for my clients and WHY I teach them how to build outfits from what they already own before we even go shopping.

Whether it’s getting ready for your own photoshoot, a conference or workshop your hosting, a networking event or a special occasion, with these Style Essentials you will have exactly what you need. So, it all becomes easy and effortless!

Style Essentials for Being in the Spotlight

Take a quick inventory of your wardrobe. Does it pass the test of including these essentials for wardrobe that really works FOR you? If not, take note and start of list of items that would be great additions for your life and style.

1) Color
Black, brown, navy, cream and khaki are great for building a base for your outfits. However, these are colors that are appropriate for your Closet Essentials, not your statement pieces. If you lack color in your wardrobe, take some time to consider what colors you are always drawn to and why. Color has meaning and it will influence your mood and how others perceive you. Plus, it makes you stand out. Every outfit should have at least one pop of color; even if it’s a simple accessory or even your shoes or handbag. If your outfit lacks color, it lacks personality.

2) Quality
If you’ve got a closet full of clothes and are only wearing 20% of it, you’re wasting a LOT of money AND time! No wonder you don’t know where to start when it comes to getting ready for an event. No wonder you always revert back to the same old outfit. Now, I’m all for a uniform STYLE, but not wearing the same thing simply because you know it’s appropriate and you just want to get out the door.

One step further, in terms of quality, is the literal quality of your clothes. Better quality fabrics and designs will look better on you. They drape better, fit better and FEEL better. Comfort and fit are both key when you’re in the spotlight and quality clothes will give you both.

3) Your Foundation
These are your closet staples. Having a great foundation – your basic suiting pieces, great dresses, perfect pumps, a few great accessories, etc. – ensures that you can always pull together an outfit at the last minute. All you need to do is add a pop of color and you’re done!

Even more, if you have a great foundation, then every piece you buy is a Wardrobe Update. A Wardrobe Update is a piece that adds even more versatility to your wardrobe. Often, it’s in color and a more unique item, but always it’s something you buy because you LOVE it and not because you’re trying to fill a void. You can already imagine the places you’ll wear it to and some of the pieces in your wardrobe that you want to try it with.

If you are aware of these three aspects to Building a Wardrobe you Love™, then you are well on your way to shining in the spotlight.

If you feel like you could use some more guidance to figuring this out on your own, then I’d encourage you to check out my new and improved day packages. I am so excited about how these are restructured as they are essentially customized to your needs. I’ve been paying attention to what you’ve been asking for and this gives it to you … and more!

Now, get out there and let that light of your shine!