Indulging in Retail Therapy?
Submitted by catherine on May 19, 2012 - 6:26 pm
I was speaking with a client the other day about her habit of retail therapy before she worked with me. Our conversation inspired me to share this video with you on WHY you indulge in Retail Therapy, how I also used to have that problem and how YOU can release the need for Retail Therapy for yourself.
I also share a little insider announcement, so be sure to watch until the end!
Your Spring Style Refresh
Submitted by catherine on March 24, 2012 - 4:59 pm
There is something about Spring that really does make you want to clean up and get a fresh start. I know I’m going through that personally, professionally and with my belongings! Maybe it’s the part of me that is a perfectionist and wants everything to have a home, but I just LOVE cleansing, editing and organizing my things. Especially my closet. My closet is the outward reflection of my inner evolution. So is yours.
If you’re feeling the pull to cleanse and refresh, too, here’s what you can do to breathe new life into your wardrobe:
1) Edit your Closet – start by looking for the pieces that you know you haven’t worn in ages and ask yourself WHY you haven’t and IF you really will.
Try it on. Look in the mirror. How do you feel? Be honest with yourself. If you don’t feel 100% confident that it’s you, chances are you should toss it.
There is a bit of gray area, though, and this is where a stylist or a BFF comes in handy – maybe you don’t feel 100% confident, but all it needs is a little tweak and it’s absolutely fabulous. You’ll likely sense this and can always set it aside and make a date with a girlfriend or a stylist to help you make it work.
If that’s a big enough challenge, stop there. If you’re itching to cleanse even more, move into the pieces you sometimes wear and do the same.
The bottom line is to focus on how each piece makes you FEEL. You should feel confident, pretty and powerful. You should NOT feel frumpy, baggy or boring.
2) Shop your Closet - before you go out to shop for the latest trends you’ve seen in the magazines, go into your closet and see what you can find that works for the trends.
Many of the Spring 2012 trends are not really anything new … pastels, florals, safari, feminine, colorblocking … we’ve seen these all before, so you really should have some of this in your closet and can otherwise easily pull it together (have ANY animal print? Great! You’re ready to go on a safari!).
What’s a bit new for this season are the peplums and romantic details for a twist on feminine dressing. We’re also seeing pajama dressing, but I will NOT have you go into your pajama drawer and jump on that bandwagon.
The 20′s inspired silhouettes and details thanks to the impending Great Gatsby movie add a little bit of sparkle and romance, but the drop-waisted silhouette is not for everyone.
I’m a big fan of the BOLD prints in BOLD colors we’re seeing as opposed to the delicate floral prints we usually see.
So, what do you have in your closet that can work for these Spring trends? I’m sure you’ve got at least one of them covered. And it’s so much fun to realize you already have what you need in your closet (and to get creative with how to make it work!).
3) Add Color - take advantage of the fact that we are seeing so many bright and fun colors this Spring. It makes me so happy!
Add of pop of color that you’ve never worn before but you really like (you’ll know it when you see it … again, how does it make you FEEL?). Even if you have a favorite, stock up on it in some new styles since it’s easier to be found right now. I personally LOVE cobalt blue (can you tell) and will be stocking up, myself! But I’m also adding an emerald green which I realized I didn’t have any of this past St. Patty’s day.
You could even just dip your toe (or finger) in the waters and get a fun, bright nail polish color instead of your usual Ballet Slippers.
Want to make this all a bit more easy and effortless for you? U*styled and Boutique Box can do all the heavy lifting FOR you and really make the process FUN. Even a 90 minute Style Session will have you on your way to creating a perfect wardrobe.
Revolutionize your Shopping Experience
Submitted by catherine on March 9, 2012 - 3:03 am
Do you love shopping? The glaring lights, the one too many mirrors, the sales people trying to convince you that it ‘looks great’ when you can clearly see it’s not quite right.
Not so much fun, right!
BUT…How much do you love clothes? The beautiful fabrics, the draping and flattering lines, the colors, the accessories and simply feeling great because you look great…
Now THAT sounds wonderful.
What if I told you could have the beautiful clothes without all the hassle?
How? Its, simple … We will do it for you.
http://yourboutiquebox.com
This is going to revolutionize the way you shop (OR DON’T SHOP!)
Announcing:
This is YOUR personal shopping service for ONLY the cost of clothes. Because you are a professional woman that deserves to look and feel good WITHOUT the headache.
To learn how it works and how you can save 20% by being one of the first to participate, click here: http://yourboutiquebox.com
There is a limited time to this exclusive offer.
Have you ever said anything like this to yourself? …
When I have more time, I’ll go shopping so my outer appearance can match all the success I’ve experienced.
Well, here’s the deal. There will always be only 24 hours in a day. This is about saving you time. This is about making shopping easy and effortless. This is about helping you build a perfect wardrobe for your career goals and lifestyle.
This is about YOU. And the time is NOW.
PS. Check it out. It’ll be the best thing you do for yourself all day (except for indulging in that piece of chocolate!).
http://yourboutiquebox.com
Financially Wise in Style
Submitted by catherine on March 6, 2012 - 2:48 am
I interviewed Financial Planner Brittney Castro, CFP, of Financially Wise Women because I wanted to share her with you. Like myself, she is committed to demystifying something that can be a bit intimidating and loves empowering women with the tools to make smart decisions for her financial future. It’s all about those tools!
Here you are:
Style Story: Elaine Bailey
Submitted by catherine on February 19, 2012 - 11:55 pm
I’m constantly getting request for before and after segments and I usually hold back because I tend to think my clients start off in a pretty good place and I take them to a pretty great place with their style. I make it that much more effortless and clearly defined. Also, I’d rather it be their request to be profiled.
So, today’s your lucky day because Elaine is excited to share her transformation with you to inspire you to take action!! You can thank Elaine. 
I first discussed working with Elaine in November of 2010. She felt she had to get her business in a certain place before working on her wardrobe. Then, almost exactly a year later, she was at a place where she HAD to act on upleveling her wardrobe or image. She was practically bursting out of her current look and ready to completely transform.
And transform she did!
Here she is before (on stage at an event sharing her business success because she is a pretty smart lady):
I asked Elaine to share a bit about this experience of completely upleveling her wardrobe and look so you could get it directly from her, unedited.
What was the tipping point that made you hire a stylist?
I felt tired with my look and it felt incongruent with who I was becoming on the inside. I always seemed to buy the same style because it felt safe. I didn’t feel that I had anything beautiful to wear when I was in public.
Can you share a bit about the process/experience itself? How you felt going through it?
I remember the excitement of going through my closet and letting go of all the crap that was in there! It’s amazing what you cling on to and how it holds you back. I gave away 95%. It was like being given a new blank canvas to paint on. Having someone to guide and support me through my choices, as I reinvented my look. I was learning new things about myself every session.
I remembered being nervous to open the first online boxes when they arrived because I’d never really enjoyed clothes shopping before. This turned to excitement and joy as Catherine helped me to see a totally different person in the mirror! She was confident and beautiful. For the first time in ages people noticed and commented on how I looked when I was in public. It was amazing!
What is the most valuable benefit you’ve gotten out of the experience?
I feel lighter, relaxed, confident and more comfortable in my skin. I feel like I’m standing in my natural power, as a woman and I feel congruent with who I really am.
How about the second most valuable benefit? 
I open my closet and smile every day as I see my clothes hanging there waiting to be chosen. There’s nothing in my closet that I don’t like or won’t wear. I LOVE my clothes and I feel great wearing them.
What do you do differently now that you have this knowledge?
I walk taller and confidently in my day-to-day life. I have learned to match and accessorize to create different looks for different occasions.
How do you feel getting dressed every day and for those VIP events?
I feel more aligned and congruent with who I really am from the inside-out. My outside now reflects my inside! I feel confident, relaxed and authentic and have a totally different energy. I get to be the real me!
Tell me a bit about your business and how your new branding/upgraded style has impacted it.
I’m the President and Founder of Elaine Bailey International Ltd, a company devoted to coaching people into their best lives. I mentor busy successful people to move away from the chaos and overwhelm of settling and surviving. I offer them a whole new approach to productivity, business and lifestyle based my own self-leadership principles that I live every day!
Your success is strongly influenced by your ability to change and grow. You are what you think and this is reflected in how you present yourself to the outside world. My upgraded styling has enabled me to reflect my true authentic self from the inside out. Recent pictures from a photoshoot has generated lots of comments and interest in what I do.
Tell me a bit about your upcoming program.
WorkBrilliant VIP Spotlight Session – Do you have an idea that you’d like to work on or a roadblock that is keeping you stuck? Sometimes we all need a little help, a sounding board to bounce thoughts and ideas off or someone to help us blast through our challenges. This is for busy people who don’t want to invest in a coach long term just now, but have a specific need that they’d like to have a ONE-OFF SESSION to blast through.
The VIP Spotlight focuses on YOUR specific need and helps you to move forward and take conscious action towards your goal. This is for a limited time only! (Normally I only work with clients for a minimum of 6 months!).
Normal Price is US$750**
** Special U*styled discount available! Use code CC1 and if booked before midnight on February, 27 2012 it’s only $350 for the session).
What’s included:
1. Complimentary 20 min getting acquainted call – so that you can get a feel for me and that we are a perfect-match. To explore your needs for the session. This also ensures that we can hit the ground running and maximize the potential of our time together.
2. Two hours of personal mentoring via Skype or face-to-face in Shaftesbury, Dorset, England. You get my full attention and focus on a specific area of your life, business or work that could benefit from some further thinking, with actionable results.
Sound like a fit? Email Elaine at info@elainebaileyinternational.com to arrange a Getting Acquainted Call.
Oh, about that ‘After’ pic …
If you think you’re ready for your own transformation and maybe just want to dip your toes in and get some guidance, I’ve got just the thing for you!
Click here for more info on U*styled’s Virtual Style Session (for a limited time!).
Yoga pants that will make you WANT to work out.
Submitted by catherine on February 14, 2012 - 4:57 pm
It’s true.
I was desperately in need of a new pair of workout leggings since the ones I’d had since HS (again, it’s true!) had lived a good life. I’d just not had the chance to get to Lululemon and get some. Thank goodness for the Daily Candy Deal that popped up in my inbox that led me to my amazing new Tanya B leggings from ‘Yoga Clothing’
I’m in love. I can’t wait for my next Piloxing class! They suck me in at all the right place (ahem, inner thighs!) and seemingly lift my bum! What girl doesn’t want a perkier bum? Maybe it’s my imagination, but they’re basically workout Spanx. Done deal!
I love my Lulus, but I’m also loving this website. So many cute tops and bottoms, so you can have style even when you work out. Yes, I do coordinate my outfit to go to the gym and I always have. What can I say? I was born this way!
I encourage you to, as well. No matter what you’re doing, when you look good, you feel good. And you will feel even better after a great workout!
I think either or both would make great Valentine’s day gifts to yourself, don’t you.
Wishing you a beautiful day filled with the ones you love.
YOUR Style Can be Easy & Effortless, too!
Submitted by catherine on - 3:07 am
AND, working with a Personal Stylist IS accessible and approachable.
Yes, it’s true. I cannot tell a lie. (Seriously, I can’t, I’m a horrible liar.) Virtual Styling Sessions via Skype or Facetime.
Here’s how it is:
I’ve worked with many ongoing clients who don’t live in LA virtually for a few years now and I have a love/hate relationship with the technology. For one, I love being IN your closet and finding your hidden treasures and giving you new ways to wear them. For two, I really really like my clients and I love getting to see them!
However, all of my packages and programs are inspired by my current clients and my potential clients and I’m constantly working to figure out the best way I can serve YOU. 
A conversation with a new client made me realize that all you may need is a bit of style coaching and you’ll be ready to take the reins and run with it. In fact, I do believe that my clients innately do know what’s best for them, they just need affirmation that they’re on the right track and a bit of guidance to make it all easier.
Drumroll, please: Introducing (for a limited time) Virtual Style Sessions!
Take 45 minutes to get clarity on your personal brand of style, what quick and easy adjustments you can make to your style, what pieces you MUST have in your wardrobe and, most importantly, where to find them easily and effortlessly. (Hint: this last piece saves you TIME and MONEY) You also get your own personalized Style File from the session. All for only $95.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, indeed.
Seriously, in just 45 minutes you could completely transform your style. So, if you’re ready to have an effortless style just like First Lady Michelle Obama …
Click here if you’re ready for your Style Session.
How it works:
You’ll get an email confirmation, we’ll schedule the appointment, you’ll fill out a quick survey and we’ll get down to transforming your style in 45 minutes. Then, when we’re all done, I’ll send you your Personal Style File so that you can reference my hints, tips and resources for you. Easy peasy!
PS. For these virtual styling sessions, the offer is good for the first 10 people to step up in style or until 2/21/12, whichever comes first. So, don’t delay if you could use a boost in your style tool belt!
Inspired Style: 2012 Golden Globes
Submitted by catherine on January 19, 2012 - 1:53 am
It’s officially awards season and you know what that means … gorgeous gowns!!
This year, instead of simply oo-ing and aww-ing over the gowns, I wanted to take it one step further for you to help you discover your own personal inner style.
Here is my breakdown of some of the best looks and what they say about your style. You don’t have to pick one favorite. You can have a few. You likely don’t have one facet to your style, but a menagerie of influences. This will help you identify those so you know better when you go shopping and/or style what you’ve already got in your closet. As Oprah so wisely says: “When you know better, you do better.”
So, what was the outcome for you? Write down the list of descriptors you have and see if it resonates with you. Take note of what elements you loved (or hated) about the styles. This gives you insight into colors, fabrics, silhouettes, and feeling you go for with your style. Finally, see if you can come up with STYLE phrase that is uniquely yours. For instance, Quirky Classic, Mexican Resort Eclectic, etc. Then, when you go shopping, keep this phrase in the back of your mind so you only buy pieces you love and feel like you and YOUR style!
If you look at these women in their magnificence, I hope you realize that it took a team to help them get ready for this one event. Experts in each field – hair, makeup, style and even fitness and nutrition. Having all that help makes the whole endeavor a lot less time consuming, a whole lot easier and the experience way more fun. If you’d like your own version of the experience for a fraction of the price, check out U*styled’s TOTAL TRANSFORMATION package and you’ll get your own team of experts making your life and style a whole lot easier and way more fun!
Transform your Style and Transform your Career
Submitted by catherine on November 5, 2011 - 1:45 am
It could be a bold statement to make, but the facts support it. Transform your style and transform your career.
85% of our communication is physical. 
So, you’re communicating before you even open your mouth and share your thoughts. You’re communicating via your body language and your presentation.
The colors you wear, the way your clothes fit, the finishing touches on your style – accessories, hair and makeup – all of that contributes to how you’re perceived by those you meet.
It also contributes to how you feel about yourself.
Wearing dark and dreary colors do nothing to lift your mood when you need it. Ill fitting clothes do nothing for how you feel about your body. Ignoring the finishing touches with your accessories, hair and makeup definitely doesn’t make you feel any prettier.
Not to say this is about being pretty or beautiful.
But it is about feeling fabulous, confident and like you can take on the world! THAT is how your style has the power to transform your career. Because YOU transform.
When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you look good.
It’s definitely a cycle and it’s one I love helping my clients create for themselves.
Most of my clients actually come to me in a pretty good place. They’re simply frustrated and not 100% confident about certain things. They need the finishing touches: how to dress for their body type, what colors bring out their personality, what accessories go with what, what are the missing pieces in their wardrobe, how to mix and match so the options are endless within their wardrobe.
They need clarity around what their own personal brand of style is and like snowflakes, there is no one alike.
It’s empowering to know these things about yourself.
It’s simplifying as well.
You don’t feel the constant need to find pieces to fill a void (that isn’t actually there). You only buy new pieces you LOVE or need.
Your style and wardrobe becomes timeless because it is an extension of who you are and not an homage to the trends of the season.
You know what to wear each morning and, better yet, you know what you WANT to wear each morning.
If you do one thing to make you look as good as you feel, take the time to put on the finishing touches – accessories, hair styling and a bit of makeup.
If you do two things, go through the latest fashion/women’s magazines with the intention of pulling looks and items that excite you and feel like an extension of you. Create your style inspiration board to define and guide your style evolution.
And if you’re feeling ambitious and would like to learn all of the above, I encourage you check out U*styled’s Total Transformation package. We will audit your closet, style your closet and then whisk you away for a bit of shopping for your newly streamlined closet. And that’s just the STYLE portion of the package. As you know, I believe you deserve to live a life in style and this package gives you ALL the tools to do that for yourself.
To YOUR styled life!
Inspired Style: Nancy Shevell’s Wedding Dress
Submitted by catherine on October 14, 2011 - 7:16 pm
Some things just never go out of style. Some things should never come BACK into style.
Style itself, however, is a bit tricky to define. What makes something stylish?
Is style INNATE? An ESSENCE? Or LEARNED?
Ultimately, it’s all of that and more. it’s not the dress, but the woman in the dress. Not what you wear, but how YOU wear it.
THAT is why the simple beauty of Nancy Shevell’s wedding dress, designed by her now stepdaughter, Stella McCartney, is so perfect.
Clean lines, elegant details and a beautiful silhouette highlight her natural beauty and radiance. There are no bells and whistles; no statements. Simply style.
Fitting that the dress was inspired by none other than Style Icon Wallis Simpson’s wedding dress when she became the Duchess of Windsor:
And now I’ve got a treat for you! I met a brilliant designer here in LA whose Maria dress gives you the clean lines, elegant details and beautiful silhouette that allowed Nancy and Wallis to shine. Even better, it comes in colors other than white. And while Nancy’s choice of a shorter hemline was appropriate for a second marriage, this would be great for a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower or even simply every day as well. I can’t get over how beautiful the fabric itself is (I’m one of those people who walks through stores touching everything for the hand feel of the fabric)!
For more info on Garbe Luxe and to order, visit their website and check out their lookbook. I’m obsessed with their silk shirts!
To YOUR Inspired Style!
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