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BY CATHERINE CASSIDY Apple might be one of the more frustrating body types. Especially when you gain weight, as the majority of it hits your waistline. Your body has it’s narrowest point above the natural waist, at the ribs. You also probably have pretty rockin’ legs! A few celebs with Apple bodies:
Their keys to successful style:
The second best for you are wrap tops and dresses. These don’t fit too tight and the way they wrap across your body creates the look of a beautiful waist and perfect curves. Remember: No matter your size, it’s all about balancing proportions to create the look of that perfect hourglass ideal shape (which, by the way, only about 2% of women have the luxury of flaunting). Add a belt
Lengthen the Torso
Wear tops that fit your figure – skimming the body. Definitely not tight, but not too loose either. Ideally, this includes a v-neck as well as a bit of tailoring to keep a shape and structure. This tunic from Joie is an excellent example. Dark on Top A-line Dresses & Skirts
Goes back to three things I’ve highlighted – skimming your top half, empire waists, and accentuating your great legs. Need I say more? Skinny Pants |
Tags: Apple Body Type, Brand Image, Dress for Success, Dressing your Body Type, Personal Style, Personal Stylist Los Angeles, Successful Women, Wardrobe Consulting
| BY CATHERINE CASSIDY
Last week I introduced the various body types and offered some quick tips to get you started dressing your best for your body type. This week starts the series of going into more depth for each body type. PEAR is the most appropriate to start with as it’s the most common body type for women. Your body is fuller at the hips and rear, and smaller on top with a defined waist. A couple of celebs FAMOUS for their PEAR shaped curves …   Some keys to their success: Dressing in Proportions (Notice how Beyonce has a shoulder detail on her dress, this is how she adds weight to the top and effectively creates an hourglass shape.) Think pencil skirt with a feminine blouse on top that nips in at the waist – either by being tucked in, by adding a belt or having waist of its own. Wearing Darker Colors on Bottom Bonus tip: NOT that you want to eliminate your curves, but you might want to control them a bit! So, try this amazing underwear from Sarah Blakely of SPANXfame: ASSETS. Perfect for streamlining your shape under a dress or skirt that’s showing off your curves!
Go A-Line Try Pants of ALL Kinds!
Add a Wide Belt
 Put a wide belt (as opposed to a skinny belt) over a shift dress and/or cardigan or jacket to add a little bit of bulk to your top half while playing up your curves. This is an incredibly feminine and sophisticated look! And you’re off! I challenge you today to look into your closet to find some of these items and put them together for yourself. AND WORK IT! Own your curves! If you want to attract wealth, success, love, happiness, etc. into your life … you have to walk the walk as well as talk the talk! In other words, you’ve got to LOOK the part of wealth, success, love and happiness!! To your STYLED life! |
Tags: Brand Image, Business branding, Dressing for your Body Type, Fashion, Pear Body Type. Pear Body Shape, Personal Style, Personal Styling Los Angeles, personal stylist, Style
A Guide to Loving the One You’re WITH!
This fabulous picture to the right is my best friend and I in
our high school lacrosse uniforms (yes, as much as I love clothes, I do love sports as well!). This is relevant because I still distinctly remember the first time I tried on my kilt and how I felt.
I literally cried.
I was SO upset because it made my butt look big.
Now, to put this into context, I was wearing a size 4-6 at that time of my life (at 5′6″), which is by no means anything to be upset about!
So, really I had nothing to be upset about. I was healthy and fit and had a great shape. Yet, all I could focus on was my butt and how it looked in the kilt.
Fast forward to more than 10 years later and I’m just now loving my body and my shape. Seriously, it’s really just in the last year that I’ve stopped obsessing over my weight, what I ate for the day and getting in a workout.
It probably didn’t help working in the corporate world of Fashion where I pretty much ignored some of the trends (try stuffing my curves into skinny jeans? ha!).
Though, it was ignoring those trends and re-working them to fit my style and my body type that ultimately led me to an acceptance of my curves.
This is a quick guide to help you identify your body type with a few overarching tips for dressing your best. Each week, I will go into further detail for each body type with examples and new ideas.
In no time, you’ll be dressing your absolute best!
Pear
Your body is fuller at the hips and rear, and smaller on top.Wear darker colors on bottom and draw attention to your slimmer top half. Try dresses with fitted open-neck or strapless tops enhance your upper body and draw the eye up, while full or A-line skirts help hide wider hips.
Apple
Your body has it’s narrowest point above the natural waist, at the ribs.Bring the focus up to your collarbone and rib cage by adding neck details. Take advantage of the fuller blouse trend to draw the eye up, taking attention away from the middle and allowing a looser fit. Full skirts and A-line styles create an hourglass illusion.
Straight
Your body has little definition between bust, waist and hip measurements.Create curves by adding a belt over a sweater or flowing top. Fitted sheath dresses play up your lines, while babydolls and A-line styles will also help create some curves. Look for jackets, sweaters and dresses that have details that create curves and interest.
Hourglass
Your body is curvaceous, with full bust, defined waist and full hips.Work the curves in clothes that fit. An advantage to this shape is that no matter your size, hourglass can work it! Wear those belts and fitted tops. Choose clothes that skim your curves rather than hug them too tight. Wraps, knits and dresses with fitted waists enhance your classically feminie form. Look for adjustible-waist styles for the best fi
Full Bust
Your bust measurement is fuller than hips and rear.Do not add bulk to try and hide it! And definitely do not wear anything high-necked. That just accentuates your bust. U-necks, V-necks and halters draw the eye dowward for a slimming effect. A-line styles, full skirts and details at the hem help balance out the bottom half.
Tags: Body Image, Body Type, Confidence, Fashion, Personal Brand, Personal Shopping, Personal Style, Personal Stylist Los Angeles, Self Esteem, Self Love, Style
Building a Wardrobe You Love
1) Asses the Situation
Go into your closet and think about what you love about it and what you never really feel comfortable in. Are there colors that you gravitate towards? Designers? Items you wear ALL the time? Others you NEVER wear?
Start mixing and matching and trying to put things together in fresh and new ways. No, I mean really new. Don’t be afraid to create new color combos, mix prints or fabrics, or play with shapes.
Are there any trends that you’ve been seeing in the magazines? Try to look at your pieces in new ways. Could you possibly create the boyfriend blazer look with an age-appropriate black cardigan? Alter an old blouse that’s now too big to create something more tailored?
While assessing your situation, consider your job and lifestyle as well as the image you want to project.
Now that you know what you have, consider what you really want from your wardrobe …
2) Look for Inspiration
Look back to old movies and movies stars for style guidance and inspiration for looks that last. Remember, fashion is cyclical. This is not the first time we’ve seen skinny jeans and mini-skirts!
Again, what works for you? How can you interpret for yourself? What is the image you want to project?
Also, look to current public figures for style guidance for what’s more current.
Start to look through fashion magazines with the intention of defining your style. You’d be surprised at how certain looks and colors speak to you. Start tearing these out to refer back to. And why not create a vision board? Or, add a style section to your current board. Style is as much a part of yourself and your vision for yourself as is your career aspirations. In fact, they tend to go hand in hand.
3) Invest in Classics
There are certain wardrobe basics that simply won’t go out of style and are worth investing in. If you can find these on sale (it does happen!), even better.
For instance, that LBD (or it could be your signature color version of an LBD) that looks amazing on you will always be appropriate. Or a great black suit. Definitely those perfect black slacks and a crisp white blouse. Oh, and amazing costume jewelry. If it’s inherited from a stylish relative, even better!
Once more, consider your lifestyle and needs. What are your Classics?
4) Update, but know when to Spend
Again, keeping it appropriate to your lifestyle but I’ve found that buying a few new pieces a season gets you reinvigorated to play with your style. Especially if you can find 5 new ways to wear it!
Also, there are some things that never go on sale and some that will always. It helps to have the help of an expert (whether a stylist or a salesperson) who can guide you.
My rule of thumb is that most contemporary (like BCBG, Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk, etc.) or chain brand items (Banana, Gap, J Crew) will go on sale, while higher end designers (price point of $600 and above) won’t. This is basically due to units produced. Higher end designers usually have much more limited production runs and their items tend to be more unique, so there isn’t a need for them to go on sale. It’s luck of the draw for these items to go on sale, but it does happen … you just have to be savvy!
5) Forget about SIZE
Seriously. It pretty much means nothing. If you buy designer you’re probably going to go up at least a size, if not two. If you buy American or Chain, you’ll probably go down a size. It’s all a mental play and I don’t want you to buy into it.
What you DO need to buy into is what looks AMAZING on you.
Seriously, I was just helping someone who was wearing a size 12, yet everyone who saw her trying on the dress was just taken aback by how stunning she looked.
Why?
Because she was rocking the body she had in a size that fit her well.
Enough said.
6) PLAY with Clothes!
Again, just make it fun. Fashion shouldn’t be so serious.
The only thing serious about it is the power that great style has to transform our inner confidence.
So, don’t be afraid to try new things. Take risks! Some may work, some might not. Either way, you’re getting closer to your TRUE style and having fun.
And please be sure to inject color. It’s such an easy mood enhancer. If you’re feeling down or tired in the morning, you need a bit of green, purple, red, or pink in your life for the day. Please! Add color! Have fun! Play!
Tags: Closet Cleaning, closet makeover, Fashion Tips. Fashion, Personal Styling, personal stylist, Secrets of Six Figure Women, Sex and the City, Style, Style Makeover, Successful Women
BY CATHERINE CASSIDY
As a personal stylist, I think it’s pretty ironic that I act
ually don’t really like shopping. What gets me through it is that I LOVE Fashion and making women look stunning.
And what really helps get me through it is streamlining the process so I can get it done as quickly and effectively as possible.
I’m giving away some great tools, so pay close attention!
Know your Stores
Have you ever noticed how the same stores can seem completely different? Meaning, you go into one Zara but it’s totally different than the Zara the town over you visited yesterday.
Allow me to explain. If a company is working intelligently, they don’t stock their store in Des Moines, Iowa the same as they do in Los Angeles, California. Even more, they generally don’t even stock two stores in the same city alike.
Basically, in order to maximize sales, store such as Nordstrom, BCBG, the Gap, etc. stock their stores according to the clientele and demographics of the area.
So, how can you know if you’ll be visiting the best store for your needs?
Feel free to call ahead and ask a few questions of the sales people:
( Bigger Budget = Higher Price Point Merch = Better Assortment)
(Meaning, A/B/C/D – companies label their stores and allocate assortment accordingly. Just as grades in school, these go from best to worst)
Plan your Route
Even if you’re going out of your way to find the best store, you should plan out your route.
Generally, I like to go to the furthest spot first and work my way back, but I’m also dealing with LA traffic. If that’s not a problem for you, you could always do the opposite.
Also, consider when traffic has it’s peaks and valleys. Here in LA, traffic starts to get worse by 2 pm on a weekday, so I try to get most of it in between 10 – 2. If you plan out your route and exactly the stores to hit this is perfectly possible. No dilly dallying! Don’t just wander in to ‘check it out.’ That’s only allowed if something specifically compels you and even then, check it out and get out!
That said, be very specific about the stores you want to get to. If something else catches your eye, make a mental note (or save it to your phone) and put it on your route for next time.
You also won’t buy things that you’ll never wear!
If you’re buying gifts or something for someone else, come prepared with some ideas – even if it’s a mental list. If it’s for someone else, don’t stress over finding the perfect gift. Simply start considering their personality and the things they like and I trust that some good ideas will come through for you.
As soon as you enter the store, take a look around and see if anything catches your eye. Maybe it’s a styled mannequin, a print, or a color. Whatever it is, use that item as a jumping off point for quickly walking through the store.
Personally, I’m a stickler for quality, so you’ll see me touching all the fabrics to see if I really like it. You’ll also see me picking up the item and quickly assessing whether or not I like it (considering print, color, stitching/quality, and cut). Really, don’t waste time hemming and hawing. Either you like it or you don’t!
Ask for Help!
If it makes you feel any better, I even ask for help from salespeople when I’m shopping for a client for exactly that reason – they can lead me to what I want quickly!
If you really want to kick it up a notch, then hiring a professional to tackle all of this for you (or teach you how to) is what you should aim for in the New Year. A great professional will teach you all the tricks and tools along the way so eventually you could do it on your own if you needed to (teach a man to fish approach!). She will also give you spot on and honest advice to make sure you’re not only maximizing your time and style, but also your money.
Happy Shopping! (Seriously!)
Tags: Holiday Shopping, Holidays, Mall, Maximizing Time, Money, Personal Shopping, personal stylist, shopping, Smart Shopping
BY CATHERINE CASSIDY
We’re here to help at U*styled and make the overall shopping
process fun and easy. Seriously, it’s possible!
Give the Gift of Style
Yes, you’ve heard it before (I wonder where? 
), but style and image are even more important now as more people are vying for fewer jobs. Help your loved one stand out from the crowd. First Impressions are everything!
Why not go in on U*styled’s Holiday Package? 2 hours to focus on career style plus a makeup application to complete the look.
Give the Gift of Love
Surprise your honey with with a special valentines package. Because really, there isn’t only one day to celebrate how much you love each other … and you won’t have to deal with the mad rush to restaurants.
On Valentines Day, 2010, Stella Cheung of Yoga Gals is premiering her creation of Yoga-atsu, a new method of combining yoga & shiatsu massage for couples. This is truly innovative. Learn more at http://yoga-atsu.com/
IF YOU SIGN UP BEFORE JANUARY 10, YOU GET 10% OFF.
One of my faves is LA’s BEST which creates after school programs for kids in public schools throughout Los Angeles. After school programs are so important to keep kids out of trouble and inspired to keep learning.
To support a kid in LA’s BEST, it takes:
· $7.50 / day
· $37.50 / week
· $150.00 / month
· $1,470.00 / year
Give yourself the Gift of Saving $
… while giving a Fabulous Present!
Check out the Resource Guide I shared a couple weeks back for great sites and sales to check out for great gifts at reasonable prices.
Give the Gift of Harmony
It’s always fun to find a new artist you like and I highly recommend my friend Wendy’s music. She has a beautiful voice and a great soul. Her music is so profound and I can say from experience that you won’t mind having it on repeat!
Give the Gift of Accessorizing
The easiest way to add style to an outfit … even if it’s just a tee and jeans (have I mentioned this before?). Some of my faves? Colorful scarves, costume rings, cool bangles and bracelets and jewelry that means something.
Scarves – Check out Madewell’s gift guide. They have this great plaid scarf that I love for picking up on the plaid shirt trend without the plaid shirt (that trend is definitely not for everyone)
Costume Rings – Kenneth Jay Lane has some of the best rings at reasonable prices. You can find it at Nordstrom, Saks, Intermix, etc. My brothers gave me one last year that I love and will never go out of style!
Cool Bangles – A cool bracelet can instantly add some edge or glamour to an outfit. Again, some of my favorite accessory retailers (where you can find a bargain) are Nordstrom, Saks and Intermix. Take advantage of the fact that they’re looking to move some inventory!
Jewelry with Meaning – I love Dogeared for two reasons. One, it’s that perfect simple necklace that sits delicately on your collarbone. Two, each one has a different meaning. So, the gift is doubly thoughtful!
Tags: Dogeared, Gift Guide, Gifts, Holiday, Holiday Package, Kenneth Jay Lane, LA's BEST, Love, Personal Shopping, Personal Style, Saving Money
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BY CATHERINE CASSIDY
It’s the time of year where we all have a party of some sort to attend practically every other night (or so it seems). This makes the all important question ‘what do I wear?’ even more pressing (and possibly frustrating). To ease the pain, these tips should guide you through the trends while maximizing what you already have in your closet. The Trends:
Interpreting Them for YOU You can play it up or tone it down, depending on your preferences, style and the occasion. A sparkly top can make an otherwise basic blazer or cardigan pop a little bit which is perfect for the office holiday party. Even the sequin blazers in a dark, neutral color adds just a bit of pizzazz that you can either style with a classic touch or play it trendy by pairing it with a party skirt. And before you go out to buy a new piece of fur (or faux), dig around your closet (or your mom’s or grandma’s) because I’m sure there is some fur you can borrow. Fur for the holidays is about adding a bit of glam. And, of course, if you’re not in southern California, it’s meant to be functional as well! If you don’t have this in your closet, there are plenty of inexpensive options such as H&M and Topshop that will allow you to buy into the trend. Since this is a showstopper piece, it’s important that the rest of your outfit is relatively understated and complimentary. Keep it pretty much tonal, but definitely add some cool accessories. If you are looking for something classic, then there are some great jacket options that will carry you through future seasons as well. Look for a color that compliments your skin tone (or the always flattering leopard) and a fit that doesn’t hide your shape. Again, you would keep the rest of your outfit pretty basic. Another easy way to play with this trend (and hit another ongoing trend) is with an embellished headband. Always an fun way to play with your hair, this also adds another element to your outfit. Headbands aren’t just about getting your hair out of your face any more, they’re just as much another accessory as your purse is! Lace
What I love about the lace trend is that it’s really accessible for any age. And it’s so subtly sexy! (Another preference of mine – never overt, always subtly sexy!) Party Skirts And you can incorporate some tights into the look (why not in a bright color?) to downplay a short skirt and make it subtly sexy (there it is again!). Check your closet for something from a previous year that you can re-purpose for your new party skirt. Otherwise, this is a trend I would suggest you buy into because you can always find a use for a great party skirt! Bright Colors
If you’re still nervous about adding color or playing with color combos, I suggest dipping your toes into the idea by adding coor through accessories. Shoes, clutches, necklaces, earrings, etc. make for great ways to add color and play. Oh! An outfit idea! How about that LBD you have in your closet? What if we add a bright cardigan and nip that in with a shiny belt at the waist to be sure we maintain the structure and shape of the dress? It’s SO important to be true to your curves and not hide them! And now we’ve hit on a few trends with one outfit you already had in your closet! A Fashion Success! My final suggestion to you with your holiday style: take some time to play in your closet. Have fun trying new things! Take pictures and plan ahead. One less thing to worry about this holiday season! |
And, we’ve been seeing it for two years now. The tones have changed a bit over the season, but for the most part it’s been variations on the jewel tones that first entered stores in Fall of ‘08. So, you should definitely have some color in your wardrobe you can incorporate into your party outfits!
Tags: entertaining, Fashion Trends, Holiday Fashion, Holiday Party, Holiday Style, Holidays, Personal Style, personal stylist, Style, Trends
BY CATHERINE CASSIDY
 With the holidays around the corner and the current state of the economy, I’d say it’s safe to assume that we’d all like to save a little money where we can with our holiday shopping.I use these resources I’m about to share for any day, but now at least you have the opportunity to give while you receive the savings.
What is so great about these resources is that they allow me toshop the designers I love at the price point I want. In your wardrobe I believe in quality over quantity. I would rather have an item last than be proud of myself for spending only $10. Of course, if I can have the best of both worlds, I’m a really happy camper! The following online resources allow me to have the best of both worlds and I love them for it: Gilt Groupe Invite only, and here’s mine to you: Gilt also has Gilt Fuse, which is contemporary Fashion, as well as Jetsetter which offers amazing deals on luxury vacations. What’s not to love?! Hautelook Also invite only, but I’ve got one for you: Rue La La My invite for you: These are all considered online sample sale sites, but with many designers and consumer products brands having overproduced with decreasing consumer demand, the consumers (you) now benefit from significant savings of production quality products. It’s also a great way to see what’s out there, learn about new designers and get inspired! I know that ordering online can feel intimidating, but these sites have great fit guides. So, as long as you know your measurements you can be sure to order the appropriate size. Now, for your further Holiday Shopping enjoyment, these major retailers are offering huge sales. Take advantage! There is some amazing Fashion to be found for a steal! Saks Fifth Avenue - up to 40-50% off and offering free shipping! Neiman Marcus – also offering up to 40-50% off and free shipping! Barney’s Co-op – Sale started yesterday with savings up to 40% in store. Also, great deals online! Check out the Vince and 3.1 Philip Lim. Revolve Clothing – One of my favorite resources has great up-and-coming designers and you can find amazing deals. Something for everyone! And check out Forward for the higher-end lines! Happy Shopping! |
Tags: Fashion, Gift Guide, Holiday Shopping, Los Angeles, personal shopper, Personal Style, personal stylist, Saving Money, shopping, Smart Shopping
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BY CATHERINE CASSIDY
This is a great passion of mine. I left the crazy busy world of corporate Fashion because of my need to really make a difference and affect the lives of women. It really goes back to my time working at Nordstrom while in college. It felt really great being able to help a woman who was not at all looking forward to shopping for an outfit for an event, yet by the end of our time together she was actually pretty excited to go show off her new look. This was the beginning of my experience with empowering women to feel amazing about themselves. Of course, I had no idea at the time that’s what I was doing. Have you felt the movement in this past year of Women Empowering Women? It’s been brewing for a while, but we’re seeing it come to the forefront now. What I love is the beautiful transformation it’s allowing for women. First we were the happy homemakers, then we were so focused on our career and now we’re moving into the era where we’re balancing both … always working on doing it with grace and ease. The beauty of it is that we can have it all. Even more beautiful, is that we’re realizing that we’re not doing it on our own. We can’t. This is how women are empowering women. We are stepping into our true feminine power. And we’re doing it with the support of a community of women behind us. I know I am. And I know I couldn’t do it any other way. If you’re looking for more inspiration to this, I encourage you to revisit my posting of the keynote speech at the USC Women’s Conference by Gayle Garner Roski. Even more, this is a global movement. Women in the states are working SO hard to empower and enrich the lives of women in developing countries. Fair trade is a huge part of it. You may remember the interview I shared with Erika Mosebach of Global Daughter. I am so passionate about supporting her business because Global Daughter is giving women in Nepal an opportunity to support themselves and their families. All it takes to support these women is purchasing their fair trade items. It’s beautiful simplicity. The final piece of women empowering women is YOU. We are so lucky to be naturally supportive of each other. What woman doesn’t give SO much of herself for others. However, we’re also realizing that it’s OK to do things just for ourselves. Wow. I think that’s huge. So I put two challenges to you for this week: 2) What are you going to do for yourself? To empower yourself? What will make you feel absolutely fantastic about yourself? |
Tags: Dress for Success, Empowered Woman, Fair Trade, Friendship, Lifestyle, Nepal, Personal Style, Powerful Women, Successful Women, Women supporting Women
So, a client recently asked me this question and while I was pretty surprised, I also completely understood. Surprised because we live in LA, the land of eternal youth. If anything, everyone always wants to look younger! I understood because when you’re younger and working towards professional success, you don’t want people to dismiss you or not take you seriously simply because of your age.
Now, on the flip side, I’ve had clients who were relatively young (early 30’s) who really needed to start dressing their age. They were dressing too young to be taken seriously professionally and/or personally.
So, as with everything, it becomes a delicate balancing act.
The question becomes this: How do you blend your personal style with your career image and aspirations?
A key tenant of mine comes into play: know your audience and your purpose, while staying true to your personality and style.
So, in a professional setting that means still being conservative, respectful and well dressed in great fitting clothes, but you have to be sure to inject a bit of personality to your look. That can come from the color of your suit jacket, a bold accessory, your favorite purse, a pretty scarf, gorgeous earrings, etc.
If you are true to your audience as well as yourself with your style, then you will be sure to have the confidence to go forward professionally with great confidence. Confidence is the key factor for winning anyone’s trust and ultimately business success.
The key takeaway? Your image is your brand. YOUR brand.
Tags: Brand Image, Branding, Business branding, Dressing Older, Fashion, Personal Style, Professional Style, Styling Tips