Gay Hendricks book The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level walks you through the hidden barriers you have towards reaching your greatest success and potential.
If that quick summary doesn’t have you wanting to read more, well, I don’t know what to tell you!! What he basically tells us is that we have a hard time maintaining our happiness and success. For varying reasons, we achieve a certain level of success in an area of our lives and then our subconscious freaks out that it can’t be possible to be that happy or successful, etc. so it creates a problem that brings you back to where you started. Kind of annoying, huh? Well, if you equip yourself with the tools, you can start chipping away your Upper Limit Problem (ULP). It dawned on me that this equates very directly to women’s style and inner confidence. It’s also exactly why U*styled exists – to give you the tools to reach your greatest potential in Style, in Career, in Love and in Life. Everything you want to achieve starts with you. So, how are you holding yourself back? This is something I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting upon myself. It never fails that the only reason I haven’t achieved something I’ve wanted is because I’ve gotten in my own way. Again, that’s in Style, in Career, in Love and in Life. What I’ve noticed is that women settle for good more often than going for GREAT. This is the ULP at work in your life. What is holding you back from going for GREAT? Are you settling for the status quo? Please, tell me, I’d really love to know why you don’t think you deserve a great life in style. Time and again I observe the potential in every woman to really be GREAT. And I’ve seen the transformation time and again as I take someone through the Style process.  "A closet full of diapers and nothing to wear!" - It starts at an early age!! Instead of constantly being frustrated at her ‘closet full of clothes and nothing to wear,’ she sees the opportunities to play with new outfit options. Instead of spending 5 hours shopping for the perfect outfit for ONE occasion, she spends 5 hours shopping her closet for endless outfit options for every occasion. Instead of looking at that stunningly dressed woman and lamenting to herself ‘wow, I wish I could dress like that,’ she goes up and compliments her on her amazing shoes and said woman compliments her back on her gorgeous necklace. Are you ready to be the one people notice because of your style? What I love most about the results I’ve seen, is that breaking through a barrier in the Style area of your life often leads to breaking through barriers in other areas – yes, Love, Career and Life. Are you ready to break through your ULPs? Yesss! To your Life in STYLE! |
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Tags: Big Leap, Confidence, Fashion, Personal Style, Style
Do you wake up every morning and get completely distraught over the process of getting dressed? It doesn’t have to be this way! How to move out of that feeling and into having FUN with Fashion and getting dressed in the morning:
Tags: Fashion, Personal Style, Shop your closet
| BY: CATHERINE CASSIDY
You know who you are. You have to be mindful of what you choose so as to not be too revealing.
A few full-busted celebs:
   Their keys to successful style: Do not add bulk NO high-necked tops V-necks, U-necks and halters are best for you. We already know from previous articles that v-necks are universally flattering for slimming. Anything to accentuate that collarbone! Just be sure that you’re not going too deep for that V-neck. I actually really like a halter because it’s incredibly flattering without being too revealing. The way a halter cuts in at the shoulders is very slimming and subtly sexy! Balance Your Proportions Wear something streamlined that fits well on top with a tailored waist and balance your proportions on bottom with A-line styles, full skirts and details at the hem. Additionally, boot cut or full-legged trousers are great pant options for you. |
Tags: Dressing a Full Bust, Fashion, Kim Kardashian, Personal Style, Salma Hayek, style tips
Women want to be you and men want to be with you. Aren’t you lucky! You’re part of the 8% of women who actually have an hourglass body type. The rest of us are simply trying to create the illusion.
Your body is curvaceous with a full bust, defined waist and full hips. You gain weight very evenly, so you always maintain your shape.A few famous Hourglass celebs:
No empires! They hide your shape. You should look for wrap
dresses and tailored jackets. Jackets should hit at the waist or just below the bottom for the correct proportions. Otherwise, you cut off your fab figure and you want to elongate it! The same goes for sweaters – cardigans or pullovers should hit at the waist or just below the bottom. Check out where Jessica Biel’s gorgeous jacket hits (and subtly shows off her fab figure!). PS. I want her hair!
Once more, I’ll also encourage a belt. Though, for the hourglass figure, a slim belt at the waist is more flattering than a wide one. This is because you’re not trying to create a waist, you already have one!
Skirts to the knee
To avoid cutting yourself off, skirts and dresses should hit at least mid thigh. Anything else shortens your proportions and you’ll look stocky instead of curvy. No!
A skirt to the knee, a la Halle’s, perfectly accentuates your curvaceous body.
Streamline your look
When possible, avoid breaking up your figure by wearing dresses or monotone outfits. Otherwise, you have to create the streamlined look such as adding a belt at the waist to tie the top and bottom pieces of your outfit together.
A wide leg easily balances out your straight frame to give you those elusive curves. With this volume you on bottom, you want a fitted top (possibly tucked in and with a belt!) or jacket.
V-necks
Show off your bountiful bust (subtly, of course) with a v-neck. They also elongate your look to make you look nice and slim and draws attention to your perfectly proportioned curves. Avoid turtlenecks as they close you off and make you look heavier than you are because of your 
bust.
Another advantage to v-necks is that they highlight the collarbone, one of the most attractive feminine attributes. And everyone’s collarbone looks great, so it’s easy to show off and make yourself feel slim and sexy!
Flaunt your Assets
Wear clothes that fit! It sounds simple, but some women are afraid of their curves and the attention they bring. This is when you wear a tailored jacket or a shift dress that skims your body, while still showing off your curves … just not totally flaunting them. Now, when you really want to work it, something like this gorgeous LBD Kate Winslet is wearing is perfect for you. Just smile and say ‘thank you’ to every compliment you get!
Tags: Celebrity Style, Dressing for your Body Type, Fashion, Fashion Expert, Hourglass Body Type, Personal Style, personal stylist, Personal Stylist Los Angeles, Style
| 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
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
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
I’m often asked ‘what is the process of working with you as a personal stylist?’ Many women I meet haven’t ever thought working with a stylist was within the realm of possibility, so I’m really happy to make it approachable and fun!
Another SHOULD ask question: How can you SAVE me money? Many women feel that stylists will just take you out shopping for new clothes. Of course, this is part of the process, but I don’t believe it’s the only way to work with a stylist. The point of working with a stylist is your PERSONAL style … which always starts with what you already have.
How I can SAVE you money:
Tags: clothes, Fashion, Lifestyle, personal shopper, Personal Shopping, Personal Style, personal stylist, Saving Money, shopping, Style, working with a stylist
However, I have one issue with the show’s approach to style for it’s guests: they’re a little harsh on the closet cleansing process and sometimes don’t accommodate the guests preferences very well.
I personally think that they throw away a lot of items with great potential. I know it’s partly for dramatic effect, but it’s SO much more fun to get creative with what you already have BEFORE supplementing with new items. You’d really be surprised at how much you really DO have in your closet!
What’s more, my style advice is never about the trends. Trends should be a source of inspiration, not your personal style file. Trends are a way to make us feel like we need to be out shopping the trends to update our look. It’s to keep the fashion industry alive, not to make sure we all look fabulous all the time.
For instance, a slew of starlets have been spotted in short shorts with their pockets peeping out. It’s not cute, it’s disheveled (though I know disheveled is the look they’re going for, but WHY??).
Or, how about these tye-dye looks? Aside for the look on the far right which is nicely toned down, they’re too much. For a rockstar or a performance, OK; on the street, not so OK.
Anyway, trends are cyclical. What’s in style now is really a reinterpretation of what was in style 20 years ago.
Basically, what it comes down to is that you need to wear what feels good for YOU. You can take elements of the trends, but interpret it for yourself and your lifestyle needs.
SHINE
There are so many options for buying into this trend and so many of them are actually pretty very reasonably priced. I also love how it’s so easy to use these pieces to be all out glitzy for a night out or played down for just a bit of playfulness when layered with a wardrobe basic.
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- H & M Sparkle Dress
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- David Meister loves a woman’s body!
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- Banana Republic offers great shapes and colors at reasonable prices.
Now it’s time to get excited for Fall Fashion! Stay tuned for more updates on the trends and interpreting them for yourself.
Tags: Fall, Fall Trends, Fashion, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Personal Shopping, Personal Style, Personal Styling, Trends, What Not to Wear