Personal Shopping

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Dressing for your Body Type

February 9, 2010 in Articles by catherine | No comments

A Guide to Loving the One You’re WITH!

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

This fabulous picture to the right is my best friend and I inHS Lacrosse 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.

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Stop Wasting Time at the Mall!

December 23, 2009 in Articles by catherine | No comments

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

As a personal stylist, I think it’s pretty ironic that I actMall o Americaually 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.

TIP: No two stores, even of the same brand, are created alike.

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:

1) How big is your store? Square feet?
(Bigger store = More Merch = Higher Success Rate)

2) Who is your clientele?
( Bigger Budget = Higher Price Point Merch = Better Assortment)
3) Do you know what status your store is?
(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.

Have a List
Know exactly what you need and you won’t get sidetracked.

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.

Scan the Room
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!
Hand in hand with having a list, don’t be afraid to ask for help! The salespeople are comfortable with the layout of the store and intimately know the merchandise. Do you think that can save you some time? Not to mention some headache?

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!)

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U*Styled’s Holiday Gift Guide

December 18, 2009 in Articles by catherine | No comments

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

We’re here to help at U*styled and make the overall shopping
process fun and easy. Seriously, it’s possible!
Red Gift

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.

Give the Gift of Giving Back
Why not double your do-gooding this holiday season? Give a meaningful gift while also helping a great cause. Even better, you don’t have to specify how much you donated, just that the donation was made in their name. Many people would love to donate, but it can be convoluted to weed through the many options. Get them started!

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!

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FAQ: What is your Experience?

November 6, 2009 in Fun Tips by catherine | 1 comment

Even though I’m definitely not the first personal stylist offering her services one on one to women, for most women I meet it’s definitely a new concept. So, the conversation naturally progresses to how I got into personal styling. For me, though, the WHY is so much more important than the HOW. Still, when hiring an expert, you should know why they’re considered an expert.

Now, I also want to share with you a question that you should consider asking when hiring a personal stylist. I know I’m a bit unique in my belief in starting with what you already have in your closet. Many (though, definitely not all!) stylists prefer to just take you shopping to style you in new clothes. I personally LOVE making something old feel all new and shiny again …

Now you should feel equipped with the knowledge to hire a great personal stylist who can get YOUR style.

Are you ready to live your life in STYLE?

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Frequently Asked Question: What is the Process?

October 23, 2009 in Articles by catherine | 1 comment

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:

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Build me up, Buttercup!

October 8, 2009 in Articles by catherine | No comments

buttercupWhat’s a better confidence boost than knowing you look amazing?

Here are some quick tips to ensure you always look and feel GREAT!

1) Know your Purpose
What are you dressing for? A date? A professional event? The office? Errands? What you’re dressing for will determine how dressed up or dressed down you can be while still dressing comfortably and well. If you’re ever unsure, err on the side of dressed up. You shouldn’t feel out of place being more dressed up – in fact, it should make you feel even more amazing. Even when dressing down (jeans and a tee), I encourage clients to add some oomph and dress the outfit up a bit with some easy accessories. You maintain your comfort level, but you look that much more pulled together. What’s a better confidence boost than being the best dressed person in the room? Exactly!

2) Consider your Audience
First impressions are everything! So if you’re going to a networking event or even the grocery store, you should always be dressed to impress (again, whether dressed up or down) because you never know who you’re going to meet or when. Of course, you don’t need to wear your best dress to the grocery store, but you also don’t need to wear your ratty old sweats either!

Even in a corporate setting, your presentation is important. Reallyputting effort into your wardrobe and presence tells your boss that you take your job seriously and are looking to get to the next level. You are a representation of the company, and it wants to be perceived as the best. Prove you do too!

3) Play with Color!
A really easy way to stand out is simply by wearing color. A lot of people keep it simple with neutrals and black and white because they’re easy, but it definitely doesn’t make them stand out in any way. Even if you do prefer black and white for it’s easy sophistication, add interest with a jolt of color. Try it – you’d be surprised how a bit of red can make you feel a bit more sassy and add some spring to your step! Consider your best colors and make an effort to work them into your outfits more consistently. This can be through prints, purses, belts, jewelry, etc. Just be sure to add color! And, as you get more confident with color, start playing with new, fun color combinations.

4) Build that Perfect Outfit
You may not think so, but you really do have the tools to build that perfect outfit within your wardrobe. All it takes is starting with a base and building. Create a solid foundation and you’re sure to find success (just like a business, relationship, and building!). So, start with a favorite piece and add the elements to the outfit. Maybe it’s your best denim, your favorite red shoes, a great belt or that favorite top. Starting with a favorite piece exponentially increases the chance that you’re going to feel amazing in the outfit and naturally exude complete confidence. From that base, start adding creatively to the outfit always taking into consideration balancing proportions, adding color and playing with accessories. Whenever I work with a client, this is one of the key things I teach so that they can fully maximize their wardrobe even when I’m not there.

5) Have Fun!
I got into this business because it’s fun. I like to refer to my job as ‘playing with clothes.’ I want you to feel the same way too when you’re getting ready in the morning. What a way to start the day off right! Just play! Fashion is such a great opportunity for creative release for women, even if you’re in an otherwise left-brained job. Don’t take it too seriously, just have fun with it! If you keep this playful mindset when it comes to clothes, you’ll always feel more confident with the creativity you have in building your outfits. And just wait for the compliments to start pouring in!

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What Not to Wear: Interpreting the Trends for YOU!

August 29, 2009 in Articles by lifestyled7 | No comments

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

You probably love the show “What Not to Wear” and it’s so obvious why: through the fashion follies of others you get to learn how to dress better and interpret the trends for yourself.

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.

SJP Dior


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.

A few current trends that do have staying power in your wardrobe:


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.

For instance, I really love this H&M option for it’s price and it’s easy wearability. Why not add a blazer over it or even a cardigan with a belt at the waist? While you might want bare legs with some cool heels for evening, the shape of this is perfect when paired with slim jeans (and the blazer!).

Otherwise, this cami from Jcrew can easily go from day to night. Why not even throw a loose fitting, sheer tee over it?

STRUCTURED & SHIFT DRESSES

Thank you, Mad Men, for bringing back the shift dress in full force. Structure in tailoring and fit is big for fall, and a shift dress is the most versatile way to buy into this style. Not only are shift dresses feminine and flattering, yet professional, they are also so easily styled into multiple outfits. Add a blazer, a sweater, a belt or all of the above and you instantly have 5 looks from 1 dress!

DRAPING

Again, feminine and flattering! Draping looks so sophisticated and styled while it can also gracefully hide any part of your figure you’re not as comfortable with. The ruching of this Cynthia Steffe top hides a tummy (so indulge in that decadent meal with your date!).  Plus, it can be worn to the office or out because it’s both conservative and playful.


Now it’s time to get excited for Fall Fashion! Stay tuned for more updates on the trends and interpreting them for yourself.

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Announcing Mini Makeovers!

July 17, 2009 in Announcements by lifestyled7 | No comments

Celebrate how fabulous you are!

2 hours of my dedicated attention to one specific element of your wardrobe where you need help.

Your Image is your BRAND.

What do you need the most help with? What would make you feel even more confident about yourself and your value?
Two hours could focus on:
Closet Cleansing
Purge what isn’t YOU anymore
Professional Image
Project the sophisticated and feminine business woman you are (and attract the best clients for you/get that promotion you deserve)
Dating Image
Project the sexy, smart and confident woman your are (and attract the right guy to you)
Special Event
Work from your existing wardrobe to create stunning outfits for your upcoming special events
Personal Shopping
When you know what you need in your wardrobe, but simply don’t have the time to shop/find the best deals/know the best designers
What’s more, I specialize in working with what you already have.

Most women don’t actually need to go out and buy new clothes, they’ve already got a great assortment. What you really need is someone with the skill to pull together your assortment for you. Imagine waking up and knowing what amazing outfit you want to wear! What freedom!

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Celebrate MOM (and yourself?)

May 8, 2009 in Special Offers by lifestyled7 | No comments

There is so much to celebrate in May! Isn’t it FUN?!?

mom
One of my favorite things about May is that it’s an opportunity for me to spoil my mom. She doesn’t take to spoiling that well (at least, not from her children), but I do it anyway. :)

Why do I get to spoil her? Because it’s both her birthday and Mother’s day!

Actually, it’s her birthday today.Happy Birthday, MOM!

I think it’s great to spoil our mothers. I think it’s absolutely necessary, too!

Mom’s are always so focused on the needs of the family, that they need to be doubly encouraged to do something for themselves.

(Well, I think all women tend to prioritize other needs in front of their own.)

So, my mom and the amazing women in my life have inspired me to offer an amazing Mother’s Day package especially for you. 

 

Give MOM the gift of style!


Personal Style Consultation package.

The Personal Style Package includes:

  • 3 hour closet consultation
  • 3 hour shopping trip
  • Style Library – how to wear guide
  • Understand the best cuts, colors and fabrics for YOU
  • Learn how to maximize your wardrobe for your lifestyle
  • BONUS: Closet Cleaning Action Plan (for upkeep)

All for only $450 (a $650 value)! 

Spillover Benefits:

  •  An easy morning routine (The average woman spends 30 minutes getting dressed in the AM)
  • Free Time (expert guidance = fewer necessary shopping trips)
  • Learn about designers and stores to fit every budget
  • Recognize Quality over Quantity with your wardrobe
  • Exude complete confidence and inner beauty
  • SAVE money! (see quality over quantity)


With my background in Fashion Merchandising (read: Product Assortment aka THE PERFECT CLOSET), I don’t just look at it as putting together outfits. Rather, I look at your current wardrobe  and create an action plan to supplement and maximize it while always considering your budget and lifestyle needs. In essence, creating the perfect assortment for YOU.

 

She may not even need to buy anything!*

 


Think about it, what do you get the person who has everything? Or the person who claims they don’t need or want anything?

The eternal challenge for finding that perfect gift is the balance between useful and thoughtful.

Don’t have a need for this gift but know of someone who might? Please, feel free to forward this email along.

MOMS, don’t be shy about forwarding this to your loved ones (husbands, ahem!). Like I said before, they’re looking for a way to spoil you, so give it to them! :)

But hurry! 

This amazing offer is only available until this Saturday, May 9. 

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Email catherinec@lifestyledonline.com to purchase and set an appointment. (Payment plans available upon request)

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