Personal Style

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Style VIP Insider!

August 28, 2010 in Special Offers by catherine | No comments

You’ve taken the first step, now it’s time to LEAP!

U*styled’s Style Insider program ensures you are always in YOUR style. It’s about branding consistency AND making your life easier.

You want to look great, but do you really want to spend that much time shopping and styling yourself.

We’ve started the Style Process by working through the amazing foundation you have, now the Style Insider program helps you to maximize your current wardrobe for your lifestyle and image needs.

No more “I have nothing to wear” outbursts. You will always have something fabulous to wear … and the process becomes FUN instead of a chore!!

Style Insider

INCLUDES:

  • Style Library ($500 Value)

* All your Styled Looks, compiled and annotated
* Documentation of all your Key Items – allows for Virtual Styling in a pinch!

  • Seasonal Updates ($1200 Value)

* Quarterly 3 hour Tuneups – that’s a total of 12 hours

* NOTE: Special Occasion? Use this time to prep for that Special Event!

  • Special Event 911 ($300 Value)

* 3 hours Shopping/Styling for that VIP Event

  • Professional Makeup Applications ($300 Value)

* 2 Sessions for your Special Events

  • Seasonal Trend Reports ($500 Value)

* In Store & On the Runway

* What Works for YOU

  • BONUS: Your Personal Style File ($98 Value)
  • BONUS: Closet 911 e-workbook ($98 Value)
  • BONUS: Hair cut and color consult ($150 Value)
  • BONUS: Exclusive VIP Shopping Parties (Priceless!!)
  • BONUS: Unlimited email access for Style 911 needs! (Priceless, too!!!)

INCLUDING … Easy Pay Plans!!

One Pay Plan: $2000

Quarterly Plan: $525

Bi-Monthly Plan: $375

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POP: Visual Interest to Attract Success

August 25, 2010 in Articles by catherine | No comments

FACT: Communication is 55% visual.

So what does that mean for you?

As a small business owner, ladder climbing corporate powerhouse, and/or philanthropist it means the difference between getting what you want or not. Whether it’s a new client, a promotion or a donation.

Communication Breakdown:

  • 55% Physiological: How you carry and present yourself.
  • 38% Tonality: How you say what you have to say.
  • 7% Verbal: What you actually say.

So, what can you do to make sure you stand out in the right way?

1) Know your Audience

While you are ALWAYS dressing for yourself, you do have to be aware of your audience. I would never ask you to sacrifice your personality, so you have to incorporate it into your look in a way that is appropriate for the occasion. Whether you’re in a business meeting, at a networking event, with your friends or on a date determines your outfit … NOT your look.

You wouldn’t wear a business suit on a date and you wouldn’t wear a low cut top to an important business meeting.

2) Add a POP of Color

You may have heard it before, but if not, take note: Color has meaning. It affects your mood as well as the mood of those around you. For more details on the meaning of color, check out this past U*styled post.

Even if you like a more neutral color palette, that actually makes for a great base for a stunning pop of color. Add color in your wardrobe through a necklace, earrings, your purse, a shell under your blazer or even with your nail polish. Just make it interesting and a color that makes you happy!

3) Add a Statement

Again, something to draw attention. Since we’re dressing for the real way, not the runway, it’s best to have one piece that stands out. This can be a gorgeous sweater, a favorite skirt, a great pair of shoes, a statement accessory (bag, necklace, earrings, etc) or jacket.

This shows your confidence and it also allows you to draw people in and even start a conversation based on a compliment (what a positive way to start a relationship!!).

4) Represent your Brand

Whether you like it or not, your image is absolutely a part of your brand. If you don’t believe me, consider some of your friends. What do you think of when you think of them? Classic, chic, friendly, bubbly, intense, eloquent, etc. All of those are a description of their personal brand.

What do you want people to think when they think of you? Does your image and presentation really represent that?

If not, consider what you can do to tweak that. Is it your conversation, your energy or your wardrobe? Just taking the first step with awareness will begin the transformation of your personal brand.

Some things to consider as representations of your brand: Colors (and meanings, see above!), the fit of your clothes, the polish of your wardrobe, eloquence and word choice, energy, relationships and success.

5) Carry Yourself with Confidence

It turns out your mom had a point when she told you to stand up straight time after time. Not only is it good for engaging your abs and slimming your figure (multitasking!), but it also presents yourself as confident and self-assured. Included in this basic etiquette of presentation is eye contact and a firm, feminine handshake.

When you enter a room, keep your head and eyes up. The only time I look down is when I’m running with the sun in my eyes and I don’t want to trip (my knees appreciate this!). Otherwise, it’s stand tall, make eye contact and smile.

Invite people into a conversation with an open body stance. Sometimes I’m guilty of standing with my arms crossed because it’s more comfortable for me, so I make a conscious effort to hold my hands in front of me instead.

Are you ready to get yourself heard? Attract more clients? Find the love of your life? Make more money? Enjoy more success in your life? The time is TODAY, not tomorrow!!

To YOUR Styled Life!

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Star Style: YOUR Personal Style

August 5, 2010 in Articles by catherine | No comments

Jennifer Aniston has come a long way since her early Friends’ days. Who didn’t love her as Rachel on friends? Who hasn’t loved watching her evolve into the Star that she is today. (And, who hasn’t envied her amazingly fit body!)

We can learn a lot from Jennifer Aniston …

Jennifer Aniston leaving a meeting in Los Angeles. Source: People.com


1) Dress for Yourself.

She knows what she likes and sheknows what works for her.Granted, she’s worked hard to stay in shape, so she can wear most things easily. But she always tends towards a neutral color palette and classic pieces.

While I’d prefer more color more consistently for her wardrobe, I’ve noticed that she uses color brilliantly. People notice that much more when she adds color.Strategic – I like it!

2) Dress for Success.

She is also very aware of her public position and reflect that in the way she dresses for everything. Even her beach attire is perfectly stylish! I don’t think we’ve ever seen a photo where she looks less than great.

The key here is that Aniston alwaysknows who her audience is and she dresses for that. While she’d rather be low-key t-shirt and jeans with a great bag and fab shoes, she easily turns up the volume for a business meeting.

3) Find Balance.

After many years of battling her weight, being told she should be slimmer, Aniston has learned the beauty of moderation and balance. She indulges when she wants to, but otherwise maintains a very healthy lifestyle. In a recent interview, she admitted to working out 7 days a week. However, when she once thought of exercise as a chore, she now enjoys it. So, yoga and running become a way for Aniston to do something for herself each day in an otherwise hectic schedule.

4) Reap the Rewards.

Aniston’s style (as much as her love life) has kept her very vividly in the public eye. In fact, of all of our ‘Friends,’ she’s enjoyed the most consistent success and exposure.

Exposure is so important. Whether your a business owner or climbing the corporate ladder, people need to notice you if you want to get ahead. Give them a reason. Identify your own star style and you’ll  be the one turning heads when you walk into a room!

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Have you Hit an Upper Limit on Style?

July 28, 2010 in Articles by catherine | No comments

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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Getting Dressed is EASY!

July 19, 2010 in Fun Tips by catherine | No comments

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:

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Are you Looking to Attract more SUCCESS in your Life?

July 16, 2010 in Special Offers by catherine | No comments

Well, I’ve got news for you! It can be easier than you think!

U*styled is here to make the process of transforming your style from OK/Good to GREAT, easy, and effortless!

Announcing:

Step Into Style: 4 Weeks to YOUR Refined Style

Whether you’re an entrepreneur who recognizes the importance and brand image, a careerwoman climbing the ladder or a stay at home mom who volunteers a lot … stepping into your style is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

Step into your truest confidence; your truest self.

Because the key is that it’s YOUR style. That’s why I put so much emphasis on PERSONAL style. It’s not about cookie-cutter, it’s not about being the trendiest and it’s not about spending the most money.

It’s about YOU! Your lifestyle, your career, your budget, your wants and needs.

Consider first what you want people to think when they first see you. Before you’ve even spoken. Do you think you garner that now? I hope you’re beginning to realize that you absolutely can with every encounter you have – whether personal or professional.

With U*styled’s Step Into Style: 4 Weeks to Your Refined Personal Style, I’ll work with you through the process that I take my clients through in person via teleclass. I’ve developed a unique way to share visuals with you to

A rough outline of what we’ll cover:

Week 1 – Brand Image

  • Your Style – Color, Cut, Fabrics, Icons
  • Know Your Purpose – Personal Branding for Every Occasion
  • Education Yourself – The Evolution of Style
  • Q&A Time

Week 2 – Dress for your Body Type

  • Determining Your Body Type
  • How to Dress your Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Square or Hourglass Body
  • How to Dress to Flatter your Bust, Your Bum and your Thighs
  • Q&A Time

Week 3 – Define YOUR Style

  • Closet Staples vs. Wardrobe Updates
  • ID Your Style Personality
  • Where to Shop for Your Style and Budget
  • Hints & Tips for Maximizing your Shopping Trip and your Money
  • Walk you through Closet 911 … your homework for the week!
  • Q&A Time

Week 4 – Live Training and Q&A

  • After Week 3 you’ll have done a Closet 911
  • Submit your Pics and Videos (detailed instructions to be sent) for Review
  • Hints & Tips to Further Maximize Wardrobe & Style
  • BONUS Giveaways for the Most Innovative use of an Old Item!
  • Open Forum Q&A

What I love about this is that you get all this information in an easy to follow manner, complete with notes (and plenty of bonuses I’ll outline in a bit!) for a FRACTION of what it’d be to have me come work with you one on one.

This effectively takes the Closet Consultation process and breaks it out into digestible chunks! The format I’ve created makes it both visual and auditory. This process takes everything you might read in a Fashion Magazine and makes it real and approachable. Yes, after this process, you’ll even know how to streamline packing for a trip! (Hint: It’s all about mixing and matching!!)

U*styled is reaching out to all the women of America to make this a more beautiful world one woman at a time. And while U*Styled has clients in cities outside of LA, it’s my goal to make this more approachable to women nationwide. Will you help me spread the word?

As a woman who’s overcome many personal style battles, body image issues and frustration of ‘never having anything to wear’ … regardless of that closet overflowing with clothes, it’s my mission to make Fashion FUN for women again. Really, I’d love to see everyone really dressing everyday for every event (even if it’s just going to the grocery store!). We all love Mad Men and isn’t there something so beautiful about how people presented themselves then? I think so!

You and I both know that we feel more confident when we put in that extra effort to pull together an outfit, yet we don’t always do it. Why? Laziness? We’re tired? Too busy? Rushed? Budget?

No more!

This 4 week class will make it SO simple for you to dress your best everyday. (Seriously, using my own techniques long gone are the days of taking 30 minutes to get dressed … now I’m down to 3-5 minutes always!)

If you’ve ever had a doubt about your image or how others perceive you, then you need this course. For success in life and business, your personal image is just as important as your talent and skills. It’s how people perceive you when they first meet you. Even if we don’t want to admit it, there is a subconscious judgement that occurs within the first 30 seconds of meeting someone. Make sure your using those valuable seconds to your best advantage!

This course is for you if:

  • You’re gunning for a promotion. Studies show that how you present yourself for work everyday is noticed as it directly relates to how much you care about your work.
  • Want to attract new clients.
  • Want to attract your IDEAL clients. Trust me, they will notice how you present yourself.
  • Are ready to leave behind your single days. You never know when you’re going to be in front of a handsome stranger. Be prepared for every opportunity!
  • Present often – whether for your business or career.
  • Want to be the most stylish woman in the room.
  • Simply want to be that woman who turns heads when she walks into a room!

The course starts August 17, 2010 at 5 PM pacific and runs every Tuesday for 4 weeks until September 7, 2010. If you can’t make a class, you’ll get the class in your inbox, though live attendance is encouraged as there will be Q&A time at the end of each class.

And since I really want to make this accessible, I’ve decided to make the price even more reasonable. It’s a NO BRAINER!!

I can’t wait to see you leap into chic!

xo,

Catherine

SIGN UP NOW:

Now Only $98!!

Questions: Email me directly. I’m here to help!

BONUS:

  • Closet 911 e-workbook ($98 Value)
  • 30 minute Virtual Styling consult ($65 Value)
  • Style Library Review with Annotations ($98 Value)
  • U*Styled Flickr Forum for all your fashion and style questions and support from the group ($197 Value)

And ONE MORE Bonus: The first 10 people to sign up are entered into a drawing to win an additional 1/2 hour Virtual Styling consult!

“I have worked with Catherine Cassidy of Ustyled twice now and both times have been an absolute pleasure.  You see, I love fashion as much as the next girl, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I have the time nor the vision to put together an out fit as quickly and easily as Catherine does.  Being a busy mom and fem-preneur I love being able to have my personal stylist, Catherine, there to pull my looks together.  Whether it be for a closet makeover, a special event or a photo shoot Catherine Cassidy is MY Personal Stylist.” ~ Ana Caban, www.anacaban.com

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Successful SALE Shopping

July 14, 2010 in Uncategorized by catherine | No comments

Does that sounds like an oxymoron … SUCCESSFUL Sale shopping? How? You may be saying to yourself, I always think it’s a success, but then I realize that 60% off top is still hanging in my closet with the tags still on. Yea, if you’re not wearing that ‘great deal,’ then it wasn’t a success.

Here’s how you can ensure a SUCCESSFUL spree:

1) Create a list

Know what you’re looking for so you’re not just browsing and shopping. Being aware of what you already have in your closet and what you would like to update will keep you focused.

For instance, if you’re missing some key closet staples, that should be a high priority. You need them anyway, so BONUS to find them on sale!

If you’ve been bored with your wardrobe lately, you need to add some excitement. An easy way to add excitement is with a new accessory or unique item (ie: cool vest, a gorgeous skirt or dress, or a pair of shorts/pants that are a bit out of your style comfort zone … but you LOVE the way they fit!) Here is where you should spoil yourself a bit. You work hard, you deserve it!

2) Fuel up

If you think you’re going to be shopping for more than two hours, you need to bring a snack. My preference is something light but filling. A balance of protein and carbs is ideal. For instance, almonds and crackers are a staple snack to keep me energized when shopping.

For any shopping trip over an hour, you should bring water or know where to find some. This is in addition to your snacking. It’s amazing how simply keeping hydrated can keep your energy up!

3) Set parameters

Give yourself a budget, a min and a max price point of what you’re willing to spend on an item.

The max price point might even be a bit out of your comfort zone, but you’ll be willing to spend it for something exquisite. The min price point determines the level of quality you’re going for.

No matter your min and your max prices, you need to mind your budget. I do not believe in shopping guilt. Only buy it if you love it and you can truly afford it!

4) Get creative

While you’re shopping, start brainstorming how you can mix your new pieces into your wardrobe with items you already have. Also, start thinking about where you want to wear this new piece. Get excited about having it in your close NOW as opposed to LATER!

5) Let it BE

Ignore sizing, lights and mirrors. Shopping can be a really frustrating experience b/c you’re going up and down in sizes depending on brands and most stores don’t pay enough attention to the quality of their lighting and mirrors. All three are a bit of a pet peeve of mine, but at least because I’m aware that it’s THEM and not ME, I can let it be.

Focus on fit and how pieces make you FEEL and ignore what size it is and the fact that the lighting and the mirrors are accenting your dimples (we ALL have them!).

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Hot Legs! Are You Still in Town?

June 24, 2010 in Articles by catherine | No comments

Sorry, I couldn’t resist. My inner nerd came out … I’m totally exposed!

But seriously, wouldn’t you love someone to refer to you as ‘Hot Legs’? No matter how progressive you are, we love to be told we look great. Because we take the time to take care of ourselves and dress our best, we love it when someone else notices.

So, if you’ve been working on your gams … here’s how to show them off best.

1) Lotion and/or Self Tanner

Prep is SO important. Always use lotion immediately after getting out of the shower when your skin is most ready to absorb it. You may even want to reapply just before you leave the house.

If you’re comfortable with Self-Tanner, I highly encourage it. If you’re really fair (and even if you’re not, actually), using a very light color will allow you to easily build a gradual ‘tan.’ I personally use this approach because I’m a perfectionist … and perfect at applying self tanner, I am not!

The main reason why I do it anyway is because it’s the best way to camoflauge and ‘tone’ your legs without much effort. Also, you should know that MOST women, regardless of size, have cellulite … and we ALL want to camoflauge it!

As a last ditch effort, if you’re not into the self-tanner, don’t be afraid of pantyhose. Donna Karen makes a FABULOUS sheer hose that matches your skin so it doesn’t look like you’re even wearing any hose. This is exactly what you want when opting for hose – sheer, barely there perfection.

2) Appropriate Lengths

The perfect length to flatter your legs (and depending on your age and/or the occasion), is from mid-thigh to just below your knees. A good rule of thumb for appropriateness is the good ol’ Catholic schoolgirl test – if you’re skirt skims your fingers when your arms are to your side, you’re good to go. This is also what would be considered mid-thigh for most of you.

Even if you don’t love your legs because of your age (not your shape), I highly encourage shorter skirts for special occasions. This is simply where the perfect sheer, nude hose come in to play.

3) Heels

This is obvious, but it never hurts to reemphasize a great point. Heels lengthen the look of your leg. Who doesn’t want legs that go on forever?

A ‘one better’ trick is a pair of nude heels … your legs will look like they go on forever. BONUS: You now have a pair of heels for every occasion!

When choosing the perfect heel, be careful of cutting yourself off. These days, we’re seeing a lot of ankle straps and chunky booties, These can still be a great heel option, but just be careful of where they hit you. Just below the ankle is best and scooping a bit is even better. The idea is to keep drawing your eye down. (Often times, this style is best for leggings and/or skinny jeans since you’re not breaking the line, you’re continuing it.)

4) Strappy Sandals

The more skin you are willing to shoe on your foot, the better. Again, we’re talking about pulling the eye down.

I personally am obsessed with the Jimmy Choo’s Jennifer Aniston has been wearing (and was WAY before she wore them … she just validated my LOVE!). They’re so subtly sexy and prove my point. Amore budget friendly option from Nine West work just as well, though. ;)

Even if you’re wearing a flats … opt for a strappy version. It will be just as flatter as a heel … justkeep pulling the eye down. It’s almost as if you’re not wearing any shoes at all when they’re strappy. This is one time where showing more skin is the best option AND still classy!

I wonder, did I emphasize enough … pulling the eye down?

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To Trend or not to Trend?

June 17, 2010 in Articles by catherine | 1 comment

Every season there are new Fashion trends to follow. New IT colors, new themes, new styles, etc. What’s a busy stylish gal to do to keep up with it all? Every three months and new trends to adapt to? Oy!Life Life Invite

Now, to set your fears aside, I’m going to explain to you why you can stop your worrying. Perhaps because I’m a personal stylist with an emphasis on STYLE, but I’ve never really bought into trends.

For one, I’m not a beanpole. I can’t wear just anything the way those runway models can. Real Women have Curves and I’m one of those women. And I embrace it. Fully.

And if you are a beanpole, you probably wear your clothes so as to give you more shape (you are if I’m working with you, at least).

For instance, it took me a full year to buy into the skinny jean. Before that, I was wholeheartedly against it. Why did I eventually buy into it?

For two reasons …

1) It morphed from a trend item to a closet staple. They’ve been around for years now, so you have a ton of designer creating their own versions.

2) I found my fit. Again, I’ve got curves, so I had to find something that would compliment them and not exaggerate them. My perfect pair were fitted and slim to balance the voluminous tops, a dark wash and more of a straight leg than a really skinny leg.

Also, Fashion Trends are no different than business trends. They follow a cycle.

It all starts with Designers debuting a collection with a few ‘new’ key items and styles (these are the trends) and a few key people pick up on these ideas and start the trend on the streets. About a year later, more designers have picked up on the trends making it more mainstream so more people are following it. The trend ‘dies’ … onlyto come back three (or ten) years later.

For instance, Cargo Pants are now making a huge comeback though this time around they’re a lot sleeker and sophisticated. I’ve even seen some people wearing Overalls.

Some more subtle trends we’re seeing again (from only 2 years ago): Ikat and Tribal Prints, Military influence, Romantic Flourishes aka Lingerie Inspired, etc.

Moral of the story?
Buy what you like, look to trends for inspiration and be sure what you’re buying fits you well and you’ll always look STYLISH.

Trends come and go, but style is eternal.

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Add Some Sparkle!

June 11, 2010 in Articles by catherine | No comments

Like a good Fashionista, I went to see Sex and the City 2 on opening weekend. It’s the same good stuff we loved about the show – relationships, great friends, sexy guys and STUNNING FASHION!

Of course, I loved it.


The Fashions were a little bit more toned down (with a few exceptions) as appropriate with a toned down economy. The plotline was a little bit toned down as well, but the characters were just as lovable as ever … so I quickly forgave.

There were two things that absolutely stood out for me above all else.

For one, the girls were finding more success both in careers and personal lives. Balancing it all, striving for me, finding peace, etc.

More importantly, in finding the balance, it was also about keeping some of the sparkle. Of course, Carrie was focusing on her relationship with Big, but it really made me think about the sparkle in their wardrobe.

Of course, I don’t necessarily mean bling, but I do mean excitement. Yes, let’s make Fashion FUN again!

Adding the Sparkle Back into Your Wardrobe

Accessorize. Seriously, it’s that easy. And why not try something new? Add a hat (I LOVE Urban’s inexpensive options). Or, try a piece of jewelry that makes more of a statement than your used to. Layer them unexpectedly, etc. Play with what you’ve already got and keep your eye for some fun additions to your collection.

Play with Color. Even if you’re wearing a basic neutral outfit, pop in a bit of unexpected color. Color has a natural tendency to liven your mood, so if you’re needing a pick me up, the brighten the better! Go with your favorite and you’ll never fail. It will always brighten your mood!

Dress up for YOURSELF. It seems quite daring, I know. But, why not? Who cares what other people will think? Most likely, they’ll be checking you out and doing an inventory of your outfit. Wear a dress to a casual event, pull out your black tie for a dinner out and even better … recruit your girlfriends to do the same. Make up an excuse! Who doesn’t love to get dolled up??

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