Personal Styling

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One thing that kept coming up this weekend was VALUE. Offering value, perceiving value and most importantly, valuing yourself.

This is a huge question for all of us, but women most especially.

Time and again I’ll have women tell me they want to work with me and then get scared of the price. When they let that scare them away, that tells me they’re not ready for the value I can give them … and not just the value of my service, the realization that they’re worth it!

This might be a controversial and sensitive topic for you, but it’s one that needs to be addressed.

Quite frankly, I’m over it:

As a woman, you have so much to offer the world!!

Example A) Whether or not you have children, you’re a mother.

Women are natural nurturers. This translates to numerous hours fundraising for your booster club, supporting philanthropic causes, offering an ear for your girlfriends and mentoring other women. Unfortunately, this tends to translate to putting everyone’s needs in front of your own.

Example B) Women do better in school than men

More women graduate college, perform better on tests, are entering upper management, etc. Yet, you’re still earning less than your male counterparts. Even more so, you’re still doubting your abilities.

Example C) Women Start Businesses

With the recent economy, there has been a boom in women-owned businesses. Businesses that create jobs, stimulate the economy, add value to others lives and add income to their families’ bottom lines. However, you’re still taking on more than you can chew and not valuing your time enough to ask for help.

This subject means a lot to me because I get it, I’ve been there.

I’ve been the girlfriend who was always there no matter what – no matter how much drama, no matter if it was always the same drama and no matter if it ultimately actually hurt me. (Ironically, I have a very low ‘drama’ tolerance!)

I’ve been through those amazingly tough times where you can’t understand why someone would backstab you that way. I’ve been the one who was uncomfortable talking about money. I’ve been the one whose pride wouldn’t let her ask for help.

And I can tell you with absolute certainty that overcoming those limiting beliefs and recognizing my value line has had a direct and significant impact on the success of my business.

Basically, I took back the control. I decided what was best for me. I asked for help. I hired assistants. I’ve UPPED my VALUE!

So now, ask yourself, what do you most value about yourself?

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SATCshopping

Building a Wardrobe You Love

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

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!


To your STYLEd life!

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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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BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

It’s that time of year again! The weather in LA finally turned to Fall!! Time to break out your sweaters and favorite pair of boots. And if you don’t have a favorite pair, it’s time to invest! Boots are a huge trend for this season, but more importantly, they’re a classic wardrobe staple. A bonus is this season we seem to have a lot more options!

Booties
MJ bootie
Worn correctly, this is a really cool way to funk up a pretty dress. What I love about booties is that they really have the same effect as a great pair of heels in elongating your legs, but they’re a  bit unexpected.

Knee High
Knee High
Always classic, this look will never go out of style. These are a great investment as sleek knee high boots always up the sophistication of an outfit. Also, they can go with so many different outfits … skirts, jeans, sweaters, dresses, sleek, flowing, etc.

Over the Knee

LAMB Over the knee
A very cool look, this is not for the faint of heart. You really have to own this style to rock this look. But if you do, pow, what an impact! What I love about this style is that even though it’s a bit over the top, it keeps coming back into style. So, if you were to invest in a pair, you might put them away for a season, but then you’ll bring them out the next season and it’s like a new pair of boots all over again!

Before I leave you, some words of advice for extending the life of your boots:

  • Always spray them with a leather/suede waterproof protectant spray (you can definitely find this wherever you buy your boots) BEFORE you wear them. Otherwise, you will lock in whatever dirt got on them that first wear.
  • You need different protector sprays for leather versus suede.
  • To keep suede looking new, give it an occasional once-over with a shoe brush to maintain the nap.
  • For leather, regular polishing with a leather conditioner (color-free) will help keep the shoes/leather supple.

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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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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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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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