Indulging in Retail Therapy?

Submitted by on May 19, 2012 - 6:26 pm

I was speaking with a client the other day about her habit of retail therapy before she worked with me. Our conversation inspired me to share this video with you on WHY you indulge in Retail Therapy, how I also used to have that problem and how YOU can release the need for Retail Therapy for yourself.

 

 

 

I also share a little insider announcement, so be sure to watch until the end!

Your Spring Style Refresh

Submitted by on March 24, 2012 - 4:59 pm

There is something about Spring that really does make you want to clean up and get a fresh start. I know I’m going through that personally, professionally and with my belongings! Maybe it’s the part of me that is a perfectionist and wants everything to have a home, but I just LOVE cleansing, editing and organizing my things. Especially my closet. My closet is the outward reflection of my inner evolution. So is yours.

If you’re feeling the pull to cleanse and refresh, too, here’s what you can do to breathe new life into your wardrobe:

1) Edit your Closet – start by looking for the pieces that you know you haven’t worn in ages and ask yourself WHY you haven’t and IF you really will.

Try it on. Look in the mirror. How do you feel? Be honest with yourself. If you don’t feel 100% confident that it’s you, chances are you should toss it.

There is a bit of gray area, though, and this is where a stylist or a BFF comes in handy – maybe you don’t feel 100% confident, but all it needs is a little tweak and it’s absolutely fabulous. You’ll likely sense this and can always set it aside and make a date with a girlfriend or a stylist to help you make it work.

If that’s a big enough challenge, stop there. If you’re itching to cleanse even more, move into the pieces you sometimes wear and do the same.

The bottom line is to focus on how each piece makes you FEEL. You should feel confident, pretty and powerful. You should NOT feel frumpy, baggy or boring.

2) Shop your Closet - before you go out to shop for the latest trends you’ve seen in the magazines, go into your closet and see what you can find that works for the trends.

Many of the Spring 2012 trends are not really anything new … pastels, florals, safari, feminine, colorblocking … we’ve seen these all before, so you really should have some of this in your closet and can otherwise easily pull it together (have ANY animal print? Great! You’re ready to go on a safari!).

     

       

What’s a bit new for this season are the peplums and romantic details for a twist on feminine dressing. We’re also seeing pajama dressing, but I will NOT have you go into your pajama drawer and jump on that bandwagon.

The 20′s inspired silhouettes and details thanks to the impending Great Gatsby movie add a little bit of sparkle and romance, but the drop-waisted silhouette is not for everyone.

I’m a big fan of the BOLD prints in BOLD colors we’re seeing as opposed to the delicate floral prints we usually see.

So, what do you have in your closet that can work for these Spring trends? I’m sure you’ve got at least one of them covered. And it’s so much fun to realize you already have what you need in your closet (and to get creative with how to make it work!).

3) Add Color - take advantage of the fact that we are seeing so many bright and fun colors this Spring. It makes me so happy!

Add of pop of color that you’ve never worn before but you really like (you’ll know it when you see it … again, how does it make you FEEL?). Even if you have a favorite, stock up on it in some new styles since it’s easier to be found right now. I personally LOVE cobalt blue (can you tell) and will be stocking up, myself! But I’m also adding an emerald green which I realized I didn’t have any of this past St. Patty’s day.

You could even just dip your toe (or finger) in the waters and get a fun, bright nail polish color instead of your usual Ballet Slippers.

Want to make this all a bit more easy and effortless for you? U*styled and Boutique Box can do all the heavy lifting FOR you and really make the process FUN. Even a 90 minute Style Session will have you on your way to creating a perfect wardrobe.

Revolutionize your Shopping Experience

Submitted by on March 9, 2012 - 3:03 am

Do you love shopping? The glaring lights, the one too many mirrors, the sales people trying to convince you that it ‘looks great’ when you can clearly see it’s not quite right.

Not so much fun, right!

BUT…How much do you love clothes? The beautiful fabrics, the draping and flattering lines, the colors, the accessories and simply feeling great because you look great…

Now THAT sounds wonderful.

What if I told you could have the beautiful clothes without all the hassle?

How? Its, simple … We will do it for you.

http://yourboutiquebox.com

This is going to revolutionize the way you shop (OR DON’T SHOP!)

Announcing:

This is YOUR personal shopping service for ONLY the cost of clothes. Because you are a professional woman that deserves to look and feel good WITHOUT the headache.

To learn how it works and how you can save 20% by being one of the first to participate, click here: http://yourboutiquebox.com

There is a limited time to this exclusive offer.

Have you ever said anything like this to yourself? …

When I have more time, I’ll go shopping so my outer appearance can match all the success I’ve experienced.

Well, here’s the deal. There will always be only 24 hours in a day. This is about saving you time. This is about making shopping easy and effortless. This is about helping you build a perfect wardrobe for your career goals and lifestyle.

This is about YOU. And the time is NOW.

PS. Check it out. It’ll be the best thing you do for yourself all day (except for indulging in that piece of chocolate!).

http://yourboutiquebox.com

Yoga pants that will make you WANT to work out.

Submitted by on February 14, 2012 - 4:57 pm

It’s true.

I was desperately in need of a new pair of workout leggings since the ones I’d had since HS (again, it’s true!) had lived a good life. I’d just not had the chance to get to Lululemon and get some. Thank goodness for the Daily Candy Deal that popped up in my inbox that led me to my amazing new Tanya B leggings from ‘Yoga Clothing’

I’m in love. I can’t wait for my next Piloxing class! They suck me in at all the right place (ahem, inner thighs!) and seemingly lift my bum! What girl doesn’t want a perkier bum? Maybe it’s my imagination, but they’re basically workout Spanx. Done deal!

I love my Lulus, but I’m also loving this website. So many cute tops and bottoms, so you can have style even when you work out. Yes, I do coordinate my outfit to go to the gym and I always have. What can I say? I was born this way! ;)

I encourage you to, as well. No matter what you’re doing, when you look good, you feel good. And you will feel even better after a great workout!

I think either or both would make great Valentine’s day gifts to yourself, don’t you. ;)

Wishing you a beautiful day filled with the ones you love.

 

Inspired Style: Nancy Shevell’s Wedding Dress

Submitted by on October 14, 2011 - 7:16 pm

Some things just never go out of style. Some things should never come BACK into style.

Style itself, however, is a bit tricky to define. What makes something stylish?

Is style INNATE? An ESSENCE? Or LEARNED?

Ultimately, it’s all of that and more. it’s not the dress, but the woman in the dress. Not what you wear, but how YOU wear it.

THAT is why the simple beauty of Nancy Shevell’s wedding dress, designed by her now stepdaughter, Stella McCartney, is so perfect.

Clean lines, elegant details and a beautiful silhouette highlight her natural beauty and radiance. There are no bells and whistles; no statements. Simply style.

Fitting that the dress was inspired by none other than Style Icon Wallis Simpson’s wedding dress when she became the Duchess of Windsor:

And now I’ve got a treat for you! I met a brilliant designer here in LA whose Maria dress gives you the clean lines, elegant details and beautiful silhouette that allowed Nancy and Wallis to shine. Even better, it comes in colors other than white. And while Nancy’s choice of a shorter hemline was appropriate for a second marriage, this would be great for a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower or even simply every day as well. I can’t get over how beautiful the fabric itself is (I’m one of those people who walks through stores touching everything for the hand feel of the fabric)!

For more info on Garbe Luxe and to order, visit their website and check out their lookbook. I’m obsessed with their silk shirts!

http://www.garbeluxe.com/

To YOUR Inspired Style!

Style Essentials for Being in the Spotlight

Submitted by on July 1, 2011 - 10:28 pm

If you’ve been following U*styled’s tips you may have gathered by now that I like to be prepared well in advance for any situation. I rarely shop last minute for an event and have planned out an outfit well in advance. Even if I haven’t settled on an outfit, I know what works with what in my wardrobe and can quickly throw together something appropriate and stunning. Last minute shopping is the biggest culprit for a closet full of clothes that you never wear. This is why I am so adamant about BUILDING a wardrobe that works for you, which is exactly what I do for my clients and WHY I teach them how to build outfits from what they already own before we even go shopping.

Whether it’s getting ready for your own photoshoot, a conference or workshop your hosting, a networking event or a special occasion, with these Style Essentials you will have exactly what you need. So, it all becomes easy and effortless!

Style Essentials for Being in the Spotlight

Take a quick inventory of your wardrobe. Does it pass the test of including these essentials for wardrobe that really works FOR you? If not, take note and start of list of items that would be great additions for your life and style.

1) Color
Black, brown, navy, cream and khaki are great for building a base for your outfits. However, these are colors that are appropriate for your Closet Essentials, not your statement pieces. If you lack color in your wardrobe, take some time to consider what colors you are always drawn to and why. Color has meaning and it will influence your mood and how others perceive you. Plus, it makes you stand out. Every outfit should have at least one pop of color; even if it’s a simple accessory or even your shoes or handbag. If your outfit lacks color, it lacks personality.

2) Quality
If you’ve got a closet full of clothes and are only wearing 20% of it, you’re wasting a LOT of money AND time! No wonder you don’t know where to start when it comes to getting ready for an event. No wonder you always revert back to the same old outfit. Now, I’m all for a uniform STYLE, but not wearing the same thing simply because you know it’s appropriate and you just want to get out the door.

One step further, in terms of quality, is the literal quality of your clothes. Better quality fabrics and designs will look better on you. They drape better, fit better and FEEL better. Comfort and fit are both key when you’re in the spotlight and quality clothes will give you both.

3) Your Foundation
These are your closet staples. Having a great foundation – your basic suiting pieces, great dresses, perfect pumps, a few great accessories, etc. – ensures that you can always pull together an outfit at the last minute. All you need to do is add a pop of color and you’re done!

Even more, if you have a great foundation, then every piece you buy is a Wardrobe Update. A Wardrobe Update is a piece that adds even more versatility to your wardrobe. Often, it’s in color and a more unique item, but always it’s something you buy because you LOVE it and not because you’re trying to fill a void. You can already imagine the places you’ll wear it to and some of the pieces in your wardrobe that you want to try it with.

If you are aware of these three aspects to Building a Wardrobe you Love™, then you are well on your way to shining in the spotlight.

If you feel like you could use some more guidance to figuring this out on your own, then I’d encourage you to check out my new and improved day packages. I am so excited about how these are restructured as they are essentially customized to your needs. I’ve been paying attention to what you’ve been asking for and this gives it to you … and more!

Now, get out there and let that light of your shine!

Lucky Shops LA

Submitted by on April 5, 2011 - 8:40 pm

I rarely pay full price. After having worked in the industry on the corporate merchandising side and understanding how production and buying work … I know if I’m smart and hold out I can find exactly what I want … ON SALE! What beats that!

Now, I don’t believe in buying something simply because it’s on sale. So, how do you meet in the middle? How do you avoid making impulse purchases when something seems too good to pass up? How do you know when to spend versus when to save? If these are questions you have and would like to know the answers to, I invite you to join me at Lucky Shops LA.

Lucky Shops LA is a great opportunity to check out fantastic designers and save some money. At 70% off, you’ll essentially be getting wholesale prices. That’s freakin’ fanstastic!!!

So, I wanted to give you an opportunity to shop with an expert, learn more about your personal style and what works for your body type ALL while saving massively on great designer clothes thanks to this unique shopping experience.

More details …

What is LUCKY SHOPS?
LUCKY SHOPS is a shopping event hosted by Lucky Magazine. This past November, Lucky hosted the seventh annual event in New York City. In April 2011, Lucky Shops is coming to LA for the first time!

Where is it?
Siren Studios
6063 W. Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA

When is it?
First Dibs Friday: Friday, April 8, 12PM- 6PM
Saturday Shop-a-thon: Saturday, April 9, 10AM – 5PM

To be sure I give everyone great attention, I can only take up to 5 people each day. So, if you think this is something you want to try, then act now! Trust me, what you will save by NOT buying those ‘iffy’ pieces will more than cover the investment. Not to mention what you will learn about yourself and your style. Once you register, you’ll immediately get U*styled’s welcome packet in your email inbox so I can get a bit of direction around your style, your wants and your needs including where you are now and where you want to be with your style!

How fun is that???

Ticket to Lucky Shops LA is included in the price. :)

Click here to SIGN UP for Friday, April 8, 2011 from 12-4 pm (event is open until 6 pm) for $105.

Note: Ticket price for first day entry is more

Click here to SIGN UP for Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 10 am – 2 pm (event is open until 5) for $95.

U*styled Guide: Where to Donate.

Submitted by on January 3, 2011 - 1:08 pm

Most people default to Goodwill for their donations, which is a great cause to donate to, but since a friend shared with me her tactic of literally going to the streets to give away her old clothing, sheets, towels, etc. a lightbulb went off.

When I give to Goodwill, my giveaways don’t necessarily go straight to those who need it most. It goes into the store for sale, which is a great way for the organization to raise money for their programs (which are amazing) … but still, it doesn’t go directly to those who need it most.

So, a few organizations here in LA to donate:

Food on Foot

Gives homeless men and women the opportunity to work their way back to being able to sustain themselves while also serving out meals each week to hundreds of homeless and low-income households around LA. Donate every Sunday between 10:30 am – 2:30 pm at 1625 N. Schrader Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90068               Learn more about Food on Foot

Chrysalis

An amazing organization that gives men and women the opportunity for self-sufficiency with resources to find and retain employment. Learn more about Chrysalis

Alexandria House

A transitional residence for women and children coming from emergency shelters. Offers it’s residents programming and enrichment classes. Learn more about Alexandria House

Battered Women’s Shelters

For a listing of shelters in LA

Of course, these are in LA. If you’re not in LA, it’s simple to do a google search to find what you’re looking for. Trust me, they want to make it easy for you to donate … whether money or goods. Or, simply start asking your friends if they have any organizations they support. That’s actually how I found out about the places on this list: Good ol’ word of mouth!

Happy Giving!


Do you LOVE your Wardrobe?

Submitted by on December 8, 2010 - 12:25 pm

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

If you experience frustration getting ready for work, play or a very important event from time to time- that’s normal. Even I have my moments!

If it happens at least once a week and/or more than that, you have a wardrobe challenge. I want to let you know that it doesn’t have to be that way! You CAN love your wardrobe too!!!

Seriously, I LOVE my wardrobe. I know I have the advantage of what I do for my day job, but it really wasn’t always this way.

Fairly consistently I would have piles of clothes on my bed and finally just opt for the usual. I would get stuck on how something looked on my butt or my hips or my stomach or even my arms.

It wasn’t until I set the intention to LOVE my wardrobe, playing with clothes and learned how to mix and match … not to mention be honest with myself about what works for my body type … that I really did start to love my wardrobe.

Three Steps to LOVING your Wardrobe:

1) Cleanse

Trust me, it feels REALLY good to get rid of the pieces that you don’t LOVE. Start with the pieces you know you never wear to make it easier. A lot you can edit out by simply looking at it – is it worn, faded or the quality not what you want in your life and wardrobe? Toss it!! Someone else will give it a loving home!

2) Focus on FIT

If you’re wearing something too BIG or too small, it makes you look bigger than you are. Wearing something baggy doesn’t hide your body, it distorts it. Show off your figure! Accentuate your waist! Own the fact that you have a cute butt!!

3) COLOR

Wearing drab neutrals doesn’t really sound pretty, does it? So why are you wearing black, brown, beige, etc. all the time? BORING! Please, even if it’s a bit of color through your accessories … add color! It brightens YOUR mood AND effects how people perceive you. Scan your wardrobe. How much color do you see? What are the colors that stand out to you and excite you? Focus on adding more of those to your wardrobe.

Of course, there is a bit more that goes into it, but these few steps can really help you get excited about your wardrobe.

I challenge you to try at least ONE of these steps and see how you feel. I bet you’ll move on to the next! Let me know how it goes.

#1 Fashion Dilemma: Solved!

Submitted by on September 14, 2010 - 1:00 pm

I might be a personal stylist, but I’m a woman, too! Before stepping out as a stylist, I’d spent years working through my own wardrobe demons: Body Image, Budgeting, Lifestyle changes, etc. However, my #1 demon was always the same: “I havenothing to wear!!!!”

It was working through my own demons that led me to this purpose and path – empowering women to live a life in Style and Balance.

I wonder, does this scenario sound familiar to you?

Getting ready for the day and everything is running smoothly. You’re on schedule and you’ve had your coffee and a healthy breakfast. Then the morning throws its curveball (though you should have seen it coming – it always does!). What to wear?! Now, your bed has a pile of clothes you don’t have time to put away because you’ve spent 25 minutes pulling clothes on and off and now you’re late. You finally settle on your slacks and a sweater because it’s good enough and now you just have to get out the door. Accessories? If you’re lucky!

Yes, that used to be me, too. Until I put my own personal process in place and started helping women with theirs.

U*styled’s 5 step Guide to Always Having Something to Wear:

  1. Cleanse and Edit your Wardrobe: You shouldn’t waste energy in your closet with clothes that you don’t wear because they’re not quite right. If you put it on and you’re not comfortable with the fit or color, then it’s not for you. Something you’re not sure how to wear might be a different story and this is where an expert can help you see the possibilities.
  2. Make sure you’ve got the Closet Staples: When I work with a client we go through everything to make sure she’s got the perfect assortment to ensure easy mixing and matching. Closet Staples are those pieces that create a foundation for your outfit. They’re not the stand out pieces, but they make it easy for you to pull together a look. They really mix and match with everything – think basic pants, great blouse and that perfect blazer. U*styled’s Q&A call this week will talk to this more in depth.
  3. Keep it Organized: The system varies person by person and depending on your closet space, but it’s imperative to keep your closet organized so you can see all the beautiful things you HAVE TO WEAR! Otherwise, you’ll find yourself stumbling upon a long forgotten amazing piece that would have been perfect for that client dinner and you’d completely forgotten you owned it. For beginners, I like to keep it simple: Categorize it (tee shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, pants, etc.) and then sort by color. Most important, you need to be able to see what you have. This is especially true with accessories.
  4. Take a Deep Breath: Overwhelm is the surest way to give up. Before you go to your closet to pick out your outfit, take a deep breath to calm yourself. Remember, this is supposed to be FUN and EMPOWERING. Your wardrobe shouldn’t get the best of you – especially since this is only the beginning of your day!
  5. Scan and Choose: If you’ve organized your closet, then you should be able to see everything that you have. And even if your system doesn’t have everything in eyesight, you know exactly where to look for it. When you scan your closet, you have the intention of picking out ONE piece you ABSOLUTELY want to wear. Whether it’s your favorite jeans, your new heels or that perfect blouse … your objective now is to build an outfit around that. And if you have the Closet Staples as outlined in Step 2, you should have NO problem!

BONUS: When you hone in on that ONE piece you definitely want to wear, you guarantee you’re going to feel FAB all day long because you love what you’re wearing!

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