My Style is my Armor

Submitted by on July 8, 2011 - 9:41 pm

One summer, while I was home from college, I was going through some of the artwork and such that my parents had saved from when my brothers and I were very young. I found my Kindergarten report card! I was taken aback when I read: “Catherine is a little ray of sunshine, but she is really shy.”
It really hit home.

I’ve always been labeled as confident and outgoing, but I’ve also always been painfully shy. All of this is true. I love meeting new people and hearing your stories, but sometimes getting to that point pushes me way outside of my comfort zone. It’s my confidence and my determination that has allowed me to push through the shyness. But it’s always been there.

I was sharing this anecdote about my Kindergarten report card with a friend last week and it dawned on me why my style and empowering women through personal style is such a passion of mine.

It’s been my armor in moments of shyness.

When I switched from Catholic to public school in 5th grade, I carefully chose the outfit for my 5th grade photo. And I still remember the outfit I wore for my first day of school when we then moved from a Detroit suburb to a Chicago suburb (again, in 5th grade). I still remember some of my favorite outfits from that year in transition.

Not to mention, the power of color through those formative years. Blue was always a mainstay. I had one shirt I would wear probably once a week. It was a deep blue and, again, it made me feel confident and pretty. Who cares if I didn’t have as many clothes as everyone else. I still carefully picked out my outfit each day to make me feel good.

And then, thinking about what I wore when I was working corporate … and the lack of color in those wardrobes! Even when I’d try to punch it up, the lack of color is a clear indicator of how bored I was. Though I loved my job as a merchandiser at BCBG (for the most part), I need a bigger challenge – a bigger purpose.

Still, to this day, when I go to networking events or even speak in front of groups, it’s putting me way outside of my comfort zone. You know what? That’s OK. For one, it’s pushing me to grow and expand and I know it’s not about me. It’s about YOU. Plus, I have on my coat of armor and I know I look great. And that’s where my confidence comes from.

Are you hiding in your clothes or do you have your own personal coat of armor? If you need some bravado, start small and add some color. I promise it will give you a boost of confidence.

Feel as Good as you Look!

Submitted by on May 21, 2011 - 5:41 pm

All my life I’ve been an athlete. It started with tee-ball and grew into softball. I tried soccer (not so good) and basketball (still love, but was much better at defense!). I ran track and cross country and even tried the high jump. Apparently, this white woman CAN’T jump. But, I’m OK with that. I like to try new things. In high school, I used to go for a rollerblade instead of a run. I liked it because I could go farther (and faster!).

Ultimately, I fell in love with Lacrosse. And I was really good at it! Somehow, my poor depth perception wasn’t a hindrance. And the fact that I good endurance and could kick it up into a sprint was really helpful on offense whereas for track and cross country, I couldn’t find my home.

Since I was allowed to join my parents gym (you had to be 16), I worked out at least 5-6 days a week up until just over a year ago. I didn’t feel my best unless I worked out. It was my stress relief. As a type-A personality, that’s important! I loved weight lifting and I was often the only girl. It was incredibly empowering to work out on my own amongst the men … and sometimes show them up! I’d even impressed my fair share of personal trainers with my dedication and stamina.

I’ve even run two marathons.

Yet, somehow, I practically completely stopped working out aside from a bit of pilates or a random hike.

Life happened.

Can you relate?

The last couple of months I’ve been working to get myself back into a routine. While I’m happy with my body (which is a first, and I still have my moments of regressing back to NOT being happy with my body!), I do miss the ability to run for 45 minutes and have it feel like nothing. Or, bench press 40 lbs. like no big deal. And, while I’ve NEVER liked running uphill, I missed being able to hike the tough 90-minute Griffith hike without taking a break.

Slowly, but surely, I started upping my consistency. The key is to start small. If you’re not doing anything, start by taking the stairs or getting in as much walking as possible. (Full disclosure: I walk a LOT for work. Shopping IS exercise, but it’s NOT strength or interval training) Start with 1 x per week and increase to 2 x per week, etc.

5 Quick & Easy Ways to Work out:

1) Grab a Girlfriend
Instead of a coffee or lunch date, why not schedule a power walk, a gym date or a hike? If you’re going to spend an hour or an hour and a half, it’s a MUCH more productive use of your time. As a busy woman, don’t you LOVE killing the hypothetical two birds with one stone? I do! In the beginning, this was the only way I’d get my butt out the door for a good workout.

2) Intervals
Whether cardio or weight lifting, you don’t need more than 20 minutes to get in a really good workout. The key is intensity and productive rests. So, if you jog for three minutes and sprint for 1 minute, the jog is your rest. If you’re lifting one muscle group use your break for that group to work a complimentary muscle group. Check out Body for Life for Women: A Woman’s Plan for Physical and Mental Transformation.I think the title says it all, but the book includes a variety of 20 minute interval workouts to get you started. Seriously, it just takes 20 minutes and some dumbbells or running shoes!

3) Mix it UP!
Don’t do the same thing every day. Keep your body guessing and really work your muscles. Plus, you don’t get bored! Run, then yoga, then BOX, then weight lift, then run, etc. I personally LOVE boxing (not that I could actually ever really hit anybody) and would go once a week in the prime of my corporate stress levels. Again, it only takes 20 minutes a day! And by trying new things, you can actually make fitness a fun and empowering challenge.

4) All she wants to do is dance, dance, DANCE!
Grab your girlfriends (and maybe your guy) and go OUT to dance. You get to hang out with your friends and, again, get in some exercise. Now, in this scenario you’ll have to mind how many drinks you have, but it’s SO much fun. Even if you’re not good. My friends used to call me Catherine ‘I just wanna dance’ Cassidy … and I’ve definitely had no formal training past my 4th grade tap class!

5) Sneak it in
When you’re cooking and waiting at the stove, sneak in a few sets of squats. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Any excuse to walk, take it! Dance all out when your favorite song comes on your iTunes. You get the picture! My freshman year of college I lived on the 5th floor of the dorm and I took the stairs pretty much every time I came home. I also never gained weight (until I graduated college, but that’s a different story!). Are there opportunities like that for you? Seize them!

Above all else, have FUN with fitness. It’s about seeing how strong and capable you are. It’s an opportunity to love your body even more. And even if you’re not at your ‘ideal weight,’ stop worrying about it. You are exactly where you need to be right now. Embrace where you are, who you are and just savor every moment. I promise you’ll be loving every ounce of your body. And that’s a bold promise!

U*Styled’s Top 5 Gift Ideas for Mom

Submitted by on May 11, 2011 - 1:24 am

For the Cook: A Stylish Apron

I especially love this for new mom’s who can then pass their aprons down to their daughters. I remember always borrowing my mom’s aprons when I was ‘helping’ her in the kitchen. Who say’s you can’t be stylish when you’re cooking? If your mom loves to cook and entertain, this is a fabulous gift! Click here for the Anthropologie apron to the right (and browse even more!).

For the Traveler: St. Barth’s

And by St. Barth’s I mean the new Calypso St. Barth’s collection that is now at Target. I mean, check outthe colors! How can that not make you happy and immediately transport you to that exotic locale? A little taste of St. Barth’s can add a lot of HAPPY to a busy mom’s day. Even if she just takes a moment to herself, you’ve succeeded!

For the Time-Starved: Her Own In-Home Spa Experience

If anyone deserves some time to indulge, it’s mom! Balancing it all gracefully and in style … how does she do it? This Burberry Cashmere robe is the ultimate indulgence, but anything comfy and cozy will do (I like Barefoot Dreams and my own robe is Lacoste). If you want to take it a step further, candles such as this ‘Inspire’ by Lollia. Voluspa is another of my favorites for candles. One step further, and if she has the space, create a vanity space for her to indulge in getting ready and feeling fabulous every day. You can either shop vintage at flea markets (much more time consuming) or check out Pottery Barn. Even Target has a great selection of vanities! Of course, along with creating her own in-home spa experience, you have to give mom the gift of TIME!

For the Out of Town Mom: A Visit

Mom probably doesn’t need anymore things in her closets and pantries, but one thing she can’t get enough of is YOU! Even if it’s an IOU for a plane ticket home or bringing her out to visit you while you keep a look out for fares to drop, what better gift? And, in the meantime, why not create a photo gift … whether it’s of you and your siblings, family memories or her grandkids … photo’s bring back memories and can make you feel nearby. If all your photos are digital, you can even simply upload them online, choose your gift, the layout and when you want to have it ready by and go pick it up. It’s that simple. And you can even have it shipped out to you if you want. I use Walgreens, but Rite Aid, CVS, etc. all have these services. Amazingly easy, thoughtful and time efficient. I love it!

For the ‘Lucky’ Mom: The Gift of Style

I may be a bit biased to this one, I admit, but I’ve seen first hand what the gift of style can do … not only for someone’s wardrobe and style, but for their confidence, their morning routine and their wallet! It’s knowing exactly what works for you so you don’t waste money on those ‘maybe’ pieces. Whether it’s a subscription to Vogue to inspire her style or to Lucky to show her ‘how to’ over the course of the year. Or, even the gift of U*styled! Conveniently, 21 Days of Style starts May 9th – just after Mother’s day. I promise I didn’t plan that! If you think mom needs a bit more one-on-one guidance, then an in-person style session may be the ticket. I bet you’ll be the new favorite child! Oh, right, mom doesn’t have a favorite. ;)

Happy Shopping!!

Spring Cleaning – For Mind, Body, and Style!

Submitted by on April 19, 2011 - 10:54 pm

Have you ever planned an outfit in your head and have 100% confidence that it will work … and then you go to try it on and … it doesn’t fit?!?! Argh! SOOO annoying! Especially as women with that 3-5 pound monthly fluctuation every month. Aren’t we lucky?

So, that was me on Saturday. A great outfit I’ve even worn before was simply not quite right. Dang water weight! (I’ll blame it on that! ;) )

However, fortunately, I can quickly pull myself together and create a plan B which is what I did and I had a ton of fun that night and felt great with what I was wearing.

Though, it did bring up some things that I’d thought I already wrestled away years ago … insecurities with my body. Can you relate?? In fact, it’s a bit of a blessing that this happened because now I’m aware I have some more work to do in that area.

That’s why today is all about Spring Cleaning … of your body, mind and Style!
(Psst! Take the time to read this all the way through. Trust me, you want to!)

BODY

I’m preparing to start a cleanse which I’ve never done before except for 3/4 of a day on the Master Cleanse. What drew me into the cleanse I’m starting is that it’s about eating clean and ridding toxins … not just losing weight. Also, it’s 21 days. So, it’s a real commitment to making changes and creating a habit. I’ve always been mindful of what I eat and would say I eat pretty healthy, but there is always room for improvement since no one is perfect (and I have a serious weakness for Trader Joe’s Gone Banana’s!).

A cleanse can be a great way to hit ‘reset’ on your diet and health while helping you to lose those stubborn 5-10 pounds (or more!). And this doesn’t mean depriving yourself. While you can’t have a glass of wine with dinner and you’ll have to skip dessert, you’ll still be getting plenty of calories and a ton of nutrients.

A few fantastic resources …

CLEAN with Dr. Alejandro Junger For more information, click here. I was drawn to this one because I’ve developed allergies in the last couple of years and I want to discover the culprit. Plus, it’s ‘do it yourself’!

Reboot your Booty with Tracy Lee Jones Click here to learn more and sign up for her newsletter to get great inspirational tips and find out about the program.

Be Well Jump Start Cleanse If you need a bit more support and want to have it all laid out clearly, including supplements then check out this cleanse (starting tomorrow!) here.

Your Wellness Tree Simple Weight Loss Video Series If you need a bit of inspiration and reminders to jump start your weight loss and/or healthy eating, these are great, quick video tips. Check them out here!

MIND

Where is your mindset around your body, health, style and life? Be honest with yourself. As I admitted, I still have a lot of work to do on my body image (and in other areas!) which is why knowing how to dress my body type and style myself with confidence is so important.

Also, having a great team around you to support you. This can be a mastermind group, a health coach, a trainer, a stylist, a financial advisor, your parents or your significant other … depending on what area needs a bit of Spring Cleaning.

For me, it’s my body and since most women have similar hang ups, I thought I’d share this with you.

I was meditating Sunday morning, after the wardrobe and weight frustration of Saturday night and my boyfriend interrupted me. Usually that would annoy me, but I just went with it … and he shared with me something I have to share with you. A few inspired affirmations that every woman needs to hear and know and repeat over and over …

You love your body.

Being a woman is empowering.

You are losing weight as we speak! ;)

You are confident in your body.

Write those down!!

A few things you can do for yourself to remind yourself that you’re amazing and deserve to live a life in Style:

Private Label Wine! I know it goes against being on a cleanse, but other than for 21 days, I will not give up wine! I do believe a glass a day is good for body and mind. One of my favorite labels, La Fenetre, is having a sale until April 21st on it’s latest vintage. Trust me, this wine is delish! Enter code Spring2011LF for 15% off!

Free Facials! My BFF also happens to be an account exec for Jurlique which is an amazing natural skincare line. (Try the Fruit Enzyme mask … It’s a miracle worker!). Coming up on April 29th they’re offering complimentary 30 minute facials at Barney’s Beverly Hills. I went to the last round and it was lovely and relaxing and 30 minutes is perfect for my schedule. Though, I would recommend you get there a bit early so you can peruse the shoe department – it’s to die for!! If you’re interested in this, email me and I’ll give you the contact information to sign up for an appointment!

STYLE

Well, by now I probably don’t even need to go into detail with Style since I’ve shared so much over the weeks. ;) Personally, I go through my closet at least every three months. Because I’m consistent, it’s never a huge ordeal. It’s actually quick, easy and fun. I love how it feels to have new space in the closet so I can welcome in my new favorite Wardrobe Updates.

A few quick tips for a Stylish Spring Cleaning:
* Go category by category to cleanse and edit
* Be honest about fit
* Add color!!!
* Define your waist (or create one, as the case may be)

Because we’re now in full swing of Spring, I decided to have another round of 21 Days of Style which will start on May 9th!

Check out this video I made for you below AND the amazing offer I share!!

What do you think?? Can you tell I’m a bit excited?

What’s more, I hope that you’re feeling inspired to do a bit of Spring Cleaning … wherever it will benefit you most. I would love to hear how you were inspired and took action!

I’m Not Perfect

Submitted by on April 3, 2011 - 10:00 pm

It’s hard for me to admit, but it’s true. I’m not perfect. I’m definitely a Type-A High Achiever who used to write on her resume ‘highly self-motivated quick learner” yet at the same time I’m constantly coming to terms with the fact that I’m not perfect!

And what a good exercise that is!!

Have you ever done a presentation or worked on a project that you thought after the fact ‘I wish I had done that this way’ only to have others praise your work?

Perhaps you’ve taken it a step further and reviewed said presentation or project after the fact and realized ‘hey, I actually did do a really great job!’

Can you relate?

If you can, you’re a perfectionist on some level. And it’s pretty hard to be perfect all the time, isn’t it??

It’s so draining!

I’m pretty sure as women, we’re all perfectionists on some level. Taking it all on, doing it all ourselves … for everyone else … and rarely asking for help.

The thing is, there is beauty in this. Beauty in realizing that your flaws are actually your unique assets. They set you apart. What would Cindy Crawford be without her mole?? Beyonce without her bootliciosness? I think you get the picture!

How about a Stylist who would doesn’t feel like getting dressed in the morning?
I will be the first to admit that there are many days I would rather stay in my favorite Lululemon yoga pants or robe instead of having to plan an outfit and get out the door to face the day. And if I don’t have to head out the door for anything, I will give myself the space to be comfortable.

Though, the inner debutante in me does come out. I will admit that as well. I prefer to be pulled together. It makes me feel better about myself. It makes me feel more myself. Rarely will you see me leave the house without makeup. Even for a workout. I can’t help it! It’s part of who I am. If you always see me pulled together and polished, it’s because it’s how I feel most confident.

But since I’m like you and I don’t have a team of people doing my hair and makeup in the morning, I do the best with what I have. I’ve learned tips and tricks over the years. And they make all the difference.

When I say ‘throw it on and go!’ … I really mean that!!

You’re busy. You don’t have time for a whole fuss, but you do care about how you present yourself to the world.

My tricks for getting out the door on those mornings when I’m feeling more like yoga pants and a good book? A quick makeup routine with my trusty makeup bag staples, my amazing hair dryer (the most I’ve ever spent on one, but worth every penny!) and my uniform.

Uniform? Yes, I’m a tee-shirt and jeans girl at heart. So, my uniform is a variation on that each day. It changes depending on which pants I want to wear – straight leg, skinny or trouser? It changes depending on how formal the occasion – tee shirt, blouse or jacket? It changes depending on the weather – hot, lukewarm or cold? It changes depending on my mood – blue, red, pink, navy or purple? And it changes depending simply on my accessories!

Accessories are key!!! A look can completely change it’s attitude depending on the accessories. And they’re the simplest thing to add!

So, what does it’ come down to when you’re not feeling it yet you’ve got to get out the door? Your uniform and some accessories! Simple as that. Please don’t make it more complicated. And if you have yet to discover your uniform or want to add more variety and fun, that’s where an expert comes into play. Trust me, it’s taken me years to get to this point of comfort and ease with my style and my unique assets. Especially considering all those mornings of ‘UGH!’ with my wardrobe. Do yourself a favor and shorten your learning curve!

My unique assets I’ve had to learn to love? My hair (which wasn’t always curly) and my bum (which was definitely always bubbly). And I still have my moments with both! We’re always learning. :)

Where is the fun in being perfect, anyway!?!

Making it to Hollywood

Submitted by on March 19, 2011 - 2:56 am

For the 10 years I’ve lived in LA, I’ve always been mesmerized by the Hollywood sign. I remember the first time I saw it when I was a Freshman at USC driving with my good friends who happened to be from SoCal … so it was no big deal to them.

There is something so powerful about the sign and what it symbolizes. It’s iconic and holds so much history. It also represents so much hope.

One of the first classes I took at USC was called LA and the American Dream. It was really an interesting class … for instance, learning about the LA River. Coming from the Midwest, it baffled me that a river was made out of concrete and also pretty much dry! But also, really what LA represents for so many people. We literally live in the land of opportunity, growth and inspiration.

The Hollywood sign holds all of that and reminds us of what’s possible.

So, when I ventured to finally hike right up to the Hollywood sign, I was pretty excited. It took me 10 years to get here! And, it really came from a moment of inspiration.

I hadn’t made the hike to find it because I didn’t want to get completely lost. I also didn’t know where to start. When I moved to the area I live now, I realized it was literally in my backyard.

Still, I didn’t go for it. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into – how long, how hard, etc.

Kind of like life. And when you take a risk you may have been avoiding for a while because you’re just not quite sure you’re ready for it. Even if you’ve been thinking about it for a while.

While I was hiking, I realized that this trek symbolized so much for me, especially culminating in the last few years.

For one, I had no idea where I was going. I just went for it. I had an idea this one trail might lead to the sign, but I didn’t know for sure. I was ready for an adventure and I was willing to take that risk.

As I started my ascent, I realized that I didn’t have a phone and I hadn’t told anyone where I was hiking. I was pretty much on my own. If something happened, I’d have to take care of myself.

Then, I started seeing groups of people hiking up the trail as well. It turns out, I wasn’t completely alone.

I also realized that while I didn’t know where I was going, I didn’t want to turn around. Because of how steep the hike was, it would be more treacherous to turn around and head back.

There was no turning back. I’d committed to the adventure and so I had to persist.

When I got to the top, I saw most of the people I’d encountered heading to a little picnic area. Pretty much a lookout point. While lovely, it wasn’t my goal. So I followed my instinct and turned right while they turned left.

Still, I didn’t really know where I was going. But, I was on top of the mountain and that was pretty cool. At least I did have a general idea.

So, I persisted.

Until I got to a point where it looked like the trail stopped. I was so disappointed. But I didn’t sit in that disappointment long. Soon, I realized that there was a trail, albeit you could hardly see it through the thick brush.

So, I carried on.

Now it really started to get a bit unnerving. There was some of the trail that was more than a bit precarious. While this whole time I’d simply been putting one foot in front of the other, taking it one step at a time, now I was taking smaller, more carefully placed steps.

I would get through that tough spot and find a flat, easy trail. So I could taker bigger steps and go more quickly. Then, I’d find another tough, precarious spot … followed by another easy part.

Hmmm … interesting.

More than a few times I felt unsure of if I was really going in the correct direction. If following my instincts was really going to work or if I was going to have to admit defeat and turn around.

Failure was not an option. So I kept going!

Finally, all of the sudden, there it was. The Hollywood sign. It simply took my breath away. I had a moment. Wow. I made it!!!

Then, I realized I needed to figure out how to get around the fence. Just one more small challenge before I reach my goal, right?! I saw I could go around the fence and so I did and walked up the path (that most people took to get there … the easy way!) and took in more of the sign.

Then, I realized I reached my goal, but now I had a new challenge in front of me. How do I get home??

I started down the paved path that would hopefully lead me to my new goal, finding my way back home. One wrong turn and I would end up in Bronson Canyon … NOT near my home!

Still, I continued to follow my instinct. A little nervous, wondering what I had gotten myself into and definitely getting tired.

And then I saw it! The neighborhood I knew. I’d done it! I succeeded in finding my way home. I still had a ways to go, but at last I knew that this was definitely the path I had to take to get home.

And then, finally, after 2 hours and 15 minutes, I was home. Success! Now the question is, what will my next adventure be?

I was inspired to share this story with you because in so many ways it parallels what I’ve experienced in starting, building and growing my business. Before I took the leap, I took a year and a half thinking about it. There has been plenty of treacherous terrain, but always the sense of knowing I was going in the right direction.

You may have your own business, thinking about starting a business, investigating your deepest desires and passions or working corporate, but wherever you are you are exactly where you need to be, doing exactly what you need to do and experiencing exactly what you need to experience.

That’s the beauty in life. We all have challenges, but by following our instincts we can get to our goal. And in realizing that goal or dream, we discover we actually have another goal that even surpasses the original.

You’re ever evolving. There is no ‘arriving.’ If there was, life would be so boring! Your experiences evolve, your career evolves, your life evolves and, of course, your style evolves.

And it’s all a perfect reflection of YOU. Exactly where you are now and where you are going!

If you know that, then you’ve already ‘made it.’

Life is beautiful.

Fashion is in the Sky

Submitted by on March 18, 2011 - 11:09 pm

I used to live in a house that had a view of the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory. I’d heard of Griffith Park, but I’d never known where it was or what it was. I didn’t realize how important it would become to me.

Fortunately, I had someone to show me the way. Once I discovered it and we explored it together that first time, I was hooked!

That hike became my safe haven. A year and a half before I left BCBG I would go for long hikes on my weekends off (when that happened!) and let myself get lost, explore and find my way. I’d also ponder what I wanted to do with my life. I felt like there was more to this existence than just working my butt off and trying to squeeze in time for myself and to spend with friends and family when I had the energy.

I knew there was more. It was just a matter of figuring out my WHY.

I had already recognized my skill for styling and shopping for others and this had been something I’d considered for a while. I kept coming back to that idea, but I felt like I needed more.

I needed to be more than just a stylist.

There is so much more to me than just enjoying clothes. I love the way they make you feel. How they make you stand up a bit straighter when you love what you’re wearing. How they can speak for you before you say anything yourself. I love to experiment and play with new combinations with what you already have. Seemingly creating something from nothing.

But I didn’t see all that then, so I kept brushing the thought away and not acting on it. Though, it continued to resurface against my will.

In the meantime, I was looking to move companies but not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. What I did see was my boss rushing home at 6 (if she was lucky) to spend just an hour with her little daughter. And when she did, she’d often get slack for it.

I couldn’t see myself looking forward to that as I continued to move up the ladder. In fact, I wouldn’t. I really appreciate the fact that my mom was home for me as I was growing up and I know that has played a huge part in shaping who I am today.

How can we find balance in our busy lives?

The answer to this question is why I am here writing for you today. It’s all about balance and offering busy women a bit of reprieve from their responsibility of ‘doing it all.’ If I can take just one thing off your plate and make your life a bit easier with just a few tweaks, then I’ve served my purpose.

Though, again, I didn’t see this. I needed someone to show me. Give me a bit of inspiration for a way that I could take a bold leap and quit my job to serve this purpose. This friend happened to be the same person who showed me to Griffith.

Her inspiration and permission gave me the courage to take a big leap. It was perfect timing. I was ready to make a drastic change and she showed me the way I could do it.

Sometimes we simply need someone to show us the way. So simple!

Griffith has continued to serve as a great source of inspiration for me. I’ve since moved from that house, but wherever I go in LA I seem to find a new place to hike. And even though I enjoy those new hikes, like a great love affair, I always go back to Griffith.

Griffith literally changed my perspective about LA. For a long time I felt a little out of place. A little too nice and trusting for my own good sometimes, it’s easy to fall prey to the excitement of the city. Griffith was my coming home.

Seriously. I was ready to leave LA. I was so over it. And since discovering Griffith, I’ve been so much happier here and it really did make LA feel like home. Perhaps, a part of it has to do with the fact that my grandpa was raised just down the street (literally) on Vermont. It’s in my blood.

What I also realized through my hikes, whether at Griffith or elsewhere, is that my best ideas simply just come to me when I’m just enjoying nature in this way.

So far, I have them to thank for U*styled, many newsletter articles, defining my desires for a great relationship, 21 Days of Style and so much more!

It’s no wonder that top designers look to nature, cities, cultures, etc. for inspiration. Fashion isn’t about clothes, it’s about everything in our life … all the beauty around us.

For me, it turns out, my greatest inspiration comes from perspective and the juxtaposition of nature against urban.

I wonder, where does your greatest inspiration come from?

This Little Light of Mine!

Submitted by on December 27, 2010 - 1:16 pm

I’ve reflected back on this excerpt from Marianne Williamson’s Return to Love many times as it speaks so clearly to why I love working with women to bring out their personal, inner style. And it is very much something that I need to remind myself of for my own personal reasons as well.

Starting, building and running a business can be scary. As much as I would rather stay behind the camera, I know I need to step out and let MY light shine. And in the coming New Year, you will definitely be seeing more from U*styled!

I’m incredibly excited about what’s cooking here at U*styled, but more importantly, I wanted to share this with you again.

“We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~ Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”, Harper Collins, 1992. From Chapter 7, Section 3

As you go into the New Year, consider this for yourself. Let this be your Mantra: I’m Gonna Let it SHINE!

Ode to Dog

Submitted by on December 20, 2010 - 11:36 am

If you’ve ever had a pet or fallen in love with a friends pet, you know firsthand the effect that they have on you. They change you. Much for the better.

Unconditional Love

The ultimate forgiver. Even if you don’t take them for a walk in a timely manner. Even if you get mad at them for some of their antics. Even if you’re not in your most jovial mood. They love you. Always.

Persistence

That treat from the table. Another walk. Some more love. To be let up on the bed. Whatever they want, they don’t give up. They look at you with those eyes and you can’t resist!

In life or in business, if you don’t give up you always get what you want.

Let it Be

Truly living in the moment. The dog’s life is sleeping, playing, eating and cuddling. Just being. We’re always thinking about the next thing we have to do. Let’s just go with the flow like our beloved pet.

I remember coming home to Aggie when I was in high school. Ever the over-achiever, I’d be stressed and she was just such a light to come home to. Giving her a bit of attention was also allowing myself a bit of downtime. The big test can wait. The best stress-relief!

Let’s Play!

Of course they don’t have to work, but they do seem to have their priorities in order. It’s about enjoying life, loving you, and just playing! They’ll never tire of fetch, wrestling, exploring on a walk. Life is an adventure to them!

Life can easily be overwhelmed by work. Since they don’t have that worry, they get to just enjoy life … and set that example for us. How many walks, runs or rollerblades, romps in the snow, keep away, etc. were really just an excuse for us to take a moment to play? Or maybe a bit of a wrestle as my dad often enjoyed after a 12-14 hour workday.

Relationships

Your pet loves to make new friends. Your pet loves you. Your pet doesn’t focus on what’s on the ‘to do’ list. The ‘to do’ list is all about you. Have you ever noticed when you’re a bit down, stressed, anxious, etc. that your pet knows it and immediately offers support. The truest companion and the best listener.

Relationships are vital. Communication, support, love and perspective … the elements of the best relationships. Aggie didn’t need to be the center of attention, she just wanted to be in the center of us. She kept me company when I was studying, my mom company when my dad was working away from home and would often follow whomever was home (but mostly my mom) around the house to hang out in whatever room we settled in.

Life is Short. Take a cue from Aggie. Live in the moment, enjoy the moment and just let it be!


U*Styled Holiday Survival Guide

Submitted by on December 18, 2010 - 12:04 pm

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

I love the holidays. It’s the time of year equivalent of Disneyland for me. And I love Disneyland. As soon as I step foot inside the gates a huge grin inevitably erupts across my face. All cares are washed away in this magical place.

And I really feel the same way about the holidays. The holiday songs on the radio, the lights around the neighborhood, decorating the house, an excuse to give thoughtful gifts to those you love.

LOVE IT ALL! Even when it means that I’m busier than usual – trying to fit in holiday shopping into my already busy schedule, deadlines at work that are shorter because of the holiday break, year end accounting for some of us, holiday parties galore, etc.

So, I’ll admit, it can get a bit overwhelming even with all it’s good intentions. Now, how to mitigate that feeling so you can thoroughly enjoy the holidays? Well, these are just a few suggestions I use myself …

5 Quick Ways to Brighten your Holiday Mood

1) Play with Color

They’ve done numerous studies on the effects of color and they all come to the same conclusion: color enhances mood. So, when you choose to wear a bold red or cobalt blue over black, you’re not only standing out fashionably, you’re also telling your mood that you feel great! It also influences the mood of those around you. Consider your favorite color to wear and wear it often and in varying shades. Have fun! Stand out!

2) Take a Timeout

Give yourself 5 minutes to recharge. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, clear your head and just be. If you’re like me and you have a lot of chatter pretty consistently going in your head, try a mantra. A mantra is something positive you repeat and you can tailor it to your needs for whatever is going on in your life.

Even if this means you have to step out and hide in the bathroom at work … do it! And be sure to close your eyes. That’s the most relaxing part!

3) Make time for Exercise

We all know that exercise releases endorphins that make us feel good. Still, that isn’t quite enough to get us to the gym. Well, it should be! All my life I’ve worked out consistently and specifically because it was my stress relief. (If you know me at all by now, you know that I’ve got a lot of things going on!)

Don’t slack on exercise because you have so many events. But you also don’t have to make it such a chore. I used to spend an hour at the gym 6 days a week and I loved it – it never was a chore. It was always a part of my routine. I’ve since relaxed a bit, but it’s still a part of my routine. Sometimes it’s fitting in 30 minutes or even a quick 15 minute yoga sesh in my living room

. Whatever works … just something!

4) Add Cucumber to your Water

With all the extra carbs and alcohol you’ll be consuming, your body is going to need a lot of water. You may not have time for the spa to detox, so why not bring the Spa to you? It’s incredibly refreshing and simply indulgent. Plus, your body (and your skin!) will thank you!!

5) Give

My favorite part of the holidays (and why I’m so glad to offer you 15% off U*styled gift certificates!). I love to be able to make someone’s day a bit brighter by showing them a bit of generosity.

Now, this doesn’t have to mean going out and buying gifts for everyone. It can be as simple as holding the door or the elevator for someone. Showing a bit of unexpected kindness (well, I live in LA … sometimes it feels that way), can really make someone’s day and they’ll likely pay it forward.

Another great way to give: Clean out your closet and donate your clothes to a homeless shelter, half way house or battered women’s shelter. Even if you think you can get a bit of money for your designer clothes you don’t wear anymore, imagine how much more someone in one of these places would appreciate it SO much more!


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