I am a professional Hair and Wardrobe Stylist and Personal Shopper. I love accessories and tend toward bold colors, statement jewelry, funky bags and I have a bit of a shoe problem, like seriously I need rehab. I get a lot of “where’d you get that” and styling questions so I finally decided to start a fashion blog. This blog is for anyone who is interested in great deals, unique pieces and a new take on what’s “hot”. The theme of the blog is loving yourself, and feeling your best at any age, size or budget. I love to shop but I am terminally frugal (my husband would say cheap, but I am definitely not cheap). I like nice things, I just refuse to pay retail so a lot of my looks will incorporate a healthy mix of price points, in other words, there will be something for every budget, age and size.

Stats: I am 40 years old, 5’10” and plus sized, I range from a 12-16 depending on the manufacturer/ cut…sigh. lol

With that out of the way, I’d like to share how I make trends work for me now that I am “of a certain age” (not to mention size).  I hope it inspires other women who love fashion, and maybe feel they are outside the age/size demographic that most trends are aimed at, to try new things.

DaStylist tips for creating the look you want:

SHOP YOUR CLOSET: You probably have the basis of a great wardrobe hidden under all the stuff you’ve purchased but never worn (Law of Five: see this post on basic wardrobe staples if you’re in need of a refresh).

SPLURGE ON BASICS, SAVE ON TRENDS: If you buy great basics they will translate from season to season and you can update/style your looks with great on trend pieces and accessories. I typically buy my accessories off season, or when they’re on sale, because there’s nothing worse than spending a ton of money on something that you only wear a few times before it’s obsolete.

NEVER PAY RETAIL: I. Don’t. Do. Full Price, unless it’s something unbelievably amazing and I’m afraid they’ll sell out. Unless I am looking for something specific (and sometimes even then), I always start my shopping trips at the clearance rack. You’ll never know what great deals you’re missing out on if you bypass sale racks. In fact, some of my best, most expensive finds have come for 70% off. If you are a brand loyalist, make sure you sign up for FREE rewards programs and coupons, and if you shop in a particular store frequently make it a point to become acquainted with the staff for discretionary discounts and advance notice on sales.

Last thing about me, while I LOVE styling, I HATE to be in front of the camera so this blog has been a challenge… bear with me. #imnotamodel

Khaki

Jacket: Free People, Cargo Pants: Ralph Lauren , Clutch: Target, Tank, Belt and Sandals: Charlotte Russe

Bohemian 

Crop Top: H&M, Double Split Maxi Skirt: BCBG, Clutch: BCBG, Wedges: Steve Madden

Jumpsuits

Jumpsuit: Lily Pulitzer for Target, Bag: Target, Sandals: Nine West

70’s Inspired Denim

Tunic: H&M, Flared Trouser Jeans: Banana Republic, Clutch: Coach, Platforms: DV8 Dolce Vita

Romantic 

Lace Shift Dress: Nicole Miller, Espadrilles: Merona, Clutch: Coach

Nautical

Cropped Boatneck: H&M, High Waisted Pant: H&M, Handbag: orYany, Mules: Sam Edelman

Ballerina

Camisole: H&M, Midi Skirt: H&M, Clutch: Banana Republic, Sandals: Jessica Simpson

Mix and Match

Maxi Shirt: H&M, White Tank and Cropped Pants: JC Penney’s, Tote: Kate Spade, Sandals: Jessica Simpson

Sheer

Kimono: Free People, Cigarette Pant: BCBG, Handbag: Kate Spade, Sandals: Charlotte Russe

Vintage

Shift Dress: Target, Handbag: Kate Spade, Espadrilles: UGG

Pop Art

Printed Tank and Palazzo Pant: Bisou Bisou, Clutch: Lulu Giunness, Sandals: Nine West

Mesh

Mesh Tee: Liz Claiborne, Laser Cut Faux Leather Skirt: Piperlime (RIP), Corset Belt: BCBG, Clutch: Urban Expressions

These looks were inspired by the Vogue Top 20 Trends for Spring/ Summer 2015. I hope you got some fun ideas on how to “shop your closet”, and add a few seasonal items to create something new and fresh!

Peace and Blessings!

The perfect wardrobe is a topic so subjective that no one can offer the definitive list, but I have created a system of 5 categories for my styling clients that I’d love to share with you. This is just a guideline, in order to have a complete wardrobe you will need to reduce or expand some categories based on your lifestyle.  Remember, no one can dictate YOUR personal style but this is a resource you can reference when you’re editing your closet, shopping for seasonal pieces or want to update/refresh your look.

1.Tops:

Tees and Layering Tanks: Make sure you invest in some great basic knits in several colors, I recommend white, black, and grey to start. I would also get multiple styles of these relatively inexpensive pieces in different cuts, finishes and fabrics, for example: a silk knit fitted tee has a totally different look and feel from a slouchy, slub knit boyfriend tee, try on several styles to know what’s most flattering for your body type.

White Button Up: When you find a great oxford I recommend buying at least 2, because it’s an essential, 4 season, wear with anything look you’ll reach for again and again and nothing is worse than a dingy white shirt. If you have a larger bust, and can’t ever find shirts that fit without pulling across the bust there are several designers addressing that issue, but with prices up to $195.00 a shirt they can be a bit too rich for my blood.

DaStylist Tip: If you have a large bust, but want to try this look for less, buy a shirt large enough for your bust and have it altered to fit your torso at your local dry cleaners/ tailor.

Silk blouse: Whether printed or solid, a classic silk blouse is timeless and versatile enough to be worn with a suit, skirt or jeans.

Cashmere or Fine Gauge Knit Sweater or Cardigan: Depending on your location a finely woven sweater can be worn year round, they’re perfect for layering in cold temps and can be casually draped over your shoulders to fight the evening chill in warmer months.

Black Dress: A black dress, whether it’s a structured sheath or flowing silk slip is a quintessential part of any well dressed woman’s wardrobe. With the correct styling a LDB is appropriate for virtually any occasion. 

2. Bottoms

Tailored Black Pant: A great fitting black pant is the basis for so many looks whether you style them up with heels and a great blouse or down with flats and a tee.

Pencil or A-line skirt: Although, skirt hemlines can run the gamut from micro mini, to floor grazing maxi the most universally flattering lengths hit just above or below the knee.

Skinny, trouser or bootcut jeans: Most women know a great pair of jeans can be worn anywhere from the office to Date Night, just make sure you are mindful of your employers dress code and/or the appropriate dress for the occasion. A great rule of thumb for work is to stick to darker denim with no distressing, outside of that choose the hue and cut that works best for your body type.

Casual Pant: Casual pants can be any length from capri, cropped ankle, to full length. Since they are casual they can be any color, print or fabrication, but keep in mind your proportions when choosing the right pair or you.

Black or khaki shorts: Shorts are not essential but they can be a great addition to your wardrobe. They come in varying lengths to suit almost any taste and can be dressed up or down.

Jackets: 

Black suit jacket or blazer: A black blazer can be paired with black pants or a skirt to create a suit, layered over a dress, or be worn to dress up jeans and a tee.

Fitted Leather Moto Jacket: A newer but widely embraced essential that’s appropriate as a layering piece for work in a business casual environment, and can be worn with just about any other silhouette to bring some edge to a dressy look or elevate a casual look.

Denim Jacket: A great casual layering piece that can be worn year round, in some climates.

Trench Coat: This classic wardrobe staple is perfect for dressy or casual looks, and can be found in an array or colors and fabrications.

Seasonal Coat: For colder climes a seasonal or winter coat is essential, everywhere else it’s a statement. From wool coats to down parkas your seasonal coat can be as diverse as your tastes, just make sure it provides appropriate protection for your climate.

Shoes:

Classic Pump or Stiletto: A black or brown pump will carry just about any look, and now nude is considered the new neutral.

Tall Shaft Leather Boot: A great pair of boots can be worn with dresses, skirts, jeans or even shorts.

Flats: From classic ballet styles to pointed toes to jewel encrusted or velvet slippers, flats are having a resurgence and showing women that they don’t have to wear heels to be sexy or stylish.

Summer Sandals: A great leather sandal, wedge or espadrille is the perfect accompaniment to your warm weather looks.

Sneakers: Whether you work out religiously or are a certified sneaker freak, every woman should own at least one pair of sneakers.

Accessories:

Leather Everyday Handbag: This is where you should splurge, that doesn’t mean break the bank, but a well made, genuine leather handbag is an investment that will pay for itself over the life of the piece.

Evening Clutch: A great clutch is perfect for dressing up on nights out or traveling light. Choose a neutral style and color to get the most use.

Diamond Stud earrings: Diamonds are indeed a Girl’s Best Friend! Even if you don’t wear another single piece of jewelry, a classic diamond (or budget friendly crystal) stud will lend some sparkle to your face and is appropriate with any look.

Watch: A Leather, silver or gold tone watch is a fashionable and functional accessory you should incorporate into your wardrobe.

Silk Scarf: If you are not a jewelry wearer, but you want to add some color or interest to a look, add an artfully tied scarf, it’s classic, chic, and trendy all at the same time.

DaStylist Tip! Always create (and stick to) a budget, whether it’s a monthly, quarterly or seasonal budget, adhering to a predetermined spending amount will keep you from overspending and impulse buys.

Plan for large purchases, if you need a coat, new handbag, or wardrobe overhaul try to time your purchase around your favorite retailers friends and family, rewards, seasonal, semi or annual sales. #neverpayretail

Be YOURSELF, no matter what trend is popular, or what any magazine says, the best looks are always the ones that flatter your body type and make you feel great!