Posts with tag 'Shopping Tips'

September 7, 2011
- Use Belts to Enhance Your Shape

Belts can be used to flatter your figure, add texture to an outfit and even disguise problem areas. Most women tend to avoid belts in fear of drawing attention to extra tummy weight. The truth is, when worn the right way, belts can make you appear thinner and more styled.

Metallic. Opt for a thin metallic belt to enhance your fall sweaters. A long cardigan tends to look boxy on its own, but adding a belt at the narrowest point between your shoulders and hips will offer a more flattering shape. Remember that metallics are neutral so you can wear them with any other color.

Woven. Add some texture to a printed dress or skirt by wearing a woven belt. A wider woven belt can help break up an all over print while enhancing your waistline. This is a great way to achieve balance between dressy and casual.

Thin vs. Wide. There are no set rules on how wide your belt can or cannot be. However, as a general guideline, girls with a larger bust will look best with thinner belts. If you have a straight tom-boy figure, go ahead and try a wider belt to give the illusion of curves.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

August 23, 2011
- Classics vs. Trends

Fashion changes quickly and it is easy to built a great wardrobe only to realize the next season that your favorite pieces are no longer in style! Instead of having to replace an entire closet, mix trendy items with classic pieces to create a wardrobe that is always up to date!

90% of your wardrobe should be classic! Classic pieces stay in style through the years. Every women needs classics such as a little black dress, a tailored jacket or a great pair of jeans as go to staples. One Dress, Different Looks

Classics should be high quality items that flatter your body and will survive over time. Higher quality clothing will be more expensive however are worth the investment because they will not need to be replaced as often as those that are a lower quality.

10% should be trendy! Trendy pieces are important because they keep your look up to date. Mix in trendy items, such as accessories, with classics to create fashion forward look. This will keep your wardrobe exciting by creating multiple outfits. Trends change quickly so spend the least amount of money on them. With less money spent you can easily update your look as trends come and go.

Phoebe

phoebe@milenaconsulting.com

August 17, 2011
- The Timeless Trench

If you're aiming for an always pulled together, effortlessly stylish look then consider splurging on a trench coat this fall. It will likely be one of the wisest investments you'll ever make to your wardrobe because of its wearability and classic style. Throw it on over pants and a blouse for the office, a pair of leggings for travel or a dress for a nice dinner. The possibilities are endless.

There are several factors to consider when purchasing a trench coat including color, shape, length and details. Opt for a neutral color such as navy so you feel comfortable wearing this piece for most occasions.

The shape should be fitted to emphasize the woman underneath the garment, rather than oversized. You should be wearing the trench coat, not the other way around. Look for a trench coat that falls just above the knees so you can wear it with skirts, dresses and pants.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, pay attention to the details. The buttons should be relatively large and the material should be versatile for more than one season and occasion.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

November 18, 2009
- The Holiday Look: Affordable and Effortlessly Fabulous!

This holiday season you may have an assortment of different holiday parties to attend including office parties, get togethers with friends, charity events and the list goes on. In the past, many of us would go out and buy a whole new outfit from shoes to jewelry. However in today's economy, even those of us who can afford it, are cutting back. Money or not, I believe the best looks are the ones that look fabulous, yet effortless. Here's some tips for you to start putting together those holiday outfits without spending a whole lot or looking like you just spent your entire bonus in an effort to impress.

Keep It Classic This is a universal rule, no matter what the occasion. You can never go wrong with classic pieces. They are appealing to most people and you never risk being a fashion victim. No matter if you are headed to a conservative office party or a funky art gallery charity event, you'll fit in and be approachable. Men should wear dark ties in rich colors with a suit jacket for more formal events. A nice sport jacket in a solid color, subtle pattern or texture. Women should wear a tailored skirt and jacket or pretty blouse. Use jewelry like diamonds and pearls to add a little sparkle.

Rework What You Have Save your green for gifts and after holiday sales. It never makes sense to spend money on clothes that you are only going to wear a few times a year. Instead, shop in your closet. Men can do this pretty easily. Just use the same sport jacket and change the shirt and tie up. Contrary to our social belief, it's ok to wear the same dress twice. Take the dress you wore to the office party last week and wear it to the benefit party this week. Change up the accessories to make it feel new and different. I love black stone jewelry; it's different from your typical diamonds and still conveys a sleek elegance. It can also look edgy if done in the right way. Put the necklace from White House Black Market (above), with a simple black sheath dress (which you probably have in your closet) and you're instantly styled!

Keep It Simple Skip the Swarovski drenched dress and accessories. Use warm rich colors but keep it simple with the bling. I'm always a fan of a fun cocktail ring. It makes a good conversation piece and stands out without being obvious. Go for one standout piece. It could be a cool detail in your dress, bold earrings or a statement necklace. Limit yourself to one, otherwise you look like your trying too hard and your pieces start to compete for attention.

All men look more "manly" with a nice metal band watch. Skip the leather bands. A simple chain necklace works for men who naturally accessorize. If you do not normally wear a necklace, this is not the time to try it. You'll look uncomfortable.

Prioritize: Clothes, Shoes, Accessories If you feel like you have nothing in your closet that will work, then head to the stores. Based on your budget, spend the bulk of your money on the clothing, then the shoes, then the accessories. The clothing is going to be the largest, most noticeable piece on you. You not only want to have a quality piece that you can wear again and again, but you don't want to waste money on something that you don't love. Hopefully you can find shoes at home, but if not, then get a pair of shoes that will work for several special occasion outfits. Do not be matchy-matchy and get unique shoes that will only work with that particular outfit. You'll be wasting money.

Lastly, if you still have money left over in your budget, buy some accessories. If not, these are easy to borrow from a friend. You can pair inexpensive jewelry with a nice outfit. Some of the best jewelry I have is $10 from the B.P. department in Nordstrom. Target is a great source for some modern and fun pieces too!

Most importantly have fun and know that it isn't a fashion contest. It's about feeling good about the way you look and enjoying yourself at the party!

October 25, 2009
- Shine Like a Diamond!

Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat - the 4 C's for finding the perfect diamond. If you want to shine like a diamond apply the same principles to your wardrobe!

Color Color is powerful! Some colors will enhance your best features like your eyes and soften any flaws like circles under your eyes. If you are wearing the wrong colors you could unintentionally be accentuating an uneven skin tone or making yourself appear paler. With the right colors you can camouflage those flaws and brighten your complexion, making you appear even younger! First, find out if you have a warm or cool undertone. If you have a warm undertone you'll look better in orange/yellow based colors. If you have a cool undertone, you'll look better in green/blue based colors. Don't know if you are warm or cool? Schedule a Style Assessment ($25 off to milenablog readers). Once you know what colors work for you, try and keep those colors close to your face. Either avoid the colors that don't or wear them in other places such as a skirt or a handbag.

Cut How a garment fits you depends largely upon how it is cut. You will find that higher quality fabrics and designs not only cost more, but fit better. Nothing beats a custom made shirt or suit that fits you precisely. However, if you don't have a budget for custom clothing, then it's even more important that you pay attention to cut. You are only as small as your body is, so wearing clothing that contours your body closely will be most flattering. Wearing boxy clothing or clothes that are too big or too tight are only going to add unneeded volume to your figure. Use cut to create clean lines and accentuate or camouflage where necessary.

Clarity Create a wardrobe strategy by having a clear idea of what your style is now and where you would like it to be. Many of us buy the same things out of habit or buy foolishly because of a lack of time or planning. Know that your lifestyle and budget change throughout your life so if you are still shopping in the teen section and you have your own teen that is a sign you need to re-evaluate your wardrobe strategy. The best way to determine what you need is to first figure out what you have. Evaluate your wardrobe and clean out the things that you don't wear, don't fit or are worn out. Make a list of items that you are missing or need replacing. This will give you the direction you need to start building your wardrobe. If you are overwhelmed at the thought of this, schedule a Wardrobe Edit with your favorite personal stylist and your closet will be cleaned out and you'll have a shopping list in less than 4 hours!

Carat Measure the value of your wardrobe to you based on how it affects you emotionally and physically. "Look Successful. Feel Successful. Be Successful." When you have on an outfit that you know makes you look good, your confidence peaks and you feel empowered! It's not about having the latest styles and trends-I actually tell most of my clients to limit their trendy clothes to only 10% of their wardrobe-it's about feeling put together and viewing yourself positively! Knowing that you deserve to look and feel good is the first step to creating a wardrobe that is rich in carats!

May 1, 2009
- 10 Reasons to Hire an Image Consultant

An image consultant is not just a personal shopper - someone who picks out clothes for you and tells you what looks best. As an image consultant, my job is to teach you why certain things make you look better than others and how to do it yourself. I will teach you how to fish!

1. I teach you what looks best (color, fit, style) on you and why!

2. I show you what is and what isn't working in your wardrobe and why!

3. I remix and match your current wardrobe saving you money on buying new clothing!

4. I find what is missing from your wardrobe and create a shopping list so you are armed with a plan!

5. I am able to save you time on building your wardrobe because I do all the shopping for you!

6. I move you out of your comfort zone to help you modernize your style, while staying true to who you are and what works for your lifestyle!

7. I teach you the skills so that you are empowered with the knowledge and confidence to shop for yourself!

8. I help you project a polished and professional image so you positively influence customers, clients, and colleagues!

9. I keep up with the current styles and trends and attend image education classes, so you don't have to!

10. I ensure that you have a wardrobe that works for both your professional and social life and everything in-between!

January 11, 2009
- Move Out of Your Comfort Zone

Have you made any New Year's Resolutions for your wardrobe in 2009? It might seem silly to think about, but I guarantee there are a lot of changes that will make you feel fine in 2009! This year, resolve to MOVE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE!

1. Try a New Store or Brand...
Many of us go to the same "safe" or staple stores and brands to buy what we know, or at least what we think, works. By taking the easy way out, you are missing out on the endless possibilities to find unique pieces to rev-up your style. The same-old is boring. Diversify your closet and you'll feel like new!

2. Try a New Color...
If your closet is a sea of black or resembles Pepto Bismol, then commit to seeking out a new color this year. It will add life to your closet and I guarantee you will get compliments because everyone around you will be pleasantly surprised to see the monotony end and see you in something new!

3. Don't Wait for "Something Special"...
You know those fancy dresses or tops you save for a special occasion? Pull them out and put them on right now! Stop waiting for some day that never seems to come. If you avoid wearing it because it is expensive, that is all the more reason to start wearing it now. You need to get as many wears as you can out of that hand-made dress to make it pay for itself!

4. Put on Something Sexy...
Feel good about yourself and your body this year and sass it up a bit! Get the cute panties and bras out of the bedroom and into your everyday wardrobe. Your undergarments are the foundation for every outfit, so you want whatever is closest to your skin to make you feel good. Try to wear something a little more form fitted (not tight) than usual. Maybe bare a little more skin (not your belly) than usual. When you look sexy, you feel sexy, and ultimately you will be sexy!

5. Get Dolled-Up, For Work...
When you think about how much of your day is spent at your job, why wouldn't you want to feel good the majority of each day? You deserve to feel great every day, not just for special occasions. Taking the time to look polished for work will make you professionally more attractive to clients and co-workers, which can result in more sales, better relationships or even a promotion!

October 15, 2008
- 9 Ways to Save On Your Wardrobe Now!

Sign up for email blasts from your favorite stores:
As annoying as these mass emails can be, they can actually save you tons! Most major department stories and now many boutiques have an opt-in button on their website where you can sign-up to receive notifications about special sales and discount opportunities.

Google Discount Codes:
If you like to buy your clothes online, you can save money by Googling 'Discount Codes (the stores you like)'. There are hundreds of websites offering current discount codes that you input at the end of your check-out to save on your purchases.

Know the sales cycle:
Buying clothes at the end of the season can really save you money as long as you are OK with having last year's clothes next year. If you focus on buying classic pieces you can really find value in doing this. For example, J.Crew is notorious for putting their cashmere sweaters on sale after the holidays. They'll bring the same cashmere sweater out next year (perhaps in different colors) and sell it again at full price. If your smart and buy at the end of the season, you'll essentially have the same sweater at savings of 40% or more!

Mix & match pricey pieces with cheaper pieces:
Wearing Burberry from head to toe is neither chic nor necessary. It lacks creativity and can be presumed flashy. It's much more stylish to pair your faux fur vest from H&M with a great pair of leather Cole Hahn Boots. The luxury boots will make your H&M vest look more high-end.

Decide on a color story:
A color story is basically a series of colors that can relate to each other. If you buy clothing colors that can mix and match you can create more outfits with less pieces.

Buy Basics in neutral colors:
'Basics' are the foundation for all outfits. They are essential, classic pieces that never go out of style so they will last much longer in your wardrobe. Buying basics in a neutral color adds to the classic element. For instance, starting with a basic black pencil skirt you can create several outfits by pairing more statement pieces on the top such as a printed blouse, cropped leather blazer, or a suit jacket. All three are completely different looks for different occasions.

Purchase trendy memorable pieces at discount stores:
You'll save yourself hundreds of dollars in the long run by buying those pieces that will be out of style next year at a discount store such as Forever XXI, Ross, H&M, Nordstrom Rack, etc. Pieces that are 'memorable' you will tend to wear less often compared to basics, which can be worn several times within the same week.

Buy quality over quantity:
The biggest downfall for bargain shoppers is buying things just to have more. If you have a closet full of nothing to wear, you have probably fallen victim to this often. You clothing will last longer if it is made of excellent materials and sewn with perfection.

Love everything you buy:
No matter how cheap something is, if you don't love it, it's not worth a penny! Keep yourself from buying things just because they are on sale. If you love it AND it's on sale - those are true bargains!