7 TOOLS YOU NEED TO GET DRESSED (TO LOOK PULLED TOGETHER)

For a lot of you this post is going to be a big old DUH but based on the work I’ve done with my clients this post is necessary.

Why?

Because putting on a great looking outfit is only step 1 in the process of looking great. There are a few simple (and some some very obvious) tools you need in your arsenal in order to look your very best.

Here we go …

1. FULL LENGTH MIRROR

I know, I know … bring on the eye rolls but you won’t believe the number of clients that I’ve worked with that don’t own a full length mirror. It’s crazy town. People, please get yourself a full length mirror and look into it before leaving the house. Seeing your complete outfit from head-to-toe is a non-negotiable.

2. STEAMER

Wrinkled garments are NOT okay. So I suggest investing in a steamer. Steaming your garments is so much easier than whipping out an iron, so there is no zero excuse for walking out of the house looking all rumpled.

3. LINT ROLLER

I have a dog and sometimes he sheds but no one should know that by looking at me. Before you walk out the door give your clothes a quick once-over with a lint roller. Even if you don’t have a dog, there are other little nasties that can ruin your overall appearance. Get to rollin’

4. MINI SEWING KIT

I like to keep a travel sewing kit in my closet for quick touch-ups. Never leave the house with a loose or missing button. Have a small hole that you think no one will notice? People will notice, stitch iy up with your mini sewing kit and you will be good to go.

5. LOTION

This is a weird one but it’s true … dry skin can ruin an outfit. I keep a bottle of lotion in my closet and make sure that any exposed skin is hydrated before I set foot out the door.

6. PINTEREST

OMG I love Pinterest! I keep my Pinterest board loaded with outfit inspiration so I never have a “I have nothing to wear” moment. Keep an iPad in your closet with your Pinterest board bookmarked or print out a few images from your board and post them on your closet door.

7. PROPER UNDERGARMENTS

Your undergarments lay the foundation for your ensemble and you must have a solid foundation in order to look your very best. If you are wearing a racer back top, make sure you have a racer back bra. Wearing thin pants? Skip the granny panties and opt for a thong instead. You get what I’m saying?

Changing someone’s life through style, great example

CLIENT MAKEOVER: NEW BEGINNINGS

Nothing brings me more joy than literally changing someone’s life through style. I know I’m not saving lives or anything but what a person wears makes a huge impact on a their life. When you are too busy living life that you forget to update your style, something just doesn’t feel right. Maybe you don’t feel like you fit in at the office or your confidence takes a major hit because of what you wear and it effects other areas of your life.

My latest client was going through something similar. While she was busy kicking ass in her career and making some major changes in her life to improve her health, her style took the backseat. Lucky for her, I was there to swoop in with my style expertise.

During our initial chat, this particular client was feeling a bit lost when it came to her personal style. She had recently lost a considerable amount of weight and was quickly climbing the ladder at the office. Because of her new size, none of her old clothing fit – this left her with only a few “go-t0″ outfits for the office and she would be the first to say that she really didn’t like them very much.

The bones of this client were amazing! Smart, funny, gorgeous, and willing to let me do my thing! Aka my favorite type of client.

The main takeaway from our consultation was that she wanted to look pulled together, professional, sophisticated – all while looking age appropriate, fashion forward, and fun.

Easy as pie!

I drew inspiration from Kerry Washington (her everyday looks vs. her Scandal character), Jessica Alba’s street style looks, and Beyonce since her body type was similar to my clients.

This closet cleanse was FUN! Well it was actually more like a closet review. My client had not one, not two, but three closets!! Out of those closets, the pile above it what we ended up keeping. Alright we kept a few more pieces (her classic pencil skirt, blazers, tees, etc) but everything else had to go. It was time to start over.

It’s always fun/dangerous when my clients have similar taste and are a similar size as me. That means the old “one for you, one for me” principle is in full effect. I tried to control myself this go-round but I would be lying if I said I didn’t buy myself a jacket at Zara and an Moschino sweater at Nordstrom Rack …

BUT I did do a lot more shopping for her than I did for myself! I wanted to get my client the most bang for her buck (which you know is my specialty) so I hit up Nordstrom Rack (2 different ones), TJ Maxx, Marshalls (2 locations), Topshop, Nordstrom, and Zara (2 locations). I was a shopping fool!

My client needed it all, so I got it all. From work clothes to weekend attire, shoes to bags, and jewelry galore. This shopping trip was extra fun.

PS- Zara is so on point right now!

In case you haven’t heard … Lauren fittings are fun fitting! Before I begin my fittings I always tell my clients my three rules:

1.) This is a no meltdown zone. We are here to have fun and play with clothes.

2.) If it doesn’t fit, move on because there are plenty of options to choose from

3.) Don’t look at price tags, we will figure out that stuff later

I had an entire rack of pre-styled outfits for my client (I always buy WAY more than what is needed) and we started trying on items from the beginning. It was hit after hit – everything looked AMAZING on her! As you can see she was stunned by the results.

Also when you hang with me, you aren’t just getting styled you are getting my crazy antics too. At this last fitting we talked about trashy TV, music, and the magic called InstaCart.

After the fitting my client was filled with confidence and felt great about her look. She’s already received a ton of compliments and wishes she had worked with me sooner!

by LAUREN MESSIAH

WHY YOU SHOULD STOP SAVING YOUR “SPECIAL” CLOTHES

We are all guilty of it, buying a new “special” garment and letting it hang in your closet – you know because you’re saving it for the perfect occasion. The problem with this technique is that the special occasion never comes or if it does it isn’t quite special enough for that dress, jacket, pair of shoes, or whatever that garment may be.

I’ve done/ do it. In fact, I have a killer Acne dress in my closet that is so perfect I haven’t had the nerve to wear it (it’s just so damn fabulous). So I am here to say that we need to stop the madness. If you are living and breathing then today is pretty darn special.

How exactly do we stop this vicious “special” garment cycle? I’ll tell you …

ONLY WAIT IF YOU HAVE A DATE (ON THE CALENDAR)

The only reason to wait to wear a dress is if you actually have a date set on the calendar for a special occasion. I just got rid of an evening gown that I’ve had in my closet for almost 3 years. I’ve literally never ever put it on my body but I SWORE that one day I would get invited to a gown worthy event and I would be prepared. Yeah that didn’t work out. So instead I’m selling the dress because cash is much better than watching a garment collect dust.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Life is short and every day on this earth should be considered special – so why not dress for it? You never know what the day may bring so make an effort to look your very best. PS – they are clothes and they are meant to be worn.

BE REALISTIC

Think about your lifestyle when purchasing clothing and only purchase things that you will actually wear. If you aren’t a skirt person, don’t buy a skirt with the thought in mind that one day you might have to wear a skirt.

Moral of the story … Buy what you love and then wear the heck out of it!!

11 STYLE CHOICES THAT ARE ACTUALLY AGING YOU!

There is nothing wrong with getting older. Actually, getting older is kind of awesome. With age you become smarter, savvier, and way cooler. You couldn't pay me to be 25 again. I’ll stick to the age I am now, thank you.

Of course getting older is no walk in the park. Areas of your body start randomly hurting (how the heck did my back get so stiff?), you can’t eat how you used to (pizza is no longer an option), and staying up late? Forget about it! Getting dressed can be a bit more challenging as well. The words “age-appropriate” start swirling around. Does this outfit make me look too young or, even worse, too old!

These 11 items are masquerading as regular old garments but they are actually making you look older. Proceed with caution or simply avoid at all costs …

CRAZY DENIM

“Crazy” denim should be reserved for young people. Super low-rise, whiskering, and acid wash jeans are things you should stay away from. These denim styles look cheap and lack sophistication. Just say no.

EXTREME PLATFORMS AND “STRIPPER” HEELS

I’ve never been a fan of extreme platform shoes. Some are okay but overall, they are tacky. Extra high platforms and too-high heels should be reserved for the 20-something sect. Too high heels makes it look like you are trying way too hard to stylish and sexy. Ladies, we can still get the job done with 4 inches or less.

THOSE DARN KITTEN HEELS

The other extreme is wearing heels that are too low. Now I am sure there are SOME cute kitten heels out there but overall they are too safe and too matronly looking. Pump those heels up for a more modern look.

LIVING IN THE FAST FASHION LANE

I liken fast fashion with going to the club. Its fun and cute in your 20s but once you hit 30, you’re the oldest chick in the club and it just starts getting sad. Wearing clothing from H&M and Forever 21 will make you look old. Zara? We can still do Zara – love me some Zara.

RACOON EYES

Heavy black liner is like drawing a bulls eye around your aging eyes. Even if your eyes haven’t started budding wrinkles, the overdrawn liner look should be reserved for angsty teens. That’s their look, let ‘em have something.

OVER TANNING

Being a slave to the sun, the tanning booth, or even self tanners is a bad idea if you want to keep your youthful appearance. Appearing too tan can make your skin look leathery instead of healthy and glowing. Think about Tan Mom. Does Tan Mom look young? Uh huh …

MATCHING JEWELRY SETS

Oh boy this one really upsets me to no end. Wearing those 3-piece jewelry sets – together! You know the necklace that comes with matching earrings and if you’re lucky a bracelet too. That just screams OLD! Run away from matching jewelry sets or at least never wear them together.

ILL FITTING CLOTHING

Clothes that are too baggy or too tight will age you. You are grown, you should know how clothes are supposed to fit by now. If you don’t (and that’s okay too) find a tailor or a qualified personal stylist to guide you.

WEARING DATED CLOTHING

There is a difference between retro and old! There is nothing wrong with wearing older clothing or items from past seasons but you must remember to give them a modern twist. Mix an 80s blazer with some clothing from today. If you are rocking head-to-toe 1998, you are going to look old.

DRESSING TOO SEXY

Nothing is sadder than a woman trying to hold on to her sexy. Newsflash, you are still sexy. In fact, with age you have become so sexy that you no longer have to show it off to such an extent. Wearing garments that are too tight and too revealing will make you look older than you are.

TWINSETS

Need I go on? Until further notice, I am deeming twinsets are for grandmas and for grandmas only. Grandmas need all the twinsets they can get and they don’t need us hogging them up.

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T WAIT TO LOSE THE WEIGHT (START SHOPPING NOW)

Number one excuse as to why people put off booking me for my styling services? They want to lose weight first.

I hear it ALL the time, “I don’t want to shop for a new wardrobe now because I am going to lose weight and after that happens I’d have to buy all new clothesagain.”

Uh-huh. Heard that one before.

It’s not that I don’t think people can lose weight. Heck, people do it all the time and I think it’s great. Taking care of your body is actually more important than clothes BUT here is where it gets dicey …

The mental torture and the blows to your self esteem that come along with having nothing to wear because your clothes don’t fit properly can be downright dangerous. Know what else can be dangerous? Missing out on life because you feel fat in your clothes, or maybe it’s that you enjoying life just a little less because you aren’t taking care of your image.

So what is the solution? Buy clothes for the body you in are NOW! Here are some other helpful tips that might help you wrap your head around this concept.

THE FAST FASHION ROUTE

I am not a big supporter of fast fashion but in this case, it’s the best way to go. If you have plans to the lose the weight or are actively working out/ eating right then buy pieces that won’t break the bank. Hit up Zara, H&M, and the likes. By the time you shed those extra pounds the clothes will be out of style or will have fallen apart anyhow.

GO USED

“Used” clothing sometimes gets a bad reputation but don’t turn your back on second hand stores during this transitional period. SO many of those stores have clothes will the tags still on them! You can find good stuff in there for your current body without breaking the bank.

GET A TAILOR, DUH!

You are probably sick of me talking about tailoring but if you aren’t utilizing one, you really should start. If you shrink and can’t fit into your new clothes, then get that shit tailored! It is much more cost effective than buying new and it will fit your new body perfectly.

SELL THEM

It hurts to buy clothes that you can only wear for a short period of time – I get it. You know what doesn’t hurt? Feeling confident in your new body and having a little extra money in your pocket. If you find your clothing is suddenly too big, then sell your gently used clothing. You won’t make a fortune but it’s better than a kick in the pants. Am I right?

What are you thoughts on shopping for the body you have now? Join the conversation on my Facebook page.

ARE YOU SPENDING TOO MUCH? HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR CLOTHING BUDGET

Can I start by saying this, I love my Facebook fans! Whenever I ask a question I get the BEST answers ever. Do you do this questions to yourself???

How much money do you spend on your wardrobe?

Do you set a budget for the year?

Do you buy as you go and hope for the best?

Are those the answers? I don’t know and don’t want to know. No. Yes!

Spoiler alert, all of my answers suck!! I’ll admit that I am fully obsessed with fashion. So when I see something that I “need” I buy it. Budget be damned (aka what clothing budget) and at the end of the year when I add up all of my receipts, I basically cry myself to sleep for a week.

Not good.

So this year I have made the decision (not some feathery resolution but a decision) to get smarter with my money. So I did a little digging to find out how much money I should actually be spending on my wardrobe. The results of my study were disappointing to say the least. Apparently the proper percentage of your salary is 5%.

FIVE FREAKING PERCENT!! So that means …

$40,000 gross is about $28,000 net. Clothing budget $1,400/yr

$60,000 gross is about $42,000 net. Clothing budget $2,100/yr

$100,000 gross is about $70,000 net. Clothing budget $3,500/yr

$150,000 gross is about $105,000 net. Clothing budget is $5,250/yr

*sad stats courtesy of Pete the Planner

The news gets worse because apparently this piddly percent is for ALL of your clothes – clothes for you, your family, workout clothes, dry cleaning and repair, shoes, AND handbags. Every damn thing.

Definitely makes you think a little harder before hitting checkout.

MAKING A CASE FOR PRETTY UNDERGARMENTS

Before I get thing panty party started I want to start by saying this …

This is NOT about wearing sexy lingerie for other people it’s about wearing sexy lingerie FOR YOURSELF! Yes, this post is all about you and your lady regions.

Until recently, I had never purchased “pretty” undergarments. Not to say that I was walking around in some ugly looking underwear, but my undergarments were pretty utilitarian. Nude and black Natori bras and Hanky Panky undies on the bottom was definitely my uniform. I felt supported but not necessarily sexy. Honestly, it just never crossed my mind to step up my underwear game.

Then one day I decided that I totally deserve to look and feel sexy underneathmy clothes – for myself. Not for a man, a holiday, or for a hot date … just for myself getting dressed to take on my day. So I went on The Outnet (not trying to break the bank on bras and panties) and got myself some Stella McCarntey bra and MATCHING panty sets.

OMG! What a game changer. This may sound silly to you but I feel a major boost of confidence when I am properly outfitted underneath. Now you don’t have to go all Stella McCartney on this bitch but seriously, try wearing something a little special under your outfit just to see how it feels.

Victoria secret´s is always the best choice :)

Are you a fancy underpants woman or do you choose to spend your money on more visible parts of your wardrobe?

5 NO-FAIL LOOKS IF YOU ARE BIGGER IN THE MIDDLE

If dressing your mid-section stresses you out, then you’ll definitely want to read this post. When you have the ‘bigger in the middle’ body type, your mid-section is more prominent than your bust and hips. The goal here is to make your body look proportional and to do that you need to create the illusion that your bust and hips are larger than your waist.

Follow these five tricks and you’ll be flattering that figure in no time.

1. DRESSES WITH VOLUME ON THE TOP AND THE BOTTOM

Create the illusion of having a waist with a dress that has some volume on the top and the bottom. Add a belt for extra waist definition. Quick tip: belt higher than your natural waist for the most slimming effect.

2. GO FOR A V-NECK TOP

A plunging neckline, like a deep v-neck, is not only universally flattering but it helps to bring the focus away from your trouble area and on to your beautiful face!

3. PLAY WITH PRINTS

Certain prints can give the illusion of having a smaller waist. Seek out prints that draw your eye to middle of your body (yes even if that is your trouble area) because it will actually make it look smaller!

4. SINGLE-BUTTON BLAZERS

Single-button or belted blazers really help fake the waist that you may be lacking. NEVER wear a three-button blazer ever. It will make you look too stuffed in. Single or double is the way to go.

5. WIDE LEG PANTS

Wide straight leg pants will really help to balance a larger mid-section and the will slim you out as well.