quarta-feira, 11 de março de 2015
terça-feira, 10 de março de 2015
10 WAYS TO WEAR FLARES
Let me tell you something, I am SO glad flare jeans are making a comeback. I, like everyone else, fully embraced skinny jeans and swore I would never put another pair of flares on again. But a few months ago, I bought a great pair of Current Elliot flares on The Outnet for $45. I reluctantly wore them to an event and I was shocked at the response. People loved the flares and more importantly, I loved the flares! Not only were they comfortable, they made me look taller and thinner (who doesn’t enjoy that).
So like a true fashion junkie, I bought another pair and am excited to add flares into my closet rotation. Want to wear them too? Here are 10 ways …
THROWBACK STYLE
Get a little retro with it (like Rachel Zoe) and add a 70s spin to your flares.
WITH LEATHER
Toughen up your flares with a leather moto jacket.
EXTREME STYLE
Go big or go home with a pair of extreme flares that drag on the floor (oh god, here comes the college flashbacks)
CHANGE UP THE MATERIAL
Who said flares have to be in classic denim? Try a coated denim or leather instead.
JUST ADD FUR
Adding a touch of fur (real or fake) adds a bit of luxury to your casual flared jeans.
TRY THEM IN WHITE
Because white jeans just look so darn classy, don’t they?
TOP IT OFF
Hats make everything better, even a pair of flared jeans.
DENIM ON DEMIN
Canadian tuxedo anyone?
WEEKEND STYLE
Make it extra casual with a striped tee and messy hair.
PREP IT OUT
It’s class all the way with this polished preppy look that Victoria Beckham is rocking.
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.
by LAUREN MESSIAH
quarta-feira, 4 de março de 2015
4 STEPS TO LOOKING (AND FEELING) LIKE A MILLION BUCKS
I think its pretty safe to say that everyone wants to at least feel like a million bucks. Some people even want to look the part too. The thing is, when you look good your chances of feeling good dramatically increases. I know when my outfit, hair, and/or makeup are less than stellar, I certainly don’t feel as good as I do when they are.
I have an easy formula that quickly elevates my look from $5 to at least a million …
SIMPLE FACE + RED LIPSTICK
It’s a sad reality but wearing makeup really does make you look more put together. You don’t have to breakout the makeup paint gun or anything, a simple face will do. My simple face involves foundation, blush, mascara, and red lip. Red lipstick (or you go-to color of choice) makes it look like you give two craps about your appearance. I am never without a tube of red lipstick.
STYLE HAIR OR ADD A HAT
I give my hair the once over with the curling iron but maybe your go-to style is a blow-out or something else that makes you feel awesome. Feeling super lazy? Then just throw on a chic hat and call it a day. You all KNOW that is my go-to.
PUT ON A PAIR OF HEELS
Sure flats are comfortable but heels really do make a statement. A pair of jeans and a tee shirt are suddenly chic and expensive looking with a great pair of heels. This trick works every time.
TOP IT OFF WITH A STATEMENT PIECE
Adding one wow piece to your look instantly increases the cha-ching of your look. Maybe its a great pair of sunglasses (celebs do this trick all the time) or it could be a great coat or a killer necklace. The trick is to focus on ONE piece. Too many “shiny” things to look at can end up coming off as cheap.
How do you step up your look?
BY LAUREN MESSIAH
quarta-feira, 25 de fevereiro de 2015
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
terça-feira, 24 de fevereiro de 2015
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.
Subscrever:
Comentários (Atom)