Okay, we all have the little black dress, black power suit or favorite pants. Now, the challenge is wearing them over and over again without telling the world you are wearing them AGAIN! All women, in my opinion, want to be pretty. However, in today’s economy, there is less to spend on the pursuit of style. Style can be effortless. There are ways to enhance and even create the look you want to achieve without overspending. The key is versatility and convertibility in your wardrobe. Jewelry instantly and dramatically changes any outfit. Today there are countless options for jewelry from costume to Cartier. Look for pieces that can be worn multiple ways with various settings. Here are a few tips:

Earrings are great. They come in every shape and size. Don’t be afraid to dangle. Drop earrings are hugely popular and look great any time of day. Many dangles look great at the office, and then look amazing with you hair pulled back at an evening event. I recommend that you stay lightweight or else your gorgeous drops will be a big headache, literally! The perfect earrings can complete a style and the right dangles are ageless. You can find great earrings in every budget. Even you lovely ladies without pierced ears can find clips that look phenomenal!

Necklaces, ooh, la la. You can do so much with a necklace. Necklaces add personal style to any outfit. Long necklaces offer a lot of versatility. They add length (therefore you look thinner, yay!) Beyond the benefit of looking trimmer, they are convertible. Look for pieces that offer multiple looks. Choose necklaces that look good with your power suit and favorite pair of jeans. Many long necklaces can be doubled for a completely different style. Best yet, choose a long necklace that can be worn doubled over and has a removable pendant. That is a jewelry staple that offers versatility and instant style.

Bracelets are perfect for quick added color and fun! They fit every budget and can morph to match any ensemble. When you are wearing a dress or shirt that has a neckline or print and you have no necklace that “fits” throw on a fun pair of earrings and a bracelet. Bracelets that are very dainty can get lost on a person in the summer with short or no sleeves. Try a bangle or even two worn together. Just be cautious not to “over stack” and look like you could not make up your mind so you just wore EVERYTHING. There is a fine line between tastefully chic and “bad idea.”

You thought we were done….but, brooches and hair pieces are great accents. Don’t be afraid. Just remember that “fine line.” You may be the lucky girl who has all these in her closet. Just choose carefully and do not wear it all at once. . I challenge you to be creative. Find new ways to change your old favorites. (PS a pair of awesome shoes always help….I find lots of favorites at Susan Michelle Boutique in Mount Pleasant.)

About the Author:

Feel that you may want a quick jewelry in-service? Visit http://www.lellafoster.com and send me an email. I am Lella Foster, a jewelry artisan in Charleston SC. I love working with clients to make custom pieces that are “perfect” for any outfit or event. I also love creating my own designs. I feel strongly that all women should have the opportunity to feel beautiful and bring out their inner fashionista. I work to make jewelry that is striking but attainable, and can be worn in multiple ways and settings.

Please visit us at our new location:

www.charlestonstyleconcierge.com/blog

Spring has arrived and it’s time to pull out the essentials from your closet.The cute dresses, playful skirts, and vibrant colored tops will of course make an appearance this spring, but these clothes are going to have to move over, because there’s another style moving in this spring—pants. Not just any pants—slim, fitted, and totally chic pants.

Don’t let the words slim and fitted scare you though. If you don’t have that bikini body just yet, these pants will work. Inspired by menswear, these pants tend to give leeway to the waistline, while fitting your legs to create long, lean lines. If you’re looking for something new and sexy to wear out this spring, a pair of slim fitting pants is the way to go.

How to choose the perfect pair . . .

·        Look for a somewhat slouchy front (not frumpy).

·        Make sure the pant legs are lean, skinny, and tailored.

·        Don’t choose colors that are too vibrant. Remember, these pants are modeled after menswear with femme flair. Choose black, gray, or navy. These pants should exude elegance and sophistication.

·        Look for dressy fabrics. These pants are meant to be worn out to cocktail parties and night time events. You’ll know you found the perfect pair when you feel slim, sexy, confident, and strong in them.

·        If you haven’t quite reached that spring body you’ve just started working out for, find a pair with a higher waistline. The high waistline hides the areas you don’t want seen!   

Since the pants you find are going to be a neutral color, it’s important to add spice and flavor to your outfit. What should you pair with your perfectly fitted pants?

·        Choose a vibrant colored clutch to go with this outfit.

·        Match with your favorite pair of sexy pumps (a bold color is the way to go).

·        Choose chunky jewelry to go with these pants, but be careful not to overdo the accessories.

* CAUTION: Don’t mix and match too many colors. Choose one or two colors to go with the pants. For example, wear a pair of royal purple pumps, with a matching purple top, and chunky black jewelry.

If the thought of shopping for new spring clothes and accessories this year is too much, Charleston Style Concierge has the perfect solution for you. We provide all of our clients with personalized services and style tips they can use every day. We learn about our clients’ personal style and preferences as much as possible before offering expert advice, because we know each person is different. Contact Charleston Style Concierge today at 843.323.2466 to learn more about our amazing personal style services, or visit our website at http://www.charlestonstyleconcierge.com/. Isn’t it time you perfected your style?

We’re all guilty of having major bag envy at times. We see a woman walk down the street with the latest Prada and find ourselves swooning. It happens.

For many of us, especially during this recession, buying extremely expensive handbags every season isn’t an option. If you want to stay current with the always-changing trends, look chic, and feel great, all while cutting back spending—Charleston Style Concierge has the answer for you.

The key is to have a collection of three or four moderately priced handbags and match them with different outfits. Add little accents here and there to make it appear like you have 50 new and stylish looks! Make sure each bag you own can go with a handful of outfits you own, because what’s the point of owning an expensive bag that can only go with one or two outfits?

Learn some tricks of the trade from Charleston Style Concierge . . .

• Look for bags that have a classic timeless style.  Trendy bags are fabulous and we’ll always drool at the sight of them, but often you no longer want to use them the following year.  If you want to buy less and wear more of what you have a great classic bag can help you achieve wardrobe versatility.
• Shop for neutral colored bags such as black, brown, and nude—between the three of these colors you can wear every outfit you have with one of them.
• Find a bold colored bag you absolutely love and buy it. You’ll feel fresh, confident, and playful wearing it.  Many colors are pseudo-neutrals and can be paired with most of your wardrobe.  Remember, your shoes and bag don’t have to match.
• Look for accessories to use on your bags that can spice them up. For example, let’s say you are wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a cherry red silk top out for dinner. Wear your black bag with this outfit and fasten on a matching scarf or funky pin. You can dress bags up with a simple touch here and there.

For more personal style and spring fashion tips, visit Charleston Style Concierge at http://www.charlestonstyleconcierge.com. We’re dedicated to providing each client with services tailored to their specific style and needs. Visit our services page to learn more about how we can help you perfect your style. With spring around the corner, it’s a new beginning and the perfect time to make changes to your personal style . . . 

Your business image has the power to facilitate growth for your income and your life. With 93% of our communication being nonverbal, having a business image–both personal and online–is essential if you want to achieve business success. 

There is no better time than now to invest in creating a business image–one that will draw potential business and strategic partnerships to you. One that gets visitors to buy from your website and gets current customers to refer you.

In this economic downturn, people are still spending, but thinking twice as long about whom they do business with. You must stand out—in person and online. You must give them a reason to buy from you by making the right impression.

On Tuesday, March 31, 2009, online marketing expert Michelle Salater and I are going to share how to grow your business by perfecting a personal and online business image. In this FREE onetime only teleseminar . . .

“4 Easy Ways to Perfect Your Business Image . . . Right Now.”

On this call, you will learn:

• How to create a business image that tells people you are successful and credible BEFORE you even open your mouth.

• Why your clothing AND your website might be keeping you from business growth . . . and simple, effortless steps to avoid this.

• Why your website and blog image is key to your online business success.

• What you can do RIGHT NOW to implement your desired business image.

• How to create the personal and online image you desire without spending a fortune.

No matter your industry–whether you are in corporate, an entrepreneur, or an independent contractor–you won’t want to miss this onetime only teleseminar. Because we believe now is the time to invest in your business and your life and because we know the power behind having a powerful personal and online image, we’re offering this free, 90-minute teleseminar at two time slots: 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific) OR 8 pm Eastern (5 pm Pacific).

Register today for this onetime only call. 

*No recordings will be made available. You must be on the call during one of the two available time slots to hear this powerful information that will change your life and your business.

This Spring there are many different ways you can participate in the latest trends while staying true to your personal style. I recommend trying one of the hot colors of the season. Some of these colors are already in your closet and others can be added with a budget friendly accessory.

Black & White

Black and white clothing is everywhere this season, and is probably a trend already hanging in your closet. Black and white is always sophisticated and elegant. I love how this Diane von Furstenberg dress is paired with a pop of color and a nude shoe.

Go Nude

This season choose soft flesh tones and pale earthy neutrals. When you wear pale neutrals choose shades that don’t wash out your skin tone. Stay safe with a nude colored shoe. It is a versatile addition to your shoe wardrobe and makes legs look longer.

Pop Magenta

Hot Pink or magenta is back! It is a bright and bold color that looks great with many different skin tones. If it is too bright for you in a dress, try and hot pink shoe or bag.

Try Yellow

Yellow is such a great color and is the color for spring. The most versatile way to do yellow is through your accessories, such as a handbag or shoe. Yellow can be paired with a lot of your existing wardrobe. Have fun this spring and give yellow a try.

Let Charleston Style Concierge help you develop your personal style this Spring!

Discover how to grow your business by perfecting a personal and online business image. No matter what business you are in, if you desire business growth, you want to make it a point to join us for our FREE 90-minute telephone seminar.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009: 2 pm Eastern (11 am Pacific) OR 8 pm Eastern (5 pm Pacific)

This call is hosted by Michelle Salater, online marketing expert and owner of Michelle Salater Writing & Editorial, LLC, and Lee Heyward, style expert and owner of Charleston Style Concierge.

On this call, you will learn:

• How to create a business image that tells people you are successful and credible BEFORE you even open your mouth.

• Why your clothing AND your website might be keeping you from business growth . . . and simple, effortless steps to avoid this.

• Why your website and blog image is key to your online business success.

• What you can do RIGHT NOW to implement your desired business image.

• How to create the personal and online image you desire without spending a fortune.
For more information or to sign up for this seminar please visit: http://www.imageandyourbusiness.com

Why is fit so important for great style?

Without fit, you have no style. A trendy blazer that is too big will look frumpy and outdated. The same blazer too small appears as if you are trying too hard and will remove the chic sophistication from an outfit. Learn about your body type, and dress it appropriately. It is sometimes hard to see our bodies as they really are. Get advice from a personal stylist, or ask a trusted friend to help you examine the fit of your clothing.

What are some general fit rules for petite women?

When you are petite, there are a few rules to live by. First, be mindful of the colors and patterns you wear. Choose rich color palettes to add sophistication to your look and keep people from thinking you are a teenager. Choose patterns that are proportionate to your size. A large pattern will make you look small in comparison. Second, use clothes to help you project a more elongated body image. To do this, eliminate pants with cuffs, and don’t wear heavy, blocky shoes. Both abruptly stop your leg line, ruining all efforts to elongate your body image. Make sure your tops and jackets hit you in the right place. When your top comes past your crotch, you make your legs look shorter, making you look shorter. Lastly, befriend a good tailor. Some of your wardrobe pieces may need to be tailored to get a perfect fit. Pleats seem to come in and out of style.

How do I know if pleats are a trend I should try?

Pleats add fullness and volume to the front of a pant and therefore add fullness and volume to you! Don’t be fooled by the pleated pant as a cover-up for a midsection you want to hide. Remember that pleats will just draw attention to the spot you want to camouflage. If you try a pleated pant, choose more fitted pieces for your top half. If your pleated pants are tapered, take them straight to the closest Goodwill store. Tapered pants are a fit disaster by themselves but will also add even more width and focus to your hips.

How can I minimize the appearance of my hips?

Wear straight or wide-leg trouser-cut pants. You want to create a straight line from your hip to the floor with the silhouette of your pants. Always avoid pleated pants. Pleats add width to your hips and draw the eye to them. Watch out for poorly placed front pockets. The farther out a pocket is placed, the more it will accentuate your hips. Pockets that are set closer to your zipper are ideal. Avoid side-zip pants. If you break up the front of your pant with a zipper, you reduce the visual width of your hips. Wear tops and jackets that define your waist. A defined waist will draw the eye away from your hips.

For great style, start with great fit.   For help fitting your body shape contact Charleston Style Concierge, a styling company that teaches clients how to get an effortless style.

The word fit gets thrown around a lot in our lives. Something may not fit your lifestyle. Your last job just wasn’t a good fit. Or maybe last week you were really fit to be tied. With so many things in our lives revolving around what fits, how is it that fit gets thrown out the window when it comes to our style?

 Does it fit? That is the question you heard from your mother right before she came into the dressing room with her fit checklist. There were a series of squats, bends, and seated positions before the pants in question were deemed a good fit. Now, as an adult, you may have your own fit checklist, but does your clothing really fit?

When it comes to great style, fit is key!

Join our new super stylish Get Great Style group on Facebook. 

Do you want to always know what to wear?

Do you want to feel confident about your style?

Do you want to be able to get dressed quickly and effortlessly?

Yes! Then this group is for you.

This group is a resource for men and women who want to create a personal style that is attainable and effortless.

This group will offer:

• Style tips.
• Ideas about how to incorporate seasonal trends.
• Tools and resources to help you get great style.

You can also become a fan of Charleston Style Concierge.  Visit our fan page.