Change Your Outfit with Jewelry

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.

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Improve Your Business Image: 5 Tips for Men

Spring has finally arrived and it’s time to switch-out heavier winter fabrics for lighter, airy ones. Some male professionals might find the switch to be a difficult task, but I assure you, it isn’t hard to master. Spring is the perfect time to try new fabrics and styles that specifically cater to your lifestyle, while building on basic wardrobe elements. With the right timeless tips and strategies, you’ll find it a breeze to get dressed for work, improve your personal style, and look great this spring.

5 Tips to Improve Your Personal Style and Business Image for Spring:

1) Before beginning your dress-for-success-transformation, it’s important to know your size. Not just around the hips, but everywhere. A suit that fits poorly expresses to the business world that you don’t take the time to ensure things are done correctly and to the best of your ability. It might sound shallow, but subconsciously if people see you in an outfit that doesn’t fit right, your services might not fit right for them. Even if you own the most expensive suit in town, the wrong fit is the wrong image. Find a reputable sales representative or personal stylist to make sure your suit fits comfortably and perfectly. It’s also important to remember, if you gain or lose weight over the years, you need to get resized. Suit colors should be classic and have the ability to be mixed and matched with a variety of dress shirts, shoes, and ties. Stick with navy, gray, navy pin-striped, and black.

2) The more versatile your dress shirts, the better. White dress shirts can be matched with any tie, allowing you to choose a tie with some color. Light blue, navy, light pink, and blue stripped shirts are also simple and timeless—not trendy, and can be mixed and matched with a variety of clothing articles. The key to building your perfect wardrobe is to use dress shirts that are simple and flexible to other parts of your wardrobe.

3) Now that you have the perfect dress shirts, it’s time to match them with the perfect ties. Navy ties with stripes, a hint of color, or polka dots are excellent to match with classic white and blue dress shirts. Don’t be afraid to try ties with different fabrics and prints. A hint of color always stands out, bringing your wardrobe to life.

4) Another important element of building the perfect image is finding the best shoes, and knowing how to maintain their quality. When it comes to shoes, you’re better off buying quality shoes that will last for years. A timeless leather shoe should look immaculate years down the road, if you maintain it correctly. Shoes should be maintained by polishing them with a polish or conditioner. Wear black shoes with dark colored suits, such as navy, gray, and black, and brown shoes with brown, green, or tan suits.

5) Adding a classic watch to your business outfit is the perfect finishing touch. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, you may want a watch with the date displayed, more dials, or simply the time. A thinner, light-weight watch with a leather band is a timeless look that goes with any outfit (depending on the color of the leather strap). Having your watch serviced every five years and polished often will preserve its lifespan.

 

With spring symbolizing a fresh start, isn’t it time you had a wardrobe restyle? Let Charleston Style Concierge be your style consultant, providing you with effortless Charleston style tips that will last a lifetime. Contact us today and learn how you can improve your professional image right now.

Spring is Here and So Are Slim Fitted Pants

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?

Create 50 New Looks Just By Changing Your Bag

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 . . . 

Recession Proof Your Image

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.

Give Color A Chance This Spring

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!

Closet Clean-Out: Don’t Avoid it Another Week

If the bursting closet in your room somewhat resembles a growling monster with relics from the past, it’s time for a major closet clean-out .  This may seem like a daunting task—but it’s not.

What a closet clean-out will do for your lifestyle:

·        Eliminate that 15-30 minutes in the morning (and in the evenings) when you search for the perfect outfit you have in mind. Think about it—you can sleep during that extra time, and you won’t be so cranky in the morning because you’re late for work, and wearing something you don’t feel confident in.

·        The appearance of a color-coordinated, well-organized, and uncluttered closet can do wonders for your mood. No matter what your lifestyle, a clean and organized room is rejuvenating, and makes you feel on track in life.  

·        Instead of being aggravated with the horrific task of searching the cavernous depths of your closet for one piece of clothing you have in mind, an organized closet will eliminate the possibility of aggravation.

What items to part with and why:

·        That decent-looking sweater with fuzz balls dangling all over—not a good illustration of the image you want to portray.

·        The casual top you used to wear out in college that is so out-of-date, yet you convince yourself you might wear it again. You won’t. Rule of thumb: If you haven’t worn it in a year—give it the old heave-hoe.

·        Jeans that just don’t fit, or are so “broken-in” their starting to rip at the seams. Of course, the casual pair of jeans you wear around the house for messy chores and painting jobs can be kept (in the garage), but when you know you haven’t worn a certain pair of jeans because they simply don’t fit anymore, you simply need to buy a new pair. 

Sometimes it’s hard to part with certain articles of clothing—you feel bad throwing them away. Don’t. Goodwill is a great place to bring clothes you don’t wear anymore. Thrift shopping is huge now, especially in this tough economy. Not only do you provide clothes that others will wear (that you know you won’t anymore), but many times you receive a tax write-off. It’s well worth it.

Cleaning-out your closet takes approximately only three hours of your time, and on a relaxing Saturday, it could be the perfect chore to tackle. It doesn’t have to be stressful. Put on your favorite music, open a window, and get going. You’ll be finished in no time, and you’ll have had fun doing it.

Upcoming Free Teleseminar: 4 Ways to Perfect Your Business Image…Right Now

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

Save Money By Not Looking at Price Tags

I do not believe in going into debt for fashion, or that you have to spend tons of money to have great style.  I do believe that looking at price tags before trying something on can cause you to spend more money. 

 

The first thing you do while shopping is look at the price tag.  Usually that price tag tells you it is okay to try something on, the item is a great deal, or it will cause you to put the item away wishing you were an instant lottery winner.  The last two cause havoc in your closet and will ultimately cause you to spend more money.

 

The next time you are shopping try on this new mindset about price and you will discover that you make much smarter purchases and wardrobe investments.

 

·        When you come across a great deal, proceed with caution.  Don’t let the allure of a deal throw out your good judgment about fit, versatility, and need.  If something doesn’t fit or won’t work for your lifestyle, don’t buy it.  Practice only spending money on items that suit all of your style needs.

 

·        When something is out of your budget don’t put it back and wait for the depression to set in.  Try it on.  The more expensive item could be a better investment than the multiple deals you continue to buy.  For example, the perfect fitting pants can be hard to find.  You go from store to store settling on pants that kind of fit.  They allow you to leave the house fully clothed but are not the best fit. You’ve now bought 4 pairs of imperfect black pants and have spent $200.  The expensive pair that you would have never tried on are also $200 and fit like a glove.  These are the better investment, and you no longer waste time looking for the perfect black pant.

 

·        Until you try something on and determine it is right for your personal style, price doesn’t matter.  Decide if an item fits and will work in your wardrobe, then think about whether or not it is worth the price tag.  I always recommend clients stay within their budget but remind them to calculate the cost per wear for items they purchase.

 

·        Don’t let discount price tags sidetrack you from your shopping mission.  If you are looking for clothing that helps you create a more put together image for an upcoming meeting, a super cute casual dress that is on sale isn’t going to get you to that meeting with professional style.

      Learn how to make smart clothing investments the next time you go shopping by signing up for Charleston Style Concierge’s free ezine, Get Great Style.