Fashion Archives -

The Basics You Need to Make a Wardrobe Work: Women

Hello, fashionistas! I am going to join the long list of Indianapolis Women's Styling experts who recommend some basics you need. Basics are the pieces that are the foundation of your wardrobe. So - don't be afraid to buy quality clothing at a higher price. Pure fibers are more expensive but last longer. For instance, how often do you wear black pants, ladies? Quite a lot I am sure. Must-Have Fashion Essentials From Your Indianapolis Women's Styling Expert Tops Let's start with the basic blouse. Your bouses could be cotton, button-down, silk, knit, etc. Stock up on this Indianapolis Women's Styling essential in a variety of subtle prints and solids. These are perfect for work or to wear under a blazer. I am a huge fan of polka dot--very classic and looks wonderful. Another must-have: Classic blazer in a neutral (black, navy, camel, cream, grey) color. It should fit you perfectly in every way to flatter and slim you. Many stores have beautiful blazers such as Brooks Brothers, Nordstrom, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and so on. Buy pure fibers such as wool, cotton, etc. Find something you like that doesn't fit quite right? Alterations on blazers can do wonders! Bottoms Dark rinse, classic jeans that fit you perfectly. You can wear these to work or on a night on the town. My favorite jeans lately have been from Madewell, White House Black Marketing and Lucky Jeans. Don't be afraid to buy them snug if they have stretch. They should not be uncomfortable but if you don't buy them snug they will droop later. Even if you're not a frequent skirt wearer, having at least one in your closet is a must. Ladies, I still love a pencil or A-line skirt in [...]

By admin| March 28th, 2020|Fashion, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Guys and Gals: Statements Pieces and How to Wear Them

This blog is going to touch on statement pieces. Why we need them, what they do for us and our style and when to know we have too many. Take it from this Personal Stylist, statement pieces and really add some "pizazz" to both men's and women's wardrobes. My definition of statement pieces is that clothing that "stands out." You remember it; you love it, but you probably don't wear it every day. I recently bought a "statement" blazer. It's teal velvet with delicate flowers from Boden.com. (It's a British company. Check it out if you're a romantic like me and like the girlish feel of their lines.) David Edwards CC is, partly owned by one of my image consultant colleagues, is a perfect example of some statement pieces. I particularly love their print shirts. I plan to wear the jacket with a simple red blouse and jeans, a navy basic dress or navy pants and red shoes. The blazer is a statement piece because you see it, and it "stands out." I love this blazer and will wear it with caution because people remember statement pieces, and it's not something I wanted to always be remembered for wearing. I did not buy the matching pants -- for me that's too much going on. I could have bought the floral pants and made them my statement piece -- but I am much smaller on the top than the bottom so I put my "statements" above the waist or in my jewelry. Guys, what is a statement piece for you? It all depends on your style. If you are more of a conservative dresser, your statement piece maybe a pair of yellow or Nantucket red pants or [...]

By admin| March 21st, 2020|Fashion, Uncategorized|Comments Off

So Much to Love: Trends for Spring: Women…

Of course, spring trends were already being analyzed last October. Now, many of those items (originals and knock-offs) are hitting the stores. I am so ready for spring clothes! Ladies, the menswear look will continue to be hot. According to Harper's Bazaar mag. The twist I noticed was adding the belt to jackets (a look I love). Make sure to pick jackets and tops that are not so bulky and that are not double-breasted. Otherwise, you'll add bulk to your look! Hot Fashion Trends to look forward to this Spring From Your Indianapolis Wardrobe Stylist The Big Collar Large, angular collars are in. It was most often seen on top of a jacket such as a contrasting jacket color or even a silk shirt (my personal favorite). Not sure you can pull it off? The size of the collar depends on the scale of you. If you're petite, I recommend a smaller collar. If you're a medium-sized, look for collars that are medium and grand. The bigger the collar, the more balanced the look. Make sure the collar doesn’t overwhelm you. Crochet Dresses Crochet is so diverse. You can find it in bright colors or neutral tones. Look out for large or small crochet dresses and evening wear. It’s not your grandma’s crochet. I also saw crochet in home interiors as I toured the Home Showcase at the Indy home show. These dresses are form-fitting and show a little skin in all the right places for a flattering look. Bra Tops & Crop Tops Bra tops and crop tops are still here. If you can wear them, great! Pair a crochet bra top with high pants and a large jacket for a less exposed look [...]

By admin| March 7th, 2020|Fashion|Comments Off

When to Pitch and When to Alter Clothes…

Hello Everyone, As winter winds down, many people tell me they are looking at their closets and want to clean them out. We might want to make room for spring, or just move out winter clothing. They might want to donate or consign certain pieces but don't know where to start. Of course, your Indianapolis Men's and Women's Personal Stylist is available to help. I love these types of jobs since clients feel so relieved and happy when we're done -- and have a wardrobe and closet that really works for them and their lifestyles. Closet Advice from Your Personal Stylist In some ways, those who have a really large closet (maybe as big as a bedroom) can actually be at a disadvantage. Why? You can keep all of it and don't feel the pressure to clean and organize. I don't know what that is like since we have a 1937 -built Cape Cod house. It's cute, and I love it, but I am certainly lacking in closet space. Closet organization and keeping and pitching clothing is a topic your Indianapolis Personal Stylist thinks is pertinent for men and women! And teens, tweens, etc. I often tell clients with whom I am going to start working to go to their closest and first pitch clothing they don't like. Why? It's not worth altering or working with items you don't like for some reason. Do that task first. Put it on a pile, and if it's new and a brand name take it to a consignment store in your neighborhood such as The Toggery, Simply Chic or Clothes Mentor. Guys, The Toggery now takes men's clothing. Second, look at your closet and make a pile of [...]

By admin| February 22nd, 2020|Fashion|Comments Off

AICI Conference in Chicago

Hello everyone. This blog is a bit of a departure -- I want to share blogs that relate to real life, and right now, beyond working with clients, a chunk of what I am doing is being president of our Association of Image Consultants International Chicago Midwest Chapter and helping to create and promote our upcoming conference. We have a small board, actually from all over the country, and as far west as Dallas, and we work hard to create events for our members. It is a challenge for me, but it is very rewarding to see people use their talents and for all of us to work together toward a big goal -- our regional conference in Chicago this April 18-19. Here's a video I did for our Facebook page: AICI Midwest Chapter Regional Conference. We are planning two days of activities and are still finalizing the continuing education hours participants will receive. Yes, all Certified Image Consultants have to earn continuing education to keep their CIC status. It's really quite a lot we have to maintain, and the reasoning behind having it is that as a professional you need to be knowledgeable and current in your profession. So training for image consultants can be quite extensive. Check out our conference information here and guests are welcome, too: 2020 Education Conference. Of course, image consultants love nothing more than discovering new shopping places and vendors and even designers. Thus, the night before the event we will be doing a Boutique Crawl to three downtown Chicago stores: We will visit Marcus, the Real, Real and Space 519. The boutiques all have affiliate programs for image consultants to share with us. Our headline speaker, Elaine Stoltz is one of [...]

By admin| February 15th, 2020|Commercial Photo Shoots, Fashion, Fashion Makeovers|Comments Off

What to Buy this Month…

In Indiana, winter is just gearing up. We’re going probably about a third of the way into winter. We still have cold January and February, and even in March, we might have some snow and chilly days. What does your wardrobe need? What do you need to face the cold, sometimes dreary winter days? Your Indianapolis Image Consultant and Personal Stylist have some terrific ideas! Here are some tips to guide you as you look for some wardrobe additions… Your Personal Stylist's Favorite Winter Purchases Oh, wait: before you think about adding to your wardrobe, consider this: January and February are the perfect months to evaluate and clean out your closet. This is one of my most important services. I will meet you, determine your Wow colors and best silhouettes, and clean out your closet based on this knowledge. Wouldn’t it be great to look in your closet and smile with relief? You love your clothes and know what looks good and works for you. What to Consider for your Winter Wardrobe Needs: In the coming weeks, high-quality winter staples will start to be on sale such as. Wool and cashmere coats (look for a high percentage of wool or cashmere in your coats). Pick classic styles you can wear many seasons. Wool, leather, down and cashmere hats, gloves and scarfs. It’s okay to buy some fun bright colors, classic plaid or rich leathers. Sweaters that are high quality and in your best hues. Soft, warm sweaters to layer or wear under your blazers or denim jackets. Don’t be afraid to buy fun prints you can wear now and later. Suede and leather boots (winter and fashion boots).You always need a black suede bootie and a [...]

By admin| January 24th, 2020|Fashion|Comments Off

Look Amazing While You Sweat: Choosing Stylish Workout Clothes

This week, your Indianapolis Image Consultant and personal stylist, has a special treat: A guest blog from my running coach, Jen Knife. What I admire about Jen is that she always looks stylish, even when she’s running. She makes her running outfits fun and interesting, whether it’s a colorful hat, fun tights or a bright color top. Yet, she always looks put together. Your Indianapolis Image Consultant's Favorite Looks Jen Knife is an RRCA certified running coach as well as an RYT 200 yoga teacher. Jen coaches runners of all levels (locally and virtually), from running their first 5K to training for an ultra-marathon. She's been teaching yoga in the Indianapolis area for 11 years; in-studio classes, private lessons, and corporate classes/events. Her website is jenknife.com. Her Instagram is jenknifeyoga. Might I add Jen always knocks her personal style out of the park – even when she’s exercising! Dressing Your Shape… What running clothes are good for shapes such as curvy, rectangle and bigger in the middle? Jen says she’s a size 8 and I’d consider herself rectangular; her thighs are larger as well. Jen is a big fan of Lululemon for both cold and warm weather running gear. Their Run Times Short II has a wide leg, a wide waistband, and a 4” seam. And for cold weather she loves their Cold Pacer High Rise tights; they are fleece lined and have a higher waist than most tights. Another reason Lululemon is her go-to is she loves that they offer multiple size options versus just XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL. Whatever clothing line you choose, Jen says, just make sure the clothes fit you well and you love them so you'll wear [...]

By admin| January 18th, 2020|Fashion|Comments Off

Looking Chic at the Holiday Season!

Hello everyone! Like it or not, the holidays are coming now, one by one. After Halloween, they are there all in a row: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and even Valentine's Day. If you are like me, you like to look festive and nice. We all want that, right. So, here are some ideas from your Indianapolis Men's and Women's Indianapolis Personal Stylist. Holidays with Your Indianapolis Personal Stylist First, think about practical things: what are you doing at this event. Are you cooking? Are you hosting and just greeting people? Are you making a dish and bring it to a big gathering. These particular things will guide you as you pick your outfit. Or are you going to an elegant party where you want to make a statement? Are you sitting in an audience, dancing on the dance floor, standing in a cocktail reception? These things will guide your choices as well. In this blog, I am focusing on the more low-key, family at someone's home events. You can still dress up but you want to be comfortable. For these gatherings, I lean toward pretty blouses (maybe not billowing sleeves if I am in the kitchen helping) in flattering colors for me such as earth tones, greens, etc., that especially say fall. The colors you pick will depend on your Wow colors. (If you haven't had your Wow Colors done, you need to do it. For me, it was the most important thing I did to establish my style and really set up my closet. I, your Indianapolis Personal Stylist, had been spending too much money on colors/clothing that was popular but didn't look good on me such as black, olive green, bright pink. I now [...]

By admin| November 22nd, 2019|Beauty, Fashion|Comments Off

How Feelings Can Affect Our Image

I recently had a color analysis with a new client – and the way I, your Indianapolis Image Consultant, conduct appointments now is I have certain tasks in mind, but really I just talk and interview clients to see what they want and why they are meeting with me – during the first 20 minutes or so. It’s been a most interesting journey. I find I learn so much more about people and their style, attitudes, self-esteem and what they think they want from me. Lessons Your Indianapolis Image Consultant has Learned 1)I have heard all sorts of comments, and some of them I remember because I thought they were so profound. I had a male client that I asked, "Why do you want to work with a stylist?" He responded that he wanted to be “memorable.” Wow! That comment was really interesting since when I looked at him, I saw a handsome, successful guy in a high-level job. Yet, he didn’t really feel that way or see himself that way. We worked on a wardrobe that elevated his look and his attitude. I don’t agree when a CEO or just any C-Suite guy or gal is buying very cheap clothing, such as Johnathon A Banks dress shirts or jackets and pants at Goodwill. Sure, they may look okay and “pass” – but how does it make these individuals feel, really? It can’t be a good feeling. This suit is a perfect solution for an executive who wants to look like one: Emporio Armani Wool Suit 2) Another client of mine quite recently told me as she “ages” she feels she is fading away. That was another comment that was really telling. It’s true, ladies, as we age, [...]

By admin| September 7th, 2019|Fashion, Fashion Makeovers, Makeup|Comments Off

Trends are Here, Ladies!

Fall happens to be my, your Personal Stylist Intern's, favorite season of the year! Not just because of the crisp autumn air, and beautiful foliage, but because of the FASHION. The lower temperatures allow fashionistas everywhere to break out moto jackets, booties, and warm accessories. Overall, fashion just gets better in the fall. AND, it can get even better with some of the biggest trends of the season! Your Personal Stylist's Favorite Colors Pistachio Green The FW19 runways were full of monochrome dressing. From hot pink to red; however, pistachio green was the frontrunner. Pistachio is the perfect color to upgrade your fall closet. Not only can it be used as a neutral, but it gives off a very luxe feel. While designers like Sally Lapoint opted to style their models in head to toe pistachio, that may be a bit overwhelming for an everyday look. Instead, try out a simple pistachio sweater or t-shirt for a classic layering look. Lace The runways appeared to have taken lots of inspiration from the 1800s. Not only was lace a major showcase at shows like Brock and Khaite, but it was paired with other Victorian like trends. For instance, puffy sleeves, square necklines, and corsets were additionally paired with lace fabrics. If you tend to dress on the romantic side this trend is extremely up your alley! Metals This trend is perfect for transitioning into the holiday season. Metals are extremely festive and will not only look great in the fall but can be worn again to festivities all winter long. The Alberta Ferretti show addressed high sheen metals in pleated head to toe outfits. If you tend to be more minimalist, try out the metal trend through experimenting with accessories. A silver metallic boot with an all-black outfit can really add some life to a boring outfit. These R13 [...]

By admin| August 31st, 2019|Fashion|Comments Off

Beth Divine