The Search for the Happy You!

At this point in our adult lives, we all know of people that have either had some sort of cosmetic surgery, gastric bypass or lap band procedure, or have sought counseling for mental or emotional well-being. Such measures have become almost as common as getting a haircut or buying a new pair of shoes.

We all should do what makes us feel good about ourselves, whether it is mentally, emotionally or physically. As a stylist, I can attest to the power that dressing for your lifestyle can have on your mental, emotional and physical well-being. I recently styled six women for a fashion show at Macy's at Crabtree Valley Mall for their Spring Essentials Event.

One of the models was Cathy Arsenault, a petite powerhouse. At a modest 5'1", Cathy appeared absolutely regal thanks to her beaming smile and dynamic personality. Cathy’s personal story was what made my time with her so fun – and so rewarding. She was a successful mortgage broker, wife and mother, yet she had struggled for years with her weight. She had become discouraged by her size and found it difficult to find clothes she liked. Her turning point was the prospect of not being able to chase her new grandchild around safely.

How many times have we had that moment of realization that we have put everyone else's needs first and lost sight of what is most important? Here Cathy is two years later, more than 140 pounds lighter, modeling in a fashion show! Her excitement was contagious, and she was such a pleasure to dress for the event. The time we spent together was what I refer to as a "freebie" consult, as I selected her five looks for the fashion show. I chatted about her best colors and the proper sleeve length, necklines and silhouettes for her frame. The wonders of well-fitting clothes can do tremendous things for our psyche!

   

My job as the stylist of a fashion event is to make sure all the models are dressed, accessorized and red-carpet ready. I am the last set of eyes on them before they begin their walk. For Cathy, as I sent her off each time, I reflected on how clothing does make the person and that she truly seemed to be in a wonderful place in life at that moment. She had conquered her health issues and was getting ready to welcome her second grandchild. She was really enjoying how she looked and felt. As a stylist, I embrace every opportunity to be a part of these transformations in a client’s appearance and newfound confidence.

I hope that if you are going through a similar search for the “happy you," that you know you are supported and commended for what is often a hard journey. It is well worth the ride!

From my closet to yours,

Wearing Our Family Heirlooms

I was recently in a client’s closet, and we stumbled upon jewelry items in a small box. It had been tucked away in a corner of a shelf under items that she hadn’t worn in years. It brought tears to her

eyes in sheer happiness and sadness for the loss of the family member. Many of us have a similar story to tell. My grandmother, who played a major role in the person I am, gave me a strand of pearls, matching earrings, and a small gold and pearl pin in the shape of a bow. I keep them in a box in a drawer that I access daily. For me, it is not only a reminder of the bond we shared, but also a wonderful way to integrate heirloom jewelry with current fashion accessories. A girlfriend of mine had her mother’s wedding band with small diamond chips cut in half and a loop put in one end. She took a simple gold chain and wears it now as a small charm around her neck. She likes keeping her mother close to her heart. Nice, huh?

Easy Heirloom Accessories Ideas

1. Take small brooches and cluster on jacket lapels in threes. Mix finishes, but try and keep similar themes together: bugs, flowers, embellished items and abstracts.
2. Bracelets or cuffs should be worn in odd numbers. Pair wood finishes with woven or braided items. Gold, silver, metallic and Lucite look great when worn together!
3. If you have several strands of pearls in various colors and sizes, and a favorite family pendent or cameo, ask your jeweler to drill on both sides of the pendent to use as a focal piece clasp for the pearl necklace. Have the pearls attached to the clasp and twist them to add interest. Wear with a simple white tee, leather jacket, jeans and boots. 
4. If you have a collection of stickpins, add them to your summer straw hats on one side above the brim or ribbon so they are clearly visible.

One of my favorite suggestions for preserving wearable family heirlooms is to have a top, jacket or scarf made into a decorative pillow. Most tailors can do this quite easily for a reasonable price. Make sure somewhere on the pillow you write who the garment belonged to and the date. My grandmother’s hankies have made wonderful sachet pouches for my undergarments drawer.

Send me your ideas or questions. I love the challenge of refurbishing family heirlooms or even dated garments to honor the cherished people in our lives and give their wearable items new life.

From my closet to yours!

Knowing When It’s Time For A Change

This past Christmas, I got a call from a husband wanting to do something special for his wife for a gift. We put together a “Queen for the Day” package. Who doesn’t want to be a queen for the day? I’d settle for being a princess every once in a while!

I met with Dawn and we started with her hair at Douglas Carroll Salon. Dawn had always enjoyed dying her hair a vibrant color about once a year. She acknowledged it may be time to step away from store-bought brights. Quick and easy is her motto like so many working moms of today. 

At what point does quick and easy become not age appropriate and not really the best we can be? Is it easier not to care than to take time to figure it out? Self-style evaluation can easily happen by simply looking in a mirror or seeking advice from fashion books or magazines. Updating our style shouldn’t be a struggle, something that we put off, afraid of what we might actually feel. As we age, our style needs change. It is a matter of allowing ourselves the gift of asking for help, whether it is from a stylist, a book or a hair salon.

After we left Douglas Carroll Salon, our next stop was Belk at Crabtree Valley Mall for brows and makeup. Check out this transformation. Clinton and Stacy have nothing on me and the crew that helped!

 

After the hair and makeup update, I sent a picture of Dawn to her husband. He quickly responded with, “Beautiful!” Dawn clearly was equally pleased and so taken aback by her beauty and transformation that she teared. I was happy to share that moment but had to call in the cavalry for makeup touch-ups! Just for the record, my usual mantra….I love my job! 

Clothes were the last component of becoming “Queen for the Day.” Dawn’s casual lifestyle needed some updating from t-shirts and jeans, to soft feminine tops and jeans. Accomplished. Perfect for her casual work environment and life on the go with two girls.

So what is the missing link? Would Dawn ever have given herself the gift of dressing not only for her lifestyle but updating her overall look? I’d like to think at some point she would have gotten around to it. We all deserve to grow gracefully with a new hairstyle, an occasional skin and makeup update, and clothing that really states who we are and where we are going!

As for Dawn and her updated look, how can you do anything but smile? Dawn looked truly beautiful and she was really receptive to trying something new. She was a pleasure!

 

If you are interested in beginning your own self-reflection evaluation, start by reading my book “Portraits of Lifestyle Dressing” and then give me a call. I will be happy to chat with you by phone. You can purchase and receive a personalized signed copy by visiting http://portraitsoflifestyledressing.com/

I’d like to give special thanks to Brandon Partin at Douglas Carroll Salon and Brent Usrey at the Bobbi Brown Studio at Belk in the Crabtree Valley Mall. Both are stellar artists in their fields.

From my closet to yours,

Suzanne

One of Life's Best Little Experiences

For most who have met me, it is very clear that I am passionate about what I do, and I really enjoy all aspects of my job. My various projects keep me re-energized, focused, and, most of all, grateful for what I learn from each of them.

Last week, I had the privilege of working with 12- to 17-year-old models from the inaugural Girls World Expo at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The expo was a great opportunity for girls to come together to hear from successful women in the community on a wide range of topics and to see interesting, educational demonstrations and exhibits. 

A few of the highlights for me were the exhilarating step team dance performances, the wonderful Tri-Force Jump Rope ensemble from Durham, and of course the fashion show. Last week, I had the opportunity to meet and style more than 20 young girls at Dillard’s to dress them for the show. All the girls wore a "prom look" as well as an everyday outfit. After gathering the girls at Dillard’s, I introduced myself and explained what my role was with the overall game plan. I released them into the Juniors department to begin pulling outfits of their choosing. As they came out of the fitting room, I began looking at the color, fit and style of the garments they had selected. Some got it right while others needed my assistance in making selections. Some of the girls needed affirmation that their choices may have been satisfactory, but there were likely to be other options available to them that truly were fabulous. 

When I work with young women, I am very aware that most are self-conscious about their bodies and really need support in making the right choices. Most have had little guidance in dressing. I had the same motives the day of the fashion show. I wanted to make it fun, give them positive feedback and keep them moving! Each would find a way to feel comfortable and confident once they climbed the stairs to the runway platform. 

Just before the show started, I spoke to the audience – there were more than 4,000 in attendance – and let them know this was the first modeling experience for most of the young women. I encouraged them to put their hands together in a show of support. The response was outstanding! Joined by actress and singer Lucy Hale, whose concert had taken place just minutes before, the audience greeted the girls with a warm welcome. They clearly enjoyed a camaraderie that had formed from their experience. 

I cheered for the models and for the audience, as I felt hopeful that events like these can and do bring young women together in kinship and friendship! No matter how many years I am in this business, I feel as though I grow exponentially when I have the opportunity to work with young people.

Wear It Well - Wake Living Magazine

2012-2103 brought great fun and a challenging opportunity to write and create the vision for  the column "Wear It Well" with Wake Living Magazine. As my readership grew, so did my ideas of what was most important to express. Many of the models were friends and clients, offering a true sense of "Dressing For Your Lifestyle". If you missed, or would like to re-read, any of my articles I've posted them into an album on my Facebook page.

Post by Wardrobe Consulting.

The Best of Finding Your Style

Stylist Suzanne with client Jennifer Gauvin

The fabulous women from Marmi Shoes

Last Saturday’s “Find Your Style“ event and book signing at Southpark Mall in Charlotte was truly a pleasure! The ladies who came out for the event all had a similar stories that I have seen countless times over the years as a stylist.

We all face similar challenges with our hair, skin and body. Constantly wondering if we are wearing the right garment for our body and if it’s age appropriate. We can all relate to struggling with finding the perfect hair style and color, proper fit of tops and  bottoms, and correct length of jackets and shirts. Always questioning if the colors we are wearing are washing us out rather than solidifying our look. Whether the woman was 35 or 65 years-young, they all shared the same concerns. I commend all the women who received their style consult, I offered suggestions and options that would help these women move forward with their lifestyle dressing.  During the consults I gave the women suggestions on the upcoming fall fashions and ideal styles that would best complement their bodies and lifestyles.  The key to lifestyle dressing is not a closet full of clothes but fewer quality pieces that properly fit your body and daily life. Having a weeks worth of garments and accessories that can be mixed and matched and worn in different ways to accommodate your changing needs is be what I strive for when working with clients.

Saturday’s event at Marmi  Shoes was the first “Find Your Style” event in Charlotte and don’t worry if you couldn’t attend because I have already asked to return! I’d like to extend special thanks to all the great gals I met and the women from Marmi Shoes and Cache.  Special thanks to Southpark Mall for their support! http://www.simon.com/mall/southpark

Fall Dressing Despite The 80 Degree Weather

It seems like the beginning of every September, stores have their final push to clear the odds and ends leftover from the hot days of Summer. Fall goods are placed onto the racks despite the humidity and usually sit idle until the first jolting cold wave that awakens our inner consumer. Although we won't be wearing the fall clothing in September, the excitement of fresh goods, styles, colors and textures make us want to participate in this yearly ritual.

For me this ritual begins as well. I encourage clients to go online and buy any last minute clearance finds especially handbags, jewelry and shoes. I also like to check out early fall sales that are generally offered as flash sales or for many departments stores, pre-sale and anniversary sales. These strategic moves generally encourage consumer spending before the season is in full swing.

As a big fan of fall fashion I can’t wait to say goodbye to the summer heat so I can delve into some of my fashion favorites! Personally fall can’t come soon enough!

I am going to share with you my process for transiting my wardrobe from warm summer days to cool autumn dressing J

My Personal Closet Plan

 Grab my rolling rack and roll it as close to my garments as possible

 (Oops I’m already showing my laziness) 

 pick out the garments I neglected to show off for yet another spring and toss it to the side for possible consignment next year. Far too often I find that I am just flat out tired of a garment, or maybe its just tired of me!

 shift through my dresses and skirts and pull the very light-weight and obvious summer patterns to put away for next year.

I constantly keep in mind that colors like burnt orange, purple, green and most medium blues can easily be transitioned into fall. Pairing these colors with black, brown, and navy make them fall ready!

check out all my camisoles, tanks and short sleeves tops and weed out the ones that scream summer and that won't layer well. This is the time to retire the tops that have peeling, nubbing or are noticeably faded. 

 riffle through my lightweight jackets and sweaters because many can work through fall as the perfect layering piece for those early mornings or cool fall nights.

 make sure to keep my sleeveless and short sleeve silk/poly blend dress tops so I can pair them with dress pants and skirts with my favorite fall and winter jackets.

 have recently purchased more sleeveless or cap sleeve solid dresses which I can continue to wear with cardigans and cropped jackets. Wearing chunkier gold chain necklaces with bomber style leather or pleather jackets will be a hot fall trend.

       Dresses are a truly a big part of my wardrobe. Due to trends and hot flashes, (TMI?)  

 Shoes are an easy decision. Suede sandals can stay (I have a great pair of dark purple suede that I LOVE). Heavier weight black sandals and pumps are good to go as well. I have a few summer cork and raffi wedge heels that have to hibernate along with a brilliant blue patton with a cord heel.

 If you have read my previous blogs then you of about my personal goal to incorporate more navy garments and accessories versus the basic black.

Because of my spectacular slate wall display of all my necklaces, accessories are not a big to do. I just steer clear of the summery tones.

A recent purchase of an Italian leather black bag will be a key piece of mine this fall.

 If I find a bold navy bag that is worth investing in, I just might indulge!

Now that I have shared my transition plan with you, give thought to your brief closet transition that is necessary for you to get through this warm weather!

If you get stuck, call and I can help or opt to read Chapter 4 Be prepared to take a big step and begin with your Closet in my book Portraits to Lifestyle Dressing Your Style, Your Closet

·      à  http://portraitsoflifestyledressing.com/

From my closet to yours,

Suzanne