Wearing: New Look headband, Tucker for Target dress, thrifted lace cardigan, Sam Edelman Louie boots
I recently had the opportunity to meet with a style consultant at the Westfield Style Tour, where Stacy London and her team of skilled makeup, hair, and wardrobe stylists from Style for Hire were on hand to give shopping tips and help shoppers make informed shopping choices. I was thrilled to be surrounded by a team of style and beauty experts, and as a clothes horse, my eyes went straight to the racks of printed blouses, faux fur vests, animal print handbags, and adorable ankle boots.
At the event, I met with Lani, my stylist, and after discussing my lifestyle, favorite trends, and style preferences, she chose an outfit complete with accessories that would work for me. After my appointment, I spoke with Stacy about various things such as cost per wear, shopping habits, building the ingredients for a strong wardrobe, and the convenience of fast fashion stores like Forever 21 and H&M. Stacy, who was clad in an H&M leopard print cardigan and green polka dot skirt with Alexandre Birman heels, later hosted a talk show and fall fashion show. She answered audience questions regarding everything from the next season of What Not To Wear, what the color of the year was (purple), and to how to lengthen and elongate your body. I've posted more details from my consultation, including photos of the outfit Lani picked out for me, along with extra photos from the Style Tour on my other fashion blog, Fashion Trend Guide. In this post, I'll focus on some of the style and shopping tips that I took away from the event:
- Instead of buying pieces, aim to buy outfits. You'll be more likely to incorporate them into your wardrobe instead of having pieces that you don't know how to wear
- Make a list before going shopping so you stay focused on what you need and what your wardrobe lacks
- Invest in quality basics that will last for years. Good arch support is key for footwear
- Have fun with accessories and inexpensive, trendy items
- The key to authentic style is never looking like you're trying too hard
- Don't look like you're trying to chase your age
- Avoid basing your personal style on someone else's
- Find what you like about yourself and show it off
- Enhancement and authenticity should be your goals when developing your personal style
- When choosing a garment, choose by cut first and color second
- Use color, texture, and pattern to create personality in a look
- Jewel tones with blue undertones work well with many skin tones, ages, and body types
- To look slimmer, dark colors like black work best. Great alternatives to black are navy, burgundy, charcoal, and chocolate brown
- Light colors will enhance a feature
- The key to looking taller and slimmer is to shorten and define the waist, and lengthen the legs. This can be done with a high-waisted skirt, a tucked-in top, and belted cardigan
- When getting dressed, think in terms of proportions that will flatter you. For example, a sweater should hit near the hip to avoid cutting your body off in the wrong place
- Aim to highlight your waist and create structure around it. This can be done with a belt or a tailored garment
