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Buying a dress may be one of the most challenging of experiences, right next to buying a swimsuit.  The good news is that it doesn’t have to be so complicated.  Here are some tips to help you decode the right dress for you.

When you look in your closet what do you see? A thoughtfully planned wardrobe rich with investment items and peppered with those less expensive items that bring in a dash of style? Or do you see a hodge-podge of items bought on the clearance rack or a budget store that don't actually go with anything?   Many women go shopping without any real goal in mind, drifting aimlessly from store to store in search of that 'perfect something'.  Oh, you already know that you'd love to have those perfectly tailored camel trousers that could be worn 12 months a year and would go with just about every top in your closet, but they're $150 and that's way too much to spend on a pair of pants.  So instead, you buy things to temporarily satisfy your desire but, like a craving for food, it never really does the trick. So you buy more to fill the void. You end up overspending (much more than the $250 those pants would have cost) but all you have to show for it is a closet full of sale items that are just ok. Help!  Well, the good news is you're not alone. Most women don't grow up knowing how to build a wardrobe so they do the best they can. Trust me, I've been there too. Instead of carefully planning out your wardrobe you end up with a random assortment of items that may (or in most cases, may not) go together. It can be an exercise in frustration to get dressed. But the worst part is how much money you throw away.  Really, when you think about what you have in your closet versus what you actually wear, the truth might surprise you! Next time you go out shopping, think long and hard about what you buy. Because going cheap is costing you WAY more money than actually investing in a nice wardrobe would.  Here are some tips to help you plan your wardrobe and get the most bang for your buck:  1/ Buy items you truly LOVE and can't wait to wear. You'll relish each time you put them on and ensure that you get your money's worth.  2/ Do a cost-per-wear analysis - Figure up how long you might keep an item and how many times you might wear it during that time. For example, if you bought a $250 pair of pants and kept them for 5 years, wearing them 50 times per year, that's 250 times and comes out to be $1 per wear - a real bargain! Conversely, if you spend $40 on a trendy top that you keep for 1 season and wear 4 times, that's $10 per wear. Not such a bargain!  3/ When you buy something ensure that it goes with at least 3 items you already own (and wear).  4/ Learn your best colors and styles so you can be assured that you're buying what's right for you.  5/ Plan your wardrobe. When you look at your wardrobe as a comprehensive whole rather than just what you’re wearing at any given moment, it brings a new perspective to it and helps you to approach it more effectively.   You’re going to buy clothes, so why not spend your money wisely and ensure that you always have something wonderful to wear?

The way you shop makes a difference. Always shopping the sales? Or do you shop more like a man, getting a season’s worth of clothing at once? Your shopping habits can be very telling when it comes to your wardrobe, but also when it comes to your wallet and your confidence! Women are going to spend money on clothes. But did you know that the way you spend money might be costing you more? Often I’ve found that women who only bought a piece or two at a time, or only shopped sales, thought they were spending far less money than they actually were. Conversely, those women who spent $1k or more in a strategic way actually saved money by buying more at once. Can you believe it? Over the past decade as a Master Style Coach, I’ve noticed that women generally fall into one of five categories. I’ve also seen how their habits can destroy their confidence, or can boost it exponentially. Take note of the pros and the pitfalls with each category, and see what subtle shifts you can make so that your shopping habits work FOR you and not against you. 1/ Desperate ShopperThe desperate shopper waits until the last minute to shop for an outfit, and often en route to an event or even a job interview. Because they lack sufficient time to seek out items that are truly right for them, the desperate shopper settles for something that’s less than ideal. Maybe the style isn’t quite right, maybe she can’t find the right shoes, or she needs alterations. There’s no time to go anywhere else because she has less than 24 hours before her big event. Sometimes she even changes at the store to head straight to her event. Paula was a desperate shopper on her way to a job interview when she popped into StyleFinder for the very first time. This was a risky move because she didn’t really know what we’d have and we had never worked with her before. We were quickly able to help her find an outfit that worked and she got lucky that we had her sizes in stock. She put together some jewelry that finished it off, but she had not worn the right shoes and, with just 5 minutes to spare, didn’t have time to shop for those elsewhere. She headed out the door feeling good, but could have felt so much better if she weren’t in a panic. Mindset: “I’m not worth taking time out to shop or plan. I’ll just wait until the last minute.”Pitfalls:• Never gets it quite right• Doesn’t want to wear things again because they didn’t really work the first time• Never takes time to build a wardrobe• Has way too many clothes but nothing she loves 2/ Bargain ShopperThe bargain (or discount) shopper ONLY shops the sale rack, or at discount stores like Target, Old Navy, etc. She is a sucker for a bargain and will settle for something that’s less than perfect if the price is right. She builds her wardrobe on cute, trendy and cheap pieces that aren’t built to last and never really has the foundation she needs. Sarah was a bargain shopper when she first called me years ago. I got into her closet and quickly understood her issue: her wardrobe was built on cheap pieces bought at Target/Old Navy or on sale. After just a few wears many of them had pilled, stretched out or shrunk, and were no longer appropriate for her career. She felt frustrated that she had spent so much money, but had little to show for it. I taught her the principles of building a wardrobe, and she began to understand how to invest in her wardrobe, rather than just go cheap, and how it would save her money in the long run. Mindset: “I am not worth paying full price to get what I need; I can always find a better deal”Pitfalls:• Sacrifices quality for price• Settles for something that isn’t quite right for price• Never really buys outfits, just separates • Lots of one hit wonders or stray items• Always has a closet full of clothes nothing to wear • Missing core pieces that are the foundation of her wardrobe 3/ Casual ShopperThe casual shopper loves to shop and often enjoys it with friends on the weekend or an afternoon outing. She’s always on the lookout for the latest trends or something new to add to her wardrobe. She’ll buy a piece or two here and there, but rarely does she buy a full outfit. Terry is a casual shopper who loves to check out her favorite boutiques after lunch with friends. They’ll stroll in and out of their fave shops to see the latest accessories, colors, shoes and trends. Occasionally they’ll find something and each of them will have to have it: a necklace, a cute hat, a fun pair of pants. But rarely does she take the time to try on a full outfit. Terry confides in me that she feels like she spends so much money on clothes but can’t figure out why she has such a hard time getting dressed in the morning. Mindset: “I deserve to look good and am always looking for something to add to my wardrobe.” Pitfalls:• Buys a piece or two at a time, hoping things will work together (but they rarely do)• Never buys an outfit or even a capsule• Buys more clothes but never ‘builds’ a wardrobe• Too many clothes, but it doesn’t all work together 4/ Get it Done ShopperThe Get it Done Shopper is a serious shopper who shops like many men do. They go into their favorite boutique once or twice a year and buy a season’s worth of clothes at once, including accessories and jewelry. Then they don’t set foot inside a boutique for another 6 months or so because they have what they need. Our client, Irene, is a get-it-done shopper. We see her a couple of times a year and we know that when she makes an appearance, she means business. When Irene shops, she doesn’t want just items, she wants outfits, complete with the best necklace, earrings, scarf or jacket to complete the look. Ready to invest in her wardrobe, she knows that if she spends $1 - $2K now, she’ll have exactly what she needs all season. She is sure to get everything she needs – including advice on what shoes to wear – so that she can go through the next season looking and feeling great! She is able to get dressed quickly and easily each season and knows she always has something to wear. Mindset: “I don’t like to shop, but I want to look polished and need to do this for myself; I know if I invest the time and money to get what I need, I won’t have to think about my wardrobe for another 6 months.” Pitfalls: • May fall into a rut• Wears same outfits over and over• Doesn’t refresh often 5/ Strategic Shopper This type of shopper is the ideal type. She shops once a quarter, booking an appointment with her favorite Stylista to ensure she gets what she needs for any events, trips or just everyday wear for the upcoming season. She is sure to build a capsule, including jewelry and accessories, and get advice on the right shoes and lingerie. Because of her habits, her look is consistent and creates confidence. Mary is a strategic shopper and knows exactly what she needs. She books her appointment with us quarterly for a Wardrobe Strategy Session and often brings in a few pieces from her wardrobe. Mary knows time is money, and she is not afraid to buy exactly what she needs. She also pops in a few times throughout the season to add in those touches she know will set off her wardrobe including tops in bright colors, fresh jewelry or an unexpected jacket. She is sure to buy only things she knows will work with what she already has in her closet. She gets dressed in five minutes or less everyday because she has taken the time to build a wardrobe, and she cleans her closet out at least twice a year. She loves her closet and feels great when she walks into it, knowing it supports her in her life. Mindset: “I’m worth it and I’m going to invest time and money into my wardrobe, knowing it will pay me back in spades.” Pitfalls:None Take note of which type of shopper you are and what tweaks you can make to your habits to set yourself up for success. Need help? Our Stylistas can help make your shopping more efficient while saving you money. Book your complimentary Wardrobe Strategy Session today! https://shopstylefinder.com/appointment/

Jeans are a staple in most women’s wardrobes, but when it comes to finding a great pair of jeans, knowing where to start can be a bit confusing. After all, there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of jeans manufacturers. What works on your friends, your sister or your daughter may not work for you at all. So how can you find your perfect pair without tearing your hair out? Follow these 5 steps and you’ll discover how easy getting the perfect pair of jeans can be.

Cropped pants, pedal pushers, capris, clamdiggers, shorts…. They may be known by many names but these short pants have become known and loved by women of all ages, shapes and sizes, and with good reason. Cropped pants offer a cool alternative to full-length trousers or jeans, and are perfect for summer weather. Capri pants became popular in the 1960’s with the Mary Tyler Moore show, and caused a bit of a stir.  Today, Capris and cropped pants of all lengths have gone mainstream and are right on trend. Years ago, before I became a style coach and know what I know today, I had a pair of cropped pants that made me feel frumpy.  The rise was too low, giving me a muffin top.  The hemline stopped at the widest point of my calves and made my legs look much heavier than they were.  And the whole look was just not right.  Yet somehow I convinced myself to buy these horrible pants and wear them because I felt that I ‘should’ be able to pull off cropped pants, and that if I just lost a few pounds they’d be perfect.   When wearing them on vacation, I remember feeling awful in them.  But I was determined to wear what I had spent my hard-earned money on.  Once home, I took a long look at a picture of myself in the pants and recoiled in horror.  While I had no idea why they didn’t work (I thought it was because I was too fat), I got rid of the pants then and there.  Years later, I found out why they weren’t right for me – and what I could have done differently - and now I want to save you from making the same mistake.   While cropped pants may be popular, there is no one style that is right for everyone.  There are several important factors that should be taken into consideration to ensure that you’re getting the best look for you. Finding the best style for your body isn’t just a matter of luck, or being born with legs for days.  What matters is proportion.  Once you crop your pants, the ratio of pant to leg becomes an important factor.  When done right, your cropped pants can make you look inches taller and pounds thinner. Follow these guidelines and you’ll nail it every time:   1/ The Hemline is Key Where the hemline of your pants hits your leg is the number one consideration when determining what’s right for you.  Make sure the hemline ends at the narrowest part of your leg. If it stops at the widest part of your calf, your legs will appear larger and shorter. Do not leave this to chance, for this can make your legs look much shorter/heavier than they are if it stops at the widest point.    To determine where your pants should fall, find the widest point of your calf – this is where your pants should NOT stop.  You want the hem of your pants to hit you above or below this line.  Typically, just under the kneecap is more narrow and makes a good stopping point.  If your calves are on the heavy side, then opt for ankle-grazing pants.  With so many lengths of cropped pants available, don’t settle for one that isn’t right.  Find one that is or have the longer pair tailored to suit you.   2/ Tapered or Flared When your cropped pants are tapered, or slim-fitting, they create a harmonious silhouette against your leg.  In short, the eye is drawn vertically and they have a slimming effect.  A slight flare at the hemline can work for you as well, but avoid a full-on flare as it can create a horizontal visual, cutting your leg off and shortening you.  Plus, you run the risk of looking like you’re wearing high-waters.  A skinny or straight leg is your best bet.   I’ve been putting many of my clients with a little extra around the middle in our skinny crops paired with a longer tunic and the effect is astounding!  While the tunic has to be the right cut - a longer top that covers your bottom - it can visually take off pounds!   3/ Off the cuff Cuffs on cropped pants and shorts can make your legs look heavier, and therefore are best on those with long, nimble legs.  If your legs are shorter or heavier, staying away from a cuff is your best bet.  If you do choose a cuff, select a cuff with a width that is proportionate to you.  If you’re tall, you can wear a deeper cuff.  If you’re of average height, a more narrow cuff will look better for you.   4/ Low Contrast Take into consideration the contrast between your pants, shoes and skintone when wearing cropped pants.  When you keep your pants and shoes in a tone not too far from your own skin, you create a lengthening effect.  Dark pants create a stark contrast against pale skin, and vice versa.  To counter the effect, keep your footwear in a color closer to your skintone than to your cropped pants.  Many of my clients want to wear black cropped pants, but they don’t realize that the contrast with their pale skin is very harsh, especially when worn with black shoes.  It is anything but slimming, and just not flattering.  A white, midtone or bright would be a much better choice, paired with sandals in a nude or metallic tone.  Teal and turquoise can also be a great choice for shoe colors, as these are ‘skin intensifiers’ and look gorgeous against your skin.    5/ Shoe In The shoes you sport with your cropped pants can have a big impact on your overall look.  To create an elongated leg-line pair your cropped pants with heels or some of the season's hottest wedges. Flat shoes can give this look a dowdy appearance. Opt for a sandal, pump, wedge or flat-form to give you a little height while making you look sleek and chic.   So now your only real dilemma with wearing cropped pants should be choosing a color.  Choose with care and you’ll rock your cropped pants all summer long, looking chic and keeping your cool too!

You know your wardrobe needs an update, but where do you begin?  First of all, don’t jump the gun.  Shopping can be the most fun process, but doing your homework can help you to make the best decisions and not become tempted by things you don’t need.  Here are my suggestions to prepare you: 1/ Make a list - Start by going through your closet to determine where there are “holes” in your wardrobe. Do you need the basics – a new suit, a few pairs of pants, great tee shirts – or do you need colorful accessories that will make our core items pop? 2/ Think Twice - If you find yourself tempted by something that’s a great deal, ask yourself if you truly love how it looks on your body and if it’s something you’d pay full price for.  If the answer is yes, and it works with at least 3 items in your closet, then go for it! 3/ Get the Munchies - Grab an energy bar or some trail mix and a bottle of water.  You’ll need sustenance and don’t want to risk making a wardrobe decision if you’re feeling light-headed. 4/ Know Thyself - Know what styles flatter your body best and stick with them.  Don’t be afraid to try something new, but if you’ve learned that a certain cut doesn’t work on your body type, steer clear of it and stick with cuts that enhance your assets. 5/ Color is Key - Know what colors are your most flattering tones.  These will make you look your best and enhance your natural coloring.  If you have had your colors done, take your palette with you.  6/ Mix high-end and low-end - Shopping can be a fun game and shopping in a variety of stores helps you to create a look that’s all your own.  You can mix investment items with something you found at a consignment shop to great effect and no one will ever guess how much (or, rather, how little) you paid for it when the overall effect is nothing short of fabulous!  Plus your look will have your personal stamp on it rather than looking like it’s right off the rack.  The most fashionable ladies shop this way and it makes for a much more interesting effect overall!  7/ Have a Strategy Your core pieces are the ones you want to invest in, but seasonal trends are where you can get away with going budget.  Trendy items won’t have the longevity of the classic items in your closet.  Do a cost per wear analysis – divide the price by the number of times you think you’ll wear an item.  For example, if you pay $30 for a dress, but only wear it twice, that’s $15 per wear.  If you pay $300 for a suit and wear it 100 times over the course of 5 years, that’s $3 per wear.  Which is a  better bargain in the long run?  8/ Three is the Magic Number -When you buy something it should go with at least 3 items you already have in your closet.  “ Fashion can be bought, style one must possess.” Edna W. Chase

Many women I work with profess that they have a closet full of black and I have to (gently) break it many of them that black is not one of their best colors. Sure, black does go with everything, but black can also be very draining. Black can be a powerful, serious color, but it doesn't exactly fill you with exhilaration or make you happy. Bold colors, on the other hand, can make you feel hopeful, happy and excited. Aside from how colors can make you feel, I want you to think about how they make you look. Wearing the right colors can help you stand out from the crowd and get you noticed. Have you ever put on a top in the perfect shade for you and just felt like, WOW? It really can color how you see yourself, and how your whole day goes, so I encourage you to experiment with color and find those colors that make you pop! Here are a few tips for incorporating color into your wardrobe, and for making the most of your own personal coloring:1/ Wear your eye color One of the best colors for you is always your eye color (called your ‘eye enhancer’). It brings subtle attention to your eyes and will get you tons of compliments, especially if your eyes are blue or green.2/ Wear your hair color If you have highlights then choose one or several of the colors in your hair to repeat in your clothing. It's very personalizing and helps you to create a look that's all you. Wearing a jacket in your haircolor that has a metallic or pearlized finish is an amazing way to boost your style quotient.3/ Turquoise, Teal and Blue-green, oh my! Do you realize how flattering bue-greens are to all skintones? From the palest white to the deepest ebony, try a turquoise, teal or other blue-green and see how gorgeous it can make your skin look! Find the blue-green shade that works best for you, whether light or dark, and stock up!4/ The Power of Brights Brights can put the wow in your wardrobe and take your core, best basic colors to new heights! Ensure you have the right shade for your coloring, as well as your personality, and temper your brights to suit your personal intensity. • If you have dark hair, choose bolder shades such as jewel tones. • If your hair is lighter, choose less-intense, medium shades.5/ Accessories Whether you're dressed head to toe in black or you opt for a nice balance of neutrals and brights, add in some colorful accessories for the finishing touch. A scarf, a necklace or earrings can be a great way to bring color to your face and lighten up a dark look. Shoes or a handbag in a vibrant hue can add a touch of whimsy and lighten up a serious look.If you're not used to wearing color, start out slowly. Once you find a few shades that are really 'you', you won't look back! While determining your best colors may be a scientific process, wearing color with confidence doesn't have to be rocket science.