Win at the Game of Style

Style is a great game and just like any game it can be mastered,it takes insight,planning and practice.Here are 5 steps that can up your style game.

Step 1-Know the Game

Before you start planing the game you should know what the objectives are:

The Objectives are to Look

  • Confident
  • Beautiful
  • Pulled Together
  • Chic

While achieving this you should make it look Effortless and be Comfortable.

Step 2-Learn from the Women who are part of the Style Hall of Fame.

I have studied these women in great detail and these are the strategies that standout:

Great Style is the A List

  • Age Appropriate-they always dressed youthful but as they got older their style evolved.
  • Area Appropriate-they dressed for their surroundings and what they were doing from sailing to the red carpet.
    fits your environment
  • Anatomy Appropriate -they took in to consideration their best attributes and showcased them.
    dress for the body you have
  • Attitude-they always stayed true to this personality.
    – bring out your personality

 

Also once they found out what worked they stuck to it but they constantly updated a good example is Princess Diana’s hair it was always short but always current.

I often get asked to you have to be dead to be inducted in to the Style Hall of fame and the answer is yes,that way you cannot make any mistakes.It is ironic that these four women are most mentioned when it comes to being an inspiration to today’s women.The good news is there is a current group of women you can look to for inspiration who are proving to be grandmasters.

 

Step 3-Know your self-The Main Player

  • What are you playing with?
  • Your Strengths
  • Your  perceived Weakness

So know your body and what flatters you,take the time to find out what really looks good on you.

Ask your self the following questions:

  • What colors suit me the best?
  • What clothing do I feel the most comfortable in?
  • What clothing do I feel the most confident in?
  • What am I wearing when I receive the most compliments?
  • Whose sense of style do I identify most with?

This will help you ascertain your strengths and weaknesses,for example if you get a lot of compliments when you wear a short dress your legs are your asset so you know you should always showcase them.If everybody raves when you wear red,make that a signature color.Make sure you know what your body type is.Here is a quiz you can take.

Step 4-Get the Right Equipment

Just as any great athlete take the time to research and invest in the best equipment that works for you:

  • Clothes-The right pieces for your body type, personality and lifestyle.
  • Accessories-Get the best that you can afford specially for shoes and handbags Keep things classic and elegant
  • Hair and Make up-Keep it simple and easy to maintain but constantly update it do not get stuck in a particular decade

If you are not sure what flatters you check out this video.

Step 5-Come up with Winning Strategies

  • Find your key looks for each component of your like Travel,Work,Casual or Night on the town
  • Pull them together with the right accessories
  • Complement them with the right hair and make up
  • Practice them until you get them perfect

Here are some examples of Key Looks:

Your perfect 10;

This is an on point look that always gets you a perfect 10 when you wear it,it should be quintessentially you.

Your jack of all trades;

This is an outfit that can take you from day tonight with just switching out your accessories.You wear this on a really full,busy day to look effortless.

Your Queen of the Day;

This is your sexy sassy outfit that will make all the men in your life treat you like a queen.You bring this out when you need something done.Nothing wrong in using your feminine strength and charm.

The Ace up your sleeve;

This is your power wow outfit that makes you feel on top of the world.You wear this when you have a deal to close and it usually says”Don’t Mess with me Fellas”

With these simple strategies you can win at the game of style with a little effort and energy.

 

How to get a perfect Wardrobe!

 

Winter is firmly with us but in the stores Spring is starting to make an appearance,you are also starting to get your Spring catalogs from your stylists.Before you start shopping for your new wardrobe,it is good to take a minute to establish what your body shape is and how to dress and accessorize it.Your body changes over time and I recommend you review this before the Fall and Spring seasons. This will help you make the right decisions when  planning and purchasing your new pieces.

Now is the time to refresh your knowledge and remeasure your self.Remember it is important to dress the body you have right now, not the one you had 3 years ago or the one you plan to have next year.It is also important to express your self and make sure your wardrobe reflects who you are as a person. Do not define your self by your body shape as we are all truly unique but use it to find what is flattering.You are one of a kind just like a fabulous masterpiece.Just like any great masterpiece you need the right frame that will flatter and show case you.Here are some important steps you can take to plan and execute on a perfect wardrobe this Fall.

Step 1-Measure your Self.

Step 2-Determine your Body type.

Step 3-Define your sense of Style.

 

Step 4- Find what is Flattering to you.

 

Step 5- Plan your Wardrobe and Start Shopping!

If you are more verbal than visual you can create shopping index cards with the color,type of item and price.

 

With a little effort and energy you can have a fabulous new wardrobe.
♥ Sunil

You can download a PDF with all the worksheets below

WARDROBE PLAN

Sale Mania

As sale season is upon us and with retailers throwing all kinds of sales nearly every week it is all about the deal.It is  way too easy to catch “Sale-Mania” shop frantically and then watch your “Deals”hang in your closet for months on end and going to Goodwill with tags attached.Walking around NYC it seems that almost every store is dangling a crazy deal.Here are tips on being a smart shopper right now.

Be a “Thriftanista” by avoiding the most common pitfalls and searching for truly great pieces that will enhance for Fashionista status.

     Common Pitfalls!

  • “When I loose 20 pounds it will be perfect”
    STOP, only buy what fits you now.Go on a shopping spree to celebrate once you loose the 20 pounds.

    It is important to dress the body you have right now!

  • “I may need it someday”
    Unless,you have a need for it in the next 6 months put it back,you will always find something better, trends can change.
  • “It is a steal”
    OMG it is 90% off ,they are giving it away.If you never wear it that is still money you flushed down the toilet.

    Wise Buys!

  • Layering pieces-Use this opportunity to stock up on Tanks,Camisoles and classic Tees in Black,White and Nude.You will have to freshen up these pieces on a regular basis.This is specially true of anything you wear in white.Also a good time to stock up on basic leggings and jeans for the fall.
  • Classic Pieces-White button Front Shirts,Classic V-necks sweaters,a Little Black Dress and Great blazers are all items that are worth the investment.These are pieces that are timeless and are the building blocks of your wardrobe.Look for clean lines and timeless fabrics.
  • Investment Pieces-A fantastic black leather handbag,timeless nude pumps,a beautiful evening clutch.Think of these as items you will use in your life time and then pass down with your daughters.
  • Bathing suits-If you are planning a winter get away this is the time to buy a new bathing suit as the next time they will be available is February.Chose a classic style in black,navy or red that fits well but has some ease.Make sure you pick up a great cover up as well.Store them in a breathable bag and you will be all set for your next getaway.
  • Trend Pieces that go in to Fall-At this point we know what the top trends for fall are.We are seeing some of the trends carrying forward.As far as color goes both red and pink are very strong this Fall.Florals specially on darker grounds with roses leading the way are going to be the must have going forward.Menswear inspired pants and jackets are a key wardrobe item come September.Pieces that fit these trends can be snapped up for a bargain and remixed in the fall with velvet and corduroy to create on trend looks.

Always be a Smart Shopper
♥ Sunil

Be Inspired!

Sometimes a picture is worth a million words and a simple quote can tell a story.

To keep myself inspired I fill my walls with pictures,cuttings from magazines,fashion illustrations and quotes from great designers.

Here are 5 of my all time favorites for you to print and hang in your work place or closet.It is great to share some with friends who need fashion boost so I left some room for you to write a personal message and share on their Facebook page or mail it to them.

Always be inspired by Fashion it is Fabulous and a Great Anti Depressant with no side effects (except for huge credit card bills).

Always be inspired and inspire others with fashion
♥ Sunil

For the Shoe Lover

Quote 5

 

For the Diva

Quote 4

For the Fashionista

QUOTE 1 copy

For the Sassy Girl

Quote 3

For the Goddess

Quote 2

 

Know your body

Design Insider - Know and Dress your BodyBefore you start shopping for your Fall Wardrobe,it is good to take a minute to establish what your body shape is. This will help you make the right decisions when purchasing fabulous new pieces. Remember it is important to dress the body you have right now, not the one you had 3 years ago or the one you plan to have next year.

Here is a quick cheat sheet that you can print and have handy. Do not define your self by your body shape but use it to find what is flattering.You are unique and beautiful.

It takes a little effort and energy to look fabulous

♥ Sunil