DailyOutfit

Eileen's Favorite Outfit

2012-02-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

by Eileen Wolter

I live for fashion but I dress for function. It's the necessity of my life as a work-from-home mother of 2 boys. For ease, I tend to have a something of a "uniform." Having said that, though, I sprinkle some flavor into my outfits through color, pattern or a surprising texture.

I write about music and it's always on at home. I often listen to a certain song to get me in the mood for the day. When I was thinking about this post, I had Walk The Moon's "Anna Sun" in mind as I thought about my ideal outfit to wear to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Coachella has been an annual Spring stop for me more or less since it's inception in 1999. It is held on a man-made oasis of polo grounds -- smack dab in the middle of the California desert. It's a magical place to enjoy music, but the temperature variation during one day is extreme and you've got to dress accordingly.

Eileen's Coachella Music Festival Outfit:

Denim Shorts. Luckily, I prefer fabrics like cotton that wear well, are good in the heat and I like to layer. I also have a penchant for jean shorts which I can only think has something to do with the film "Dirty Dancing." Denim provides the bottom foundation of my uniform, so that's where I started.
Tank. I added a cute tank with some stripes. I've recently lost some weight and find I have a waist again that I'd like to show off. I don't go for strappy tanks -- they're great for layering underneath sweaters and such but for me not ideal on their own.
Sweatshirt. The sweatshirt is a must as once the sun goes down the desert air can cool down by 20 degrees or so. I like to look pulled together yet casual and you need a sweatshirt as a sweater is too thin. After being in the blazing sun all day, it seems even colder than it is.
Sandals. I'm a sucker for a fun platform sandal and the ankle strap here makes it practical for walking from one side of the festival to the other chasing bands and set times -- or back at home with the kids in the yard or the playground. I like a bit of a heel for some calf definition and because I like to be tall.
Accessories. A ponytail is a must and I love cute hair accessories. It's where I show my girlieness. Same with the crossbody bag where you can stow whatever you need for the day and it isn't sweaty on your back like a bulky backpack.
Summer Must-Haves. My last 2 items have become summer musts for me. Being a child of the "Top Gun" generation and having light-sensitive eyes, Ray Ban's have been my sunglasses of choice for over 2 decades. Although they can be pricey, the investment in terms of sun protection and durability are eminently worth it. The tan towels are a pure vanity item. I live for a tan but having had some precancerous things removed in recent years and being given to slathering my boys in sunblock, I now do the same. I have learned to get my glow in other ways.

This outfit makes me feel ready for whatever a day and night on the polo grounds brings and I still feel fashionable. When you're surrounded by the celebs in the VIP area, that's important!

Find out more about Eileen and follow her amazing posts on music at www.ASuburbanStateofMom.com.

Please note that no guest blogger receives or has received any goods or services from DailyOutfit.

Packing for Pictures

2012-02-14T10:30:00.000-05:00

As I write, a photo sits taunting me on my desk. It's of my little family all looking super-cute with Cinderella -- except me.

Nice smile, but what's with the hoodie? My handsome husband's in a crisp polo shirt, my two kids are dressed up and lookingadorable Disney costumes (Sleeping Beauty and Buzz Lightyear, thank you very much) and I'm in my hoodie. Ugh! How did this happen?

Of all the problems in the world, this is obviously not high on anyone's list. And yet -- it bothers me. How did I pack for Disney without even thinking about all the photos that would be taken? And, seriously, do I need to just get rid of the hoodies?

Packing for Disney. What was on my checklist? The temperature, obvi. Cooler in the morning, warming up and afternoon rain showers -- easy answer: layers and my great trench with the zip-out liner. On the agenda? Lots of walking -- no problem: jeans and cute sneakers. Small crossbody bag for ease boarding rides -- got it for Christmas. Check. Check. Check.

Not on my list, not in my consciousness, not even thinking about: photos. Yup, didn't even think about them.

Being Camera-Ready. Now you would think that as I am a style coach, I would always love how I look in a photo. Well, apparently not. And let's not forget how many times my sisters have teased me for being camera-ready. I learned it from Billy Joel, who learned it from Christie Brinkley: look the camera in the eye and smile big. No problem!

And yet, there I am standing next to Cinderella in my hipster radio station hoodie with bright yellow letters against a black background. All you see is the letters.

What works for photos? Wear solid colors. Make sure your neckline defines your face. If you like patterns or graphics, choose ones that are soft and understated. (Not neon yellow letters, self!). Even the hoodie I've included here would be better-looking than the one I had on. Oh dear.

In all the hoopla of preparing for Disney and Christmas and everything else, it's true -- I absolutely forgot about photos. And you know, it's okay. I'm human; I make mistakes. And I'm not going to trash the whole keepsake because I look way too New York and not enough Disney.

But I do hope you can learn from my mistake!

When you're going on vacation, someone is going to be taking photos -- whether you like it or not. Make sure that what you're packing -- no matter how comfy, weather-appropriate, or even you-appropriate your outfits are -- works for photos.

And so, my updated travel-packing checklist:

Travel-Packing Checklist:

Schedule haircut at least a week before vacation
Schedule eyebrow shaping and eyelash tint at the same time
Check average temperatures. Add a layer warmer and a layer cooler.
Double-check toiletries bag. Replace or update any old items.
Think about activities on the trip: do you need any special gear?
Pack two days prior to make sure you bring all the right pieces
Bring looks that work for photos!

Who knows? You may want that photo for your holiday card. Trust me, it would be a bummer not to be able to use it!

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Visual Aids

2012-02-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

If you have ever done a presentation, you know that visuals are a strong component of capturing your audience. And yet, I find in most women's wardrobes, the visual element of their romantic lives is often forgotten, ignored or buried at the back of a drawer. Yup, ladies, I'm talking lingerie.

For my married ladies, many have saved their wedding-night finery but not bought anything beyond that. For my ladies who are dating or hoping to be, it wasn't until I asked that the realization came: what happens after whatever-number date, when the super-cute outfit comes off? What fun do we have to discover underneath?

Ladies, I am not doing this for your husbands, your partners or your occasional lover. Nope. I'm asking this question for you. You are a wonderful, thoughtful, smart, capable woman. You're not a robot! So embrace, honor and celebrate!

When you enter into a romantic and intimate experience, I want you to feel your best. Sexy, alluring, lovely, beautiful. There is no doubt in my mind that your birthday suit is beautiful. But you know there's a layer in between! I want to be sure that that layer makes you feel fabulous!

So what if you think you don't like lingerie? It's binding. It's uncomfortable. It makes you feel fat.

Then, darling, find some that you do like! Perhaps it's flowy. Perhaps it's very, very pretty. Perhaps it's not what you think of as "sexy" at all. Perhaps it is quite naughty and absolutely impractical.

But that's the point -- it is practical to embrace that side of your self.

It's about how you feel in it -- that's what matters! Yes, it's about him, or her or them (whatever!), but all I care about it you. What sexy lingerie says to your partner is, "I'm ready." That's what is says for you. My question is: What does your lingerie say to you?

Shopping for Trends During Sale Season

2012-01-31T10:30:00.000-05:00

I love sale shopping as much as the next gal, but I always make sure that I'm using the sale to my advantage. It is during the sales that I try to pick up the trend piece of the season -- if I still like it.

Fashionista vs. Classic. I'm not a first-adopter when it comes to fashion because I prefer a more classic look. I prefer to watch how others wear a trend, incorporate it into their look and see how they mix it up. Once I'm convinced that a trend is either a new classic or one that will wear for a few seasons, then I set about to adopt it.

Fall in Love. Having said that, the cape is such a distinct piece I immediately fell in love with the look. The shape is flattering on almost anyone and looks fabulous with the still-hot skinny jean and boot, which I love wearing. I immediately picked up a fantastic jersey capelet and skirt suit for speaking engagements. It's gorgeous, comfortable and I've already worn in several times.

Set Priorities. However, I still wanted a heavier-weight cape. But, I had a lot of other wardrobe priorities to counter this past season including one I wanted to be an investment item: a trench coat. When I saw the trench I wanted on sale, that decided it. I determined to wait on the heavier cape until sale season.

Let Others Work It Out. I also had a nagging worry about the usefulness of the cape once we got into coat season. I wanted to see how other women countered that piece of the equation. The cape is clearly great during the Fall when the weather is chilly but not bone-numbingly so. But where I live, that season is short. How to make it useful at other times of the year?

Going-Out Coat. The drama of the coat makes it a great going-out topper. Because it stands on its own you can wear it over jeans, trousers or a dress -- think the ladies in their floor-length dresses from the turn of the century and their capes. Gorgeous, right?

Glamorous Biking. With the advent of commuter lanes and bike shares in many US cities, women are starting to contend with the question of how to be chic and bike. If your commute is short, tweak your work look to make sure it works on the bike. A cape works beautifully as a lighter weight topper that does not constrict your legs. Other pieces to consider are booties, trousers and shorter skirts.

Sale Shopping Questions. Before you purchase items on sale, answer the following questions:
1. Do I have an outfit ready-to-go that works with this new piece?
2. Is this piece a great update for an item I already own that needs to be down-graded or recycled?
3. If you said no to either question above, do you love this piece SO much that you'll build a whole outfit around?

Fashion vs. Budget: A Never-Ending Battle

2012-01-24T10:30:00.001-05:00

One of the struggles almost every woman I meet has with being fashionable is budget. It's one of those things that the fashion press conveniently ignores -- except for the occasional splurge vs. steal feature. At DailyOutfit, however, I like to face this issue head-on.

When I look in fashion magazines and see photo spreads of $10,000 looks, I don't get it. Do the editors really want us to think it reasonable to buy a $3,000 shirt? Or is it supposed to be fantasy? If so, does anyone really enjoy looking at beautiful clothes they could never afford? I personally find it confusing and a big bummer.

Which is why I found Uma's post last week so inspiring. For Uma, designer jackets and blouses make her feel wonderful -- so she invests in them. It's not that she has more to spend on clothing than the rest of us. She has a strategy -- she opts for one week of gorgeous, well-made pieces. In doing so, she respects both her budget and her love of beautiful pieces.

Here are three strategies to allow you to do the same:

Buy Less: Like Uma, you can plan for one week of fabulous looks. You can buy beautiful designer pieces like Uma, or you can buy beautiful pieces that aren't. After all, designer pieces don't work for everyone! Not only is there is issue of budget, there is also the issue of sizing.

Insist on Great Fit and Great Affect. I recently went shopping with a new client who confessed she often just buys something because she gets frustrated and wants to leave. I get it. Shopping can be hard. My recommendation is to allow yourself an out. If you're not finding anything you absolutely love, take a break. You will not be served by buying something you don't love. It will just hang in your closet or you'll wear it and feel terrible or you'll have to waste time with returning it later. None of these results helps you!

Think Like an Investor. When you invest, you want your investment to hold its value or increase over time. Wardrobe investment pieces can work this way, too. Imagine what that might mean. Your party dress is a truly magical dress that you continue to love and value for the life of the look. Your coat, handbag and tote are items you love to wear every day. Great quality and cut are a given so they wear well over time. With all of these pieces, you love them as much when you put them away for the season as when you took them out.

Building Over Time: If you crave variety, travel a great deal or just hate doing laundry or running to the dry-cleaner, plan on a wardrobe that will outfit you for two weeks or more. But -- give yourself time to do so. Replace the looks you hate now and work on the ones that are good enough next year. Not only will this provide you with a wardrobe with textural and style variety, it is easier on your wallet and your calendar. Think of your wardrobe update as a 3-year project.

As Uma suggested, make a commitment to take your self to the next level. Support yourself in these changes by looking great. At the same time, release yourself from the stress or pressure to spend more than you are able. With DailyOutfit at your side, you can uplevel your look and respect your budget in order to build a wardrobe of looks you love.

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If you haven't already done so, please post your favorite work outfit on DailyOutfit's Facebook page to win a online shopping page of pieces that are chosen expressly for you at your price point!

My Favorite Outfit

2012-01-17T10:30:00.000-05:00

by Uma Stewart

As an interior designer, dressing in a self-expressive way is almost a job requirement. I feel I need to convey a sense of style that reflects me and is also relatable to those I meet.

I look for pieces with fashionable cuts and detailing, and pick colors that reflect my interior design aesthetic. I also own my own business so I like to convey a sense of power, while taking advantage of the fact that I make the rules -- so I can be more relaxed!

My favorite outfit consists of a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, topped with a silk blouse and a cute jacket. I like to add a pair of interesting heels and one signature piece of jewelry, like a leather wrap bracelet or metal necklace. The balance of casual and formal elements in this ensemble really speaks to my life and to the way I do interior design, too.

Wearing jeans works for me given my specific client base, which is fairly young and style-conscious. I prefer Joe's Jeans because they have a slightly higher rise and fit me to the tee. I keep it more professional by selecting very dark rinses with no fading or distressing.

The blouse, jacket, "fancy" shoes, and jewelry dress the whole thing up, but to me the denim is a must. I think it conveys a sense of ease and comfort, while also being tres chic.

I discovered this outfit formula when I decided to stop settling for second best with my wardrobe. I resolved to take my business -- and self -- to a higher level, and upleveled my clothing to support me in these changes. For me, upleveling meant investing in really beautiful designer jackets and blouses, and having enough of them to make it through a full work week.

On the other side of it, it also meant giving up everyone else's rules about what I should buy or wear. For example, I just don't wear black. It is not a very flattering color on me and I felt like it caused me to blend in -- instead of standing out.

Finding my own signature outfit and embracing it has really helped to transport me to a new place in my life. I always feel like myself and I never feel like I have nothing to wear! The power that gives me to be my best is significant. My clothes are an investment in me that pays off every day.

New Intentions by Shannon Sodano

2012-01-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

A New Year: A Time for Renewal

2012-01-03T10:46:00.000-05:00

By Lorna Sass

by Lorna Sass

There is something about the beginning of a new year thatbeckons loudly for us to start afresh.

Yet, aside from watching the ball drop in Times Square, mostof us lack a meaningful ritual for marking the end of one year and thebeginning of another.

As a Life Coach, I love creating techniques to help myclients have a vivid experience of moving consciously from one phase of theirlives to the next. Whether they arestarting a new year, changing jobs, careers, or locations, I work with myclients to leave behind what no longer serves them and step into a larger, moreexpansive space.

And what better time than the start of a new year to say aformal “goodbye” to what is past, and a welcoming “hello” to the new lifeadventures ahead. To create a sense of completion around 2011 and a ritualbeginning to 2012, I invite you to try this quick and rewarding visualizationexercise:

Sit comfortably in a quiet space and imagine the old year asan island you are about to leave. Beforegetting on the sailboat that will take you to a new island, think about thestresses and strains and whatever other challenges from this past year youwould like to leave behind. Jot theleave-behind items down on a piece of paper. Carefully burn this paper (in asink, for example), or tear it into tiny pieces and throw it away.

On another piece of paper, write down the rewarding aspects,acquired wisdom, and other gains of your current life that you'd like to taketo the new island. Hold this paper closeto your heart as you imagine embarking on the ship. Imagine the long, smoothjourney to the new island taking place overnight while you sleep and deeplyrest.

Awaken to see the new island, sunny and magnificent,stretched out before you. What does itlook like? Imagine all of your favorite trees, flowers, and animals on thismagical island.

Walk down the ship’s gangplank with your arms wide open toembrace the surprise and delight of this new time and place. Have a good lookaround. What adventures and discoveriesawait you on this island? What dreamscan you make come true here? Write thesedown.

Then notice which dream on your list you feel the mostpassion for. Which takes priority overall the rest? List the mini-steps it would take to make this dream become areality in the coming year. Take one step each week until you make this dreamcome true.

Wishing you all an ease-full, healthy, adventurous, andmagic-filled 2012.

For more information on Lorna and her amazing services, please check out her bio in DailyOutfit Partners or visit www.lornasass.com

Making Packing Easy

2011-12-20T10:30:00.000-05:00

Introducing Easy. My whole mindset has been blown by this concept -- just deciding things are going to be easy...rather than girding myself for stress or the difficulty of the tasks at hand.

Honestly! You should try it! Thank you, Lorna Sass, Coach Extraordinaire.

How to Make Packing Easy
Step One: Schedule time to pack two nights before you're going to leave.
Step Two: Check the temperature of the place you're visiting
Step Three: Ask your fellow travelers what activities you'll be engaging in
Step Four: Pack accordingly
Step Five: The night before, put in your bag whatever you've forgotten!

Yes! It's that easy!

Pre-Pack Your Toiletries

Add additional ease to your packing regimen is by pre-packing your toiletries. For whatever reason, toiletry organizers seem to be boring black, deeply ugly patterns or just too bulky. Vera Bradley to the rescue.

Now, some people love Vera and some hate her designs, but you kind of can't argue with a pretty, colorful toiletry kit ($48) that can either lay flat or hang or fold up and costs less than the boring old black versions on option.

I am one of those who loves to be prepared for everything (imagine that), so a big toiletry kit works for me. I have my first aid stuff, my travel make-up wipes and can even store my 3 oz bottles that I put in my carry-on in the bottom part of the bag during my trip.

Let me know how it goes for you! Did deciding it was easy make it so?

Holiday Make-Up

2011-12-13T10:30:00.000-05:00

by Emily McHugh, Bobbi Brown Make-up Artist

As the holiday season approaches every girl is looking for the perfectPARTY look. ‘Tis the season to find a festive holiday lip color or create asubtle smoky eye.

A successful holiday look will have the ability to transitionsmoothly from day to evening.

A touch of color on the lip, dash of jet-blackvolume mascara on your lashes and your ready to leave the office to a holidayparty in no time!

If you were to purchase one thing for your holiday look, what should it be? Depends on if you are a lip or eye girl. I am a lip girl. I love a great lip color with a true pop, and classic eyes with just an all over lid color, liner and mascara. To me, that is a really elegant look.

What's the best way to find a good red? A good red depends on your personal taste. A bright red lipstick may not be the best "red" option for everyone.

Some may like a more subtle red lip and may go for a red gloss. In my opinion, Chanel makes the best variety of red lips both gloss and lipstick.

Nars' lip pencil is the best simply because red lips are messy and the pencil makes the application process smooth and nice.

As with finding any shade that is correct, you have to work with the tones already found in your lip -- whether your undertone is blue-based or pink-based -- the best shade of red will fall in the natural undertone of your lip. Work with what's already there for the best results.

The key to a great holiday look is simplicity. You want to lookglamorous, yet at the same time it has to be simple.

Cheers to happy holiday shopping! Staying subtle means beingfestive!

Busting my Budget

2011-12-06T10:30:00.000-05:00

Well, you know I'm no paragon of virtue when I report I busted my budget in my first foray into reporting on it! A couple things contributed to my downfall: two really good sales, a big needs list and discovering that my budget just wasn't a big enough number.

Busting Your Budget vs. Not Having a Budget. When I consulted with my personal finance consultant, Jeanne Brutman, she said, "There's a big difference between knowing you're going to bust your budget and not having a budget at all." I suppose this is true given how much thought I've given to the busting part. The proof will be in the pudding if it actually impacts my spending in the future. After all, there's not much point in having a budget if I bust the number every month -- even if I do bust it knowingly!

Sale Shopping. As a professional shopper, I know that there are sales to take advantage of and ones I can ignore. Retailers discount right before Black Friday -- as a way to get a jump on the numbers. It's a great way to get the discount without dealing with the lines or hassle of shopping during a holiday. But I'd never tried this approach on a monthly budget.

When my key items go on sale (like Chantelle bras), I shop. I also scour both the Half-Yearly and the Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom's -- the prices are good and, more importantly, pieces sell out. I hit the trifecta last month -- Chantelle was on sale, the Half-Yearly was happening AND there were general pre-Black Friday discounts.

The key to sale shopping is that you must know what you need. Using my look sheets to add and subtract pieces like so many algebra equations, I worked out my purchases and added a few just in case the fit or shape wasn't right.

Fully knowing I was going to bust my budget, I went ahead and ordered the pieces I knew I needed. I tried everything on and carefully worked out my outfits. Once I had figured out what I was going to keep, I was able to fill in almost my entire Winter needs list. My damage? Three times my monthly budget number.

Seasonal Spending. My advice to clients has always been to think of shopping seasonally. The basic plan I recommend is to purchase one full outfit, handle basic grooming and invest in one upgrade item each season. That means that you have four times your monthly budget number to spend each season.

Full outfit = a top, layer, bottom (pant or skirt), accessory and/or hosiery.
Basic grooming = a hair cut, eyebrow shaping and at least one trip to the nail salon. If you can add an eyelash tint, it's well worth it.
Upgrade item = a pair of boots, a coat or a handbag

Obviously, the actual number varies for everyone depending on your location and where you shop.

What's Your Number? If you need help figuring out what your number is, do contact Jeanne. She's wonderful at keeping you honest and helping you make sure you're considering the big picture.

Once you figure out what your number is, contact me -- I'll help you figure out exactly what you need and what pieces will best upgrade your look.

Getting Ready for the Snow

2011-11-30T09:06:00.001-05:00

Many people complain about the snow (shoveling is hard!). The after-effects of snow -- black piles of ice and slushy puddles at crosswalks -- is certainly not charming. But the joy of seeing those initial falling flakes, the hush and the twinkle of the snow blanket making everything suddenly clean, fresh and new? It is a gift.

One of the best ways to appreciate the snow is to dress for it. Even shoveling is more fun if you're warm!

How to get there without looking foolish?

Snow pants. Start with a great pair of simple snow pants. If your volume is on top, try a fun pair of patterned snowboarding pants with a sleek, pared-down coat. Use the quilting patterning to slim or highlight your best features. If your volume is on bottom, go for a dark, streamlined pair of snow pants and use colorblocking on your jacket to outline your curves on top. If you're lean or straight throughout, you can go either way -- create curves or play up your angularity with the snowboarding aesthetic.

Base layers. Long johns are an often overlooked part of dressing for snow. Remember, that you're likely to want to strip off your snowy layers, so try for base layers that you wouldn't mind wearing on their own. Patterns, colors or construction conspire to make a garment that can stand on its own. Basic white or black is not going to do anything for anyone.

Insulation. Add color with a fleece that fits. Ditch the oversized fleece you got in the 90s and find yourself a layer that creates or outlines your curves and flatters your face with a beautiful color or pattern. Excess fabric will also inhibit your movement if you're into winter sports.

The coat. Your snow coat should be sportier and more performance-oriented than your everyday wool or puffy coat. Look for temperature ratings and make sure it's Gore-Tex or something similar so that it's breathable and waterproof. An inner drawstring at the waist, color-blocking and/or curve-friendly construction will ensure that it's flattering.

Matchy-Matchy. Ever since Project Runway, everyone is afraid of being too matchy-matchy. Since designers are also aware of this, you can trust that a look is designed to work together. Mix a patterned jacket with coordinating single-color pants. Use prints in the same color family. Don't be afraid to buy the entire look or mix things carefully. You can be whimsical with this look. After all, the whole point of the outfit is to have fun!

Packing for Travel

2011-11-22T08:56:00.000-05:00

Instead of worrying about what you're going to wear while you're away, take a little time now to prep yourself before you go away so you can fully enjoy your trip.

Check the weather forecast. Pack according to the temperature at your destination. 80s is shorts and a tee. 70s means a tee and jeans. For 60s, add a light layer and a trench. With 50s, you'll need a layer with wool or a heaver knit and a mid-weight coat. 40s requires a proper winter coat. And so on. Always pack something that can handle the rain whether it's a Gore-Tex raincoat if you're doing outdoor activities, a trench and umbrella or a water-resistant winter coat. Bring a hat, gloves and a scarf if you're going to cooler climes any time from September to April. You never know!

Prepare for surprises. Add a lighter top and a warmer layer so that you're prepared in case of sudden weather changes. Bring a cute clutch and top even if you're not planning to go out. And always bring great lingerie!

Choose the pieces that will feel best in your chosen destination. When I pack to go to the Poconos mountains, I'm not bringing my killer, fashion-forward city looks. Instead, it's jeans, fleece and yummy lounge wear with a focus on warmth and comfort. Of course, I'm not leaving cute behind -- but I want to feel appropriate to the surroundings.

Think about what activities you'll be doing on your trip. For this holiday, I put together a Thanksgiving outfit that combines the desire for comfort with a festive look. You don't want to have to say no to something because you don't have the right shoes! However, you have to balance that desire with wanting to be able to actually carry your bag. You don't want to be the girl who can't get up the hill because her bag's too big.

If you have to check your bag, pack at least one days' worth in your carry-on. Flying these days is a mad house and you want your trip to start smoothly. Even if the airlines lose your bag, don't let it make you lose your head. Bring your essential toiletries and an extra outfit in your carry-on bag. Always travel with your jewelry packed discreetly away.

Pre-pack. I always forget at least one thing when I pack, so now I just plan on it and do a pre-pack to allow myself time to remember the things I forgot. I also love starting a trip on a good nights' sleep and enjoy being able to spend my last night at home enjoying where I am. So, yes -- I actually pack my bag two nights' before I am planning to go somewhere. Because I have duplicate toiletries, the only things I am putting in my bag the morning of are any current meds, my make-up bag and whatever I've remembered I've forgotten! Speaking of which, I really need a dupe phone charger ($4.89)!

Turkey Day

2011-11-08T14:16:00.001-05:00

Getting dressed for Thanksgiving involves a number of parameters: being comfortable sitting at a table for a long time, a garment that allows you to eat a little too much, a look that works for catch football, playing with little kids or going on a family walk, yet dressy enough for photos. Phew. It's a lot of requirements for one outfit!

Dresses. Wearing a dress on Thanksgiving immediately conveys the festivity of the occasion and, if done right, can be super comfy. Not so much for touch football, but definitely for a walk if you can wear your dress with reasonably comfortable heels. Sweater dresses or wool knit can be problematic once you sit down to eat since those fabrics are warm and you'll be in a home that's had the oven on all day.

Skirt & Top. Skirts can be a problem for a holiday involving a large meal because they usually have a pronounced and stiff waistband. It's hard for cute and elastic waist to apply to the same garment, but since the advent of stretch fabrics, there's hope! Also, the middy or maxi skirt that's hot this season is perfect for Thanksgiving since it looks cute with flats.

Trousers & Top. Since most trousers are now made with stretch fabrics, trousers can be a good option. They can be practical for outdoor pursuits, but ones that work outdoors may be too hot for inside time -- especially with the oven on. A mid-rise pant that works while you're on the ground playing with your niece may not be so great to wear when you're eating a little too much! Cue the stretch fabric. Try a great patterned top with gathering to hide your little pie pooch later on.

Colors. Not everyone looks great in Autumnal colors -- especially our Winter sisters. Lighter colors are also a good idea to avoid due to spill potential. What colors in the universally-appealing palette might be festive? Bright burgundy, medium violet and soft white work well for everyone. Chocolate brown is not officially on the list, but it's a great neutral for your bottom half that feels right with burgundy or soft white.

Pattern. Medium florals or rounded graphic patterns will provide camo for spills and body imperfections and look well on almost everyone. Color-blocking with solids can help to create structure to your look, but may not be as welcoming in feeling for a family event.

Fabric. Knits are great because they stretch and give you room enough to have some pie. The fabric should be a substantial enough knit to camo body imperfections but not so dense as to overheat you once you sit down to dinner.

Thanksgiving Outfit. A dress, or top + middy or maxi skirt or mid-rise trousers in knit fabric with a medium rounded pattern. Flats or a slight heel that is walkable. Burgundy, soft white or medium violet.

Fall Makeup

2011-11-01T14:30:00.000-04:00

by Emily McHugh

When it comes to BEAUTY there are 4 things to consider:

Skin – Two major things directly affect your skin, diet and moisturizer. Like all organs in your body good skin reflects a healthy lifestyle.
Natural Beauty – Every person has natural color tones in their skin, and they should stick to those natural tones. ENHANCE your natural beauty, pick your favorite feature and focus on it. When you feel good you look great!
Identification – Know your best feature. For some people it’s the eyes, some the lips, and others the skin. Know what it is, and know how to make it POP!
Investment – Have to proper tools! Good quality makeup brushes and makeup. If you are not prepared with the right equipment, then you will never be satisfied with the outcome.

Staying Within Budget

2011-10-25T13:58:00.000-04:00

My financial advisor, Jeanne Brutman, just gave me a clothing budget. It's pretty brutal. If I'm sticking to my own system, it should be enough. I do have a very functional wardrobe. But I also did a harsh clean-out last Winter, leaving myself with a full outfit to replace -- let alone making upgrades.

The Maintenance Wardrobe. Once I've helped a client find her way to a functional wardrobe, I recommend that she plans to replace one new outfit every season plus spend on personal maintenance.

One new outfit plus maintenance. Just one!?

Well, if you have the budget, no, of course not! And if you haven't spent anything on clothing in the past few years and you have the budget, definitely not!

But now I have a budget. Big difference.

The Challenge: Keep within budget for the year. Everyone's budget is different, but I'm going to report into you about how I'm keeping to mine every two months. I'm thinking of it as Weight Watchers for my wardrobe. Since I say you can have a great look on a budget, I'm going to see if I can live my own advice.

One Full Outfit. Um, so, do I get to get my nice new outfit at the beginning of the season? Well, no. I don't quite have enough in my new budget for an outfit a month. And I don't want to go negative. So I'll have to buy it piece by piece, which means figuring out which piece is the most important. So hard!

What Do I Need? I pull out my Winter clothing box and take a look at my look sheets to see what I need for Winter:

My Winter Needs List:

One full outfit: the cables & cords look including the cross-body bag for our trip to Disney (rides!)
Warm tops to go with my leggings
New top for my jeggings

Maintenance Until Xmas:

Haircut
Eyebrow + Nails & eyebrow before Xmas photos
Eyelash tint

The totals bring me slightly over-budget if I count this month, which would be disingenuous. And terribly over budget if I'm moving forward, which is what I should do. Drat.

What to cut? I definitely need the new outfit, so I have to ditch the extra top. Luckily, my flat boots from last year will work with this new outfit, so it will only cost me $220 head-to-toe with the less expensive sweater tops shown. I will layer two pieces from my Fall wardrobe against the cold -- for now. And I guess I'll have to ask for the cross-body for Xmas.

This brings me down to budget.

What comes first? The sweater tops will have to be my first purchase. I can wear them with boot-cut jeans and cowboy boots for now. And the eyebrows need cleaning up now, too. Next month, I'll get the cords and do the maintenance.

Hard choices. Even with my new limited budget, I'm able to refresh and update my look (and stay clothed) two weeks at a time with what I already own and my three new pieces. Hopefully, my family won't mind getting me the cross-body I'm going to ask for this Christmas and so I'll be covered there.

Next Up: In January, I'll need to purchase the new warm tops, but perhaps I'll be able to find something great on sale. Of course if I do, I'll also show them to you!

Comfy Weekend Casual

2011-10-18T10:34:00.001-04:00

Do you ever want to throw something on just because it's comfy? For me, that's pretty much true most days. Stretch fabrics, cozy knits, tights, leggings, flats -- these are my stand-bys. However! Just because I crave comfort, it does not mean that I am not well-dressed.

As Coco Chanel said, "Fashion has become a joke. The designers have forgotten that there are women inside the dresses. Most women dress for men and want to be admired. But they must also be able to move, to get into a car without bursting their seams! Clothes must have a natural shape."

So embrace your craving for comfort! Coco did!

Cord Jeggings. The great innovation this year is cords that look like 5-pockets but act like leggings. If last year's revolution was the jegging, what do we call this? Cegging? Cregging? Whatever -- they look so comfy! Gap has them in all sizes in both a boot-cut skinny and a proper skinny to wear with your flat knee-high boots. Not Your Daughter's Jeans are trying them in Misses (sizes 2-16), but not in extended sizes as of yet. The key to wearing this body-conscious a style is the knee-high boot. It balances the proportions.

Cables and Texture. The crewneck cabled sweater being shown this season is simple and classic yet anything but boring. In fun colors and textures, it's a welcome respite to all the oversized tops and flat cashmere we've been seeing the past few years. They key is to wear it as a top -- not layered over a turtleneck like in the 80's. If you need coverage in the front or the rear in order to wear your jegging, go for a tunic or poncho version with short sleeves for proportion.

Flat Boots. Pair the cables and cords with your favorite flat boots. If you have one pair but want another in a different color, go for one with a buckle detail at the ankle for some attitude. However, if you have strong ankles or calves, keep to a boot that has no embellishment.

Cross-body bags. These little bags continue to be hot for weekend -- so practical and lightweight -- and in lots of lady-like finishes. A classic black or brown will be useful for decades. Also fantastic for travel (they barely count as a bag)!

Accessories. In keeping with the simple & classic feel of this look, a pair of diamond studs or hoops, gold hoops or knots are all you need.

Intention

2011-10-11T10:19:00.000-04:00

Looking Good While Doing Good

2011-10-05T10:30:00.000-04:00

by Robin Jenkins

When I decided to spend time volunteering in New Orleans, I requested DailyOutfit's help with finding sturdy, affordable work clothes. I want pieces that can hold up to the rigors of building houses but keep me looking my best!

While the decision to volunteer and take some off of work is a big one, the DailyOutfit process has made getting dressed the least of my worries so that I can truly focus on what is important. My goal is to seamlessly integrate into the organization and the community. Having experienced the benefits of DailyOutfit, I’m looking forward to focusing on the work and not worrying about my clothes!

With DailyOutfit's help, I know I will look appropriate for the community and the office. I also know I will experience the confidence I gain from looking and feeling great!

I will be volunteering with the organization lowernine.org which “is dedicated to training residents and volunteers in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the numerous skills necessary to bring this century-old historic neighborhood back to life in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.”

lowernine.org has successfully rebuilt fifty homes with extremely limited resources while also training residents and volunteers alike in the skills involved in the rebuild process, and operating a one-acre urban farm in the neighborhood’s most devastated section. They have been in operation since January of 2007 and have hosted over four thousand volunteers to date.

Volunteer labor and nonprofit involvement has been instrumental in bridging the gap between funding from insurance settlements, FEMA allotments, and Road Home payments and the actual costs involved in rebuilding a home – a gap which has prevented thousands of families from returning to New Orleans and to neighborhoods like the Lower Ninth Ward.

I’m looking forward to making a meaningful contribution and, of course, I’ll do it with a bit of style as well!

How Accessories Change Your Look from Day to Evening

2011-09-27T13:57:00.001-04:00

One of the most consistent findings when I go through a client's closet is that her accessories wardrobe is almost non-existent. And yet, one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to vary your look is through your accessories.

But how? I'm going to break it down step-by-step to make it easy for you!

Starting with the Cape Outfit, let's talk about which pieces to add and which to take away to turn this outfit from a day to evening quickly and easily. You can also add these pieces (except the jeans, obviously) to a great cocktail or little black dress (LBD) to finish your look.

Bag. First, the big satchel bag should be left in your desk or at home. Most women do not own a classic clutch, so don't feel alone if this idea gives you a bit of agita! Heretofore, it may have seemed frivolous to you since you may not need an evening bag on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis, but it is exactly the piece that elevates your look from daytime to evening. Once you have a classic piece like this fabulous Elliott Luca envelope clutch ($98), you will find yourself using it again and again.

Shoes. Next, switch out the heeled booties for a pair of patent leather heels like this mid-height Cole Haan Nike Air pair (ON SALE $129). The patent will immediately dress up your look. These heels are also great with dresses and are the only pair of heels you really need to own for Fall/Winter.

Jewelry. Switch out the knot earrings for a great pair of chandelier earrings ($24) to amp up your fun factor with this outfit. The earrings don't need to be expensive or even real to instantly add glam. Keep the cuff on!

Trouser Jeans. Depending on the venue you're going to, proper trousers may feel too dressy. And sometimes just putting on a pair of jeans changes your energy. Keep the lines clean and elegant by switching the black trousers for these amazing trouser jeans ($110) to your wardrobe. You'll find they are just the right note of dressy and casual for evenings out. Plus, they have Not Your Daughter's amazing tummy-tuck design and are universally flattering -- unlike many 5-pocket versions!

Make-Up. Whether you're not much of a make-up girl or you love playing with color, you need a little extra color to show up in the dark. Try some tinted moisturizer and a nude lip. Add cake eyeliner to the upper lid, then shade darker colors on your brow lid to give yourself an understated but fabulous smokey eye.

Work-to-Drinks. If you go out a lot from work, keep the clutch packed with the make-up and the earrings and your heels in your desk drawer for a quick update. This way, you'll always be ready for any impromptu plans. Your co-workers may complain that you look better than they do, but they'll secretly wish they had your foresight and planning. After all, it never hurts to look amazing!

Business Trips. Pack these pieces in your trip bag every time you go and you'll always be able to make a quick change to go out after a long day of meetings.

Date Night. It's great to have these pieces ready so you can quickly change for your date night. If you have children, try to set your caregiver up to come at least 30 minutes before you need to leave so you can take your time getting ready -- it'll start your evening off on the right note!

Find Your Cape and Unleash Your Inner Romantic

2011-09-20T10:38:00.003-04:00

I'm a little obsessed with capes this season. For me, it evokes Heathcliff, The Piano, the Three Musketeers and Little Red Riding Hood. Gothic romance is so hot these days from True Blood to Twilight, so it makes sense that the cape is everywhere.

What Can I Use it For?
Because this a high-drama piece, it can elevate casual wear and dressy looks alike. Wear it to work on a day you have a presentation to an especially creative client. Try it for school meetings to be that parent everyone wants to meet. Put on your cape and text your love to meet you somewhere very, very romantic.

What Weather Does it Work For?
The Cape is a great bridge piece. It works equally well with a silk blouse, a high turtleneck and a 3/4 sleeve tee. You can wear it out as a coat but keep it on when you go inside. Add a floppy hat and long gloves as the weather cools. Don't try to wear it under a coat, though. Once it's truly coat weather, the cape should get packed away. You can bring it out again in Early Spring.

How to Style It: Casual
You can go for the shape of a cape in a knit or try it in wool plaid for a casual look. With brown boots and jeggings, you'll feel ready to jump on your horse and race across the moors. Pair a knit or wool cape with a high turtleneck, black ponte pants and black flat boots for the ultimate in comfort while looking utterly fabulous.

How to Style It: Work or Dressy
A more polished wool version with a silk blouse in a hot color and high-waist trousers combines four great trends (tie blouse, brights, the cape, high-waist trousers) for a killer dinner-out or drinks look. Finish with heels or wedges to further elevate the look (pun intended).

Accessories
Because the cape is loose around the shoulders, the only bag that really works with it is a satchel over the front part of your arm. Keep your accessories understated so as not to compete with the drama of the cape. The only thing you might want to add is a strong but simple cuff to bring attention to your lovely wrists peeking out from under your cape.

What Shape Works for Me?
The cape can be tricky. Since there is so much volume, you have to be careful that it doesn't overwhelm your frame whether you're petite or plus. Try for one that skims your body and feels delicious. If it feels awkward or annoying, try a different one. Keep trying until you get it right. Everyone can wear the cape, but insist on the right cape.

Seasonal Transition

2011-09-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

You might think I'm nutty, but I love switching my clothes out from season to season. The actual task of hauling the bins up from the basement? Not so much. But pulling out my pieces and re-acquainting myself with the colors, textures and patterns of my clothes from the coming season? Love it!

This past Summer, I actually stood back with a silly grin on my face and sighed with pleasure. I was so proud of myself! The variety of color and texture, pattern and weights of the fabrics that hung in my wardrobe! I looked at it and it felt like summer. I got excited for all the things that mean summer to me: dressing up for evenings out, dressing down for barbeques and for hats and tunics during lazy days at the beach.

Does your wardrobe give you that much joy? It should!!

Perhaps this is the truly goofy part: I also love that putting away your clothing provides the opportunity for discipline. Seriously! Chucking things that you haven't worn in a year, taking your scuffed sandals to the cobbler to have them fixed and finally replacing the well-loved pair of shorts in a color that (hopefully) won't show so many stains? This process of truly caring for your wardrobe gets you the beautiful, edited look you crave.

Replacement Items.
I get as excited about my replacement items as I do about the new trends of the season. What am I nuttering on about now? This is one of my favorite practices. Instead of re-inventing the wheel next season with full-priced items, I replace the well-loved pieces that are stained, torn or otherwise in disarray with the same or similar items in the end-of-season sales. I love knowing that my favorite shorts will be waiting for me to wear next year -- in exactly the right size, color and bought at a discount!

Here's my list for Summer 2011:
Caslon Stretch Bermuda Shorts (ON SALE $20): Great basic shorts with a hint of stretch in great basic colors. At $20, I am breaking my own rule to get a third pair.
Banana Republic Bermuda Shorts (ON SALE $35 + 15% off): Beautiful sateen shorts that feel look great as nice casual but also work for running errands. Learn from me and get the back bum flaps stitched down at your tailor now so you don't have the rumpled back flap issue all next summer.
Old Navy Owl Tee (ON SALE $15 + 15% off): I got so many compliments on this tee this summer! But it's white, so it must be replaced. I'm also liking the brown tee, so I think I'll get that one, too.
Triumph 4 Your Curves Tankini Top and Bikini Bottom (ON SALE $32.55 and $13.50 respectively). Fun oceanic colors that flatter everyone. Empire styling with a proper built-in bra and ruching on the bikini bottom to trick the eye about my hips. Really!

Total cost? $109. See? You can have fun and be practical and look great all at the same time!

Maximizing Your Clothing Budget

2011-09-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Invest in Yourself. If anything can make life just a little bit easier and more fun and it's affordable, why not? Start investing in yourself, one DailyOutfit at a time! You may wonder if all this focus on your look is going to make you spend more or become high-maintenance. Perish the thought!

Many of my clients say DailyOutfit actually saves them money because they are no longer spending money on pieces that they never end up wearing.

DailyOutfit Manifesto:

DailyOutfit believes that you should invest in yourself and look great!
DailyOutfit will never encourage you to spend more than you have.
DailyOutfit will always recommend pieces that are reasonably priced and good value.

How Much Should I Spend? Your budget is always up to you. With every client, I tailor a budget based on the look they want, their personal style and their work environment. The numbers vary -- what doesn't is a feeling that looking great is within each client's reach. You should never feel pressured to spend money you don't have. You should, however, spend the money you *do* have to look great!

Budget. If you use the DailyOutfit method to rebuild your wardrobe, figure out what you feel comfortable spending to re-work your wardrobe. Whether it's $150 or $1500, give yourself a round number that feels comfortable.
Initial Outlay. If you have managed to carve out some time to follow the DailyOutfit Process, you should have a list of things you need. I call this your initial outlay. This piece of your spending MUST be carefully thought out and strategically done. If you haven't gone through your wardrobe or you need help, please email me! I can either help you do it or answer any questions you have on the DailyOutfit Process.
Maintenance Plan. Once you've made your wardrobe work with what you have and strategically filled in the holes you discovered, plan to spend about three years building. Yes! Take a big sigh of relief. See? This really isn't so tough. Take your time, do it right and you're going to love the results.
Building Time. Plan on buying one new outfit including shoes at least twice a year. Update your foundations once a year. If you can, add an investment piece like a trench or great handbag.
Repurpose. The new outfit you buy will replace an outfit you currently own. If the outfit is in great condition, we change the purpose -- make a weekend look by breaking up a suit and using the jacket with jeans. Or pair the trousers with a new, modern top, great accessories and flats or pumps for a look that will take you to work, worship or dinner-out.

Sticker Shock. If you haven't spent money on yourself in a very long time, buying a full outfit may feel very expensive. DailyOutfit always recommends pieces that are reasonably priced and a good value. If you need to spend less, please email me! Spending some time with me up-front to figure out exactly what you need may reduce your overall clothing expenditure.

Outlets and Discount Stores. If you have more time than dollars, invest your time in shopping outlet stores or discount stores. While they are selling stock that did not sell in their retail operations, they also design lines that go directly to the outlets. You may find that the cut, colors or quality may not be completely up-to-date with the trends. But if the cut this season doesn't look good on you, who cares? Be careful, insist on good fit and be prepared to take your clothing to a tailor. This approach works for many, many shoppers. It takes more time, but the cost-savings can be worth it! DailyOutfit always scours the end-of-season sales for you, too, so keep that in mind when you shop.

Enlist Your Family. Ask for contributions or specific pieces for a birthday or holiday gift. If you know exactly what you want, ask for it! If not, gift cards to a specific store work beautifully. Let your family know you're saving up to upgrade your look. They'll be impressed with your resolve.

One Step At a Time. Don't feel like you need to have a brand-new wardrobe all at once. Unless you can afford it or you've taken several years off from buying, your wardrobe is a work in progress. Allow yourself the joy of regular upgrades that fit with your position rather than the stress of feeling like you have to do it all at once. If you're having difficulty choosing which pieces to upgrade, focus on the pieces of your life that you are working to change or improve and start there!

Carol says:
"....After completing the DailyOutfit process and reviewing my fall and winter wardrobe, I was able to identify exactly what pieces I was missing, [and] what I needed to replace. So when I was walking through a store and saw the sale rack I knew what was on my list (and more importantly - what was not!!)."

Robin says:
"Wow! What a difference an outfit makes! A session with DailyOutfit really made my wardrobe feel better...I now understand which types of clothes fit my body type...I did not feel like I had to spend a lot of money to look better and I feel comfortable that I can add to my existing wardrobe over time. I already feel more confident, more attractive and I am more excited about the shopping process!"

Need Help? I am available to help you through any step of this process. You can hire me to guide you through the whole shebang or just sections of it. I am available in-person or virtually -- just email me and we'll figure it out!

Why Participate in Trends?

2011-08-30T11:34:00.001-04:00

With every season, come new trends. You may wonder where the trends come from? Forecasting is an art and a science which a few key companies focus on to figure out what the trends will be. The forecasts are beautiful, image-based cohesions of what is going on culturally in art, music, design, politics, science and literature.

Trends incorporate everything happening in the world right now. Why reptile? It's part of a whole stream of thinking about the environment and our future. Why teal and burgundy? A conversation about our deep and abiding humanity. Ladylike? Mad Men, for sure, but also a return to civility, grown-up discourse and serious issues facing the globe.

While you may not necessarily be interested in appearing trendy, being aware of and appreciating the trends helps you stay current and modern. Think of trends as part of the cultural conversation rather than being dictated from the Fashion Wizard of Oz.

Use Trends to Your Advantage. Silhouettes, colors, patterns and textures change from season to season. This much we know. But why should you participate? Sometimes it feels like an excuse to "make" you buy more stuff. While it's important to keep your wardrobe fresh, that doesn't mean picking up every trend every season. That works for some people; it may not work for you. Instead, use the trends to build a wardrobe that makes you happy.

Work the Trends. When you see a silhouette, color or texture that looks great on you, buy it! Look for it in the sales from that season and buy a few more pieces. This way, you capitalize on the trend that works for you.

Trends this Season:

Silhouette: Ladylike
Textures and Patterning: Lace and reptile. Color-blocking
Hot colors: teal and burgundy
It Pieces: The Cape, Bright Pants, Longer Skirt

Ignore the Ones that Don't. If you don't look good in something, you should never buy it no matter how hot the look is. For example, I loved the look of leggings on others and how they feel on, but they just didn't look good on me or many of my clients. Once heavier-gauge ponte leggings or jodphurs started to appear, I was on board because these pieces flatter the leg rather than revealing every imperfection.

Can't Figure How to Work the Trend on You? Wait It Out. When the flat boot over jeans look first appeared, I loved how it looked, but hated the way the jeans bunched around the boots -- even if you used the socks trick. It felt uncomfortable and annoyed me. I also didn't want to invest a lot of money in a trend that might not last. Even inexpensive boots are expensive! When denim leggings appeared, however, I was able to merge both the jeggings trend and the flat boot trend into a look that worked for me and many of my clients. And that's when I bought my flat boots.

What Happens When a New Trend Appears? Of course, now that I've fully adopted flat boots, you're seeing stacked platform boots on the runway. Honestly, at first, I was really annoyed. First of all, fashion editors are hailing this new trend like it's something anyone can participate in...I'm sorry, but only deeply expensive stacked-heel platform boots are available! Are they seriously suggesting a normal person should buy $600 Chloe boots? In my mind, that's just outrageous!! This is this kind of fashion-y stuff that just makes me angry.

But as I thought about it further, I decided that I really don't care. I know the flat boot trend will last at least another year or two. But more importantly, I love how it looks with jeggings and it's a supremely comfortable, classy look. Since equestrian never really goes out of style, it may end up being one of those looks that never goes out of style -- like cigarette pants and flats. Time will tell.

Bottom Line? Fashion editors may encourage you to wear a trend just because, but I encourage you to work the trends that make you happy. Find the pieces, color and textures that flatter your body and face and participate in those trends when they appear. If you build a look that helps you feel beautiful, powerful and transcendent, the rest simply won't matter.

Getting Healthy

2011-08-23T11:03:00.000-04:00

In the back of my mind, I had imagined I would spend more time focusing on my health this summer. Just being outdoors and in smaller clothes would motivate me, right? What ended up happening is that I spent my free time in fully social pursuits -- which involved cocktails and lots of cupcakes! Oh well. No time like the present, is there?

One of my clients biggest roadblocks to re-imagining their personal style is the idea that they're going to lose weight. What I never recommend? Waiting until you lose weight. Unless you're signing up for workouts with a personal trainer, actively doing Weight Watchers or training for a triathalon, the intent to work-out is not enough of a reason to put off looking great every day.

While having a fit body can be a wonderful accessory, it is not the end-all and be-all of style as some might have you believe. I'm as guilty as you of looking at a lovely, trim person and wishing that somehow I could have that look. But I always remind myself that that lovely, thin person is also beautifully dressed, with great grooming plus that little bit of insouciance I appreciate. In other words, it's not his or her thin-ness, it's his or her style.

That being said, I personally feel better when I'm exercising, eating healthily and living with moderation. As I age, though, I realize that being healthy requires more focus and commitment from me. My new appoach is to try to fit more exercise into my everyday life -- biking the kids to school, walking more and driving less. That, and add more more regular workout day. I'm not sure it'll be enough, but I'm going to try!

Foundations

2011-08-17T11:30:00.004-04:00

If you read DailyOutfit, you'll know I'm a stickler for foundations. When I start work with a new client, foundations are the first thing I recommend purchasing. In fact, I would say if you can buy nothing else this Fall season, update your foundations. It is that serious! Why?

Foundations are:

the easiest way to look like you've slimmed down
fundamental to looking appropriate in any situation
good for your back!

Look Like You've Lost 10 Pounds. When the breastsare not properly supported, they tend to lay down on your body or droop. When you lift the breasts off your rib cage, suddenly you will have a shapeliness you may not have known was possible! The rib-cage tends to be the narrowest part on your body -- show it off!

Breasts change shape over time. Even if you are a bra aficionado,you should be professionally measured once every few years. If you have had kids, breastfed, lost weight or gained weight, you should be measured.
Make an appointment at a proper lingerie store or a better department store sometime in the next few weeks. You may be surprised what they tell you!
Take a friend if you feel that you need extra support (pun intended) and make it a girls’ outing.

Looking Appropriate. Foundations are exactly what they claim to be – foundationsfor everything else. No one exceptyour partner should know what’s underneath your clothing! Instead of distracting people with pantylines, stray bra straps or a skirt that wraps between your legs when you walk, get foundations that fit, smooth you out and stay in place.

Better for Your Back. When your breasts are properly supported, the lift comes from the back strap -- not the shoulder straps. When your bra fits, you will suddenly realize all the weight you've been carrying on your shoulders. You will feel lighter and -- yes -- more free!

Once you get your foundations in place, yourclothing will begin to look better on you. People may ask you if you’ve lost weight or changed your hair. They don't need to know your secret! All you have to do is smile and say, “Thankyou!”

Back-to-School Shopping

2011-08-09T10:30:00.101-04:00

When you go shopping with kids, it's like everything else: you have to pick and choose what you're going to do to make it a success. With a little advanced planning, back-to-school shopping can be fun, quality time. Really!

DailyOutfit Process: Use the short version of the DailyOutfit Process to go through your child's wardrobe.

Sort on Your Own. Sort through the items yourself for pieces that show signs of wear & tear or stains. When you see something that's too small on your child, have him or her take it off immediately. Put it straight in a bag for the best friend who just happens to be a size smaller or stick it in your Goodwill bin. That way you don't have to trouble your poor brain remembering which fits & which doesn't! Kids grow fast.
Try it On. Once you've sorted through the clothing, have your child try on a few pieces you're unsure of. If you have a child that's fashion-inclined, this could be a fun process for you both. If not, try to do 2-3 pieces at a time before your child gets dressed in the morning. Allow extra time before you have to get out the door.
Make Outfits. Put things together on a hanger or on the bed -- without your child if necessary or with them if it's something they enjoy. Make a list of items you're missing.

Shopping: Great tips on how to make your shopping fun and productive.

Shop Online. If there are basics you need, try to handle them online. Gap, Old Navy, Macy's and Nordstrom's are all great places to shop for basics like jeans, tees and simple sweaters. If your child doesn't enjoy shopping, this may be the extent of your shopping for them. That's okay!
Keep it Short. If you have a kid who likes shopping, arrange to take them to a maximum of two stores. Schedule your trip for the morning, when kids are at their best.
Use a Timer. In each store, try for 45 minutes of trying-on. Take photos so you remember what you put together. Bring your kitchen timer so you can enjoy the time without worrying about your schedule.
Make it an Outing. If you can, shop separately with each child so you can focus and have fun. End with lunch. Go for ice-cream!
Listen. Most importantly, listen to your child and support him or her as s/he expresses to you how s/he wants to look. If you don't agree, respectfully explain yourself and listen to your child's response.

When Your Daughter Develops. Take your daughter to a proper department store or lingerie store for her first bra. Continue to have her measured as she develops. The proper support is important. Buy three bras maximum to allow for growth. Use camisoles to protect her cleavage from prying eyes. Teach her how to use Styling Tape ($10) to keep her shirt from falling forward.

Kids Judge Books by their Cover. Children -- especially teens -- can be cruel. Whether you like it or not, your child will be judged by how he or she looks. If you support your child's sense of style and encourage his or her self-confidence, your child will be able to shrug off anyone who dares make a rude comment. If you're worried, teach him or her what to say in response. Practice it! If your child wants to put together his or her own outfits, encourage it! No matter how goofy you might think it is, if your child owns the look, s/he will be just fine.

For your little Fashionista. If your child is fashion-focused, have them pull items or looks they like from fashion magazines like Seventeen. Teen Vogue has some fashion spreads for boys. Spend some time talking through the looks your child has pulled to discover what your child wants his or her look to be. Try this great book from Seventeen for hours of fun and help focusing his or her sense of personal style. Buy books of paper dolls so that s/he can learn about the history of fashion. Like any other interest, an interest in fashion can lead to wonderful things!

Business Casual Transition

2011-08-02T13:11:00.007-04:00

Whether you live in a four-season climate or a two-season climate, transitioning from season to season is like a mini-season in and of itself. For my clients, I always try to ensure at least two transitional outfits. These are outfits that can vary depending on the climate -- vary the shoe, add a layer or two and this outfit can work for you almost all year long.

One of the most practical and comfortable is the soft top + trouser look. This outfit can be worn to a business casual office, to worship, for a client meeting, an informational interview or out to a dressy brunch or day party.

Because this outfit is designed to be worn almost year-round in many different situations, the accessories and patterns you choose should work for all seasons. Soft geometric or botanical patterns, classic vintage-inspired jewelry and medium intensity colors like grey, violet or light blue work all year round. This outfit is going to be a workhorse for you from year to year rather than during one season, so you want the feel to be modern but decidedly not trendy.

BODEN MISSES and PLUS RAVELLO TOP ($78): Soft pleated scoopneck with short sleeves and easy fit is a comfortable classic. Misses sizes 2-18. Available in two solids, two colors of an on-trend feather print, and two abstract prints.

Swimsuit Season?

2011-07-26T17:50:00.005-04:00

Every year, I find myself unmotivated to buy a swimsuit until it seems to be just about too late. By this point in the summer, most of the suits are gone from the selling floor. How do you get excited about buying a suit when it seems like all you have to choose from are the dregs?

Honestly, this is where online shopping has saved us! The sizes, colors and cuts that are available online right now are still huge -- especially if you know where to look!

Trust DailyOutfit's awesome body-type system to help you pick the right suits to try on in the comfort of your own home. If you're not sure, email me a full-body photo and a close-up photo and I'll do a virtual body and face analysis for you for just $75.

Here are two great suits that pick up on the trends right now:

Bright Colors: Bright colors are hot this year with a focus on interesting necklines.

MAGICSUIT BRIANNA COVERTIBLE SWIMDRESS (ON SALE $99): Contrast coloring and fun construction make this versatile swimsuit fun, modern and chic. Tie it at the tip if you're an inverted triangle or wear it as a skirt if you're an Oval or Pear. Available in four color combinations. Go with the grey on top if you have low to medium contrast. Try the black on top if you have high contrast or deep coloring in your skin. Misses sizes 8-16. Sale item; sizes will vary.

Patterns: Ikat continues to be big this season as a trend. Also, tie-dye, large and small florals and paisley.

ROBIN PICCONE TANKINI TOP ($86) and BOTTOMS ($58): Trendy Ikat pattern works on those with curly hair and either high contrast coloring or deep-colored skin. Bandini top plays up your bust. Foldover bikini bottom provides moderate coverage for your bum. Misses sizing S-L for both pieces. Also available in black and white.

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale: The Workout Outfit

2011-07-19T13:05:00.003-04:00

If swimsuit season does anything for most of us, it reminds us that staying healthy is important. Everyone wants to look good and feel good in a bathing suit and keeping up your exercise regimen is an integral part of that process.

Looking great in the gym, on the road or in a class can help you motivate to get actually get there.

Try these great items from the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale to update your workout wardrobe. Sadly, the plus variations are already sold out:
Nike Zip Front Workout Jacket (ON SALE $50): Designed to flatter with princess seaming, this jacket will keep you covered.

Nike 'Shape' Colorblock Tank (Nordstrom Exclusive) (ON SALE $32): The colorblocking on this tank makes you look thinner. What's not to like?

Nike 'Free XT Everyday Fit+' Training Shoe (Women) (ON SALE $60): The new, super lightweight shoe from Nike. Super comfortable!

Nike Cushioned No-Show Running Socks (ON SALE $6): Keep the focus on your legs with these no-show socks.

Nike 'Legend' Pants (Regular, Short and Tall) (ON SALE $47): The wide waistband smooths you out, the boot cut balances your curves.

Use this link to get you there and enter the titles above in the search box:

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale: The Day Dress

2011-07-19T12:55:00.010-04:00

My favorite dress for Fall in Nordstrom's Pre-Fall Collection is a Suzy Chin piece that is available in all sizes. In regal purple, a color that is universally flattering, and shades of grey, it picks up on this season's colors and textures without being too trendy that you can't wear it next year. Booties and tights are still hot, so go dark on the legs and feel fabulous!

Nipped in at the waist with a high-neck and cap sleeve, this dress is universally flattering. Its above-the-knee length works on everyone. If you don't love your legs, the tights will give you coverage.

DAY DRESS OUTFIT:

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Print Jersey Dress (ON SALE $105) in grape multi.
Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Pleated Cap Sleeve Dress (Plus) (ON SALE $109)

Nordstrom Herringbone Rib Tights (ON SALE $9). A great melange of grey herringbone with black vertical striping, these tights are flattering for anyone.

Cole Haan 'Air Talia' Suede Bootie (ON SALE $160): If you don't have a pair of booties yet, go with these. Nike Air technology keeps them comfortable, Cole Haan styling makes them elegant.

Trouvé 'Croco' Snake Embossed Faux Leather Clutch (ON SALE $50): Listed in my Essentials, use this bag to dress up and provide an interesting counterpoint to the dress.

Use this link to get you there and enter the titles above in the search box:

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale: The Cape Outfit

2011-07-19T12:41:00.016-04:00

The cape was on a lot of runways last year and now it's hit ready-to-wear. Like the tunic everyone loved last year, the cape can be worn with leggings and boots. You can also pair it with straight-leg trousers for a work-appropriate look. Done in a sweater, it takes on a decidedly more casual feel, which is appropriate for weekend or casual work environments from the playground to the home-office.

Body types: The cape works for all body types, depending on the cut. Because of the plethora of fabric on the torso, the poncho version is not a recommend piece for inverted triangles. Because of the length, the wool-cape version is not recommended for pears.

Here's what Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale has to offer for this look:
Halogen Wool Blend Cape (ON SALE $98): Done in smooth wool with leather trim, this is a fashion-forward piece that also manages to be timeless.

Caslon Button Front Hooded Poncho (ON SALE $58): The casual sister of the cape above, this piece widens your shoulders and gives a little coverage to your rear.

Sejour Belted Cape (Plus) (ON SALE $118): This piece is universally flattering because of the self-belt. The double-breasted front and wide collar play down large shoulders and bust, but the dolman sleeves balance it all for everyone.

Caslon Scoop Neck Tee (ON SALE $26): Six subdued colors make this tee a great layering piece. Beautiful scoop neck flatters everyone.

Sejour Seamed Tee (Plus) (ON SALE $32): Beautiful soft colors in a well-constructed tee.

Hue Wide Wale Corduroy Leggings (ON SALE $25): I loved these last year and still do. Soft and comfortable, they are great with this outfit yet feel like loungewear. The vertical ribbing is so flattering.

Not Your Daughter's Jeans Stretch Ponte Knit Leggings (ON SALE $65): Styled like riding jodphurs, these are the grown-up version of the leggings you can buy at Target. Heavy-guage knit skims over your legs to make a flattering silhouette. (Just use Ponte Knit Leggings in your search)

Vince Camuto Leggings (Plus) (ON SALE $60): Dense stretch knit is essential if you're going to attempt this look.

Frye 'Melissa Button Back Zip' Boot (ON SALE $219): If you've been looking for the perfect brown boot, look no further. The back-zip is super sexy, but the profile is pure classic riding boot. Frye offers amazing quality, so these should last you for years. No ease in the calf, though, so if that's an issue for you, these won't work.

Sofft Casoria Flat Boot (ON SALE $129): Affordable, comfortable and classic. What more could you ask for?

Use this link to get you there and enter the titles above in the search box:

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale: Essential Updates

2011-07-19T12:04:00.006-04:00

I went through the entire sale and have some great picks for you! Unfortunately, Nordstrom still doesn't seem to be releasing their links, so I'm just going to list them and you can click from here through to their site and enter the pieces in the search box. It's not elegant, but it should work!

Essential Updates:
Burberry Brit Single-Breasted Trench (ON SALE $600). The essential trench with a removable liner. Single-breasted and self-belted, it should flatter most.

Elliott Lucca 'Cordoba' Belted Tote (ON SALE $159). Gorgeous take on the lady-like bags we've been seeing lately in this season's it texture: snake.

NuNu Designs Leaf Earrings (ON SALE $72). Continuing the botanical theme, these beautiful leaf earrings will update any outfit.

Michael Kors 'Blair' Resin and Crystal Bezel Watch (ON SALE $167). Neutrals are still big this season and this watch makes a statement without being clunky.

Vince Camuto Snakeskin Bangle (ON SALE $58). Again, snake is big this season. If you buy one accessory, let this bangle be it. It will punctuate everything you say!

Bobbi Brown 'Tortoise Shell' Beauty Kit (Nordstrom Exclusive) ($165 Value) (ON SALE $80). Gorgeous make-up kit to update your colors. Includes two brushes, lip color, lip gloss, mascara, gel eyeliner and a quartet of colors that will work on eyes and cheeks. Get the nude face with fully defined eyes that you're seeing everywhere!

Trouvé 'Croco' Snake Embossed Faux Leather Clutch (ON SALE $50). Gorgeous clutch will update every evening out at a very reasonable price!

Tarnish Tasseled Wool Square Scarf (ON SALE $50). You don't need a new coat every year, but a new scarf keeps you current. This one is perfect!

Use this link to get you there and enter the titles above in the search box:

Yankee Style

2011-07-14T13:20:00.007-04:00

Puritans Wear No Patterns. In traveling up to Maine with my family, I noted a decided nonchalance about fashion and remembered my Yankee roots. Puritans came to this country with a radical fashion sense -- a very plain, simple approach to dressing with the intent of focusing on the inner self rather than outer appearance. The focus on plain-ness and wariness of pattern, makes getting dressed simpler and can be quite freeing.

Minimalism is Key. Minimal make-up and simple hair and accessories look great on people who are glowing with health. If you engage in a routine of basic grooming -- eyebrows and a regular hair cut -- in this environment, you go from fine to fabulous without much fuss at all.

Nautical Chic. Our travels took us up the coast and my favorite outfits were invariably nautical in inspiration. White shorts and jaunty striped shirts in primary colors seemed perfect for the weather and the location. I worry about white shorts and their practicality (I'm a very messy eater, apparently) but I saw a lot of cute denim versions which seemed like they might be more durable. They do look so much more summery than dark colored shorts.

Shoes With Purpose. Yankees love their Keens and while that's not a style choice I can support, I did love the use of Toms espadrilles and have been told they are super-comfortable. Boat shoes have had a roaring comeback among the super-cool in Willliamsburg, Brooklyn. It was fun to see people wearing them without an ounce of irony. I've also been noticing Salt Water Sandals -- super cute on kids and available in a totally classic style for adults. Designed to be worn in and out of the water with a buckle that won't rust, these shoes have been sold for decades. Practical, purposeful and $40.

Hats are Off. A fabulous sun hat is de rigeur when you're out all day -- especially when you're near or on the water. I saw lots of big floppy hiking hats in awful colors which did no one any good. I was happy with my gorgeous cotton hat, but need one in a more neutral color. Unless you're six, you just can't wear bright pink every single day and feel appropriate! Four great things about these hats: they're fabulous, they have an inner drawstring which keeps them on your head (tested on the beach at the Outer Banks, on the top of Cadillac Mountain and in the mail boat to Cranberry Islands), they're packable and they're $22! Make that five -- they're washable, too!

I also coveted the fabulous redesigned Ray-Bans which looked great on men and women alike.

Moving Towards a Closet Full of Keepers

2011-07-12T13:23:00.002-04:00

Step Three: Shop! Now that you've gone through all the pieces in your wardrobe, organized everything into outfits, figured out your budget and made your look sheets, you know exactly what pieces you need. It feels funny, doesn't it? Have you ever done this much thinking before going shopping? Probably not!

The DailyOutfit Approach. The payoff of shopping the DailyOutfit way is that you know you're buying pieces that you need and will wear often. Because you're matching pieces to exact items, you know they go together and you never end up with pieces you don't know how to wear.

Your New Shopping Rule: Do not buy anything new that is not an outfit or completes an outfit!

Online Shopping:

Check DailyOutfit for current looks or in the Archives for head-to-toe looks that work with your body type and your budget.
If there is a specific item or look you need, send me an email! I am always happy to design weekly features around reader needs.
When ordering from a retailer for the first time or if you are not sure of your size, order your usual size and one size up. You can always return the one that doesn't fit. If the fit is slightly off but you love the piece, consider taking it to a tailor.
If you receive something that doesn't work, don't worry. Just return it. Shopping isn't always easy, but when you find something you love, it's worth it! I consider the shipping costs infinitely cheaper than my time or gas money!
If you work in an office, have the packages sent there so that you can easily receive them and pack them up for any returns.

Love Shopping but spend too much money? As you go through a retailer's site, put all the pieces you love in your shopping basket -- in your size and in the color you love. Once you're done, you can see what the damage is. If it's too much money, you simply delete the items you don't love or don't need right this minute. You can always go back and buy them once you have the cash to do so. It's that simple.

Hard to fit? Need a plus or petite size? Stores often do not carry in-store all the variety of sizes or clothing that they offer online. Instead, they offer the most popular or guaranteed sellers. If you shop online, you get the advantage of specialty shops. Nordstrom, Macy's both have Plus and Petite shops that offer a variety of styles in your size. The Gap Brands all have Petite and Tall sizes. You'll see all of these stores featured on DailyOutfit.

Advantages of online shopping: you can try your new pieces on with your shoes and accessories and any pieces you want to create an outfit around without lugging them to the store and on your own schedule. All sizes and colors are available to you and will be shipped straight to your door.

Cons of online shopping: You have to return all the items you didn't like or didn't fit. It can be expensive to buy multiple sizes and takes advanced planning to purchase something for a specific event.

In-Store Shopping:

Make an appointment with a personal shopper at your favorite store to get the most value for your time.

Personal shopping services are free, but the shoppers will usually pull more expensive items.
Tell him/her the pieces you need or the outfit you're trying to find AND your budget.
Provide the shopper with your size, your body type, hair and skin color
If you need new shoes or jewelry, let the personal shopper know that -- they can pull those for you, too.

Bring the following when you're shopping:

the pieces with you that you need to match
the shoes you plan to wear

Advantages of in-store shopping: Shopping in-store is immediate. You try it on and you either like it and buy or you don't. You can also try things that are outside your comfort zone so you can push your personal style.

Cons of in-store shopping: In-store shopping requires time and energy at hours you might prefer to be spending with friends or loved ones. It is also does not offer all the variety of sizes and colors that might be available for a particular piece.

Hate Shopping? If shopping gives you hives, make an appointment with DailyOutfit! DailyOutfit offers both online and in-store shopping.

DailyOutfit Shopping Services
Online services: I put together personalized shopping pages tailored to your needs. Order what you want, in your size and it will be delivered to your door. All financial transactions with reputable retailers are as safe as buying the item in the store -- but without the hassle. I will tell you what color to buy, which piece and what goes with what. It's like Garanimals for adults!

Personal shopping: I take all the guess work out of shopping so that it can be fun again. Not only do I set up an appointment with a personal shopper, I create a shopping list for you, coordinate with the personal shopper in-store, and work with you during your appointment. We keep to your budget and you never feel hassled. I make sure that you walk out of your appointment with full outfits that work for your life and that feel great on you. Plus, you end up with a Look Sheet to tell you exactly how to re-create the looks we put together.

Look Sheets

2011-07-05T12:00:00.005-04:00

Finally: the look sheet. Remember all the photos you took of your outfits? The look sheet is your visual guide to all the outfits you put together. Insert the photos into a table and write down all the specific pieces you styled with the outfit. Then all you have to do in the morning is put it on!

Is a look sheet really worth all the trouble? If you can't remember what goes with what, a look sheet is a lifesaver. Don't feel penned in by what is scheduled for a certain day. You can switch it up depending on the weather, the function of your day or your mood. If your days have a regular rhythm, you can design your look sheets to fit that rhythm.

Oops -- it's dirty!? Ever found yourself in the situation when you got invited to something but your favorite pants are in the hamper? With your Look Sheets, you can plan around your events or opt for another great outfit. Knowing that all you have multiple options that are complete and ready to go gives you that peaceful, easy feeling that you won't be caught with nothing to wear.

True Fashionistas. If you love making up outfits every morning, the look sheets might not be for you. Just the process of going through your closet and making sure that every piece counts will have been worth it. On the other hand, the Look Sheets give you a template. You can change up your accessories (hair and makeup included) or your shoes depending on your mood. Having the basic work done (and making sure that you have a belt to go with those skinny jeans) makes creating one-of-a-kind outfits much easier -- and more successful!

How to Make Your Look Sheet:

Upload your photos of your outfits from the "Keep" and "Maybe" piles
Set up a table in Microsoft Word with 13 columns and 5 rows
Use Page Layout to set the orientation to Landscape
Each column has a header as follows: Blank, Photo, Top, Accessory, Bottom, Shoes
Insert a photo of each outfit into the photo column
Tag each photo with a description of each piece

Yassi says:
"...the great thing about DailyOutfit [is] you love everything in your wardrobe!!!

...when i came to school everyone said i have great clothes and i mean, it's true... so, they were just noticing :)

it makes my life easier because i have outfits that are pre-thought out which makes life more organized [and] makes everything easier, and DailyOutfit ensures that you have specific outfits for specific
occasions (like the one im wearing right now)...

i just had an interview and...well, there's nothing to worry about, cause [I feel] awesome.

and it's cheaper because you don't buy things you don't need!"

Need Help? I am available to help you through any step of this process. You can hire me to guide you through the whole shebang or just sections of it. I am available in-person or virtually -- just email me and we'll figure it out!

Walking En Famille En Paris

2011-06-30T16:05:00.001-04:00

How to look good while sightseeing. Good walking shoes are generally not thought of as being particularly fabulous-looking. But as a woman who loves to walk in urban areas, I have a few favorites to recommend.

I recommend the Cole Haan Air Nike flats -- they are super comfy + look great. They'll go with skirts and dress up shorts. They also pack flat and/or are easy on/off for plane travel.

The violet snake-embossed version ($138) adds texture and interest to your outfit.
Metallics, like the Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan 'Air Bacara' Flat (ON SALE $70), are best for coordinating with multiple outfits.

Another great option for lots of walking is cork-soled wedges. The cork absorbs shocks and the wedge provides lots of cushion for your feet.

I love the Clarks Long Pond wedges (ON SALE $90). More clunky for packing but they are super comfy.
For a metallic version, try the Shutter Shade (ON SALE $72) style below. The crossed leather straps create a vertical line that's very sexy.

When packing for a trip to Europe, be sure to bring layers -- not only the appropriate clothing for the forecast where you're going, but also jeans, a light sweater and rain gear. The weather can be super unpredictable no matter where you go. But it will also be the time for summer sales, so it might be nice to have the excuse to shop!

Organzing by Outfits

2011-06-28T12:00:00.011-04:00

Next Step: Outfits. Schedule one hour this week to start putting your clothes together. Lay out three sets of favorite accessories and bring out this season's shoes. Begin with your keep pile.

DailyOutfit's Approach. Instead of advocating one piece or a short list of items that will solve all your sartorial problems, I recommend whatever pieces work for you and for your life. The key is to put them together into an outfit ahead of time so that you're ready to go whenever life presents you with an opportunity.

A Function-Driven Wardrobe. I ask my clients to talk through their lives with me -- what's appropriate at the office? What types of events does he engage in? What kinds of clothing does she like to wear? If the client is in the midst of a life transition, we talk about what look will help the client make that transition happen. Sometimes all it takes to create confidence for a life change is a costume change. With just a little bit of thinking and planning, we create a wardrobe that is specifically tailored to the client.

So What Makes An Outfit, Anyway? I work with the principle that you can wear your pants twice, so you need two tops for each pant. Put your pants on and find two tops that go with them. Match shoes and accessories to each top and you have one full outfit. Take a photo of the outfit and make sure you like the way you look. If you don't try another top and just keep working through your clothing until you create a look you love.

What About Skirts and Dresses? Skirts and dresses work for one wear only, but provide punch and variety to your wardrobe. A skirt just needs one top, shoes and accessories. A dress just needs shoes and accessories. Unless the skirt or dress is fully lined or has a straight skirt, I insist on a slip. Why? Even if your skirt is not see-through, most skirts and dresses wrap around your legs when you walk. To keep the focus on your overall look rather than what's going on between your legs, wear a slip. A slip also helps with the drape of your garment and will reduce pantylines.

Find your match. You might have had to fish into your "maybe" pile to make some of your outfits work. You might have found that some of your key pieces were put in the "maybe" pile because they're worn, pilly or out of style, but you need them. Keep them for now. Put these essentials first on your shopping list to replace with similar up-to-date pieces. Replacing your "maybe" pieces with "keep" pieces is one of the least expensive ways to upgrade your wardrobe.

Narrow it down and make the cut. Take a long, hard look at those items that do not have an immediate use in any outfit. Is any piece so fabulous it's worth making a new outfit around it? Matching pieces can be time-consuming and difficult. Unless you love it, I recommend putting it in the "toss" pile.

The Maybe Bag. Sometimes there are items you just can't give away. If that's the case, put them in a shopping bag and put them out of the way in your closet. At the end of the season, check the bag. If you haven't touched them, you know you really don't need them. Say goodbye.

Polish. For many, accessories seem confusing and sometimes just too much bother. However, they are the key to a polished look. As you put together your outfits, add the accessories you have and consider what other simple, classic pieces might dress up your outfits to give them that extra punch. Most of my clients find they need more shoes, a wide belt for dresses or swing cardigans, a skinny belt for trousers, and some simple jewelry: a classic pendant necklace and pair of (faux or real) stud earrings.

Snap a Photo. Once you've put together your pieces and accessorized them with shoes and jewelry, record the outfit by taking a picture. Put the clothing away in your wardrobe and move on to your next favorite item. Does this mean you cannot wear your favorite black pants with everything? Yes it does. But do you know what else it means? You'll never be caught without something to wear because those favorite black pants are dirty! Instead, you'll use every piece in your wardrobe and feel great!

Sandra says:
"True story. The first week after I had the DailyOutfit makeover, my co-workers noticed right away that something was different about my dress. They thought I looked very put together and had me sit down and tell them some of the rules/feedback that I got from the session. Now I regularly receive compliments on my work outfits."

Need Help? I am available to help you through any step of this process. You can hire me to guide you through the whole shebang or just sections of it. I am available in-person or virtually -- just email me and we'll figure it out!

Getting Started with DailyOutfit: Sort!

2011-06-21T12:00:00.008-04:00

Step One: Sort. Schedule one hour this month to sort your wardrobe. Invite over a supportive and trusted friend if you need support.

Starting Fresh. Tim Gunn does it and so do Stacey and Clinton. Every wardrobe makeover starts with a piece-by-piece sort. However, not only do the makeover shows make fun of their clients and their client's clothing, they have a budget to replace it all. DailyOutfit is different.

DailyOutfit's Approach. My goal is to help you express who you are through your image. Each wardrobe makeover is tempered with warmth and good financial sense. In going through each piece, we begin to clarify your personal style -- what makes you feel great and what doesn't. We keep what works, work on replacing what doesn't according to your budget and toss what you hate.

Why keep what you don't wear? Clients usually end up with about one-third of the items that were hanging in their closets. But this is not a loss since these pieces never got worn. By sorting through the closet, these pieces can go to someone who might really use them. There are always a few pieces the client loves but doesn't know what to do with. I talk through various options before we decide what to purchase to make those items into a finished outfit. Think of sorting as an environmentally-friendly practice. You can not only recycle your bottles and cans, but your clothing, too!

So how do you decide what to keep and what to toss? I set a timer for an hour and go through every single piece for the upcoming season. Quickly and from the gut, the client tells me whether they love, hate or feel okay about each item. We end up with three piles. Love = keep. Hate = toss. Okay = maybe.

What do I do with the piles? Everything that is in your "love" pile goes back in your closet. Everything in the "okay" pile goes into a shopping bag to be put at the bottom of your closet. Everything in the "hate" pile goes in trash bags to be given to goodwill. If anything in your "hate" bag was in great condition and would be useful in a work situation, please consider donating it to Dress for Success. Pat yourself on the back! You've conquered the first step to an amazing wardrobe.

Try it! Schedule one hour this month to sort your wardrobe. Invite over a supportive and trusted friend if you need support. For further motivation, check out the Results page to see how the DailyOutfit system has worked for my clients!

Amy says:
"DailyOutfit was a huge help! [Allison] cleared my closet of all but the essential clothes that I need and that look good on me. I have less stuff but more to wear. And really targeted shopping list so that I can carefully shop for the right outfits for this season."

Loungewear on sale!

2011-06-18T14:39:00.001-04:00

I just stocked up on camp items for my kids and added in a great summer lounge outfit for myself.

Super-comfy and cute hoodie pullover is on sale at Gap for $29 + 25% off already reduced items for a total price of about $20. Love it in sky blue.

Add the charcoal leggings on sale for $8 and shelf-bra camisole on sale for $6.50 from Old Navy for a great lounge outfit for $43 including shipping.

Now that's relaxing!

Why Bother?

2011-06-15T12:00:00.004-04:00

With the global climate in flux, it's hard to know what to pack up and what to keep for the next season. One day it's hot, the next it's chilly. Who could blame you for not knowing when to transition your closet?

However, storing your off-season clothing is a wonderful way to make it easier to get dressed and feel good about your wardrobe. All you see in your closet is what you can use! Nothing is extraneous.

The process of putting in and bringing out gives you the opportunity to review all your pieces. Anything you didn't wear this year should be under serious review. Even staples, like suits or party dresses, should be tried on for fit. Check out the detailing and make sure that these pieces are still current and flattering.

My favorite thing about transitioning the wardrobe is that it feels like going shopping. Because everything is suddenly different, it feels new and fresh.

Looking at my wardrobe full of fun summer clothing makes me anticipate the days ahead -- the colors and patterns are just...so...summery! I look at my closet and think drinks in the still-light summer evenings, days at the playground trying to keep hydrated, beach vacations and barbeques.

While it definitely makes sense to keep a transition work outfit for crazy-weather days, jeans and a sweatshirt for cool evenings and a couple long-sleeve tops just in case, put the rest away and out of sight! Fall will be here soon enough and with it all its associations. This season, revel in summer's colors, fabrics and textures every time you open your closet door.

Caught Out?

2011-06-08T13:46:00.002-04:00

At the doctor's office yesterday, I ran into one of my FIT professors, Carol Davidson of StyleWorks. Looking impeccable as always, she is such an inspiration! Her look somehow manages to be effortless and yet completely perfect. She is a master!

I was sporting my cute Weekend Casual look, which seemed completely appropriate to the day when I left the house. But, faced with Carol's effortless chic, I realized that I should have been wearing that in-between level of outfit I call Nice Casual.

The equivalent of a guy's polo + khaki outfit, but I'm not going to wear khakis and a polo! It's just not my style. Instead, I went looking for inspiration on the streets of downtown Manhattan. I found a table by the window at my favorite people-watching cafe, French Roast, and started to check out every chic-looking woman who passed by.

I wanted to put together something that incorporated the current trends -- flowing fabric, pale colors, bohemian patterns or minimalist tailoring -- but also seems timeless. Suddenly, I saw it -- the stripe tee, last season's shrunken jacket and white pants. I'm pairing these tops with bermuda shorts since we're entering summer, but it's actually a great transition look with the white pants. Alternate flats or this season's nude wedges depending on the weather. Perfect!

My favorite part? The jackets and the shorts are on sale!!

How to Say Yes: A Function-Driven Wardrobe

2011-06-03T12:58:00.003-04:00

Here's the run-down on how DailyOutfit's features allowed me to say yes:

Weekend Casual: For my niece's graduation from Wooster, I packed my Weekend Casual outfits for the nostalgic road-trip I took with my Mom and two little ones there & back . I've been focusing on layers all Spring and it turned out well for me that weekend as it has all season. Wooster is notorious for having unpredictable weather, so layering was essential. As were the Hunter rainboots I threw in at the last minute -- I'm not sure I would have found my grandmother's grave site without the proper gear to truck through the rain and the mud!

Graduation/Business Casual: I ended up wearing the Graduation outfit for the Baccalaureate Service and (indoor) Picnic the day prior to Graduation itself. It would have also worked perfectly for the big event and I saw many beautifully-dressed Moms and Grandmothers wearing their own renditions of it that day. I ended up wearing a Marc Jacobs dress in my new-favorite neutral, navy. I had fallen in love with it during a client shopping trip and topped it with the jacket I wore the day before since it was chilly.

Shannon's Wardrobe Makeover: For a fundraising event for Shannon's friend's organization Thanda, I wore my favorite Not Your Daughter's Trouser Jeans (on sale right now for $70), a colorful silk top and my super-cute cork platform sandals from comfort-shoe maker Clarks so I could stand all night. Of course, I picked up one of the gorgeous Zulu necklaces ($58) they sell to raise money for the organization. I also donated a wardrobe session and can't wait to find out who the lucky winner is!

The Shirt Dress: I wore my shirt dress to a special alumni-graduating senior event at my high school. As my friend, Catherine, said, "I almost wore a shirt dress tonight! Of course, I only knew to wear one because I read DailyOutfit!" I warmed at the compliment. Honestly, I always struggle getting dressed for events at my high school because it's a very, very preppy place and that's just not my personal style any more. Still, it's important to me to be appropriate and honor the dress code of the school at these events. The shirt dress felt great -- and was easy to toss off for a more casual look on the train home.

Trend Watch: The Tunic & Trouser Jean: For Kate Bett's Michelle Obama book-signing for Step-Up, Iwore the Tunic & Trouser Jean outfit. It's also the outfit I wore for Shannon's makeover if you want to see it in action. Supremely comfortable yet still dressy, it was perfect for that balmy night. I met some really interesting women -- one who writes a great lifestyle blog, "The Black Dress Traveler" and some others who know each other from their work on Step-Up's Teen Committee. An inspiring evening!

Loungewear: After all this interaction, I was so happy to curl up in my delicious Loungewear outfit at my in-law's woodsy getaway while they played with my kids at our home. Weekend Casual came in handy again when my husband and I gorged on movies (three in a row!!) while we were away. I would say I need to get out more, but given the list above, I think not! I'm home for the next few weeks with my impending foot surgery & recovery, so I'm sure I'll be breaking out this outfit again. In fact, I might have to put together a summer version...hmmm....

Wardrobe in Action

2011-06-03T12:48:00.002-04:00

Whenever I say, "Busy is the new fine!" people laugh. I'm actually not sure if it's funny. My friend has a saying, "When life is driving you, you need to slow down." I've been doing a lot of driving lately -- and wishing I could switch to the slow lane.

My To-Do List. When I said I want to take things off my to-do list, another friend said, "I like that you are willing to take things away in order to feel better -- more in control and more successful. I have watched people I love (and maybe myself as well) try to define personal or professional success by the number of projects, organizations, etc. that take their time. Exhausting."

Less is More. The first thing I recommend when re-doing a client's wardrobe is to sort through all the pieces to get rid of anything that doesn't serve a purpose. The goal is to keep only what we love -- and what fits. In my own life, I left my corporate gig -- and the money that went along with it -- to build a more flexible life. In fashion and in life, I truly believe less is more. Thus the focus on affordable fashion and sale items. I love beautiful clothes, but I'm never going to tell anyone she needs to spend $500 on a pair of shoes.

Go With It. Of course, sometimes there are things that are beyond our control. The only real response I've found is to just go with it. For a recovering Type-A workaholic/perfectionist, this is definitely a challenge.

Lay a Foundation. Why do you think I came up with DailyOutfit? Lists, organization and order lay the foundation for me to be able to respond to what life thows at me. All the preparation allows me to be spontaneous. I can open the door when opportunity knocks. I can say yes.

So this month I said "yes" to a few too many things. It happens. My silver lining to all this is that my wardrobe served me beautifully.

Ready for Every Opportunity. DailyOutfit's ethos is to ready clients so all that is needed is to pull the outfit, put it on and walk out the door. Traveling and lots of events are a great test for the function-driven wardrobe I espouse. The good news is that despite having too many to-do items on my list this past Spring, my wardrobe worked like a charm. And I must add: it is so wonderful to be reminded that DailyOutfit really works!

Skinnies Rock!

2011-05-04T09:11:00.006-04:00

NYD MISSES or PETITE ($92) DENIM LEGGINGS

Never thought I'd say that, but they do! I never really got the skinny pant until I put it together with boots. On rainy days like this, it's a pleasure to just slide the rainboots over the skinnies and get out the door. No bunching, no riding up. Beautiful.

Weekend Casual

2011-04-29T13:35:00.008-04:00

One of the areas I spend the most time with my clients is on weekend casual. You wouldn't think it at first, but so many women absolutely neglect this part of their wardrobes.

Because work provides income, it makes sense to many to invest time and energy in looking good. The watchword is polished and professional. Women understand wanting to put their best foot forward. On the contrary, to many it seems indulgent to spend money updating the weekend wardrobe.

If indulgent means an inexpensive way to make you feel good, then guilty as charged!

Investing in your weekend wear immediately lifts up your mood. Your friends and loved ones suddenly see you looking great and they will shower you with compliments. And while the right pair of jeans can definitely run you, you can still find great-looking jeans that hover around $100.

Try honoring the season of renewal by updating your weekend wardrobe this Spring. Let me know what happens!

Makeover?

2011-04-27T14:44:00.010-04:00

Nike - Free XT Quick Fit+ ($85)

I have a lovely routine on Thursdays -- my son and I go to a Little Gym class together and then we go to my gym. He gets to play with an enthusiastic young woman in a room full of toys and I get to be by myself. It has a nice symmetry.

One week, I had to skip the Mommy's gym part and go to the podiatrist. At the Little Gym class, one of the other adults gave me a compliment and asked me if I had gotten a makeover. I told her, with a laugh, that all I had done was get dressed properly since I normally just come dressed to work out. She laughed, too. But the comment lingered.

Was this an affront to my professional pride?

I waffled on how to take this encounter. A gym outfit upgrade? Make-up to the gym? Ugh.

And then I realized that is is exactly the type of outside-in pressure that I despise about fashion. I don't want to be "done" all the time. It's too much stress! The whole point of DailyOutfit is to make life easier!

When I talk with groups or clients about personal style, I focus on how we each control how the world sees us. It's up to us to choose what we want to convey. Personal style is a work in progress in the same way that your self is a work in progress. My better nature reminds me I must embrace that for myself, too -- especially at the gym!

Although, I'll be honest...I do love my new pink Nikes!!

What Spring?

2011-04-26T19:48:00.009-04:00

I have almost finished with Spring Updates for my client's wardrobes. Yet today, it was 80 degrees and sunny. Fast forward to summer?

In these days of global warming, it's key to keep transitional pieces in your closet -- one full outfit that's a bit warmer and one that's a bit cooler than the current season. That way, you can dress for these oddball days without stress.

Honestly, the past six weeks have been completely confusing. I was switching between Winter and Early Spring outfits mostly paired with my rainboots and Spring seemed like it was never coming. Cue the raincoat with a liner -- definitely on my shopping list for Fall.

So now that Winter really *is* over, is your wardrobe ready for Spring?

Packing for a Business Trip

2011-04-06T12:36:00.006-04:00

If you're gearing up for travel -- conferences, business trips and even Spring Break -- you will find this primer on packing from Nordstrom.com very useful. It outlines the essentials from your travel outfit to how to pack to what accessories to bring. Even for a seasoned traveler like me, it was useful reading!

Silver Lining

2011-03-28T12:32:00.002-04:00

This has been one of those months for me where everything breaks. Ever had one of those?

You can imagine our consternation when my husband and I heard a large crash Saturday night. We thought it might be our neighbor, but all was well with her. That meant it was us and so off we went to explore our house. Can you believe that our entire master bedroom closet fell apart? Fell right out of the wall! Needless to say, my husband spent the entire day yesterday putting another one together.

I thought closets were expensive to install -- and I'm sure they could be -- but this off-the-rack at Home Depot version is gorgeous! All you need is a day, a drill and a level, and $350!

Sick Days

2011-03-16T12:30:00.003-04:00

The last thing you want to worry about when you're sick is what you're wearing. Depending on how sick you are, you might not make it out of the pajamas you were wearing when you woke up with that foggy head.

But in that in-between time, after the shower but before you're really better? I was happy I had my loungewear outfit to cuddle up in on the couch!

Bare Necessities

2011-03-10T12:27:00.003-05:00

I'm always hoping for a sale on Hanky Panky and it rarely happens -- but with Bare Necessities' moving sale, it is that rare occasion! The multi-pack is on sale for $65 ($20 off) and individual panties are on sale for $14 each (regularly $18). The Cosabella bralette is also on sale for $39. Lounging around in your underwear never looked so good!

Anorak

2011-03-02T12:25:00.004-05:00

If you're finding yourself between coats and about to go on spring break, try this great sale MISSES, PETITE and PLUS anorak from Macy's. It's universally flattering and doesn't take itself too seriously. And it's got a hood! For other rainwear possibilities, check out Spring Outerwear!

Report from Paris: Street Style

2011-02-23T12:19:00.002-05:00

Paris is renowned for setting fashion trends so I was excited to see firsthand that the winter 2011 fashions in the US are current. During my Paris trip I saw many Parisian women wearing similar street style as you see here: jeggings worn with a knee-high boot. The military jacket is very popular there, too. All together these pieces make a great outfit for daily life (on both sides of the ocean)!

Matching Your Image to Your Life

2011-02-16T12:12:00.003-05:00

Dara has her own company, www.spacialharmony.com, and wants her look to align with her company philosophy. What this means for her is that her look should reflect who she is, which aligns with my company philosophy! Dara and I had lots to talk about while I helped her edit her wardrobe then put together some great looks for her, including a whole new look which only cost $300 from head-to-toe. I also recommended she purchase great sale cardigans (all under $40) to upgrade her work look.

What did Dara think when we were all done?

"Thank you so much for my consultation. It was a really wonderful experience for me. It was so helpful ... and I'm able to look with clearer eyes at my clothing. It really sunk in that I should only put things that I love on my body. I actually continued to get rid of things that I didn't love after you left and spent all of Saturday looking at my clothes and thinking about everything we talked about."

Packing with the Edited Closet

2011-02-13T12:10:00.002-05:00

One of the things I love about having an edited, functional wardrobe is that I always know exactly what I'm packing. Because my outfits are keyed to what activity I use them for, I just pack according to what I might do on my trip.

For this coming long weekend, I'm lucky enough to be going to Paris. So I have my travel outfit, my on-trend military-jacket outfit for trekking through the catacombs or visiting the legendary flea markets, my date-night outfit for dinner out with my sweetie, my other knee-high boot outfit for a langorous breakfast and walking around the Marais or Montmartre, my lounge outfit for chilling out in my hotel room and, again, the travel outfit for the flight home. Magnifique!

Not Feeling Your Best?

2011-02-11T12:08:00.002-05:00

There is something to be said for comfy clothes that don't require much of you. On a sick day, you might not want to stay in your pajamas but you might not feel up to "real" clothes either. However, there's something puritanical about our need to not "dress up" if we're not feeling "up" but have you ever tried anything else? Your loungewear doesn't have to be precious -- I'm not suggesting the cashmere track suit here. Just something soft, comfortable and yes, cute!

Loungewear

2011-02-09T12:06:00.003-05:00

Treat your loved ones with an upgrade of your loungewear. I decided to abandon the sweatsuit altogether and incorporate the legging trend into this season's loungewear outfit. The pieces are cute, mostly very affordable and you'll be the best you while wearing them!

Travel Outfit

2011-02-04T12:04:00.003-05:00

Start your vacation or long business trip with confidence in a comfortable and great-looking travel outfit. Take advantage of the end-of-season sales to pick up a great tunic top. Add leggings for the most comfortable travel outfit ever! Pull-on wedge boots are great to get through security quickly, slip off on the plane or while driving. Lever-backed earrings in universally-flattering purple go with everything and stay on while you sleep.

Shoes & Accessories

2011-02-02T12:03:00.005-05:00

If you don't have the right shoes or bag, your outfit falls flat. Try buying less clothing and more accessories -- your wallet will thank you and you'll look better! For the Winter 2011 dressy outfit, it's all about shine like patent shoes, satin clutch and sparkly earrings. Patent shoes can be an investment, but often you can find items like a satin clutch and sparkly earrings on sale!