Shop Smarter, Not Harder

Reposted from My StyleLife Philosophy

What's in your closet? Seriously, what does your wardrobe look like? How do you feel about it as a whole? How do you feel about the clothes individually? How often do you wear every item you own? Do you have a quality, functional wardrobe or one where "I have nothing to wear..." is a daily saying? These are important questions to ask yourself and to honestly answer as you evaluate your wardrobe.

Prioritizing "quality over quantity" definitely should apply to your wardrobe. If you own many pieces that you don't wear, it's time to re-evaluate what's in your closet. If you don't wear what you own, then why is it still in your wardrobe? Try each item on and be honest with yourself. Do you like it? Does it fit and flatter your figure? Any unworn and/or unflattering items just clutter what could be a fabulous boutique-like closet (that is, if it doesn't already look like that, of course).

We want options so we may buy a large quantity of clothing, but how much of it actually fits and flatters? How many of those clothes are actually worn once purchased? It's time to "shop smarter, not harder." Changing it up is important so it's extremely important to shop smart and with a plan. If your wardrobe contains QUALITY pieces that fit and flatter AND mix and match and coordinate, then you will have many more outfit options with fewer items. I'm not saying not to fill your closet. I'm just saying to have more options and less of the "I-Have-Nothing-To-Wear" syndrome, it takes strategy and effort.

Basic wardrobe staples and accents, including trendy items, should be tracked so when shopping you know what's missing from your wardrobe and what will work well in and with your current wardrobe.

Below are some outfit "switch-ups" to illustrate how you can transform an outfit by simply switching up the accent pieces.

Day Look 1
Imagine: Lunch with the Mother-in-Law

Main Staple: Calvin Klein dress  

Accents: NY&Co. earrings, bracelets, belt and bag, Bakers heels, For Love headband

 Evening Look 1
Imagine: Cocktails with coworkers

Main Staple: Calvin Klein dress  

Accents: NY&Co. belt, Express earrings and clutch, Charlotte Russe heels

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Day Look 2
Imagine: Shopping about town

Main Staples: Max Studio dress, Forever 21 coverlet

Accents: Jessica Simpson bag, For Love earrings, Target flats

Evening Look 2
Imagine: Dinner with old friends

Main Staples: Max Studio dress, Forever 21 coverlet

Accents: Express clutch, Express earrings, Target heels

For even more of a switch-up here, 

I could have left off the coverlet for day or chosen a black cropped coverlet instead for evening. 

This dress could also look more casual and just as charming with a cute denim jacket. 

Add flats or wedges and voila, perfect fall weather carnival date outfit!

Of course, any switch-up has MANY options if you're creative. :) I just want to drive the point home that quality staples and switching up the accents are important in any functional wardrobe.

It's fun to take pieces and dress them up or down, for whatever the occasion calls. 

Styling outfits, just like applying makeup, is an art form because dressing often relies on your emotions/mood of the day. How do you feel today? Translate that into your outfit and see what happens.

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Day Look 3
Imagine: Brunch with girlfriends

Main Staple: Scarlett dress

Accents: Miztique bag, Bakers heels, For Love earrings, Belt (n/a)

Evening Look 3
Imagine: At a winery

Main Staple: Scarlett dress

Accents: Steve Madden booties, Tommy Hilfiger wallet as clutch, For Love earrings

You may have noticed that:
I used the turquoise Bakers peep-toe heels in 2 of the above outfits. I also used the smoke and pewter For Love earrings in 2 of the above outfits. Additionally, I used the black Express clutch and the Express earrings twice in the above outfits. The strategy of choosing outfits early and being able to mix/match and coordinate also makes packing for travel much easier and maybe even fun instead of stressful.

It's not about how many items you have... it's about the quality of each item and your confidence to style each outfit with the pieces that work for you. As always, have fun and have a fabulous day every day!

<3 Catherine

My StyleLife Philosophy Blog OPENING

Hello, hello. I hope you're enjoying your week. It's a busy week here, and I'm super excited to announce the official BLOG OPENING of My StyleLife Philosophy at http://mystylelifephilosophy.blogspot.com. I posted the welcome post today and will post the welcome video next week. I will be adding photos, reviews, stories and more to My StyleLife Philosophy on a weekly basis. I welcome questions, comments and requests and will do my best to respond to as many as I can.

Follow me on Twitter @StyleLifeCS. Email me at cs.stylelife@yahoo(dot)com. Or comment below.

Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoy.

Have a fabulous day every day!

New Blog Coming Soon!

I am working on a new blog where I will feature lots of photos, tips, ideas and projects all relating to the StyleLIFE.  My new blog is all about my StyleLife philosophy, "Do good, be positive and be stylish in everything you do."

The new blog will include personal style, home style, party/wedding style and more.  It is an expression of my life.  I am so excited about the new blog because it is personal.  I hope you enjoy, and I will keep you posted on the details. 

I will also feature other stylish bloggers that I feel share the StyleLife philosophy.  If you would like to be featured on my new STYLELIFE blog, please email me at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com, tweet me @stylelifeCS or leave your blog address below.  Thank you.

Have a fabulous day every day!

Summer Fashion 2011

Summer fashions are fun, flirty and empowering.  This summer season is no different.  Bring on the gorgeous summer fashions, for I am ready to style.    

One of my favorite classics is also once again trendy- LACE. Lace can be sweet, girly and sexy.  Lace tops, lace dresses, lace accessories- they are all perfect for summer wear.  TRY IT:  Combine a lace piece with a menswear piece, add a statement accessory and talk about a fabulous contrast that will turn heads.    

Fashion is art. It is a personal and cultural expression.  Fashion is creative, inspiring, expressive, dynamic and functional.  Fashions fade, and fashions trend.  Decade-specific fashions are a common inspiration for current designers, so it is no surprise that often the decade-specific fashions reemerge with new life. This summer 50s, 60s and 70s fashions are showcased.  We may not all be fans of every retro-reincarnation, but subtly adding decade-specific (authentic or new) pieces into our summer wardrobe can be fun.  Shopping for vintage pieces is definitely a perfect way to spend a beautiful afternoon with friends.

In addition to lace treasures and 50s/60s/70s retro finds, expect to see bold stripes, bright colors, funky wedges, feminine shaping, funky-chic patterns, bright nail color and lots of personality.  Wear what speaks to you, and have fun. 

If you would like to be featured on this blog or my NEW blog (coming soon!), email me at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com.  Thanks!  :)


Have a fabulous day every day. 

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

If you love shoes, check out my specialty blog, CHIC SHOE REVIEW, at http://chicshoereview.blogspot.com.  I review fabulous shoes (and some not-so-fabulous ones also).  I give each pair a 1-5 star rating and explain my rating. 

I love shoes, and on Chic Shoe Review I give you my honest evaluation of each pair of shoes posted.  Hope you find it helpful and entertaining.  Let me know if you have questions or comments.  If you would like me to review a pair of shoes from your company, please email me at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com with details. 

Thank you, and have a fabulous day every day.

TWITTER: Here I am

I am finally on Twitter, and I do love to tweet.  I post tips, mini reviews, random thoughts and will tweet about contests as well.

What's in Your Closet?

Follow me @StyleLifeCS.

The British ROYAL Wedding

Okay, be honest.  Who watched the British Royal Wedding LIVE?  No matter who you are, how can you resist a beautiful wedding?  I admit I shed a few tears.  

My interest in the wedding grew exponentially this past week.  I watched a Lifetime movie with my Mom based on Catherine and William...  and I was in!  So then, I had every intention of waking at 3am to watch the entire live coverage, but I decided sleep was important.  At 6am, I watched what I could of the live portion, and caught the wedding ceremony when E! played the encore. Thank goodness for the encore on E!

The wedding was fabulously traditional, yet modernized and lovely.  The wedding fashions were breathtaking!  I am hereby promoting hats and fascinators at weddings, luncheons or whenever us ladies feel a hat would be a perfect addition.

Catherine's dress was phenomenal!  The dress was a McQueen masterpiece by Sarah Burton.  The dress fit Catherine perfectly and was reminiscent of Grace Kelly's wedding dress.  Catherine made the dress her own though. I also loved that Catherine did her own makeup.  I respect that she is a self-sufficient woman who knows what she wants, and she wanted William to recognize her.  Admirable.

What was your favorite part of the British Royal Wedding?

Fashionista Alert: RACHEL ZOE

Celebrities tend to look ultra-amazing on the red carpet and many in their daily life also.  Many celebrities are polished and poised.  Their outfits are custom-tailored to their already beautiful bodies making for near flawlessness once the photos are taken and hit the magazine stands.  So how do these celebrities manage to maintain their polish?  The answer for many celebrities is that it takes a great team behind the celebrity to help with hair, makeup, styling and assisting.  I'm definitely not saying their beauty is tainted by the extra help.  It just puts a certain perspective on celebrity.

One person who deserves credit for many of "Hollywood's" best dressed is RACHEL ZOE, stylist extraordinaire.  She is not only a fashionista and a celebrity fairy god-mother, she is also a reality star (celebrity in her own right) and a new mom. 

I just recently discovered her website/blog at www.rachelzoe.com and subscribed to THE ZOE REPORT.  I highly recommend subscribing now.  Try it out, and let me know what you think. 


Enjoy Spring and have fun with your style. As always, please email at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com or call me at (618) 401-1434 with questions, comments or to book an appointment.  Thank you.

Have a fabulous day every day!

Welcoming Spring Into Your Wardrobe

Spring 2011 is upon us, yay!  Let the sunshine pour in the windows (on days the rain subsides).  Spring is a time of rebirth, reawakening and really bright, beautiful colors and styles.  Spring is beautiful in nature and in fashion.  Is your wardrobe spring ready?  If not, it's time to reinvigorate your closet.

Spring 2011 trends include, but are not limited to, caramel browns (especially for shoes), nudes (for every skintone), florals, lace, 70s inspired flavors, Bohemian updates, mini dresses, updated maxi dresses and tea length skirts.  Braids and beach-wave hair are definitely a do when styled accordingly for the occasion.  Small barrettes are the hot hair accessory of the moment.  Spring makeup is generally more sun-kissed and fresh, but bright eyeshadow is perfect for spring (and summer).   

While shopping for spring clothing and accessories, remember to have fun and be positive.  You are beautiful, and your body is unique to YOU.  You may try on several items that may not work for you, but you may also find several items that do!  So keep that last part in mind.  Please don't worry about the size tags.  Focus on clothing that fits, flatters and boosts your confidence.  The ultimate goal is to look and feel fabulous, not to worry about what size you wear.  We are usually our toughest critics, but show yourself some love.  You are amazing so your clothes should emphasize just that.  

And you have standards.  When trying on different pieces, remember to aim for only purchasing clothing that rates at least an 8.5 out of a 10 scale.  L-O-V-E each piece you buy; otherwise it may just sit in your closet taking up the very valuable boutique closet space.  

Speaking of closet space, how much clothing do you have stuffed in your closet that just doesn't fit quite right?  If you do not already have a tailor, I highly recommend hiring one- definitely worth the small investment.  Some dry-cleaners, clothing stores and tux rental shops have tailors on hand.  A tailor can help you transform an ill-fitting piece of clothing into a custom-like favorite, if there is enough material to do so.

Have a very happy and fabulous spring!  As always, please email me at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com with any questions, comments or to schedule an appointment with me.  Thank you.