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.

1st Annual StyleLife Contest- Metro East, IL- 2011

Hello powerful, beautiful women (and men). It is such a beautiful time of year. People getting ready for the holiday season, changing colors in nature and reflections of who and what we are thankful for, not to mention all the great fall fashion trends that help us realize our inner superstar, are just a few reasons why right now is a perfect time for a contest. I know we are all busy, but this contest is meant to be a fun and uplifting break from the hustle-bustle. Hope you enjoy.

I am starting an Annual StyleLife Contest, and I invite you to enter if you live in or near Fairview Heights, O'Fallon, Shiloh, Belleville (all in ILLINOIS) or within 20 miles of the above towns. For every fifty (50) entries, I will choose one (1) winner. The prize is a StyleLife Consultation with yours truly. Further details, such as consultation date and time, will be discussed when I choose the winner(s).

Just send me an email at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com (by Saturday, March 12, 2011) and tell me about yourself, or someone for which you are entering, and what you are thankful for, what makes your life beautiful and/or what makes you feel beautiful. Please include your name, the best way to contact you and any other relevant information. Thank you.

I will post entries on my site for inspirational purposes. All of our stories are important and can positively impact others. However, if you would not like your entry and/or name posted on my site, please make a note in your email, and I will respect your wishes. Thank you.

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The Breakdown:

Who? One (1) winner per fifty (50) entries---- from Fairview Heights, O'Fallon, Belleville, Shiloh and surrounding areas within 20 miles, all within Illinois. Next year may include a different location/area.

What? The winner(s) will win a free StyleLife Consultation with me. We can arrange details according to the desires of the winner, such as appointment date and time.

When? Deadline for entries for the 1st Annual StyleLife Contest is

Saturday, March 12, 2011.

The winner(s) will be selected and notified within two weeks of the deadline date.

Where? This year's qualifying locations are Fairview Heights, O'Fallon, Belleville, Shiloh and surrounding areas within 20 miles, all within Illinois. If you are unsure whether your town/city is included, please email me at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com. Thank you. Next year may include a different location/area.

How? Tell me about yourself and what makes you thankful, what makes you feel beautiful and/or what makes your life beautiful. If you know someone who needs some pampering and lifting of spirits, you can enter for them as a gift. Please include your name (and the person for whom you are sending an entry, if applicable), the best way to contact you and any other relevant information. Thank you.

Hope you all enjoy this contest, and I am sure I will enjoy reading your beautiful entries. Have a fabulous day every day. Hope to hear from you soon. -Catherine

Fall Fashion 2010

Hey fashionistas and style queens/ princesses. Winter is around the corner, but there are still lots of days in this fall season left to strut your fall fashion and everyday style know-how.

Plaids done right, boots and booties galore (especially with interesting embellishments), opaque leggings, leopard print anything, lacy tights, ruffles, lace, pearls, trench coats and so much more feminine fabulousness is on trend right now. I am super excited about a chic classic growing in popularity for fall and winter- TWEED. Chanel lovers everywhere are celebrating. An outfit with a tweed jacket can be transformed from classic and prissy (of which I am still a fan) to punchy and unexpected by adding over a tight tank, with dark-wash denim jeans and sexy heels or over a fabulous dress with heels... Button the jacket, leave it open, put a belt (or ribbon) over the jacket... The possibilities are almost endless.

Keep in mind, most of the above trend-worthy items are pretty classic so this is a great time to buy staple pieces for your wardrobe. As always, flavorize each outfit with your own touch.

Accessories and hair are perfect avenues to customize your look further. High volume hair and sexy poofs are super hot now (and always have been to me, as I often do a voluminous poofy bun with my hair). Add a sassy clip and voila! With that said, you may want to make certain that you are completely satisfied with the volume of your hair before you walk out the door. How does your hair look from all angles? There is a fine line between "what-the-Jersey?" and sexy superstar.

Always make sure you are 100% confident with your whole ensemble. It should fit and flatter you, no matter which trend or style. You are beautiful, and your style should accentuate that (not detract from that).

Have a fabulous day every day! Stay stylish.