The holidays are just around the corner, and you might be wondering what the beautiful, stylish woman in your life might like for the upcoming holiday(s). Whether she is your friend, mother, girlfriend, wife or daughter, she deserves a gift that is special and thoughtful. Here is a short list of gift ideas for the style-conscious woman (in no order).
* Stylish trench coat
Trench coats look great on most women. They look classy and stylish.
* Scarf with a beautiful brooch (pin)
A scarf with a brooch adds flavor to any outfit.
* Pearl necklace
Every stylish woman should have a strand of pearls. Classics and trends can blend beautifully to create a style that is unique to each woman.
* Diamond stud earrings
These are a staple in a woman's "jewelry box."
* Spa/salon gift certificate/ appointment
Every woman deserves some time for herself to relax and enjoy being a woman.
* A beautiful dress and/or heels (IF and only if you know her true size(s)... enough said.)
*A gift basket of relaxation items and/or items that she will find fun and/or useful (like chocolates, coffees, scrapbooking items, accessories, shoe inserts, oil burner with oils, candles, a cute robe, slippers, etc.).
*A new magazine subscription to Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Elle, Vogue, Lucky, TIME, etc. (This depends on her interests, of course.)
Good luck, and enjoy the holidays!!! :)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Fantastic Family Blog
Visit http://familydinnerisserved.blogspot.com for many budget-friendly recipes.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Fall 2008 Fashion
Leaves are falling, and we are falling in love...
...with the fall '08 trends including but not limited to dark, opaque tights, lace, jewel tones and black, tights with peep-toe heels, boots, booties, "shooties", peep-toe booties and SOOO much more...
Trends come and go quickly. Some trends are 'out' after only one season, so keep this in mind before you spend your hard-earned cash on trend-only items. I recommend finding and only purchasing clothes that look fabulous on you, not just on the rack and/or the runway. Also, only wear what you feel comfortable with because confidence can make or break any outfit. Looking and feeling fabulous are extremely important! :)
Have fun with the new fall trends, and remember to incorporate the classics into your wardrobe as well.
...with the fall '08 trends including but not limited to dark, opaque tights, lace, jewel tones and black, tights with peep-toe heels, boots, booties, "shooties", peep-toe booties and SOOO much more...
Trends come and go quickly. Some trends are 'out' after only one season, so keep this in mind before you spend your hard-earned cash on trend-only items. I recommend finding and only purchasing clothes that look fabulous on you, not just on the rack and/or the runway. Also, only wear what you feel comfortable with because confidence can make or break any outfit. Looking and feeling fabulous are extremely important! :)
Have fun with the new fall trends, and remember to incorporate the classics into your wardrobe as well.
(c) 2008 CB
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Women's Wardrobe Basics
We all have different styles, preferences and favorite colors. And, of course, we all have different lifestyles, priorities and "jobs" (stay-at-home moms definitely included). That being said, the following wardrobe basics are fairly general, and almost every wardrobe style can benefit from including the following items. This list is not exhaustive but contains some of the items that you "should-get-if-you-don't-already-have."
14. Fitted, black blazer (or any color for that matter, really depends upon your taste and style)
13. Longer, sexy, fitted, solid color T-shirts (and tanks if you feel comfortable- These are both great because they can be dressed up or down.)
12. Accessories that coordinate with your unique style (Use accessories to enhance, not distract from, you and your outfit.)
11. Sexy, yet comfortable, undergarments (If you feel sexy about what is going on underneath your clothes, then you are going to feel that much more confident about everything else.)
10. Red heels (Red is a fabulous color and the color of confidence. I also recommend including black and brown heels in your collection. If you like wearing heels, let your imagination free to find all sorts of alluring colors. (I recommend http://www.cutesygirl.com if you are on a tight budget.)
9. Comfortable yet stylish flats (or dressier wedges) in neutral colors
8. Sexy, stylish 'trench coat' in a solid color (black, charcoal, cream, dark khaki, etc.)
7. At least one "Little Black Dress" (I have many LBDs because black dresses look classy, sexy, sophisticated and are perfect for almost any occasion.)
6. Pencil skirts in solid colors and/or A-line skirts (If you do not already wear skirts, what is keeping you from wearing them? If you would like to start, find the skirt style(s) that fits and flatters your body. You can choose from so many styles, cuts and colors out there. You are bound to find at least one skirt that looks and feels great on you. Hopefully, you will find many!)
5. At least 1 coordinating, tailored pants or skirt suit/ensemble (Even if you are not an executive/ professional... you never know when you will need to appear even more pulled together and professional than usual, i..e. jury duty, an interview, a funeral (if your LBD is too little or revealing), going to the bank for an important loan, etc.)
4. Dress pants in neutral colors and black
3. Fitted dark jeans (Jeans come in MANY cuts/styles/colors so you may not find the perfect pair right away. Stay positive! You will find a pair that look made for you. Keep in mind, you may try on 20 or more pairs of jeans before you find the right cut/style/color right for your body.)
2. Crisp, white, collared, long sleeve button-up shirt (This shirt can be worn so many ways.)
1. Your amazing smile (Your smile is the most important piece to the style puzzle.)
***Remember to invest in pieces that you can mix and match, pieces that coordinate with the rest of your wardrobe and pieces that are consistent with your style/ representation of yourself.
Have fun, and pamper yourself!
14. Fitted, black blazer (or any color for that matter, really depends upon your taste and style)
13. Longer, sexy, fitted, solid color T-shirts (and tanks if you feel comfortable- These are both great because they can be dressed up or down.)
12. Accessories that coordinate with your unique style (Use accessories to enhance, not distract from, you and your outfit.)
11. Sexy, yet comfortable, undergarments (If you feel sexy about what is going on underneath your clothes, then you are going to feel that much more confident about everything else.)
10. Red heels (Red is a fabulous color and the color of confidence. I also recommend including black and brown heels in your collection. If you like wearing heels, let your imagination free to find all sorts of alluring colors. (I recommend http://www.cutesygirl.com if you are on a tight budget.)
9. Comfortable yet stylish flats (or dressier wedges) in neutral colors
8. Sexy, stylish 'trench coat' in a solid color (black, charcoal, cream, dark khaki, etc.)
7. At least one "Little Black Dress" (I have many LBDs because black dresses look classy, sexy, sophisticated and are perfect for almost any occasion.)
6. Pencil skirts in solid colors and/or A-line skirts (If you do not already wear skirts, what is keeping you from wearing them? If you would like to start, find the skirt style(s) that fits and flatters your body. You can choose from so many styles, cuts and colors out there. You are bound to find at least one skirt that looks and feels great on you. Hopefully, you will find many!)
5. At least 1 coordinating, tailored pants or skirt suit/ensemble (Even if you are not an executive/ professional... you never know when you will need to appear even more pulled together and professional than usual, i..e. jury duty, an interview, a funeral (if your LBD is too little or revealing), going to the bank for an important loan, etc.)
4. Dress pants in neutral colors and black
3. Fitted dark jeans (Jeans come in MANY cuts/styles/colors so you may not find the perfect pair right away. Stay positive! You will find a pair that look made for you. Keep in mind, you may try on 20 or more pairs of jeans before you find the right cut/style/color right for your body.)
2. Crisp, white, collared, long sleeve button-up shirt (This shirt can be worn so many ways.)
1. Your amazing smile (Your smile is the most important piece to the style puzzle.)
***Remember to invest in pieces that you can mix and match, pieces that coordinate with the rest of your wardrobe and pieces that are consistent with your style/ representation of yourself.
Have fun, and pamper yourself!
(c) 2008 CB All rights reserved.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Save Time For Yourself
We are all busy in our own ways. Some of us are busy stay-at-home moms. Some of us are busy executives at huge corporations (and moms). Some of us are busy business owners (and moms). And some of us are so busy we lose track of time, do not get enough sleep and/or do not make enough time for ourselves. We all have busy lives, but we still need to be pampered. Most of us do not take enough time for ourselves. It is time to change that! You are an incredible, hard-working woman, and you deserve some time for yourself.
Here are a few time-saving tips to help allow for some increased pampering time for yourself. You deserve it!
1. Pick out your outfits (down to accessories and shoes) the weekend before the week ahead. This will save you so much time each morning (or at each night if that is when you used to pick out your outfits). Set aside space in your closet to put the week's worth of outfits. Try using a sachet bag for the jewelry that coordinates with each outfit. *This is also great for traveling so you can keep your whole outfit together. Shoe bags are also great for this purpose.
2. If you have kids (especially preteens), have them pick out their outfits ahead of time also. This way they can enjoy picking out their outfits, AND you get to approve/disapprove of the outfits beforehand. Not only does this save you time each morning, it may also save you the hassle of getting your kids to dress appropriately each morning (if this is even an issue for you).
3. If you usually cook dinner, try using a Crock*Pot. Talk about amazing. You can put together dinner in 10 minutes or less in the morning, place in the Crock*Pot and go about your busy day. After your long, hard day, when you are tired, all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the amazing dinner you already prepared. Let someone else or the dishwasher do the dishes. :)
4. If you do have kids, leave them with their dad (if possible) OR hire a babysitter (or ask a relative, close neighbor, etc. to watch your kids) for a couple of hours (even just one hour) to allow you time for yourself to read, soak in a bath, get a manicure, organize your closet, workout, go for lunch with your girlfriends, take a breather or do whatever it is that relaxes you. I recommend doing this at least once a month, ideally once a week. Your kids do need you, but you need time for yourself as well. You will feel so much happier when you get the much needed time to yourself.
5. When do you shop for groceries (or run other errands)?
Many grocery stores are open 24 hours. Try shopping earlier in the morning or later at night when your kids are asleep (and someone else is watching your sleeping angels). If you want to avoid shopping early in the morning or late at night, try shopping during the weekday when your kids are at school, at after-school activities or at a friend's house. If you work out of the home during the day and your schedule permits, try shopping during your lunch break. This will allow you time to shop by yourself (which should speed things up a bit) and should save time when you would usually go grocery shopping, like on the weekend. The weekend can now be about you and your family instead of dreaded errands.
6. If you do not do this already, try packing your lunch instead of going out to lunch every day. This allows you to eat on the go if you have errands that you need to run, an appointment to get to or to workout. Having lunch out is nice and sometimes great for networking, but it will save you time and money to pack your lunch on most days. Try this for at least a week, and treat yourself to lunch out on Friday(s).
Of course each of our lives is different so you may only be able to use a few of these tips, but I hope you can make enough time for yourself.
Pamper yourself. You deserve it. Have a fabulous day every day!
Here are a few time-saving tips to help allow for some increased pampering time for yourself. You deserve it!
1. Pick out your outfits (down to accessories and shoes) the weekend before the week ahead. This will save you so much time each morning (or at each night if that is when you used to pick out your outfits). Set aside space in your closet to put the week's worth of outfits. Try using a sachet bag for the jewelry that coordinates with each outfit. *This is also great for traveling so you can keep your whole outfit together. Shoe bags are also great for this purpose.
2. If you have kids (especially preteens), have them pick out their outfits ahead of time also. This way they can enjoy picking out their outfits, AND you get to approve/disapprove of the outfits beforehand. Not only does this save you time each morning, it may also save you the hassle of getting your kids to dress appropriately each morning (if this is even an issue for you).
3. If you usually cook dinner, try using a Crock*Pot. Talk about amazing. You can put together dinner in 10 minutes or less in the morning, place in the Crock*Pot and go about your busy day. After your long, hard day, when you are tired, all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the amazing dinner you already prepared. Let someone else or the dishwasher do the dishes. :)
4. If you do have kids, leave them with their dad (if possible) OR hire a babysitter (or ask a relative, close neighbor, etc. to watch your kids) for a couple of hours (even just one hour) to allow you time for yourself to read, soak in a bath, get a manicure, organize your closet, workout, go for lunch with your girlfriends, take a breather or do whatever it is that relaxes you. I recommend doing this at least once a month, ideally once a week. Your kids do need you, but you need time for yourself as well. You will feel so much happier when you get the much needed time to yourself.
5. When do you shop for groceries (or run other errands)?
Many grocery stores are open 24 hours. Try shopping earlier in the morning or later at night when your kids are asleep (and someone else is watching your sleeping angels). If you want to avoid shopping early in the morning or late at night, try shopping during the weekday when your kids are at school, at after-school activities or at a friend's house. If you work out of the home during the day and your schedule permits, try shopping during your lunch break. This will allow you time to shop by yourself (which should speed things up a bit) and should save time when you would usually go grocery shopping, like on the weekend. The weekend can now be about you and your family instead of dreaded errands.
6. If you do not do this already, try packing your lunch instead of going out to lunch every day. This allows you to eat on the go if you have errands that you need to run, an appointment to get to or to workout. Having lunch out is nice and sometimes great for networking, but it will save you time and money to pack your lunch on most days. Try this for at least a week, and treat yourself to lunch out on Friday(s).
Of course each of our lives is different so you may only be able to use a few of these tips, but I hope you can make enough time for yourself.
Pamper yourself. You deserve it. Have a fabulous day every day!
(c) 2008-2009 CS All rights reserved.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Art of Style
Art evokes emotions. Some are happy and others are sad. Some are disturbing and others are pleasant. Similarly, fashion and style evoke emotions as well. You know that feeling when you put on your favorite outfit and you feel like a movie star? Well, what if you could get that feeling every day? Wouldn't you want to make that feeling last as long as it could? (How could feeling and looking amazing ever get old?)
Yes, everyone has his or her own style (whether you own it yet or not). The originality (art) of style and fashion is part of what makes getting dressed so much fun for many of us. However, I realize that some of you may not enjoy getting dressed or even looking through your own closet yet. This may mean that you have yet to discover the beauty in your clothes and/or in yourself. Maybe you still are not certain what your style is or how to find it. Maybe you feel like you just do not have time to figure these things out. Maybe you still do not make your style or yourself a priority. Whatever your reasons, you CAN 'make' time for yourself. In fact, it is imperative that you take time for yourself to figure out what your style is and what it says about you.
How do others perceive you? Truthfully, it DOES matter what your boss thinks of you and how your family and friends see you. Most importantly, it matters how you feel with yourself and the way you present yourself to others. Are you happy with what you see in the mirror? Are you happy with what others see? Are you confident in a room full of people (what about complete strangers)? It is important to reflect upon your feelings and your answers to the above questions. It is my hope that as you read these blogs you will take with confidence, optimism and the belief in yourself that you can achieve the style and life of which you have always dreamed. I hope that you continue to take care of yourself and give yourself what you deserve.
Everyone deserves a little pampering. For those of you who need some extra encouraging, pampering is important for many reasons. Pampering yourself or getting pampered (however you define 'pampering') can help you improve your mood, attitude, concentration and your overall well-being and health. The more you smile, the better you will feel. Having a style that you are proud to present will make you smile so much more than you already do.
The key is to find what makes you happy.
Let us start with happiness as it relates to your style. Does a certain color, fit, texture, fabric, accessory or other item get you smiling? What makes you feel sexy and confident? When do you feel your best? What is your favorite piece of clothing and why? Thinking about these things will help you understand why you feel the way you do about your style, your closet, your life and yourself. I am not saying that you should dream about fashion or drool over the latest trends, but I am saying that when you wake up each morning, you should feel fabulous and look amazing before you ever step out of your home. Style is a key factor in this equation. Waking up excited to get dressed will make you feel excited about the day ahead. You will be happier and more comfortable and confident with yourself. Because you will feel better and will have a happier start to each day, the work day should not seem as draining and boring. Afterall, you now look more divine than ever and feel even more fantastic, right?
If you have any questions, comments, stories you would like to share or would like to schedule an appointment with me, please email me at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com, call me at 618-401-1434 or leave a comment below this article. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you!
Yes, everyone has his or her own style (whether you own it yet or not). The originality (art) of style and fashion is part of what makes getting dressed so much fun for many of us. However, I realize that some of you may not enjoy getting dressed or even looking through your own closet yet. This may mean that you have yet to discover the beauty in your clothes and/or in yourself. Maybe you still are not certain what your style is or how to find it. Maybe you feel like you just do not have time to figure these things out. Maybe you still do not make your style or yourself a priority. Whatever your reasons, you CAN 'make' time for yourself. In fact, it is imperative that you take time for yourself to figure out what your style is and what it says about you.
How do others perceive you? Truthfully, it DOES matter what your boss thinks of you and how your family and friends see you. Most importantly, it matters how you feel with yourself and the way you present yourself to others. Are you happy with what you see in the mirror? Are you happy with what others see? Are you confident in a room full of people (what about complete strangers)? It is important to reflect upon your feelings and your answers to the above questions. It is my hope that as you read these blogs you will take with confidence, optimism and the belief in yourself that you can achieve the style and life of which you have always dreamed. I hope that you continue to take care of yourself and give yourself what you deserve.
Everyone deserves a little pampering. For those of you who need some extra encouraging, pampering is important for many reasons. Pampering yourself or getting pampered (however you define 'pampering') can help you improve your mood, attitude, concentration and your overall well-being and health. The more you smile, the better you will feel. Having a style that you are proud to present will make you smile so much more than you already do.
The key is to find what makes you happy.
Let us start with happiness as it relates to your style. Does a certain color, fit, texture, fabric, accessory or other item get you smiling? What makes you feel sexy and confident? When do you feel your best? What is your favorite piece of clothing and why? Thinking about these things will help you understand why you feel the way you do about your style, your closet, your life and yourself. I am not saying that you should dream about fashion or drool over the latest trends, but I am saying that when you wake up each morning, you should feel fabulous and look amazing before you ever step out of your home. Style is a key factor in this equation. Waking up excited to get dressed will make you feel excited about the day ahead. You will be happier and more comfortable and confident with yourself. Because you will feel better and will have a happier start to each day, the work day should not seem as draining and boring. Afterall, you now look more divine than ever and feel even more fantastic, right?
If you have any questions, comments, stories you would like to share or would like to schedule an appointment with me, please email me at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com, call me at 618-401-1434 or leave a comment below this article. Thank you, and I look forward to working with you!
(c) 2008 All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Wedding Style Services Available
I am expanding my style services to now include wedding style services (in addition to everyday style, fashion and organization). I am extremely excited to be a part of the wedding industry, as it is fun for me to be creative and to see people so in love. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment to discuss your wedding, please call me today at
(618) 401-1434 or email me at cs.stylelife@yahoo.com. I look forward to working with you!
Wedding Crafts
Includes scrapbooks, gift baskets, attendant gifts, favors, place settings, centerpieces, etc.
Creative Wedding Assistance
Includes brainstorming themes, designing & creating programs & some invitations,
to-do workbooks, budget sheets, etc.
General Wedding Assistance
Acting as runner/ personal assistant on day of wedding & assistance with set-up
Small Party Planning
Planning for parties under 50 people, unless otherwise discussed
(Such as engagement parties, wedding/bridal showers, bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, etc.)
Makeup Application
Includes practice run for bride; makeup applications for bridesmaids and bachelorette party do not include a practice run unless otherwise discussed
Proposal Planning
Assistance with planning the perfect proposal for your special love
Includes scrapbooks, gift baskets, attendant gifts, favors, place settings, centerpieces, etc.
Creative Wedding Assistance
Includes brainstorming themes, designing & creating programs & some invitations,
to-do workbooks, budget sheets, etc.
General Wedding Assistance
Acting as runner/ personal assistant on day of wedding & assistance with set-up
Small Party Planning
Planning for parties under 50 people, unless otherwise discussed
(Such as engagement parties, wedding/bridal showers, bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, etc.)
Makeup Application
Includes practice run for bride; makeup applications for bridesmaids and bachelorette party do not include a practice run unless otherwise discussed
Proposal Planning
Assistance with planning the perfect proposal for your special love
(c) 2008 CB
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