How to Build a Wardrobe (That You Love!)

How to Build a Wardrobe (That You Love!)

By Michele Little

One of the basic tenets I teach my clients is how to build a wardrobe. I'm not talking about just amassing a closet filled with clothes, bought at random intervals on a whim. By 'building' a wardrobe I mean consciously choosing the clothing that's right for you from all angles and that works well together to create multiple outfits. But I go a step further and encourage them to build a wardrobe that they truly love!

While you could easily go out and spend half your salary on clothing, if it doesn't work for your body type, your coloring or your lifestyle, then it's not going to serve you and, essentially, is money down the drain.The key is buying items that fit you to perfection, flatter your coloring and work for you day in and day out. To build a wardrobe that is going to serve you for years to come, rather than just for the next week, follow these strategic tips and see how much more mileage you'll get from what you already own:

1/ Identify your needs. If you have recently changed careers (or just daily duties), have new considerations (such as arthritis that prevents you from fussing with buttons, etc), or have moved to a different climate, your needs will be different than they have been in years past. Ask yourself what will serve you right now and focus on what will help you to look great every day for the next few months.

2/ Discover your coloring and your body type. Find the colors that bring out your haircolor, your eye color, that flatter your skintone and that make your heart sing can make you look radiant - and years younger! When you dress for the body you have right now it will flatter you no matter what your size, so embrace where you are in this moment and dress for it. It's magical!

3/ Assess what you already own. Go through your closet and purge anything that doesn't fit, isn't flattering or that you don't love.Take stock of what is and ask yourself what you could bring in to make 'new' outfits with it. It could be a fabulous pair of jeans, a few new cardigans, print tops, a new suit...whatever it is that works for your lifestyle and your personal attributes will work to help you look great day after day.

4/ Plan your strategy. As you can see, shopping is not at the top of the list when it comes to building your wardrobe. It's a process and a strategy that begins not in the middle of a clearance sale, but by reflecting on what will make you feel like the fabulous, amazing woman you already are!

What items would take what you already own and bring it to a whole new level? What do you feel you're missing from your closet? What would make you happy to put on each day? These are the items I want you to write down. Group them into two categories:

a/ Core items - Items in your least memorable colors that will be the foundation for many outfits for months to come. Think dark denim, brown trousers, a gray skirt, a white shirt... You'll get a lot of mileage out of these items so this is where you'll invest the bulk of your budget.

b/ Accent Items - These are where you bring in your own personality with color, print and texture. These items will be more memorable and won't be worn quite as much, but are just as important as core items because they keep your look interesting.

c/ Accessories - Never underestimate the power of accessories. You should plan to spend at least 20% of your budget on accessories. They can make or break an outfit and take it to new heights. Think shoes, scarves, handbags, jewelry and belts. Create accessories 'capsules' that bring together multiple items with a similar feel that can be worn together to create a fabulous look.

5/ Manage your wardrobe - Both before and after you shop you'll want to keep track of what you have. Avoid buying something unless you know you have at least 3 items already that it will go with. Smart phone apps and online programs will help you keep this in check:

1. Wardrobe Manager

2. Outfit Diary

3. Pocket Closet

4. TouchCloset

Also, manage your wardrobe online with these apps:

1. Closet Couture

2. HomyFads

When you begin to view your wardrobe as an investment that is meant to last you for the long haul, put in the time, effort and energy required to keep it looking great and ensure you have everything you need, getting dressed will indeed become easy, effortless and, dare I say, fun! So take some time to invest in yourself and build your wardrobe and you'll reap the benefits for years to come.

Mary Michele Little
Your Signature Style Coach
One Chic Mama, Inc.
http://www.onechicmama.com
(919) 828-7529

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4 Tips On How To Look Great In Photos

4 Tips On How To Look Great In Photos

By Ankitaa GD

I'm not photogenic. But I do have some great photos of myself at which I gaze upon from time to time for a quick ego boost. I mean, nothing trumps looking at pictures where you're looking your best to overcome moments of self-doubt, right?

So today I'm going to show you 4 tips on how to look great in photos. Remember how stars seem to look their awesome best in those red-carpet moments? Well, you can have your personal red-carpet moments with these tips, starting with:

1. A Slimmer Waist

Face the camera with one foot slightly in front of the other. Now gently pivot on your feet to let your body is at an angle to the camera. This is usually enough. However, if you want to make your waist even smaller, you can place your hands on your hips too.

2. Longer Legs

Always wear heels. No, I'm not saying 6-inch heels, just a slight heel is sufficient. Wearing flats makes you forget your posture, but heels will keep you on your toes (literally!) And when you're aware of your posture, you automatically adopt the classic body posture, making you stand taller and look slimmer.

3. Well-Sculpted Face

By "well-sculpted face" I mean no excess fat showing on your face. It's tricky to hide the fat on your face. But you do have two options.

First, you can pout slightly to move the focus to your lips. Yeah, it's not really for guys but for girls only. But guys can benefit from the second option.

The second option is simple - stick your tongue to the roof of your mouth while your picture is being taken. Usually the fat on your face is on the cheeks or chin, right? So working up your tongue like this will make your cheeks and chin muscles contract and tighten up the lower face area.

4. The Right Colors

And finally, the right colors can make you look radiant. And when you're smiling, this radiance will grow ten-fold. So always choose the right colors in your outfits - clothes, accessories, even makeup.

Contrary to popular belief, black is not suitable for everyone. If black is not for you, wearing it can drain the color from your face, resulting in bad photos. Use Color Analysis to find and wear the right colors to bring out the best in your natural colorings - skin, hair and eye.

There are obviously many more tips on how to look great in photos. But for starters, just use one of these tips to get some great photos of yourself. Don't forget to rehearse in front of the mirror before actually trying it out on camera!

Contact me now for more insight on how to look gorgeous always. Visit my website at http://www.anksimage.com/ to find out more about the image consulting services I provide to help people look fabulous, feel confident and be more successful in life.

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3 Tips For Shopping To Build Your Wardrobe

3 Tips For Shopping To Build Your Wardrobe

By Linda Hancock

Sometimes people go into a store and, because the clerk encourages them, purchases an item of clothing that does not fit into their wardrobe. They go home with less money and something that they might never wear.

You can avoid problems such as this if you adopt the following three rules for building your wardrobe:

1. Have a clothing plan - It is important that you clearly know your own personal preferences in style and colour and think about the events and activities in which you participate on a regular basis before you ever go to the store. Write out a list of the clothing items that you would like to have in your closet and then check off the ones that you have already. That will prevent you from purchasing another pair of pants when you really needed a coat. Update your list as a shopping preliminary each time you think about buying anything new.

2. Be careful about the opinions of other people - I usually shop on my own and do not let the clerk influence me inappropriately. It is better to shop with someone who is honest with an opinion that you will respect than with someone you like who will try to be so positive that they aren't honest about how you look in something. When someone states "That looks great" be cautious as it might mean that the person likes the item. What you need to listen for is "You look great" which is your goal.

3. Pay attention to your instincts - It is true that your first look will tell you if you like something or not. Listen to your gut and do not try to talk yourself into or out of something. If the item feels or looks a little too tight - it likely is. When the material is irritating remember that it will be far worse after several hours of wear. Try things on with the proper undergarments and shoes that you will be inclined to wear with the clothing. Bend over, walk and stretch so that you can identify any problems that you might experience with regular wear. When you get to the till to pay for the clothes and feel that warning niggly, listen to it.

It can be somewhat overwhelming to go into a mall or large store that uses professional marketing to catch your eye. You may see many things that you like but it is important to remember that you are there to look for one or two items that you need and want to enhance your wardrobe.

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com/

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

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