Shop Smarter, Not Harder

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

Lime Lemonade

Summer is bright and so are many of my outfits. :) I love color, and I also love neutrals so the pairing makes me swoon.

When life gives me lemons, I make a lemon-inspired outfit.  :)  Since I LOVE lemons, I use them for everything- cooking, cleaning and decorating. I am easily inspired by just about anything. I think it's clear that my love of lemons inspired this very outfit.

The Outfit: 

Talk about lemon-lime or Lime Lemonade!

Yellow Cropped Sweater- Express, Yellow Lace-edged Cami- Bozzolo, White Sunglasses- (cheap kiosk knockoff), Ruffled Green Top/Earrings/Necklace/White Purse- NY&Co., Jeans- Seven7, Orange & Lime Nail Polish (free gift at Foot Locker), Buckle Flats- Soda via http://www.cutesygirl.com, Yellow Clutch used as wallet- For Love

What inspires you?

The StyleLife Invitation

Dear readers, followers and casual on-lookers (Wish I knew your names so this would be more personal.),

I don't know anything about you yet, but I hope to learn as we make this journey together.

My StyleLife Philosophy is about the journey to being the best we can be and being stylish all at once in everything we do.  It's about taking the time to pamper ourselves.  It's about being a good person- being good to others, to ourselves, to animals and to the earth. It's about realizing that we are all beautiful. Ultimately, it's about living the stylish, compassionate, beautiful, honest life. Thus, the term "StyleLife" seems appropriate. I invite you to join me in this journey of living the StyleLife.

Although I have high hopes of changing the world and making a positive impact, I do also realize that I may not reach everyone, and I may even unintentionally offend or annoy a few people along the way. I may often bring up controversial topics and state my opinions very bluntly, which you may or may not agree with. I will always be honest, I will listen to/look at your feedback, and I will try to be positive in all that I share. I hope you can see what I'm doing here is aimed at being a positive, uplifting and inspiring. I am aware that my opinions are strong as I am very passionate. I am open-minded, and I love to bring up topics that many people deem inappropriate for casual conversations, like politics, religion and other topics like the term "plus-size" vs. "straight-size". Since this is a blog, you have the option to close the page or to contribute at any time. I hope you enjoy what should be a very interesting journey.

My goal is to prove that it's beautiful to be stylish, strong, stunning and smart all at once. Never apologize for your beauty or your confidence. And as always, try to give back and make a positive difference. How will you make a difference today? Mission: Confidence and Compassion engaged.

Love the StyleLife Philosopher,

Catherine

Office Decorating Recess

Okay, so I have high hopes for My StyleLife Philosophy.  My goal was to complete my office FIRST before I dive into such a big project as this new blog.  Unfortunately, I am at a temporary standstill in decorating and organizing so I will try to get up a few posts during my 'recess' and will return at full speed when the office is finished. My hope for the office is for it to be inspiring, fun, feminine and relaxing simultaneously. As you can see from the 2 DIY projects that I've already posted, there will be a little, okay, a lot, of pink involved in the transformation.

If you would like to share any of your decorating tips, photos or DIY projects, I would love to hear about/see what you've done with your office space. Inspiration is always welcome.  :)

DIY Pretty with Pink Inspirational Wall Art

I LOVE  inspirational quotes, don't you? I thought this one was perfect for my StyleLife office. What are your favorite quotes? This is an easy and rewarding DIY project that can be done with any quote. Let your mind wander... Take it to the next level and create your own inspirational quotes.

Simply paint any size canvas with paint (acrylic works well), let dry, then add your quote of choice using another color of paint/paint pen. Once dry, add embellishments if desired (like ribbon, flowers, beading, framing, crystals, etc.). Stamping/embossing might work as well.

I used a flat, frameless canvas board, rolled on pink acrylic paint for the background and used a black Sharpie Paint Pen for the writing. My finishing touch was a strategically placed piece of pink ribbon tied into a bow. Simple yet inspiring! :)

Hope you were inspired. :) Have fun creating! I'd love to see photos of your projects also.

DIY Bulletin Board Dress Up

I love pink. Is it obvious yet? If not, it will be VERY soon.

I'd say it's my happy color so I fully intend on showcasing lots of pink in my new office. My amazing husband and I have been working hard on giving the office a very custom feel so that means lots of DIY projects on our part. I am having so much fun setting up the office and creating custom re-purposed pieces, and I have been trying to take photos along the way to share with you.

Because I am a StyleLife Consultant, I wanted StyleLife to be the "theme" of the office. We are incorporating lots of fabric and textures. It's no surprise that this pink tweed spoke to me. I wish I had purchased more of the material because I can see using it for other projects also. I actually purchased the material a few years back so I may be looking for awhile...

Here is our DIY project for dressing up a plain bulletin board:

1. Start with plain bulletin board. (Ours was pretty old, and we love to re-purpose!)

2. Cover with fabulous fabric of choice. Place as centered as possible.

3. Use thumb tacks to pin into place along bulletin board frame.

4. Tuck extra fabric around back (like you're wrapping a gift) and tack/staple in place. 

5. Adorn as desired.

 

 DIY Bulletin Board Dress Up

Mission: Confidence

Keys to Confidence

Beauty is comprised of more than just makeup routines, spa days and stylish clothes. Beauty comes from within each of us. Our confidence, respect of others and ourself defines our true beauty. Respect for others should come easily for most of us. But when it comes to boosting our own confidence, some of us have some trouble... So what can we do to increase our own confidence? Well, LOTS!

1) We can think positively more often. Look yourself straight in the mirror and tell yourself at least 5 great things about yourself a day (name personality traits and physical ones to get the best results- both are important).

2) Realize that your body is your temple, not a curse. Focus on all of your amazing features.

3) Wear clothes that fit and flatter your figure and make you feel sexy.

4) Wear a sexy bra and panties for an extra boost of confidence. Wearing heels is also a great way to feel sexier instantly. *If you are not used to wearing heels, simply start practicing a few minutes a day. Before you know it, you will be a pro. :)

5) Drink more water! Really! Water keeps you hydrated, keeps your skin moist and beautiful and helps keep you healthier.

6) Work out with realistic goals. Working out is good for you and setting goals is important, but be fair to yourself and reward yourself often. Working out should be fun, not daunting or torturing.

7) You can eat healthy without giving up your favorite foods. Think "moderation."

8) Find hobbies that you enjoy. Spend time doing things you love (by yourself and with friends). Remember that you are more than a mom, wife, daughter, sister and/or girlfriend. You are your own person with your own passions and desires. When you do activities that you truly enjoy doing for yourself, you will feel so much better about yourself and your life (thus increasing your confidence).

9) Clear your head often. Take a vacation when possible. Relaxation is key when increasing your confidence and your quality of life.

10) Give yourself a break. We all make mistakes, and we must learn from them, not dwell on them. Confidence means that we can forgive ourselves and move past those not-so-great situations.

11) Pamper yourself often. Take care of yourself spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and any other way you can think of... Get your hair done, get a massage, whatever makes you feel good and relaxed. Pampering yourself (or getting pampered) will increase your confidence because you will feel better about yourself and your life. Are you seeing a trend yet? :)

12) Be true to yourself. Do what feels right to you. Follow your gut instincts.

13) Take healthy risks to increase your confidence. Realize that you are strong and amazing.
You can accomplish anything you put your mind (and body) to.

14) Love yourself for who you are now. You are unique, and that is an incredible thing.

15) Learn something new.

16) Remember that every day is a new day. :)

We are all perfectly unique and uniquely perfect.

PS.

If you follow or read my set of blogs, you may remember this post from 2009 on Chic Beauty Review. I feel so strongly about spreading this encouragement that I felt the need to re-post the article on My StyleLife Philosophy.  Hope you enjoy!

Happy 4th of July!

 Showing my patriotism with a US flag representation on my nails this Independence Day. 

DIY:
As you can see from the above photos, I started with a white background, then added the red stripes and finished with the blue corner. This was my 1st time designing my nails with the US flag so forgive the messiness. Next time should be easier and more precise. :)

I will be doing more nail art after this experience.  So much fun!