May is just around the corner, which means the count down to summer officially begins and we celebrate the efforts of great teachers every where during the first week of May. Teaching is by far the hardest job I’ve ever done; it is met with students, meetings and deadlines that are all demanding your attention; often times accomplished with little or no recognition.
Monday 2 May through Friday 6 May 2016, is Teacher Appreciation Week (in the US) where teachers are celebrated for all of their hard work and dedication to education that goes beyond after last bell of the day. Many schools around the world will celebrate in various ways; however the celebrations will go beyond the classroom with various retailers offering an educators discount throughout the week. As a stylist, who happens to be a teacher, I love that educators are appreciated and encouraged to be fashionable with a discount( which is different for various retailers)
As we honor all that Teachers (we), the following retailers encourage you to be both fashionable and fabulous with an educators discount( discounts are only honored in store and you must present a valid photo ID):
J.Crew, one of my very favorite stores, offers 15% off of every purchase all year around for teachers However, this year they will be offering 20% off your purchase this Tuesday and Wednesday, their way of saying thank you.
New York and Company, another favorite, also offers 15% off of every purchase throughout the year; they will double their educators promo by offering 30% off of full price items (excluded are redline items and NY deals). What an awesome way to say stay fabulous in all you do!
The Limited, which has fashionable and professional pieces, also offers a 15% discount to educators with a valid photo ID.
Banana Republic will help you maintain the classic looks with 15% off for teachers with a valid photo ID.
Madewell, the sister company of J.Crew, will have you dressed in the perfect boyfriend jeans for those casual Fridays when you can where jeans to work while anticipating the weekend. They also offer 15% off your purchase.
Aerosoles has captured both fashion and comfort in many of their styles of shoes, a quality that many teachers have mentioned they look for when buying shoes. As a bonus, they too offer 15% of any pair of shoes priced at $39.99 or more
Christian Louboutin released a” nude” ballet flat collection in many different skin tones! This is huge news for both fashion and many women of color because; we are now able to have that same level of elegance that out has only been depicted in that apricot(I’m referring to Crayola crayons ) hue of nude. This is exciting news that there is now a nude for various skin tones and yet a little discouraging that it has taken the designers this long to expand on the classic nude shoe.
As I am writing this piece, I decide to do a google search for for “nude shoes” just to see what else may come up and what comes across in the images in the apricot shade of nude for various styles of shoes. I’m hoping that in the next few months that we have the same number of shades of nude as we do styles.
I’ve been on the search for a nude pump in my hue and it has been challenging. I do own a pair of the apricot nude pumpes it it looks great with outfits that are shades of white. However, I’m still not able to get that classic and leggy look that the apricot nude on the matching hue gives. I’ve found pumps in shades of brown with the names ” Cognac,” ” Tobacco”, “Hazelnut” which are a very very close match to my skin color and I am able to achive that long leg look,. but this option is not available for all other different shades of nude
The nude shoe is the classic natural that really goes with EVERYHTING in your closest . According to the Huffingtonpost, Louboutin quotes that “the nude collection is dedicated to people who want to have great legs, to have a great silhouette” I believe with Louboutin blazing the fashion trails in the manner and many many more shoe designers to follow in his footsteps; every woman will have an opportunity to have both great legs and a great silhouette her nude hue.
Jeans the most essential piece of any wardrobe, yet it is one of the most difficult to pieces to find even though almost every designer has their brand of denim. Trying to find the “perfect” pair of jeans can frustrate even the most seasoned shopper on her quest for jeans.
My years as a Personal stylist have taught me a few tricks when it comes to shopping for denim for both myself and my clients. For example, the amount of stretch, fit, cut and quality of denim all play a part in how denim will fit
My favorite fits of denim are the toothpick and matchstick by J.Crew. (don’t let the name fool you). The toothpick is my year around denim; it is a very tapered leg with a length that hits just above the ankle, which is perfect to length for a seamless look when wearing boots. The toothpick is also my fit to wear with my classic ballet flats, my sandals or my heels.
Matchstick by J.crew
The Matchstick has many of the same characteristics of the toothpick with the fit and feel of the denim with the perfect amount of stretch and memory to keep it’s shape after multiple wears. The Matchstick is a classic full length jean that has the perfect length for both heels and flat
Understand your body. I can’t tell you the number times I’ve seen women wear a brand of jeans for the sake of the name sewn in on the label. Ladies if the jeans aren’t flattering, that label mean nothing! Instead buy jeans based on fit and if you look amazing who cares who made them. One of the brands that I found to be the most flattering for women with curves is the“sweet heart” jeans by Old Navy. This jean is designed with a smaller waist to prevent gapping and hugs your curves without being too tight.
The “boyfriend” style denim, is more fitted in the waist and fuller throughout the leg of the pant. I have found that boyfriend style tends to have less stretch and is flattering on body types that are lacking those curves. The two brands of boyfriend denim I have found to be both comfortable and stylish are by Madewell and Old Navy. I own both and with the Old Navy brand I had to size up in order to get that boyfriend look. With Madewll, I was able to wear my normal size while maintain the look of the denim.
When shopping for denim, look for the following to have a “perfect” fit for your body type
Rise: Unless you are wearing a high-waisted denim, jeans should hit you at your natural waits or at the belly -button
Stretch: Most denim is made with at least 2% elastin; anything more and you are wearing jeggings (more on those on a later post).
Pockets: If the pockets of your jeans are hit the curve of your buttocks, then the rise of your jeans are too short.
wash: the wash of the denim will affect the fit of your jeans
Cut: There are various styles of denim and various designers all of who have an idea of what is the “perfect jean” Try multiple pairs until you find what is comfortable.
I hope that this is able to give you a start in the right direct for your quest for jeans
First, I would like to say Happy New Year to you all! 2015 was a year of many trials and tribulations. It has been a year of new ventures such as my blog and being able to have platform to discuss not only fashion but other topics that I would like to share with you, my readers.
As we embark on another year, I still want to focus on the classics a strong foundation of any wardrobe. Part III of the classic series focuses on pants, the fit, cut fabrics, style and yes comfort. Many of my clients who love fashion who also happen to be teachers often look for a pant that is comfortable, fashionable, professional and of course affordable
Old Navy Pixie Pant
Prior to my discovery of the Pixie Pant, I struggled with a professional pant. I would find a pant that was too long in the rise, too tight in the leg, or too small in the waist. I would wear pencil skirts or dresses and avoid the dress pant and wait for Fridays so I could wear Jeans to work and not deal with the morning wardrobe struggle.
The pixie pant is an ankle pant with a generous amount of stretch, Do size down, that has a front zip closure along with a bar and hook. This pant is a great professional pant that can transitions the seasons. It is perfect for spring paired with a kitten heel or sandals; It is also the perfect length and width to wear inside of boots without having the bunching that can occur with excess fabric. I love feel of the pant, it is a blend of cotton and spandex, which makes it a perfect year round pant.
J.Crew Pixie Pant with Leather tux trim
I recently discovered the Pixie pant from J. Crew ( I know right after all of this time) and it is the most comfortable pant I’ve worn. I would describe this pant as a very thick legging( a nice alternative to leggings, I’m still on the fence about leggings) or even similar to a riding pant and, in my opinion, a little casual but paired with right pieces, the pant can be elevated. The J.Crew Pixie pant is a very fitted pant with a back zip. I also recommend that you size down in this pant as well because there is also a generous amount of stretch in the J.Crew Pixie pant as well. The leg of the this pant is very tapered so it is perfect for boots, heels or flats. The pixie pant pictured and what I own are the leather tux trim, which gives the pant an elegance and edge at the same time.
The Sloan pant from Banana Republic, is also an ankle pant with a front zip. This pant does have stretch but not as much as the Pixie Pant from Old Navy. The Sloan pant has a little more structure in the leg of the pant and has a slit at the ankle which adds to the very slight flare of the pant. I’ve found that the pant works best with heels or flats; I had slight bunching when, I’ve worn them tucked inside of boots.
Campbell Trouser by J.Crew
I’ve discussed three styles of ankle style pants and yes I own all three styles (a little excessive? perhaps) but I also like to wear a full length pant, but I’ve found that they have been a little more difficult to buy for the fact that I’ve noticed that full length tend to be tighter in the thigh, shorter in the rise then they have a flare and depending on the designer the flare can fall at various lengths. I’ve found two styles of full length pants that have been the most flattering for my figure. The first style is the Campbell trouser by J.Crew. I love the line and the flare of this particular pant because it is the perfect lenth of the flare it can be worn with both a kitten heel or higher heel and of course the colors are fabulous!
7th Avenue Studio Fit Boot-cut
New York & Company 7th Ave studio boot cut pant
The 7th Avenue Studio Fit boot-cut trouser by New York and Company is another full-length pant that I found to be flattering for my figure. It is a perfect fit through out the leg, perfect width of flare, however it is a bit longer in the inseam, which is perfect if you have a long inseam and if you don’t, well it’s an excuse to wear those 4 inch heels!
The fit of the pants is essential and understanding how pant fit your body type will give you a professional and stylish look.
Look for these key features when shopping for the classic essential for your wardrobe:
Ankle Length Pants: Should hit slightly above the ankle; anything that hits higher than the ankle is considered high-waters, (not cute) which can make you appear shorter in stature, especially if you’re already petite.
Long Length Pants: Ladies, please avoid the excess fabric at the bottom of your pants. Walking around with a pool of fabric about your feet is not stylish, makes you appear shorter and not to mention it is dangerous. Please invest the $8-$10 to hem those pants! If you’re going to wear heels, the pant should hit the bottom of the heel and should not hit the floor. The frayed look isn’t cute either.
Cut and Fabric: Try on various designers and styles, remember fashion is not one size fits all. If a pant has a generous amount of spandex, do size down. Once you find a pant that you love….invest in multiple pair and alterations (if they are too long). Happy Shopping!
As a personal stylist and an educator, the most frustrating phrase I hear daily is ” I can’t ___________(fill in the blank). My response in both professions is you don’t know until you try a particular style or formula. You may have to try several styles, brands, cuts and fabrics until you find what works for you.
Working in education, I’m constantly having to try different techniques to teach a concept and I’ve learned that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to teaching. The same is said for fashion, one size does NOT fit all; fashion and style is and should be as unique as your personality. Being in fashion, I am surrounded by beautiful and bold colors, various cuts and styles of pants, denim, shirts and skirts and with so many options to choose from, I have the opportunity to find what styles and colors work best for my body type and complexation.
Every season, there is a fashion trend that makes the pages of fashion magazines and are displayed on the mannequins hinting to customers that THIS (what ever is styled on the mannequin or in the magazine) is what they should be wearing without any substitutions. It is not a one size fits all, when it comes to fashion you will have to make substitutions to accommodate your body type. For example, I love crew neck sweaters, but worn alone, it is not a flattering look for me because I am busty and it draws a lot of attention to that area, so I improvise. I will layer with a collared shirt, wear a blazer or I will ALWAYS where my hammock pearls why you ask because it draws the eye towards my face and not on my chest. I often times will try to find a V-neck version of a look that has inspired me; which also helps minimize my bust.
Color is another area where women say “I can’t wear __________(place color here) without ever giving it a try. Some are afraid of color for what ever reason, some don’t want to draw attention to themselves, there for avoid color. The main reason, I’ve learned in my years as a stylist is that most women just don’t know how to coordinate bold bright colors so they avoid them altogether and stick with the neutrals. Many women have also said that they can’t wear color; it isn’t that they can’t wear the color; they just need to find the right shade of color. You may need to try on various shades of a color that you are wanting to wear and take pictures of yourself. Try to take the picture in natural light; the lighting in fitting rooms is horrible.
Fashion has so many styles and trends that are styled perfectly on the mannequins and models in the magazines then so many of us tried to replicate the exact same look then leaving the fitting room frustrated because the it didn’t look right and you are convinced that you can’t wear that style. Here are few key points for dressing your body type, particularly if you are busty.
Stripes: Every body type can wear strips, the trick is to find a stripe that is proportionate you your body type. The J.Crew shirt is the perfect width if you are busty. A thinner stripe, will make you appear wider than you really are.
Being busty, I’ve learned a few trick along the way to make sure that your bust is not the focus on your outfit:
Always draw the eye up. Wear a statement necklace/earrings or collard shirt, both of these will put the focus on your face and not your bust.
Necklines. The most flattering necklines for our figure is a V-neck or boat neck. These necklines minimize the bust and elongate your neck. I do love a crew-neck sweater; however I always layer under a blazer, with a button-down shirt and of course my pearls!
Prints. I love floral prints and of course leopard but just like stripes they need to be proportionate to your body. The texture of the fabric will also affect the fit of a the print. I personally wear these prints in a pant or a skirt and stick to a chambray or solid color top. (this is an example of where yo make the substitution.
And of course Sparkle. Every girl needs some sparkle in here life and not just for special occasions. Everyday is a special occasion and if you want to wear sparkles… just make sure that it is proportionate to your body.
I hope that these few tips will help you next time your are shopping.
As I was thinking about my blog post regarding Style, I started researching what is style and how style has come to be. Style is used as both a verb and noun; it is used in so many art forms that the definition of style is very vague. So instead of defining style we learn to make it personal.
Many of those who have encouraged me to start my blog, know that I was a personal stylist for six years, during that time I not only developed my personal style, I also encouraged my clients to establish their own. Personal Style is developed over time, as you learn more about yourself and what it is that your are attracted to you will learn how that is reflected in your style hence personal style.
Personal style gives the world a glimpse of your personality. It goes beyond what is fashionable and incorporates the latest trend while still being able to express an element of personal style. It is those personal details that take a look from being fashionable to creating a style. As, I have developed my style and tweaked it throughout trends; I have found that I would describe my personal style as colorfully classic with a slight edge; I say this because I tend to wear classic pieces in very bold and bright colors; I love color it instantly makes me feel better and happy. Case in point, I love a blazer, it is my favorite classic piece and I own in one in just about every color! Yes, you read that correctly from citron to cerise. The blazer is my go to piece because it is professional, classic and it goes with EVERYTHING! Paired with my hammock peals, I’m styled for what ever may come my way! As for a slight edge, I still lean towards the classic pieces but with bold and dramatic hardware such as detailed buttons or contrasting zippers.
So how do you develop personal style?
Attraction. When shopping, pay attention to the looks and colors that you gravitate to. See how you can incorporate these into your wardrobe in a fashionable and personal-stylish way.
Work with a personal stylist. A good stylist will capture parts of your personality and not recreate you with a make-over. (Unless that is what you are looking for).
Ask yourself what do you want your style to present to the world…are you classic, bold, artistic, witty etc.
Pay attention to detail… style is in the details.
Signature piece . What is that one element of fashion that captures an essence of your personality; a pair of unique socks, bold colors and patterns, classic peals, a red lip… what will be that signature element that takes your look from fashionable to personal style?
A button-down shirt instantly makes any look classic, chic and professional. This one classic piece can transition your wardrobe and looks amazing with everything from the classic suit to a sequin pencil skirt. It even manages to elevate leggings ( umm… more on this topic in later blog post.)
The button-down is classic and essential in any wardrobe yet it can be the most difficult piece to find that is designed for your particular frame. As much as I love a good button-down, I avoided them in the past for many years because I could not find one that fit me and “the girls” as we will call them. I have a large bust, which has created many styling challenges for me in the past. Shirts would not fasten and if I managed to button a shirt it would pucker across the fullest part of my bust which would have me reaching for the infamous safetypin to seal the shirt shut.
To aviod the puckering and safetypin I’ve tried wearing men’s shirts, which fits accross the “the girls” but the fit is too big in the shoulders and the body of the shirt which can makes for a sloppy look. If I tried to layer it under a sweater it resulted in excess fabric crawling up my back and arms.
I’ve also tried shops that are geared to “plus size” women. Again, they fit across the bust but I look like I’m pregnant ( I’m not trying to have that look at this time) I have nothing against these stores; I find the cut of the clothing to not be proportionate to my body type which leads to the clothing having execess fabric and creating an unflaterring look.
Now, I’ve described the button- down shirt as a classic and essential for all wardrobes and I believe in investing in your classics. Meaning pay attention to the quality of the fabric, the lines of the shirts and how it fits on your body . This will be a piece that you will wear and transition all year long so invest the time and money in classics which always creates looks that are professional and fashionable.
Through out my quest for the “perfect” fitting button-down, I’ve found that the women’s buttond down-shirt from Old Navy are the most flattering for me when it comes to fitting accross the bust and that there are key element to the perfect fit
Have a strong foundation. Wear a bra that will lift and support the bust . Not only does this improve your posture, it will improve the fit of your shirts. I’ve found that the wrong bra is the main reason why a shirt doesn’t have the “perfect” fit. ( More on this in a future blog post)
Fabric and color. Pay attention to the dye or pattern of a shirt, this too will affect the fit of a button-down shirt. Ever noticed that white shirts always seem to fit tight? It is because the fibers in white garments haven’t been weakend by the dye process.
Not all button-down shirts are alike. When looking for classics, try on various cuts, brands and designers becasue what is considered a size “12” or “XL” by one retailer will vary slighltly or dramtically in another.
Invest. Classics paired together always make for the perfect outfit or transition seemlesy with the latest trend which is why you should invest in multiple button-down shirts.
Sequins, tartan plaids and bold reds can only mean that The Holiday Season is upon us! And it is time for holiday office parties, family photos, and get-together with friends and family. Many of us will reach for “traditional” holiday attire for all of these up coming festivities but what happens to the sequins for the rest of the year?
There is an elegance about sequins which is one of the many reasons why I wear them. I feel glamorous when I where them and I get gitty when I see a new sequined piece, needless to say that I wear sequins all year long.
One way I incorporate sequins into my daily wardrobe is by pairing a sequin tank with denim; q pair of jeans or a denim jacket instantly makes sequins a little less formal. Finish off the look with with heel or ballet flat and you’re fashionably ready for whatever the day may bring.
Sequins paired with a classic such as a blazer or a button-down shirt, which is my favorite way, instantly brings an element of glamour to a day at the office. It allows for you to have both a festive, fun and professional look throughout the year. Try to pick sequins in neutral colors such as, ivory, black and gold, which makes for easy transition with your classic and professional pieces.
left to right: J.Crew sequin long-sleeve tee, Michael Kors multi color tank, J.Crew pink sequin tank, J.Crew black and ivory sequin tank
Gap denim Jacket, J.Crew sequin striped short sleeve tee, J.Crew earrings, Target color block pants, J.Crew glitter Gemma Flats
Old Navy buffalo plaid check button-down, J.crew black sequin tank (worn over shirt as a vest), J.crew Matchstick jeans, J.crew earrings, J.crew leather Gemma flats in rhubarb.
Classics: select pieces of a wardrobe that will define an outfit.
Clothing that is considered in fashion and trendy today will be “out of style tomorrow.” This is very true of fashion and many other things such as music and technology. However, there are pieces in a wardrobe that have been labeled “Classics” which have the ability to elevate the latest trends in fashion, compliment that unique piece that it’s in a wardrobe or classics can be worn together to make the perfect ensemble.
The Blazer: is a staple in my wardrobe; it has the ability the elevate any look from jeans and a tee-shirt to that little black dress. It has had many variations over the decades from bold prints, shoulder pads, unique hardware to bold colors; the blazer has been fashionable, trendy while maintaining a professional look Even with the subtle changes throughout out history, it maintains the top spot of being the classic and an essential element of any wardrobe. Bold Blazers are my personal favorite because I get to express a part of my personality while maintaining a professional look. Investing in a quality blazer is a key piece because it elevates and transforms any wardrobe. Being a teacher who loves fashion I find it important to capture both professionalism and creativity in my style, which a blazer does for my wardrobe and also why I’ve invested in them many times. The Blazer is my “go to” piece in fashion.
Style by Syraluna is personal styling site that offers unique styling tips to the everyday person who want to look fashionable and professional.
I’m Stacie Young who is a Spanish teacher by day and a personal stylist…well all the time. One of my greatest joys as a stylist is creating looks that make my clients feel amazing and teaching them how to maximize their wardrobes. Through every styling session I have key styling tips I share with every client and now with you!
Visualize three ways to Style your piece before purchasing it. If you can’t, then don’t buy it!
Invest. Just like many invest in stocks you should invest in your wardrobe too. There are key wardrobe pieces that are worth the money and can elevate your look.
If you don’t love it; leave it. There have been many time we’ve purchased something because it was on sale only to have it sit in a bag on your floor. And if this is the case…revisit my first rule and style 3 outfits.
Style is unique. Take a look that inspires you and make it your own by incorporating a bold print, colour or in my case anything with sparkles!
Style by Syraluna 