Personal Shop Like Flora

My girl, Flora, has been asking me to take her shopping for months.  She already has great style and tons of awesome pieces, but she needed some staples and updates.  She met me at H&M at 10am in her easy to slip on and off flats and we got to it.  By 11:30am, Flora had a whole new work and weekend wardrobe with pieces that can be mixed and matched in different ways.  Flora was officially one of the best Clients I have ever worked with.
If you're ever interested in hiring a Personal Shopper to assist you in your shopping process, do it like Flora.  She took pictures of clothing items that she already owns so that we could find coordinating pieces to build on.  She also showed up in an outfit that was easy to take on and off, which is key because I WILL make you try everything on.  She gave me a budget, which we did go over a little, but I told her it was going to happen if she wanted to get shoes too.  Shoes and accessories will always get you like that.  She also was totally honest about what she liked and didn't like, so we didn't waste any time.  The Personal Shopper is there to make the Client happy, not the other way around.
The best part about hiring a Personal Shopper is that I insist on shopping with you the first time, but once I get an idea of your personal taste and size, you can hire me to go shopping without you and bring you options in the convenience of your work or home.  Anything you like, you buy.  Anything you don't want, I'll return.  Personal Shopping is a premium service with premium results.  Contact me if you're interested.



Body Candy

 

I had lunch with my girlfriend, Melissa, the other day and she was kind enough to let me take some pictures of she and her precious daughter.  Melissa definitely has it going on.  She's an amazing mother to two beautiful children, plus she owns her own business called Body Candy.  Juggling those two things alone makes her pretty impressive, but the cherry on top is that she always looks slamming!

When I say slamming, I mean she showed up to lunch in Express faux leather leggings, Rampage booties she scored at DSW and a gold Michael Kors bag that I need immediately.  Melissa definitely changes up her look regularly, but one thing she has mastered is her silhouette.  Fitted pants, loose top and a perfect layering piece to keep warm (which usually includes a cropped leather or denim jacket).  In my opinion, a fashion recipe for success for all body types.

If you haven't heard of Body Candy, you're missing out.  Her line of over 10 fragrances are different from anything you have ever seen (or smelled).  There are solid perfumes, oils, lotions, bubble baths, etc. and scents like Bare Black or Pumpkin Passion (sounds strange, but is not only her best seller; it's an aphrodisiac and my husband's favorite).  You can see a the full line of products and scents at www.bodycandyshop.com.

Let's give it up for Melissa for not only looking and smelling amazing everyday, but for also being a full time Mom and Business Woman.  She's an inspiration to all of us and is a great reminder that you can have it all if you're willing to work for it!

 





Chunky Sweater

I'm so excited that the second look my followers chose was a pink broomstick maxi paired with a black sweater.  I have been dying to share my excitement about (in my opinion) Fall's biggest trend:  chunky sweaters!  Cable knit, wool, waffle, stretch, print, pattern, you name it, sweaters are all the rage this Fall.  Especially oversized or cropped (for layering).
An off white, cable knit, chunky wool sweater should be in every girl (and guy's) closet for Fall and Winter.  You can pair it with jeans and sneakers for a casual look or layer it over faux leather leggings and booties for and evening out.  I paired a cropped black chunky sweater (from Kohls) with an incredible pink maxi skirt (from www.sheinside.com) for a warn dinner look.  I have a feeling this trend is here to stay, so invest in a warm chunky sweater for the Fall and you'll definitely wear it through the Winter.



Coral Pants & Bell Sleeves

 

As promised, I wore and loved my followers number one selection.  I actually wear this outfit all the time.  The coral skinny pants are my absolute favorites right now.  I got them from www.loveculture.com.  They look like leggings before you pull them on, but with the zipper fly, back pockets and bunching effect at the ankles, these are way more than leggings.  I would compare the material to a sweatshirt, which gives these pants the award for "THE MOST COMFORTABLE PANTS EVER"!
The floral printed top is extra adorable with the widest bell sleeves I have ever seen.  It's so much fun to wear and the best part is that I only paid $20 for it at Marshalls.  The camel wedge booties are from Target.  I bought them a couple years ago, so I don't think they still have them available, but I did see a pair just like them at DSW last week.
I always try to point out proportions on my blog.  For example: If you're going to wear a printed loose blouse, balance it with a pair of more fitted bottoms.  Or if your top is snug to your body, wear a flowing maxi skirt or wide leg pants.  Tight tops and bottoms are just totally out of style.  Show off your assets in a tasteful way by featuring only one fitted clothing item.
You chose this outfit and I love the feedback.  This was a fun way to let my followers decide what I'm going to wear.  Outfit number two will be featured soon.  Thanks!



Help Me Get Dressed!

#1 #2

#3#4

#5#6

#7

 

Believe it or not, sometimes even a Fashion Blogger needs help getting dressed.  I have two social evening events (both fairly casual) coming up and I can't decide what to wear.  I'm asking my Followers to help me decide on which outfits you like the most.  Whichever two get the most votes, I'll wear and blog about.  Thanks for your help!

What The Frock?

 

Events and occasions are always popping up in our lives.  Weddings, vacations, work conferences, etc.  Who can keep up with it all?  And who can afford to buy new dresses for each one?  Between the parking and huge stores that are mostly stocked with overpriced trendy items that you'll probably never wear again, the Mall can be quite daunting.  For years I did the Mall shuffle and spent a fortune on dresses that I usually settled on due to fit, timing or both.

There is a solution.  A solution that, before What The Frock, I had never considered.  What The Frock is a Designer and high end consignment dress store that has a dress to meet every size and budget.  I'm lucky enough to be friends with the Owner, Ali Lindkvist, but you don't have to be friends to reap the amazing benefits of buying second hand.  Most of the pieces she has look like they have never been worn, and some pieces haven't.  That's right, tons of dresses with new tags still on them at a fraction of the price. 

What The Frock carries wedding dresses, formal dresses, cocktail dresses, casual dresses, but that's not all.  She also has accessories to complete any look.  Shoes, jewelry, shawls.  I know when I walk in I'm going to get amazing personal service and walk out with something I would NEVER find anywhere else. 

The best part of What The Frock?  There is an in-house seamstress, Jacquelyn Pepice, that will do your alterations on the spot!  It doesn't get much better than that.  I always stop into a consignment store first when I need a special piece and What The Frock never disappoints.  You can find What The Frock online at www.WTFrock.com or if you're lucky enough to live in Maine, stop by and see Ali and Jacquelyn at 34 Washington Avenue in Portland.