There are a thousand reasons not to be stylish, and I’ve probably used each and every one of them. It’s too hot. It’s too cold. I’m sick. My child is sick. It’s raining. I’m just going to the grocery store. These are the days when I leave the house in my fleece pants and hoodie in the winter, and my running shorts and tank top in the summer. But truth be told, the main reason behind most of these excuses is just that I’m too tired or lazy to change my clothes, and I’m comfortable in what I’m wearing. But are these valid reasons? Why should be bother to be stylish, even if it’s just to run an errand? After thinking about this long and hard, here are my top reasons to consider your personal style before walking out the door- every day.
1. It can change the way you perceive yourself. This is by far the best reason for changing out of those sweats. Showing your style can boost self-esteem and make you feel more pulled together instantly. I’m not saying you have to run errands in sky-high heels and sequins, but even a dark wash jean with ballet flats can elevate your style. When you look good, you feel good!
2. It can change the way others perceive you. Sure, this might seem like a superficial reason. After all, why should we care about what others’ think of us, right? Well, truth be told, I DO care about what others think about me when it comes to the way I dress. At work, I want to be seen as a professional yet stylish person.
3. It sends a message that you care about yourself. Again, I’m not saying that if you wear sweatpants you don’t care about yourself; however, the effort we put into ourselves does show. I think women especially have a tendency to put ourselves last, and that can include our looks. But taking a few extra minutes to sport a style instead of yesterday’s sweatshirt can absolutely indicate you are a priority.
4. It gives you a chance to be creative. I love very specific types of jewelry, and I feel these pieces say a lot about my style. For example, I’ve become known for wearing chunky rings. I feel more like “myself” when I’m wearing a statement piece that shows I took the time to coordinate my look. While accessories are a great way to show your style, there are other ways creativity can be shown, such as a special shoe or a skirt with a specific detail.
5. Compliments feel great. When you make an effort to be stylish, people notice! In my opinion, that’s at least half the point of having style. While I don’t run around fishing for compliments, they sure do feel good and help boost my self-esteem. I also try to compliment others, even strangers, when I like what they’re wearing because I’m sure that they would appreciate it.
| The little black dress- if you don't have one (or two, or three), you need one! It's a versatile piece that works for any occasion, from a festive wedding to a work dinner. Keep it on the simple side (sheath, no lace) for work. The lace cocktail version is perfect for a night out. The fit and flare of many of these dresses is ultra figure-flattering, and for those with arm insecurity, many of them offer the option to cover up your arms.
PS- I listed the prices, but I know that's not what you would pay- because you're going to use coupons!
Limited Lace Cocktail Dress $128
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Limited Ponte Skater Dress $68
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Lane Bryant Collection Peplum Dress $100
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Lane Bryant Danika Draped Dress $75
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New York and Co Wavy Knit Fit and Flare Dress $45
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New York and Co Fit and Flare with faux leather inset $42
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This clearance scarf is currently $16.99 at Jcrewfactory.com
This perfect-fit long sleeve is on clearance for $19.99 at JCrew.com (retail, not the outlet).
 Anyone who knows me even a little knows that I love J. Crew and frugality. At first glance, it would seem the two live in separate worlds, with no hope of ever meeting. After all, J. Crew retail sells top-of-the-line, quality apparel with top-of-the line prices. $148 for a pair of pants? $78 for a button up shirt? And let's not forget their collection items, which range anywhere from $198 for a blouse to $895 for a cashmere short sleeved t-shirt. Um, I'm a teacher, remember?? Not Beyonce!
But, never fear, because in all reality you can afford J. Crew with some special effort...the main one being forget J. Crew retail and shop their factory collection instead. Here are some of my tips for scoring great J. Crew deals! And since most of my readers are local, we have the bonus of living right near the factory outlet in Williamsburg.
1. Shop online at www.jcrewfactory.com.
J. Crew Factory online offers a huge selection of their clothing and features weekly discounts. If you're even more J. Crew savvy, check out the online features and THEN go to the store to see if the item might be cheaper there (and also use your teacher ID). There is also a Final Sale section where clothes headed out of season get marked down. Sizes and colors are limited, of course, BUT not every item is actually "final sale," so it is possible to get an item that is returnable if it doesn't fit. Just read the fine print before purchasing.
2. Sign up for email alerts and deals.
The best customers get the earliest deals and specials. Factory First, an email program, allows you early access to the newest arrivals before they're available to the general public.
3. Like their Facebook page (and enter the daily give-away).
Style Sweeps allows you to enter your email address for a chance to win 1/5 monthly gift cards (I haven't won yet, but I'm hoping)! You can enter once a day. Also, they announce their sales on their Facebook page.
4. At the outlet, shop the clearance section.
This is probably my best tip at getting items for bottom dollar. For example, this wool skirt in my photo was on sale for $29.99, but I got it for an EXTRA 40% off that price on the clearance rack. There was even a cashmere cardigan for about $40 (seriously).
5. Only buy an item that is currently on sale (often times at 30-40% off regular price).
Whether retail or factory, never pay full price (that's pretty much my life motto). If it's not on sale yet, it will be soon. One caveat: it's possible for an item to be so popular it sells out. J. Crew factory featured a houndstooth sweat shirt that I would have purchased, but it sold out so quickly I never even got the chance :-(
6. In the store, use your teacher ID.
You get an extra 15% off, whether retail or factory. As far as I know, however, you cannot use it on final clearance items.
7. Get the J. Crew credit card.
know, cringe. But I have mine, and I use it. I get special discounts and points toward future purchases. And I ALWAYS pay off the balance in full each month. Do not, I repeat, do not, ever pay interest on a speciality credit card.
8. Shop the kids' department for accessories.
My favorite sun glasses are from the boys' section and I have a tortoise headband from the girls' department. These bargains can be very hard to find, though- it's more of an in-store luck thing.
Everyone makes goals for themselves, and we all know it can be a great tool to track progress. If you're looking to increase your style quotient, consider setting style goals for yourself. If you're looking for a few suggestions, here are my tips!
1. Change your earrings twice a week. 2. Try out a scarf (I love infinity scarves, which easily drape around the neck). 3. Try a skinny leg jean. They're not just for "skinny" people- I promise! 4. Invest in a high-quality pair of leather knee-high boots. I've had great success (and great prices) at TJ Maxx. 5. When you want to go casual, choose ballet flats (or pointy toe flats) over flip flops. It's a much more pulled-together look. 6. Keep a pair of heels at work, so you can drive and walk into the building in your flats and change when you arrive. 7. Try a wedge shoe. They are actually very comfortable and come not only in sandals, but boots as well. 8. Wear a dress at least 1-2 times a week! Find a style that works for you, whether it's a sheath, fit and flare, wrap, etc. 9. Invest in Spanx. No one has to know, and you'll feel more confident. Style is absolutely about illusion. 10. Evaluate your undergarments. Do they fit? Are they supportive? Consider getting a certified bra fitting to make sure everything is where it's supposed to be with the right fitting bra. It can make a world of difference in the way your clothes fit. 11. Whether or not you wear make-up, at least consider using a foundation or tinted moisturizer (I use Garnier's BB fluid) to even out your skin tone. 12. Change your purse once in a while or at least with a new season. If you're going out on a date or in the evening, bring a clutch instead of a full-sized purse. Trust me on this one. 13. Find a celebrity whose style you admire and try to emulate one of their looks. 14. Peruse fashion magazines or catalogs for outfit inspiration. Use pieces you already own to recreate a look. 15. Buy a great winter coat. Make it bright- who wants to wear one more layer of black in winter? E
 As humans, we are constantly editing in our lives (I learned this from a recent staff development I led for work). Think about it- what activities are you trying to improve upon? When you cook, do you think, "Okay, next time I should add more salt"? Or when you have a work project, do you look back on it and say, "Well, the Power Point was very thorough but I need to polish my delivery"? Fashion is the same way. Editing should be a natural part of the style process, and here are my tips!
1. Take time to reflect on your style. Do you like to wear A-line skirts or full skirts? Do you prefer shorts or skirts? Are you a round-toe gal or a pointy-toe gal? Reflecting on what you feel comfortable in can help you buy flattering styles, but can also help you go out of your comfort zone. If you've never tried an A-line before, don't be scared to try one on the next time you're out shopping. Knowing what you like can help you see where you've been and where you can go.
2. Try a trend- or two. The older I get, the less likely I am to try a trend. But that doesn't mean I don't see what's out there and try what I think might work for me. The best way to try a trend is with accessories, so that you don't spent a ton of money but still get a new look. Another way to try a trend is in the beauty department. For instance, one of the very popular trends are intricately designed nails. I'm pretty simple and I'm not patient enough to constantly change my nail polish, but I have tried a version of the trend by painting all my nails one color and painting one nail per hand a separate, but complementary, color. It's a subtle difference, but fellow fashionistas will notice! Bubble necklaces are in again (they were last recently popular when I attended my 10-year high school reunion 4 years ago), but there's no need to spend a fortune. I recently snagged mine at Charming Charlie's for only $10!
3. Take a picture (it will last longer!): I cannot stress the importance of looking at your clothes from a perspective other than your mirror. You will automatically notice all kinds of things you never saw in the past. For example, do your pants bunch up in all the wrong places? Do you need to get them hemmed? Are the buttons on your shirt too snug? Perhaps you need, ahem, more supportive undergarments. Maybe you need to try a different pair of shoes with an outfit- heels and flats can completely alter a look. If you've purchased a new outfit, I recommend taking a photo of yourself in it before removing the tags- you might find that what you thought you loved in the fitting room now looks completely different in the light of day!
4. Keep an eye on your closet. One of my co-workers gave me this awesome suggestion: after you wear something from your closet, turn the hanger backwards. Then you can immediately see what you're wearing and what hasn't been in rotation for awhile. That way, you can either change things up by wearing the unused garment, or decide it's time to clear a little extra room in your closet by taking it to a resale store, consignment, or Goodwill.
 Oh, belts. The trickiest of the tricky. That sometimes necessary evil that we know will make our look more polished, but will require tucking in our shirt. Like many women out there, I have a love/hate relationship with belts. First of all, I always feel that when I tuck in my shirt and add a belt, not only do I get more uncomfortable, but I feel like it showcases my stomach, my least favorite body part. Secondly, tucking in a shirt is just more work! But belts can, and do, serve a purpose. So here are my belt tips!
1. The waist-cinching belt. This type of belt can be wide or thin, and is usually worn over a garment like a sheath dress to define the waist. This can be tricky, especially if you're short-waisted or busty. If this is the case, keep your belt on the thinner side and just put it over one garment, versus layering. For example, if you are a wearing a camisole, a sweater, and then a belt on top, it can get to be a bit much, so use your best judgment. Done properly, the waist-cinching belt can add polish to a simple sheath and be a great way to make an outfit pop.
2. The accessory belt. This type of belt may not do a whole lot to hold up your pants, but it looks good! This is the case with the silver belt in the photo (third down from top). This belt always gets compliments! The silver color looks great with black pants. The straw looking belt (top of the photo) is another one that I consider a hybrid accessory/waist belt, because it's not a cinching belt. Purchased at Goodwill in 2010, this belt goes over my summer dresses for that little something extra. It's definitely a summer-only belt, but since I only paid about $2.00, it's worth it.
3. The "I want to hold up my pants" belt. Sometimes you just gotta grin and bear it! There are a few reasons to wear this type of belt. First of all, if your pants are low-slung or loose, you run the risk of the dreaded muffin top. In my case, it usually rears its ugly head on the form of my backside spilling out over the top of my pants. A belt can help hold up my pants to ensure they stay over my hips, where they need to be. If you're not a huge of tucking in your shirt, then try the amazing front-tuck! Basically, you just tuck in the front of your shirt, but leave the back out. It's a nice compromise to the whole belt/shirt dilemma. Even celebrities rock the front tuck!
This waist-cinching belt adds a touch of style to a plain black sheath dress, plus it goes well with the boots.
 Today I am kicking off my "26 Days of Alphabet Style" and, of course, A is for accessories. These are a few of my favorite accessories, with the oldest (the watch) being from 2003. All of these accessories each cost $20 or less (with the exception of the watch, but I'd say since it's 10 years old, I've gotten my money's worth), proving that style doesn't have to cost a fortune. So what other advice do I have about accessories?
1. Keep them easily accessible. How many women buy accessories and then stuff them in the back of a drawer somewhere? Keep them organized and visible, and you will be more likely to wear them.
2. Keep them organized. Pin your earrings together (or link hoops to each other) to avoid losing earrings. Buy a drawer divider (similar to a silverware organizer) to keep each type of jewelry in a separate compartment.
3. Treat them with love...and they can last a long time. As I said, I don't pay a lot for my accessories because I like them as accent pieces and, in this case, I prefer quantity over quality (for MOST items, not all items). Take them off as soon as you get home and don't wear them around the house, so they last longer and stay cleaner.
4. Plan them with your outfits in advance. Know which accessories go with specific outfits. For example, if you're wearing a lot of black, then make your outfit "pop" with a burst of color- I love cobalt with black and orange with gray (avoid orange and black together or people will think you're celebrating Halloween year-round). Set them out on your dresser the night before so you remember to put them on in the morning. If it's a pair of earrings in which you can sleep, put them on the night before, when you go to bed. How many of us never even change our earrings, simply because we are too busy or tired? A little bit of effort can really change up your look.
5. Bigger is better (in my opinion). I love big, bold, chunky jewelry. Sure, there's a time and place for dainty jewelry (maybe church or a somber event), but honestly I think something bright and bold makes a statement and really brings your whole outfit together. Your jewelry can really send a message (just make sure it's the right one). Big hoops? You're ready for fun and parties (so work is not the best place for these). Diamond studs (fake, of course. It's the only way to go because no one will ever know the difference)- you're classic and polished. Bold chunky necklace? You love Pinterest (haha) and fashion. I am a huge fan of the big, chunky cocktail ring. My friend Cassie always noticed that I loved to wear them, and I never really noticed it was my "thing" until she pointed it out. After she did, I realized how much I loved them and I always look for them when I'm out shopping, The thing is, I will buy cheap rings because, even when they fade, most people won't ever notice and I can have more rings for different styles. No matter what your taste in accessories is, be sure to "rock" them everyday! People really will notice when you put forth the effort and your accessories wil
It's a frugal fashion girl's dream: brand names at affordable prices, all neatly organized into perfect rows, accented with designer handbags, shoes, and scarves. Can such a mecca exist? Well, it does- in the form of a store named Clothes Mentor, located in various locations around the United States. In our area, there are currently two locations- one in Newport News off Oyster Point and one in Virginia Beach. First let me describe the shopping experience at Clothes Mentor. When you walk in, the first thing you notice is just how many clothes there are. The whole length of the store on one side is filled with purses (the designer bags are toward the back). There are adorable clutches, cases filled with cute jewelry, and shoes sit atop the clothes racks, organized by size. My favorite feature of the shopping experience is the ease in which the store is organized. Clothes Mentor does the work for you- each section is organized by type of clothing, size, and then color. The BEST part?? There are separate sections for petites included right with each size. So, let's say you're looking for jeans. It's starts with the 0s, then 0 petite, then 2, the 2 petite, etc up to size 24. There are jackets/blazers, coats, suits, pants, jeans, skirts, dresses, all kinds of shirts, and even maternity! Scarves and activewear also have a small representation inside the store. The prices are extremely reasonable- most of the clothes ranged from $12-$16, with the exception of "designer" labels (Joe's Jean, Citizens of Humanity) that were upwards of $35. They had a ton of Coach bags, with the largest and prettiest (in my opinion), costing $100. Suits and blazers were around $28-$35. Shoes ranged from $14-$16- and they were in great condition. As soon as I walked in, I spotted the most adorable gray wool cropped jacket with a ruffled front. I immediately picked it up, tried it on in front of a mirror, and I was sold. The brand is Elevens, with which I am not familiar. The best thing is that I haven't seen a jacket like this one anywhere- so I am avoiding the whole "cookie cutter" look that sometimes happens when you shop at big chains. I picked out the gray jacket, a pair of black work pants from the Loft, a Limited sweater, a J. Crew button up shirt, and a pair of jeans. Because everything was easily accessible, it didn't take me long to find what I liked and head to the fitting room (a plus if you're in a bit of a hurry). Because Clothes Mentor only accepts clothes from the past 1-2 years, everything is fairly current and in good condition; however, I promised I would be brutally honest, so here's my one negative. After trying on the Loft jeans (which I LOVED), I noticed there was a tell-tale stain in the crotch. It was faded, but there. I'm guessing the buyer didn't notice the stain, and it looked like the pants had been washed a few times since. But that was a complete deal breaker for me; I've shopped every thrift store imaginable and I've even snagged a jacket off the "locker reject" pile at school, but I have never, ever bought a piece of clothing with an obvious blood stain. YUCK! I felt way too awkward to mention it to the workers, and maybe I should have, but I just put the pants on the no purchase rack. Anyway, to end on a positive note, I purchased the jacket (the pants were a definite maybe, but I decided to wait) for $28, and with my teacher discount it came to $25. I was thrilled, and I have a super cute jacket that no one else will have! Now for the "retail resale" section of my review. Clothes Mentor accepts gently worn clothing from brand name stores like Loft, J. Crew, Express, The Limited, and so forth. The clothes must be current (within 1-2 years old) and in good condition. When you bring in items, you get the entire spiel of their "retail resale" policy- in fact, I pretty much got the drift when she was about 1/2 way through. The bottom line: you will never be a millionaire selling clothes to Clothes Mentor. You get cash after they evaluate your items (it can take up to an hour, so be prepared) and use a computer program to generate a price (if you've ever been to Once Upon a Child or Plato's Closet, they're owned by the same parent company). I brought in a J. Crew Factory blazer from last winter that I realized was too large for me- after the return policy for J. Crew had expired. I made half-hearted attempts to sell the blazer on Craig's List and Ebay with no luck (probably because I asked too much). I paid over $100 for the blazer. I got $7.00 from Clothes Mentor. In all honestly, I should have said no thanks and continued my search to sell it for at least $25 or have it altered. But I just didn't feel like dealing with it, so I took my $7 and applied it toward the cost of my new jacket (I completely realize this was not a logical or financially sound decision, but I'm okay with that). I give Clothes Mentor an overall grade of A-. I will absolutely shop there again, and I will more than likely bring in my gently used clothes, although if you itemize your taxes and give to Goodwill, the receipts can actually be worth more come tax time. In retrospect, I wish I had told the associates about the stained jeans, and perhaps I will even call to kindly let them know, because it would have been easy to miss. The highlight of the store is its attractive displays and ease of shopping- it's obvious they edit their purchases to reflect what the modern woman wants to wear. The store had a lot of traffic from women of all ages- and that's what they want: to sell to post- Plato's Closet women all the way up to well, as long as you want to be stylish!
 Today's Look of the Day is about neutrals jazzed up with accessories.
The sweater is J. Crew Factory- lightweight merino wool (and with their sales and my teacher discount, it only cost me $30).
While both are work appropriate, there are a few differences.
The look on the left features black cropped pants (a staple in any woman's closet), and wedge sandals for those late summer days (substitute heels or booties when it's too cold for sandals). I anchored the look with gold jewelry- a faux leather/gold cuff bracelet I've had for years from Forever 21, and a chain link necklace from J. Crew Factory.
The look on the right is classic casual. First, I've paired denim-on-denim with a chambray shirt (you MUST own of these) and wide-leg trousers (these are a few years old from the Limited- purchased on clearance for only $12!). I layered the camel sweater over it, and to make the outfit pop, I've added leopard print loafers (extremely comfortable, purchased at Dillards 2 years ago for only $25) and a tortoise necklace and earrings that I got at the Van Heusen outlet for $8 combined. The shirt I also got on clearance at NY and Co for only $12 as well.
The main lesson to take from this look? Use what you already have in your closet. Don't have a chunky or beaded necklace? Try a cool scarf! Both of these outfits are extremely comfortable but still an upgrade from the basics.
While working on my fashion blog, I've been going through my closet and coordinating different looks that I think are stylish. After I've achieved a certain look, I take a photo using my tripod and timer. I got inspired to photograph my looks after looking at Pinterest, where I found a young lady who took a "selfie" photo of herself every single day for a year, showcasing her very stylish looks. In looking at photos of myself, I've discovered an extremely valuable tool- the mirror might lie, but the camera DOES NOT. Some of the outfits I always assumed were fashionable turned out to be ho hum. The biggest reason? FIT, FIT, FIT. So here are my suggestions for your own style journey and how to increase your fashion potential by cleaning out your closet (I recommend twice a year- March and August, as the seasons change).
1. Keep What Works What do I mean by "clean out your closet"? First of all, NEVER put a time limit on clothes, especially if they fit you well. I have a suit from the Limited that I purchased in 2003, and I still wear it to work. In fact, it's so comfortable, that some days I wear it as my "I'm too tired to care" look. I had a student one time laugh and say, "Ms. Kanehl, you're the only person I know who would wear a suit on a dress down day!" and it's true. But the suit FITS, and as long it continues to do so (and doesn't get moths), I will keep wearing it.
2. Donate What Doesn't So what SHOULD you toss? Anything that doesn't fit AND you don't want to tailor or cannot be tailored. For example, if you have a pair of pants that are too long, but otherwise fit great, consider having them hemmed if you can still wear them. I recently tried on two blazers, and when I saw the photos, I immediately realized the blazers were just too big, so instead of trying to make them work, I listed one of Ebay (we will see how that goes) and put one in the Goodwill pile. I also tried on my puffy vest. Now, for some reason, the puffy vest came back in style last year- and some versions are SUPER cute. Mine? Target, 10 years old, and apparently NOT so cute. When I saw the photo, I realized that my vest was way too shapeless, and I looked like a tissue box with zero figure. Because it was so old, I put it in the Goodwill pile. You should also get rid of anything that makes you feel less than fabulous. You know what I mean! Those pants that have always been a bit snug (manufacturing error, definitely not you)! The bulky, ugly sweater you're saving in case it snows (I have a puffy vest I can lend you instead!). Either way, if you feel less than fabulous, why keep it? Wear the clothes that make you smile, not the ones that make you want to cry.
3. Take Photos of Yourself It's scary, but it's honest. Grab any camera (not a cell phone), figure out how to use the timer, set it on a counter, and take pics. It might not be "America's Next Top Model," but you will get a good feel for how an outfit looks. Be prepared for a dose of reality, but you will feel better when you're done. Consider filing the pics in an easy accessible place, so that when you need fashion inspiration, you can quickly access them. Don't forget the accessories! How many of us have jewelry that we never wear? Don't let it sit around- pull it out, find an outfit for it, and get to work! (Alternate idea: ask your kid. They don't lie. I've avoided a few fashion errors when my daughter has told me the honest truth. On the flip side, she will be the first to tell me if an outfit looks good).
4. Give Yourself Plenty of Time When going through your closet, give yourself plenty of time (I would say 2-3 hours, first thing in the morning when you're fresh). Personally, if I'm going to try on clothes and take pics (remember, the camera doesn't lie), I go ahead and do my make-up.
5. Get inspired I am constantly perusing Pinterest, InStyle, People Style Watch, Lucky Magazine, and the J. Crew catalog for fashion inspiration. Often times, others will put together an outfit or color combination that I wouldn't have considered. Many times, I already own similar pieces to the ones featured, so it's not like I'm going out and purchasing new stuff. Just yesterday, I saw a Pinterest look that was based on a summer dress I own, but this look was styled for fall. I copied the look, took a pic (and got a compliment from my daughter in the process), and figured out a way to extend an $11 Gap Outlet dress into the fall that I would have normally packed away in a couple of weeks.
Good luck on your
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