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Back to School Sale Shopping

Julian Gold | Neiman Marcus | Old Navy | Zara | H&M | Nordstrom | Target | Tory Burch

It is that time of year again! Summer is winding down and everyone knows what comes next…the kids go back to school! 

Along with getting back into school routines {cannot come soon enough, honestly}, I also enjoy shopping all the back to school sales! 

Whether you are looking to save big on back to school items for the kiddos or if your goal is to get the best deals on summertime looks for yourself, I have gathered a few of my favorite sales:

For Back to School, Target is always my go-to. They always have the best prices on cute school gear and you can usually find some great discounts on wardrobe basics like t-shirts, shorts, jeans, etc. I know when my children were younger I always tried to get the best deals on clothing especially because they always seemed to outgrow their shoes and clothes faster that I could outfit them. 


Another great sale for back to school clothes is going on right now at Old Navy. Right now they are having a sale that is up to 60% off! So don’t delay and load up on all your essentials.

If are looking to save big on summer styles just for YOU, I have a ton of other recommendations! H&M and Zara are having MAJOR sales up  to 70% off! Run, don’t walk there, if you are needing items to take your work wardrobe up to the next level. On the local level, Julian Gold is having a sale on all of their summer merchandise! 

Next up is one of my favorites…Neiman Marcus featuring high fashion up to 75% off. I love the selection of shoes they have at the amazing prices! Tory Burch is also having a sale that is up to 70% off! If you have had your eye on a special handbag– now is the time to treat yourself. 

And last but not least… It is that time of year again!! The Nordstroms Sale is happening now, and boy do they have some of the BEST skin care and home-goods deals you will find all year! I know that sounds silly to think Nordstroms of all places for skincare and home-goods, but they by far have the best prices on candles and makeup during this sale. 


Now these are just a few of my favorite sales going on right now so if you know of any you think I should mention drop me a comment below!

Best, 

Jen

Summertime Office Attire

It’s June and that means things are heating up. Well outside at least… The same probably cannot be said for the temperature in the office. Dressing for your place of work in the summer can be difficult because temperatures are variable. I have pin-pointed three areas where you can still stand out in your summer office attire while dressing for the contrasting climate.

Three Key Items: Sleeveless Dresses, Strappy Sandals, and Flowy Skirts.


Sleeveless Dresses can be “tricky… tricky” (please read that like you are singing the song) because you want to be sure you are still professional without showing a little too much. The things to remember with summer dresses is you want to check the hemline and the neckline. Avoid deep plunging necklines and keep your skirt length to just above the knee. Tasteful necklines include scoop necks, slight v-necks, and the classic round neck. You can add in your personal style with patterns and fits!

Next on the workwear agenda is strappy sandals! Please start with a fresh pedicure for your weekend flip flops (hello Rose Gold Birkenstocks for all my Austin ladies!). So why not show off those piggies in the office. You can go for the super on trend ankle wrap sandal with the heel you prefer, or the open toe slide! Really, the options are endless for strappy sandals in the office.

Finally, a good go-to piece for summertime office wear is a flowy skirt. I stick to a lighter fabric that moves freely so that I won’t get too hot outside but have enough to keep me covered inside. I like to add my personal pizazz with either a bold print or accessory such as buttons or pleats!

Overall, dressing for summertime in the office is easy! You just need to identify your key items and go from there.

What do you consider summertime workwear essentials?

Leave me a comment below!

The Three Colors of Summer

I know I am not the only Austin-ite ready for summer. I am looking forward to spending days on Lake Travis, picnics at Zilker Park, and indulging over some patio dining. 

Call me crazy, but despite the heat, I think Texas is a great place to live in the summer months—Austin in particular. Given the diversity of the city and all it has to offer, I often explore the outdoors sporting my more casual fashion as a result embracing the laid-back lifestyle.

There are several trends highlighting “casual” play this season,  including my three favorite colors of summer 2019. 

1.} BEIGE – First up we celebrate our friend, Beige. Trend reports enlist “Down to Earth” shades as paramount, so I cannot think of a better color to represent this essential neutral palette. Monochromatic, beige on beige concepts or outfits including dominant earth tones are head to toe looks I personally adore!

2.} FUCHSIA – Next up we have the “Electric Avenue” trend which is all.about.neon! If I have to pick my favorite eye catching color, I am going to have to say, “Neon fuchsia!” I am not afraid of a bold pop of color and have loved pink since I can remember. Fuchsia is a great choice for ladies who are not afraid to stand out in a crowd and take charge. This color is also great for all my Winter Tone ladies out there!

3.} LEOPARD – Finally, we have the “Wild Side” trend. I am going to be completely honest here…I LOVE LEOPARD print. I wear this “trend turned neutral” year round as this print is one of my favorite ways to add a little spice to any outfit. I don’t necessarily recommend a full head-to-toe leopard print ensemble but a subtle printed scarf or fun shoes can take your outfit to the next level. 

Now that I have bragged on my three favorite colors for summer 2019, what are your faves? Is there any colors you adore that aren’t on my list?

Comment below and let’s chat about it. 

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young 

Forever Styled Is Back!

I’ve said it a time or two… And like us all, every once-in-a-while life just seems to get in the way. While I have still been taking clients and doing my styling thing on the side, it has maybe become clear to some of you that I have been a bit MIA on the cyber front.

Some of you know, I began a full time job with Pitney Bowes as a Sales Development Rep back in January which had to take front and center to stabilize my family life. I will say I have missed pursuing my passion for fashion so hopefully reengaging in the industry on a part-time basis will restore my soul.

All this to say… I’m back!!

That’s right, friends—I’m ready to kick the styling into high gear. Not only is my website up and running at new speeds (and a new design), but I am back to taking in-person styling appointments on weekends and virtual styling appointments on week nights.

Just a reminder of a few of the things you can do with Forever Styled:

Closet Assessment & Inventory: We take a look at your closet together, see what you have, and then make some choices. When we are done, opening your closet will bring you peace. As we move into a new season, this is the perfect time for a Spring Overhaul or a refresh if you have worked with me in the past. Adding items like the ones below might be just what’s missing from your closet:

Forever Styled can be the one to help you determine what is and what is not needed! 

Personal Shopping: We can lend a hand while you fill in your wardrobe gaps or we can do all the work for you. It’s that simple.

Virtual & Photography Styling: From styling your family portraits to keeping your wardrobe inventoried, Forever Styled offers an array of virtual styling options.

Travel Packing Consulting: Packing is an art form. We help you effectively pack and teach you key skills that will allow you to travel worry-free.

Speaking Engagements & Events: Whether you need a seasoned speaker for your event, a consignment store strategist, or a closet stylist, we can help.    

So, if you are looking for a wardrobe re-fresh, or just an excuse to get back on the styling train with me, email for your next appointment: jen@foreverstyled.com.

Stay Stylish,

Jen Young

Fashion Emergency Kit: Holiday Edition

Can you believe it’s that time of year again? ’Tis the seasonwhere you are full of holiday cheer {or not!} and your planner is full ofparties to attend and an endless shopping list to pursue.
But do I have the perfect gift solution for you~
Have you ever experienced a wardrobe malfunction at one of yourholiday events and just really needed a fashion emergency kit?
See if this scenario sounds familiar. You are at a Christmasparty with your boss and their cousin’s friend is just the person you have beenwanting to meet to secure a new client and you must make a powerful first impression. BUT youjust ran into a doorframe and ripped the very dress you bought to “wow” thisperson. You are panicking and do not have time to go home and change.
Well fear not, you brought your fashion emergency kit so there isno need to fear. All you need to do is whip out your mini sewing kit and patchthat baby right up. Then go out there and make your dreams come true!
So now that we have been over this super hypothetical situation,let’s talk about what goesinside this fashion emergency kit.

FASHION TAPE  |  ROLL BRUSH  |  SEWING KIT  |  SHOE PETALS  |  MINTS  |  FUR BALLS  |  SOLE SERUM  |  TIDE TO GO  |  JON HART

Here’s what youneed to grab:
1. Fashion Tape (link here!)
2. Mini Roll Brush (I love this one! It comes in the cutest colors!)
3. Mini Sewing Kit (Check out this fun one from Overstock! I love it because it has all thetools you need—even for first time sewers!)
4. Shoe Petals (This is my FAVE)
5. Breath mints (not really for fashion but you will thank me)
6. Sweater Stone {to remove those dreaded fur balls on your garments} 7. Sole Serum: For those achy feet. Instant painreliever for high heels and more.
8. Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover! Touch up yourspots in a jiffy.
All you’ll needto do is gather all the things and put them in your favorite pouch (I love my Jon Hart Grande).No need to carry it with you…just leave it in your car!
I hope this fashion kit helps to make your holiday season evenmore bright and merry! Consider bringing this fun curation to your next giftexchange or reserve it for your fashion conscious friend.
And for more holiday fun, take a look at my pajama gift guidethrough the SHOP TABon my website!
Stylishly Yours This Holiday Season.

It’s Fall Y’all!

Move out of the way Spring Cleaning there’s a new kid on the block and it’s the Fall Closet Clean Out. Why save the big clean for the spring? Your wardrobe changes with the leaves so should your closet.

Have you ever looked at your closet and felt completely overwhelmed? Have you ever struggled to pick an outfit even though you feel like you have so many pieces of clothing? If you answered yes to any of these questions I have a solution for you.

I offer three specific closet clean out services to help with your dressing woes.

All of these services include a body evaluation so that we can go through your current closet and handpick items that work best for you. I will also do a closet inventory to help you create a log of all of your current clothes so that you have a “refresher” sheet to jog your memory anytime you are struggling with a look.

 

So lets take a closer look at each of the individual services.

 

The Seasonal Closet Clean Out:

  • body type assessment {3 simple measurements to determine your shape}

  • seasonal analysis/inventory of your spring/summer or fall/winter wardrobe essentials based on your specific body type

  • sorting items that need to be altered, donated, or consigned and organizing what’s left

  • customized “Style File” including tips for your body type, your wardrobe essentials checklist, and additional trends and style tips including Forever Styled’s local favorites list of resources and retailers

 

The Ultimate Closet Facelift:

  • body type assessment {3 simple measurements to determine your shape}

  • complete analysis/inventory of your entire wardrobe based on your specific body type

  • sorting items that need to be altered, donated, or consigned

  • re-organization of your closet/wardrobe and upgrading hangers {cost of the hangers not included}

  • customized “Style File” hyperlinked with items to shop including tips for dressing your body type, your wardrobe essentials inventory checklist, and additional trends and style tips including Forever Styled’s local favorites list of resources and retailers

 

The VIP Elite Concierge Status:

  • you customize the amount of time you would like to pre-purchase at a reduced rate

exclusive invitations to bi-annual VIP parties and other seasonal events with high-end collaborative partners

  • shopping discounts from collaborative partners

  • special Style Party hosting incentives {host a party and receive 50% off a gift package/service of your choice}

  • receive benefits from a unique client referral program

This concierge experience can be tailored to your budget.

 

You can inquire about any of these services in the comments below or in the “What We Do” tab. Happy Fall (Closet Clean Out) Y’all!

 

Summer Dressing

When it comes to summer, you have to think about more than just fashion. I do not know about y’all, but here in Texas it gets hot… I mean like HOT.  So when dressing for those scorching months it is about managing style while trying to hide sweat marks.

One of my favorite outfit options in the summer time is, drumroll please, The Summer Dress! I know, I know, what a predictable idea, but really it is the best option. When going with a Summer Dress you can always find a fit that is flattering for any body type and you can play them up or down with accessories. (Bonus: Summer dresses can double as special event dresses – simply swap out accessories to match the occasion!)

Summer Dresses:

   

 

Here are my suggestions for switching up the summer dress: You can layer on jewelry, or add pops of color with bold shoes without adding layers of clothing that can be extremely hot.

Jewelry:

   

 

Shoes:

   

 

Another look I love for summer is the two-piece set. You can find two-piece sets in fun prints and different cuts, which helps to make them wearable for an occasion. The are particularly great for String Bean body types!

 

Two-Piece Sets: 

   

 

One last thing to complete your summer look: Sunglasses! Sunnies are not only a fun way to jazz up your look, but they also protect your eyes against harmful UV rays and add some polarization to block out pesky glares from Texas heat mirages!

 

Glasses:

   

 

 

Stay cool and cute, my friends!

Jen Young

SXSW Style Made Glam

GLASSES  |  JACKET  |  EARRINGS  |  JEANS  |  BOOTS  |  SHIRT

SXSW Style Close Up

JACKET  |  EARRINGS  |   SHIRT

 

SXSW Style Glasses

I wish I was this cool. Pouty Face!

GLASSES  |  JACKET  |  EARRINGS  |  JEANS  |  BOOTS  |  SHIRT

 

SXSW Style Jacket

JACKET  |  EARRINGS  |  SHIRT

 

SXSW Style Details

GLASSES  |  JACKET  |  EARRINGS

 

South By South West is here and with it comes SXSW Style! Every year, for two weeks, our city is covered in interactive badges and people from all over. With this crowd comes a whole new truckload of FASHION. So while I love seeing what other cities have to offer when it comes to dress, there is something about staying a little Austin Weird that I can’t help but sport.

 

Welcome to my version of SXSW Glam!

 

I’ve paired a light weight shaggy fur jacket with a camo button-down and jeans. This partnership helps balance out the frill of the jacket and keeps the look more modern. Matched with over-the-knee boots to keep in line with this odd weather we have been experiencing and you are ready for a day at the film festival or by night stalking new bands! I finished my look with a blush statement earring and sunnies that could turn a billion heads.

 

Something to note is that when choosing an outfit with a subtle mix of pop and flair, it is best to keep in mind the balance to get your SXSW Style right. Having the sunglasses and jacket be over-the-top works because I am lessening the effect with the more neutral shades in the top and boots.

 

OTHER OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS:

       

SHOP HERE                              SHOP HERE                               SHOP HERE

 

OTHER STATEMENT GLASSES:

       

SHOP HERE                             SHOP HERE                              SHOP HERE

 

So have fun, and have flare while rocking the streets of our SXSW filled city!

 

 

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

The Secret To Modern Career Wear

When it comes to career wear I think of one of two things: “I don’t want to wear pantyhose and an oversized suit skirt” or “It’s time to get certified in yoga, so I can wear stretchy pants and tanks forever.”

Either way, it’s difficult to get excited about career wear. From women who remember the days those shoulder padded suits {I am dating myself} were actually IN, to young ladies trying to make their college party wardrobe work for their new 9 to 5, dressing for a job can be hard. I have been grateful to work in the world of fashion where my relaxed jeans and on trend sneakers don’t have CEO’s turning their heads. But I have also been in your shoes too, ladies, and I know the challenges that come with it!

So how do you dress for success without sticking out like a sore thumb?

Well my fashion friends, let me spill a secret of my own: Think Smart! Plan ahead, and be ready from day to night!

LOOK FOR DAY

 

NECKLACE (ALTERNATIVE)  |  SHIRT (ALTERNATIVE)  |  PURSE  |  JEANS  |  SHOES  |  JACKET

Career Wear Up Close

NECKLACE (ALTERNATIVE)  |  SHIRT (ALTERNATIVE)   |  PURSE  |  JEANS  |  JACKET

 

LOOK FOR BOTH

Career Wear Shoes

JEANS  |  SHOES (LEFT / RIGHT ALTERNATIVE)

 

LOOK FOR NIGHT
Career Wear Night Full

NECKLACE  |  SHIRT (ALTERNATIVE)   |  PURSE  |  JEANS  |  SHOES (ALTERNATIVE)  |  SUNGLASSES

Career Wear Up Close

NECKLACE (ALTERNATIVE)  |  SHIRT (ALTERNATIVE)   |  PURSE  |  POLISH

 

That is really all there is to it! We carry monster sized bags with everything under the sun for our kids, but can’t take a moment to plan for ourselves. Thinking smart can be easy if you just try! Show up well {see a little tip from last week’s blog} remember your style, and embrace the fact that we live in a world where dressing from day to night at work is socially acceptable ((with exceptions))! If you work for a more relaxed professional environment like a tech company or a startup, you might have the option of going a little more casual in your dress. My suggestion is to always go with dark jeans so they look a little more like work pants. And still make sure your toes and shoulders are covered.

 

And here are just a few other tips to remember on you modern career wear journey:

             

TOP                                                  TOP                                        TOP

  1. Re-Purpose Tanks 

First things FIRST… When I say tanks, I do not mean your workout tops or your undershirts. I mean fresh, silk or cotton blend tank tops that can be styled multiple ways or those you wear when trying to escape the summer heat in Texas (Option 1 / Option 2 / Option 3). These tops can be worn under a blazer or jacket, paired with and tucked into a skirt, or even with a long sleeve top underneath to become work appropriate.

 

      

TOP                                                   DRESS                               JACKET

2. Keep Color In Mind 

Adding color is a great way to modernize your career wear. Know what colors are on trend for the season and don’t be afraid to pile on the layers! Emerald green is huge this year, so having a dress with a slightly darker toned jacket to throw on-top is the perfect way to make this trend all your own.

 

      

 SKIRT                                        JACKET                                      SKIRT

3.Update Your Skirt & Jacket Look

But what if we changed things up a bit? Try a more flowing skirt or one with volume and add a cropped jacket to the mix with a tunic top layered underneath. You are still following the dress code, and having fun while doing so!

 

In our modern work wear world, remember there are still some companies that mean BUSINESS when it comes to dress. It’s not always appropriate to go more casual, but for the most part, this is the new norm in offices! 

 

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

 

 

 

Showing up Well

As the third installation of our “We asked you answered” series, we are going to talk about the importance of showing up well!

Now, what exactly does that mean?

I say it’s putting your best foot forward and being ready with your intension set to take on the world for an interview, presentation, networking event, carpool line or whatever situation you might encounter!

When it comes to showing up well, here are the rules I strongly suggest:

 

1. Proper Grooming

Dare I say it… Good basic hygiene and proper grooming is crucial as you assert your first impression. Taking one last look in the mirror before making your exit in the morning is a BIG deal! Please run a brush through your hair, keep mints in your bag, check your teeth for spinach and pluck your lingering nose hairs.  Another little trick to consider is to keep a travel-size perfume bottle and powder compact in your car for last minute touchups. Neutrogena Makeup Wipes also do the trick for shirt stains and sweaty face blotting. Manicured nails also suggest you care about the details of your life. If you struggle with nail biting, consider a good top-coat that is nasty to taste. Bitten to the quick nail beds infer you are stressed out and lack self-control. Never let these simple details get in the way of your success and declaring your confident visual voice.

 

2. Dressing for the Occasion

Ever arrive at a party or work event and immediately wish you would have asked your friend what he/she was wearing beforehand? Dressing for the occasion is a key part to showing up well. Going to a job interview in a tight mini-skirt and tank top isn’t okay, just like going on a first date in an all white evening gown might send the wrong signals. As professional women, or perhaps you are re-entering the workforce, it might be hard to know just what is acceptable. If you are questioning your top, wear a jacket. Keep your shoulders covered and be mindful of your hemlines. If you want to give off a little spark of power, wear a fashionable pair of pants with a strong colorful top. Elongate your legs with the perfect pump and remember to hold your shoulders back with an upright posture.

 

3. Doing your Homework

This tip is meant for those showing up to a job interview, but can easily be used for all walks of life. It’s like when I try to help my kids with their math homework. Is anyone else lost 50% of the time?? When it comes to being interviewed, starting a new position,or walking into a new social situation– you should be prepared. Beyond knowing what to wear, you should also do the research on the background of the company with whom you are interviewing  and have thought through why you want to be a part of their team. Make sure your wardrobe matches the integrity of the audience you will meet in the office and beyond.

 

So before you go… Stop. Check. And Show Up Well!

 

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young