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

Completing an Outfit with Accessories

Ever been stuck in a dressing rut? It might be shocking to hear coming from a stylist’s lips, but I feel ya! That is right friends, I sometimes have just as much trouble pulling polished and complete looks out of my own closet ((even if it is newly cleaned and organized). So what do I do when it comes to getting over the fashion hump?? I steer clear of boring basics and go straight for the finishing touches! I hit the accessories hard and get creative with what once felt dull.

 

Here are my top tips using accessories to turn your style frown upside-down:

 

HATS

A great way to spice up your jeans, tees or simple denim jacket is by throwing on a hat. You can make it fancy, or keep it simple, like this floppy felt brim option. Either way you turn it, hats are a great way to add that extra “oomph” that ties everything together from head to toe. Oh, and did I mention hats cover up your overdue for a shampoo hair?? Don’t make a face! We’ve all be there one time or another…

 

 

GLASSES

Sunnies cover up a long night and an early morning. I also like to think that my final look in the mirror after leaving the house is more complete with matching sunglasses. The nice thing about a good pair of shades as a finishing accessory is that you can have one simple pair that works for most every look. My rose gold aviator ray bans are my favorite.

 

 

 

JACKETS

Jackets used as accessories are an uncommon twist on what is so traditional. So I ask you to step outside your usual fashion box, and work with me. Look past the functional aspect of a jacket. Yes, they are there to keep you warm…But what if you simply throw it over your shoulders and wear it like a cape? Or even better, take a denim jacket and wrap it around your waist? Jackets can also be a way to add color or pattern to your wardrobe.

 

 

 

 

 

BAGS

Purses are the perfect way to complete and transform an outfit. No one can afford to buy something new to wear for each day of the year, or if you can, I would LOVE a peek inside your closet. For us normal folks though, finding ways to reuse clothing and revamp items is key. I find throwing a different bag with a staple piece is perfect for jazzing up its basic purpose. Clutches for evening wear are preferred. A unique classic professional tote for work is also appropriate.

 

 

JEWELRY

The most obvious ((and maybe best?)) of them all! Jewelry is great when left simple or layered to perfection. I encourage clients to mix metals, use vintage with new, and go bold when it comes to this accessory. Make any dress or shirt look refined and fresh with a statement necklace, or turn up the arm candy party by layering tons of bangles with your daily watch. And NEVER forger the power of a bold earring! Be cautious, however, of adding too much bling if you are planning to speak to an audience with a headset or present to camera. Those larger pieces can often interfere with your first impression !

 

I hope these tips give you greater style confidence ! Please do share how you plan to integrate these styling ideas into your wardrobe this week, loves!

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

Staying True to Yourself Through Style

This is the first of my SEVEN part blog series from all the topics you (my wonderful readership) voted to learn more about! So thank you for sharing your opinion.

And away we go….

Today we will focus on a relevant topic for many of the clients and one I have wrestled with in my own life: Staying True to Yourself through Authentic Style.

Seems easy right ?… And sometimes not so much.

First off, there is that big black hole called TRENDS, which so many of us fall victim to but shouldn’t given our body type or limited budget. Or there is the fact that you could have a full sleeve of tattoos but work in a professional field that does not accept them. And then there is the reality that most days it is easier to throw on workout clothes {God forbid yoga pants with your rear exposed} instead of actually thoughtfully dressing. Let’s also just own the fact that you haven’t gone to the gym in 3 years anyway so spandex really isn’t for you.

Though I could take on this topic for days, I will spare you some of my chatter and instead give you my top 5 ways to stay true to your authentic style in any environment.

 

1. Find Your Pop and Stick With It: By pop, I mean your style thing. Is it that you collect out-of-this-world shoes or love to tie scarves in your hair? Know your thing and do it as often as possible! I personally include a touch of “leopard” or animal print with most of my outfits to remind myself that I am a lioness arising. Mic Drop.

2. Turn Quirks Into Accessories:  If you are someone who is needing to cover up something that is special to you, like tattoos or piercings, consider them an accessory. Take into consideration buying items with brighter colors or bold patterns to mimic the beauty of your bodywork. And if you have to cover up those gems at work or hide your brightly colored hair due to dress codes…let your beauty erupt on your days off. Own it. And remind yourself that while we sometimes have to conform to get our jobs done, that doesn’t mean we cannot express ourselves when appropriate.

3. Notice A Rut Before It Is Too Late: Let’s face it..bad pants do happen to good peopleI think one of the biggest killers to personal style is the thing we never see coming. Ruts happen, like buying the same top in multiple colors or collecting 25 pairs of khakis as if preparing to work at Target because they are comfortable. But thank God there is something you can do about it.  Start by recognizing you have a problem first. {Wink.} When you regularly trade those cute skirts and dresses for yoga pants and oversized college t-shirts–you need to hug a friend or call me and abruptly steer clear of losing your style {and self -worth} in a sea of unflattering nylon and cotton. Redirect your rut with intension so you can be free. Um. Now.

4. Define Your Style Words and Live by Them: The first time I work with my clients, I walk through a discovery process to identify key words that define each person’s visual voice. These words often evolve over time based on life circumstances and seasons of life.  My own style words happen to all start with the letter A: Approachable, Appropriate, Authentic. Begin jotting down key phrases that you want others to say about you. Ask friends how they would describe you? Create a vision board of images that inspire your style to get your creative juices flowing. You will see patterns emerge that point you to the right words that express the impression you want to make. Let these words be your guide so you stay true to your authentic style.

5. Trends Aren’t a Have-To: I started this blog by saying that being a slave to the trends can be a slippery slope into a bottom-less pit. When cropped flared jeans surfaced last year, I was like, “WHAT?” Ain’t nobody should climb on that bandwagon..but that is just me. While the runway can talk for us, we should honor the fact that most of the world isn’t accessorized by Tom Ford. I am hopeful this 5’5″, 135 pound frame might someday mirror the likes of Behati Prinsloo…but I reserve those thoughts for my dreams. Know your shape and dress to your assets no matter the trends. I am here to help if you need wise council on that topic.  #goturback

 

Remember, style is something we all have inside, and something that is unique for each one of us. Stick to yours and watch yourself shine!

Oscar De La Renta said, “Fashion is a trend. Style lives within a person.”

And thank you Coco Chanel for saying it best, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

Galentine’s Day By Forever Styled!

Party Bundle | Wine Glasses | Cookies | LOVE Clutch | Pajamas

 

February is a time of love, and what better way to share it than with the gals in your life?? I’m not saying you have to block off February 14th for a Girl’s Only day… But take a night or a weekend and celebrate Valentine’s with the ladies who lift you up!

 

Go to a hotel or even better, send the kids to grandmas and have the sleepover at your own home. And when you have this awesome night of girl talk and sweet fun, here are a few of my favorite things that MUST be present:

 

FOR THE LOVE OF WINE: What better way to start the party than with a cute decanter and matching glasses?? Have more than 4 friends? Simply add in plain stemless wine glasses to fill in the gaps. And using a deep red makes for a great splash if Valentines Day color in your party place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DESSERTS FOR THE WIN: We all have a little sweet tooth when we get to the bottom of it. These cookies in a can are not only delicious, but great for bringing to a destination. It is an easy way to not show up empty handed and also a good idea for a late night bite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARTY BUNDLE: There is no better party in a box for your Galentine’s celebration that this Meri Meri bundle! Especially for those doing their party at home, this has all the paper wear, sweet accessories, and favors you gals would ever need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRETTY IN PINK PAJAMAS: We all want our best foot forward when it comes to looking adorable for group photos. Keep the cute going all night with a romper set for sleeping. If you are like me and enjoy a coordinating these, tell the gals to all grab something pink or red for night attire!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE SIGNATURE LEAVE BEHIND: Something I always like to do is leave a little something once I’m gone. These clutches are an amazing party favor for the ladies you love, and something that you can all rock year round! It will remind them of your love and give them a cute new evening bags for their future girls-night-out’s!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And for any final ideas, both for your Galentine’s and the guys in your life, see my

 

UNDER $100: foreverstyled.com/under-100/

HER: foreverstyled.com/for-her/

HIM: foreverstyled.com/for-him/

THE FAMILY: foreverstyled.com/for-the-family/

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young