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

A Trip into Virtual Styling with Forever Styled

A Trip into Virtual Styling with Forever Styled

 

With Fall in full swing (hello low of 40’s this weekend!!), we want to discuss with you a little something called Fall transition fashion. Dressing can be a tough thing on its own. But now throw in a morning breeze followed by an afternoon sweat, and you are just asking for a mess!

There is a solution to your daily dressing woes. As you may ((or may not)) know, Forever Styled offers Virtual Styling services that are customized just for you. It is okay to admit you have trouble getting dressed, dont know how to use your own clothes, or are sometimes so busy and caught up in the day-to-day rumble of life that you neglect your wardrobe and your look.

Here is a little peep at the Virtual Styling services:

Shopping Service Options

1) A one-time fee for 12 outfits

2) 12 outfits each month for 3 months

3) 12 outfits each month for 6 months

To begin, Forever Styled charges a $50 one-time on-boarding fee. Which then will allow me time to assess and familiarize myself with your closet. It is important to note: we do not charge the fee if I virtually inventory your closet for you. And if the task of inventorying your own closet makes you shake… No worries! I can come to come to your home and do it for you at an additional cost.

As an example, here is a taste of what a full outfit board will look like once we combine a head to toe looks for you!

 

REQUEST THIS SERVICE

To conclude, if you have any questions about the Virtual Styling Services just ask! Please always feel free to reach out and a member of the Forever Styled Team will happily answer any questions you may have!

Stylishly yours,

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

Closet Cleanout: The Final Touch

 

Our closet journey is sadly coming to an end with all the final touches, and BOY was it something! I can now say going into my closet doesn’t come with a cringe or a wrinkle of the nose. I am truly excited “get my clothes on” in my little oasis. Now, like most things in life, it isn’t perfect. Of course, I would love a center island for my undergarments and jewelry. Or a new light fixture on the ceiling… But those cost money, and like so many people I work with, renovating on a budget is preferred.

Instead of dwelling on the lack of built-in storage or the make shift shoe holders, I choose to see only the positive. When comparing my closet to my life over the past few years, I think I am finally BACK! In a very pure and powerful moment, looking at the coordinating hangers and nicely folded scarves, I noticed that the disheveled mess that started is now put back together.

 

See, here is the thing–this past year has been no walk in the park for me. Moving into my new home and new life consisted of throwing shoes in the bath tub and praying for a Hail Mary pass. This was my reality:

 

 

As time went on I knew I had to pick myself up and get things back to normal, or as normal as possible. So I took on a little bit of change one day at a time. As you can see, my closet became bearable but with small imperfections. The hangers were mismatched {but felt no doubt since wire is from the devil}, and the items not coordinated to my liking. But they were in. And I could open the door without hitting boxes. So life went on.

 

 

It wasn’t until this past month when I took on a full overhaul that I realized just how much my closet was like my life. In true Jen fashion, after a day of running around, picking up kids and forcing a dinner into place, I jumped into this closet like it was my job (because it kind of is!). I forged through, sorted things out, and got creative. Every shoe put in place was a cleanse for my soul. I even managed to purge three garbage sacks for consignment! Hooray!

 

 

And just like my life, all the pieces might not be perfect, but they are back together again.

 

Thank you all for going on this journey with me, I would be honored to help you do the same! If you are interested in picking up your closet pieces, feel free to email me: jen@foreverstyled.com

 

 

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

Outfit Inspiration – New Years Eve

 

DRESS (Alternative Option)  |  CLUTCH  |  SHOES

EARRINGS  |  DRESS (Alternative Option)  |  CLUTCH  |  SHOES

CLUTCH  |  EARRINGS  |  SHOES

EARRINGS  |  DRESS (Alternative Option)  |  CLUTCH  |  SHOES

DRESS (Alternative Option)  |  EARRINGS  |  CLUTCH  |  SHOES

 

New Years Eve is just around the corner and, with tons of deliberation, I’m ready! Unlike when you are in your early twenties, dressing for New Year’s Eve tasks on a new meaning in life as a mother. I want to look fun, but not in the way I did back then. Finding a balance between being a big sparkling ball of wonder and looking like a lady of the night is always difficult, so here is what I’ve settled on:

By keeping the glitz and glam away from the main attraction (my dress) and letting it settle on the accessories, you can give off a more sophisticated look on New Years Eve. I also like to move away from the expected on New Year’s Eve. Instead of doing loads of sparkle or sequins until you can’t see straight, go for something a little more subtle, like leather. It still gives a shine but keeps your outfit on the calm side. I am also mindful to keep plunging necklines at bay.

I added my pops of flair in the shoes, using “blush” as my accent color with feathers as a fun touch. Oh, and news flash ladies… These heels are a dream for your feet! Sole Society has a fabulous reputation combining affordability and comfort. This is a must on New Years Eve as we all end up walking way more than expected. And I  of course rounded out my outfit with a handy-dandy clutch! Leave your oversized bags at home please.

Finding the right bag can some times be tough. How much do you really want to carry verses how much you NEED to carry is always the question. This mid-sized bag is great for hauling the essentials. The added gun-metal sheen helps pump up my look just a little more too!

Hope these holiday tips and tricks inspire the confidence you need to look and feel fabulous !

Cheers to a beautiful New Year in 2018!

Jen Young

How To Wear A Hem

 

When it comes to jeans most of us know the basics: Length, shade, rise and in-seam. Did you know there is something more to the fit of a jean though? Something that has nothing to do with the denim pants themselves??

 

The deciding factor of pants being a do or a don’t resides in the shoe. That’s right ladies! Shoes once again are the thing that matters most.

 

Ever put on a pant and thought to yourself, “These just don’t look right…”? You’ve worn them a million times before and never had a problem. It is the holidays and all, but you got them buttoned so it isn’t your waistline being the problem.

 

Even if the fit is just right, wearing the wrong shoe with an ill matched hem line can make all the difference in an outfit. Here are a few of my fashion do’s when it comes to hem line / shoes type matches:

 

Hem Frayed

JEAN  |  SHOE

 

Frayed Hem & Heel: The jean that started it all. I recently purchased a pair of frayed jeans like the ones in the photo above. Upon trying them on I had a long conversation with all the sales reps about why they didn’t look just right (but were still something I HAD to buy). They informed me that swapping my flats out for a higher heel would do the trick.

Sure enough, all I needed was to balance the frayed edges with a little pop of height.

 

Hem Cropped

JEAN  |  SHOE

  

Cropped Hem & A Strap: I am honestly not the biggest fan of a cropped hem. Maybe it is PTSD from my pedal pusher days, or perhaps just something I don’t think looks right. Though, if you are going to do a cropped hem jean, the way to do it is by breaking up the lines with more lines!

Pair with a strappy heel to keep the eye going in the right direction.

 

 

Hem Flare

JEAN  |  SHOE

 

Flare Legged Hem & Platform: When it comes to flare legged jeans, the whole point is to elongate. My rule of thumb is to keep the length going as long as you can. Max out on the height with a pair of platform heels or booties.

Stay away from flatter shoes or a lesser heel, it usually gives off a stumpy look.

 

 

Hem Skinny

JEAN  |  SHOE

 

Skinny Leg Hem & Flat: Not so much that it is how you have to wear them, but how you get to wear them! Skinny legged jeans are on the list of those which can be dawned with flats. Since the tailored leg allows for a slender path, it is great for making into a more casual look with a flat.

 

Hem Cuff

JEAN  | SHOE

 

Cuffed Jean & Bootie: A cuff of some sort is always in style. May the cuffs of your jeans be skinny and rolled like the ones shown above, or thick and singular how they are being worm now. The problem with a cuffed jean is that they can easily cut your height in half. The harsh stop often times becomes a distraction, and when not paired with the right shoe can be detrimental (not to be dramatic) to an outfit.

I always suggest wearing a bootie of some sort. It keeps in line with the cut of the cuff but still gives an elongated look when turned to the side.

 

 

So before the next time you slap on a pair of jeans and shoes, take a moment to think, what would your little jean angel do?

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

 

Holiday Highlight – Haute Exchange

consignment

 

It’s holiday highlight time again for my favorite stores in the greater Austin area and this one goes out to my lovely friend, Natalie Thorp, Owner of Haute Exchange. Not only do I love shopping her consignment finds, it is a reliable resource for me and my clients.

 

Consignment is a thoughtful way to get a little cash back for your gently worm items and make room for something new. Working with Natalie and her team makes it easier than ever. The staff at Haute Exchange is kind, organized, and helps you re-home the old and welcome the new!

 

Even more than being the perfect resource for your closet, re-selling your consignment potentials also helps the environment.

 

Here are a few words with Natalie on why that is true and how her business owning dreams came true:

 

 

JY – Tell us the background of how Haute Exchange can to be and why you chose to work in the consignment industry instead of classic retail?  

 

NT – I’ve been consigning and purchasing consignment clothes since I was 16 years old. I was raised in Temple, Texas and there was a consignment shop that I thought was a great business model.  My husband is an entrepreneur and this was his idea to start the business in Dripping Springs.   But most of all… I am a recycler.  I am also a treasure hunter. This business keeps my interest.

 

JY – Please explain why recycled clothing is so important to the environment?  

 

NT – Textiles are toxic when buried in our landfills.  In 2013, Americans recycled some 2.3 million tons of textile waste. That brought a reduction in greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 1.2 million cars off the road for an entire year.  Would you throw a car away when you’re done with it?  Used car sales brought about consignment for clothing. We want you to consider consignment as an option for all your clothing. We spend so much on our attire it is a wonderful option to get some of your investment back from unwanted items.

 

consignment kate spade

consignment coach

 

JY – What are a few tips you have for shoppers over the holidays? 

 

NY – Shop local. Don’t buy at full price. Always consider consignment as an option to the mall.  Also consider vintage clothing for a change.  You can find wonderful vintage coats, jewelry, and purses especially.

 

JY – What does your store specialize in?  

 

NT – We sometimes take clothes that are brand new. People order off the Internet and decide that’s not what they wanted or perhaps it didn’t fit properly. There are so many options in buying clothing at a consignment shop. We may have that suede fringe jacket you’ve been wanting for less than half the retail price. It’s really the thrill of the hunt, the treasure hunt!  If you get it in your blood it doesn’t stop.

 

We have a 3 generation concept.  You could bring in your teenage daughter or your mom.  We have brands for everyone at any age.  Most of all we inspect the garment completely, so you know you are getting quality pieces without snags, loose buttons, etc.  We never want you to pay full price for your fashion.  Most of all if you purchase something with regret you now have a chance to make some of your hard earned money back!  We accept consignments daily!

 

When you shop here…You will start to look for that unique thing that nobody else has or something you can’t buy any longer.  We may have it here!  And that’s what we seek out at Haute Exchange. We want one of a kind, unusual, very attractive items in our shop. Will also take all the Chico tops that you have too!  Ha!

consignment Ralph Laurenconsignment shoes

consignment Michael kors

 

JY – What other things would you like potential customers to know? 

 

NT – We are here for the Dripping Springs community to repurpose their clothing. I just want to foster those ideas in the community that some things are meant to be reused and that it’s ok for you to shop resale.  Our shop is clean and neat.  We have the best consigners, the best brands and our clothing is top notch.

 

 

For those looking to consign, here is our extended preferred vendor:

 

    

    

 

 

Happy and Peace-filled Shopping to each of you this Holiday Season.

 

Jen Young