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WORKING WOMEN AND THEIR WARDROBE

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Working Women's Wardrobe

 

October is a month of celebration. It’s the start of Fall, the beginning of the holiday season, and a month full of great causes like Breast Cancer Awareness. Considering all the greatness that October holds, I want to add to the fun! This month I will be focusing on working women entrepreneurs and their inspiring attitudes towards business and life!

 

I usually don’t limit my styling ideas to a capsule wardrobe… But when it comes to being a busy working woman, sometimes simple and fool-proof is necessary. So instead of saying my entrepreneur ladies need to stick to a 30-something piece wardrobe, I want to show you a few key pieces from each category I think help the working professional’s life go round!

 

OXFORD  |  TANK TOP  |  DENIM  |  TEE SHIRT

 

Talking about tops can really only lead to one thing… or in this case four! Every woman needs a white oxford in her wardrobe that she can pair with any pant or skirt. Add in a denim for a more casual look or to mix up your slack game, and end with the best two basics, a tee and a tank, for the PERFECT combination.

 

BLAZER  |  DENIM  |  LEATHER  |  CARDIGAN

 

Though I do live in Texas, I find a great need for outerwear. It is good for mixing up an outfit and ideal for going from meeting to meeting as a busy professional. Add a little spunk to your wardrobe with an embroidered leather jacket or a longer cardigan!

 

TEE SHIRT  |  PROFESSIONAL  |  CASUAL  |  COCKTAIL

 

Dresses are a great way to create an outfit without having to do too much thinking and compiling. I love a basic tee-shirt dress paired with heels or something a little more frilly like this lace number for your dinner meetings. As a working woman running her own business there is no telling where my day-to-day will start or finish. Having these classic options with such a wide range is key to your style success.

 

JEANS  |  SKINNY LEG  |  WIDE LEG  |  SKIRT

 

When it comes to pants, I always tell clients a few things. First off, don’t shy away from skirts! It is a garment I don’t feel we go to often, but is an essential that really can dress up a look when needing something fresh and being on a time crunch. Jeans are also a thoughtful option considering the audience you are working with. Being an entrepreneur means we don’t always have to stick to the work office rules! You can dress jeans up and have an approachable look for new client meetings or more casual events. Hallelujah for that. Wink.

 

HEELS  |  PURSE  |  CLUTCH  |  NECKLACE  |  STUDS

 

Accessories are of course the most important part of any outfit. They are considered the finishing touches for your daily dressing routine. First things first, find a comfortable black heel. It partners with every outfit and will save your feet! Understated jewelry like this necklace and earrings are great for keeping your look fresh yet put together. Ladies, always carry a clutch in your work bag to transition quickly from day to night!

 

 

 

To tie it all in, here are a few looks made from all the fabulous items above!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

Elaine Turner Fall 2017 MUST SEES!

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Elaine Turner Fall Header

London is calling and so is color with this AMAZING Elaine Turner Fall Collection! I’m excited to share with you all the latest in ET, and show how vibrant colors can be worn year round. Inspired by all that is shining and lovely, the mix of enhanced fall and dulled romantic colors makes for the perfect pair.

 

From dresses to bags, jackets and shoes, here are some of my favorite items from the latest collection:

 

Elaine Turner Fall clutch

CLUTCH (coming soon)  |  JEANS (online this week)  |  TOP (online this week)

Elaine Turner Fall PurseBAG (coming soon)  |  VEST (coming soon)  |  JEANS (coming soon)  |  SHIRT (online this week)

 

Elaine Turner Fall Jacket

JACKET (coming soon)  |  SHIRT  |  JEWELRY (coming soon)

 

Elaine Turner Shoes

SHOES

 

Elaine Turner Pink

SHOES  |  CLUTCH  |  DRESS

 

Elaine Turner Skirt

JACKET (coming soon)  |  SKIRT (limited edition)  |  BAG (coming soon)

 

Elaine Turner London

JACKET (online this week)  |  SKIRT (coming soon)  |  BAG (coming soon) | SHIRT (online this week)

 

Elaine Turner Dress

BOOTS (online this week)  |  CLUTCH (coming soon)  |  DRESS

 

For those of you loving this new line as much as I am… book a FREE one-on-one styling session to see more! Be one of the FIRST FOUR to book an appointment, and spend $100+ or $150+ with me to get an Elaine Turner gift card. Sign up by emailing me: jen@foreverstyled.com

 

This is the perfect time to kick start your Fall wardrobe and replace some of those over loved items you’ve been hanging on too.

 

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

BREAKING THE FASHION RULES

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Sometimes we do it on purpose, and sometimes we don’t even realize it. But breaking fashion rules is now a GREAT IDEA! I don’t know about you, but taking time to follow fashion rules can get kind of tedious… And between car pool line and shuffling between clients, it is one of the last things on my mind.

 

So what better way than to kick these worries to the curb than by taking a stand and forging our own style street?!

 

 

TOP | JEANS | SHOES

This White Top and Jean combo is the perfect example of wearing white AFTER Labor Day! How fabulous will this clean slate look with brown knee high boots? I’ll tell you how fabulous… Enough to make me say yes to a long-standing fashion no-no!

 

 

BOOTS | BAG

Mixing and matching is a thing, so why can’t mixing and NOT matching be one?? Pair a Cognac Ankle Bootie with a black bucket purse for contrast. This is a great way to add flair to a simple pair of jeans and tee.

 

 

HEELS | TOP | SKIRT

DRESS | HEELS

Combining Pink and Red or Black and Blue is no longer something to turn your nose up at. These Pink and Red Heels are the perfect way to mix the two colors in a sophisticated way. It is also lovely when paired with a simple black dress for a pop of color! Or try a pink top and red skirt. Then you must try a simple black and navy dress with a black heel for your everyday work look.

 

 

JACKET | SHOES | DRESS

Eventually us Texas girls just have to come to terms with the fact that there is no such thing as winter in our neck of the woods… We also need to stand up and support suede! Instead of staring at the packed full closet of coats we will never wear, let’s start doing it anyways! Dawn a lighter colored jacket, like this Suede one, that will also work for your Spring or Summer wardrobe.

 

 

Tell me what your favorite fashion rule is to break in the comments below!

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

 

VIRTUAL MONTHLY STYLING STEP-BY-STEP

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A few weeks ago I introduced my new virtual shopping service in hopes to assist each and every one of you to have a more simple and fun experience with defining your personal style! This service will allow me to create a set number of outfits using your existing wardrobe inventoried virtually and added items I choose each month.

 

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

There is a $50 one-time on-boarding fee to allow time for me to assess and familiarize myself with your closet, fee is waived if we virtually inventory. And if the task of inventorying your own closet makes you shake… No worries! Ask me to come to your home and do it for you at an additional cost.

 

— HERE IS HOW IT WORKS —

Virtual Shopping Service Login

First and foremost, you will need to sign up for the service through this SIMPLE FORM. It will ask which package you would like to have, what kind of events you have coming up so we can plan ahead, and what day you would like the outfits to hit your inbox each month! I will then send you an invitation to engage with Hue & Stripe.

This is where things get fun! After creating your account, I will guide you through the process of taking and uploading photos of your current wardrobe; everything from accessories to shoes, bags and outfits. I can also do this for you at an extra charge!

Once I familiarize myself with your existing wardrobe and the events you have coming up, I will begin working my fashion magic.

 

Virtual Shopping Service Outfits

 

By taking items already in your virtual closet and adding things I see fit from other stores and boutiques, I will create a bulk of outfits specified for your lifestyle, body type and budget. The great thing about Hue and Stripe is it makes purchasing the items you may be lacking SUPER easy!

Virtual Shopping Service Shopping

You can see that the necklace and jeans are from a client’s closet, but the top and shoes are not. If she wanted to purchase them to complete the outfit— all she would need to do is click through on the image which will direct her to purchase!

 

“Jen’s Virtual Shopping Service has already saved me time and patience! It is nice knowing what items I need to buy to complete my wardrobe and to not have to stare blindly at my closet each morning debating what to wear. Life saver is an understatement!” – Shelby C

 

Yes… It is that simple! Having the wardrobe you always wanted is literally a few clicks away! Are you ready to take the plunge into a happier and more fun shopping experience? Can’t wait for you all to check it out!

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

Reduce, Reuse, REPLACE!

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TOP  ||  SANDALS  ||  HEELS  ||  PURSE  ||  YOGA PANTS

 

Ever used a tube of mascara and stopped to think, “Have I really had this for over a year?!” A good thing to know when it comes to fashion and beauty routines is how often we need to replace things {p.s.—it is every three months for mascara}!

 

There are no hard and fast rules but these are merely some tips and guidelines I use:

 

1.} I always tell clients to adopt the practice of buying the best quality you can afford and take care of the items you purchase. Consider your price per wear–the amount you spend on an item divided by the number of times you wear/use it over the life cycle it lives in your wardrobe. For example, I recently spent $195 on Tory Burch sandals which I have already worn them 3 times a week since purchasing them in June. My price per wear is considerably lower due to how often I am putting that investment piece on rotation in my wardrobe. That is the goal!

 

So besides investing in this summer’s (and every other season in Texas) top sandal, what else should be on your list?

 

Replace Bras

 

2.} Invest in classic pieces like fun oxford tops, good jeans, and a staple dress. Defining your core style will help with this. Along with basics, always consider the proper undergarments as noted in my recent blog post, When Bad Bras Happen to Good People. By adopting an essentials based wardrobe, you will be less likely to spend money on trendy things that go out of style and more on things that have staying power in your every day rotation.

 

3.} A little tip I like to share to maximize your wardrobe is to get things altered as your body and the trends evolve. When you consider reinventing hemlines and changing out buttons on older jackets,  sometimes you can salvage key pieces without breaking the bank. Don’t spend more than 20% of what the garment originally cost to make it work for you.

 

4.} When it comes to replacing shoes, like a classic pump, consider how many times you wear them? You should be wearing your shoes enough that you can see the change but not so long everyone else can too. No more walking around on missing heel caps and putting up with broken buckles. Wear shoes until they show physical wear and tear and then consider replacing them. There is also no shame in rehabbing “loved shoes.” Take them to your local Shoe Hospital and see what can be done to save a torn heel or worn out foot pad.

 

5.} We all love workout gear, but we don’t always love the price tag. While investing in Lululemon or Outdoor Voices, you will gain a better shelf life than going somewhere like Target. I like to shop places like Marshalls or T.J. Maxx for name brands at a lower price. Remember, you don’t want to look homeless when you are working out, and please COVER YOUR REAR. I ain’t got time to view your whale tail. It is hard enough to get myself to a gym, much less be greeted by your hiney.

 

6.} Last but never least… Handbags! To keep handbags fresh and extending their lifespan, change and clean them out on a weekly rotation. Know if you buy good quality bags you can always re-sell them later. Rebagg is a great resource I provide to consign high end items if you are interested! I also adore my local resource Fashion Reloved.

 

 

Don’t just stop at Rebagg, there are so many options for letting go of the things you are replacing or recycling. Here is a list of my top picks for resale, consignment and donations:

 

Resale Shops

  1. Moss Designer Consignment
  2. Buffalo Exchange
  3. Still in Style
  4. Turquoise and Pearls

 

Online Consignment

  1. Thred Up
  2. The Real Real
  3. Tradsey

 

Donation Centers

  1. Texas Reach Out Ministries
  2. South Austin Pregnancy Resource Center
  3. Dress For Success

 

For other questions on shopping smart, what to replace, or to dig even deeper with my new SHOPPING SERVICE, email me! jen@foreverstyled.com

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

The New Shopping Service

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Shopping Service

 

Do you spend your mornings staring at a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear? Or perhaps you wish you still had the time to do that given your busy lifestyle and making everyone else but YOU a priority? Being a stylist, my goal is to make shopping {in your own closet or stores} effortless and fun!

 

So, I’ve found a way to make the process even easier.  I am proud to introduce a new shopping service: Virtual Monthly Styling through the exclusive Hue and Stripe application!

 

This is a new shopping service that will allow me to create a set number of outfits using your existing wardrobe inventoried virtually and added items I choose each month. They will hit your inbox on the day you choose and be curated according to your lifestyle, body type and budget. The best part about it… everything happens online reducing your costs and saving you time while getting dressed in the morning!

 

You heard that right. Not only will your wardrobe be added to the online Hue and Stripe system, but the clothing I choose for you will be easy to purchase if any wardrobe gaps exist. The custom outfits I create will be organized in folders in your personal profile. We can also create visual style boards {like Pinterest} and interact to be inspired for the future.

 

“Excellent Service!!  Virtually Shopping tailored to your needs!  I am busy mom of 3 kids, PTO Board Member/Volunteer and work from home, which leaves little time to REALLY shop.  I’m not talking Target shopping.  ForeverStyled has saved me from picking up last minute items that don’t fit and hang in my closet taking up space.  Having a closet in Hue and Stripe is awesome!!  I can go through at a time convenient for me and shop. I just took of advantage of this great service during the Nordstrom 1/2 year sale, lifesaver!!!  Highly recommend this service.” – Shannon G

 

This shopping service is great for keeping your wardrobe refreshed, wearing more of your clothing, and helping organize your closet without stress. And for ladies with a schedule full of work events or charity luncheons, we can set your yearly calendar so the outfits you receive include those options too! And if you need a seasonal purge, I can conduct a virtual assessment and encourage you to let those unlovely items go!

 

 

Here are the shopping service options:

 

9 outfits a month for $45

12 outfits a month for $60

 

Pre-pay twelve months for $600

 

Shopping Service Hue and Stripe

 

There is a $50 one-time on-boarding fee to allow time for me to assess and familiarize myself with your closet. And if the task of inventorying your own closet makes you shake… No worries! Ask me to come to your home and do it for you at an additional cost.

Are you ready to make this virtual style leap of faith?? Please submit this short form and let us begin! I will send you an invoice including the on-boarding fee and instructions on uploading your existing wardrobe!

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

Think Thin

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Think Thin

This is a message to all the ladies out there who need a little mid-week pick me up. I want to bring your attention to the difference in being thin and thinking thin. Often we force ourselves into crazy diets and monster juice cleanses. Just last week I fell victim to one of these in which I spent a full day hugging the toilet… and then some. I mean—I do feel better {sort of} but this girl has gotta chew SOMETHING ! Thank God for almonds—just saying.

 

So ladies, here is the deal. There is a big contrast in forcing yourself to be thin and thinking thin. We spend so much time getting kids and spouses ready, ourselves presentable, and working our tails off to support the dream. There really shouldn’t be any time reserved for running our self-esteem into the ground. But somehow that always seems to make the cut in our daily ritual.

 

Think Thin Thoughts

 

STEPS TO THINKING THIN

 

Throw away the fad diets. Chunk those pills in the trash. Start taking the time you once used to degrade your body and start THINKING THIN!

 

1.} Daily Affirmations:  I challenge you all to take some time in front of the mirror today telling yourself just how wonderful you are. Do it especially when it is hard to believe you are beautiful, inside and out. We cannot learn to like ourselves or celebrate the bodies we have by constantly talking ourselves down with negativity. I am convinced that we will never love and fully accept ourselves while simultaneously believing that we are less. Every time you call yourself “fat”, every time you call yourself “ugly”, every time you talk yourself down and refuse to believe in yourself, those words stick with your soul. And it changes us.

 

So for every negative thought you have about yourself…come up with at least three positive things to undo that degrading statement to edify and restore. Do it today. You matter and deserve this practice. Here are some examples. You can also start by simply saying to yourself, “Hello, beautiful friend, I think you are lovely.”

 

 

2.} Know your Body Type and How to Dress to Your Assets:

 

If you missed the “I Feel Fat and I Have Nothing to Wear” series last month, read more about styling your love handles and recognizing the importance of proper underpinnings. These quick tips are a great way to jumpstart how to celebrate your body type and make it work for you! Just because you aren’t a size 2 {or maybe you are}, you can still look and feel great about yourself.

 

 

3.} Take Care of YOU! How often do we put everyone else before ourselves? If you have a family, I know you have experienced this phenomenon that suggests we are to slay ourselves and put our “people” {kid crew and life partners} at the top of the priority list! Nonsense…I always love the reminder from our trusted advocates who fly the friendly skies to put the oxygen mask on ourselves FIRST before our children so we can be more effective to offer proper care as a result. So —that means suck some air in your nostrils as soon as humanly possible so you can give your all for what you were created for! And if it involves storing a paper bag in your car….there is no judgement. Been there. Done that.

 

 

4.} Have Accountability: The best way to make physical or mental changes is to involve others in your journey. Lord knows I have a therapist and a new health coach to challenge me on the kinds of thoughts and foods I expose my mind and body to. With that kind of regular support, with a friend, coach or counselor, you will be amazed at how quickly you can heal from old patterns and wounds. Make a list of your personal goals as it relates to self care and align your partners in crime to move the needle forward.

 

 

5.}  Start today: Adopt a “Blast off” and get her done mentality. Stop pressing snooze and commit to a life filled with gratitude for yourself and in turn live a more peace filled life as a result. I am enjoying this book by Allisan Maslan that speaks to this very topic.

 

Think Thin Kiss

 

May these quick tips inspire and challenge you in your personal Think Thin campaign. What first step will you take today to adopt this important philosophy? We’d love to hear all about it!

 

Acknowledging the Struggle is Real,

 

Jen Young

Back To School Means Back To Jeans

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When thinking of back to school shopping the same thing always comes to mind… me wanting the perfect Jeans! Even though it has been 101 in Texas this week —you still need the right pair.

 

From being a little girl begging for my high-waisted Gloria Vanderbilts, to watching my daughter do the same in her skinny Hudsons, jean shopping is a ritual I have both loved and hated my entire life. I’m sure a lot of you can say the same.

 

So today I’m going to let you in on some jean secrets for each body type and save you a few headaches! As well as throw in a tip or two like…if you are in a hurry and can’t try on, wrap the flat jeans waist band around your neck. If the two ends overlap just a tiny bit they will fit your waist.

 

 

Each body type has a very specific fit that best flatters it’s shape. You can learn more about each type by visiting my Style Tools page. And when it comes to dressing in a pinch, like we all do most mornings trying to get the kids out the door, here is a fast way to know what jeans will feel like pajamas in that carpool line. Also… please repeat to yourself now “I will no longer wear pajamas in the carpool line.” There is a time and place where we just have to kick old habits. This is it!

 

 

 

  1. THE PEAR ((Best Jean Brand and Style)): NYDJ {Not Your Daughter’s Jeans} are absolutely my go to for the ladies who are curvier on the bottom half. Deny the inner voice that tells you these are mom jeans. There are several styles from Flared to Straight Leg that will work for any occasion. You may still have to take in the waist a little since your middle section is your narrowest point and typically your asset. For a more relaxed fit…try the Citizens of Humanity Boyfriend style.

 

 

 

  1. THE APPLE ((Best Jean Brand and Style)): The So-Slimming straight leg style from Chicos is a total winner especially for you gals who have skinnier legs and a fuller mid-section. These jeans tuck in all the right places and give you the confidence to wear them with pride. The Curvy Slim Jeans from White House Black Market are also a fave if you want to accentuate your lean stance but struggle with a more generous section in the upper thigh.

 

 

  1. STRING BEAN ((Best Jean Brand and Style)): My more athletic ladies who have little to no curves often need to create the illusion you have them. Feel fee to experiment with styles with embellishments like floral appliqués like these Kut from Kloth embroidered Catherine boyfriend jeans. I adore the Hudson Nico mid-rise jean as well as they shape shift with your body. I also like a AG Stilt if your budget isn’t a concern for super skinny gals.

 

 

  1. THE PEANUT ((Best Jean Brand and Style)): A slightly flared or boot cut option is best for you as you strut your perfectly proportioned self. You can really get a way with any jean style but do be cautious as skinny jeans can often make you look short and stout. Frame denim flared jeans are an investment but worth every penny. I also like the mid-rise Perfect Boot Jean from Gap. The darker wash is a good option for you.

 

 

  1. THE CARROT ((Best Jean Brand and Style)): Lucky one—you have a really wide choice of pants and jeans that look absolutely great on you! Go for any style that will accentuate your hips and bottom such as pockets and embellishments to balance out your wider upper body. The best styles for you are baggy pants, wide leg and palazzo! Colorful and bright pants and jeans will look great, as will patterns and bold prints. Whiskering {refers to thin fading lines formed from creases that are usually found on the front pocket area of jeans} at the hips and flap pockets will add curves to your lower half. I am a big fan of the Isabel Embroidered Flare by Free People as it hits many of the criteria listed.

 

 

So, pack up the kids with a little more excitement this year, because you now only have to stress over one parties’ pair of pants.

 

 

Your Carpool Companion,

 

Jen Young

How To Style Your Love Handles

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In last week’s post I shared about the personal challenges I faced in the last six months and what I learned after my marriage of 20 years came unraveled. Your comments and encouragement warmed my heart inside out, and for that, I am so humbled and grateful. Let’s keep the honest conversation going, shall we?

 

On the wings of your responses, today we begin the series called, “I Feel Fat and I Have Nothing to Wear.” Our focus will cover the how to’s for effectively styling the spare tire {a.k.a LOVE HANDLES}.

 

Before we begin I will politely ask you to stop saying the “F” word. Saying you are FAT doesn’t serve you well as you rally to get dressed every day. Even if you are not at your ideal weight, using that intense word to describe your body, is demeaning and normally not even true. I understand the struggle is real for some of you, but seriously, let’s reign in the body shaming.

 

Love handles. Pretty much everyone has them, unless you are a stick figure, so the trick to love handles isn’t necessarily getting rid of them… It’s learning to live with them and style them appropriately.

 

You put on pants and they hang over the top like the muffin tin you filled too full. You change into a dress and can see them make an odd shape where only your hip bones should be. Some days they are hardly visible, but some days they are brighter than the sun.

 

So how does the every day gal feel better about things with the snap of a finger? She gets the right under garments and plays the game of hide and never seek. That’s right my friends, all it takes is a simple change of your bottom layers. Otherwise known as the proper under-pinnings. We will talk more next week about the bras and taming that back spillage, but in the meantime let’s focus where the love handles live, the mid section.

 

Rule #1: Invest in a proper body shaper. I love this amazing option by Spanx that tucks in all the right places.  It smooths the bumps and trouble spots all the while toning your six pack. Well not really, but at least it makes me feel like I have a 2 pack. Wink.

 

 

Rule #2: Wear a stretchy camisole in support underneath if a full blown body shaper makes you feel like you need to lease a mini van. I adore this two-way seamless option that comes in multiple colors. The front side has a v neck and the reverse side a flat line so you can wear it either way depending on your outer layer.

 

 

Rule #3: Partner a tailored tunic top with some higher waisted shape-shifting leggings. This Splendid top gives you plenty of coverage in the mid section yet balanced with tighter fitting pants for any body type. I sub out my leather jeggings to dress up the look with strappy heels for a night on the town.

 

 

Rule #4: Add a lightweight cardigan which gives you more of a waist {less of a tire} with the built in tassel that covers your mid section. Or add a vest instead if the heat is overwhelming. Top a romper, dress or tank with trousers for work. If you are more petite or carry your weight on your bottom half, look for shorter cardigan styles that sit closer to your waistline.

 

 

Rule #5: Opt for fuss free swing dresses that is loose around the waist partnered with a wedge, especially if you have great legs. Draw the eye to your assets I always say. Or if you have issues with your legs, wear a great necklace and draw the eye up to your pretty face.

 

 

 

Hope these ideas have inspired you to feel fabulous even if the margaritas have been going to your waistline this summer. I am personally hitting the gym tomorrow since Rose’ has become my middle name. Dreaming of my 6 pack..but until then I will own my love handles with the mom-girdle!

 

From my two pack to yours,

 

Jen

 

 

A Letter To You

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Letter To You Header

 

 

Faithful Forever Styled Readers and Clients,

 

I am not sure where you are sitting or perhaps standing as you take in these words. Know I am grateful for your kindness in reading my weekly posts and trusting me with fashion tips.  I want to get REAL and share, in a letter, some things I have discovered during the hardest six months of my life that are evolving my mission with Forever Styled.

 

Let’s do this.

 

A major event happened last year which was instrumental in waking me up to my reality and the changes I needed to make for myself to reclaim my truth. I have been talking for years about how to align one’s inner longings/values with the way an individual presents themselves on the outside with their wardrobe.  Honestly, I have been a hypocrite to that end.

 

Sadly, my soul grieved for years in a difficult marriage, and I became an expert in adorning my outer shell to cover up all the falsehoods of my reality. I was living a lie shielded behind “perfect appearances”. Always thinking, if I could get my outsides to look the part —then maybe no one would notice what was going on.

 

Here is what I know now.

 

Lesson # 1:  Life is messy and imperfect. So am I and that’s ok!

 

On December 20th, 2016, when my relationship officially fell apart, I realized that sometimes life is MEH {a.k.a. freaking messy and imperfect}  and there are days a girl just needs to sit on the couch in baggy sweatpants, look disheveled and cry. It’s important to allow yourself to grieve and fall apart {and even look like poo} when life is seemingly shattered. Goodness knows I pray you aren’t in a solemn place like this, but if you are—know there is hope.

 

The silver lining I found through the tears was recognizing that I didn’t have to hold it all together with my attire or my reality to be loved or accepted…that I could show up in, God forbid—yoga pants and a mis-matched T to my girlfriend’s house and feel totally cherished. In fact, it made her more at ease to not feel she had to posture around the annoyingly accessorized stylist.

 

Lesson #2: There is no need to hide anymore!

 

From over spending to accomplish the perfect outfit to wearing a baggy shirt because of body hatred, let’s surrender to the fact that you are beautiful inside and out. You and I don’t have to cover up all that is happening in this jacked-up life. And if you say you have no mess…I don’t believe you. No mess. No message. Part of the human story is speaking authentically to the challenges we face. So let it all hang out. You might even be hiding behind a closet full of clothes that don’t make you feel genuine.

 

Come up with three words that trigger the most profound description of how you want to be perceived. Hang those words on your closet wall. My three are: APPROACHABLE, THOUGHTFUL, FLATTERING. These words will be a foundation for rebuilding something more appropriate for the things you keep, the things you purge, and things that come into your life.

 

Lesson #3: I Matter. YOU Matter.

 

Silence that self-condemning inner critic that says you aren’t enough. You aren’t pretty enough. Smart enough. Tough enough. Strong enough. Fit enough. Rich enough. Perfect enough. Start making the changes you need to align your truth with the notion that you were uniquely created by God for a significant purpose. Remind yourself that God doesn’t make junk even if you are standing knee deep in it. Dare to accomplish great things knowing that what you believe about yourself shapes every decision you make. Acknowledging that you cannot build a personal brand based on other people’s opinions. The one that matters most is yours.

 

What can you expect from Forever Styled moving forward?

 

Now that I’m awakened to all the crazy, messy stuff that exists in my life and yours {wink}, it is time to focus on educating you how to get your clothes on everyday verses just pushing product.

 

While I will continue to make recommendations on things I really do value, love and wear, my posts will be centered on how to empower the change that needs to happen within, to live with less. I want to make sure you know how to be the most informed about your wardrobe and be more responsible with your hard earned shopping dollars.

 

From here on out I will be sharing more about my story and would love to know more about yours. This space should be for dialogue about the challenges and joys you are experiencing in your life and daily dressing routine…not just about having the latest and greatest trend.

 

Sound good?

 

This is my truth. What is yours?

 

I would love to hear it and how this post might have inspired you this week. How have you taken a difficult situation and turned it around for the better? Your story matters to me.

 

Bless you from head to your stylish toes,

 

Jen