Posts

Nordstrom’s Sale Must Haves

/in , , , , , /by

TOP  |  GLASSES | PERFUME | UNDERWEAR | SNEAKERS | SKIRT | BOOTIES | TOTE  | FLATS | DRESS | PAJAMAS | MAKEUP | TONING KIT | HOODIE | SWEATER

 

The time is FINALLY here! The Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale Pre-sale has begun and I am all kinds of excited about it. To celebrate this joyous occasion I am giving you my top picks from the sale, and a little more info on why I think you all might need these items in your wardrobe.

 

  1. Chelsea28 Bell Sleeve Poplin Top

This top is all that is right with the dramatic sleeve! Paired with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt, you can take it from work to play in a matter of stylish seconds.

 

  1. Sonix Parker 55mm Sungalsses

In the heat of the summer would there be anything more perfect to purchase at this blowout sale than a fabulous pair of sunnies? Some-times paying a pretty penny for accessories is hard to do. But this tortious shell pattern is great for pairing with both black and brown for a versatile option.

 

  1. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

There is little to say about this perfume except that it is one of my favorites! The smell is not overbearing and lasts all day long.

 

  1. Hanky Panky Underwear

I’ve said it before, and will say it again… Undergarments are the core to any wardrobe. Having the right items is crucial for making an outfit work. These Hanky Panky underwear are great for seamless lines and a comfortable fit.

 

  1. Vince Corbin Slip-On

The athleisure wear trend seems to be here to stay for quite some time, and I can’t complain! These slip-ons are great for running to the market or pairing with a dress.

 

  1. Hinge Barris Block Heel Bootie

In this summer heat it may be hard to picture yourself in booties, but these are an amazing pair I would suggest considering! They are stylish yet classic and will be great for the fall and winter season.

 

  1. Halogen Corbin Genuine Calf Hair Slide Loafer

Leopard is a neutral and my signature item. These flats are great for getting around town and perfect for throwing into your purse or luggage for extra-long walking days. Cute and comfort is no longer as hard to find, but it is always nice to have a few staples of it in your closet.

 

  1. Halogen A-Line Leather Skirt

Good leather is hard to come by and great to have. Halogen is a brand I love, and one I use for staple items for many of my clients. Having a skirt that can be dressed up or dressed down is great for your staple wardrobe.

 

  1. Halogen Flounce Back Shift Dress

Perfect for summer and great with a light jacket for all other times! I have really gotten into the shift dress this year and this one is not only adorable but the vertical lines are flatter on almost every body type.

 

  1. PJ Salvage Jersey Chemise

A place I see many clients ignore is their sleepwear. It is easy to throw on an old torn up tee or those oversized sweats you’ve had for years. I challenge you to step out of what is comfortable when it comes to pajamas. This little nighty is soft, and will make you feel fabulous when hitting the pillow.

 

  1. MAC Hooked On Nude Eye Kit

Every girl needs a little makeup in her life! This kit is perfect for staying natural but looking fabulous. I have always given kudos to MAC for their long lasting products, this kit is no different.

 

  1. NuFace White Trinity Facial Toning Kit

I will be the first to say that doing things to keep yourself feeling fresh and maintained is well worth it. If you haven’t used the NuFace Toning Kit this is a great time to test it out.

 

  1. Paint Stripe Transporter Leather Tote

The tote that can hold it all but doesn’t look like it! You can bring this to work, pack it for play or even use it as your carry-on. It is fabulous for the working woman!

 

  1. Adidas Original Trefoil Hoodie

Hello athletic staple item. I have to say; Adidas is a brand I am so happy to still see around. It is a classic look that you don’t have to feel bad about dressing down for.

 

  1. Nordstrom’s Signature Cashmere Pullover Sweater

Who doesn’t love cashmere?? Better yet, who doesn’t love it on sale! This is one of the Anniversary items that makes everything worth it. To have a piece of clothing with a usually steep price tag for just a pretty penny (almost but not really!) is why I love promoting this sale!

 

 

And for all my lovely clients who are wanting some help shopping through the sale, I have just a few spots left for virtual and in-person styling appointments! Email me to book: jen@foreverstyled.com

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

Strategic Packing for International Travel

/in , , /by

Strategic Packing Made Perfect

 

Happy Monday!

Let’s address something we all likely struggle with… Strategic packing for International Travel! How many of you have loaded down four bags for a week-long trip only to arrive with nothing to wear? Even worse is when you pack just a carry on and then freeze/burn your booty off your entire trip because you were ill-prepared.

Packing can be TOUGH, this is no secret. But packing with purpose can give you peace of mind and zero stress when you are on your trip, but you must make a plan! For a few logistical packing strategies, here is a link to a blog I did several months ago.

Here are also some visual aids to make the physical aspect of packing easier: VIDEO ONE   |   VIDEO TWO

My goal for today’s post is to give you specific tips on actually WHAT TO PACK for a 7 day trip even up to a month’s worth of outfits {if you have access to a washing machine} with a few simple essentials from your wardrobe!

The inspiration for this post came from a recent client session who is taking a seven-day trip to Israel in October. My advice to her was simple, pack with sense and with items that make you already feel confident. Let me expand….

Pack with sense: I cannot stress enough how important paying attention to the weather and the culture is. Knowing the background on the places you plan to go is one of the most helpful things for not only packing right, but also feeling right in your temporary environment. Is it going to be cold? Pack a coat. Does it seem like the weather is warm or seasonably unpredictable? Still bring a light jacket or a simple sweater for layering.

Don’t overdo the shoes {even if you are a collector/addict like me} since they are your heaviest items; also avoid acting like it’s your time to wear everything in your closet. There is no shame in re-wearing outfits in a fresh way every day. This is  not only smart, but no one is going to be judging you in photos if they see a “repeater.” They will be too busy thinking how you were awesome enough to get everything in one bag without paying those overage fees. Keep in mind that there is a 50 pound weight limit even for international travel.

And when it comes to packing what makes you feel confident, do just that: Don’t leave home without your favorite jeans. On the flip side, don’t make your trip the time to “try out” that funky outfit you’ve been looking at for weeks and never actually pulled out of your closet. Packing for a trip is a time to play it safe, because that is what will help you play it smart!

Let’s talk specifics on accessories: think minimalistic. You don’t need to pack every scarf and necklace you own, but you do need to pack your accessories with intention. Wear heavier items on the plane including jackets and shoes, and if you plan to pack a hat, wear it on the plane or pack upside down in the center of your bag. Stuff with knits. Bring a pashmina wrap which can also serve as a scarf later.

With re-used basics, and pops of jewelry we were able to make this trip one of stand-out outfits and save her major room for SHOPPING while in Israel.

Feel free to print out this list of essentials we came up with and share with friends.

 

Here is the gallery of examples of how we mixed and matched for the perfect outcome:

 

In case you need some items off our Packing List to complete your look:

So as you start to get ready for your next trip, take time to make a plan, and then enjoy your time away as a result!

But if you start to fret, Contact me and we can tackle this packing thing together!

 

Bon Voyage,

 

Jen Young

 

Fabulous Family Heirlooms

/in /by

Maybe it’s an embellished brooch, or a knitted shawl? We all have family heirlooms we just aren’t sure what to do with. I feel so honored to have piece of my families past, but that doesn’t mean it is a no brainer on where and when to wear them.

Upon her death, my grandmother gifted me her rare Chanel cross body bag which has become a weekly staple for my wardrobe. Fine accessories like this need no introduction; they speak in their timeless appeal. Estate sales are a great place to shop for these types of stately treasures as well if you don’t have a relative to bless you with this kind of thing.

Gram also gave me a stunning, lace scarf that is too dainty to be tied around my neck. I have opted to tie it to my handbag on occasion or style it wrapped around a stack of antique books in my bathroom.

So here are a few other tips to keep the tradition going.

Is it a ornamental pin you are struggling with? Yes, they are so beautiful, with rhinestones and pearls… sitting on your bathroom counter. You do not need to feel intimidated by the idea of a brooch. They don’t have to be pinned to a 1950’s wrap or a mink stole. Instead pin it to a link chain or a swede strap to turn it into a necklace.

Or have you been lucky enough to get your moms wedding dress? Just aren’t sure what to do with those big ol’ sleeves? A really great way to share that moment with your mom, but keep your day modern and on point with your own personal style, is to add the lace of her dress into the design of your own. Upcycling {or creative reuse} for this special garment is like having a part of your mom with you while being true to yourself in your own style. You can also accent a hair pin with portions of the lace as well. It makes for a lovely hair accessory when you are having a bad hair day.

No matter the item always remember, you don’t have to be weary to pair the old with the new. Vintage is making a comeback after all!

 

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Best Bronzers for Pale Skin

/in , , , /by

Hello Ladies!

Let’s be honest, my “porcelain winter skin” often looks as though I have a major illness. Sometimes I am almost transparent especially in photographs, so I am thankful for a good bronzer to add the extra color I need when I’m my palest self.

So for you fair skinned ladies who need a change in your makeup routine, I’m about to make your dreams come true with some amazing bronzers for your skin. Believe me– it can be hard to find the perfect one! Until NOW!

For the perfect application, glide your brush over the temples of your forehead, to under the cheek bones, back up to the top of your ear, and then under your jaw line. Drawing a “3” with bronzer will help slim your face as well as add the illusion of a healthy sun-kissed glow. You can also dust the bronzer on the both sides of the nose to make it look a smaller.

There are many bronzers to pick from, but finding ones for the fairer skin tone can be challenging. So I’ve picked out some of my favorite ones to use when you need to add an extra pop of color to your face. I would, however, definitely recommend going to my favorite beauty stores like Sephora or Ulta and try a tester so you can buy an option that is perfect for your skin tone.

Bronzers come in matte and shimmery finishes. Others have a duo blush combo built in while some come in super dark shades or for uber fair skin. So go try some of these brands and find your shade you feel happy in.

These products will make a huge difference in your makeup game.

Let me know of some of your favorite brands and bronzers if you have pale skin like me! Place your comments in the section below.

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

 

Frump Free Winter Style Essentials

/in , , , , , /by

 

Greetings Friends!

By now, the Christmas tree is likely put away and perhaps you might be experiencing some post-holiday fashion blues like me?  Sometimes these feelings, heaven forbid, even translate to a bit of frumpiness in my style. Wait, did I just admit that out loud? I am a wardrobe consultant for goodness sake! This proves that even clothing experts can have a bad outfit day. Preposterous.

In an attempt to get my fashion mojo back, I have been perusing the sales racks of my favorite stores and sorting through my closet only to realize that I purged many of my winter essentials in my recent move; this reality has clearly made it a daily challenge to get dressed.

Here are the essentials I uncovered that I was missing– all contributing to my recent frump in my winter style. There is hope for us all yet!

PURSE // CARDIGAN // BOOTS // NECKLACE // SUNGLASSES // COAT // SCARF // JEANS // LOAFERS // SWEATER

1.} Denim Skinny Jeans- This is an important essential for any casual daily routine. Dressed with a tunic style top and tall riding boots for curvier gals or styled with a nice stand alone top and blazer for professionals–this key ingredient is versatile for every shape and lifestyle.

2.} Sweaters- I adore this important staple when you want to look somewhat dressed up but still comfortable! I recommend a more tailored option for String Bean, Peanut, and Pear shaped bodies and a more lose fitted concept for Apples and Carrots. Click here to learn more about dressing for your shape.

3.} Knee-High Boots or Ankle Booties- I wear  my knee high boots and ankle booties on repeat throughout the year which is probably why I had to replace them both this season. If you are scared of buying the knee high options worrying they will go out of style in the near future…that is NOT happening. If you don’t have either of these options…start with the ankle bootie.

4.} Colorful Flats or Loafers- Texas winters look and feel a little different than the more northern parts of the country. For our seasonal footwear, flats and loafers are still acceptable for everyday wear. These look great with skinny jeans or a pair of leggings styled with an oversized sweater or longer top. I also love loafers styled with tapered ankle pants and a sharp oxford style shirt and jacket.

5.} Button-Up Coat- Perfect for after work networking or something to keep you warm at work when the thermostat goes wonky cold and you have no control over the temp. These jackets always look more sophisticated than a boring Patagonia jacket. Looking like a lumberjack is never the goal. Just saying.

6.} Poncho or Oversized Cardigan- This is another one of my favorites for those lazy days of running errands. It is something to throw on with a simple tee, jeans and some tall boots.

7.} Statement Jewelry- The right statement necklace and/or earrings are what I call the finishing touches of a great outfit. These essentials transition easily from day to night. If you ever buy these items in a coordinating set…by all means please break the party up. I am appalled by matchy matchy sets. Can you say cringe in two seconds?

8.} Top-Handle Bag- Something about the cold weather makes me love carrying my coffee in one hand with my top-handle bag in the other. It’s also a great accessory to hold close and easily get things out of when in the cold weather.

9.} Scarves- Infinity or straight designs are a charming addition to any winter outfit. This essential not only can add a pop of color to any neutral palette, but also keep you warm. Check out this amazing video to style a scarf 25 ways in 4.5 minutes! ADORE.

10.} Sunglasses- This crucial accessory can add high style to a simple outfit and can also hide those tired eyes on the hard days. Austin cedar is about to kill me and my allergic self. I woke up this morning looking like a bee stung my eyelids. Future so bright..gotta wear shades even in the rain.

Hope my little tricks and tips can help you avoid the frump in your winter style.  What are your favorite winter essentials that keep you feeling confident? Do share in the comments section below.

 

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Comfort Heels for the Stylish Working Woman

/in , , , /by

Hi Ladies!

I hope everyone has settled back into their work and home life routines. I know my break felt too short, and now I feel like I’m running around like a crazy woman again. But at least I have good shoes to keep me going!

In today’s post I want to give a shout out to those brave women who have feet of steel and can wear gorgeous high-heeled pumps for an eight hour work day, five days a week in the office– when many of us {including myself…} wish we could do that for just one night without complaining about our hurting feet.

Stop griping about your bunions like me and start dreaming about confidently wearing your cute new pumps to work!!!

I have picked out some professional yet stylish pumps that are comfortable, affordable, that don’t look like serious mom shoes {we all know what I’m talking about}. I took a little time researching Nordstrom, DSW, Dillard’s, Zappos, and many many others that offer “Comfort Pumps.” These shoes just might be your besties yet.

Seriously… I’m about to change your life because working women and high-heels have always had a love-hate relationship.

These are some of my favorites I discovered through my curation of the “must-haves”:

As you can tell, there are a lot of different brands I adore: Cole Haun, Ivanka Trump, Nine West, Sole Society, CORSO COMO, Naturalizer, Clarks, BC Footwear, Adrienne Vittadini, ECCO, Sofft, and Rockport. These are such great brands that will keep both you and your feet happy throughout the day.

Perhaps I have removed the guess work when shopping for a new pair of heels for day of work or night out on the town?

Let me know of some of your favorite and comfortable heels! Please comment below.

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Goal Setting for the New Year

/in /by

Cheers to a New Year, Fabulous YOU!

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to put 2016 behind me and turn over a new leaf in 2017!

Over the holidays, I celebrated new beginnings, laughed {a LOT as I got my butt killed in ping pong by my kids numerous times}, spent time with my family and also reflected on what I hope to accomplish in the coming year.

Setting goals is one of my favorite things to do in early January because it holds me accountable to achieve my desired outcomes…

Here are some thoughts as you decide where to place your energies in 2017:

1.} Write down your goals AND post them in a place where you see them every day–like your bathroom mirror or dream board. This the first step to achieving success. There is something that happens in your brain when you put pen to paper that subconsciously forces you to stay your course!

I use a simple analog system called the bullet journal for scheduling, tracking daily and long-term goals, and taking notes during client and personal meetings.

Here is the actual template I use for writing down both personal and professional goals c/o pageflutter.com. Keep it simple…choose three personal and three professional. List specific action items under each goal and the purpose. This helps you formulate the “why” associated with your goal.

2.} Next, having accountability with a business coach or close friend is also crucial to accomplishing your goals. When you have someone regularly checking in on your progress –you are more likely to keep your priorities in check.

So today, my beautiful readers, you get to read my list so I have no choice but to get my rear in gear.

3.} In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt – “Do something that scares you every day!” Take risks that make your heart flutter every day that require God-Sized help to accomplish.

4.} Think Big. Dream Big. You deserve it. According to Jim Collins and Jerry Porras’s book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, we should set B.H.A.G. {Big. Hairy. Audacious. Goals.} backed with bite-sized steps to achieve your goals coupled with accountability .

5.} Set aside time for yourself too.  Prioritizing self care is key to long lasting health and also maintaining balance and achieving all you want in life. Meditate, pray and exercise – even if adding one day a week is a new thing for you! Thank you Nike, “JUST DO IT!”

6.} Schedule time to be silly and have fun. Since I am generally a serious person, I actually made this one of my personal goals for this year. Laugh with friends, see a great movie and/or do whatever makes you giggle. Like pee in your pants laughter, people. Laughter is the best medicine for the soul as we maneuver through the challenges of life.

5.} Give of yourself margin in your schedule to accommodate for the unexpected. You never know when someone might need to chat or your help. If you schedule every moment without enough flexibility in your day, you may miss out on some of life’s greatest gifts.

I hope this post inspires you to dare greatly and achieve more than you could ever imagine on your own. Ephesians 3:20 inspires me as I lean into this next chapter: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us!”

Blessings and Style Peace,

Jen Young

 

Holiday Pajama Party!

/in , , , /by

holidaypajamaparty

 

Blessings and Peace to You All!

I hope your holiday shopping has been stress-free and full of cheer so far! Of course, the malls are always crazy during this time and your favorite websites might be backed up on stock, but remember to be patient and kind to everyone. My goal is to keep positive energy flowing with love and kindness as you never know when it might be brought back to you! This gift-giving season shouldn’t be packed with greediness.

Speaking of gifts, one of my favorite Christmas Eve traditions is to buy the family new pajamas! There is nothing better then hopping into some fun, cozy, and festive pj’s to get yourself in the spirit. Couple that with a fire and some cocoa and you are on your way!

There are so many different styles, fabrics, colors/patterns, and even prices–certainly something for everyone.  As I was on the hunt for my personal pj stash, I noticed that several stores offer great deals like Nordstrom, Old Navy, J. Crew, Target.

And this doesn’t just have to be for the kids, it can be for moms, dads, significant others, and grandparents alike,

Here are some picks I found for women…

Here are some picks I found for men…

Here are some picks I found for kids…

Hope this helps you with some holiday shopping and let me know some of your favorite places to buy holiday pajamas!

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

Stress Free Moving

/in , , /by

stress-free-moving

Hi Friends!

I have been knee deep in moving boxes for the last two days and just remembered that I had a blog to write. EEK. Let’s do this.

Holy cow moving is SOOOO stressful. Can I get an, “Amen?” I had been in my previous home for 6 years and thought I did a good job of purging and sorting since that is like… MY JOB! But I will confess, I still have way too much stuff like any average person even is culling is my middle name.

So I empathize with any of you attempting to go through this insanity right before the holidays. Once the “crazy” calms down, I will eventually get a Christmas tree decorated {many thanks to my friends and clients, the incredible Russell Family, for buying my tree this year BTW}, but today I am focused on stress free moving and taking many deep breaths… and maybe a few Xanax. Wink.

Since “Closet Nip and Tucks” are my specialty, I will be offering a 10% discount from December 5-15th on those services. Check out those details HERE and connect with me directly to schedule a free phone consult HERE to discern if and how I can best assist you. Reference this discount in your in-take form, and I will happily honor this incentive.

I will also be blogging about my own experience during my move in the coming weeks so stay tuned for those details. Here is a teaser pic of my empty closet to let you in on the journey.

fullsizerender

A few things to consider during your move:

1.} Hire a moving company you trust if you aren’t packing/moving yourself! Interview several crews and get many bids ahead of time. I used Square Cow Movers and adore the crew who loaded and unpacked me. Reward your crew with a tip and lunch and they will bend over backwards for you…literally.

2.} Make sure to be present during the packing process as my boxes got very jumbled since I scheduled my house closing date right in the middle of the packing process and couldn’t direct the team to my expectations.

312f40ca-e7b2-45e2-a847-5100aeb6fab9d491ce2f-41a0-4b6e-92f7-658c376116533.} If you plan to have your TV’s connected right after your move in date, make sure to gather all the chords and old satellite boxes with you. Finding those in the middle of the wake of your move can be overwhelming.

4.} Purge your closet{s} before the packing process even begins. There is no reason to transport unnecessary items with you and pay for the extra weight. Unboxing only your lovelies will make the moving process more peaceful. Admittedly, I have already sent an additional 5 car loads to Goodwill even after my initial purge. Less is More….always. Read this blog on how to reduce the overwhelm in your closet with these simple tips to ultimate save you time and money.

5.} If people offer to assist you, say YES! I ate humble pie and accepted all the help I could get. Thank you to my incredible mother, Cindy, Melanie, Mikaela, Becki and Gregg for your tenacity through it all. The meals you provided and your extra set of hands were so amazing.

6.} Don’t expect to have everything perfect overnight. Be patient with yourself and know that it is better to take time to place things in your new home back in an orderly fashion. Don’t rush to get it all done. Organize with intension. If you need an amazing resource for Home Organization, I highly recommend Imagine Gurus for their amazing expertise.

Stay tuned for more tips as I archive moving from the old home to the new….

Feeling blessed and encouraged.

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

 

Cyber Monday Deals

/in , , , /by

cyber-monday

Happy Cyber Monday!!!

I hope everyone had a fun time with their family and friends this holiday and that your bellies were equally jazzed by the spread of food. I know mine was!

Can you say stretchy pants?

Of course, after the Thanksgiving splurge, we all anticipate the insanity of shopping on Black Friday as well. Did you partake? Here is my blog from Friday to access links to shop that are still relevant.

To be honest, I typically don’t have the time to stand outside a storefront at 6am to take advantage of all the crazy shopping incentives. BUT I do love a little online shopping that I can do in the comforts of home in my dream pants on CYBER MONDAY–which is the perfect time to secure amazing steals for holiday gifts for your loved ones or even yourself!

So if you have free time during your lunch break at work or if you’re just hanging out at the house, take some time to start browsing your favorite websites to see what deals they might have on the hottest gifts. The perfect way to maximize your shopping dollars and not waste your time is to think BIG. The bigger the store, the bigger the deal. So focus on establishments like Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and many many more.

Perhaps you are in need of a…

New winter coat? Try North Face

New TV or computer? Try Best Buy

New home decor? Try Nordstrom

New pair of shoes? Try Nike

New workout clothes? Try Under Armour

New Kitchen Aid? Try Target

New makeup? Try Ulta

Here are some other fun gadgets and gizmos I adore….

HAPPY HUNTING,

Jen Young