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The LBD: The Little Black Dress

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Cocktail: Earrings // Black Dress // Clutch // Shoes // Necklace

Everyday: Earrings // Black Dress // Scarf // Blue Jean Jacket // Sneakers // Tote

Business: Necklace // Black Dress // Blazer // Bangles // Flats // Satchel

The classic LBD {a.k.a. Little Black Dress} is considered a staple for every woman’s wardrobe. When I work with my clients, I always encourage individuals to invest in signature pieces like this that can be styled in multiple ways and easily transitioned from day to night. A sheath style option {as shown above} looks great on every body type minding the fabric and construction.

Switching up shoes and adding different accessories is the key to transition each outfit concept from a casual everyday look, to a posh professional alternative or fabulous after-five option.  For busy moms and gals on-the-go, top with a denim jacket, add a tote bag to throw everything into partnered with a comfortable pair of sneakers and scarf. For a woman in the workplace, add a blazer with a fun pair of d’orsay, lace up, or traditional ballet flats that will be comfortable all day long! For a cocktail attire, add a strappy high heel with a statement necklace, simple stud earring, and a fun clutch.

Here is a hint: I actually have a “fashion emergency kit” that I keep in my car that includes a pair of colorful high heels, a seasonal scarf, pair of flats or vintage sneakers, a statement necklace & earrings, and a clutch so I can change up my look without missing a beat if an unexpected opportunity presents itself.

Shop more little black dresses here:

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

5 Everyday Beauty Essentials

Hey “Beauty-full” Souls!

Over Spring Break, I got caught up on all of my gossip magazines and must admit that I adore the celebrity focused column in Us Weekly called, “What’s In My Bag?” In an effort to give you the same fun insight {not that I am a celeb by any stretch–wink!}, here are my 5 everyday beauty essentials you will always find in my purse and those I consider a crucial part of my daily routine.

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Palladio I’m Blushing 2-In-1 Cheek And Lip Tint

A lip gloss and a blush? This is ridiculously amazing–especially for practical ladies.  This multi-tasking cream color stick provides a subtle flush of color to both cheeks and lips.

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Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen

We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen and this does the trick. This sheer, tinted sunscreen adapts to every skin tone and provides the necessary UVA/UVB protection throughout the day. It is virtually odorless as well.

Screen Shot 2016-03-20 at 10.59.16 AM Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

This mineral-based and water-resistant primer neutralizes the skin, minimizes shine, and creates a smooth, uniform canvas for flawless makeup application.
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Yves Saint Laurent ‘Touche Éclat’ Radiant Touch

This concealer is the perfect take-anywhere pen-brush to touch up your skin throughout the day–especially under the eyes. Like magic, it adds unparalleled radiance to your skin.

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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Daily Peel

 This refreshing, daily anti-aging extra strength peel {packaged in presoaked disposable pads} resurrects radiance and combats the common signs of aging.

What kinds of goodies would we find in your handbag? Please share ASAP!

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

How Best to Dress a Pear Shaped Body

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Styling for different body types can be tough but with these tips and tricks, it becomes quite easy! In the coming weeks we will explore each of the five body types {Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot}. Today we’ll look at the pear shaped body!

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GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A PEAR: Curvy hips, thick thighs, and a full rear are the key characteristics of the pear-shaped woman. Many pear shapes also have a small bust, narrow shoulders, and a defined waist. Keep your proportions in check by drawing the eye to your upper body while de-emphasizing your lower half.

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS/PANTS: Choose pants that are straight leg or flared at the bottom to create a bottom half with full volume all the way down. Jeans that are equal width or slightly wider in the calf and ankle area will draw attention away from your mid-section. Look for darker color options on the bottom half for contrast. AVOID: Avoid skinny pants, as they will showcase the size of your hips/rear. Cigarette-style pants are the least flattering style for a pear-shaped figure, as well as cargo pants and pants with excessive detailing such as bold embroidery, rhinestones, etc.
  2. SKIRTS: Skirts that hit the knee or ankle are perfect for pear-shaped ladies. 
Avoid tight-fitting skirts, and look for those with ruffles or beading along the bottom hem which draw attention to your curvy bottom half without adding bulk to your hips. AVOID: Pencil, mini and straight skirts.
  3. DRESSES: Wrap dresses look fabulous on nearly every body type especially yours. Do look for dresses that show off your arms and even out proportions. Look for dresses that are A-line or that have a tulip-skirt. Color blocked dresses and dresses with a belted waist are fabulous as well. AVOID: Those that are tight and stick to your hips.
  4. TOPS: Look for tops that are tight around the waist highlighting your asset. Loose tops should be worn a bit long so as to cover the hips and provide substance for the shoulders. In general, the fit of your shirts should aim to highlight your waist and shoulders. The ideal sleeve style are wide-sleeved shirts or those with rolled or scrunched sleeves. The ideal top length is just below your hipbone to extend your torso and mask the widest part of your hips. AVOID: Tops with narrow shoulder lines. Crop tops should be widely avoided for drawing attention to your midsection, which is too close to your hips to be flattering.
  5. JACKETS/OUTERWEAR: Look for jackets that hit right above the waist or below the widest part of your hips and bottom. Wear structured A-shaped coats at knee length. A great coat for you is the trench. AVOID: Mid ankle trench coats and full-length jackets.
  6. FOOTWEAR: Opt for pointy toed or an almond toe shoe to help elongate your legs. High boots are very flattering as well. Wear medium to chunky heals with a bit of height to further elongate the legs. AVOID: Shoes and booties with ankle straps, delicate footwear and kitten heels as these will get lost in your frame.
  7. BAUBLES: Long pendant necklaces are your friends! A bold, bright necklace that hangs low draws the eye to your upper half which is fabulous. Integrate statement earrings into special looks that will frame your face as well, keeping in mind that you should only wear one piece of statement jewelry at a time. Choose chandelier style or dangly earrings for the best effect.
  8. ACCESSORIES: Circle/infinity scarves are a great way to add pizazz to your upper body and can even substitute for a necklace. Wide belts styled over cardigans, tunic style tops and dresses flatter your frame drawing attention to your best asset—your waist.
  9. SWIMWEAR: A fold-over style bottom with cinching side strings that adjust at the waist and legs are perfect for your frame. If you have longer legs, consider an asymmetrical skirt or a flirty skirt bottom. A bandeau style top with a full coverage body one-piece is also very flattering. Halter style tops with twisted details can help add fullness to the body.
  10. UNDERGARMENTS: Your entire upper body can undergo a major transformation when you wear the right undergarments. Consider a padded bra or push-up bra. This will add volume to a small bust and accentuate your waist.

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

The 5 Best Shoes for Every Season

Calling all Shoe-aholics…this post is for you! {Ahem. And me.} In an effort to reign in my own personal footwear addiction, I am reminded of Marilyn Monroe’s profound quote,” Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” You heard it correctly ladies, all we need are the RIGHT shoes, not a […]

Austin Fashion Week 2015 Mash Up Teams Unite!

Austin’s annual fashion week 2015 is nearly here {occurring the week of April 10-18th, 2015}!  A unique extension of the events is the annual Fashion X Austin Mash Up Team Competition.

This last week has been incredibly energizing preparing to enter this collaborative challenge as our creative style team effortlessly captured a memorable image for submittal.

Our Incredible Fashion X-Mash Up: Team Revival

The really cool part of the story is that this host of ridiculously gifted ladies entered this project having never met one another. It slays me that our vision came together literally through a series of emails and inspiring Pinterest posts over the last two months.

Team Revival

Team Revival

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Bryttannee Eaton and yours truly primp model, Jennifer Johnston

Many thanks to Bryttannee Eaton {of Bryttannee Eaton Beauty and Forever Styled Brand Collaborator} who served as our fearless team leader and makeup artist. Ashley Christian provided key insights from Nordstrom of Austin as we pulled clothes to set the stage for our photography love fest. Thank you to Revival of Austin for providing such an amazing place to shoot !

Succulent image by Laura Morsman

Succulent image by Laura Morsman

Joining forces with the stunning, Laura Morsman {Laura Morsman Photography} was the smartest choice we could have made to capture our kodak moment. Kellie Campos {Rock Gorgeous Hair} jetted in from the Cayman Islands to offer her amazing hair fairy services. She even made the Garden of Eden inspired orchid laced head-dress with her own crafty hands.

Jennifer is having a little too much fun striking a pose!

Jennifer is having a little too much fun striking a pose!

Of course, a picture cannot speak unless the model behind the clothes confidently brings her game. Jennifer Johnston graced us with self-guided professionalism and grace throughout our two hour shoot. She has no personality at all {wink}.

How to possibly narrow things down?

Laura took over 700 photos in less than two hours and managed to narrow the images to her Top 9–literally the afternoon of our due date. After casting our own votes as a team over the course of a few hours—THE WINNER EMERGED:

Our Fashion X "Mash Up Team Revival" submission

Our Fashion X “Mash Up Team Revival” submission

Outfit Details: c/o NordstromGladiator Sandal {Steve Madden} // Floral Shorts {Glamorous} // Kimono {Mimi Chica} // T-back Bra {Free People} // Lacy Top {Free People} // Chloe and Isabel Necklace

Style Peace,

Jen and the fierce Team Revival

5 Wearable Spring Trends!

Anticipating spring trends is always fun. Are you as ready as I am to retire my long johns and give my white legs some breathing room? Here are some of my favorite picks for spring 2015:

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1.} Chambray Popover Shirtdress {Madewell}: Denim is all the rage this season so be sure to add this easy to style dress to your list of spring essentials. This is the perfect fuss-free solution for every body type. Cinch your waist with a woven belt to define your curves.  Add a cute pair of leggings for a different spin.

2.} Tropical Stripe Burnout T {Gap}: Although prints are personal, all things tropical are making headlines this season. Channel your inner Tommy Bahama and look sheik.

3.} Vince Camuto Lorin Drawstring Tote {Nordstrom}: A bucket style handbag is a smart addition to your everyday list of wardrobe essentials. While on trend, this classic shape will hold the test of time given its neutral color and practical design.

4.} Lace up Wedges {Tommy Hilfiger}: Comfy. Affordable. Need. These three words subtly suggests you CAN and should buy these shoes. Espadrilles are back baby and look sophisticated even with a pair of casual shorts or dressed up with a maxi skirt.

5.} Faded Gingham Shirt {J Crew}: Piggy backing on the buffalo plaid of last season, the smaller checked gingham alternative emerges as a must have. For both men and women alike, finally a wearable trend for everyone.

Hope these spring trends we love inspire you. What are you digging? Join the conversation and give us your favorites.

STYLE PEACE,

Jen & your Forever Styled family

Why hire a wardrobe consultant?

It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the Forever Styled blog/community which suggests you might have an interest in hiring a wardrobe consultant or perhaps you are simply enamored with the fashion industry!

We are going to embark upon an insightful new journey together including conversations about style trends, tricks for dressing appropriately for your body type and age {for both men and women}, the closet overhaul experience and testimonials, new outfit ideas, exploring the “less is more” dressing philosophy and a myriad of other fashion-centric topics.

So let’s begin the conversation by asking an important question:

Why in the heck would anyone who isn’t a celebrity or those without disposable incomes hire a wardrobe consultant?

Conquering the art of making a fabulous first impression is “king” in my world–easily accomplished with a defined and confident sense of self and style. No matter if you are a stay at home parent, a working professional, an entertainer or athlete, rich or poor, male or female, defining one’s personal brand is equally important across all lifestyles and budgets.

The Forever Styled process begins with asking the powerful question: “What do I want to say to the world with my overall image and non-verbals?” We will take time to develop your personal response to this question with an awareness and sensitivity of how you spend your time and money on any given day. Arguably, once you invest in a Forever Styled service,  you will save time AND money by adopting more efficiency in your daily dressing routines.

So move over Jennifer Aniston and Ryan Reynolds–securing style confidence is available to the masses. Read more