Posts

Fashion Emergency Kit: Holiday Edition

Can you believe it’s that time of year again? ’Tis the seasonwhere you are full of holiday cheer {or not!} and your planner is full ofparties to attend and an endless shopping list to pursue.
But do I have the perfect gift solution for you~
Have you ever experienced a wardrobe malfunction at one of yourholiday events and just really needed a fashion emergency kit?
See if this scenario sounds familiar. You are at a Christmasparty with your boss and their cousin’s friend is just the person you have beenwanting to meet to secure a new client and you must make a powerful first impression. BUT youjust ran into a doorframe and ripped the very dress you bought to “wow” thisperson. You are panicking and do not have time to go home and change.
Well fear not, you brought your fashion emergency kit so there isno need to fear. All you need to do is whip out your mini sewing kit and patchthat baby right up. Then go out there and make your dreams come true!
So now that we have been over this super hypothetical situation,let’s talk about what goesinside this fashion emergency kit.

FASHION TAPE  |  ROLL BRUSH  |  SEWING KIT  |  SHOE PETALS  |  MINTS  |  FUR BALLS  |  SOLE SERUM  |  TIDE TO GO  |  JON HART

Here’s what youneed to grab:
1. Fashion Tape (link here!)
2. Mini Roll Brush (I love this one! It comes in the cutest colors!)
3. Mini Sewing Kit (Check out this fun one from Overstock! I love it because it has all thetools you need—even for first time sewers!)
4. Shoe Petals (This is my FAVE)
5. Breath mints (not really for fashion but you will thank me)
6. Sweater Stone {to remove those dreaded fur balls on your garments} 7. Sole Serum: For those achy feet. Instant painreliever for high heels and more.
8. Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover! Touch up yourspots in a jiffy.
All you’ll needto do is gather all the things and put them in your favorite pouch (I love my Jon Hart Grande).No need to carry it with you…just leave it in your car!
I hope this fashion kit helps to make your holiday season evenmore bright and merry! Consider bringing this fun curation to your next giftexchange or reserve it for your fashion conscious friend.
And for more holiday fun, take a look at my pajama gift guidethrough the SHOP TABon my website!
Stylishly Yours This Holiday Season.

WHEN BAD BRAS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE

Bras Header

 

Welcome to part two of the “I Feel Fat and I Have Nothing to Wear,” series. If you missed out on part one, “How to Style Your Love Handles,” you can read it too! Today we are going to get even more personal and talk about bras. That’s right… We are talking about “the girls” and how to best fit them {or tuck them in-HA!} for any outfit.

Side note, have y’all seen the new Ta Ta Towel {a.k.a the world has gone mad for a towel bra}? I have no words to describe how I feel about this new invention nor do I know why I have a major urge to purchase one every time they come across my feed. Someone help a sister out here. Maybe it is because my boob sweat often outweighs my clothing. Sorry, TMI.

But seriously…

When thinking about bras we can all easily point out the major problems. Back fat being our number one enemy, maybe even worse than all other fashion problems combined. Then you have the cup catastrophe. Is there not enough to fill them all the way up leaving that unwanted gap very visible under your tees? Or is there so much happening, it’s spilling over? Neither scenario is a look to love.

And then there are those things called straps. Too lose or too tight. To thick or too thin. The problem goes much deeper than just if you are wearing a bra that fits. It is if you are wearing the RIGHT bra for your body type.

When used in the correct way, your bra can actually be your best friend, and the thing that takes your outfit to the next level!

 

Bras On Woman

 

Here are some of my solutions for fixing your bra situation before it’s too far gone:

 

1.} Get a professional bra-fitting every six months. Yes, you heard me correctly, especially for us hormonal ladies who are in the 40 plus category.  As our bodies ebb and flow and succumb to that dad-gum gravity, it is crucial to keep the twin towers upright and ready for every party. From the office to a night on the town, having the right bra is key. I recommend trusting the ladies in intimates at Austin’s Nordstrom Barton Creek Square or your local Soma Store associates to guide you!

 

2.} Make sure you have the right bras on hand for every outfit. The must-haves on my essentials list include the following:

  1. Sports Bra {here is a link to a recent post of my favorite place to shop for those at Outdoor Voices.} Don’t forget to protect the ta-ta’s even when you are working out. Some of my chestier clients even opt to wear these in leu of a traditional bra on a daily basis.
  2. Razor Back Bra: for those unusual styled tops that help you avoid annoying peekaboo straps.
  3. Strapless Bra: this red carpet strapless bra is a best-seller and super comfy too. You can also opt for a wireless option commando bandeau style if you don’t need tons of support.
  4. Traditional Bras in both nude and black shades. Here are several everyday strappy options for daily wear.

 

 

3.} Quick Q & A for your Boobies: {Care of our friends and experts at Nordstrom}

DOES THE BAND RIDE UP YOUR BACK?

If yes, your bra is either too large or needs to be tightened. If it’s still too loose after you’ve adjusted the band, it’s time to go down a band size (and possibly up a cup).

DO YOUR BREASTS SPILL OVER OR BULGE UNDER THE CUP?

If yes, your cups are too small and you need to go up a cup size.

And here is a quick tip–get hair extensions to cover the spillage or the unwanted bulge. I am not ashamed of my quick fix solutions for the overhang. I adore my amazing hair fairy, Tamara Segura, at Luca Salon in Austin. She can be reached by phone or email for magical locks: tamarashairstudio@gmail.com; (512) 626-8649.

DO THE CUPS PUCKER OR GAP?

If your breasts don’t fill out the cups, your bra is too large.

DO YOUR STRAPS SLIP AND SLIDE?

If you’ve adjusted your straps and they still fall off, either the band is too big or your bra has lost its elasticity. If you have sloped shoulders, opt for a racerback bra or a style with convertible straps.

DO YOUR STRAPS DIG INTO YOUR SHOULDERS?

If so, try loosening the straps. If that doesn’t solve the problem, it’s likely the cups are too small and you need to go up a cup size.

DOES THE WIRE POKE AND PROD?

If so, you’re wearing a cup size that’s too small.

 

I hope these bra tips and tricks will help you feel more confident in your daily dressing experience.

Where do you shop for the best bras? Have any favorites you want to share? Let us highlight your comment !!

Many thanks to Forever Styled friend and supporter, Magan, for her recommendations below from our post last week. I wanted to make sure you heard about this great alternative given her recent recovery story from breast cancer.

“This is a nice shape-wear option.  (I find the shape-wear with legs to roll up.)  Maidenform is breaking into this market at half the price of Spanx.  And Target is convenient. (I had to buy these after breast reconstruction surgery after my mastectomy. Final operation needed just a little filler, so surgeon pulled a bit from my tum. Had to wear this shapewear every day for a long time!) -Magan

 

 

Defying Gravity Together,

 

Jen Young

Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

 

It’s that time of year again… Dare I say some of the best shopping weeks of the summer?? Welcome the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale! The sale is packed full of brand-new styles at seriously discounted prices, which is enough to make anyone grin ear to ear. This is the perfect time to stock your 2017/2018 wardrobe with core items you might be missing and a few trends too.

This year Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale has gone all out, offering some amazing pieces, a ton of free samples, and prices that will make you think you didn’t even go shopping! Check our their Look Book for a little sneak peek.

 

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

 

Is all of this fashion talk feeling a little overwhelming? Like walking into a store full of all the best shoes… and having no idea what to buy? To make the whole process a little easier, I am offering in store appointments at Nordstrom and virtual appointments online. Set up a time for me to assist you with navigating the sale to be sure you are getting the very best deals. Or if you are out of town, set up a virtual tour to ensure the same personal care. This will be done through a new online system where I can choose the best pieces for you, upload them to a personal profile that allows you to purchase!

Either option is great to help you maneuver the 2017 Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale!

And stay tuned for my top picks from the pre-sale inventory. Follow the blog over the next two weeks to see sale items I think all of my clients shouldn’t live without. From shoes to tops and all that is in between, this sale is going to be one for the books.

 

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale Appointments

 

Can’t wait to have some fun shopping and to help being peace to your daily dressing routine!

 

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

 

ELAINE TURNER – TAKE TWO

 

Hello gals! It is just a few days until my Elaine Turner Launch Party and I’m thrilled to show you all one more outfit that will be available during the sip and shop! In case you missed last weeks post, click here.

 

Today we are bringing out the comfortable side of things with a fabulous top and wristlet pairing.

 

 SHOES | TOP | BRACELETS | PURSE | JEANS

TOP | BRACELETS | PURSE | EARRINGS

PURSE | TOP | BRACELETS | JEANS | SHOES

BRACELETS | PURSE | JEANS | SHOES

This Cold Shoulder top is perfect for weekend wear or even work attire. I’ve paired it with white jeans for a summer feel. The classic “v” neck is a great touch as this small accent softens the upper body and adds a nice detail.

 

As you can see, I’ve added a pop of color in the earrings and the shoes, but a big bold statement necklace would look just as amazing!

 

And can we take a moment to talk about this clutch? Something I have truly come to love in the Elaine Turner line are her darling bags. They are perfect for every occasion: from full to the brim totes to sleek little clutches for your night-time outing!

 

Elaine Turner Trunk Show

 

Want to join me this Friday for the launch party?? The more the merrier! Bring your friends, have some fun, and add some AMAZING pieces to your summer wardrobe.

 

Finally, have you entered our fabulous giveaway? You probably should! Be sure to visit Facebook and IG to learn more about how to enter. Come to the party for another two entries. I will  announce the winner on Saturday, July 1st.

 

 

For questions or to RSVP email me: jen@foreverstyled.com

 

 

Stylishly yours,

 

Jen Young

 

 

Beauty Trend: Bold Lip

 

We are back at it with the next summer beauty trend and it is all about lips. This season it’s about being bold, but knowing the right way to do so. Today Shirley will show us how to do a bright lip with a classic twist:

 

Beauty Trend Lips

LIPSTICK  //  LINER  //  BRUSH

Start your bold summer lip by applying a lip gloss all over the upper and lower lip. This helps soften the color before it is even applied. The gloss should be close to the color you are using as your pop, Shirley is using the Jentry Kelley line for all of th3e products in this tutorial!

 

The next step is to add your bright color over the gloss. I suggest a pretty pink during the day and a rosy red at night. You can’t go wrong adding a blast of color to a little black dress after all!

 

An important tip to remember is to ALWAYS line the lips once you have added your bright color. Lining them after helps lock in the lipstick, and makes sure the bold color is contained to your lips and kept in check. Doing the liner afterwards also keeps the boldness a little more muted.

 

Finish the look by smudging in the color one last time.

 

Beauty Trend Bold Lip

 

 

And there you have your summer lip! Like Shirley mentioned in the video, pink is a hot color this season, but branching out to an orange could also be fun. This is a time to experiment with your comfort zone, and see what all your summer lip can bring.

 

I will be dropping one more video this Friday to show you how to contour, something I personally have trouble with!

 

And to have your makeup done by Shirley, or to set up a makeup class, visit her at Adore Boutique in Austin. Call Shirley to book your appointment: 512-524-0208

 

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

JEWELRY WITH A MISSION (Giveaway Included)

Noonday Collection

I’ve got something awesome to share… a company with jewelry that is changing lives one bracelet or earring at a time!  Noonday partners with talented artisan entrepreneurs to make a difference in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. By developing artisan businesses through fair trade, they empower them to grow sustainably and to create dignified jobs for people who need them.

Noonday works to break the chain of poverty which inspires me to support this incredible mission and vision though my influence as a stylist.

I recently purchased a few pieces from Noonday representative, Laura Choy, and could not be more excited to rally around such a profound and fashionable company. The recent collection for spring/summer is so beautiful, I had a hard time choosing just a few.

Noonday Necklace

NECKLACE / EARRINGS

Noonday Flat Lay

CHOKER NECKLACE / CURVED EARRINGS / STRAIGHT EARRINGS / DAUNTLESS NECKLACE

Noonday Jewelry

EARRINGS / BRACELET

Lucky for all of my readers though, one of you will get a free necklace! Just go to my Instagram page @stylistjenyoung, Like the photo, and comment #ForeverStyledLovesNoonday to be entered to win! Consider it a Mother’s Day Gift to yourself, or just a fabulous addition to your personal collection. Contest ends Thursday at midnight and the winner will be announced Friday morning.

Noonday Giveaway

 

_ _ _ _

Laura Choy Noonday

MORE ABOUT LAURA CHOY

My business with Noonday started shortly after my husband and I brought our third child into our home via adoption.  Through travel and exposure to poverty,  I was drawn not only to the beautiful hand made accessories but to the power that they held.  Power to provide a meal, or an education, or to lift a head that has been downcast after years of abuse, domestic violence, or trafficking.  The dignity of good work and a fair wage is truly empowering!

 

Visit Laura’s site to shop: www.LauraChoy.NoondayCollection.com

To receive items before Mother’s Day you must order before May 1st!

 

 

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young