I. Feel. Pretty.

How often do you say “I feel pretty” to yourself? There is more negative talk running through my head sometimes than I care to admit. We all know why we shouldn’t say things to ourselves that we wouldn’t say to our best friends. The more we say it the more we believe it and what a vicious cycle it becomes.

I really struggled with writing this particular post because I truly believe that I am the last person to give advice on this topic. I was recently inspired by a movie that we watched as a family.  “I Feel Pretty” is a movie about a young woman, Renee, who wrestles with major insecurity issues. She believes that she is judged solely by her physical appearance. She looks at herself in the mirror and she doesn’t even have to speak for you to know the amount of self loathing going on in her head.  She thinks tall, gorgeous models don’t grapple with the same insecurities. Sound familiar? Renee has a bad fall in her Soul Cycle class and comes to with an incredible new confidence. It is amazing the power it gave her over her career and love life. WOWZA! I thought it was great and maybe not in the way of an Oscar nomination but because it could resonate with so many women.

So, what does it take to silence those negative voices in our heads?

Wouldn’t it be nice if  all it took was a little knock in the head  to come to with this new found confidence? Were we all born with massive self confidence and somewhere along the way lost it? Do many women have a great deal of it and Renee and I are not the norm? Either way, this movie got me thinking...I tried to pay attention to the times that “I felt pretty”. Quite honestly because I like “liking myself” much more than “loathing myself” and I want to feel that way more often. I would like to clarify here what “I feel pretty” means to me. “I feel pretty” doesn’t just mean that I feel like I look good.  It means I feel strong, I feel confident, I have my act together and I’m doing a good job raising my kids. It means I don’t have trouble speaking up and I can be taken seriously because I’ve taken time to care for myself and I am important.

Fashion excites me...it’s how I express myself. When I make an effort “I feel pretty.”

Soon after this movie, I began the painful process of packing for a trip to Italy with my husband. We would be with 150 of his colleagues and their spouses on an exclusive cruise starting in Rome. We would have private tours, fine onshore dinners, wine tastings and lots of special events. So what’s so terrible about that? Full disclosure...I stress about being with people outside of my element. I guess it means that I stress about being with people who are working and are “successful.” I realized how important it is to me to feel “put together” when on these sabbaticals. I feel my best and most confident when I love what I’m wearing and don’t have any hesitation about how it looks or if it makes me comfortable! Out came the rolling rack, itinerary, suitcase, accessories and shoes. I really took the time to think through what I was bringing and it didn’t matter if I had a suitcase that was a little heavier or if I wasn’t going to wear the item with more than one outfit. Fashion is how I express myself. It excites me! And, when I’m dressed, “I feel pretty.” When I make an effort…“I feel pretty.” Even on excursions when we were hiking or doing meditative yoga on the ship I was careful to pack clothes that I felt really good in. This planning was so worth the time. And now I remind myself of this daily!

Fashion affects us

So, of course there comes the argument that beauty and confidence should come from within. What would I want to teach my daughter? Do I want her to believe that her worth comes from her “style”?  NO, but what I do want her to know is that fashion can affect your self confidence. It actually has been studied and is called “enclothed cognition”. Adams and Galinsky, the researches, basically found “clothes can have profound and systematic psychological and behavioral consequences for their wearers.”  They also stated “although the saying goes that clothes do not make the man our results suggest they do hold a strange power over their wearers.”

Every day we are faced with the decision of what to wear, right?!

Why not make the most of it?

Don’t dread the process...pick the items that make you feel fabulous. We all have certain items in our closet that make us feel at ease when we wear them.  Certainly don’t pick the things that make you question yourself or make you uncomfortable! Life’s too short for that!

Don’t wait for the trip or the movie to make you think of what makes you feel pretty. You don’t have to be going to a special place or event. Just know that what you have on has an impact on your self confidence.

Fashionably yours,

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How to Wear Spring and Summer 2021 Fashion Trends (and a Few I'll Pass on!)

Every year at the beginning of spring and fall, I love looking at all the new fashion trends in magazines and online. It's one of my favorite ways to find outfit inspiration! 

I don't like to buy into fads or of-the-moment trends, but I do enjoy seeing what's on the runway and figuring out how to transfer those looks to real life. It's fun to see if I have any of those items in my closet already and if there are some I simply can't replicate...and therefore can't live without. I especially like finding new looks that are truly unique but not too over-the-top. The goal is to look just different enough to stand out without looking dated. 

With that in mind, here are the top 12 spring and summer 2021 fashion trends I'm seeing everywhere. As always, I'm sharing my honest opinions, tips, and tricks. I also curated my favorite shoppable picks for the upcoming season in LIKEtoKNOW.it, so you can see exactly how I plan to incorporate these trends into my own wardrobe!

Black and white

I've always been a huge fan of the contrasting classic black and white look. It's sharp but not stuffy, appropriate in literally any setting and season, and ultra-flattering on everyone. You can pull it off effortlessly in so many ways — and probably with several things you already own.

Bra tops

I won't even sugarcoat it; I'm not a fan of this trend. I don't mind a lacy bra top showing through a sheer blouse, but that's the only way I would wear this look. It's hard to imagine actually going anywhere or doing anything productive in just a bra!

Midriff "Flossing"

This is another trend I just can't get on board with. If you're unfamiliar with midriff flossing, the term refers to skirts with several ties that wrap around the stomach. It seems like far too much work and personally, I don't need anything pinching my sides more than my waistband already does!

Floaty maxi dresses

Now here's a fashion trend I can (and do!) totally get into. It's amazing how perfectly put-together a maxi dress makes you look, isn't it? Almost without fail, I get several compliments when I'm out wearing one. Floaty maxi dresses have a distinct air of glamour, yet no outfit could be easier — just throw one on and go! I find maxis so cool (literally figuratively) and breezy, especially in the hot and humid Florida climate. 

Baggy trousers and statement pants

This trend may be difficult to embrace if you're a devoted skinny pants lover, but consider giving it a chance. I actually love a great pair of statement pants (or shoes or top or piece of jewelry for that matter...), but they're not entirely effortless. My caution with baggy or wide-leg pants is to not overdo it. Make sure the bagginess isn't too much and balance the look with a feminine, fitted top to make it more flattering.

Cape details

This look provides a lot of drama and I could take it or leave it at this point. I can certainly appreciate the whimsical escapism the designers are going for and it's always nice to have a bit of extra arm coverage, especially in chilly air conditioning. I love the look, I'm just not sure what event I'd need a cape for!

Sequins

I really believe this is designers' way of offering fashionistas a much-needed mood boost. After all, what's more fun than a daytime disco?! I'm all about adding some shine to daytime looks, but be careful not to overdo it. I'd suggest wearing a sequin tee or blazer with staple pieces like jeans. 

Cutouts

I love the open backs I'm seeing in a lot of items right now, and the smaller peekaboo details are also fun. Cutout dresses seem to be a bit too fussy and in my opinion, they're a "one-and-done" look, but I'm much more open to seeing this trend in bodysuits. Pare the drama down a bit with jeans or trousers and you have a winning look.

Corsets

Admittedly, I was quick to dismiss this trend until I looked at several variations. Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of wearing undergarments as clothing — but hey, that's what makes us all unique. I did, however, find a few corset looks that I thought were relevant and could translate to everyday life.

Fishnet clothing

Much like sequins and corsets, I think fishnet anything should be worn sparingly. There are so many variations now, so if you love the look of fishnet, purchase one versatile item you can wear in many ways. Think a lightweight cardigan or top that can be layered over other pieces.

Stripes

I love all the stripes popping up for spring and summer! Stick with the classics and find lines and color combinations (like black and white — two birds, one stone!) that flatter your frame. I don't believe horizontal stripes always make you look larger, but some are so exaggerated that they look like prison uniforms, and that look isn't flattering on anyone!

Hoodies and skirts

Maybe I'll come around in a season or two, but hopefully I don't have to, because I don't find this trend attractive at all. The idea is to make traditional ladylike looks more modern, but to me, it falls a bit flat. 

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These are just some of the trends in my Like To Know It Picks. See them all at https://www.liketoknow.it/Chacha-Olivia

So there you have it — the hottest fashion trends for spring and summer 2021. Which ones are you most excited about? Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook and tag me in your outfit photos so I can see what you come up with!

Fashionably Yours,

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10 Reasons to Plan Your Outfit the Night Before

At the beginning of the year, I issued a friendly challenge to shop your own closet and join me in what I call the “gas and groceries diet” for the month of January. In a private Facebook group I created, I began sharing tips on how to get more wear out of clothes you already own and thin out the items that don't serve you.

The women who joined the group are having such great success (yay!), so I decided to expand on it and offer more suggestions on how to “dress without stress.” Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite strategies for stress-free fashion: planning your outfit at night! It's such a simple concept requiring very little effort, but it has a tremendous impact. Picking out your outfit at night is so much easier and less stressful than doing it in the morning when you're trying to rush out the door. I find it to be very similar to a to-do list in that it helps things run a little more smoothly and makes me feel better prepared. 

Read on for my tips to save time (and sanity!) by choosing your outfit at night. And if you're interested in joining the "shop your closet" challenge group, we'd love to have you! There's still plenty of room, and we continue to share stress-free dressing and fashion tips like these.

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There are some obvious benefits to having more time in the morning: you can enjoy your coffee or tea more peacefully and generally take your time without feeling pressure to rush around. Beyond that, evidence shows that starting your morning a bit more intentionally boosts productivity and sharpens focus.

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Along the same lines, slower mornings directly correlate to reduced stress levels. Even making minor decisions — i.e., what to wear — adds an element of stress, even if we don't necessarily realize it. Something as simple as picking out your outfit the night before goes a long way in eliminating this!

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This one doesn't need any explanation. If you have even just a few spare minutes in the morning, it means more sleep!

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By giving yourself more time to plan your outfit, you have the ability to think more about the next day. For example, you can check the weather or consider whether you want to go straight from work to somewhere else. 

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We've all been there: you're halfway through your workday and realize there's a noticeable stain on your shirt. How long has that been there? Avoid this scenario (or other equally mortifying situations, like a missing button) when you take the time to check your outfit over the night before

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Do you ever feel like you have bursts of creative flows in the evening? There may be a scientific reason for that! Melatonin, which is directly linked to “more flexible thinking” (i.e., creativity), is naturally higher at night. The mind shifts from primarily black-and-white thinking, focusing on the day's responsibilities, to more creative thought processes. So not only are you more likely to want to plan your outfits in the evening, you're also more likely to make more colorful, bolder choices. 

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By taking the time at night you have more of a chance to change around your looks because you utilize everything we would learn in the shop your closet challenge and pick things that you normally don't pull out. 

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Putting more effort in always results in a confidence boost — and who among us couldn't use more of that?!

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If you have plenty of time to put your outfit together in the evening, chances are good that you'll also think about accessorizing. This little luxury is easy to completely overlook when you're rushing around in the morning, but it goes a long way in tying your outfit together and making it feel more complete. 

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I don't know about you, but some of my favorite clothing items require ironing or steaming. It drives me crazy! However, if I think ahead at night about what I plan to wear the following day, I have sufficient time to get that steaming or ironing done. Along those same lines, planning your outfit at night gives you time to sew that button back onto your favorite blouse or quickly fix the hem on your go-to pants. 

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Remember, fashion should be fun! Implementing some of these tips can get you some of your time and energy back, help you have calmer mornings, and may even result in bolder, more fashionable outfits. Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram @therealchachaolivia and let me know which of these tips works for you, and be sure to check out the Facebook challenge group as well!

Happy styling, friends!

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10 Tips for Wardrobe Success

Setting You and Your Closet Up for Fashion Success.

Most women are familiar with the aggravation that comes with walking into your closet and not being able to easily piece together a stylish outfit that you feel comfortable in. When your closet is full of items that are ill fitting, stained, outdated, and unorganized, getting dressed becomes an aggravating and longer routine. 

Setting you and your closet up for fashion success can be accomplished with these 10 tips – 5 from Theo Pace, founder and personal stylist at Chacha-Olivia, and 5 from Jess, professional organizer and founder of The POP Home.

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Before embarking on any type of style work (or organization), I recommend a good closet cleanse. If you're good at staying on top of your wardrobe and regularly assess what you own and wear, then you may only need a little "touch up." 

1. Don't keep anything with holes or stubborn stains.

Keep a running list of the items that need replacing so you can search them out and fill any gaps they may leave in your closet.

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2. Don't keep things out of guilt.

Hand-me-downs are notorious for taking up space in our wardrobe. If you feel comfortable, ask the giver if they'd like it back or would like you to donate it. If you haven't worn it and it's not really you, it doesn't need to take up real estate in your closet and your mind!  Remember this tip the next time you accept a hand-me-down. 

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3. Do keep your basics

White tee shirts and blouses, layering pieces, classic blazers, and trousers are always great items to have in your wardrobe. 

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4. Do not keep uncomfortable shoes

If you never wear a pair of shoes because they hurt too much or you need to hold onto someone while you are walking, it is probably time to let them go. So, let them go.

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5. Do not keep anything that doesn't make you feel confident. Period.

If you are always questioning how you look (or feel) in an outfit, chances are you will never feel confident in it.

"I have always believed that fashion was not only to make women more beautiful, but also to reassure them, give them confidence." -YSL

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Once you have completed a thorough closet purge, leaving only the best of what you have, it is time to organize your wardrobe. Establishing an organized closet space will not only allow ease when getting dressed, but it will also make your closet a beautiful space. 

6. Organize by occasion and then by color

I recommend three main departments of hanging clothes in your closet that make getting dressed a breeze. 

Department One: Everyday Wear
The clothes for everyday life, taking the kids to school, meeting with friends, running errands, etc. 

Department Two: Business or Business Casual Attire
The items you would wear to a meeting or possibly a charity event or school function. 

Department Three: Cocktail and Formal Wear
Items that are not worn as regularly, so they should be kept further to the back of the closet. 

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7. Color code to beautify

Once you have the items that you would like to keep separated in the departments, order them by color. In my own closet, I take it one step further and organize by sleeve length as well, it goes from tank tops to long sleeves. 

Though color coding is not a totally necessary part of organizing your wardrobe, this step not only makes it beautiful, but it allows for you to easily find exactly what you need when you need it. There is no sense looking through green business blouses when you need a green tank for a kid’s baseball game. 

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8. To maximize space, use drawer dividers and shelf dividers

I LOVE both of these tools and feel that they are far underutilized in master closets. The drawer dividers are a lifesaver. 

The KonMari Method of file folding may work in some homes, but it does not work in mine. With my husband and I both folding the laundry, there is not always a consistent technique. The drawer dividers ensure that each item stays in its place within the drawer, keeping it from turning into a mess of clothing. They are a practical solution for organized perfection.

The shelf dividers allow for open shelving to remain organized and more importantly, utilized. This is valuable closet real estate that can be used in many ways, including for purses, scarves, and shorts. 

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9. Use the same hangers

This one seems so simple, but makes the BIGGEST difference. There are options that fit every budget. These are my favorite and typically run about $40 for a pack of 100. They are durable, don’t leave annoying creases in the shoulders of blouses or sweaters, and maximize space. Also, they look great!

Pro tip: when you remove an item from the hanger, do not leave the hanger in its place. Designate a hanger spot where all the empty hangers live until they are to be used again. This will keep the racks neat and orderly and help you cut down on the time you spend searching for hangers when putting the laundry away. 

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10. Get your shoes off of the floor

No matter the size or style of your master closet, there is a shoe storage solution that will work for you. 

If you are storing shoes on shelves and need to maximize your space to allow for more shoes, I recommend using these Shoe Slotz. If you’re lucky enough to have tons of space for your shoes and need to keep them all in their place, the Stackable Shoe Drawers are awesome. 

Over the door solutions are really great if you do not have any space for shoes, and you are storing them on the floor. 

The goal here is to get the shoes off the floor to get rid of the clutter. You will be far less likely to toss your dirty clothes on the floor if nothing else is there. 

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A purged and organized closet that is practical, organized, and perfect is attainable for everyone, if these 10 tips are followed to create your perfect space. If you are having trouble tackling this project on your own, reach out for a consultation – we would love to set you and your closet up for wardrobe success! 

To find out more about The Pop Home and founder Jess’s offerings, head to her site here.

Happy Organizing!,

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A New Take on the Dreaded Closet Purge.

So many people offer suggestions on how to take on this project...probably because it is (in my opinion) one of the worst jobs to tackle. Interestingly enough, I could purge my kids closet, a friends closet or my mother in laws closet with no problem. I am great at telling people what to toss, what to sell and what to keep! When it comes to my closet it is a whole different story.

This is such an overwhelming task. And, quite frankly, I don’t find it fun.  It was actually Anton (LOML and biggest fan) who suggested tackling this with some friends. I love this…we are always looking for ways to get together with girlfriends, right?  And, if you’re reading this blog you are probably all about fashion, right? And, we usually hang with like minded women, right?

Here’s how you go about it…

(Remember, these are difficult times and you might have to adjust the way you tackle this. Maybe your friends meet over Zoom or Facetime, maybe they come to your house and you wear your masks and try to stay distant. There are safe ways to tackle this project and have fun all while doing it safely!)

1. Pick 2 of your closest friends. You know, the ones who know you best. The ones who get your lifestyle and your fashion sense. The ones who aren’t afraid to be honest with you.

2. Make arrangements to have a “girls night in.” Find a sitter. Buy some champagne or wine and some easy appetizers that you don’t mind serving in your bedroom.  

3. Before the guests arrive pull out all the “question marks” in your closet. This means anything that needs altering, anything you haven’t worn in a while or anything that you are having trouble pairing up with other things in your wardrobe. You might find a rolling rack and a folding table helpful.  

4. Start a donate bag and a toss bag. You can also start a “sell section” for online consignment to get a little cash back.

5. No need to waste time on things that are worn out or stained. Start the “toss” bag before the guests arrive. If it’s something that you love and you need to replace because you wore it a lot, start a “need to replace” shopping list. The same goes for worn out costume jewelry. Toss it!!!

6. Shoes are a little different. If they really hurt and you don’t wear them or can’t walk in them... life is too short for uncomfortable shoes! Leave these out for a suggestion on donate or “sell” or maybe one of your friends will find them comfortable.

7. When the guests arrive put on a fun playlist and start a fashion show. Remember the scene from “Sex and the City?” Let your friends help you decide...is it worth it to alter it?  Maybe they can pair up that item that’s not getting wear? Or maybe they will tell you to “just let it go?”

8. A nice thank you for your girlfriends could be a gift card to a favorite store, or
gift them a couple of your “donate” or “sell” items. I think it’s always fun to see
someone enjoy something that I wasn’t wearing and make it their own.

9. Pick a friend to bring the donate bag to the donation drop. If it hangs around
you may be tempted to pull things out.  Don’t look back!

10. Have fun and maybe your friends will ask to host the next one!

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If you need to tackle this project alone, I totally get it. It can be done! I’d love to send you my list of helpful tips on how to make this a painless solo project, see below.

Fashionably yours,

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