10 Ways To Look Slimmer Instantly!

I never thought I'd be writing a post about how to look slimmer. However, no one has asked me how to look bigger (yet). During this time of life I am not at my most confident about my body or weight. I would like to look slim too. So, please don’t take offense. I hear women asking all the time…”does this make me look big? Can I wear this? Does it add weight to my frame?”

Before I meet with any new client I have them fill out an extensive questionnaire. I like to get to know someone before our first meeting so we can dig right in once we are together. One of the most important things I like to understand is what parts of the body my clients like to accentuate and which ones they would rather minimize. For example, I will not try to convince a client that they should wear sleeveless if they would rather minimize their arms. I may tell them that I think their arms look great because I really do think they look great. However, I know when I’m not secure about wearing something I would rather not feel self conscious.

Not that I don't think you look beautiful the way you are...but because you asked.

On to the tips!!

Most of these tips work on creating an illusion of length and height. Whenever your eye is drawn vertically the look is more slimming.

Wear a v-neck not a crew neck.

A v-neck tee will draw your eye up and down and create length. A crew neck top, although great for layering, will stop the eye around the neck and shoulders. This isn’t to say these aren’t flattering necklines at all. Given the choice, a v-neck will create more length rather than width.

Wear Dark Wash instead of Light Wash Denim.

A dark wash denim will also elongate by drawing your eye vertically. A lighter wash, especially one with more fading and/or whisker details, will halt your eyes at your hips and thighs. This denim example is the exact same jean in two different washes. Quite a difference, don’t you think?

Wear heels vs flats.

Any time you add a little bit of height to your look you create a longer leaner look. You don’t have to wear pumps. Try a wedge or block heel for comfort and still create some added height.

Wear one color head to toe.

Wearing a monotone look is the oldest trick in the book. Again, you are creating a long and lean look and this works especially well with darker colors. More advanced monotone looks come together when you mix variations in the color tone. I would suggest sticking with a darker version…black and navy are a great place to start.

Wear Long Pendant Necklaces Vs Short.

Creating a vertical line can be done with necklaces too. They come in all lengths. Depending on your height you may not want to choose the longest one you can find. Keep in mind creating the illusion of an upright line is key.

Wear a Duster, even if you’re petite.

A duster is a cardigan that falls anywhere from right below the knee to your ankle. Even on petites this can be a flattering style if done right. We are creating a longer silhouette with the length.

Wear nude shoes when wearing short skirts.

Wearing a nude shoe with shorter skirts and dresses is a great tip in elongating. By opting for a color close to your skin tone your eye doesn’t stop and break at the look of a color against your skin. This look should only be worn with a bare leg!

Wear a structured blazer.

A blazer that has more shape will flatter your figure as opposed to a boxy version that will look like you are trying to cover up.

Find a well fitting bra and panty.

One of the most overlooked areas in a women’s wardrobe is undergarments. A well fitting bra will literally make the most important difference in the way an outfit falls. Don’t skimp on this important detail. I personally love the “vanishing back” from Soma Intimates.

Volume and Proportion.

Remember to balance your outfit. Wearing two oversized pieces together will add weight. If you want to wear something oversized always add a slimmer piece to balance out your outfit. For example, try an oversized sweater with a faux leather legging. Try a wide leg pant with a slimmer turtleneck.

I hope you enjoyed the tips and would love to hear if you try any of them. Interested in any of these items? They are linked in this catalog…10 Ways To Look Slimmer Instantly

Fashionably yours,

A little heads up…Some of my suggestions may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of those links you won’t pay a penny more but I may earn a small commission, which helps keep the lights on! Thank you!

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How To Look Great When You're Running Late!

Ever have one of those days when you just didn’t have time to plan your outfit or you just weren’t comfortable in the outfit you planned to wear? Isn’t it the worst feeling when you start running late because you can’t decide what to wear because nothing feels right or you’re just not comfortable in what you’re putting on?

I’m much better at planning outfits now. I had this horrible period of time when I would have a countdown of the hours and minutes to an event without an outfit plan. I knew I was in trouble if I was showering for the event and still didn’t know what to wear. I would then start thinking about it while I was drying my hair. Still no outfit. Ok…I’ll come up with it while I’m doing my makeup. The clothes start flying off the hangers and nothing feels right. Then my husband starts with “we are going to be late” Then it becomes “we are late!” Does this sound familiar?

Thankfully this hasn’t happened in a while because I’m much better at planning. However, life isn’t perfect, I’m not always organized. Sometimes I am organized, however, the outfit doesn’t fit as well as it did the last time I wore it.

I want to give you some of my tried and true tips on how to choose an outfit when you didn’t have one planned, or you’re “just not feeling it” with the outfit you set aside.

Stop! Don’t Try To Style Something You Haven’t Worn Before!

Just purchase a really unique pair of pumps? Don’t try to style them right before you are heading out the door.

I am always excited to wear something new. However, if you don’t have the perfect items to go with those new shoes, new blazer or new blouse this is not the time to try to pair them up! Figure out the outfit when you have the time and then wear it. You will waste a lot of energy and time trying to make an outfit work by trying to match up something new for the first time. You’ll also run the risk of not really liking the way it looked once you get back home.

Have a select group of outfits that are “go to’s”

There are many times we wear an outfit and love the way it looks. Snap a pix of these outfits and keep them in your phone or in your closet and use those outfits as “go to’s.” You may feel like you’ve worn this outfit before, however, I would choose comfort and confidence in my outfit over arriving late.

Rather than having to search your phone for the photos or look through pictures hanging in your closet, you might want to consider my “virtual closet” app. It is so amazing. It saves time and money! No more repeat purchases or struggling with “what do I wear with this?” Your wardrobe and outfit combinations are right at your fingertips in an app on your phone. Check out Ways to Work With Me to see how it all works!

Classic Audrey Hepburn. This is a classic “go to” look especially if you are in a rush!

Thank you for the photo pixaby.

Wear all black.

When all else fails, wear black. Pair your black turtleneck and black trousers with your favorite pumps or flats. You can keep the shoes simple or wear them as an accent piece. Too warm for a turtleneck? Try a sleeveless blouse and pencil skirt. You’ll look chic AND COMPLETE!

Wear a dress or jumpsuit.

A dress or jumpsuit is such an easy “one and done” look. You only have to add a necklace or earring and the shoe and voila, you’re ready to go!

The most important thing to remember is to keep it simple. If you don’t have the time to plan an outfit from head to toe then I would suggest sticking with what you know! You are better off arriving on time and feeling confident with what you have on.

I hope these tips are helpful to you. If you would like to chat about how I can help you put together some “go to’s” let’s chat. I’d love to offer a free 30 minute consult. Email me at theo@chacha-olivia.com and we can set up a time.

Fashionably yours,

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Have You Ever Experienced A Fashion Regret? 10 Tips For Never Regretting a Fashion Purchase Ever Again.

When I buy clothes, I want to make good investments. I want the clothes to be timeless in style, to last a long time, and to spend more time on me than on the hanger. I have learned how to do this well the hard way. There isn’t anything worse than making a purchase, then regretting it and feeling like I just wasted hard earned money.

I've fallen into several traps over the years. I bought outfits for “that event” that I thought I might attend. I've purchased things on vacation I didn't really need. I have also been drawn in by designer names at times. These kind of heat-of-the-moment purchases are what leads to fashion regrets.  

Clients often tell me they regret buying heels that are too high. They may look great, but being able to walk in them comfortably is important. Online ordering is another pitfall. Have you ever ordered something and been surprised by how different it looked in person? This is also similar to not trying things on in the store while shopping. There’s no way to know if it will fit well, or suit us, until we get home. Add a sale to the mix and you’ve got yourself a minefield of bad ideas.

So how do we avoid these regrets? How do we go shopping and come back with good investments?

Here are some things I like to think about before making a fashion purchase...be sure to download my free “stylist in your pocket guide" below. I use it myself and it’s a huge help.

Fit.

There have been many times in the past when I have purchased an item of clothing, only to realize it doesn't fit properly. If you're buying clothes that need countless alterations, you may never be satisfied with the final product. Be sure to try things on to save you the hassle of a return. If you are between two sizes it may be best to not purchase at all and pass on items that need more than a quick hem.

Comfort.

When I’m deciding what to wear for the day, I often pass on wearing an outfit that is uncomfortable. Is the jacket too snug in the shoulders making it difficult to drive? Can I walk more than 10 steps without holding onto my husband? It’s important to make sure your purchase is comfortable. Wear shoes around the department store and don’t just walk on carpeted areas, walk on hard floors too. Move around in an item. Sit, cross your legs, bend squat do whatever you do on a daily basis to be sure the item you are contemplating is comfy. If there is any doubt, leave it at the store!

MY style.

Many of my clients have told me that they have made purchases based on styles they admire on other women, rather than styles they know and love. Experimenting is all well and good, but when it comes to making a commitment to a new look, experiment with one item at a time. Get to know your own style first and think about if you would really wear this new look.

Does it fit my lifestyle?

The early morning school run, cleaning the house, sitting at a desk all afternoon; are your clothes built for this? If you’re not likely to wear your pearls and Chanel to the grocery store, it may be best to stick to some basic staples. On the other hand, if you’re always out on the town or at dinner parties, do you really need another pair of jeans?

Can I afford it?

Working out if you can afford something goes deeper than the money in your purse. Can you afford to wear the outfit regularly without fear that you’ll ruin it? Can you afford to get it repaired if you do? Sometimes we treat ourselves to clothes that we never end up wearing, because we’re afraid of wasting that money. But clothes are made to be worn, so find a comfortable price range and stick to it.

Do I have a place to wear it?

A big factor in why a lot of our garments lay unworn, is because we buy them for an occasion that may never come. I see many formal dresses that I feel are perfect for weddings and dinner parties, but I tell myself to hold back until I actually have the event to attend.

Does it fit a purpose, and fill a gap in my wardrobe?
Only going to the store when you need something will save you a lot of time and money. Pinpointing what you need and why you need it, will help you avoid repetitive buying. Hold the item you’re interested in and ask yourself; what purpose will this item fulfill? Where will I wear it? Will I wear it often? Is it something I don’t already own? Is there a deeper reason to purchasing it than ‘I just want it’?

Can I wear it with at least 3 other things in my wardrobe?

Before you buy an item, think about what you have at home to pair with it. Imagine what the garment will look like with 2-3 other pieces. Does the top fit with your favorite skirt? Can you wear that jacket with your favorite trousers or jeans? If the item can’t be paired with at least 2-3 items, you may want to leave it behind.

Do I really want this item, or is it just part of a tempting deal?

There may be a correlation between impulse sale buying and the clothes you don’t wear. How often do you buy clothes that are part of a buy-one-get-one-free deal? That free item...do you wear it often? Deals often trick us into thinking we are saving money, but if you weren’t planning on buying the item anyway, you’re only spending more money, and giving up more space in your closet.

Brand Name.

It can be easy to be drawn to an item because it’s a name brand. The newest “It” bag or The must have designer shoes of the season are so beautiful and on everyone’s wish list. Does it mean we have to have them or are you drawn to them because of the logo? Imagine taking the name/logo off the item. Would it still be as appealing?

Want My Pocket Stylist Tool?

Fashionably yours,

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It's Officially Fall And It's Still Hot...What Do I Wear?!

It’s officially Fall and it’s upwards of 85 degrees in Florida! This is the time of year when I miss New England the most. I miss the leaves changing colors and the drops in temperature. I miss wearing chunky sweaters paired with boots and lighting fires. I especially miss Fall in New England when I have to remind myself that it is in fact October here! It’s still sooo hot. There isn’t a transition into Fall Fashion and we don’t have “sweatah weathah” yet.

Our first Halloween in Florida. I remember how odd this looked to me.

I remember selling our snowblower to a man relocating from Florida to CT. His exact words to me were “You’re kids are going to hate it, it will be too hot to wear Halloween costumes!” My reply to him? “Well, yours will be as equally unhappy because they will have to wear a coat over theirs!” Well, as much as I know I was right, he was right too! We have been pretty fortunate this Fall, it has been much cooler for September than I can remember in the past couple of years.

So, how do we dress for Fall and still keep cool until the temps drop a bit? Here are a few of my tips to look “Fall” in warmer climates and still keep cool.

Not quite ready for a full on boot…I suggest bringing out mules of all heel heights.

Link to Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&SMgqj

I have tried wearing boots when it was 80 degrees and I thought I would die. Not only was it too heavy, but it was too hot! My suggestion here would be to wear backless shoes and boots known as mules. There are so many cute styles right now and lots of heel heights. Your toes are covered so you feel like you have a full boot on but your heel is out so you’re still cool! Can’t beat that!!

Wear lightweight, short sleeve or sleeveless toppers.

Link to Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&SrUs5

I pull out very light, airy toppers. Kimono style toppers always add a nice finish to a tank/tee or shorts/denim. Choose kimono’s with deeper jewel tones to feel more “Fall.” Vests are always a great option because they add the 3rd piece of interest to complete a look (without a lot of weight). My favorite is this short sleeve denim jacket…it doesn’t owe me a penny!!

Speaking of Color…Choose tees and tops in Jewel Tones. The weight will still be the same but the color will make you feel like your seasons are in fact, really changing.

Link To Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&S3EiX

Solid colored tees are always very easy to find. They will easily coordinate back with neutral bottoms or jeans. Finish it off with a cool rayon fabric scarf or wrap.

Choose Cotton/Poplin Casual Pants instead of Shorts.

Link To Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&SaJLJ

I’m always a fan of cotton/poplin pants for a casual look. Khaki is a great neutral option but I love the deep hues offered for Fall. This denim skirt is super cute and can take you almost anywhere too! There are many crop pants out there with fun side stripe details to add a little flair. Consider it a nod to the military trend that’s so popular right now.

Bring out the “Winter Whites” and soft neutral tones.

Link To Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&S5pU8

This is not to say that I don’t think you can wear white or it’s wrong to wear white. I personally just don’t wear white come October(ish). I love pulling out winter whites and creams and combining them for an overall soft tonal look. The lighter colors will certainly be cooler but the layered look will “feel Fall.”

If you’re experiencing your own “personal Summers” and the thought of trying to “transition to Fall” in the higher 80 degree temps just isn’t your thing….

Link To Catalogue:

https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&SBtA0

There is always changing up your nail color!

I hope you enjoyed my Transition Picks! See you next week when I’ll chat with you about Fashion Regrets!

Fashionably yours,

PS Little heads up…some of my suggestions may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more but I may earn a small commission, which helps my keep the lights on! Thank you!

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What Is The Value In Hiring A Stylist And Will It Actually Save You Money?

How often do you feel like you have nothing to wear, and at the same time feel like you have no room in your closet? Hiring a stylist might be the best thing you could do for yourself. 

How often do you feel like you have nothing to wear, and at the same time feel like you have no room in your closet? Hiring a stylist might be the best thing you could do for yourself. 

I bet you’re thinking… well, what will a stylist really do for me? Why should I spend money on a stylist? I should be able to do this myself. It shouldn’t be that difficult. We all have that kind of guilt now and again; the one that makes you feel bad for not being SuperWoman.                                                           

Of course, you can do anything if you put your mind to it. However, you wouldn’t think twice about hiring a caterer for a wedding, or a carpenter to renovate a room. Leaving things to a professional relieves the pressure and stress. Watching the way someone works through the process can teach you a lot.

It may not be something you need every time you get dressed. You may choose to do it once a year or seasonally. 

So, why hire a stylist? Where is the value in it? 

Stop the Madness-Never say “I have nothing to wear again” and save money in the process!

Throughout my years as a stylist, I’ve found that one of the most common problem for women is repetitive buying. So many clients have told me how much I’ve helped them end the cycle of buying repetitive looks. 

Gravitating back to the same old designs and colors that you are comfortable wearing doesn’t refresh your look, nor does it save you money. In fact, it perpetuates the feeling of “I have nothing to wear.”

It can be frustrating to look at your fully stocked closet and feel like you can’t find anything to wear. If your wardrobe is getting larger and you still find it difficult to find variety, it’s because as you continue shopping for new looks, you inevitably end up purchasing things that look very similar to what is already in your closet. The vicious cycle continues!

With a fresh set of eyes on your wardrobe, a stylist can tell what items are being purchased over and over. We often tell clients “Do not buy ANY MORE black trousers!” or ”You don’t NEED another white tee shirt!” Having a stylist take an in depth look at your style and your wardrobe will bring you variety and comfort knowing that you have different options to wear.

Shop Your Closet! Have a curated closet tailored to your style, getting use out of pieces you already own!

I know it sounds obvious, but it’s more complex than you may think. A stylist will take you through your wardrobe and discuss what’s getting the most use and what you aren’t using and why. She will pair your items in different ways to create more looks.

This is where you will together determine where to allocate your budget. Think of it as a trip to the grocery store. You wouldn’t go to the store without a shopping list and your closet should be no different. What are you missing? What do you need to purchase to complete more looks in your wardrobe.

Sometimes a single piece of clothing can look entirely new when styled differently. Adding a piece of statement jewelry to a simple navy dress can transform it in seconds. Wearing a shirt dress as a duster with jeans may bring your dress back to life.  

Another problem I see is women buying outfits they feel they should be wearing, rather than styles they love. It may be tempting to follow trends to the letter and create an eclectic collection of outfits, but if you’re not in love with what you’re wearing...you may never wear those clothes or more importantly never feel yourself in them. We dig deep to determine your style, or styles so that this doesn’t happen to you!

Time...Precious Time.

Hiring a stylist won’t just save you money, it will save you time. Think of the time you spend getting dressed in the morning, how long does it take you to pick out an outfit? It may feel like a daunting task, so oftentimes we fall back on the same old outfit just to save time. If you already have outfits planned beforehand, that is extra time you could be giving to other aspects of your life like spending time with your children, partner, and meeting your friends for coffee before work.

Working with me, you’ll have access to an exclusive app that makes this process much less frustrating. The app allows us to  photograph each item of clothing in your wardrobe and then pair them together  into “lookbooks.” (Catalogues of looks we create from your wardrobe!) We can create looks for specific occasions; evenings out, luncheons, or even PTA meetings. It takes the the guesswork out of finding the style you want to wear for the day, and the time you save on all that planning can be put towards many other things. This is all on your phone or tablet, right at your fingertips. You don’t have to stand in your closet trying to figure it out!

My Process. Feel the Frustration Drain Away.

We will work together to fill out an extensive questionnaire. This will help me get a real taste for your lifestyle, personality, likes and dislikes. Then, we will spend a couple of short hours delving into your wardrobe to see what can be re-styled, and what needs to go. Taking the time to “shop your closet” will help you become in tune with what potential outfits are in there and will save you a lot of time in the long run.

I love getting to know my clients. Putting a finger on why you need to rework your closet is key to how the journey progresses. We often times become good friends because I take the time to get to really know you, your style and your comfort level. In turn I like for you to know that I take the time to listen and not just create a look for you but help you discover what your look is!

Fashionably yours,

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