What To Buy For The Most Difficult Person On Your Holiday List.

I love giving. I love watching someone’s expression when they open a gift that they are SO excited about it. I believe “giving is better than receiving.” However, there’s always one or two people on my list that I find difficult to buy for. Do you have one of those people in your circle? When It comes time for the “grab” and you get their name do you immediately start to stress?

I have created a catalogue of gifts for both men and women to help with some ideas. Some items are tried and true. Others are items friends told me they received and loved. When it comes to gift giving for the “person who seems to have everything” I’ll take all the advice I can get!

Enjoy the list!

For Her:

PJ’s are often on any list of great items to give. I am captivated by these Katie Kime prints. Soft cotton with beautiful piping are a plus…and there is also a monogram option!

Etkie bracelets are one of my personal standby jewelry items. Not only are they gorgeous but there is a beautiful story behind the women who make them. They are hand-beaded (glass beads) in collaboration with talented Navajo artisans in New Mexico.

I’m sure she has a robe…but does she have a velvet robe? I love this rich Natori robe exclusive to Bloomie’s. A sure win!

She may be beyond the comeback of the scrunchy but these are hard to resist. Skinny Silk Scrunchies come six to a pack. Made from non-toxic dyes and mulberry silk. They are designed to be gentle on the hair and avoid creases.

For the Athlete:

The “Aeropex” headset from aftershokz is a game changer in headset technology. They have bone conducting technology so they allow you to listen to music without blocking the sounds of the world around you!

I love this Longchamp “out of town” or “gym” bag. In the usual Longchamp design it’s made in nylon with leather detail. Definitely made to withstand some travel too!

The Theragun is a professional-grade percussive therapy device that delivers deep muscle treatment. It includes a travel case and four attachments and relieves tension, tightness soreness and pain!

Perfect for cold weather climates…these Heated Gloves, for men or women, are great for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing or climbing.

For the Staycationer:

These Michael Storrings puzzles are so pretty and great for any puzzle addict. I also love the Pink Picasso paint by numbers for adults. These two gifts are a great ways to add some quality time with loved ones.

How many times do you reheat your coffee? Enough said. This temperature controlled 10 oz mug lets you set the temp and maintains it for an hour!

How about a Book of the Month club for the avid reader in your life? Choose from 5 -wow worthy reads, decide if you want one or more. Read, review and repeat!

“The 5 Minute Journal” is one of the best gifts I have received. It is the best way to start and end your day.

The first time I realized a weighted blanket would be beneficial was at the dentists office! I was having x-rays done and the protector drape had such a calming affect on me. Great for the person who has everything, except enough sleep!

For your mixologist:

The Ultimate Cocktail Book…1100 recipes in this cocktail book! You’ll have to order the Uber!

Azul Tequila…
From the superior tequila, to the unique & beautifully handcrafted bottles, Clase Azul is 100% authentic in every way. In the small Mexican town of Santa Maria Canchesda, over 100 artisans dedicate their time to creating each bottle one at a time. Truly an incredible hostess gift.

For the traveler:

I never go anywhere without my neck pillow. This is an upgrade from the one I have been using. It packs up into nothing! Who couldn’t use extra room in their carry on?!

Both of these backpacks are winners. One for him and one for her. We gave my husband a Tumi for Father’s Day one year and it was a huge hit. I love this new one from SJP. It’s on Oprah’s List this year. I have been in need of a great backpack for travel! I hope Santa sees this!

The Ultimate:

These gifts are the splurge of all splurges! They can be done with a partner, friend or spouse and would definitely create some amazing memories!

Seduction of the Spirit, Meditation and Yoga Retreat with Deepak Chopra. Deepak started this retreat 30 years ago in his back yard as  a means to help people strengthen their connection to their divine nature through the ancient traditions of meditation and yoga. He is still committed to that purpose and believes strongly that you can manifest a life full of abundance, happiness, health, well-being, love, and meaning as the co-creator of your world. Join him and other amazing guest speakers and facilitators, February 2-8, 2020 on Amelia Island at The Ritz Carlton in Florida.

For any golf enthusiast…The Experience of St. Andrews. The Experience St Andrews are past masters in providing luxury golf vacations. They are an Authorised Provider of Old Course Tee Times by St Andrews Links Trust which means they guarantee your golf break includes a round on the Old Course and it doesn’t end there!

More information on these Ultimate Gifts are linked here… What To Buy For The Most Difficult Person On Your Holiday List.

Happy Gifting!

Fashionably yours,

10 Essentials I Highly Suggest You Keep In Your Closet and You'll Never Guess What They Are!

Last week I told you about some things I learned from cleaning out my closet. I spent a lot of time in that room over the past month! While I was in there I was thinking of some of the items that help keep me organized and I’d like to share them with you. Yup, this isn’t about staple wardrobe pieces. It’s all about my favorite items that I use almost every day!

NO More Wire Hangers!

Wire and plastic hangers are one of my biggest pet peeves and not just because they look horrible. They are absolutely ruthless on your clothes. Everything stretches on them! It’s almost impossible to get to your clothes back to normal after they have been abused by those torture devices!

So, what should you use?

The velvet ones that you can find almost anywhere. I’m so happy the velvet hanger company started making skirt hangers too. Not only are they kind to your clothing but they take up much less space.

Invest in quilted purse shapers.

After doing some researchI found out that plastic is the worst thing to put in your handbags. I love these quilted fabric purse shapers. No more creases and wrinkles in any of your bags. They come in three sizes so they are great for everything from clutches to tote bags.

Invest in Dust Covers For Your Handbags.

Many handbags come with their own dust covers. It is important to keep bags protected especially if you put them away for a season or two. The only trouble with these covers is you can’t see the bags! Again, after much research, I found these great fabric ones! They actually have a sheer strip so you can see the bag. They also come in three sizes.

Keep these shoulder covers on hand for the items you don’t wear very often.

Evening dresses and winter coats are examples of items that aren’t worn year round or very often. It’s a good idea to keep the shoulders from collecting dust. Yes, they are plastic but they don’t cover the entire garment so no worries here.

Boot trees are a must.

Think of these like the quilted purse shapers. They will keep your boots standing tall without wrinkles and permanent creases.

A Shoe stretcher!

With all the online shopping we do who wants to go to a cobbler once you finally have the shoes at home? Don’t skimp on stretchers. Make sure to purchase wood ones that can stretch left or right shoes and both length and width. Everyone in your family will be borrowing this!

I always keep “foot petals” on hand.

The heel savers are great for the heels of your shoe if you find yourself sliding or if the leather rubs your heel. The tip toe petal keeps your foot in place, especially in heels, while adding a little cushion to the ball of your foot. I always keep a couple of packs of these in my closet.

A good steamer.

Sometimes clothing looks better when steamed instead of ironed. A good steamer doesn’t have to be large or industrial strength. Steamers are quick and easy to use and work on everything! I have a heavy duty iron from Rowenta and love their steamer too. Don’t let too many people know you have one…they’ll be over all the time to borrow it!

Finally, a small rack.

This item is something I use often and it comes in handy! I like this one in particular because it collapses and stores easily. I use it when pulling items for traveling, sorting and outfit planning. I have quite a few friends who thought I was crazy until they got their own!

Enjoy checking out My Closet Essentials below…

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 me keep the lights on! Thank you!!!

AND remember! No Wire Hangers!!

Fashionably yours,

My Closet Essentials

My Closet Essentials.

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10 Things I Learned From Cleaning Out My Closet.

Yes, it’s true. It has taken me a month to go through my closet. I’m not a big proponent of cleaning out a closet in one day. I know that works for many people, however, it doesn’t work for me. It’s an overwhelming task even if you aren’t a clothes collector. I like to take section by section and toss what is worn or damaged. I like to take time to mull over what is left. Today I’m not going to go through a closet cleanse with you…today I want to talk to you about what I learned over the past month!

10 Things I learned...

Don’t take other peoples “hand me downs” if you don’t think you’ll wear them.

My mother-in-law has unbelievable taste! I love going to visit her and we inevitably wind up cleaning her closets! (Right, Mimi?) She will often pass things along to me and most of them I wear and love. Some things, I have never worn and feel terrible that I haven’t. I know when I give someone something from my closet I hope they will get use out of it. I think we all want our items to be worn and appreciated. Before you take someone’s “hand-me-downs,” ask yourself if you will use it. If you don’t think you will, let the donor pass it along to someone who will get wear out of it.

Don’t just assume people want your “hand me downs.”

Sometimes I think passing down my “in good condition, almost like new” clothing is such a nice thing to do. However, this may just overwhelm people and put them into a closet overload. Ask them first…is this something they really think they could use?

Learn from your mistakes.

When you decide to toss or donate an item, ask yourself why you are you letting that particular item go? If you made a mistake and put money towards something that you aren’t wearing, you don’t want to make that mistake again! Download my "Stylist In Your Pocket."
Carry it in your wallet and ask yourself the 10 questions before you purchase another item of clothing. I still keep this in my wallet and it helps!

Don’t let your closet get out of hand.

If you go through your wardrobe often, your closet will never get out of hand. Keep on top of it and take a few minutes to go through sections to help you from becoming overwhelmed. Start with an easy section, like bathing suits or pj’s, to help keep you motivated.

If you haven’t worn something in over a year it really might be time to let it go.

There are certain things I can’t let go of and these aren’t the things I’m talking about. I’m talking about items that you pass over time and time again. If you pass by an item without giving it a second glance and you continue to choose something else to wear, it may just be time to let that item go.

Life is too short for uncomfortable shoes.

Period. They hurt when you wear them so you inevitably pass on wearing the outfit that goes with them. Don’t hang onto uncomfortable shoes. Find a replacement.

Stay on top of caring for your shoes.

Think of caring for your shoes like brushing your hair. Take the time to polish and resole/reheel them. Leaving the house with tired looking shoes is like leaving the house without combing your hair.

Don’t save “clothes that are too tight” or “clothes that are too big.”

Clothes that are too big or too loose don’t serve a purpose. They only take up space in your closet and more importantly, in your head.

Keep a running list of what you “need” and what you “want” because there is a difference!

Filling in the “needs” should trump filling in the “wants” especially if you’re working on a tight budget.

Sometimes altering an item isn’t the answer.

I have purchased things in the past that needed too many alterations. I never wore the item once it was altered because it still didn’t fit well. Finding a good tailor is key. He/She will tell you if an item can or can’t be tailored to your liking. I learned this the hard way. Not everything can be altered. If something is too large or too snug it is probably a good idea to pass on it.

There is such a feeling of accomplishment to cleaning out our closets. I only recently thought about why I was letting things go. It has saved me from making similar mistakes and therefore money. I hope it does the same for you! I’d love to hear what are some of the reasons why you’ve donated clothes!

Fashionably yours,

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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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