What is STYLE? Better yet, what is YOUR style? 

Be comfortable/natural: You should wear your style and not the other way around.  Ensure that you are mentally & physically comfortable in your clothing.  There is a difference between trying something new and having your clothes wear you.

Be affordable: Fashionable pieces are available at all different pricepoints, so make sure you maintain a proper balance to your wardrobe. Designer labels, department store brands, discount department store, consignment and thrift are all categories we recommend you incorporate for a balanced sense of style without breaking the bank.

Be age appropriate: This speaks for itself.  However, if you are raising your eyebrow about specifics, feel free to contact us with any questions. In theory, as we mature our style changes too.

Be Up-to-date: Have a lookbook that you keep looks and pieces that inspire you.  Before shopping, take a look at these items to keep them fresh in your mind. 

Be confident: Own your style, even if others may not 100% agree with you! 

Keep in mind, there are several other components in identifying your style such as how you want your clients & potential clients to see you; and what is appropriate for your profession. Never forget that first impressions are lasting and always put your best pedicured foot forward.  If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact us below or email your questions to info@styleinanutshell.com.

Style you later!

New Year Resolutions Suggestions:

10. Clean out Closet every 3-6 months

9. Organize Accessories (shoes, purses, ties, watches, jewelry)

8. Donate clothing to a Local Charity

7. Incorporate something new into your Style: a new lipstick color, a power tie

6. Complete our Hair Challenge: wear you hair differently for 1 week

5. Avoid wearing too much Black. Add Color.

4. Carry your own Shopping Bags

3. Avoid bulk Clothing Shopping

2. Buy with Cash or Debit Cards only

1. Be true to YOU! Use trends to enhance your style not define it.

Or our FAVORITE: Be more complimenting to fashionable strangers! You never know how that could be the highlight of his/her day.

What’s your resolutions?  Tell us about them.  We wish you all a wonderful holiday! And a very styleriffic 2012!  See you next year!

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Hectic schedules, manic itineraries and agendas have us all with a day to day pace where every second counts .  None of us has time to waste, especially on what to wear.  Here are a few simple tips that will not only save you from a frustrating headache, but your precious time.

1. CATEGORIZE YOUR CLOSET: How do you wear your clothing? By purpose, by color, by season.  No matter what is your preference arrange you clothing to meet those needs and save time.  Using color coded hangers, hanger tabs or labels will assist you on your journey.  This is a great opportunity to get rid of  cloting that makes you G.O.  N.U.T.S!

2. ORGANIZE YOUR JEWELS: Clean out and organize your jewelry in order to find what you need when you need it.  If you don’t have the time or patience to do so….hire someone to do it for you.  There are plenty of great organizers that can assist you with this task and much more.

3. READY OR NOT!  Get your clothes ready at night to include shoes and coat (depending on weather & location).  Some parents teach this lesson to their children, which seems to be one that falls at the way side as we enter adulthood.  It truly is a wonderful timesaver!

We would love to hear from you!  What are some of your FASHION SAVVY TIMESAVERS?  Feel free to comment below or email us @ info@styleinanutshell.com.

This is the season to spend tons of money, but why not have an economic and strategic plan to save you money.  By following these simple and realistic tips you will be surprised as how much you will save yourself overtime.

1.  ONLY SHOP SALES:  When shopping, be sure to start in the Clearance section first, then work your way out of the store.  Retailers have mastered the ability to make the rest of the store look glamorous and the clearance section look like a hurricane hit.  This is their strategy. You can find amazing pieces if you have patience.  Ex. Clearance section in Nordstroms, found an amazing white blouse for only $28.00. Original price: $78.00. Discount: 65% OFF
2. NO EMOTIONAL SHOPPING:  Do you know the saying don’t go grocery shopping on an empty stomach?  Well, the same can be said for retail shopping on an emotional high or low.  It doesn’t matter if you just got a well-deserved promotion or your boyfriend just dumped you…don’t make any purchases at this time.  If you really feel like you must have an item, put it on hold and come back the next day.  Emotions can impair your judgment and it can lead to unruly spending that the level-headed you may not want the added expenses.
3. CARRY EXTRA BAGGAGE: One  extremely useful trick is to carry your own bag, no more than two.  It may seem silly, but it really works to your advantage. First, pat yourself on the back for your contribution to saving our precious trees.  Second, you will find yourself thinking long and hard before buying anything due to your limited carrying capacity.  Last, you can only buy so much, which will lead to a bigger and happier bank account.

We would love to hear from you!  What are some of your MONEY SAVING MUST DO’S for shopping?  Feel free to comment below or email us @ info@styleinanutshell.com.

Green Peacock Clutch

OF THE PERFECT CLUTCH

Affordable, stylish, and quality craftsmanship! Have you heard of Kura Designs?

If not, don’t fret!  Kura Designs houses MUST-HAVE clutches and handbags alike.  Stunning designs that will get you or someone special to you NOTICED! If you have a special cause such as Breast Cancer Awareness or in a sorority, this is a one stop shop of style (try saying that 5 times fast).  Our favorites are the Peacock series, Bellas & Be Mine in Pink.

5 Components to the Perfect Clutch

1. Classic shapes: A clutch with a timeless shape is priceless, because you can have it in your wardrobe for years
2. Pop of color: Sometimes our purses is just the accent of color we need in our wardrobe.  The combination of the elegant feminity & color together are a powerful combination to enhance any ensemble.
3. Bring on the bling:  Clutches are typically small, which is why adding sequin, beads or rhinestones to add sparkle is the way to go!
4. Usability: It is important for your clutch to be practical and allow you to carry the necessities of life such as keys, driver’s license, a credit card, lipstick or lipgloss and cash.  Cloth clutches are a little more forgiving than hard case clutches. 
5. Versatility:  Some clutches come a with detachable strap that allows you the luxury to carry under your arm or on your shoulder.
   

   Silver Bella

If you want to see more creations by Kura Designs click here! It’s not too late to have one of these lovely items added to your Christmas list.  Bring in the new year with a eye-popping, show stopping Kura Design clutch.

One more thing before you leave us…lean in close cause it’s a secret.  If you type in the word DIVA at checkout, you’ll receive 15% off.  Happy Holidays!

Photo Credit: click photo

OF THE PERFECT HANDSHAKE

BeautiControl Spa Instant Manicure

Most of us don’t have time to go and get a manicure & pedicure regularly, especially men.  This does not mean you shouldn’t take the necessary steps to ensure you have well groomed hands & feet.  This product provides wonderful soft and moisturized hands in a matter of seconds done in the privacy of your own bathroom.  It shouldn’t take the place of you getting a manicure once in a while, but it does maintain presentable hands.

A great stocking stuffer for men & women.  Also, comes with the best EXTREME REPAIR HAND CREME and CUTICLE OIL PEN, which makes your hands feel moisturized without extra scents or oily residue.

3 Key Components to the Perfect Handshake

1. Firm Grip: It is important to have a firm, but not crushing grip and be sure to be an equal handshake opportunist.  Meaning shake women and men hands alike.

2. Eye Contact:  You are introducing yourself or saying hello.  Either way, you want to communicate confidence and people skills.  Most of our communication is non-verbal, don’t make the big mistake of not giving strong eye contact.

3. Cleanliness: Simple, well-kept manicured hands are important be sure your nails are not dirty with jagged edges. Women keep in mind the length of your nails and depending on your profession will dictate, which type of nail lacquer is deemed appropriate.

4. Moisturize: It is important to have hands that are not oily or overly scented, because both of these can be distracting, as well as ashy, rough or dry hands.  Also, if your hands sweat when you get nervous, try and keep a handkerchief or napkin in order to keep the moisture down.

5. Fours a Crowd: When you are saying hello and shaking hands make sure not to over shake.  Remember the simple rule that three shakes or three seconds is enough.  Typically, we say something when shaking someone’s hand such as “Nice to meet you”, which is a phrase completed in two to three handshakes.

If interested in any of these products wonderful products as stocking stuffers, feel free to contact us at info@styleinanutshell.com.  Happy Holidays!

OF THE PERFECT HEADSHOT

What does the perfect headshot consists of?  Why is it important? Keep reading and you will find out! 

We are all aware of the quick pace of our everyday lives.  We make huge decision in a matter of seconds and are constantly receiving data.  One of these ways is through a professional headshot.

5 Key Components to the Perfect Headshot:

1. Start with Quality: You don’t want your business photo or profile picture to be anything less than quality.  It is important to invest in yourself by getting a professional photographer to take your photo.  They give the picture an amazing quality during their developing process.
2. Show personality: We all are aware of the cookie-cutter poses that so many of us do, with the arms crossed, hand on chin, or the simple mugshot.  Let’s take this moment to capture our personalities, infectious smiles and passion for our professions.  Break out of the mundane and be you!
3. Be conscious of colors & background: Certain colors are more photograph-friendly and make you more photogenic.  Why does everyone want to go with black?  It’s a safe color but very drab. Play with colors to make you pop and step out from the pack.
4. Uniformity is a must: Make sure once you get a headshot that works to update your business cards, website or company website, blog and social media sites.  It is okay to have one amazing photo on all of them, which aids in continuity.
5. Be Original:  This is an opportunity to let a picture be worth a 1,000 words! Use this opportunity to spark your clients interest by captivating them with a unique photo due to location, poses or attire. Of course keep things professional and presentable, but think outside the box.

Style In a Nutshell (SIAN) has a wonderful  workshop called Magnify Your Professionalism, which incorporates all of these wonderful components.  Do you need a stocking stuffer for friends, co-workers, employees or family members?   A SIAN Gift Certificate would be a fantastic gift! Contact us at info@styleinanutshell.com for more information. Ifyou mention this blog you get a special discounted rate.   Happy Holidays!

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Have you ever  altered your clothes by a seamstress or tailor?  Have you ever tried on a dress that fit in the top but not in the hips? Or a jacket where the sleeves were slightly too long or short?

All of these issues can be resolved by a tailor or seamstress.  It is an amazing transformation to see how ready-to-wear clothing can change from standard to customize.  Most to all of us purchase ready-to-wear, but most of us never alter the clothing beyond the initial purchase.  The easiest way for anyone to separate themselves from the competition is to invest in tailoring.

Organizations such as Baltimore Fashion Alliance know the add value customized clothing gives to an individual’s appearance.  BFA created Attire 4 Hire, which provides recycled suits, shirts and trousers for men trying to re-enter the workforce.  They are in need of our help!  A4H needs to raise $1500 to keep their tailor on retainer.  Their seamstress ensures the proper fit of each garment provided by A4H, such as waist size and sleeve length for each individual.  A proper fitted suit adds to their confidence during job interviews.

For more information on how to assist with their cause, please follow this link https://givecorps.com/projects/76-baltimore-fashion-alliance-attire-4-hire.

If you don’t have a tailor and need one, ask around to friends, coworkers or family.  It is best to try and get a referral in order to get an honest opinion of his/her ability, turn around time and prices. You will be extremely satisfied at the difference tailoring will makes for your wardrobe.

Style you later!

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This most wonderful time of year is typically the most difficult time to shop.  Large crowds congested parking lots and very long lines.  This is a typically day in the holiday day season, but what day kicks off the holiday season….BLACK FRIDAY.  It is right around the corner, so here are few tips to survive the day of all days for shopping and “saving”.

1. Find out what stores have what sales & items.
2. Decide your strategy plan. (i.e. If Target opens at 0400am and Nordstrom’s at 0600)
3. Write a list of thing(s) you want specifically, don’t be a browser.  Browsing takes too long.
4.  If you are shopping for clothes wear something that you can try clothing on top of or under such as a dress to avoid the time of going to the dressing rooms.  This may not work for everything, but save time on some items.
5. Eat a good breakfast and carry snacks & water in your purse

For those of you, who are weary about shopping on one of the most crowded day of the year, here are few points to ease your mind.

1. Most stores only carry a few of the items on super sale.
2. The amount of time standing in lines prior to the store opening, the chance of not getting what you want, plus the long lines could potentially cancel out the amount of savings for an item.
3. No need to get frustrated about not being able to find your size in the clutter.  With a simple click you will know if you size is available.
4. Online shopping has great sales & promotional offers.  It may not be as extensive as the savings in the stores, but it is still a great deal.
5. Don’t forget the lack of headache, gas for driving,  and comfort of being in your pajamas drinking hot chocolate while you shop is PRICELESS.

No matter if you brave the crowds or shop online, be sure that you are only buying what you need and not because “it’s on sale”. Buying something you not going to use or need is still wasting your money no matter the price. Most of all, BEWARE OF THE SHOPPER’S HIGH and make sure to inquiry about the store’s return policy.  Click here for a few more tips on how to save big bucks on Black Friday. 

Click here for more information on what to wear while shopping on Black Friday.  Good Luck & Happy Shopping!