Necessarily Navy

Necessarily Navy by amandastylesyou 

This is your classic "Work to After" (a phrase I've created for my clients) outfit. What's great about this are the #classic pieces, and the whimsy in the McQueen scarf to add some fun. This outfit could easily be translated into resort wear. Navy is a great neutral to use in lieu of black in the warmer months. This outfit is comfortable and can be worn by any body type. #maxiskirts. For more up to date ideas don't forget to follow me on twitter @amandastylesyou, and set up a style appointment, closet consultation, or personal styling session contact us at  Amanda Styles You

Fashoin VS Style

I saw this on Facebook and wanted to share. It's simple and to the point. There's a big difference between fashion and style. I have seen many people decked head to toe in designer clothing and up to minute fashion trends, looking completely ridiculous. Here's a reminder to everyone, and the creator of this graphic.. GENIUS!!! Shout out to Eka Take on facebook for this pic

Love Your Body, Work Your Body

Two mantras I recite to my clients almost on a daily basis are: "Dress for the body you have" and "It's not your body, it's the clothes!". In my opinion the two greatest inhibitors of great style are lack of knowledge, and body image issues. The first is much easier to overcome. If a person simply doesn't understand the guidelines of how to achieve great personal style, a little push in the right direction sets them off on a wonderful world of polish, poshness, and professionalism in their dress. On the other hand, body image issues can be thorny and difficult problems to overcome that are sometimes wrought with years of abuse, self esteem problems, or a change resulting in gaining or losing weight, having a baby, or getting older. 

I can't help but become a bit miffed when I see beautiful women who try to hide their bodies or express dismay when a dress doesn't fit they way they expected. It's hard to see women tear themselves down because they believe wholeheartedly that they are the problem. Having a baby should be celebrated, you brought new life. Getting older should be done with grace. It's a natural process and one we should all be prepared for. Gaining weight or losing weight happens. What's important is to not use the clothing as a crutch. Wearing pieces that no longer fit you brings attention to the changes you've gone through. Instead of noticing the beautiful cashmere sweater you've taken the time to pair with your creme pants, all anyone will see is how ill fitted your outfit is. Making the mistake of wearing something that longer fits (or never did fit) also contributes to the vicious cycles of low self esteem, and a negative body image. 

I love what I do because I help women and men remember why it's important to care about how you look and to take pride in dressing well every day and not just for special occasions. It's very gratifying to see the smile or hear the sigh of relief when I step in to assist and give them a piece that compliments their body. Being a stylist is about understanding bodies of all shapes. Some are more challenging than others but no woman or man is without hope. With many clients the change does not happen over night. It's starts with a great fitting pair of jeans and one not too bright color that is not black. Ladies (and Gentlemen) I challenge you to first Love your body, and then Work your body. You may not change how you feel overnight, but looking great helps. And if you need assistance, booking an appointment with a great stylist will help to ease the stress of making the change.

For style tips, trends and ideas check back here and don't forget to follow me on twitter @amandastylesyou 

to book a closet consultation or a style session or personal shopping appointment email  us at amandastylesyou@gmail.com

What to Wear Wedding Style - The Informal Wedding

Now I know you noticed the word informal in the title of the post. That's because there is no such thing as a casual wedding!!!!!!! Now this is a blog so I hope that you my reader understands that blogs are the direct opinion of the person authoring it, and differing opinions are to be expected and welcomed..... with caution ;) . Unless there is a specific theme associated with a wedding, ie. a wedding my father attended a few years back where the reception consisted of beer, BBQ, and fishing; there really is no such thing as a casual wedding. Casual is for going to the movies with friends. Casual is for going to Hershey Park, or Kennywood, or Disneyworld. Casual is for attending a friends outdoor labor day backyard BBQ. Casual is NOT appropriate for a wedding. So you may ask "Amanda, when you speak of an informal wedding, what do you actually mean?!" and to that I would reply, less formal than semi-formal but still stylish, attractive, and an outfit that expresses to the bride and groom and guests that a lot of thought and care went into what you put on. If it took you 15 minutes to get dressed, it should appear that it took much longer (though I would argue that should be the case anytime you step out of your front door).

Now here is the good news for you budget conscious ladies. The informal wedding is the one most likely to strike a chord with your existing wardrobe, and allows for the most flexibility with regard to style.

For an evening informal wedding an afternoon dress or cocktail dress is appropriate. Now here is where you want to be careful NOT to wear too much bling or lace, or to be too over the top. Keep it simple and sophisticated. One of my dearest and closest friends is getting married in June. It is an informal wedding but I've seen pictures of the gown so I know she might blow a gasket is anyone showed up wearing cullotes.


For this wedding or weddings like this I would suggest these looks:
 

Harvey Leger for BCBG

I like this dress because it's fun and simple, and flattering for different body types. You can keep it casual with flats or make it dressier with a pair of great pumps or heels.

Kettle Corn Dress in Afternoon - Modcloth

This is great for so many occasions. I love the off the shoulder detail and the color. Again, very easy to dress up or down making this a great choice for an afternoon or evening wedding.

Karen Millen Cotton Iris Print Dress

This dress is great for almost any age. Don't be afraid of the hemline. Often when pictured on a model the hemlines are shown higher than actually are. When ordering online check the measurements to make sure you comfortable with the actual length. 

Alice and Olivia Perfectly Iris Maxi Dress

The maxi dress is a great option for an informal summer wedding. This one from Alice and Olivia is a stunner. The silk fabric and beautiful iris print make this dress appropriate for many special occasions.

The other exception to the informal wedding is that dressy pants for women are acceptable for the afternoon. Again tread carefully in this. It can be done, but if not correctly it will be questionable. Skirts are also acceptable for the daytime and afternoon wedding, so if you have a really great skirt pair it with a fun pretty blouse.
To find the dresses pictured here you can click on the caption and it will direct you to a link for the designers and online retail stores where you purchase these dresses and other similar looks. I hope you now have a better understanding of the differences between the formal, semi-formal, and informal wedding. Till next time, and don't forget to follow me on twitter @amandastylesyou .