June 23, 2014June 23, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Suit Up

So it’s officially been Summer for two days & I’m already seeing teeny bikini’s flooding my news feeds, thus it’s time to take on the ever-terriying subject of: Bathing Suits.

Now, there are some seriously amazing styles leading the pack this Summer in the suit department & designers are getting more & more innovative every day, but some styles simply aren’t meant for certain bodies. Fear not ladies, for I refuse to let you find yourself in a dark corner of a fitting room, drowning your sorrows over a candy bar because you “hate the way you look”. I’m here to free you from any guilt you may have from Winter & be real about your body & what suit is right for you this season. So let’s just do this thing…

We’re going to break down this years best selling suit styles & explain who should be wearing them & why.

Style #1: Classic String Bikini

This style of suit has been popular since the 60s & is going nowhere fast. However, it is not for the faint of heart. The best candidates for these minimalist, triangular pieces are athletes, small-busted women, & long & lean figures. The best part of styling a string bikini is it’s versatility; pair nearly any top with any bottom & you’ve got a show stopper.

Style #2: One Shoulder Suits

Believe it or not this style of bathing suit is perfect for my ladies with short torsos, wide bottom halves & long & lean figures. The solid mid-section elongates the torso [particularly in monochromatic tones], the high cut bottom shows more thigh making the legs appear longer & any added ruffles or embellishments add curves to the places that you want & need. This suit shows added effort without added energy.

Styled #3: The Sport Suit

This style is huge this Summer, particularly with the flux of yoga & athletic wear. Clearly the market for this suit is athletes, but the freedom it allows for activities makes it a perfect candidate for any woman willing to rock a two piece. Other babes that should be snatching this suit up in 2014 are large busted women, as this style gives great coverage & support to the bust without compromising sexiness. & did I mention these suits have some of the BEST color combos.

Style #4: The Cutout

This suit is for women who prefer a one piece, but don’t mind showing a little extra skin. A cutout suit is perfect for large busted, small busted, small torso, wide bottom & long & lean babes. Given it’s vamped but understated nature, the wearer is provided coverage & support, but still able to feel sexy without giving too much away. Think poolside in Vegas with a slushy drink in hand…yeah, it’s that good. Note: the amount of detailing & cutouts should vary depending on the size of your hips, waist & butt.

Style #5: The High Waister

This style is great if you are small busted, large busted, wide hipped, large torsoed, a post-preggo mama, or even athletic, as it sucks you in in all the right places. This is one of the most versatile, comfortable, & flattering styles for the widest range of body types that I have found this season. But being picky & finding the right color & print for your body is everything behind perfecting this look. The height of the waistline should depend directly upon your confidence level & the size of your torso. Thinner torso: lower waistline. Wider torso: higher waistline.

Style #6: The Strapless

This style has been big for about four Summers now, but I think critics are finally finding it’s flaws. The strapless design is great for sunbathing with minimal tan lines, but should you need to participate in any activities, you may find yourself experiencing a wardrobe malfunction [let alone if you are well-endowed]. The strapless concept is much like that of a strapless bra: small busted & long & lean babes should be the only ones sporting this style any longer.

Style #7: The V-Neck

The extended neckline of this bathing suit is great for my pear shaped, large torsos, apple shaped, mommy-to-be, & large busted babes, as this helps highlight one of the most feminine & sleek parts of the female body. Pair this top with the appropriate bottoms or even opt for a one piece & you’ll be beach-ready & more confident than every this Summer.

Style #7: The Bustier

The bustier is exactly as it sounds: for those who need a bit of a boost. All of the small busted, thin torso, athletic & long & lean ladies should be rocking this look all Summer long. It comes in one piece suits or bikinis & will provide amazing support, major sex-appear & allow you to be active the entire time. Note: as mentioned earlier, the completion of this look will be dependent upon finding the right bottoms & cut.

Swimsuit designers will no doubt continue their studies of the female body & what they believe works best, but it’s truly up to you & your own personal style to decide what makes you feel beautiful & confident. There is nothing worse than planning a great vacation or pool party only to find yourself hiding under a towel or beach dress for fear of being seen. Trust your body, trust your instincts & use the tools listed above & your swimsuit fears will subside in no time. But hurry, because Summer’s only here a few more months babes…

Xx.

June 11, 2014June 10, 2014 styledbylyric2 Comments

Shaded

Ever wonder why your best friend can rock a pair of sunnies that will simply never look the same on you? It’s more than likely that she’s honed in on her face shape & perfected the art of sunglass purchasing. I’ve personally struggled with this issue in the past & have had many girlfriends question me on the following topic, so I’ve decided it’s time we take on the fun subject of Sunglasses.

We are all different shapes, sizes, colors & ages [duh] & styles will vary from person to person, but possessing the general abilities to pick & choose fashionable pieces without fail is one of the most important goals for my clients. Sunglasses are not only a wardrobe staple, but for many a necessity & selecting the right pair for your face can be frustrating & costly. I’ve broken down this overwhelming task into two simple steps to help aid in finding you the perfect pair for your beautiful face, without exhausting your efforts.

Step One: Determine your face shape.

There are six different shapes to a human’s face:

Round: less definition in sharp corners or edges, but rather curvatures around the perimeter of the entire face.
Square: length & width are nearly equal across the face, with strong jawline.
Oval: gently rounded & even features throughout entirety of the face.
Oblong: long & narrow in shape with little to no edges, also known as rectangular.
Diamond: narrow jawline & strong cheek bones.
Heart: most narrow part of the face being the chin, widest being the temples & forehead.

Step Two: Know Your Styles.

Fashion is ever-changing, but as of today there are currently eight major styles in eyeglass wear:

Wrap: the Anna Wintour; these shades will protect your eyes & possible hangover without compromising your fashion sense. Wrap sunnies are classic & should be worn to intensely play up the features of the face. However, their heavy frame make for a little extra effort on behalf of your nose & ears. Ideal for oval, oblong, & round shaped faces only.

Square: best for hiding a make-up less face & blocking major sunshine during brunch; these bold shaped frames add intense definition & angle to the face. Ideal candidates: oblong, oval & round shaped faces only, as sharper shaped faces may look too contrasted.

Shield: the motorbike babe; with one simple, single lens, these glasses provide major UV protection. Heart, oblong & round shaped faces are the only ones meant for these bad boys, as the long, curved lines help elongate the face & bring focus to the temples. But as they say, rules are often made for the breaking.

Wayfarer: one of the most versatile pair of sunnies on the planet; with their round lenses, cat-eye temple bars, & butterfly-edged rims, the Wayfarer can be worn by any face shape, however, are better suited on oblong & oval, as the unique shapes bring definition to otherwise shapeless features.

Aviator: the common misconception sunnies; men & women worldwide rock these shades without caution. Unfortunately for them, diamond & square-shaped faces are truly the only ones who should be coveting them so intensely, as their round shape & gentle curves help balance out any sharp edges on the face. Remember: the width of these sunglasses should never be larger than the width of your cheekbones.

Butterfly: the Jackie O sunnies; much like the aviators, butterfly rims help soften intensely shaped faces & features with their flowing lines & corners & add a balanced contrast to unwanted features. Ideal for square & heart shaped faces, as well as those who seriously “Just can’t” today…we’ve all been there.

Cat-Eye: the ever-specific sunnies; meant for heart, oval, & square shaped faces only, as the elongated temple bars add definition to high cheek bones, bright, big eyes & balance out strong jaw bones by drawing attention upward. These glasses say “I know fashion” without having to try too hard.

Round: the serious fashionista[o] sunnies; these babies are not for the faint of heart. With all attention & focus drawn to the eyes, round glasses are meant for square & diamond shaped faces, allowing the cheek bones, high forehead & strong jawline to be softened. Warning: don’t take these on as a fashion experiment, know & trust your instincts.

Adding a fun pair of sunglasses to an outfit can change it’s entire feel, but only if executed properly. Remember, the above tools are guidelines not laws, but I hope they at least ease the stress & frustration of shopping for your new wardrobe staple. With the 100 degree heat attacking the West Coast & shortly making it’s way across the nations, you will seriously thank me. I promise.

Xx.

June 2, 2014June 2, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Bee Bee Que

I wanted to apologize for being a bit slower on the draw for posts this past month; it appears being a homeowner is much more work than anticipated, ha! BUT I’m back & have some amazing tips for my ladies that want to get down on some major BBQing with their friends, family & men this Summer. Today we take on: The Backyard BBQ Fit.

Rule #1: WEATHER IS EVERYTHING! Always anticipate being overheated vs under; meaning separates & layers are ideal for this event. Depending on your lifestyle & party-habits, this shindig may go all night & you want to be prepared for the evening Summer chill. Always pack a sweater or jacket for the possible late night fire pit hangout & even a pair of sneakers or boots to be sure that you aren’t sitting there freezing your bones off.

Rule #2: Focus on fit & function. Backyard barbecues are for making memories, & fussing with your malfunctioning outfit all night is not going to promote that. Go for simplicity; a fitted [& age appropriate] maxi dress, a fun pair of distressed shorts & a tank, or even a pair of loose fitting printed pants & a cute blouse. Your outfit should be fashion forward, but not so much so that it prevents you from participating in outdoor events & fun. Skirts & short dresses are not ideal candidates for this day; imagine playing horse shoes with a skirt thats blowing up & hair all over the place. Not the look we’re going for…

Rule #3: Be cool & comfortable. This is not the place for Vegas makeup & heels; barbecues are relaxed & easy, & your outfit should follow suit. A simple pony-tail, braid or loose waves are all that you need on this day, not to mention hats are a perfect addition. They’ll provide shade & outfit oomph, but remember hats keep the heat in, so 100 degree weather may not be the time or place. Here are a few of my favorite Summer hairstyles:

Rule #4: Go flat. There is nothing worse than thinking you’ll be the best looking one in the group in your new heels, only to then fall on your face while carrying your purse, plate of food & beverage on the newly landscaped lawn. Not cute. Do yourself a favor & just wear flats. There are so many amazingly chic & party-appropriate styles of gladiators & strappy sandals out there this season that you should have no trouble finding ones that you love. Plus, sandals let the heat out & there is nothing sexy about being the one in the corner with an ice pack on her face to prevent from heat stroke.

Rule #5: Four eyes. Don’t be the one at the party squinting the entire day; bring your sunglasses & be done with it. You can bet your ass someone will snap a few pictures this day & migraines don’t make for cute photo sessions.

Rule #6: Be present. There is nothing worse than being at a BBQ [or hosting one] where everyone is on their phone Instagramming in silence or [my personal favorite] the host is nowhere to be found because he/she didn’t plan ahead. Be a helpful guest & allow your host to enjoy his/her party alongside you not for you. As for those few IG pics, take them upon arrival then put that thing away for the night. This day is about spending time together.

If you follow these few easy steps & rules, I can promise you that you will be having some of the BEST Summer BBQs without compromising yourself or your identity. You worked hard all Winter, now it’s time to enjoy yourself & the ones you love.

Happy Cueing!

Xx.

May 28, 2014May 28, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

OF ONE SEA

Although I’m not one of those people who keeps a baby box or even has visions of my wedding day, I have always dreamed of having my [future] littles running around the sandy beaches of San Diego or Kauai…but dreams they may be for awhile, seeing as my family is located in Northern California & I don’t see us leaving anytime soon. Thus, I take my wishful thinking to THIS site; where I can fantasize about my [future] wavy-haired little munchkins, with sand in their toes & adorable smiles on their sun-kissed faces. Oh & need I mention they have ADULT SIZES, too? Yeah. Count me in.

OF ONE SEA is a surf brand based on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawai’i. Their inspiration comes from the simple forms and beauty found in nature which they aim to translate into comfortable and stylish pieces for the whole family. They remind us through their understated but beautiful stylings & designs that life is about the experience; the travel, the family, the unity. It’s about dirtying your clothes & living a little. Do yourself a favor this gorgeous Wednesday & pop over to their site. If nothing else, it will make you smile.

Xx.

May 20, 2014May 21, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Mens; Wear Did It Go?

After having had my boyfriend, male friends & clients [who not only appreciate style, but are interested in learning the ins & outs of it] each come to me on separate occasions relaying their frustrations with the menswear community & department stores…I’ve decided that this subject needs to be dissected & fleshed out. It may get weird…

I can’t even count on my hands how many times I’ve gone into a department store to find that the men’s section has been downgraded, yet again, to accomodate more womenswear. NOW DON’T GET ME WRONG, I’m never going to be mad that us women have more options when shopping, however, I don’t find it fair or gratifying that our gain comes from a mans loss & a potentially fashionable man at that. Not to mention, these tiny cubical corners of the store only offer [manhood-killing] chino shorts, awful graphic tees & about a zillion flannel button-ups. When did flannels & Levi’s become the only item in a mans wardrobe that they were allowed to wear? I would imagine that some men don’t want to wear 100% wool in 100 degree heat…shocking! & more importantly, when did the fashion industry decide that men have to suddenly become carbon copies of one another? What happened to originality?

If you’re anything like my boyfriend & the 15 or so other men who have asked me to write this particular post then you’re more fashion forward & conscience than most & you want to maintain your own personal style without compromising or settling. You may not necessarily want to opt for the chino shorts, but retailers have limited your section so intensely that you’re making choices reluctant to what you truly want or like. Well stop. You deserve just as much a slice of the fashion industry as us women do & I’m here to help you navigate through some of the most unique & inspiring menswear designers on the market right now.

Although most of the following are not department stores [or if so, they’re predominantly on the East Coast], the designers & buyers behind these brands understand that menswear is still a viable line in the fashion industry & that having unique pieces in a man’s wardrobe is not a dying art.

Style Source: Let’s start with my personal favorite Gentleman’s Gazette. This is your one stop shop for all things menswear. Need advice? They’ll help. Want fashion inspiration? Theirs is unreal. It’s all fashion, all menswear, all the time. Be sure to pay them a quick visit prior to shopping to wet your appetite.

The Classics: Brooks Brother’s is another major favorite, particularly their new Red Fleece line. The styles behind these geniuses are timeless, chic & perfect for Summer. Yes, there are a few seersucker shorts thrown in, but overall their pieces are effortless & still respect the true shape & masculinity of a man’s body.

High-Ender: MR PORTER is your store. With amazing accessories, unique home-decor, fine watches & superior clothing, this shop is for the true fashionisto. Keep in mind their aestethic is more preppy chic, so my motorcycle men may find themselves steering clear of this one.

Motorcycle Madness: my fashion-forward, edgier guys deserve some references too, & Iron & Resin, as well as Need Supply Co. are two of the best. Iron & Resin became my boyfriends favorite brand this time last year & let me tell you, he looks GOOOOOOD in their pieces. Their brand represents an era that is still very much alive today in our 20-30 somethings, but way more importantly they respect the authenticity of a gear-head without compromising their style. Not to mention, they have mega babe models & super rad home goods.

Whereas Need Supply Co. is more of your rock-surfer style; lots of prints & colors, but great slim cuts & shapes. Think Americana meets Rockabilly in Venice Beach circa 1950. Who can’t get into that?

Tie Me Up: & last we have Alexander Olch for my tie-loving dudes. If I could ever dream up a menswear website, this is exactly what it would look like. Their style is clean, crisp & so unbelievably chic. They have neckties, bow-ties, pocket rounds & scarves in every single color & print, for literally any occasion you could possibly think of. It’s unreal.

If you take nothing else from today’s posting, I hope it’s that you feel inspired to find pieces that suit YOU & make you feel sexier than ever. The fashion industry has honed in on their major market [women] & have sadly left men behind in the process. But men are deserving of the same attention & sex appeal that is allotted to women, so I hope that this post inspires you, your wife, girlfriend, mother &/or friends to allow you to showcase your own personal style. This world is filled with too many replica’s- be original. It’s your time…

Xx.

May 15, 2014May 15, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Brunch Wear

Please excuse my absence as of late, I’ve been working like a maniac on the website so I can finally launch & start better assisting my fashionistas one on one. But for now let’s keep rollin like this…

I’ve been approached a handful of times this week about brunch wear. You know, that time between breakfast & lunch when we meet up with our girlfriends or double date & nine times out of ten sit outside on a gorgeous patio & drink bottomless mimosas until we’re completely sunburnt & sideways? No? Not how you do brunch…? Hm, anywho…I love me a good brunch, but I love it even more when I feel beautiful & presentable. Let’s break it down…

1. Come Prepared: I don’t care where you live, the weather can change at any time, so layering is crucial for this event. Chambray is one of my favorite wardrobe pieces because it layers with everything, adds a structured dimension to any outfit & is much lighter than adding a sweater or jacket. I always recommend, when layering, putting together three major items: a tank or tee on bottom, a chambray or light layer between & a heavy jacket [usually leather] on top. This gives you plenty of options & versatility throughout the elements of your day.

2. No Money Shots: dresses are [visually] ideal for a brunch, especially the ones showing up all over stores, given it’s Spring & florals are the ‘it’ pattern. However, chances are your group will be bustling around an oblong table or climbing over one another to get to the restroom, so be wise. If you do opt for a dress, remember to wear a nude biker short underneath or a cute pair of Hanky Panky’s to prevent from flashing your Britney to the entire restaurant. I almost always recommend my clients wear floral print dresses to this event, because they’re age appropriate, effortless & the patterns can be incredibly unique. Just be practical about your event & it’s whereabouts & your outfit will follow suit.

3. Opt Out: if you decide that dresses aren’t for you & you’d rather sport a cute pair of boyfriends jeans or shorts, just be sure to add feminine pieces & colors. Brunches are much like a garden party; think florals, pastels & sunshine, & your outfit should play off of these themes. You don’t have to go super-fem to feel super-sexy; throw on a funky, bright heel & tease your tresses & you will feel as beautiful as ever.

4. Burnt Up: if you are anything like my boyfriend, you leave the house nearly every day without your sunnies & find yourself turning around three miles from home to grab them. Don’t. You will need them more than ever on this day; sitting outside, roasting under the early afternoon sun. Plus, sunglasses are the perfect addition to an outfit. They’re like the tiny, but perfectly red cherry on top of this day & you mustn’t forget them. I’ll be doing a sunnies styling post in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for that! But for the time being, trust yourself & your taste. You know what shape, size & style is right for you, so honor it.

5. Hats Off: a hat is always a good idea. Not crucial, but a fun addition. Not to mention, I can’t even count how many times I’ve left a brunch with a burnt scalp due to #hatproblems. I’ve linked a few of my Spring/Summer favorites here, so be sure to check that out & find the perfect head piece for you.

6. Hydrate: ok so you can’t wear this item [or I guess you could, but it would turn into a weird wet-tee shirt…let’s just not], but it looks good on everyone! Hydrating is such an important part of beauty & fashion, & no one wants to be the downer on this day because they drank too many mimosas or sat too long in the sun without consuming any H2O & get a migraine. Play smart.

& ultimately, have fun. Events with friends & family are times for us to slow down & enjoy the company of one another. We are some of the hardest working creatures to ever exist & we deserve a break sometimes. Trust these guidelines, drink & eat responsibly & love on one another & you’ll have the perfect brunch date. I promise.

Xx.

May 12, 2014May 12, 2014 styledbylyric1 Comment

Rent The Runway

Considering it’s Prom season & every high school babe is manically searching prom boutiques & designer racks for the perfect dress, that they will [sadly] never wear again & will wonder how they were ever that small at any point in their life [wait til your late twenties when it all starts changing, honey]…I figured this post was entirely appropriate & completely necessary for all of my promzilla moms out there. Yes, you exist & we don’t blame you; having your teen daughter running around the house screaming about her color scheme & which nail color she needs & that her strappy heels aren’t tall enough & the florist is an idiot & screwed up the boutonniere for Jimmy & she doesn’t even want to go anymore…can put a damper on your week. But be strong Mommy’s, because this is milestone #1 of MANY & I promise you, she will thank you. Later. Like much later. Like when she has her own daughter doing these same things to her.

Regardless, I found this company, Rent The Runway, remarkable. Not only for Prom season, but for literally any event in which you want to wow your friends, husband, boyfriend, co-workers…the list goes on. These geniuses created the site to allow women of any shape & size rent real designer gowns & dresses [with insurance plans included] for incredibly reasonable prices. The process is so simple: find it, book it, wear it, return it. Done. They give you a second size of your choosing, for free, to guarantee that your size will fit like a glove [otherwise, what’s the point?] & to top it all off, they have an 800 number for personal styling advice if need be. WHAT?!

Am I the only one who’s shocked by this? Where was this company when I was 16? It’s pure brilliance. I suggest you tell your friends & get to renting, because this is major.

Xx.

Lost Lover

May 10, 2014May 10, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Looking for a few Summer accessory additions or maybe just some amazing inspiration? Head over here to meet Australian mega babe Anna Sinclair & shop some of the most unbelievable home decor & unique bohemian jewelry I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Serious. You won’t be sorry, but your bank account will.

Xx.

Bejewel My Heart

May 9, 2014 styledbylyric1 Comment

Bejewel My Heart

Do you ever shop for jewelry & find that products are just plain cheap nowadays? Costume jewelry is wall to wall at department stores, which is great for one-time wears, but I’m curious where all the good jewelry is? The pieces that will last more than one season without turning brassy…well, here’s one amazing source: Jewelry by Leandra.

This San Diego surfer//mega beach babe [who I know personally] has been making jewelry by hand for over four years now & is unbelievably committed to her craft & it’s quality. Her stackable pieces are fun, creative & so unique & make the perfect addition to any gift for a girlfriend [or mommy on Mother’s Day, hello].

Check out her pieces & what inspires her here or purchase directly through her site here. She won’t disappoint, I promise.

Happy Friday! Xx.

May 8, 2014May 8, 2014 styledbylyric2 Comments

The Biz

I’ve had quite a few people message me about the following topic & I really wanted to take some time & thought on this one. Let’s talk business attire; the one area of the fashion world that somewhat limits our options & freedom for authenticity. However, I strongly believe the following advice will bend this sad principle & help every heel-wearing, blazer-sporting, mega business babe show her voice & personality in & outside of the office. [Keep in mind, this all varies depending upon where you work & their dress code requirements.]

The big hitting question: what do I purchase? There are so many ways to wear business attire & blend in pieces from your personal, daily wardrobe, but the key to looking professional is finding timeless pieces that make you feel confident. Here are some tried & true rules:

Find The New Classics: purchase pieces that hold longevity. Sweaters, button-ups, flowing blouses & slacks are ideal. These pieces mix & match flawlessly & will never go out of style, but don’t be afraid to play it up. The shapes of these classic pieces are ever changing to keep up with the fashion world, so I say go for a wide-legged slack & a statement belt, as these slight adjustments can change the entire era of an outfit.

Be Reasonable: sky-high pumps are not office friendly. Instead, opt for a pair that won’t make your feet feel like balloons. Generally, a one to two inch heel is the “safe zone” for office wear & try to select a pair in the nude, cream, black or tan family, as these will move fluidly throughout your entire wardrobe. I usually go for a pump that I can wear outside of the office to validate my investment & assure me that I’m still respecting my fashion voice.

Draw The Line: pencil skirts are the perfect way to spice up a blank or boring office wardrobe, but be picky, as length is everything with this look. Walking the line of office appropriate & chic can be tricky with any leg-showing item, so keep it safe at knee-length & you won’t ever fail.

Blazer City: if my previous posts on blazers weren’t inspiring & intense enough, I will once again remind you of my blazer obsession. They are the perfect office attire addition & move incredibly well between business meetings & your after work glass of wine with a friend. Find yourself three favorites: one black or grey, one white or tan & one bright or bold. Having these three staples in your closet will dress up ANY look & make you feel chic & put together. Rememer: the true fit of a blazer is in the shoulders; if the stitching doesn’t line up with your shoulders, it doesn’t fit.

Add Some Pop: nothing says “put together” with more intention than a hint of creativity & personality in your outfit. Even in the most traditional work environments, a light pop of color is acceptable [& just plain fun]. Try to stick to pale pinks, blues & even light lavenders & plums. Remember: bright tops = muted bottoms. Never do both with work wear.

Slacked: the most important investment for your business wardrobe are pants. However, the 80’s are over & there are hundreds of options for business women today. The choice is yours, but I always believe that a fun pair of cropped pants or drawstring pants [particularly ones with strong pleats] can add interest & focus to an outfit, making it stand out among the sea of monotonous office wear. Not to mention, printed & non-printed pants are everywhere right now, so the options are basically endless.

Know Your Environment: if you spend your entire day out on the streets of San Francisco or New York running from appointment to appointment, then be realistic about your footwear & outfit. Always opt for slacks versus skirts or dresses & a fun pointed-toe flat; the wind-chill could seriously freeze your bones, your heels may slow down your pace & your focus will be on how quickly you can finish your meetings & ice your swollen sausage toes when you get home or where your next cab is because you can’t walk anymore. No one wants to lose agility & work ethic because of their attire, particularly your boss.

& last, but not least, keep learning what pieces & shapes work for your body & your body alone. Even if Amy in the corner cubical is rocking some amazing jump-suit & five inch stilettos, it may not be right for you. The entire purpose of fashion is about finding your own style & feeling beautiful doing it, so try not to be susceptible to trends…but you already knew that, because you’re a mega powerhouse business woman who blazes her own trail. Duh.

TGIT. Xx.

May 2, 2014May 2, 2014 styledbylyric6 Comments

Five Things

I had a reader ask me an interesting questions yesterday: If I only had five items in my wardrobe what would they be? Building a fresh wardrobe can be expensive without focus & vision. I want to pin-point the five things every woman should have in theirs, regardless of their age, size or color, that will make you fashion forward & ever-ready for whatever the day holds without breaking the bank. Let’s do it…

1. Dark [or black] Denim; dark & black denim take any outfit & crank it up a notch. It helps hide problem areas in the legs, it transitions easily from day to night & frankly, it just looks more polished & put together. I recommend a wide-legged dark blue wash, which makes any woman’s legs look 10 miles long & a skinny pair of black denim, which thins out your legs & makes for a fashion-forward look.

2. A Good Blazer; I say “good” because these trending cropped, neon blazers aren’t exactly what I mean [however, they are fun for Spring & Summer]. Today we’re talking staple pieces that will never fail you & a fantastic NEUTRAL blazer will always have your back. Personally, I choose blazers that hit me directly at my hip, allowing the top I choose to layer it with to peak out from underneath [from the rear view]. Style has a lot to do with creating definition & texture to your outfits & showing that you know how to layer & work pieces together gives you a leg up. As far as colors go, stick to whites [my personal favorite], creams, blacks & taupes, as these will transition easily throughout your entire wardrobe.

3. The Perfect LBD; Little Black Dresses are life savers when you’re mid-panic attack before a first date or night out with friends. They’re slimming, versatile as ever & pair with basically any shoe, jacket, hat, etc. The best part of an LBD is how much freedom you have with styling them. There are basically no rules or limits with accessories, pops of color or even hairstyles. My favorite way to dress up this look is with a huge statement necklace, a blazer & a great pair of heels. The only concern you should have with this wardrobe staple is fit; if you don’t feel beautiful in it, it’s not the right one.

4. A Mega Necklace; this doesn’t have to mean a large necklace, but rather a piece that you gasp over. Personally, my knees tend to give out over big, gold, layered necklaces [or layering your own few favorites], but you could also fall madly in love with a simple drop necklace or beaded number. Whatever your piece is, be sure it holds longevity & can transition from piece to piece in your wardrobe. No outfit is complete without accessories; they are what bring an outfit together & help define your look.

5. The Perfect Handbag; this is the icing on the cake for every single look, every single day. Finding a bag that will move fluidly from look to look can be hard, which is why I recommend staying within the neutral family; black, taupe, grey, nude, or even lavender or periwinkle. You want the most wear from your purchase so be sure you will love it a few seasons after you buy & more so, that it works with your lifestyle. I know personally I often carry my iPad with me, alongside a laundry list of other things, thus a tiny handbag just isn’t an option for me, so I opt for totes & satchels more often than not. But be sure to be practical with this wardrobe selection, as it will see more wear & tear than anything else in your closet.

If you buy nothing else this season than these five key items, I promise you will feel confident & ever-ready for your day. As fun as shopping is & as addicting as it can be to keep adding pieces to your wardrobe, a true fashionista only needs a handful of great pieces to speak volumes for her style.

Happy Hunting, megababes. Xx.

April 30, 2014April 30, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Buckle Up

I had a curious reader ask if I wouldn’t mind discussing belts & which ones work for which body types. Seeing as Summer is [nearly] here & dresses & skirts are about to dominate our wardrobes, belts can be the perfect addition to almost any outfit. They help break up single-print fabrics, they add shape & contour to a waistline & well, help keep our pants up [I know, people still actually use them for this, ha]. Let’s get to it…

The way you decide to buckle or tie your belt[s] is entirely up to you; I always say the more creative the better. For some fun examples & fresh new ways to acheive this look, head over here to get the scoop. What matters even more than this fun styling trick, however, is fit.

Pear-Shaped Babes: opt for thin belts, particularly if you plan on wearing them at your hips. Also note that the more belting the better, as belts for your body type highlight your tiny waist. Blending single-tone & printed belts is perfect for your wardrobe, as each piece will elongate you & help bring the outfit together.

Hour-Glass Babes: thin to medium belts are staples for your body type, as your waist is also one of your smallest points. When rocking a skirt or dress, belting higher up on the waistline [right over the belly-button] will reset the focal point to your ribcage.

Petite Babes: don’t over-do it; thin, simple, monochromatic belts are in your wheelhouse, as over-embellishing could make you appear larger than you truly are. When pairing belts with dresses or skirts be sure to wear them right at your hip line, to give you definition & shape.

Apple-Shaped Babes: the higher the belt the better; wearing belts under the bust-line will help draw attention to your thinnest point [as well as give the girls an added boost]. Opt for large, wide belts to tighten & accent your waistline & throw in pops of color for added focus.

Last but absolutely not least, trust your instincts. If you don’t feel like the best version of yourself then try working in other accessories or colors. One of the hardest things to teach my clients is that styling takes time & work; the first outfit isn’t always the right outfit. Be patient, don’t get frustrated & remember to love your bones, they’re the only ones you get.

Happy Buckling, babes. Xx.

Let’s Get Real

April 28, 2014April 28, 2014 styledbylyric2 Comments

Here It Is...

So I have been running this blog site for about a month now [give or take] & wanted to better explain what the heck I’m even doing here…

I started my image consulting brand, better known as Lyric, as a way to reach out to men & women through fashion. My vision is to provide an honest & attainable interpretation of the fashion industry as a whole, while educating those with questions about their own personal style & wardrobe. I want to be a medium for people that find shopping, styling & clothing overwhelming & help them make smarter wardrobe investments.

I have seven years of experience with personal styling & nearly nine years of experience in personal shopping. I just teamed up with Keaton Row, as well, to continue to grow my craft & passion for styling & am expanding my client book daily with much help from social media & the internet [amen].

Let’s be real for a minute; my style is unlike your style, unlike his style & unlike hers. We aren’t meant to be carbon copies of one another. Clothing is the tangible expression of who we are inside & it speaks for us when verbal cues are unavailable. Personal style isn’t about materialism & superficiality, it’s not about how thin we are or how badly we want to look like a Victoria’s Secret model. Personal style is about being realistic with ourselves; admitting that our bodies aren’t perfect, but we will dress them accordingly & respect ourselves enough to feel beautiful & sexy every damn day.

To keep it’s promise & give Lyric’s vision life, I offer three major services: personal shopping, wardrobe editing & event styling [day-of]. I provide consultations [via Skype, as well] to help better identify with my clients what their wardrobe says of them & how to foster the best pieces for their lifestyle, personality & spirit. I want to dramatically change the way fashion blogging is done & turn the focus away from the blogger & onto the readers. I am completely guilty when it comes to spending countless hours online, floating from fashion blog to fashion blog & am a MAJOR fan of the incredibly talented men & women around the world, rocking the fashion scene. However, my goal is to empower other people through their own style, not mine.

The purpose of this website & the Instagram account [@styledbylyric] is to help my clients & potential clients better understand who Lyric is & reach people all around the world in hopes to change their perspective on a seemingly intense industry. These two social media mediums are just two parts of the entire brand [Lyric], the rest is under construction & will be launching in the next few months.

All I really want to do is inspire men & women; to provide a safe place where they can be their true self & not feel compromised; a place where their identity shines through the pieces in their wardrobe; a community of people who are passionate about art & creativity & are never afraid to be bold. If I only inspire one or two people throughout this process, then as far as I’m concerned…I’ve achieved my goal.

Here’s to us, our empowerment & our own personal style. Xx.

[All Business Inquiries: styledbylyric@gmail.com]

April 23, 2014April 24, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Mix It Up

I’ve had a few readers asking my thoughts on mixing prints & I’ve decided to put together my fool-proof guide to perfecting this look. Mixing prints can be incredibly uncomfortable, difficult & just plain…weird, if not executed properly. Below are my guidelines to understanding what prints can be deemed “neutrals” & how to make even the most outrageous print work alongside another print.

Rule #1: leopard is a neutral [yes, I really did just say that]. It goes with literally every color & hue & adds an elevated element to every outfit, particularly those among other prints. One of my favorite examples of this is the picture below; the checkered button-up with the pop of candy-apple red & leopard to top it off, is print-mixing perfection:

Rule #2: pair opposing sizes; if you choose to rock bold, wide stripes, be sure to contrast them with a tighter, more subtle print. Remaining organized & put-together is still important for this look, regardless of how far you wish to push the limits. Such as the following; the polka-dot print is small & tight, while the stripes are bold & overstated. This helps visually balance out the look, helping the prints work together rather than apart.

Rule #3: keep it in the family; regardless of which shapes & patterns you choose to pair together, be sure that they are in the same color family. [Click here for a quick lesson on all things color wheel] The biggest trick to perfecting this trend is to follow the true colors in each fabric. Find a common color that brings the look into one fluid outfit & highlight it. Sometimes it’s even more interesting to choose the less obvious of all of the colors. See below:

Rule #4: be subdued, but loud; throwing in camo prints to different looks is the perfect introduction to this type of styling, as camo is very understated & can be deemed a neutral. Add in a bold-colored accessory or two & you’ve got yourself your first mixed print fit. Helpful hint: camo’s best opposites are coral, leopard print & stripes:

Rule #5: it’s all in how you wear it; be bold with this look & trust your instincts. Personal style is about letting your clothes do the talking, so if you love your look, allow that confidence to shine through the way you walk, talk & carry the outfit:

Now that you have some basic tools for this type of styling, be sure to attack your closets & create a look that speaks for who you are & what you love. That is the entire purpose of fashion, ya know. Happy mixing, readers! Xx.

It Happened

April 22, 2014April 22, 2014 styledbylyric1 Comment

I’ve officially launched the Lyric Instagram account @styledbylyric. To stay up to date on my latest outfits, inspirations, styling sessions & advice follow the account & enjoy the ride. Thank you to everyone supporting this vision & our love for fashion & personal style! Let’s continue empowering wardrobes worldwide. Xx.