January 25, 2019January 25, 2019 styledbylyric4 Comments

Reunited & It Feels So Good

WE’RE BACKKKKK. Can you believe it?! Three years, people. That’s longer than most of our clothes lives in our closets. But we’re here and we’re ready to crunch out some new content for our tried and true Lyric followers out there.

But this year, we want to shift the focus on to our readers. What struggles do you have when staring down the barrel of your wardrobe? What frustrates you when getting ready? Do you dress for yourself or others? Do you need help organizing your closet and why? Do retailers provide enough variety for you? Do you suffer from body image issues? If so, how do you deal with them while searching for new pieces? Are you ever overwhelmed by trends or social media fashion suggestions?

All of these topics and more are the life blood of Lyric and our message, but we want to hear directly from readers as to why they seek out resources such as ours. So go ahead babe, let it ALL out in our comment portion, because we’re ready to get 2019 going and get back to BIZNASSSSS.

October 19, 2015October 21, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Step Into Fall

Sooooo, if I haven’t made my love for fall fashion clear enough yet, today is the day. I’m taking on fall footwear–which is where love turns to pure obsession. You see, there’s this small corner of the fashion world where all magical things come true; where leather meets gold meets sequins meets basically anything you could possibly imagine if you look hard enough. Some call it a shoe department. I call it my happy place.

I know what you’re thinking–how original, a woman that loves shoes. But truth be told, I find nothing more crucial in an outfit than the shoe selection. You can have on a $25,000 outfit, but if you put on the wrong footwear I want nothing to do with ~~you~~ it. Footwear is the binding element in a person’s wardrobe, so stop scrimping on the good stuff & start making better decisions. The time is now.

Thus, today I’ve compiled a quick list [with prices & click-through links] of my top ten favorite fall footwear fashions. These are the perfect pieces to add to your closet this season to help finish off those nearly perfect fits with ease.

Lace Up Ballet Flats: the perfect day-to-night addition. These flats are chic yet practical for a busy day at the office to a night out with friends. Team them with dresses, denim, pants…they’re limitless. Tip: rock a light mist of bronzer on your feet to make them really pop.

My favorites: here, here & here.

Loafers: legitimately my biggest weakness this Fall; loafers are the perfect shoe. Truly. They’re feminine & sexy, but structured enough that you can take your Monday meetings by storm, but also have a hot makeout session with your Match.com date later. Tip: always go pointed toe.

My favorites: here & here.

Oxfords: this season the oxford is on fire. This is the one & only shoe I will allow a client to choose in a metallic hue. Why? Because they’re amazing & your wardrobe will reach new heights with such an interesting choice. Tip: still stay minimal; silver, rose gold, gold & white only.

My favorites: here & here.

D’Orsay Flats: the perfect outfit companion, d’Orsay flats go with literally everything; denim, pants, skirts, shorts…you name it. & the cut will make you feel sexier than ever. But selecting the right fit & color is the key to nailing this footwear find. For Fall, stick to cranberry, candy apple red, black, grey, taupe, nude, & blush hues. Tip: work them in before wearing them out–nobody likes bloody heels.

My favorites: here & here.

Cut-Out Booties: take your ankle boot addiction to the next level [what, you don’t have one?] with this season’s style shift. These geometric statements are the best way to draw attention to your stems & feet, without compromising comfort. Tip: watch your leg-to-ankle-ratio; ankle booties can cut you off, so make sure they’re highlighting your thinnest part & not taking away from it.

My favorites: here, here & here.

Platform Sneakers: I know, you can’t even believe I’m going here right now, but I am. There are some serious competitors out there this season that are subtle, but loud enough to add some pizzaz to your wardrobe. & if executed properly, I say GO FOR IT. Plus, who doesn’t love a middle school throwback? Tip: this look is strictly daytime//casual//fun. Don’t try to turn it into evening wear.

My favorites: here & here.

The Pump: even with wild fall weather, a sturdy, simple pair of leather pumps is all the doctor ordered. They’re timeless, practical & always make sense on an otherwise busy day//week//life. I usually opt for the most extended pointed toe I can find to elongate my legs. Life tip: have at least one pair of nude & one pair of black pumps on hand, at all times.

My favorites: here & here.

The Ankle Bootie: ~~not to be confused with booty~~, the ankle bootie is a fall wardrobe staple & has been around since what seems like the dawn of time. However, it’s time to switch it up a bit & not duplicate those black or tan Sam Edelman Petty Boots that we’ve all been sporting for like five years now [no offense Sam, I have like 35 pairs of them, xx]. This fall, throw a leopard print or fringe pair on or purchase the blush pink pair; spice it up somehow to differentiate you from the pack. It’s one thing to love a cut & style of shoe && want to wear the shit out of it for years to come [that’s also a great investment decision], however, keep it fresh & current when given the chance.

My favorites: here & here.

Heeled Sandals: seems counterintuitive right? But the right strappy sandal [preferable with a block heel] can be the perfect staple to defy the elements of fall. With enough support & leather, just a pop of skin can handle the cooler temperatures without hypothermia or discomfort. But be selective, because rocking a sandal in October means you’ve officially committed to being a fashionista. Now own it.

My favorites: here, here & here.

The Rain Boot: although I’m truly not the biggest advocate of this trend, I know it exists & it’s important to touch on. The Hunter Rain Boot syndrome–we all have it ladies, so let’s just own it now. But that doesn’t mean we have to have 400 pairs of them. The rain boot is the perfect little cut of PVC piping that allows us to frolic in rainy puddles whenever we please, but it deserves to be styled properly, as well. Team yours with a great pair of denim or even some cute leggings & throw some jewelry in the mix. Just promise me you won’t go to dinner in this fit unless you live in Oregon or somewhere equally as wet. Rain boots are for rain, babes. Not sprinkles. Rain.

My favorites: here & here.

Fall weather doesn’t mean you have to compromise your cute outfit selections, it just means you have to get a little more creative & think outside of the box. The most essential part of styling an outfit is comfort–if you aren’t feeling your best, you probably aren’t looking your best. Always opt for choices that you believe in & feel great in.

It’s time to start digging your heels into the fall season, ladies. Ah! See what I did there?

Happy Shopping.

Xx.

July 6, 2015July 7, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

All or Nothing

Hi babes, long time no blog! It’s been a crazy few weeks, but here I am & soooooo ready to get some important fashion information your way.

The past few weeks the Summer heat has been a’kickin & I’ve been noticing the outfit creativity of fellow shoppers, clients, friends, passer-bys…basically everyone. I love watching what people put together & how & why, particularly when it’s hot as hell out & throwing 100 layers on is simply not an option. [Let us take a moment to remember what cold weather feels like for just a second…..*sigh*] BUT, I’ve noticed something criminal that I simply cannot watch anymore. Thus, I’m hoping today’s post will help even just one single woman understand the importance of these tips & commit to them religiously.

I call today’s lesson ‘The Entire Package’.

No not some sexy man on the street that you drool over or your latest Packed Party order [if you don’t already know, just freaking click the link, because Jordan is amazing]. The entire package is the reason we buy nice things; clothes, jewelry, shoes, handbags, hair products, nail polishes…whatever it is, we purchase these products to attain just the right look that suits us. However, what I have been finding is that we spend so much time on trying to attain that specific look, that we forget the little things like our hair, our makeup, or our jewelry. You know, like the most important part of an entire outfit. & frankly, I just can’t watch it happen anymore. [Enter: bitch voice.]

So today, I’ve broken down my top five Summer outfits, from head to toe, to help my clients & friends & followers better understand how to seal the deal & work an entire ensemble, not just an item or two. Because otherwise, why the hell are you even putting forth any effort? #sorrynotsorry

Let’s Go…

Look #1: feel like vacationing through the South of France this Summer? Or maybe you just want to try out a new look; this ensemble by Sincerely Jules is spot on. Perfectly unkempt locks [probably yesterday’s wash because she’s so busy sight-seeing], a bright pop of color to enhance her tan, white shorts to accent her amazing stems & a fun, printed shoe to add a point of interest to the fit. Throw on a cross-body bag & you’re ready to tour the entire city with ease. Minimal jewelry for a look like this; the point is to look understated. She’s appropriate for her environment & entirely put together.

Look #2: have a sexy sunset date? Maybe just grabbing drinks with girlfriends? This look is perfect. Statement jewelry & sunnies to show that you plan to get a little fancy & a lot wild, a fitted, high-neck tank to dress it up, an on-trend pair of printed shorts that are appropriate from day to night, & an amazing oversized handbag. Topped off with understated, pulled back, straight locks, because big curls would be serious overkill on this one, & a pop of bright lip stain; you’ve got the entire room asking for your digits.

Look #3: wanna go monochromatic? All good. But do it right; find two to three colors max to successfully achieve this look. Babe above elevates the entire fit with her perfectly loose curls, but keeps it minimal with her makeup. A bright pink cheek, statement jewelry at her wrist, black & white color wheel, amazing double buckle sandals, & a printed bag to throw everything off. This look says I’m rocker chic, but spend a lot of my time at the flower mart. & what guy doesn’t love that?

Look #4: hitting the Hampton’s this weekend? How about a trailer park pool party? Regardless, if you plan on spending the day in the sun, ditch your accessories & commit to being au naturel. There’s nothing worse than huge statement jewelry tan-lines, plus it’s just extra crap to take off before lotioning up. This black & white striped romper is one of my favorites this Summer; a light pink mani, tan, smooth skin, hair pulled back into a low bun, a hit of bronzer on your cheek bones & an amazing pair of sunnies…you’re good to go & the pool boy won’t keep his ~~hands~~ eyes off of you.
Look #5: boho babes can miss queue’s too; even the simplest of outfits need attention & the one above is executed brilliantly. With soft, wavy locks, pink lips, a crochet off-shoulder pullover [with a sexy pop of skin showing], a long beaded necklace, full length skirt with a sneak peek of leg, some great gold accents to enhance the vibrant navy skirt, an appropriate pair of dressy sandals [Old Navy $2 flip flops are not footwear, ladies] & a large nude clutch because simplicity is everything…this look is the perfect blend of ready for a cocktail, but up for a walk on the beach.

These simple tweaks in the way you approach an outfit can be monumental. Shifting the focus towards the fine details & making sure you complete the entire look not only makes you more put together, but will make you feel like the most fashion forward one in the room. & who doesn’t love that?

Happy Summer, babes. Xx.

March 2, 2015March 2, 2015 styledbylyric1 Comment

Forget That. Get This.

After finishing up my past few consults & conversing with my clients about their major needs//wants out of this industry, I’ve concluded that people love a good deal. & bargain shopping is at an all time high. As much as we all love designer brands & high-end everything, it’s not realistic for the average human to spend $1,000 on new Jimmy Choo’s or a great handbag. One day. But not every day. So for those other 364, I’ve decided to help a babe out.

Today’s post is for my bargain shoppers who want a great product [or five] without the all the guilt. I’ve selected a few of my favorite 2015 shoes & found [reasonably priced] comparable products that you can purchase instead, without lacking quality. Capiche?

If there’s one thing I want my clients to learn through Lyric, it’s that personal style does not have to cost thousands of dollars; find pieces you love, that work for you & forget the rest. Thus, I’ll be doing a Forget That. Get This. post every month with my favorite bargain finds, to prove that personal style can be incredibly affordable & fun.

Today’s focus: SHOES. Let’s get started.

Forget That: Stuart Wietzman Nudist Single Band Sandals, $398

Get This: Mossimo’s Pamela Heeled Sandal, $29.99

Forget That: Sergio Rossi Mermaid Cage Booties, $1,895Get This: Zigi Soho Duran Bootie, $79.95

Forget That: Pour La Victoire Camila Lace Up Sandals, $265

Get This: Impo Tanny Sandal, $39.95

Forget That: Joie A La Plage Sable Two Band Sandals, $125

Get This: Joie Sable Flat Sandal [nearly the same sandal], $64.95

Forget That: Joie Dalton Suede Booties, $325

Get This: Crown Vintage Rita Booties, $39.95

Forget That: Derek Lam 10 Crosby Campbell Wedge Sandal, $295

Get This: Crown Vintage Rebecca Wedge Sandal, $39.95

Clearly these are very small examples of a much larger concept; seek & you shall find. In this case however, ask me & I’ll seek for you; if you have any questions about a specific product & are on the hunt for a similar but price friendly version, shoot me an email [see contact tab for details] & I’m more than happy to help!

Happy Hunting, babes. & remember, don’t just buy it because it’s designer.

Xx.

February 9, 2015February 18, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

The Friend Zone

You know that terribly awkward place between what is & what should be. The noncommittal place where making any kind of move seems sudden & unprepared. The grey area that seems safer than anything finite. Yeah. This place. This is what I call February & March.

What? You ask.

The seven weeks between Winter & Spring that should [frankly] be their own damn season. Where you constantly feel uncomfortable because none of your clothes breathe enough, or keep you warm enough, or let in enough air…the list goes on & on. Regardless, it’s the annoying friend zone of the fashion world that you want to get out of as quickly as humanly possible. & I’m here to not only help that transition, but help you enjoy it, too.

There are five small changes you can make to prepare for this awful land of limbo. Let’s get to it.

1. Lessen The Load: swap out those heavy wool layers & opt for lighter fabrics. Layering with softer, light-weight fabrics can still keep you plenty warm without that gross overheated feeling.

Outfit Recommendations:

A light weight blazer//sweater//jacket, over a soft tank & a great pair of wide leg pants.

For a more casual feel; pair a cute pullover sweater, with your favorite boyfriend denim, add a leather jacket for some edge & top it off with a super feminine pair of flats//heels. Done & done.

One of my favorite looks during this season; a fitted white tee, denim//chambray topper, awesome printed pants & a simple heel. Effortlessly chic.

2. Add Some Va Va Voom: color is everything during this transition. To help you relinquish your desperate need for an all black ensemble & reintroduce you to pinks, blues, peaches…anything that makes you think of Spring, you’ll need to reach for colors that are complimentary in your color wheel & throw them in the mix. You don’t have to pack away all those darks just yet, but adding Spring-focused colors to each outfit [even as simple as your handbag] can help things move along quickly.

Outfit Recommendations:

Chartreuse & black are the ultimate duo. Adding this pop of color to your Winter-focused outfit can hurry the Spring season along in a major way.

Don’t want to change out those dark colors just yet? Understandable. Just invest in a fun, bright handbag to keep your look fresh & transitional. A small change that makes you look more fashion forward than ever.

By now you should all know my ~~obsession~~ love for an amazing blazer, & this is the perfect time to bust one of those babies out. A [colored] fitted blazer will help you ditch those heavy coats & bring a softer layer to your outfit. Not to mention, make you look prepped for basically anything.

3. Print It Up: ditch that entirely solid ensemble you’ve been rocking all Winter & reintroduce yourself to prints. Yes, those floral, patterned, beautiful things that you’ve let sit in the back of your closet for the past eight weeks or so. But don’t forget, you have options here; tribal, floral, animal, chevron, houndstooth, etc. Get creative.

Outfit Recommendations:

A printed shoe can be exactly what you need to add a little pop of Spring to your once Winter outfit.

A monochromatic printed pant is a subtle way to add dimension, but not take away from the basic feel of an outfit.

Don’t limit yourself to typical prints. Challenge yourself this season to find the most unique & outspoken print you can find, team it with subtle pieces & voila, you’re a fashion icon.

4. OMG Shoes: nothing shows that you’re more prepared for the coming season than the perfect shoe. I know it sounds ridiculous, but how many times have you witnessed an amazing outfit be completely ruined by the wrong shoe? Uhg. Pet Peeve #1. If you’re going to make all the effort in the world on your top half, pay mind to the bottom half while you’re at it. Starting with your feet. Your outfit & stylist [me] will thank you.

Shoe Recommendations:

One of the easiest ways to transition your footwear is by rocking a black//grey//taupe, edgy sandal with tons of hardware. The dark color & heavy hardware gives a cool Winter feel, with breeziness fit for Spring sunshine.

Not ready to put your cute Winter boots away just yet? Totally fine. Just try to find yourself a pair with a peep-toe for a little sex appeal & a major nod to Spring. [Be sure to wear an awesome, bright toe polish to top it off].

Much like a good blazer, pointed toe flats are basically the loves of my life. They’re so sexy, so chic, & so practical. You can run errands in them, go out with friends, rock a date night, or look like the most put together employee at your next company meeting. Try them in red, blue or grey for an added edge & you’ll be the hottest thing the room.

5. Shaded: clothing is not the only staple that needs revamping between seasons. Your lips should get some love, too. Find yourself a few fun, bold shades that will bring your kissers from the dark to light with one quick swipe.

Color Recommendations:

Twig by MAC is the perfect daily neutral for those of you not quite prepared for Spring just yet.

For some major Spring pop, Candy Yum-Yum by MAC is my go-to color.

MAC’s Kinda Sexy is a fun, subdued transitional color for your lips, if you aren’t prepared to go rogue just yet.

Ready to go pink? Try Pink Plaid by MAC & your wish is my command. Perfect for warm Spring days, this color will help ease the transition away from Winter.

So the next time you find yourself in that terribly awkward place between what is & what should be, remember these tips & solidify exactly how you want to be personified. Stand out & be ahead of the game. Because the grey area sucks anyway.

Xx.

October 13, 2014October 14, 2014 styledbylyric7 Comments

Bootie-licious

Although it honestly feels like Summer will never surrender here in California, Fall is among us & thus comes my favorite time of year for footwear. The possibilities are endless & designers can get crazy with their creations, but I’m a purist. Give me an amazing pair of booties & a warm latte & I’m set for the entire season. Serious. However, this year’s search wasn’t as peaceful as other seasons & I’m finding that some of you babes are needing some direction in this department, as well. & I’m here to help.

I recently found myself navigating many a department store for the perfect pair[s] & found my options a bit overwhelming in that “I hate this & I’m getting over needing new shoes altogether” kind of way. There were about 45 different styles, colors & shapes of booties, half of which made me look like my legs were cut off at the ankles & I magically became a witch. Hi Halloween, I’m just not that into you. Therefore, I’m here to share my story & my findings in hopes that you won’t have to encounter the same exhausting shopping experience as myself.

Let’s break down my favorite Fall 2014 ankle boots based on shape, color & fit. Here goes…

The Flat Bootie: Sam Edelman is a footwear genius; his designs are versatile & almost always a hit from Spring through Winter. He’s basically the king of the flat bootie design. The perfect example is his ever-famous “Petty-Boot” [my favorite ones yet, in cream], which seriously makes any woman’s legs look phenom in a pair of fitted denim. These babies are comfortable beyond belief, versatile from day to night & are best worn with skirts, skater dresses, & denim [both boyfriend fit & slim//skinny]. Crown Vintage came out with their own take on this same design at an unreal price point & are just as high quality as the Sams. [Take it from someone who owns three pairs of these exact shoes; they’re the best boots I’ve ever purchased.]

The Peep-Toe Bootie: a relatively controversial design, the peep-toe bootie is one of my Fall favorites. Adding an element of sexiness to an otherwise closed-off shape by opening the toe of the shoe is in my opinion, genius. It may seem counterintuitive during cold weather months to expose the foot to open air, but should you live in an element-friendly area I say take this look on full throttle. Best worn with dresses, denim & slacks, this design elongates the legs & puts the entire focus on the foot. Note: be sure to have a good mani; Winter months can be brutal on our toes & no one wants to see that peaking out the front of a cute ass shoe.

*Two of my favorite examples are these DV’s on sale at Bloomies, as well as Kristin Cavallari’s “Layla“.

The Stacked Bootie: I fell in love with this style last Fall & have never looked back. The stacked bootie is great for women on the go, as well as those who have major hips [like myself]. This shape, with it’s wider shaped heel & added stability, makes a busy-work-day-gone-night-out-with-the-girls effortlessly easy. Go for a rounded, extended toe for slendering of the legs. I prefer to keep the colors neutral with this look; greys, taupes, blushes, even blacks & creams work well, but bright vibrant colors can actually add weight to your feet & make you appear large in the ankles. Ew.

*A few of my Fall favorites: The “Conary Bootie” by DV for Dolce Vita [I have last year’s replica of this design in black & taupe & wear them for hours with no issues or pain. SUCH. A. GREAT. INVESTMENT.] That blush color…I mean c’mon. & for my budget babes, the “Flynn Bootie” by Crown Vintage [just purchased these in black 2 days ago] are amazing. The pictures do them no justice at all; they’re chic, comfortable & look amazing with dark & black denim. I plan to live in these this season.

The Moto Bootie: although not quite as popular as they were last Fall, the moto boot is here to stay. Adding a punky element to any outfit, these shoes scream “I’m sexier & more high-fashion than you can even handle.” There are many different elements & takes on this look; studded, strappy, leather, suede, chains, flat, heeled…but the moral is hardware. I do warn my clients//followers that this shoe is relatively masculine, thus it’s best worn with an ultra-feminine dress or fitted pair of denim to offset the gender neutrality. Try an all black ensemble for a hot night out. Best body type for this look: thin legs, small calves.

*My favorite take on this look are these Jeffrey Campbell “Motorama” stacked booties at Nords. I mean does it get any cooler than that?

The Oxford Bootie: so 2014 is the year I finally fell in love with the Oxford. It took me 26 years, but I made it. I never understood this look until Rachel Zoe nailed it with her “Raven Oxfords” & now I’m done for. I find that a dramatically pointed-toe style is the only I will go for, as the other’s feel too masculine & limited. This shoe is best worn with cuffed slacks, boyfriend denim, & loose-fitted dresses. Layer it with a cool leather jacket, a great handbag, & tons of feminine jewelry & your outfit will pummel everyone’s around you that day//night.

*Favorite Fall 2014 examples [besides Rachel Zoe’s] are: DV’s “Verily Oxford” & Shellys Of London “Vossi Vamp Oxford“.

Whether you’re seriously investigating the right bootie for you this Fall or just window shopping, I only ask that you TRY THEM ON. Walk around the store in them, look at all angles & viewpoints of your body in the mirror, & as always, find an outfit that enhances the shoe when test driving them. You wouldn’t actually wear boots with your new lululemons, so why would you try boots on in them? To get the full effect of a new purchase you have to be promoting it realistically.

& lastly, if you don’t feel downright beautiful then don’t even waste your time. Shopping is an investment, not a nonchalant purchase made on a whim. Make your money count & always have fun.

Happy Fall, babes. We finally made it.

Xx.

PS: Here are a few of my absolute favorite shoe shops this season:

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.

dress your truth

April 1, 2014April 14, 2014 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Tonight’s bit of honesty may be harder to hear & openly agree to for some of my readers, but I assure you my words come from a place of compassion & care. That being said…

Let’s be frank, the fashion industry is an entire world based upon image. Yes, I did just say that. HOWEVER, a person’s image makes up 97% of first impressions during the first 5-30 seconds upon meeting someone new & the fashion industry is the medium from which your wardrobe speaks. Which is why choosing the right pieces for YOU is dire.

I cannot stress enough how aggrivating it is to watch my friends, family & clients struggle through department stores, only to come home with the entire outfit that the [size zero] mannequin was rocking. They swear they love it, place it in the deep, dark, sad corner of their closet [with the tags still on it] & then donate it to Goodwill or a friend when they’re participating in their yearly Spring purge. Or better yet [& my personal favorite], the “I’m going to lose weight for this” outfit…we’ve ALL done it & I love the intensity, but chances are life will happen first.

So why don’t we cut the crap & just be real, honest shoppers. Be real about our body type & honest about what clothes truly work for us. Trends are the exception, not the rule. They are the building blocks from which consumers are to be inspired, not mimicked. If you know a particular shape or cut doesn’t work for your body type or doesn’t make you feel like a better version of yourself, then it needs to be left behind.

I always tell my clients that they should never make a purchase unless they agree to these tried & true questions:

1. Will I wake up tomorrow & want to immediately put it on?
2. Will I be wearing it in a year? [Always consider the investment & it’s longevity]
3. Do I absolutely LOVE it in the store? If not, don’t buy. [Department stores are perfectly groomed & planned out to help motivate their shoppers to buy, so if it ain’t working in the fitting room, it’ll work even less at home].

If you can answer those three questions with a yes, regardless of a trending item or not, then it’s worth your money. I just ask that the next time you find yourself aimlessly shopping, that you consider whether or not your purchase is bettering the way you feel about yourself & your intrapersonal perception. Let’s change the way we view shopping as a whole & start creating our best self, today. We deserve it. Xx