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.

February 2, 2016February 2, 2016 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Varient Valentine

Hi Babes. In case you haven’t looked at a calendar lately, it’s officially February. How this happened? I have not a clue. However, it’s here & you’re sure to find hearts & candies && rainbows wall to wall pretty much anywhere you go this time of year. But, never fear. I’m here to help with all things Valentine’s related, both coupled or apart.

Today, I’ve compiled my favorite Valentine’s Day looks for all my single ladies & my wifed-up babes, in hopes that we all don’t fall into the tacky trap that is February 14th. These purchases will see you through the other 364 days of the year, so you aren’t left feeling like the day after Disneyland, stuck with Mickey ears that you’ll never touch again.

The key to owning a themed holiday look: don’t be overly intentional. As humans we tend to choose the obvious choice[s], but holidays [whether Hallmark or not] like St. Patricks Day, Christmas, or even Halloween often lead us towards shades of green, red & orange. Pick other alternatives; they exist & long to be worn.

Here goes…

Really Red: should you still feel the urge to rock a red-ish ensemble February 14th, be unexpected with your look. Opt for burgundy, plum, or even blush tones versus a bright vibrant, traditional red hue. It adds a different feel to a worn out Valentine’s tradition.

[Shop this look]

Bold Black: whether you’re feeling anti or simply want to rock a sexier V-Day look, black is the best option. Add slight pops of color & texture; tulle, beading, reds, pinks, etc. to take this look to the next level & still feel Valentine’s Day-esque without all the hearts & kisses.

Baby Blues: not feeling the stark black vibe this year? Blue is a great alternative. Not quite as harsh, works on nearly every skin tone & still makes you feel the tiniest bit antiestablishment on this themed, snuggly day. The key to this look: stay classic; pencil skirts, skater dresses, wrap dresses, traditional necklines…keep it simple, but add a little spice with your jewelry.

Poised & Purple: the obvious Valentine’s Day choice is always red, however, purple is an incredible alternative. It’s chic, romantic, gives almost every woman a modern wardrobe lift & translates easily with all hair types, skin tones, & eye color. Oh & did I mention, it makes you look tan? #upgrade

[Shop this look]

Wintery White: one of my absolute favorite colors [year round] is white. It’s versatile, flattering, & so romantic during the Winter months. Oh & obviously it’s perfect for V. Day…was I not making that clear? ;] The possibilities are pretty endless with white hues: skirts, denim, tops, blazers, dresses, pantsuits, rompers, heels, etc., but I’ve narrowed my findings down to these four February 14th looks. Note: white with soft blues, pinks & nudes fit best together.

So whether you’ve got a sexy date planned with your special someone, or you just want to plop on the couch with some salty ass popcorn & pretend it’s another day, do Valentine’s Day justice with a small hint of style. Spruce up your winter robe, or go big & throw on a full pantsuit for your romantic dinner.

Whatever you decide to do, love on yourself this February. Because you’re wonderful, beautiful & your wardrobe thanks you for all the good decisions you’ll be making this 2016.

Happy V.Day babes.

Xx.

August 10, 2015August 10, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

How To Begin

I’ve been talking with men & women lately about their experiences with personal style & what it means to them; how do they define it, where do they find inspiration & how do they select items that relate to them. But my overall finding is this: they don’t. They either don’t know how, don’t know why, or just simply don’t even know where to begin. & it’s incredibly sad & frustrating to me that we’ve created a society that throws clothes over their body, without regard, because the tools haven’t been [either] taught or made available.

Thus. Today, I’m helping these deserving humans out.

In five simple steps, I’ve broken down the easiest ways to just get started; help find what pieces work for you & your body, how to find inspiration without simply mimicking others, & generate a wardrobe that speaks volumes for who you are.

Here goes…

Step 1: get inspired. Think about what genre you tend to feel most comfortable in; rocker, prep, beach, etc. What are your best outfits? What shapes & colors make you feel sexiest? What are you drawn to while shopping? List them & store this list somewhere safe, for those ~~tantrums~~ moments where you just can’t find anything to wear.

Step 2: quit posing. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Frankly, I just think it’s annoying. However, no one said finding inspiration by another’s wardrobe & style is the same thing. Take notes on what outfits stand out to you on the street & why you’re drawn towards particular men//women’s style. Record each piece you like [whether mentally or physically] & re-create these looks with your own personal pieces & color palette.

Step 3: know your staples. These are the items in your wardrobe that you simply can’t live without & wear to death. & keep at it. Not all the time & not all at once, but once you identify why you love these wardrobe workhorses, find similar cuts, colors, patterns [whatever it is that draws you to them over & over again] on your next shopping spree.

Step #4: get uncomfortable. I know I habitually preach comfort over everything, but this is the one space in which discomfort will actually grow you. Try new patterns & shapes & cuts & genres. Throw those leather pants on, try the high-waisted denim, purchase the crop top…whatever you typically steer away from. You’re bound to strike out from time to time, but keep trying. The only way to truly identify what your wardrobe says about you is to specifically know what you love & hate. You think Olivia Palermo just stumbled into her perfect style? Me thinks not.

Step #5: take the acclaim. As someone who gets incredibly awkward & weird everytime I get a compliment, I know first hand that it can feel strange, but take them & mentally note each one. This validation is the entire reason you spend money on these items in the first place, & will help you know which pieces are working flawlessly on your body & not.

Style is earned; it’s something that is constantly evolving & changing. Sometimes you’ll feel inclined to work at it & other times you’ll just want to sustain, & each of these feelings is fine. So long as there is an underlying goal & understanding that all of this work is helping to create a better you. That’s always worth working for.

Here’s to new beginnings, babes.

Xx.

May 11, 2015May 11, 2015 styledbylyric2 Comments

Co-Ordinate

Hey Mamas [enter Mother’s Day pun here], I hope you all had a beautiful weekend! I have had a wild past few weeks, but I’m back & more focused than ever to get some serious fashion deets your way to help prep you for the fast approaching Summer months.

So there’s a new trend making some serious headway & I want to talk it through. They’re called Co-Ord [coordinate] Sets. Familiar?

I’m referring to those freaking adorable two piece, matching outfits that basically make all fashion headaches go away [if executed properly]. & I’m obsessed with them. Plus, everyone loves an easy outfit trick that actually works. Think your moms favorite 90s skirt & pantsuit, but completely flipped on it’s ass. That’s basically the birthplace of a co-ord. & my absolute favorite part about this look is it’s versatility; every single one of my clients [regardless of age, body type, lifestyle, etc.] has been able to make these pieces work for them because there are hundreds of co-ord styles & sets. Not to mention, you simply throw them on & you’re set for the day. [Um, calling all people with busy lives, this outfit is your lifesaver].

But which one should you choose? What body type works best with which style? & how will you know you’re doing it right?

Hello! Enter: Lyric.

Picking The Right Co-Ord For You: with two piece outfits comes the subconscious fear of bathing suits & the painful reminder that your body just isn’t in the shape you want it to be. But the beauty of these two piece outfits [unlike bikini’s] is that you don’t have to show skin if you don’t want to. You can choose from long sleeve, short sleeve, halter, crop, pantsuit, sweater, floral, monochromatic, cotton, satin, & even chiffon co-ords. The limits are endless, allowing almost all women to adopt this style for their Summer wardrobe. Take note:

A long sleeved co-ord allows for more coverage & less fuss

A cropped tank & mini skirt co-ord says, I’ve got it & I wanna flaunt it

A cropped tank & knee length skirt co-ord works beautifully on any plus sized babe

[& my personal favorite] The pantsuit co-ord, appropriate for work & play

What Body Type Works Best With Which Style: with all things should come truth; knowing & being honest with yourself about your body type is the first step toward finding confidence in what you wear. It took me a long time to accept my body type, but now I work [patiently] with select pieces until I find what works best for me. It’s all a process, but beginning is the first step. That being said, co-ord outfits are amazing for the hyper-body-conscious woman, because they allow for so much versatility:

For my babes with tummy troubles; ample coverage, loose-fitted top, a beautiful floral print & a little highlight for the legs, this co-ord takes all the attention off of the mid-section.

For my sporty, athletic babes; a body-con, striped number draws major attention to those six pack abs, highlights thin stems, but still gives appropriate coverage to the shoulders & neckline.

For my curvier babes; knee length, bright print, subtle hued co-ord’s are ideal. You can choose a cropped top dependent upon your comfort level, or go for a blousier look to add comfort & confidence.

For my petite babes; a tee & shorts co-ord is perfect. Balancing out the shoulders with a squared-off top, making the legs appear longer with hot pants, & highlighting the mid-section as your smallest point, this look will make you feel like a 6’5″ model in Paris.

For my thin babes; dare to bare. An ultra-cropped tank, racerback or tee can be the perfect addition to this look. Pair it with a fun, matching pant [for some added subtlety] & you’ll be honing your inner Twiggy in 0 seconds flat.

For my mommy’s-to-be; with bright neon hues, a loose-fitting top & bottom, & ample chest & tummy coverage, this has to be the most adorable way to wear this look. Team with your favorite accessories & you’ll be the hottest MILF in the room.

Am I Doing It Right?: the best way to know you’re following the co-ord fashion philosophies of the world is to be certain that you feel beautiful. If you are immediately trying to cut the tags off in the fitting room & find something fun to do so you can showcase this new fit…then you’re doing it right. If you stand in front of the mirror wearing your co-ord, doing pirouette after pirouette, then you’re doing it right. If you are meticulously scrutinizing all of the things you don’t like about your body & how ugly you feel in the outfit…you absolutely are not doing it right.

These pieces of fabric that we lay across our bodies day in & day out are not there to simply cover our nakedness, but rather to be representations of who we are & what we exude. Take the time. Be patient. & find what speaks to you. Confidence is 90% of the gig, & the clothes tell the other 10% of your story.

Happy Coordinating, babes.

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 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]

summertime & the living should be easy

April 5, 2014April 14, 2014 styledbylyric1 Comment

The warm air is creeping in & Summer is drawing near, which means BBQ’s, music festivals & way less clothing. This idea is terrifying for some of my readers & liberating for others, so let’s come together & hash this thing out.

First things first: know & trust what your body is telling you. The entire concept behind purchasing clothing & building a wardrobe is to build one that fits your lifestyle & body. If you know that shorts will never be a staple in your wardrobe, then opt for a beautifully breathable maxi dress instead. If you fear showing off your arms, grab a capped-sleeve, loose fitting tee & play around with skirts & denim for an effortless Summer look. For my boho babes, wide legged, printed pants are everywhere this season, so snatch up your favorite pair & team them with a great tank or crop.

The biggest additive to any & every look are accessories. Throwing on a great hat, a scarf to add print or color, or some bright necklaces can change the entirety of an outfit. Here are a few of my favorite pieces for the coming season:

HATS:

NECKLACES:

FULL LOOKS [for inspiration]:

And last but absolutely not least, promise me you will try each new piece of your wardrobe on as an entire outfit. Too often my clients get frustrated trying clothes on because they aren’t putting the whole look together, but rather team tops & bottoms together that aren’t conceptual. Find a complimentary item to try on in the store [whether purchasing it or not] to give a realistic interpretation of the outfit as a whole & prevent frustrations & returns later.

I’m so excited for this warm weathered season & to watch the creativity of my readers build throughout. Just be sure to remind yourself that fashion is about building a wardrobe that fits YOUR lifestyle & body. Happy shopping!

Xx.