Cost and Worth

This is about finding clothes that might cost some money but in the end will make you feel worth more than you spent.

Don't look at the price tag...if you like a piece, try it on. That's how you will figure out your true style. Don't feel limited on what you can afford. Limiting yourself to trying on only cheap clothes will never solidify feeling like you have a style.

If it ends up being too expensive, you will at least know what works and what is you. You can then find the same type of thing for less money. Find the same style on sale somewhere else. Just shop around. Or wait and save. If you choose to purchase the item(s) you will also (hopefully) not buy as much which leads to less confusion when getting ready. Simplify your closet by only having a few key pieces that make up different outfits.

I had a client that bought her first pair of expensive jeans. (Luckily they were on sale) She said she never realized the difference because she never let herself try the expensive stuff. It made her feel better about herself. Like she was worth more. She was also able to identify her personal style. Hunt for sales of the good stuff- not cheap things cheaper. You'll end up spending the same amount of money (based on how long the cheap ones last verses how long the pricey one lasts). This woman bought cheap cheap cheap jeans her whole life and never loved anything she had. Her first time in the nice jeans she couldn't stop smiling because it made her feel good about herself.

You want to look and feel expensive- not because of status but because it makes you feel worth what you wear. After starting to redo my wardrobe, my new clothes make me feel important. I just feel good about myself. Others will feel that you are more approachable and will enjoy your confident company.

Whether costly or inexpensive, if the garment looks and feels pricey and fits your style- you will feel better about yourself.

Save up and buy smart. You are worth more than cheap clothes.

My Own Revamp

I'm very excited to tell you I did my own closet clean out and am starting over! Finally!

This week I cleaned out my closet of the things I felt overwhelmed with. Too many choices and too many cheap clothes. I bought them because they were cheap and current but they ended up being actually cheap and went out of style as fast as they unraveled. They were way too complicated for me. I knew it wasn't fully my style and tried very hard to make it so. Some of it was, but trying to keep up with current trends left me feeling guilty for spending the family's money so recklessly.

I got the guts to just clean it out like I have so many other women do. Man does it feel good! I was so happy to get them out of there! Clothes hold way too much emotion. My friends are very excited that I am cleaning out the closet so they can benefit from it. I realize that they are still fine clothes but all the frustration attached to them is too much for me to handle.

I started over. Something I've wanted to do for a long time and just didn't know how. I feel like I have found my style. I put these new clothes on and instead of thinking, "well its in and its cheap", I thought, "Wow, I didn't know I could feel so beautiful." Its simple. And I don't have much to choose from which let's be honest is helpful. This is a time where less is more. I actually feel good about myself. I feel like I'm somebody.

It was an amazing weight to let go of. I actually feel lighter. I'm standing taller and taking more pride in caring for my body. Its incredible how clothes can change your whole thought process.

Taking Pictures

So, I've learned in the past year that what I see and what you see are two very different images! There are times I think I have picked a great outfit and then see it in a picture and wish I hadn't walked out of the house wearing it. I've started taking pictures of outfits I am unsure of to see what you see in order to make my decision.

The same goes for shopping. Have you ever bought something at the store thinking it was fabulous and put it on at home only to realize it must've been a skinny mirror in the fitting room? Or maybe even a completely different garment? What happens between the store and home? When you are in the fitting room, take a picture. Walk away. Look at the picture while you're shopping. If you love how it looks in the picture then you'll probably still love it when you put it on at home. It cuts down on impulse buying and you'll appreciate it more.

Easter Dress

Here is my Easter dress. I had planned on wearing it with the papaya cardigan (which had I worn, I would've had my army green watch strap) and then remembered I had the sea mist one. I would've loved my 5 year old's hot pink cardigan but that was a no-go.

I know the lighting makes it kind of hard to see but which one do you like best?

Now the shoes. I wore light brown snakeskin sling backs to church. But now that its warmer and I'm going to my parents' house for a more casual dinner, I'm going to wear a bronze/brown slightly gladiator sandal.

Either way, I'm so glad its sunny and warm!

Happy Easter!

Brights

This is an outfit I put together the other day for work. It had been a long day and while I was trying to get ready the kids were following me, whining and very clingy. Its very hard to get ready when they are like that. I didn't pay too much attention to what I threw together. I liked the colors. The lighting is not so good in this shot but hopefully you can tell they are all bright colors. No where in the cardigan is there teal. But my teal shirt seemed to compliment the warmer colors, hence the combo.

I felt fine when walking out the door. When I got to work everyone had some sort of striped outfit. They all seemed to get some memo that I missed. Everyone seemed to have outfits that flowed. I felt a little left out and "last year". I told a girl at work that I wanted to run to the dressing room and change and she said, "Really? I was just about to compliment you...I love what you're wearing."

Another friend confessed, "Why does it always have to be one or the other? If she looks good, I can't. You know that feeling of always having to be the one that looks good? Why can't we both look good?"

I loved that thought. Yeah, why can't we share that? So, just because I thought the other girls looked better didn't mean I looked bad...just not the same.

In the end, this outfit works. It was a nice pop of color during such a cold and rainy week.

Spring!

So here are a few accessories I've found for spring. I love the simple elegant look right now. I love how clean and crisp these all look. I also love having the delicate looks mixed with some heavier earthy pieces. I had gone very bold with jewelry this past year but I'm looking to go very fine this year. The simple chains with small pendants. And of course my favorite thing for spring this year are the Aviator sunglasses. They are easy glam. Whatever outfit I imagine with these accessories, put on any of those shoes to change the look depending on the occasion. Flats for day, espadrille to spice it up when going somewhere and the heels for a spring/summer date. The belt goes with everything from pants and shorts, to skirts and dresses. I love it! It adds just enough earth to any delicate, girly outfit! I can't wait for spring to finally warm things up!

Shoes- Piperlime.com

Watch and sunglasses- Michael Kors

Ring- Juicy Couture

Scarves, necklace and belt- J. Crew

Before and After

These area few shots of my client. Her before and afters. The tank and jeans are her going out, modern woman look. The library picture is how she dresses as Mom. They both represent her personality. I was amazed at her transformation. How much younger and thinner she looked! She stands taller, smiles more, and has a seemingly new energy about her. I can tell how its changed how she sees herself. I love that she takes time for herself now and she's being a great example to other moms and her daughters.

The next set of pictures are about a shirt she had that she didn't really know what to do with and I showed her how it would look good. The first picture is

about how she thought to do it. Its not bad...but I liked it with darker pieces.

There's nothing cooler to me than transforming how a woman feels through clothes. The power it can have to change your stance and attitude is simply amazing!

All photos by ejr-photography.

Check out ejr-photograhy.com!