Personal Styling

  • Personal Styling, Style Coaching, Styling Tips

    How To Build A Flattering Look: The Rule of Thirds

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    Who doesn’t want to look good in an outfit?!  So, you choose the pieces from your closet, carefully considering how they complement one another and how they will support the overall look you’re going for.  You get dressed, take a look in the mirror but something just looks off.  Your outfit doesn’t pack the punch you had visualized.  It looks kind of frumpy, expected and perhaps even boring.  Why? The issue is more likely than not, a matter of proportion.  Proportion is the framework we use to build an outfit and the relative proportion of the combined elements of your outfit can make or break your look.  

    The solution? Just tweak your outfit using the concept of the Golden Ratio – the formula behind the most flattering way to style an outfit.  This can make all the difference and take your outfit from frumpy to fabulous no matter your shape or size!

    Sometimes referred to as The Golden Mean, The Divine Proportion or the Fibonacci Sequence, The Golden Ratio is a pattern that appears to be one of nature’s most popular blueprints and it can be found everywhere – from the curl of a chameleon’s tail, to the spiral of the galaxy to the pattern of a snowflake!  Despite its many different names it is the same principle of harmony, beauty and proportion which has been around since the beginning of time.  It is generally accepted that the 1/3 to 2/3 ratio is the most aesthetically pleasing division of spaces.  When used in design, it fosters organic and natural-looking compositions that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.  Since it was first discovered, it has been used to create some of the world’s most iconic manmade masterpieces such as the Pyramids of Egypt, Mona Lisa and Eiffel Tower!  You can even spot the Fibonacci Sequence in the Birkin Bag! 

    In the world of styling it is referred to as the Rule of Thirds and it comes into play when combining individual elements of an outfit in the most flattering way.  

    Simply put, the most visually appealing look will require breaking the elements of your outfit up unevenly, to create or maintain a pleasing vertical ratio between your upper and lower body.   The aim is to create an unbalanced ratio of 1/3 to 2/3 – dividing the figure into 2 unequal proportions – as opposed to perfect halves.   A completely balanced 1:1 ratio can give a frumpy appearance and look off.  Unbalanced proportions on the other hand, offer a vast improvement to any outfit, making it look sleeker, more cohesive and much more interesting to look at.  When the Rule of Thirds is applied, it ensures that the overall look of an outfit is proportionally pleasing to the eye.  Its power to transform an outfit from good to great is truly amazing.

    How To Achieve the Perfectly Proportioned Look

    As you combine items of clothing together to make an outfit, consider the whole body from head to toe. Your aim is to divide your overall frame into thirds, and not halves. Simply put, this involves combining pieces of different proportions together – or styling in such a way that achieves the same outcome.

    1. Tuck Your Top In!

    The image on the left, with the turtle-neck pulled down, cuts the body in half creating a boxy and boring look. It gives the upper torso a longer appearance and makes the legs look shorter. Once the top is tucked-in, the outfit is more interesting and pleasing to look at and definitely more flattering to the body. Adding a knee-high boot creates yet another dimension to the overall look, still keeping the Rule of Thirds in effect.

    2. Do a French Tuck

    The image on the left cuts the body in half, once again not the most flattering look. Doing a simple French Tuck emphasizes the waist and gives the illusion of more leg.  It is the best way to add a little dishevelled edge to an outfit and flatter the figure.  If you are not comfortable tucking at the front, do it from one side. The slight billowing of the tucked side can hide a less-than-flat tummy and the side that hangs loose creates balance in contrast to the tucked-in side, which draws the eye downwards elongating the entire frame. Once you add an outer-layer, the innermost layer will ensure that the Rule of Thirds is still kept intact, as this layer is what usually draws the eye. So don’t worry too much about the fact that the jacket is slightly longer than the t-shirt layer.

    3. Add A Belt

    Use a belt to create a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio instead of having a balanced ratio or even one long column. While there is nothing terribly wrong with the image on the left, adding a belt to the dress instantly divides the look into 1/3s and creates a great focal point at waist level. If adding a jacket, either choose a cropped version that will hit at the waist, or consider adding a belt to a longer jacket to achieve the best ratio. Once again, wearing knee-high boots keeps the Rule of Thirds in effect too.

    4. Pair A Long Garment With A Short Garment

    When pairing your pants with a top, always consider the length of the top. The pants should make up 2/3 of the overall look and the top should make of 1/3 of the look. If your top does go beyond hip level, it creates a 1/2 : 1/2 look which is unflattering. If you are wearing high-waisted pants, choose a top that hits at the waist – or tuck your top in to achieve this. You instantly add more leg real estate to your look and highlight your waist for a perfectly proportioned look.

    5. Use Layers To Create Unbalanced Proportions

    Use coats and long cardigans to help divide your frame into the 1/3 : 2/3 ratio. There are several factors to consider when layering. Colour and level of contrast between the items in the outfit will effect how the eye reads the proportions. As noted before, the eye will most naturally read the under-layer first (the camisole is 1/3 and the legging is 2/3). The coatigan frames the outfit. When looking at the outfit from another angle, the coatigan is 2/3 and the exposed legging becomes 1/3. There are two Rules of Thirds in effect here, which is interesting! Alternatively you could choose to add a belt to the outer layer, creating yet another dimension to the outfit, yet still applying the Rule of Thirds.

    It doesn’t have to be exact. Remember it’s not a science, it doesn’t have to measure out perfectly. It is simply a guideline.

    It’s always a good idea to check your image in a full-length mirror to ensure that the proportions of your outfit are flattering to your figure.   If you like the outfit but something just doesn’t feel quite right, it may just need a little tweak.  So play around with it and use the tips provided above to make easy adjustments that could make all the difference!  Finally, remember that like all other guidelines for dressing your unique body shape, this is a tool and not an absolute rule. However, once you know about the Rule of Thirds, you just can’t help yourself from never using it again!

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  • Closet Editing, Personal Styling, Style Coaching

    Closet Decluttering: Your Top 10 Fears Reframed

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    Over the last few weeks I have talked a lot on my social channels about the benefits of having a closet that works with you, not against you. One that reflects who you are right now, thereby enabling you to get dressed with ease and move through your day with confidence. I have shared some stories about the recent closet edits I have worked on with clients, always with the aim of providing you with valuable insights into the process and the resulting beneficial outcomes.

    Nonetheless I know that for many of you a closet decluttering session is associated with anxiety and stress.  Guess what? That’s not unexpected! This blog post aims to identify the perceived challenges, reframe them and help you view closet decluttering as a positive experience, an exercise in simplifying and making your life easier!   

    If you want to improve your life immediately, clean out a closet. Often it’s what we hold onto that holds us back.

    Cheryl Richardson

    Trust me when I say that decluttering a closet can be one of the most liberating things you can do for yourself, enabling you to:

    • feel positive and more relaxed when you see only clothing that you truly love to wear;
    • feel less stressed and frustrated about your daily dressing routine;
    • feel more confident and actually excited in putting outfits together;
    • feel more in control of your image and your personal brand;
    • feel more real as you confidently discover and express your new image;
    • save time and your hard earned money.

    So why is it then, that the initial reaction to the very thought of undergoing a closet decluttering session often tends to be one of reluctance, embarrassment, shame, nervousness or apprehension?

    It is most likely linked to the fact that your closet houses not only your clothes, but also your emotions, memories, judgements and aspirations.

    You’re grappling with the whole notion of allowing someone else into an extremely private space that reflects not only how you present yourself to the world, but also provides a direct look into how you view yourself, your shopping history and potentially your hoarding habits!

    You’re also trying to reconcile with the fact that you are potentially getting rid of some items that you’ve had for a long time, spent a lot of money on, aspirational brands that you value and items that you are emotionally attached to. Most of the negative thoughts that initially come to your mind are fear-based. 

    Let’s confront these anxieties and reframe them!  

    One of the key things to keep top of mind is this: a closet decluttering session is as much about getting clarity, as it is about purging –  clarity about who you are and what you want to portray, clarity on what is needed to create and maintain your future image, clarity around your shopping behaviour and getting clear on how to form effective and efficient habits moving forward. 

    1. Reluctance to having someone else go through your stuff

    This is a normal feeling and is totally understandable.  When working with clients I encourage them to see the process as a new beginning focused on the future, building a refreshed image and breaking old habit cycles of impulse and repeat-buying.  My role is to be that objective outsider (one who has been professionally trained in closet editing) who is going to give you an honest opinion on what works and what doesn’t work –  all done in a non-judgemental way.  It is not my job to judge you.  It is not my job to be critical of your past style choices.  It is my job to help you stay focused on the task in hand, set the intention, visualize the future you. It is my job to understand where you’ve been, why you have style challenges and provide guidance on where you’re going.  It is my job to be practical and remind you of the image you are striving for, what items are aligned with your style personality, what works for your body shape, what colours are most suitable for your complexion, what fits with your lifestyle.  No judgement, just forward momentum.

    2. Fear that you’ll be left with no clothes in your closet

    This is a very common fear but trust me when I say it would never happen!  The process isn’t quite so dramatic. Think of it as ‘pruning’ the contents of your closet.  By purging items that don’t work, identifying the gaps and filling them with a few extra pieces, you will most likely end up having fewer clothes but more outfits than ever!    What’s more, if you’re like the average person you’re probably only utilizing 20% of your closet to build outfits right now anyway, so the likelihood that purging a lot of items would leave you with nothing to wear, is hardly realistic. The quantity of items you end up purging is totally up to you.  I provide the style tools and decluttering framework, you still make all the decisions.  Additionally, one of the key outputs of the decluttering session is a ‘shopping plan’, a list of items required to fill gaps in your closet.  Generally speaking the shopping trip takes place almost immediately after the closet session.  So even if you are left with a very select number of outfits at hand, it will unlikely be for a prolonged period.  Let go of what is no longer needed, to make room for what is needed!

    3. Fear that you will have to get rid of items you love

    I will only ever suggest that you let go of something if it is of no use to you at all.  I provide a framework of consideration for you to apply against each and every item of clothing.  If you truly love an item and we agree that it works for your style profile, we don’t get rid of it!    If something isn’t 100% perfect but can still work with a little creativity, we don’t get rid of it.  If an item needs replacing, we ensure we prioritize this on our shopping plan and restock your closet with the new replacement at the earliest opportunity.  If you love an item but sadly it doesn’t fit the criteria for your new image, dig deep and truly ask yourself how it will contribute to looking and feeling amazing as the future you.  Sometimes it takes a little tough love to bust through these obstacles but it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that everything that stays in your closet needs to be aligned with the image you wish to portray. Keeping ‘unwearable’ clothes is an exercise in deluding yourself and it will only serve to add to the overwhelm and confusion you face when choosing outfits and finding items that are wearable.

    4. Fear of losing special memories

    This can be a big fear particularly as it relates to those items you have strong sentimental ties to – items that remind you of when you were young and carefree/ expecting your first baby/ in a job that you loved/ falling in love with your partner.  Remember this is an exercise in only keeping clothes that make you look and feel amazing (not constantly taking trips down memory lane when you open your closet). Ultimately you make the call on any items that you have strong emotional ties to but remember your memories are in your head, not in your stuff!   Items that are so special in the first place, should not be housed in the back of your everyday working wardrobe.  They either need to be stored separately or in other creative ways that allow you to keep small reminders – such as taking a picture, scrapbooking or framing a swatch of the fabric.

    5. Reluctance to part with your ‘what if’ clothes

    Your closet should be a reflection of who you are right now.  Dress for the person you are today.  Not the old you, not the ‘what if’ you.  For any clothes related to a former lifestyle, a different size – if they’re not working for you right now, they shouldn’t still be in your closet.  Store them elsewhere, but be very selective about the quantity of items you chose to keep in storage.  The bottom line is that you will benefit from not seeing the constant reminders in your closet each and every time you open the doors.

    6. Feeling guilty to let go of gifts from someone special

    The purpose of your functional closet space is to house clothes that make you feel positive, happy and confident.  The only items in the closet should be those that express who you are, not who someone else thinks you are or wants you to be. The gift belongs to you and no one else, so if it doesn’t suit you, let it go.  Your image is a very personal expression that is closely linked to your self-esteem and confidence.  Never allow anyone else’s vision for you compromise your own thoughts on what works best for you. 

    7. Frustration with giving up items you spent lots of money on

    Spending a lot of money on an item doesn’t guarantee that it will work for you or stand the test of time.  If it doesn’t align with your desired image or doesn’t fit properly it really is time to let it go.  Holding on to it will only serve to deflate you as you think about the money wasted over the years. Release it and move on.  These guilty purchases are not good for your self-esteem.  You don’t need to be constantly reminded of your mistakes.  It can be a negative drain that you just don’t need.  The bright side is that your increased knowledge and awareness will help you to avoid making the same mistakes again and you’ll save money in the future! No more costly mistakes hanging in your closet.  We all make mistakes, we are human.  There are so many online resell platforms now to help recoup some of the cost, so it doesn’t all have to be a lost cause (The Revente; Poshmark; Vinted to name a few).

    8. Feeling deprived when you don’t have a jam-packed closet

    A full closet is not necessarily better than a half-filled closet.  When fewer pieces are available, you will see and access your outfits with much greater ease.  Having less to choose from will mean quicker decision making and much less stress when time is short.   The very fact that you have removed the overwhelm, allows you to be more creative when building outfits.  Having less isn’t about feeling like you’re missing out or sacrificing something.  It’s about liberation, freedom, less stress – giving you more time, energy and space for all the stuff that truly does matter in your life!   

    9. Feeling dread about having to go shopping

    You dislike shopping. That may well be, but remember that for the first time in your life, you are most likely going to have a whole new outlook on shopping.  You will have a new approach, a more considered decision making process, a shopping intention list – these are all guiding principles that you’ve never had the luxury of utilizing before! You will have a much more discerning eye, so shopping doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out, tedious process.  You’ll be able to weed out all the overwhelm and by-pass the clutter like never before.  Believe me when I say the style clarity that we build together, will make shopping much more fun, exciting and sometimes even fateful….because when you see a piece, you will know instantly that it’s for you!

    10. Fear of change

    Most of us are averse to things that will change our habits, our routines, our sense of comfort.  But think about it like this – you now have the power, you are taking back control from the closet that doesn’t serve you well.  Your newly acquired knowledge and vision of your future self is helping to validate your decisions about what to to keep and what to  ditch.  You call the shots. View it as a major learning curve and a chance to change your shopping (and hoarding) habits for good.   Trust yourself and trust the process. 

    Opening up your closet should be like arriving at a really good party, where everyone you see is someone you like

    Amy Fine Collins

    Your closet is the very centre-point of your dressing world, its contents tell your unique story and have a big effect on your daily life and emotions.   Your desire to look thoughtfully presented should be joyful, exciting, creative and effortless.  Make your closet work for you, not against you!

    If you are interested in learning more about my Closet Clarity program, check it out here

    Contact me directly if you wish to access a copy of my step-by-step guide: How to Declutter Your Closet

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  • Life Coaching, Personal Styling, Style Coaching

    What is Style Coaching™?

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    This is a question I’ve heard a lot in recent weeks.  I figured my first Blog post would aim to answer it, so that we can all start off on a level footing! I get it – Style Coaching™ is not necessarily a term often heard in everyday conversation, but it sounds super intriguing!  While I’ve had an understanding of the various components of Style Coaching™ for quite a while, I’ll admit I hadn’t actually known that the discipline as I now know it, existed in all its glory until recent years.     Contrary to what you may think, working as a Style Coach™ isn’t just about choosing outfits and putting looks together (though it can be if that’s where your need lies). 

     

    It’s about understanding how the smallest changes in appearance can make you feel better about yourself, give you a fresh perspective on life and prompt you to reach for more. 

    Style Coaching™ is a unique combination of Personal Styling and Life Coaching that focuses on the whole person. The overall aim is to help you feel effortlessly stylish and comfortable in your own skin.  Think of it as personal styling meets personal development.  It’s a really fun way to incorporate some life-enhancing skills and learning, while using personal style as the filter.     The process focuses on achieving a fresher, more polished external image and more importantly an improved self-image (enhancing how you view yourself).    If you look good on the outside, you feel good on the inside.  The moment you start to see a change in the mirror you instantly begin to see yourself in a new light. Your negative self-beliefs are challenged. Your self-esteem starts to grow. Your confidence beings to shine.  This then helps you to move forward with a new-found sense of empowerment.  It’s as simple as that.

    What Does a Style Coach™ Do?

    A StyleCoach™ utilizes the skills & techniques of a traditional stylist or image consultant…

    …such as style personality analysis, body shape analysis, colour analysis, closet decluttering, personal grooming and personal shopping.  You may be interested in one of my services that is short and sweet – purely style focused while incorporating basic confidence and self-esteem boosters – check out my Style Essentials or Closet Clarity programs. I like to spend some time upfront reflecting on your style mindset – getting clarity on who you are as a person, what matters to you, what makes you happy, why your style is a challenge right now, what you look to for inspiration, what type of style you would like to attain.    I then show you how to build a style that expresses your true essence, how to dress to flatter your shape, how to choose colours that harmonize with your natural characteristics, how to build and maintain a closet that resonates with who you are, how to shop more purposefully and how to get dressed with ease.  Ultimately, embracing such a focused approach to your style can save you a whole lot of time, money and stress. This can hold a lot of excitement and fulfillment for you, but there’s more…

    A Style Coach™ also embodies the ethos of a Life Coach

    Being educated on styling guidelines through to developing a shopping list could be seen as only the start of the journey.  If you are ready, willing and able to dive deeper into a holistic Style Coaching™ experience, there is a lot more to gain.  It totally depends on the level of transformation you desire.  Click here to learn about my Ultimate Style Confidence program. 

    Appearance can be used as the starting point for building momentum

    Style Coaching™ has the potential to be deeply enriching, all approached through the lens of style which makes it fun, exciting, eye-opening and totally fulfilling! Whatever the change you would like to see – be it in the area of image, relationships, career, environment, life purpose, self-fulfillment, self-worth – appearance can be used as a starting point for building momentum.  We spend time at the outset understanding where you’re at right now, visualize where you’d like to be and map out a path to get there.    The style enhancement you experience initiates the ripple effect of change in other areas of your life.  You may experience challenges such as low self-esteem, lack of confidence, poor body image, negative self-talk, self-limiting beliefs, all of which can hold you back from achieving your full potential.  My job as a Style Coach™ is to help you find a way to overcome these challenges and to support and encourage you in achieving your goals.    

    Don’t Be Put Off By Fear

     

    Style Coaching™ is not intended to be daunting. It is positive, forward looking, motivating, proactive and energizing.  The life coaching aspect might seem intimidating – I get that.  You potentially have a fear of scratching beneath the surface and facing some personal issues head-on.  But truly there’s no need to feel put off by that.  While some of the topics covered do have the potential to be quite heavy, they are simply merged into the process of personal styling and presented in a very light-hearted, accessible format.  My focus throughout is to help your feel at ease, heard, supported and valued.  No judgement. It’s a collaborative effort and the quality of the end-result is what makes the work so fulfilling for me.

     

    My Mission Is To Make Styling Attainable To All – Everyday People For Their Everyday Closets

     

    A Style Coach™ isn’t something that should be reserved for the rich and famous.  We all get dressed every day and we all buy clothes.  However as we are growing up, we rarely receive any formal education on the tools and guidelines around dressing to look our best.   We are perhaps influenced by family and friends, or we learn to do it in our own ad hoc way, trying on different guises before we end up arriving somewhere that feels right. But it’s never static.  We go through various stages in life, and our style needs evolve accordingly.  Sometimes we keep pace with these changes but oftentimes we settle.  Life happens.    One day you realize that you’ve lost sight of yourself and your goals.  But your style is your narrative, it tells your story.  It’s indicative of how you view yourself and how others view you.

     

    It only makes sense that your personal style is a beautiful expression of who you are and is aligned with the vision that you have for your life.

     When you think about it, it makes sense to have an expert help you get clarity on the style that aligns with your lifestyle, personality, body shape and colouring; an expert who can provide you with good practical styling tips that are easy to apply; an expert who can show you how to extend the life of the pieces you already own and get longevity out of your closet; an expert who can show you how to shop more purposefully; an expert who can help you make a habit of seeing what’s right about your body, instead of focusing in on your ‘perceived flaws’; an expert who can help you get clear on your goals and map out the steps needed to achieve them; an expert who can provide you with the life-long tools to build and sustain higher levels of confidence, self-esteem and self-worth.   

    What I offer as a Style Coach™ is meant to change your life in some shape or form.  The degree to which that happens is purely based on your needs, how much change you desire and how far you are willing to grow.

    My mission is to make styling attainable to all – everyday people for their everyday closets – so that you can get on with living life on your terms.   It is not superficial.    It is not frivolous. It is not just putting a look together.   Style Coaching™ is a transformational experience that gives confidence, empowerment and growth!   

     

    To find out more about how you can work with me go to http://www.stylecoaching.ca

     

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