Style Advice :: How to dress professionally in a casual world.

It's tough these days to simply get dressed and walk out the door, the difficulty lies in multiple struggles.  For most of my clients it's not knowing what to wear or how to wear it.  We live if a very grey world sometimes [and I love the color grey].  Jeans can be dressy, blazers can be casual, nikes go with suits, and heals go with denim.  When you think it can't get any more confusing you ask your self, "Can I wear leggings as pants?"  The answer to that one is NO, sorry Lululemon it's time we move on from you.

The term business casual gets thrown around a lot, with very little definition.  So with how casual the dress code for life has gotten these days, just how do we dress professionally with out being overdressed!?!  Well, I'll tell you!  Here are 3 easy rules you can follow that will take any look from simple to styled.

Fashion is a formula.  Following a simple 3 part formula will result in a put together and polished outfit every time!  Make sure you are outfitting your self with pants that have a good fit, flatter your shape, and compliment your outfit.  Shoes are an easy add on, and if you are stuck always go with a tan or nude color shoe.  These two colors go with almost any outfit.

Top + Layer + Accessory = Styled Look

Dress for shape.  If there is too much fabric there will be too much frump!  You have to find balance in shape and minimize in one of three places.  Extra fabric should be minimized either at the top, bottom, or in the middle.  If you can look in the mirror and draw a box or rectangle around your self, there is a problem.

Implement tips and tricks to maximize style and overall look.  You and what you do each day is important, and you have value.  It’s key to present your self to the day and the world around you with that same level of value.

Wear red or leopard as an accessories.
Roll or cuff the sleeves of your jackets, cardigan, and long sleeve tops.
Never go with out an accessory.
Wear open necklines, such as vneck and scoop.
Tailor legged pants are the most flattering.

You might be saying to your self, this seems too easy.  Shouldn't I be learning how a suit should fit, or what the right hem length of pant is, etc etc etc.  Yes, those things are important, and can help you look 'professional'.  But let me tell you, if you are in a frumpy suit, or wearing separates that give you no shape, or have no personality in what you are wearing you don't look professional.  Colleagues, customers, and clients will look to you with respect when you respect your self.  Putting your self together and showing effort in your image is an important piece to the puzzle.  If it's missing, you don't get to see the whole picture.

Take these 3 steps and implement them with every style, you won't miss the mark!  If you don't care about your self, others won't either.

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Style Advice :: How to wear a skirt the right way!

I feel that with the title of this article in conjunction with the pictures, I really don't have to comment on much.  Those two things pretty much speak for themselves and you can see the problems you should be correcting when styling a skirt.  But.. I'm going to put my 2cents in anyways, lol!  

It's that time of the year, we are dusting off the spring skirts and shaving our legs :)  With every style consultation I am showing clients how to style and create multiple looks with this seasonal staple.  But before I get very far I am correcting the same style mistakes on almost every singe gal.  There are a few essential things you need to know when you are wearing a skirt this spring. 

If there is too much fabric there is not enough you!  It's important that we see shape and/or structure somewhere.  If you can look in the mirror and draw a rectangle over your image, there is a problem.  Shave off pounds my tucking in and belting your skirts.  This will draw the eye in and minimize fabric overload.

Find balance.  Maxi skirts have transcended from being a trend to being a staple in most women's wardrobes.  Even if you have a petite frame you can pull off this piece, you just need to find the balance.  If you are wearing a full skirt on the bottom, you have to wear a fitted top.  Full on top and full on bottom comes out to frump on top of frump.  And of course, tuck in in and belt.  Look how long the leg line becomes, giving height to this 5'4" frame!

Layer right.  Believe it or not skirts need structure.  It's back to that balance word again :)  When skirts are full and flowy they need to be balanced out with some structure and stability.  Try throwing on a denim jacket or chambray top.  I am also a big fan of waxed utility jackets or vest!  Oh, don't forget to tuck in and belt.

Pair the right top.  I see it often where clients try to go for the monochromatic look by pairing a dark skirt with a dark top.  I get it, and there might be some instances where that would work.  But when you do that, we start lose shape.  There needs to be definition to where your torso ends and your legs begin.  To keep it casual I recommend vintage vneck tees and tanks in white to wear with your skirts this spring.  Make sure you tuck in and belt, giving you a polished and finished look!

Tuck in that darn top!  I'm not even going to be cute with this one.  Look at how much more of the skirts pattern and style is revealed when the top is properly tucked.  There is also gained height, minimized waist, and added style!

Wear it where you're supposed to.  Over and over I see women tugging and pulling down their skirts to their hips.  This does a couple of things.  It makes your legs look shorter, your waist longer, and style frumpier.  Skirts are designed and cut to fit at your natural waist, so that the fit and flare of the garment compliment your shape not take away from it.  Hike those skirts up to the waist and you will get a much better fit and more flattering flare!  Tuck in and belt. [I had to!]

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Fashion Fix Picks :: Best colors for spring!

I am having so much fun working with my clients right now!  It's such a fun and inspiring time of the year.  Getting women into spring colors, lighter fabrics, and strappy sandals can make a stylist happy :)  It's the simple things right, lol!  I have been helping my clients explore new colors for season and how to wear them now.  Getting into the neons and whites that summer brings can be a little intimidating.  Since our skin hasn't seen a ray of sun in quite some time, we need good transitional colors.  We need colors that help us to feel refreshed, not pale when we wear them!

Here are 6 colors I have identified that are complimentary to any skin tone, complexion, and hair color.  They are easy to wear and pair great with a variety of things!

Wear Now   ::  Navy, Blue Denim, Espresso
Wear Later  ::  Navy Stripes, White Denim, Linen
Accessorize With  ::  Red, Coral, Orange, Gold

Wear Now   ::  Black, Dark Denim, Taupe
Wear Later  ::  Grey, Light Wash Denim, Tan
Accessorize With  ::  Silver, Leopard, Navy, Blush

Wear Now   ::  Tomato, Chocolate, Pumpkin
Wear Later  ::  Cherry, Hazelnut, Tangerine
Accessorize With  ::  Gold, Coral, Leopard, White

Wear Now   ::  Brown, Navy, Tan
Wear Later  ::  Gold, Cloud, White
Accessorize With  ::  White, Silver, Wood

Wear Now   ::  Forest, Wood, Royal Purple
Wear Later  ::  Blade, White, Lavender
Accessorize With  ::  Acrylic, Leather, Gold, Leopard

Wear Now   ::  Slate, Blue, Magenta
Wear Later  ::  Clay, Ocean, Rose

Accessorize With  ::  White, Silver, Gold

If you need more help with your wardrobe and style, visit

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Fashion Fix Picks :: Spring 2015

I am making my triumphant return to the writer's table this week!  I haven't graced the pages of this blog for about 2 months, and getting back here took some hard work and soul searching.  Well okay... maybe not soul searching as much as closet, shopping, and style searching :)  This year Fashion Fix has its sights on giving you more resources, solutions, and help when it comes to creating a styled and productive wardrobe.  Not only a wardrobe that looks good, but a wardrobe that make you feel good too!  My mission is to empower women and build confidence through a productive and styled wardrobe.  You might not find everything on this blog deep and earth shattering.  But you will find it practical, simple, and easy to follow.  Which I think is what we are all really looking for right?  Not another 'look at me being so cute and stylish all these clothes' kind of a blog.  So what better way to get back in the game than to talk about something timely, such as getting your spring wardrobe ready!

Here is what should be ready for you in your closet this season, and why!

1. A pair of vintage tennis shoes.  Vintage anything when it comes to fashion is hot hot hot.  But sporting a pair of throwback Nikes or New Balances has become a big big trend.  These look more styled than your retired Asics running shoes, and more updated than the shell toe Adidas you used to wear.  I wear my suede Nikes with a great pair of jeans, a tee, blazer, and scarf leaving me to feel comfortable and styled!

2. A purple scarf.  I know Orchid was last year's color and Marsala is this year's color but give me a break.  I don't care.  All I know is that purple is the most universally flattering color on all skin tones, hair colors, and complexions.  You might have to find the right shade for your self, and once you do you'll be in love.  I promise!  This color scarf will compliment the most patterns and solids for the changing season.

3.  A pair of tailored leg dark denim.  When it comes to versatility dark is the way to go.  These can be dressed with a black top and heels for a night out, and a tee and tennis shoes for a weekend errand.  You get the most bang for your buck when you invest in dark denim.  And no wide leg or flare jeans please.  [I know the retro wide leg trousers are in, but unless you are 6' 2" or wearing 4" heels don't even think about it.]

4.  A navy cardigan.  Here's the deal, we all wear a lot of black.  My self included!  But when you are dusting off the bright floral top or dress to wear this spring a black cardigan layered with it will darken the dress and make it look so serious.  If you are looking for that easy breezy style this season get comfortable with navy.  It's more seasonally appropriate and much more casual.

5.  Silk sleeveless tops.  First of all these tops should be a staple in your wardrobe year round.  But, if you haven't beefed up your collection this is the perfect time.  What I love about these is that you can layer them with heavier fabrics, like wool, and wear them through the rest of winter.  Then once Sven tells us it's going to hit 50 we can ditch the wool, grab the knit cardi and be ready to go!  Then when he tells us it's going be 60, we can leave the layer behind all together, throw on a great long necklace and we're ready again!

6.  Tunic dresses.  This is another piece that is easy to transition from season to season and it never gets old.  Right now I am rockin' my dresses with leggings, a great pair of boots, and bold scarf.  I am kept comfy and cozy with plenty of style, and no frump :)  As the days get warmer I change my layers and accessories piece by piece.  Boots turn to wedges, scarfs turn long necklaces, and leggings... well to nothing!

If you need more help with your wardrobe and style, visit

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Easy essentials you can shop at thrift!

I all that Christmas cash already burning a hole in your pocket?  The bonuses from work, the $10 our cute grandma sends, gift certificates from husbands who don't know what else to get, etc etc etc.  We spend a huge amount of time and emotional energy shopping for others the entire month of December, stressing out over ever gift giving detail.  Then on 12/26 it's time for you ring in the cheer for your self.  Before you go and blow your whole wad at the mall, finding your self overspending and under buying, let me give you a few tips on how to stretch that dollar.

I sped a lot of time shopping, (that's the understatement of the century)!  When working with a budget I take my clients to the Goodwill.  You can see all the past Goodwill style shopped {here} & {here}.  Here are 3 quick and easy buys you can shop and style when buying thrift and not breaking the bank!

1. Jackets and blazers.  These are great finds when rummaging racks at the thrift store.  Most women get frustrated when trying to style a blazer or jacket.  They feel boxy and/or masculine when they wear them.  So they end up in the donation pile, ripe for the picking when you show up to the Goodwill!

2. Cardigans.  I don't know what it is but women love to get rid of these, HUGE mistake.  A lot of the time women think they have to have a specific "outfit" for each of their cardigans, wrong!  So again they mistakenly end up being donated by the bag full.  Cardigans are layers meant to be mixed and matched with multiple pieces.

3. Scarfs.  These are accessories that are fun to swap out every so often.  Grabbing new colors, finding unique prints, and then donating the old ones.  So don't break the bank on this piece.  Scarfs are great staples to buy on budget so you don't feel bad when you get board with them!

Purchase your 1 hour thrift shopping appointment with Fashion Fix today!

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Getting wrapped up in this dress!

I have been sitting on these pictures for a week now and it has been killing me not to share them!!!  If you are just tuning in, well... where have you been?  

All month long I am featuring my favorite things from some of my favorite stores.  The Friends of Fashion Fix Holiday shopping is all about bringing you goods this seasons, along with some savings and discounts.

Today my favorite pick is from Lisa Brainer of Jockey Person 2 Person.  She has a brilliant collection of apparel accessories.  The brilliance behind the collection is that all the pieces are designed to be mixed and matched with each other creating hundreds of outfits with only a few items!  Last week I got my hands on the perfect denim jacket, showing off all the different looks you can get from such a basic piece.  This week it's all about the wrap dress.  Again, it's an item I always put on my clients must have list.  This is a garment that gives any figure instant shape, flattering every curve!  I know it's hard though to find one in which you like the fabrication, print, and fit.  I found it!  This wrap dress is fantastic, and should be in your closet, for many reason.  Here are just a few of them...

1. The black and white pattern.  You can add ann color accessory, shoe, jacket, or cardigan giving it endless style and multiple looks.

2. The fabric is divine.  The fabric of this dress has the perfect weight and thickness.  You won't see what you don't want to see, and you will see all the right shape!

3. The sleeves and collar have the perfect style.  The collar has a tiny cowl detail and the sleeves are 3/4 length.

4.  It's a faux wrap :)  You won't get twisted and lost trying to tie up this beauty.

How do you get this?

Lisa Brainer ::  lisabrainer@gmail.com  ::  952-250-9829

* mention FASHION FIX for 15% off

To order call or email ::

Lisa Brainer ::  lisabrainer@gmail.com  ::  952-250-9829
* mention FASHION FIX for 15% off

What you WISH was in your closet!

This is really happening ladies!  All month long when you shop at Wish Boutique you can get 15% off your purchase when you mention Fashion Fix.  Here's the best part...  The boutique is now open on Sundays during business weekends, and if you visit any of their pop up locations you can get the 15% discount!!!!  I love this place and they love you.  If you can't tell already I can't keep the love for Wish to my self.  It's a blast when I take clients there to shop and we are never short on great styles to try and on and take home :)  Recently I took client Julie to Wish, it was her first time there!  She was instantly won over by everything, including the great decor.  Seriously, if you haven't been it's worth the trip just to see how they have the shop decorated and designed.  Katie, shop owner, has great an eye for all types of style.

Don't forget Friends of Fashion Fix Holiday Shopping is in full swing!  Visit the website for details, and see a full list of where you can save all month long.

Wish is in on the fun too!  This month only, when you mention Fashion Fix you'll receive 15% off your purchase.

 

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Wearing Neutrals, Without Being Boring

Okay, okay...  You got me!  I love to wear black, and every other neutral there is :)  And if your are a client of mine reading this article you are probably laughing.  My catch phrase is "...get of black and get comfortable with navy."  But I must admit, the allure of black in the winter is very seductive.  So here's the deal; If you are seduced by the neutral, at least add some personality!  Recently I took my client shopping to the Goodwill to help her with this challenge.  Take a look and see how we put back the pizazz in her style.


1. You know me, I love a good red accessory.  Add this to any basic black outfit you will instantly feel 'Pinteresty'.

2. Go for gray.  It lightens a look and helps you feel a little more upbeat in the winter when the sun sets at like noon, lol!

3. Get some good scarfs in bright colors.  This is an easy add to any comfy winter outfit that doesn't leave you feeling frumpy.

4. Still wear floral.  Don't store this pattern away with the rest of your summer gear.  Floral against a dark layer will brighten your style and still be seasonally appropriate.

5. Look for neutrals in pattern.  I know this top is a little dizzy in picture, but its style is sharp in real life.  If you are wearing a lot of black break up the all the solid with a black and white pattern on your garments.

Don't forget Friends of Fashion Fix Holiday Shopping is in full swing!  Visit the website for details, and see a full list of where you can save all month long.

Fashion Fix is getting in on the fun too!  This month only, when you purchase/schedule a Style Consultation you'll receive 1 FREE hour of personal shopping.  Psst...  Personal shopping is how this featured client got all her cute looks.

 

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