Taking Back Control of Your Closet & Style

If you've been following along this year, you know that Fashion Fix has become a sponsor of Divorcing Divas.  This is an organization who provides tools and resources to women experiencing difficult life change due to divorce.  DD connects divorcing women to financial advisers, mediators, counselors, attorneys, beauty advisers, and more.  Their mission is to provide "...encouragement, inspiration, and empowerment to people going through the difficult process of divorce.  Through support, education, resources and hope, we show divorcees that they can find life ~ and a good life ~ on the other side. It's not the end... it's the beginning."  

It's a perfect fit for Fashion Fix who's mission is "...to empower women & build confidence..."

As a sponsor I have the privilege of speaking at the support meeting (meet-up), that is held once a month.  Last week we talked 'dumping the frump', my favorite subject!  How do you take back control of your closet and style when times are tough?

1. You’re Either In, Or You’re Out 
First start with your self!  There has to be acceptance of your self.  Acceptance of who are, where you are at, and where you want to go.  In order to be your best self you have love your self!

Then you can move on to your wardrobe :)  Editing and organizing your closet can show you more than how many pairs of shoes you have.  Sifting through clothes can reveal cuts, colors, styles, brands, etc that you have found to love or hate.  If you start to purge your closet and see that you own more sweatpants than real pants, you may have found to cause of your frump!

2. Get A Dress Code
Whether you are at the beginning, middle or ‘end’ of your transformation you are in a constant state of change.  Find style that helps you keep moving on to the next step.  Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue, has had the same hair cut since she was 15!  If the worlds most influential  fashion leader has a uniform you can have one too!

Find a garment that makes you feel comfortable and confident.  Then reinvent it till you are ready for the next style step.

3. Do It Different, Don’t Be Different 
Be your best self, stop being disappointed that you can’t be someone else.  One woman’s style is another woman’s inspiration.  Pinterest, blogs, and magazines should be used to inspire you to try different looks and trends.  But it’s okay to do it different, wear trends and styles in ways that fit your body and your life.

Start by restyling the wardrobe you already have! 

Do you need help?  Does executing these 3 steps sounds tiresome and difficult?  It's okay, Fashion Fix is here!  Link up {here}, and read more about in-home style consultations offered.

Want to hire Fashion Fix at a discount?  Register for one of the upcoming Styled Right Workshops!

April 17th - Edina

register {here}

April 25th - Apple Valley/Rosemount/Eagan
register {here}

May 1st - Bloomington
register {here}

May 29th - Richfield
register {here}

Keep In Touch

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Thrift week at Fashion Fix! Getting to work...

Resolutions can run the spectrum.  Take more pictures, read more, journal more, work out, do yoga, save money, and plenty of other life changing habits.  Often finding the motivation within yourself is the first stumbling block to getting on the wagon of positive change.  That's where Fashion Fix comes in for most women; looking good can lead to feeling good which leads to doing good.  Now don't get me wrong, I am not in the business of superficial short lasting change.  Nor do I think one great outfit is the solution to all of life's problems.  But what I do think is that one great outfit can give you the confidence to nail that interview which will get you the job of your dreams.  I do think that one great pair of shoes will help you feel confident and beautiful so you can be your best self on that first date after a divorce.  I do think that one great fitting pair of jeans will help you not feel frumpy at the next social gathering and you won't feel so self conscience that you can actually have fun with your friends!  A good friend once told me this "...sometimes you have to act your way into a feeling, not feel your way into an action!"  If you don't take care of your self in a way that says you are worth it, losing that 10 pounds is going to be hard, applying for that better job is going to be difficult, and getting on that first date is going to be impossible.  It starts with you doing things that make you feel confident, beautiful, and empowered!  So get out of those frumpy jeans, out of the dated sweaters and out of the ugly shoes.  Tap into your inner beauty and let it shine on the outside.

Does this mean you have to overhaul your life or closet?  No, absolutely not!  Take small steps and make small changes that will have big impact.  There is no better place to that than with Fashion Fix and Second Debut Boutique, where you can bring your doubts, insecurities, questions and need for help with out feeling scared or embarrassed.  Together we are here to educate and empower.  Link up {here} for workshop schedules and join us this Saturday for the first class of 2014!


What you can find at Second Debut!

An outfit for all occasions...

An amazing shoe department...

Great accessories...

 Even something for the boys...

 

Belts, Belts, and Belting

I taught another class this past weekend at a boutique I love, Second Debut.  Once again I was in my happy place for at least 2 hours that day.  Well I was probably also happy when I took a nap later that afternoon.  

I can not get enough of this stuff, I am telling you, these women rock who come to the Fashion Fix workshops/classes!  They are filled with eagerness to learn and have the best questions.  Which has now 'forced' (not really forced, I love it!) me to create a new label and series on the blog, "FAQ".  Because if one woman has a question, I bet there are 100 more with the same one.  What was asked...

When do I wear a belt and how do I wear one?

When

I say whenever you can!!!  Most of my clients want to punch me when I say "...tuck in and put on a belt."  But you need to wear a belt in order to create a waist line, or show off your waist.  It's a misconception that tucking in and belting will make you look wider.  It does the reverse!  If you cover your mid-section with too much fabric and no shape, you will look like you have no shape, enhancing the frumpiness.  Belting also helps to create a styled and accessorized look.  If you are checking your self out in the mirror and sense that something just isn't right or something is missing, it's a belt!

How

To keep up with the blog follow Fashion Fix on facebook {here}.  You will see when new post go up and also know when the next workshop or class is that Fashion Fix is leading.

If you are interested in hosting a class or scheduling a wardrobe consultation email me {here} lindsey@fashionfixmn.com

Happy Belting!

See You Next Season

Last week I taught my first open class in Prescott, WI.  I have to say, it was my happy place!  Getting a group of women together to connect, engage, and empower each other is an amazing feeling.  We talked about closet organization, productive shopping, and how to style.  Everybody came excited and ready to ask questions, which is exactly what I wanted!  

Fashion Fix's mission is to empower women with education and resource.  Anytime I am with a single client or a large group it is my goal to create a safe and non-threatening environment for women to ask questions.   To write about all the topics brought up that night, I 'd have to publish a book (hmm... an idea?)  Instead let's discuss a question one woman asked that is relevant to now. 

What do you pack away & what do you keep seasonally?

This was a great inquiry because whether you are living in a small one bedroom with a tiny closet, or sharing your closet with a significant other it can get cramped.  Rotating seasonal pieces can help keep your wardrobe organized and productive.  But what do you swap?

Think about fabrication.  You don't have a pack away all your light colored or cotton pants for the Fall and Winter.  Just stow your linen pants.  The piece on the left would be great with navy blazer and pair oxfords or some ankle booties!

Knit dresses are another great garment that can transition well into the cooler months.  The color-blocked dress on the left was a summer buy.  Pair it with some tights and boots, and I see it looking great in October!  But, your light floral printed dresses could probably go into the storage unit for the Winter.

Here is another great example of fabrication, plus color.  I love green, especially if you are a blonde; it looks great on you!  Layering all year round can really style up an outfit.  So keep your cardigans around for all seasons.  But pack away any light weight or linen layers.  You can still wear a knit cotton sweater in the Fall and Winter :)

Maxi dresses and skirts are hot, hot, hot!  People can not get enough of them, so how can you wear this trend in more than just Summer and Spring?  It's all about neckline and layers.  Maxi dresses that are strapless or tank style, keep.  One's that have a halter, pack.  Then pair it with a great jacket or cardigan and your are ready for Fall!

Layering pieces are needed ALL THE TIME!  Sleeveless shells and tanks are essentials for every season.  But there are limits to which ones you should be wearing when.  I love floral prints, they stand out beautifully under cardigans and blazers.  However, the print on the right has a little too much of a Hawaiian inspiration for Fall and Winter.  But the tank on the left would be perfect with a navy blazer, skinny jeans and tall riding boots.  Pack one, keep the other!


This and so much more is talked about at workshops and classes that Fashion Fix leads.  To keep updated on when the next class is and where it is link up to the Fashion Fix facebook page!  I can tell you right now that this Saturday, 9/28 I will be at Second Debut in St Louis Park leading a FREE workshop.  Link up {here} to see details.




photo credit: kaboodle.com, us.asos.com, loft,com, polyvore,com, girls-4-god.blogspot.com, refinery29.com, marieclaire,.com, alexprss.com, ebay.com, buckle,com

Land of 10,000, City of 20

St. Paul and Minneapolis are divided by the mighty Mississippi, and are The Twin Cities.  One lies east and the other west.  Each has its own heritage and history, and each celebrates those in their unique way.  St. Paul has the Winter Carnival {here} while Minneapolis puts on the Aquatennial Festival of the Lakes {here}!  Both events are a huge deal and bring the community together.  For many years as a resident of Minneapolis I have been on the side lines enjoying all the events and activities Aquatennial brings.  Here are just a few...

River Rats Water Show {here}

Milk Carton Boat Race {here}

Sandcastle Building Contest {here}

The Torchlight Parade {here}

The Queen of the Lakes Coronation {here}


This year I got invited to come off the side lines and be guest at one of the most special events.  There are 47 beautiful young ladies from across the great state of Minnesota who gather here during the week of Aquatennial, all hoping to be crowned The Queen of the Lakes.  This queen becomes an ambassador for the city of Minneapolis across the country, participating in events such as... The Tournament of Roses Parade!  You can learn more about this organization {here}. 

Past queens make it a priority during the week of Aquatennial to pour into these young women and create events and opportunities for them to get to know one another and meet women leaders in Minneapolis.  Last night there was such an event; a candidates meet and great with women business leaders of Minneapolis.  I was lucky enough to be chosen to attend and share my journey from being an eager college student, confused grad, hard working 20 something, and now 30 something business owner.  It was a such an honor to be with these girls who are leaders in their communities and on their own journeys, which I'm sure will lead to success and greatness in their lives.

Here are scenes from the night...

Food from Brasa {here}

A little bit of history {here}

Me speaking {here}

Me with some the current court and past queens!  Including Alissa Hibst, a past Queen of the Lakes, who made the whole night happen!  She is just the best and looking too cute in her navy striped dress ;)

photo credits:
fashionfixmn.com
republic-eage.com
larry grace photography
aquatennial facebook
eastfoodcoop.com
dispatch.com
cambridgecolour.com
cbslocal.com