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This fall animal print is marked as one of the hottest trends. The resurgence in popularity for this classic print has many of you asking how to wear it.

Check out some of the questions I’ve received and learn how to make animal print work for you.

“I like the way animal print looks on other people, but it’s just too bold for me. How can I pull it off without feeling or looking silly?”

print1Right now animal print is out there in a big way. You can find it in many different styles and prints. If you are a little shy about wearing a bold pattern such as animal print, I recommend starting with a shoe. An animal print shoe is a must-have in my closet and is a great way to add visual interest to an otherwise so-so outfit.

Consider these Michael Kors flats. Pair them with your favorite jeans and almost any color top. Remember, you want your animal print shoe to be a fun pop to your outfit so don’t choose a boring brown or black top. Instead go for your favorite red, deep purple, pink, or slate blue blouse. Ta-dah, you’ve made an interesting and put together outfit simply by adding an animal print shoe.

print2“I love dresses but am hesitant to purchase one in animal print for fear someone else will wear the same one.”

This is a very common fear. However you can easily make your animal print dress your own. For starters change up your shoes. This dress could be paired with a black heel, but everyone else is going to do that. So throw in some color. Go for a red heel. If that’s too bold choose something in a neutral that matches your skin tone. If a black heel is what you already own, you can add personal style with a pop of color in your accessories.

You may also want to consider pairing your dress with a cardigan or jacket.

“What are some subtle ways to wear animal print this season?”

print3A great way to participate in the animal print trend in a very subtle way is with your undergarments. Everything about your style creates a total package so even your undergarments can make a statement that only you have to know about.

Use accessories completely unrelated to your clothing to make a style statement. Pull your laptop out of your classic black work bag in a great animal print protective case for instant style you don’t have to wear.

print4

No matter what your personal style, size, shape, or budget you can find a way to participate in a trend you love—sometimes you just have to think outside the box.

For more tips on how to get great fall style join me tomorrow for the Stylish Inner Circle class, "Get Great Fall Style Even When It Still Feels Like Summer."
If your not a member it’s only $5 to join.

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I am very honored and excited to be part of an exciting teleconference with Hills of Africa to help take the stress out of packing for a vacation to Africa. I invite you to check out my guest blog from Live the Magic of Africa to get some packing tips for your own upcoming trip.

Blog written for and taken from Live the Magic of Africa.

Preparing for a vacation to Africa should be exciting, not stressful. But how can you eliminate the stress of packing if you’re unsure of what to pack for a safari? And with all of the packing regulations on charter flights and luggage weight restrictions, how can you avoid the stress of packing that seems nearly impossible to eliminate?

These and other questions will be answered on a special, one-hour teleseminar, What to Pack for an African Safari Vacation. But to give you a little taste of what you can expect on this call, we’ve invited the co-host of this call, Lee Heyward, to guest blog on 5 Packing Tips for an African Safari Vacation.

Below is Lee’s guest post:

Your trip to Africa might require a more minimal and casual wardrobe than you are used to, but it can give you a great opportunity to portray your sense of style in a new and different way.

No matter where you travel you don’t have to loose your sense of style, you just have to be sure your style is practical, appropriate, and comfortable for the activities of your trip.

How to Look and Feel Great in Africa:

Athleta Top

1. Fuse stylish details into your casual clothing.

Your trip to Africa will mostly require casual clothing. Choose casual pieces with stylish details to keep you feeling stylish and chic.

This moisture wicking top from Athleta offers interesting seaming and ruching, a great way to take on a safari in style.

2. Wear natural or wicking fabrics.

Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or silk are very breathable which will help you stay cool and comfortable on your trip. Wicking fabrics are engineered to wick moisture away from your skin.

3. Make your clothes work double duty.

With strict luggage weight limits you need stylish clothing that works double duty. As you pack consider how many ways you can wear something. Remember, you can always do laundry so your item stays fresh

 

Athleta Top

and comfortable. This structured shirt offers maximum versatility in both function and technology. It is made of a wicking fabric that also contains SPF protection. Use it as a bathing suit cover up, sun protection on a safari, or a chic travel piece on the plane.

4. Choose color wisely.

We are all drawn to certain colors, but your favorite red shirt is not going to work in Africa. The last thing you want is to miss out on a photograph of the one animal you came to see because the color of your shirt distracted it. Choose the colors that you wear wisely. The best color choices for your Africa trip are ones that are found in nature. Think greens, browns, and khaki. If these colors don’t excite you, remember that every color comes in different shades. Hold up different shades of each color to find the one that makes you feel your best.

This wrap is not only the perfect color but offers versatility. Wear it day or night, and pair it with a camisole for a chic safari look.

Athleta Top

5. Leave your animal print at home.

As tempting as it may be to bring along your best safari chic pieces, leave the animal print at home. In Africa your animal print wardrobe looses the chic and just becomes cliché.

About Lee

Lee Heyward is a style coach and owner of Charleston Style Concierge, LLC, a company which specializes in teaching women how to achieve easy and effortless style. Lee works with clients one-on-one, virtually, and hosts monthly seminars. Lee believes anyone can have great style with a little knowledge and an open mind. Charleston Style Concierge is located in Charleston, South Carolina.

Register here for this free, upcoming teleseminar What to Pack for an African Safari Vacation, happening Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 1pm EST.

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I couldn’t be more excited that fall is around the corner—it is my favorite time of year!  I love the cool crisp mornings, beautiful vibrant tree tops, and FALL FASHION! Boots, jackets, sweaters, and animal print here I come!

This fall is particularly exciting here at Charleston Style Concierge. Our office is busy preparing for upcoming speaking engagements, seminars, and exciting events. But, the biggest excitement comes from the news that I am expecting our first child in October.

To celebrate all of fall’s big changes I am announcing a very special fall promotion I think you’ll be excited about. I know I’m excited because I’ve never offered anything like this before.

I want to help pay for your new fall wardrobe! For the next two weeks, when you schedule your style consultation with me you will receive:

$25 VISA gift card with your Virtual Style Consultation

(Yes, I can help you achieve the style you desire no matter where you live!)

$50 VISA gift card with your Styletini Styling Package

$100 VISA gift card with your Red Carpet Styling Package

$200 VISA gift card with your VIP Styling Package

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Mark your calendar for August’s Stylish Inner Circle calls. These are exciting topics you won’t want to miss.

Make Up Demystified
Tuesday, August 10th at 12 pm ET

Make up is a fun accessory that can help you create your overall look. Discover the secrets the pros use to achieve a flawless face on the next Stylish Inner Circle call, “Make Up Demystified.” Freelance make up artist, Kelly Tick, will teach us:

  • What tricks can help your make up stay put all day.
  • How to get the best bang for your buck when you buy cosmetics—whether you shop at the department store or drug store.
  • Which tools you really need to get the look you desire.
  • What three items every make up bag must have.
  • How to participate in a make up trend without feeling like you are dressing for Halloween.

This call will run approximately 30 minutes and will be recorded for your listening convenience.

 Get Great Fall Style When it Still Feels Like Summer
Tuesday, August 24th at 12 pm ET

 The first day of fall is around the corner and the transition season is here! Exciting new fall styles are everywhere you look. The problem: It’s still hot out!
Join me for the next Stylish Inner Circle call, “Get Great Fall Style When It Still Feels Like Summer,” and discover:

  • What tricks can immediately make you feel up to date for fall when it’s still warm out.
  • How to find a fall trend that works for your style and climate.
  • Which wardrobe pieces you already own that can help you transition in style.
  • How to take your summer favorites into fall.

This call will run approximately 30 minutes and will be recorded for your listening convenience.

This call is exclusively for Stylish Inner Circle Members. Not a member yet? It’s simple and easy to join. You can join these fun and exciting calls with a trial membership for only $5.

Join now to access this call with a two-month trial membership for only $5.

For more information about the Stylish Inner Circle click here.

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I get asked a lot about how to create age appropriate style. It is a common style concern among many of my clients, no matter what their age. I get so many questions about this that I recently held a Stylish Inner Circle class and a live seminar at Mary Mojo Boutique on the topic.

captureDuring the seminar I put together different outfits and asked participants how old they thought each mannequin would be based on their wardrobe. It was astounding to hear the age ranges they provided.  Everyone had a completely different idea of how old the mannequin was, with varying ideas on why she was that particular age.

In this picture, the mannequin in the dress and cardigan was given an age that ranged from 28-60. It shows you that what is considered age appropriate is relative to your perspective.

So, how does that help you get dressed feeling confident and age appropriate each morning? When you are worried about dressing in an age appropriate way, consider thinking about relevance.

Instead of asking yourself “Do I feel age appropriate?” Ask yourself “Do I feel relevant?”

This means you take into consideration the way people you find stylish are dressed, and what you want to look like as the woman you are today.

To Create Relevant Style:

  1. Use your style to help tell the rest of the world who you are and what you have to say—as the woman you are right now.
  2. Be willing to frequently reassess the clothing that you wear. Recognize that style, like you, constantly evolves.
  3. Remember that there are many different ways to wear something. Don’t typecast a piece of clothing as too young or too old until you try it on and experiment with how it can work for your current style.
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If you are looking for a good book to help you evolve your style, I recently read What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life: Ageless Secrets of Style.  This is a new book by Kim Johnson Gross and I thought it contained great advice that could help you discover how to achieve the style you desire. I thought it applied to all ages. Check it out and let me know your thoughts!

book-what-to-wear-rest-of-your-life1

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Last week my Stylish Inner Circle members enjoyed a great class taught by life balance expert and founder of YuDu Concierge, Sarah Hays. Sarah shared great tips on how to take the overwhelm out of a forever growing to do list. I really loved Sarah’s perspective on how to have life balance and it made me realize that whether you’re figuring out how to have better time management, or better style, the key to success is the same—you have to think outside the box.

Thinking outside the box doesn’t involve doing something that feels completely foreign or crazy. It’s simply changing the way you typically do it. One of my favorite quotes comes from marketing and mindset coach, David Neagle. He says, “To change your life you have to change your life.” Duh! Yet it’s sometimes the most challenging thing to do.

The first step starts by being willing to think outside the box, thus resulting in change. For instance, Sarah’s talk made me realize that my time management is hindered by feeling overwhelmed over where to start taking action on my to-do list. She suggested prioritizing the list. Give each item on the list a letter such as A, B, or C according to its importance. Easy solution, but it was one that hadn’t occurred to me. Prioritizing my list requires me to think outside the box.

It’s the same with your style. If you aren’t finding happiness with the way you look—start thinking outside the box!

Think Outside the Box When It Comes to Your Style

  1. Add an accessory. A bold necklace or funky shoe can completely change the look and feel of an outfit.
  2. Try on a color you’ve never worn. Sticking with the same colors can leave you feeling drab and bored. Remember that a color comes in many different shades and you may find the perfect one for you that is totally unexpected.
  3. Don’t settle. If you need comfort and style, don’t quit until you have found both. Settling keeps you in the same old unhappy style box.
  4. Get unbiased advice. Ask the opinion of an honest friend or a trusted stylist. The benefit of a fresh eye from a new perspective is often priceless.
  5. Do something different. Shop different stores. Try something on you ordinarily would not. Hang your black shirt back up in your closet and put on one with color that you hardly ever wear.

To borrow from David Neagle, just remember that to change your style, you have to change your style.

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Mark your calendar for July’s Stylish Inner Circle calls. These are great topics you won’t want to miss.

Survive Summer in Style
Wednesday, July 14th at 12 pm ET

When temperatures rise it can be difficult to feel both stylish and comfortable in the heat. Discover how to survive summer in style on our next Stylish Inner Circle call.

On this call you will discover…

What fabrics can help you stay cool while looking great.
What one item your summer wardrobe cannot be without.
Why beating the heat starts from the inside out.
How to stay cool without heading straight to your boring t-shirts and shorts.

 

This call will run approximately 30 minutes.

Stylish Inner Circle Open Q&A
Tuesday, July 27th at 12 pm ET

 

This is your opportunity to get all of your specific style questions answered and learn from other Stylish Inner Circle members. You will be able to ask questions on the LIVE call. Or, simply email your question(s) to me at lee@charlestonstyleconcierge.com. Remember, there are no silly questions and this call is meant to be a fun and informative learning experience.

This call will run approximately 30 minutes.

*All calls are recorded for your listening convenience.

This call is exclusively for Stylish Inner Circle Members. Not a member yet? It’s simple and easy to join. You can join these fun and exciting calls with a trial membership for only $5.

Join now to access this call with a two-month trial membership for only $5.

For more information about the Stylish Inner Circle click here.

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shoesCloset overwhelm is a common style challenge. You have all this stuff that you know you don’t wear but you just aren’t sure what to do with it. It’s such a common problem that statistics show you only wear 20% of what hangs in your closet. What if you could have 80% more room for items you really loved to wear?

It’s easy to do. First, let go of the guilt you feel about getting rid of things that no longer work for you or the style you want to have. You’re not wearing them anyway! Second, figure out the best way to get rid of them. Below are three options for you to consider and they all come with financial reward.

Consign your clothes

I LOVE the consignment store. I regularly edit my closet and anything I’m not completely in love with goes to the consignment store. I then take the money I make and buy new items I love to wear. Sometimes I even score unique finds while I’m there.

What You Should Consign: Clothing and accessories that are in like new condition and in current fashion. If you’re not sure if your items adhere to these rules simply take them to your consignment store and ask.

How It Works: Many stores require clothing to be brought in on hangers and at certain times of the day. They will look through your items and decide what they think they can sell. You typically receive around 40% (check with your store for their policy) of whatever amount your item sells for. Be sure to call your local consignment store to find out their specific policies.

The Benefit: It’s super easy! All you have to do is drop off your clothes and remember to come back in a couple of months to pick up your check!

Become an Ebay Seller

Ebay is a great way to recoup money you’ve spent on an item that no longer works for you. It can also be fun to watch others get wrapped up in a bidding war over something you are selling.

What You Should Sell: Clothing and accessories from designers or sought after brands. For best results your item should be in a like new condition. Before you decide to list something on Ebay you have to do a little research. Search for items similar to yours. Do you find any? Do you find an overwhelming amount that have no bids? Are they at a price that you feel is worth the effort to list them on Ebay? These should all be considerations when deciding whether or not Ebay is the best option for you.

How It Works: Once you list your item on Ebay others can bid on it starting from the price you set. Remember that the fun of Ebay is bidding against others so be sure to set a good starting price. Ebay charges you a fee to list your item. You can list your item yourself or take it to a local Ebay store that will do it for you.

The Benefit: If you list an item yourself on Ebay, this is typically the best way to recoup the most money from an item you want to sell.

Donate to Charity or Goodwill

It’s a great feeling to know that clothing which no longer works for you can help to serve another individual. There are many non-profit organizations that can benefit from items you are looking to let move on.

What You Should Donate: If you choose to donate to a charity with a specific focus such as Dress for Success, you should contact them to find out about their specific needs. If you are donating to your local Goodwill store, donate clothing in ANY condition. They sell items that will be profitable in their stores. The rest is sold as bulk salvage and recycled into other things. Even if you have clothing that is ripped or stained, be sure to donate it to Goodwill instead of throwing it away.

How It Works: Find your local donation point and drop off your items. You can also schedule a pick up with some organizations. Don’t forget your donation receipt!

The Benefit: This is a very easy way to get rid of items you no longer need and you can receive a tax deduction.

For specific help on what in your closet you should keep or purge consider a

closet edit. A closet edit can help you discover why your closet is full of items you’re just not excited to wear. Contact the Charleston Style Concierge and discover how a closet edit can benefit you.

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One of the secrets to getting dressed quickly is being disciplined about how you maintain your closet. This secret step to quick and easy style isn’t hard, it just takes a little time—one thing it is hard to find enough of!

If you could use more hours in your day for shopping, hanging out with friends, or to just spend some time to yourself you won’t want to miss the next Stylish Inner Circle class.

“Stress Be Gone: Time Management Secrets for Your Life Balance”

Tuesday June 29th at 12 pm ET

Join me as I interview Sarah Hays, Founder of Yudu Concierge, for simple and effective time management strategies sure to help you take the stress out of all you have to do.

yudu

This call is exclusively for Stylish Inner Circle Members. Not a member yet? It’s simple and easy to join. You can join this fun and exciting call with a trial membership for only $5.

Join now to access this call with a two-month trial membership for only $5.

For more information on the Stylish Inner Circle click here.

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