My work is always confidential

When I go to informal gatherings or parties it is always predictable what will happen about 1 hour into the event. Once it "comes out" that I am a television stylist, I am slowly cornered, surrounded by curious women who want to know who my clients are and what I do to help them with their appearance. I am terribly disappointing speaking about others since I do not reveal the names of clients if they have asked me to keep our time together confidential, plus, even if they have not asked for confidentiality, (as the old saying goes) I do not tell stories out of school. I am quite sure you wouldn't want me telling someone anything about you if you were my client. Whether I am helping a client "fine tune" their appearance or completely revamping someone's image, our time together is so intimate, it must remain private. What makes me so different from other stylists (besides my expertise) is that I am a safe place to land. I see the potential in each person and I feel that it is so very profound and personal to help people evolve and reflect on the outside what they always new was there on the inside.

My work as a stylist is not just about looking younger, thinner, more memorable or more powerful. It is about the possibilities, and about looking in the mirror each day and loving what you see.

Invite me to speak to your organization

I love speaking to groups and this week I had the opportunity to speak to the sisterhood at Beth El Congregation in Bethesda, Maryland. The topic? How to look 10 years younger and ten pounds thinner. We drew quite the crowd and had a lot of fun discussing wardrobe camouflage techniques, haircolor options and makeup products.
I am always amazed to see accomplished, professional women who are 40, 50 or 60, that do not know how a pair of pants or a jacket should fit! Well, we cleared that all up and now hopefully this information will be passed down to their daughters. Think about it-who teaches us this? Women (and men) watch others and emulate the mistakes they see and assume they are doing the right thing. There are so many things we should each know about ourselves: Are you long-waisted or short-waisted?
Do you know which style trouser, skirt or jacket looks best on you?
What are your 5 best colors? What story do you tell the world about yourself each day through the clothing you wear?
Do you know the symbols of authority, the language of clothing, shoes and accessories?
Could you be sabotaging your best efforts by your appearance?
These are the issues that need to be answered so we can soar in confidence while pursuing our dreams.

Helping new grads go from intern to young professional

As a television stylist I primarily work with high profile men and women, but recently several people have given a day of shopping with me as a graduation gift. Students usually have very little to choose from in their wardrobe when it comes to professional attire. Suddenly after years of living in flip flops and jeans, these young women need to look like young professionals and not like interns. Often they panic, not knowing how to bridge the gap between looking too old and looking professional. They are usually relieved to have someone they perceive as objective, guide them in exploring clothing options. I start by having them pull together pictures of ensembles that they would like to emulate and then we discuss what those clothing items say about the individual wearing them. Few people ever stop and think about the story they tell through their appearance. It is critical, before we begin shopping, that individuals clarify what they want to project with their clothing choices.

Another challenge encountered while working with those new to wearing and purchasing professional attire, is teaching them how clothing should fit their specific body shape. Men assume that their new suit has to be tailored to fit them, but women do not realize that they should be willing to do the same. No one tells us that very few women can buy items that fit well, right off the rack. A good tailor is to be treasured just like your favorite hairstylist

April in Paris

Paris in April was fabulously delicious in every way- the food, the fashions and the beauty of the city itself. Planning a trip abroad anytime soon? Well, plan well when it comes to your clothing and shoes! I knew I was going to be walking non-stop so I was worried about which shoes to take. Last trip to Paris I splurged on an expensive pair of European shoes that were designed for walking, but, they lasted only 1 day before they were retired to the “3 hour” bin. This time I went for the Munro flats that were chic and comfortable-12 hours a day on my feet-no problem. These shoes were so perfect I want to buy more styles. Maybe I should buy stock?

Spring Is Here!

Spring is here and it’s a perfect time to revamp your closet. Check out your favorite spring items that have been stored away for the winter. This is called: shopping your closet. Take an inventory of what you have and what you need to get for the summer months ahead. Take close look at each item with a fresh eye. Is that white blouse looking a tad yellow? Are there loose threads or tears on any item? Does each item fit properly? Which items need to be passed on and which ones need to go to the tailor? Check for stains and missed buttons too.

This season you can wear your summer cardigan with a wide patent belt for a fun trendy look. Consider changing the buttons on an otherwise boring jacket and pick up some colorful flats for a little flair. Nurture a new perspective when putting together old ensembles and you will be amazed to see how many new looks you can achieve.

Frumpy To Fabulous In Seconds

I saw a woman at the mall today who apparently did not get the memo: leggings are not pants. My guess is that she came straight from the gym…not a good decision. She was slim, late thirties and she had her daughter tightly by the hand as she rushed past me. Leggings are comfortable and perfect for yoga or workouts, but denial has set in once you think that they are a substitute for trousers. On the positive side I thought how confident she must be to parade her backside around in such a very public place. Then the negative thoughts crept in: she is either clueless as to how she looks, or she just doesn’t care. All “sporty mom” had to do was slip on a thigh length tunic and trade the shoes for some cute flats and she would have gone from frumpy to fabulous in seconds.

Fun Jackets and Tops at Stein Mart

Yesterday, I took a new client shopping. She wanted to update her wardrobe and get some fun colors for spring. She also wanted items that would coordinate with black pants and black skirts. Surprisingly, we found many ideal options. Whether a size 6 or 14, this is an inexpensive and fun resource for trendy additions to your closet.