I’m so excited for this. We’re doing another Client Spotlight, where we feature one of our amazing clients. This time, we want you to know about Sharon. She’s amazing. She has a strong sense of style – and many amazing pieces in her wardrobe – but admitted to us that she could use some help: sifting through everything to see what garments are keepers understanding what works best for her body type getting rid of pieces that just don’t work for her We did just that. Sharon was pleased with the result of the work we did together. Here’s what she has to share with you. Why did you originally reach out and contact L Squared Style? What were you hoping to achieve? I contacted L Squared Style because I had so many clothes and was overwhelmed with trying to put together outfits to wear every day. I wanted to pare down my wardrobe to the items that looked the best on me as well as mix and match to the best advantage. What was the style coaching experience like for you? The coaching was an excellent experience. I hauled everything out of my closets and was prepared to part with anything and everything. I loved that outfits were put together (some of them surprising and in combinations I hadn’t thought of) and was encouraged to part with things that didn’t look great. These are some of the outfits that were put together for Sharon from her wardrobe. Nothing new was purchased to pull these looks together. What have you told others about your experience? What have they said? People are surprised that I used a stylist as I am a bit of a shopaholic and (as I said) had lots of clothes. I have recommended this service to several of my friends – it is almost impossible to get an unbiased opinion of what suits one’s figure and style and Lazina does an excellent job of pointing out one’s best features and how to accentuate them. Why do you think people should have a style and personal branding consultant in their coaching corner? I think many people have a mental image of themselves from a time when they may have been younger or thinner or a combination of both. Often times, we also choose clothes that look great on models but not so much on us. A style coach can reframe how we look at ourselves and encourage us to put our best image forward. It can also save money in the long run because if you buy something you like but it doesn’t look good or fit properly, you’re not going to wear it. Of all the lessons that were shared with you during your time with L Squared Style, what are the top 3 things that you’ve fully incorporated into your personal style? I am wearing colour! Colours that suited me when I was younger no longer look the best. I am mixing prints and patterns and am a bit more creative in
Personal Branding Summer Series- on CBC Radio
Ok, so I’m over my short hiatus. Thanks for being patient. You may have heard or seen that I was on CBC Radio throughout the month of May. Well, here, here, here and here is where you can find these segments. I know. I should have shared these earlier. You know I share advice and coach people on developing their personal style. Did you know that when I work with organizations I coach people on building their personal brand? Some of you did. My focus is, and has always been, supporting people to uncover a level of confidence and empowerment within themselves. Over the summer, I’m getting the chance to share more of my personal branding expertise with CBC listeners. This past Monday, I shared some tips on trying to remain focused when all you want to do is sunbath and enjoy a bevvy on a patio. I know. The early days of summer are hard. You can listen to the segment here: Slipping into summer vacation mode is pretty easy. It’s not great though, if you’re not on vacation. Letting things slide too much can, sooner rather than later, be detrimental. I shared some tips during this past segment but I wanted to share a few more things with you. Here are some quick, easy ways to stay motivated during the early days of summer… when really, deep down, you just want to be vacation all summer long. Set micro goals– break up the deliverables and tasks that you have to do into smaller increments. Think about what you have to do today, in the next few days or over the course of the week. Small wins will help you stay on track. Take mini-breaks when needed– forcing yourself to stare at your computer or sit at your desk until you’ve completed a task usually doesn’t work (unless you’re under deadline pressures!). That’s not how we are hardwired. If you are losing focus, get up, take a break and reset. You’ll be much more productive than sitting there, forcing yourself to do something that you just can’t do at the moment. Share some of the things you’re doing over the summer- on social media, it’s easy to get into the mode of “I’m using this for business” but if you’re trying to engage with your audience, it’s often better to mix it up by share some of the personal things you’re doing. Selfishly, this is a good way to break up some of the day-to-day grind for yourself and inject some of your personal interests into what you share on social media. Change your environment- sometimes a change in scene is helpful. Go to your local library, the office atrium, your local coffee shop, a quiet park bench or wherever else makes you feel great. This is a great perk-me-up. Go for a walk– Go get some sun. Stretch your legs. Sometimes you just need some fresh air, summer heat and sunshine on your face. Dress summery yet professional- dressing for the season makes you just feel summery and light. Make sure
Wide leg pants? Yes please. (Part 3)
Today, I’m sharing the last outfit from our recent style advice segment on Breakfast Television (watch it here). It’s awesome. I know that it might seem a bit scary to some of you. Cropped pants. Bright, bold orange. Let’s deconstruct this look. Model #3: Courtney Clothing & Accessories: Simons Shoes: Simons (Sam Edelman… in case you are wondering) Hair: House of Tin Makeup: Makeup by Bean Why this outfit is awesome: This outfit is perfect for a fun art or design event, cocktail party… something along those lines. You’d certainly stand out in these light, silky, orange cropped pants. Yes, this is a bold pant. But rather than pair this with a black top, black shoes and a black jacket (which I know many of you would do when wearing one brightly coloured garment), we’re elevating this look by adding additional colour and mixing different textures. Try it. A cropped tank, like the one above, is a great way to balance a wide leg pant. We talked about that in our last post. Because the pant is high waisted, you’re not really showing much tummy with this top. You certainly aren’t showing all your bits; if a slightly longer blouse feels better, do that. A pointed, sleek mule stiletto is perfect for an evening look. Our model’s hair is party perfect with soft, light curls and a deep side part. This bold lip is what makes her makeup pop against the outfit. Her accessories are bold – a big, bow stud earring and a thick chain bracelet. This brings some lux to this look without being overdone. I know it might seem scary but once you look at each item and understand how to do this for you, it’s really not. Break it down, just as I did above, and pull together items that you feel best speak to your taste. Hit me up if you have a question. Thanks to my buddy Dale for being our onsite photographer during this shoot.