Style

Developing your Style is an Evolution- and a process.

What a leading statement this is, right?

Style is defined by Wikipedia as: a prevailing mode of expression.

My sister doesn't know that I'm writing this post and using her as an example.  She just knows that I asked to use her last Instagram picture she posted.  As I was thinking about my clients, and potential clients- something that really spoke to me was that they may feel lost. They don't know what style they want, what STYLE (I'm not talking about a purple cardigan vs a maroon sweater style) is in their closet or how they want to implement the style that they dream of. 

My sister's style has become REFINED and has evolved in a beautiful way over the last 5 years.  

I'm going to put her on blast for just a sec -- and talk about how she used to just wear what was popular at the time- I remember a lot of Hollister Tees and Abercrombie Sweaters.  Now I'm not judging you if that's your style, or saying you should change it. 

Then her style become all about her SPORT.  She was a great basketball player- so it became all about the basketball cut offs, the baggy shorts, athletic shoes, etc.  I mean, the amount of Nikes this girl owned was mind boggling. 

But-neither of those were really her.   Those styles did  not CAPTURE her personality at all.  She is funny, and witty, brave,a bit bratty (I can say that- she's my sis), and her personality is COLORFUL.   She wasn't living the definition of Style- and it wasn't expressing who she was as a person.

It was a slow progression to her style evolution.  We used to have FaceTime chats every time she had to dress up; or when she had to dress professional for her jobs.  We used to mix colors over the phone.  I would get URGENT texts asking if things coordinated.  And I would gift her accessories for Christmas and Birthdays to help her outfitting.  

And now- my sister has a particular style.  This picture is her.  I stole it because it makes me so happy to see her shine stylistically. She is great at rocking Unisex clothing, menswear, but still blending in earthy clothes that still make her feminine.  She accessories JUST enough to really pop her vintage style and her sock game is always ON POINT.  Most importantly, it is EASY for her now & effortless. That's really my goal for everyone. 

Anyways- this post is really for 2 things:

A. To let you know that if you don't feel like you're THERE with your Style and feel confused, it's fine ladies and gents.   You'll get there.  If you don't know how- I'm here.  I'll guide you.  Pinky promise <3 

and B. 

To let you all know how PROUD and inspired I am by my sister's style evolution.  I do miss our FaceTime calls.  I miss feeling needed when it comes to her getting dressed.  But ya know what, I also feel inspired and refreshed by her sense of style.  Sometimes I'm even jealous of her outfit.  That would've never happened in her Hollister days ;) 

Love ya sis, and thanks for letting me show you to the world.

Blaze on, 

tara 

A Spring Time Photo Shoot!

Jackie and I got together to kick off our partnership with a little photo shoot!  

I mean, what better way to show off her amazing makeup skills AND Spring time Fashion! 

I don't love close-ups of my face, especially makeup free- but we wanted you to see the 'canvas' Jackie was working with! ;) 

Ana- the photog (and Jackie's Sis- YEY!) snapped this mid application.  Contouring? What's that?!  

Just need lips and we are ready to go!  Didn't Jackie do a FAB job?!?  Want to know what she used?  Check out the blog later in the week to see her post! 

 While I was in Mall of America in February, I came across this amazing store called Foreign Exchange and found this Orchid Skirt.  Orchid may have been the color of the year last year- but it's too beautiful of a color to toss into the back of the closet.  I'm still planning on rocking it this year.  (Full disclose- I also bought this skirt in Navy!)  

 The first thing that happens when I see a style I like is I HAVE to touch it.  I am big on texture, and clothes have to FEEL good.  I mean, if I'm uncomfortable in it- there is NO room in my closet in it.  This  box, pleat skirt  (click the link to be directed to the site)  is SO soft and moveable- hence why I bought it in two colors ;)  It was also a steal at $24.

Next thing is that I think through if it can coordinate with what I have in my closet.  I try not to buy clothing that only has one use. Then the 'cost per wear' to me is too high.  That's when I put it back and walk away. 

With this skirt, I was fully confident that I could rock this day- to- night, every day to special occasion.  Check out how I styled it below!

 The first thing that I have to say- is that I LOVE that sneakers are so on trend right now.  If that doesn't scream comfort, I don't know what does!  I picked up these grey embellished sneakers for just $24 from here.  The cute little floral ones you see featured are from a tiny little store in Minnesota, so no links for you on those! 

I'm only 5'4" so sometimes the Mid-Skirt can appear too long on me.  It's easy to manipulate shapes by tying, tucking and moving the focus to different parts of your outfit.  Think scarves, necklaces, shoes, jackets, and side ties of slouchy tops!

I absolutely love the combo of small pinstripes with the floral.  My grammie gave me this beautiful pinstripe button up with touched shoulders.  It's a classic piece that will never go out of style.   You can switch out these sneakers for pumps and wear it for career wear also! 

 Next up was transition this skirt to nightwear.  I pulled out the long sleeve, leather paneled top that I had dug out of a clearance rack for a measly $5 knowing that one day I could find it's purpose.  I love how it instantly adds edge the the outfit.  I tucked it in to keep it polished and added a cage show and a long necklace.  This picture doesn't do justice on how incredible it looked.   The cream crop was such a fun piece that I picked up at the same time as the skirt.  We all know crops are in and have been sneaking into everyone's heart for a year now.  This is an easy way to show this style, without bearing too much skin.   I paired it with long gold and pearl accessories, and I will be rocking floral pumps with this outfit!

 Jackies's night time look!  She just added a new shadow and a different lip and viola! I was ready!  Seriously, check out the blog later for makeup sets from this day of fun!

Blaze on, 

*tara

About Us...

Jackie and I (and I’m Tara, if you’re wondering!) dreamed up this baby.  

You see, I’m decent with makeup.  I play with it, I love the way it looks, I don’t really have any boundaries- and BOY, wearing lipstick makes me feel fabulous.  What I have no clue on?  This thing called contouring, highlighting or even better- how to cover these dark purple mommy circles under my eyes.  I mean, when did those pop up anyway?!  Jackie is a makeup and hairstyling guru!  The passion the girl has for this stuff is incredible, and has graciously agreed to share her knowledge with you and I!  Even better- she likes to work out drugstore hacks.  Ain’t no one got time for buying out expensive product to realize that it still doesn’t work!  

What do I bring to this equation, you ask??  Style, fashion, and wardrobe enhancement.  Some people think that if you love to shop, that you can be a stylist.  Nope, not true.  I LOVE to go into my client’s closets, rummage around, and help them get a handle on their style and organization! You see, people spend more $$ when their closet is unorganized. I’m not just talking about clothes on the floor unorganized- I’m really talking about not knowing how to use the clothes they HAVE.  That’s where I come in!

Stick around the blog- we will post a variety of tips, pictures, Video tutorials, maybe a few pictures of my dogs- who knows.  You’ll come to love us AND our quirky personalities, I promise!

blaze on, 

tara