Alexandra can help you with your closet

Have you ever come home from the grocery store with $75 worth of food and yet you feel you have nothing to make or eat? You have chips but no dip, entrée but not app, missing ingredients to a signature dish?
It’s much like a full closet and nothing to wear!

We all experience this and recently a client was describing her closet to me and I realized that only wearing 1/8 of your closet is really common. My theory is based on half outfits or what I call ‘orphans’.

They are items that are really great (because you purchased them) but they have no mates or matching coordinates so they never see the light of day.

We all have these.

The problem stems from discipline and issues around finishing projects through and also lacking a master plan. (A master plan is one of the many benefits my clients enjoy while working with me.

When I work with private clients one of the first things we do is go through and find those gems that don’t have mates and shop specifically for the missing pieces.

This builds on what the client already has and saves money in the long run.

I also teach my clients that they need to be more organized, thoughtful, and conscious when they are shopping in the grocery store or in a boutique.

I encourage them to ask themselves before they buy anything to run thru a few key questions.

Does this fit me and look amazing?

Does this color make my skin and eyes come alive?

What will it go with?

Will it complement and outfit?

What stragglers do you have in your closet and what do you do with them?

If this is overwhelming and you would like help with your closet, I now offer a complete self guided video program to solve this issue. Check out the newly made-over Closet Clarity. There is a new VIP option that includes 1:1 attention from me when you get stuck. Get  CLOSET : : CLARITY 

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The post Nothing to eat or wear? appeared first on Alexandra Stylist | Personal Wardrobe Stylist.

Truth time:

Do you have a whole bunch of scarves that never make it onto your body and out the door?

Maybe you have scarves that were gifts from loved ones and you can’t think to get rid of them

but you don’t love them?

Then you will love this video.

In the video I visit Elizabeth Gillett’s garment district showroom in NYC

and we show you three ways to wear a scarf NOT around your neck.

A perfect solution for those ‘gifts’.

It’s official! I’m having a love affair with Facebook Live.

It’s not perfect but it’s a ball. You can join in and go behind the scenes and watch me live by following me here on facebook>.

And the cool thing is if you catch the live show you can ask questions and I can answer them. Our next live is next Wednesday at 11am at True Gault’s showroom.

Don’t miss the next facebook LIVE here on facebook.

Hope to see you there!

The post Elizabeth Gillett Scarf + Bag Tips appeared first on Alexandra Stylist | Personal Wardrobe Stylist.

Well, don’t hate me, but I don’t believe in them!

We are all unique so why should we all dress alike?

I myself do not own a little black dress. ( I wore brown to the last funeral I attended and no one noticed)

Why? Because black looks terrible on me.

It does nothing for my natural coloring.

And 75% of the north american population doesn’t get black in their color palette (meaning, most women are wearing a color that ages their face instantaneously).

 As I go deeper and deeper into my work as a personal stylist serving successful time starved women.

I’ve found little or NO use for fashion week or fashion magazines.

I really can’t subscribe to the notion that we should be excited by checklists like,

“10 essential items every stylish woman must have”

I found out what works for me and my formula is as follows:

1. Wear your best colors for you…not Katy Perry and especially under your face.

2. Select a Shape and cut of a dress that looks flattering on you. Including a flattering neckline and hemline.

3. Pick a dress that fits in with your unique style. It has to FEEL like you.

4. Make sure it will fit into your current lifestyle so that you actually WEAR it.

And I base my client’s wardrobe master plan on their life and lifestyle.

What will make it easy?

What will make them feel supported?

It’s not about fitting into the same box every one else is in.

If your life demands jeans why would I tell you to buy a suit if it’s not you.

I do believe that a dress in the right color and right shape and fabric for you can work wonders.

Off my soapbox now!

The post Fuck the LBD appeared first on Alexandra Stylist | Personal Wardrobe Stylist.

With over 100 degree temperatures in NYC, the clothing-optional water junkies at Harbin are sounding kinda smart right about now. Thought I would share my staying cool and looking cool tips with you:

Synthetics don’t breathe, which is bad news this year because cotton has often been replaced by poly and rayon blends? Cotton used to be cheap and plentiful, but due to the skyrocketing costs, designers have been sourcing other fabric blends.?Read your labels carefully if you want to stay cool.

Fabrics that breathe:
• Cotton
• Tencel blend
• Linen
• Light wool

Cuts:
• Having room under the arms is key
• Sleeveless
• Long maxi dresses on the loose side
• Flowing cuts that provide less contact with fabric to skin

Additional tips:
• Wear a big hat to keep the sun off your face
• Mott-50 or Coolibar ,which make sun protective clothing. More resources on my previous post.
• I take a strip on cotton from an old shirt, soak in ice water, and wear around my neck. I got the idea when I tried this neck bandoo on a trip to Greece.
• In extreme cases, I carry a stylish umbrella, and it makes a big difference in temperature.
• Drink hot beverages like tea, which help cool you down even more. This sounds counter-intuitive, but it works!

I get cold in all the AC buildings so I layer with a scarf, shawl, or cardigan with easy air flow. I recently picked up this open weave wrap from Anthropologie which has great ventilation and is stylish.

See you by the pool!

Want the skinny on my second book which will be chock full of all my secret/fabulous style resources?
Sign up here and possibly win a free gift.

The post WHAT TO WEAR IN A HEAT WAVE appeared first on Alexandra Stylist | Personal Wardrobe Stylist.

“It’s getting hot in here. I wanna take off all my clothes.”

With over 100 degree temperatures in NYC, the clothing-optional water junkies at Harbin are sounding kinda smart right about now. Thought I would share my staying cool and looking cool tips with you:

Synthetics don’t breathe, which is bad news this year because cotton has often been replaced by poly and rayon blends? Cotton used to be cheap and plentiful, but due to the skyrocketing costs, designers have been sourcing other fabric blends.?Read your labels carefully if you want to stay cool.

Fabrics that breathe:
• Cotton
• Tencel blend
• Linen
• Light wool

Cuts:
• Having room under the arms is key
• Sleeveless
• Long maxi dresses on the loose side
• Flowing cuts that provide less contact with fabric to skin

Additional tips:
• Wear a big hat to keep the sun off your face
• Mott-50 or Coolibar ,which make sun protective clothing. More resources on my previous post.
• I take a strip on cotton from an old shirt, soak in ice water, and wear around my neck. I got the idea when I tried this neck bandoo on a trip to Greece.
• In extreme cases, I carry a stylish umbrella, and it makes a big difference in temperature.
• Drink hot beverages like tea, which help cool you down even more. This sounds counter-intuitive, but it works!

I get cold in all the AC buildings so I layer with a scarf, shawl, or cardigan with easy air flow. I recently picked up this open weave wrap from BCBG which has great ventilation and is stylish.

See you by the pool!

Want the skinny on my second book which will be chock full of all my secret/fabulous style resources?
Sign up here and possibly win a free gift.

The post WHAT TO WEAR IN A HEAT WAVE appeared first on Alexandra Stylist | Personal Wardrobe Stylist.

My favorite stylist secret resource  is Dress shield by Hollywood Fashion Secrets.

I’ve tried a few industry brands but this one is my favorite.

And they have saved the day for me and my clients so many times over.

Imagine you’re traveling or speaking and you are sweating like crazy but you can’t for some reason take off your jacket.

Maybe you’re speaking in front of hundreds, or in front of important clients, or you
just sweat a lot (it’s hereditary).

Get yourself some of these puppies and you’re all set. I also use them in expensive blouses and dresses with sleeves to get more wear of of them.

And I put them in my jackets and coats too!

Where to buy: Ricky’s or MWS in nyc

or online on amazon.com >>http://amzn.to/SfOII9

Or directly from Hollywood Fashion Secrets>>http://bit.ly/1pyMgHU

The post Stylist secret resource-dress sheilds appeared first on Alexandra Stylist | Personal Wardrobe Stylist.

However, the fit you find in most retail stores is the opposite of flattering. I recognize that most fashion companies are out to make money, and so they cut styles to fit the masses. But, for the most part, the silhouettes they feature are VERY different from what I have in mind when I think of flattering styles. Clothing should fit and flatter your body – that means at the waist, hips, thighs, and chest. Details can be used to balance out proportion, but tenting the body never solved ANYTHING (except being able to store your five children inside your dress – but then you would be Mother Hubbard).

So I’ve decided to post some items which clearly to me, and now to you, look good on NOBODY:

Sack dress with no waist definition
Chunky Sweaters
Harem pants
No waist definition
Every style featured on ManRepeller.com

The post Looks for NOBODY appeared first on Alexandra Stylist | Personal Wardrobe Stylist.

Alexandra modeling one of the discarded tented pieces from a client's closet

Almost every week, one of my friends will say to me, “Alexandra, you have the perfect body. You can wear ANYTHING.” Well….I will take the compliment graciously, and yes, it feels nice to hear it.

But, in reality, this is a myth. There is no such thing as a “perfect body”’ We are all perfect and ever-evolving in our own unique ways.

I have assets and challenges with my body – just like everybody else. The difference is that I have learned and applied ALL of the style tricks in the book. So, I’m going to lay it all out for you and break it down. (I’ve never been this exposed before.)

Challenge #1: At 5’5.5, I’m not that tall.

Solution: I usually wear one of my best colors head-to-toe to look taller and thinner, and this also gives me a more cohesive look.

Challenge #2: At 112-115 pounds (my weight always fluctuates a bit, which is natural) and barely a 34A, I’m lacking in the breast department and am on the scrawny side. My “best” friend in high school’s nickname for me was “negative tits.” You get the idea…and I’m still waiting for them to come in.

Solution:Meanwhile, ruching, twisting, and any feature with volume in the chest area work wonders. So do sweetheart necklines, v-necklines, and avoiding high, plain necklines that flatten. I also make sure to wear waist-enhancing styles to show off my best asset, my waist, which keeps my breasts in proportion.

Challenge #3: My torso is super long, and my legs are on the short side. (Bet you never noticed.) This makes shopping for bathing suits, pants, and jeans a challenge.

Solution: I stay away from leggings unless they’re with boots of the same color, and I wear high- or mid-waisted pants. For swimsuits, tankinis with high leg action are best. Always have waist definition at the waist and not below the bust, and AVOID babydoll styles at all costs.

Challenge #4: I’m small, and I bet you don’t think this is a challenge. But, small people have issues finding clothing that doesn’t drown them or make them look childish. I have several clients in this boat with me.

Solution: Picking styles that show off my small waist and tush accent my hourglass shape. I make sure that my clothing fits all around. (As a teen, none of my clothing fit properly.) My clothes can’t be too baggy or have super long arms or legs. AVOIDING balloonish or generous cuts is probably the most challenging because the retail world in America cuts big so that the styles will fit more people and so that women will FEEL smaller. (That’s what vanity sizing is.)

It really irks me that the retail world sells all of these clothing styles that look good on NOBODY. To illustrate this point, I’m wearing a piece from a closet edit; if it doesn’t look good on skinny me, it won’t look good on any body. Even if you are plus size, you should NOT be tenting your body in your clothes.

Now, I would love to hear from you! What are your style challenges and assets? Comment down below and share with your friends.

The post Style Myth Buster-A Perfect Body? appeared first on Alexandra Stylist | Personal Wardrobe Stylist.

1. Don’t buy fake designer bags – often they are made in sweat shops, possibly by small children working under terrible conditions.

2. Recycle your clothing – recycling is ideal, whether it’s donating to charity, giving a piece away to a friend, or finding an organization that reuses fabric.

3. Consider re-purposing an item – can you make it into something else? For example, T-shirts that are worn out can be worn as PJ’s or cut up into rags.

4. Go for Fair Trade Certified – buying fair trade clothing means your purchases were made in ethical working conditions by people who were paid a living wage.

5. Go local – buying locally produced goods supports your community and cuts down on the gas that would have been used in getting the item to you from somewhere else. It’s so much more sustainable! For example, Alexis Bittar has his jewelry hand made by artisans who work right here in Brooklyn, New York.

6. Consider organic styles – harsh dyes are used in clothing and can be absorbed into your skin, possibly causing harm in the future. Buying certified organic gets around that issue. For example, some beautiful organic lines I love are Jonano, John Patrick Organic, and Samantha Pleet.

7. Buy at markets – I like knowing the person I’m buying from. Even better? Having them make something just for me! This is also another way you can buy local.

The post 7 tips to green your wardrobe appeared first on Alexandra Stylist | Personal Wardrobe Stylist.

Faux Fur vest by Alberto Makali at Nordstrom

Elie Tahari fall vest $398

A vest can be your best friend in transitional weather here in New York and other east coast cities. It’s hot, then it’s cold, and then it’s rainy – what’s a girl to do? A vest can be an ideal solution to weird fall weather and when it’s not cold enough for a coat. Here are a few picks which I’m loving and my clients are loving too. A couple tips to make it chic: make sure your vest has some waist definition and is not too bulky. If you can match your vest to your jeans, skirt, or dress that is ideal. You can also go with a contrasting color if you are tall.

Links:
Alberto Makali at Nordstroms.com.

Elie Tahari

Lafayette 138 vest.

Lafayette 138 blue vest at Saks

My fabulous client in her Elie Tahari vest

The post Layer with a vest appeared first on Alexandra Stylist | Personal Wardrobe Stylist.