Texture Twist

Such a gorgeous Autumn day here in Salt Lake City! I wanted to share these photographs with you. They were taken right on the street where I live; a beautiful tree lined street with trees over 100 feet tall. I love where I live! The leaves are so beautiful and rich with all different textures which is what inspired me to wear this; a cozy knit sweater over a silk leopard print blouse, purple twill pants, and copper patent pumps. Fall is my favorite time of year!

Heavy Metal

I want to keep this post light; if you've read any of my blog posts, you all know how how I love content! The reason being, I want people to feel like they know me; I guess I'm an old soul. Once you meet me, you feel like you've known me for years. To me, that's part of what makes a good stylist. Someone relatable. Period. Anyhow, this is Zoe; she's full of life. Young, and spirited, so I wanted to create an ethereal look and keep her makeup subdued and natural BUT, with a hint of punk glam; thus the bold red lip, sequin top, all clad in black, and layers of metallic accessories.
I love mixing metals, and when paired with black it looks gorg. Use different lengths, sterling, gold, brass, and black. The less matchy, the better! These are of my own collection, and are available through me.

My Beauty BFF's

I've been in the beauty and skincare industry for the last 7 years, and trust me, I know great products! Tried, tested, and approved, I'm keeping this list one to my top of the top, cream o' the crop! 

NARS Eyeliner Stylo in Noir, this is pure precision at its best!
Sephora, Nordstrom, etc. $27

Trish McEvoy Mobile Me Palette. Love this! Comes with my fav blush "Natural," 4 versatile  lipglosses, her coveted blush and lipbrush and a darling pouch! 

The absolute BEST treatment masque for clogged, congested skin!  A tip I learned from my fab esthetician; use for 3 consecutive days for extra clear, pore-perfect skin!
eminenceorganics.com, $54

Laura Mercier baked eyeshadow in "Black Karat." This color is insane! So many ways to wear it; smudgy, smoky, shimmery, or subtle! 
This is one color you must have! Buy at Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy's, etc. $22

Hands down the worlds best shampoo! Super concentrated,
Super rich, a little goes a long way. Your hair will totally be transformed in lustrous locks full of shine and body. 

Love Bumble + Bumble's Surf Spray! Tip #1: Spray on wet hair from roots to ends and
air dry until damp then blow dry. Tip #2: Spray this from roots to ends on DRY lackluster hair that needs a "pick me up." Blow dry upside down. Bedhead perfection.... 



Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks are GORGEOUS! A multipurpose eyeliner/shadow with amazing color
pigment and staying power! My fav color is definitely Khaki!




Guerlain Lingerie-de-Peau Foundation. This invisible skin fusion foundation is
like silk on your skin with amazing coverage yet doesn't feel like you have anything on.
Sold at Nordstrom, Saks, & Neimans



Stila Smudge Crayons. They're eyeshadow, they're eyeliner, they're primer, and they're waterproof!
Whew! These are a must have.



This exfoliating scrub from Vivite is divine! Winner of Allure's Best Of...
Once you use it, you'll know why...The perfect comb of Glycolic, Salicylic, and a proprietary
blend of antioxidants.

Jane Iredale's Bitty Brow Kit. I love this! Yes, groomed brows DO make a
difference!  This one is hands down, THE BEST. Perfectly compact, it keeps your brows nice and neat. Going without this is like not shaving your armpits....

 

Wow, these ultra creamy Shave Crave's by Whish Body are the ultimate shaving machine!
Loaded with antioxidants, their rich, 100% natural ingredients smell good enough to eat and leave your skin so soft! No parabens, no sulfates. Just pure healthy ingredients. Try their body washes too! This whole line is divine. Men, you'll love these!
www.whishbody.com

LORAC Eyeshadows again! Yes, they're that rad. Color pigment is super intense,
love that you can use these wet or dry, and they don't start to chip or crack in the pot like some pressed eyeshadows do!

These are pure heaven. Whish Sugar Scrubs are 100% natural,
leave your skin unbelievably smooth. The Lavender is so scrumptious! An amazing blend
of nutty mixed with lavender, it's like nothing you've smelled before.
www.whishbody.com

Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream. This provides total tightening and firming of the eye area!
I've tried about 50 eyecreams, and this is by far my fav! Can be used on the lid too!
How's that for double duty? $89

Jane Iredale "Tantasia." The best bronzer/self tanner! The scent is a yummy citrus, the
color is fantastic, it doesn't stain, and it gives you an immediate NATURAL bronzing look. The self tanner is gradual and takes a couple of days, chemically forming to your skins natural skin tone.





This is by far my fav scent EVER! Intoxicating and invigorating
scents of gardenia. You'll completely love this and want to jump on a plant to Hawaii....
www.kaifragrance.com




Urban Decay Primer Potions. The best eyeshadow primer there is! Available in 3 different
variations. I've tried all three and love them all! Avail at Sephora and Ulta.



Style Your Story....

I have never known the greatest form of liberation until I had the opportunity to sing in hopefully what is NOT to be my last singing gig. Just like great style, singing comes from great inspiration, expression, passion, and even vulnerability. I was asked to be part of this amazing band, and thought, "what the hell." I don't think I'll have have this opportunity again, and I'm not one for turning down anything, especially something that puts me out of my comfort zone, so I enlisted, and it was probably in my top 5 "best experiences" ever.  

Today, listening to probably one of the most AMAZING female vocalist bands I've ever heard called THE KILLS, and their latest album (I think) "Blood Pressures."  This has got to be the best way to spend a Sunday. Last night I sang a cover song; "Brass in Pocket" from The Pretenders. Now, just like writing my "own story or lyrics" as a start-up stylist, I want to attempt to write my own lyrics to my own songs, and tell the world what I know about life, love, motherhood, strength, independence, inspiration,  and all those things that we have created our own maps.

Music and style are synergistic. They're both such amazing outlets for freedom. I feel like teaching this freedom to create is so important in our little ones too! Children are brilliant, and are their own little creative geniuses wanting to explore life in their natural unguardedness.
We all still have that desire within us, so please, STYLE YOUR OWN STORY....
HAPPY SUNDAY!!!! XO

ETSY DOES IT!

I absolutely love jewelry! Particularly precious, semi-precious mixed metals. When it comes to selecting jewelry, I choose pieces that are one of kind and have been handcrafted and handforged. For these two reasons, I turn to Etsy.com for amazing artisans like Julie Kujawa and Natasha Grasso. Both of these women are true entrepreneurs and are very talented metalsmiths and jewelry designers. They love their chosen vocation and they both create amazing works of art that you will treasure forever!  

Julie Kujawa on Etsy:

Julie lives in Portland, OR where she shares space with other designers and artists. She was formerly a travel agent for over a decade and wanted to fulfill her creative outlet with inspiration drawn from all her travels!  Julie creates her own pieces: sketching out the designs and creating them with her own hands. She does not send out pieces to be made by others. Her jewelry is handmade and is often inspired by the beauty of her natural surroundings: plants, mountains, rain, the sky and the ocean.
To purchase pieces by Julie go to: www.juliekujawa.etsy.com
,  or her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JewelryByJulieKujawa.  RECEIVE 15% ANY PURCHASE WITH CODE "SHOPTORIAL15"VALID THRU 9/26/2012! 
MY FAV PIECES BY JULIE



Mixed Metal Cuff in sterling silver and gold fill



Moon Series- Hammered Gold Filled Circles Bracelet



Matte Gold Circle Earrings



FALL OBSESSIONS FAB PRICES!

This is my favorite time of year when the leaves start changing and the summer evenings turn from hot and muggy to cool and breezy!
I have my selection of Fall favs that I purchased and can't wait to wear, not to mention at the best deals too! I've mentioned before my thrill for shopping online. I have my fav sites and tend to stick with them. My "it" sites of the moment are Revolve.com and Reverse (sister co. to Revolve), Gilt Groupe and TOBI. Gilt carries some of my favorite  labels at the best prices! From womens and mens fashion to home design, to kids wear, this site is an addiction for sure! At Gilt you can buy investment pieces, and feel good about doing it because the prices are so great. At TOBI, the labels are inexpensive but are of "good" quality, and you'll find pieces that are "of the moment." If you subscribe to them, you'll get their daily listing of NEW items that are 30% off. AND, you get 50% off your first purchase! Jcrew of course is always a hit. Their items are timeless, somewhat on the preppy side, but have such an ebb and flow to them. I've had most of my Jcrew pieces now for years, and I've continued to recycle through my closet! 

Burgundy hues are huge this season. Loving this color as a jacket, skinny jean, or dress! Buy burgundy!   

Prints and tweeds are also ubiquitous and go best when "clashed" together. I also love the look of mixing textures. Nubby sweaters with a silk skirt, or a heavy tweeds with a soft cotton blends work great. Military jackets are back again! I'm planning on wearing mine belted with maybe a pencil skirt or a maxi dress.

Gotta have the classic black skinny jean too. It's a wardrobe staple! I'm loving mine with bright/neon colors and a simple fitted blazer. Wear them with a clean loafie; check out these adorable Bass loafies below, love them! Or, as always, a great bootie like these from Dolce Vita!

These deals are amazing!!!

Lace Over it Blazer, www.tobi.com, $39 this week only!

Genetic Denim "Roadie" Cigarette in Dark Tin,
www.reverse-reverse.com, $85!!!

Bass, x Wendy Antonoff Wendybird Loafer
www.revolveclothing.com $70!

Dolce Vita "Jamison" Bootie
www.reverse-reverse.com  $64!!





Lucca Couture Get Catty Cardi, tobi.com

Boy shirt in Snowcat, Jcrew.com, SALE item

No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Tweed, JCrew.com, SALE item 

Rich and Skinny "Legacy" skinny jean in rust, Bluefly.com

Militant Jacket, Tobi.com SALE item

Striped Rugby Sweater, JCrew.com SALE item

My Style Portfolio

Dressing is something that has always come naturally. I want to look and feel like myself. I am not conservative by any means, but at almost 40, I feel like there are guidelines to looking age appropriate. Too much of anything just looks too overdone.

My biggest passion right now is helping to dress woman of all ages for work. I believe that fashion in the workplace does need to exist! In the past, too many things have been glanced over because style and fashion were underrated. Over the last maybe decade or so, being too "casual" became chagrin. Expectations are higher, and we have access to so many choices. Too many! It's hard to know what to buy, what to wear to work, and what looks presentable and fashionable. We all have our casual weekend wardrobe, but that's usually different than what we wear Mon-Fri. When I'm shopping for work attire, I pick out pieces that are (1) Stylish but not overly trendy (2) Professional, (3) Convertible; meaning, how many things can I wear this with? I like to pick out an outstanding piece that I know I can easily build around. Accessories always make the most of of any outfit. A rule of thumb for me when accessorizing is to pick a focal point. Just like clothing, chose a particular area you want to draw attention to, and keep the rest simple!



 


  

 


 

 



Let's Work Together!

I am here as an Image Consultant for YOU on an individual basis or for your home or business. No style task for me is too big or small for me. My talents are three-fold; Fashion, Skincare/Beauty, and Home Decor.

If you are looking for Fashion tips, advice or a consult, I'm here at your service to help create your new look! Or does your business need some help with visual merchandising? Together we can create that ebb and flow you're looking for. Are you looking for advice on the best Skincare and Makeup products? Trust me, I've probably tried them all, so ask me! Or, if neither fashion or skincare are your thing, but Home Decor and organization are, let's get busy creating and decluttering.  We'll break it down room and room starting with what to keep, what to toss, and what to add. 

MY SERVICES

• Style Session: My goal is to get to know you and your style, help you maximize your wardrobe, and add additional key pieces. This includes makeup and hair style how-to's.
• Home Makeover & Decluttering:  It's all about balance, organization,  and accessorizing! I will help you declutter and spruce up a room (or several) using organization and creative techniques, playing with accessories, and finding the perfect piece(s) for your space.    
• Store Branding & Consulting: If you are a designer, boutique, shop, or artist, I am more than thrilled to offer extremely reasonable opportunties to promote your business and your brand! During your store hours, I will come in and spend a day helping to drive store sales by consulting with your clients to buy specific items that are flattering, appropriate, and an essential.
• Visual Merchandising: Together as a team, we can assess what esthetics your store needs. I can help visually merchandise your store by picking out pieces to showcase in your storefront, and help organize and streamline your store/boutique. 

Shopping & Buying Smart

THE ONLINE PHENOMENON
Online shopping for me is definitely an addiction, but it’s also my way of filling my creative void. Sitting in my office, enjoying a glass of wine relishing at all my fav sites. It’s a personal experience, one I like to call “Unplugging.” With the ease and comfort of being at home, I can take inventory in my closet of what I really want and need, survey my home for that perfect piece that’s missing, and I don’t have the pressure from being inside a store to decide. If I need time to think about it, I can come back to my pc later…..after enjoying that glass of wine. However, I am not just an online shopper, I’m just a shopper period!

DEALS , DISCOUNTS, & WHEN TO BUY!

There are a host of online boutiques that offer free shipping, free returns and are tax-free. When I’m shopping online, I generally stick to a particular label that I’ve worn before and I know is a home run with sizing. There are also a lot of deals that are offered for first time shoppers. Some offer a 10-20% disc if you "like" them on Facebook, and others may too if you ask the question.

One of the best times to make a purchase is at the end of a season. Now that we’re entering a new season, Fall, there are a multitude of summer sales going on! The funny thing is, unless you’re a fashion designer, seasons really are much longer than the actual trend reports say. I really won’t be wearing “Fall Season” until late October early November when it’s actually cold enough, so I’ll be sticking mostly with Summer though October with some transitional Fall pieces. I’m of the opinion that there are only two seasons that really matter when it comes to wardrobe. Spring/Summer and Fall. For both I tend to buy pieces that are quintessential, classic, and not over-the-top kitschy. For instance, maxi dresses were completely en trend for Spring/Summer, and for Fall, they're still fantastic with jackets or sweaters.

For Fall, major trends that are everywhere are tweed, demure blouses, jewel tones, printed denim, colored corduroys, pointy-toe shoes, particularly those with a cap, and lots of embellishments on adorning clothing! 
BUYING LOCAL

I usually don’t spend a lot of my time department store shopping,but I have to say I love outlet mall shopping! There you'll find some of the best deals and the pieces can be worn through various seasons!

When I'm store shopping, there is nothing more frustrating to me than to walk in to a department store or boutique that is cluttered, or congested with inventory! Too much visual merchandise=SENSORY OVERLOAD! I gravitate toward clean and simple. When I walk into a store/boutique, I like to be able to take it all in at once and assess right where I want to go. Plus, I’d rather help contribute to keeping local dollars in the economy and building a bigger tax base. Smaller scale boutiques also have such a warm, personable, just like being at home feel too. The sales staff is always very friendly and accomodating and they are appreciative of having you in their store knowing that you could be shopping with the "Big-boxes."

My ideal store is organized and easy to navigate around. Clean and simple is key. I'm likely
to buy more when I have a panoramic view of in store items. 

LOVE WHAT YOU BUY & BUY WHAT YOU LOVE

I want to love what I buy for more than just a season especially if it’s an investment. Therefore, I love to buy smart. Yes, I do like to splurge on designer labels, but when I do I generally make sure I BUY WHAT I LOVE AND LOVE WHAT I BUY! I try to aim for buying things that are transferable and can work for longer seasons.
Being fashionable holds more merit than being trendy. You can keep up with the trends but know your limits and what looks balanced and appropriate. When I’m shopping, I strive for iconic pieces that I know I’ll wear from season to season. For instance, if it’s floral that’s really hot like it was this season, make sure that it’s not matronly floral. An all over floral print dress will definitely do that! Instead, opt for more understated like a charming floral print blouse, or subtle floral denim shorts or jeans that you’ll be sure to wear during the transition of seasons.

ABC'S Of Style

Keeping things age-appropriate for me is huge; "Polished youthfulness" is sorta my motto, and that applies to any age. When I'm styling, I stick with my own three ABC's or rules. Accesories are always a huge element of any look. Layer on a few strands of different necklaces or bracelets- mixing metals, lengths, and embellishments. Balance, simply put means just that. Wearing things that compliment one another not competing against. You don't have to be uniform to look balanced. Mixing patterns, prints, and textures still looks balanced if you don't overdo it. If you feel like you have too much going on, then you probably do. Color means not being too "matchy matchy" or monochromatic. Throw in some color and make the rest of your look stand out!
A ccessories
B alance
C olor







 




 







 










Biography

As image consultants and personal stylists, we all have to dress for success. We have our lookbooks, our daily posts of what looks good, styling tips, daily obsessions, etc., etc. We are selling our ideas to you. Style is so arbitrary; it's a personal statement, and everyone has their own. However, as a personal stylist, my goal really isn't to get people to wear what I want them to. My ideas generally serve as a guideline. I want my clients to wear what inspires them! So, ultimately there is some psychology to this process.

People and relationships inspire me. For me, it's all about making a connection. I am here to work with you or your business. No task is too big or small. I have had many wonderful experiences with people; understanding and relating to your needs is what I excel at, and that's what I'm here to do. To work with and for you!  I look forward to working with you in the future! xoxo Amy