My Fashion Lessons Learned

Happy Wednesday everyone!

You are looking at the most updated caricature of me (drawn on 5/24/2014) .  The last time that I had a caricature done was back in 2005 and so much has changed in my life since then, especially with fashion.  I have learned so much ( and I thought I knew it all then ) from different fashion icons from this generation, namely Kate Moss and Rachel Zoe.  I also learned a lot from popular and non-popular fashion bloggers.  These fashionistas have influenced and refined my taste in fashion.  Here’s a rundown of what I have learned so far…

1. Know your signature style. My style is always evolving but I have always drawn to classics.  Not until recently that I have become more brave in mixing trends with classics.  Defining your signature style is knowing what you like and what you feel and look best in, and then sticking to it.  Which leads me to lession #2, have fun with fashion.

2. Have fun with fashion. Fashion should be fun and expressive.  After all, it is an extension of who we are, yet at the same time, it is just fabric and you can wear something completely different tomorrow.

3. Don’t let any trends define your style.  Each season will have different trends but you don’t have to fell prey to wearing them exactly as they appeared on the runway.  I have learned to play the trends up or down with accessories and layers and I try not to let the trend overshadow me.

4. Mix and match. I LOVE mixing and matching.  There are so many items in my closet that are at least 10 years old.  I love mixing new and old items, high with low, and feminine with masculine items. My Remix & Restyle series can attest to that.

5. Accentuate your Assets.  I always thought I had a freakishly long neck but I’ve been told on many occasions that I had a nice slender neck.  It’s funny how people perceive you vs how you see yourself are completely different.  To accentuate that, I love putting my hair up and wear statement earrings and necklaces.  If you have beautiful eyes, play them up.  If you have a beautiful behind, show them off in a tasteful way of course.

6. Reuse only the best trends from decades past.  The skinny jeans are the best example.  They were hot hot hot back in the 80s.  Now every girl owns a pair in their closet and remains a wardrobe favorite.  Another favorite trend from the past is the statement necklaces.  You can transform a simple sheath dress by pairing it with a statement necklace.  The best place to shop for statement necklaces are the vintage stores and the flea market.

7. Quality, not quantity.  In my 20s I would purchase the same shirt in 5 different colors, especially when they were on sale.  Needless to say, they did not last for more than 1 season.  Since then (also with a lot of self control) I learned that buying quality items will yield a longer lifespan AND more money!

8. Dress to impress for anything and anyone.  I do have my relapse here and there but I always make an effort to look decent before I head out the door, even if it’s only for a quick run to the supermarket.  I just feel better when I look better.

9. Accessorize, accessorizie, accessorize.  Can’t afford the real thing? Try a good quality knockoff, and you’ll feel like a million without spending one.

10. Invest before splurge:  Invest in your retirement/home/savings/etc before purchasing a pair of Manolo Blahniks or Christian Loubouton.  As much as I love shoes it took me years before I started to invest in a pair of expensive Loubouton.  I felt like it was time because I have already saved up for my retirement, bought my own home full out, bought some rental properties to generate passive income, a year of savings and also investing in college funds for our kids.  There was so much discipline, focus and determination (possibly missed out on some fantastic eat out meals and exotic vacations) in achieving these financial goals (with hubby’s help and support) for the past several years.  But knowing that I could afford it and purchased that pair of shoes without putting it on the credit card felt empowering.  Now each year, I save up to invest in a pair of shoes or a handbag to feel that adrenaline again.  The obvious lesson is to put you & your family’s future & security first – then go shopping.  That is the most empowering feeling that you cannot buy.

I wish I still have the 2005 caricature to share with you because that picture of me was full of stress, low self-esteem and uncertainty.  I took a closer look at this caricature and noticed how content I am with life and welcome any unforeseen life and fashion lessons that I need to learn and embrace.

Thank you so much for visiting and have a fabulous day!