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Why My Style Changed

March 6, 2017 by Bethany Siggins

When I knew we were moving to Seattle a little over two years ago, I began to stock up on a variety of outerwear. Mind you, I already owned a closet full of jackets and coats! But the types of jackets Seattle requires, I definitely did not own. Besides, I am always looking for an excuse to shop!

I have two friends in Seattle who used to live in the South like me. Recently we discussed the shifts to our personal styles since moving to the Pacific Northwest. In short, our styles are decidedly more casual to say the least.

There are at least three factors at play in why our styles have shifted: (1) the weather (it is damp, okay, wet here in Seattle!), (2) the topography (it is quite hilly; high heels and steep hills do not mix well), and (3) the vibe (Seattle is relaxed, natural and unfussy – and gritty).

Seattle style is difficult to define since it is changing. As one of the fastest growing cities in America (#4 in 2016), Seattle is taking on new residents from all over the United States and the world. But here is the marvelous thing about style in Seattle: no one is judging yours. You are free to express yourself without worrying whether you have the latest handbag or the “it” shoe. That is refreshing and freeing, to be honest.

In Seattle, no one will blink if you dress to the nines, nor will they care if you show up in tattered jeans and a North Face puffer jacket. Whatever works for you, goes.

Yet, I have a challenge for you, Seattle residents: Whatever “dress up” means to you, do it once in a while (and I don’t mean rarely!). The way you dress not only influences how you feel, it influences those around you. Have you ever noticed how others smile when you wear a t-shirt with a funny slogan or have you ever received a compliment on a color you were wearing? You are having a positive impact on them!

So, find a reason to dress up soon. You probably have beautiful clothing that never sees the light of day. If I may say so, that just ain’t right!

Thank you to Heather Lundy of HerCommonThread for the photo, taken inside Easy Street Records in West Seattle!

How To Create a Wardrobe Shopping List

September 13, 2014 by Bethany Siggins

There are at least two approaches to creating a smart wardrobe shopping list. One way is to assess your wardrobe for basics versus personality pieces.

Why do you need a shopping list? For starters, most purchases are impulse buys. And let’s face it, it is difficult to have a wardrobe that works for you if it is full of impulse buys. Any guilty parties out there? Tags still on oodles of items in your closet? Yep, that’s what I thought. Stop it. Make a list and stick to it.

First, assess your wardrobe for basics. These are the foundational building blocks of your wardrobe. You might also think of wardrobe basics as classic pieces, the items which are always available (in some version) year after year.

Basics/Classics include:
a white cotton shirt
a blazer (or cardigans)
quality, well-fitting t-shirts
a few skirts (in lengths & shapes that flatter)
dark wash, straight leg jeans
flat-front pants
a few blouses
a day dress
a cocktail dress
a leather handbag
a leather pump
flats
quality bras (in the correct size) and
good underwear

How did you do? Write the missing classic pieces on your shopping list. Next, list them in order of priority. You cannot build a home with no foundation. The same is true for your wardrobe. These foundational pieces help to create well-balanced outfits. However, you may not need every item on this list. If you never attend cocktail events, skip the cocktail dress. If you are a skirt girl, skip the pants or vice versa. Tailor this list to your taste and your needs/lifestyle.

Of the classics/basics you own, are they in good condition, do they fit and are they representative of your taste and style? If not, toss them and purchase new ones.

Second, assess your wardrobe for personality pieces. Do you have any? What are personality pieces? Perhaps they are pieces you gravitate towards in the store that you are not sure you can pull off. Of course you can! Go for it! Often a personality piece is a twist on a basic or a classic. It has a slightly different design, color, texture or pattern to it.

Personality pieces may include drop earrings, cocktail rings, printed scarves, patterned tights, colorful handbags, over-sized sunglasses and so on. These pieces show others who you are. Personality pieces are mixed with classics to make interesting, well-balanced outfits.

If personality pieces are sorely lacking in your closet, write “personality pieces” at the top of your shopping list. The next time you shop, if you gravitate towards a basic/classic, but you know your highest priority is to find personality pieces, step away from the classic.

Some of us are classic girls, and some of us are personality piece girls. And some of us are both (guilty)! Too many classics makes for a lackluster wardrobe, but too many personality pieces make it difficult to create well-balanced outfits.

Happy Weekend, everyone, and thanks for reading. Make a smart wardrobe shopping list and stick to it! Most of all, stay fabulous.

Fall Trends 2014

August 19, 2014 by Bethany Siggins

At the end of each summer I produce a card of fall trends, a reference of the biggest trends of the season, in anticipation of fall fashions which begin hitting the stores at about that time. I simply love fall fashion, the rich colors, the textured fabrics and the beautiful leather goods. To me, fall fashion is worthy of investment. Trends come and go, but if you purchase wisely (read: not too trendy) and you take care of your things (yes, pay attention to care instructions), your investments will last you several years (at the least!).

If you love something but cannot afford it, look for the best version of the knock off or scour vintage stores for something similar. As you know in fashion, everything old is new again, so it is quite possible what you love has been done before in a previous decade. One fall I really wanted a moto jacket, but I did not have the budget for a leather jacket. So, I purchased a pleather version and wore the heck out of it. A few years later, I got the real thing.

My fall 2014 trends card does not cover all the trends, so below is an extensive list . If you would like a trends card and a couple of extras for friends, message me. I would be delighted to send them to you!

Colors: cobalt, steel, dark red, moss green, pastels, orange and jewel tones

To see a list of the Pantone fall 2014, click here.

Fabrics: shearling, leather, tweed, knits, fur, metallic and velvet

Prints/Patterns: plaid, abstract, color blocking, patchwork and diagonal lines

Oversized: coats, collars on coats, dresses, sweaters (including turtlenecks) and pants

Office: midi skirts, pant suits, sharp blazers, pin stripes, menswear and neck tie blouses

Details: feathers, accordion pleats, fringe, sequins, western and puffy sleeves

Top layer: ponchos, capes, varsity jackets, bombers, blanket coats and fur-trimmed parkas

Bags: bucket, totes, jeweled clutches and fur top-handle handbags

Shoes: sneakers, flats, ankle boots, brogues and ankle-strap heels

Beauty: ponytails, braids, oversized buns, colorful cat eyes, nude and berry lips and nude and Bordeaux nails

Whew, I probably missed a few, but not many. If you need assistance finding what suits you, call me. I love making the shopping experience quick and easy. I especially enjoy helping people find pieces they would have never considered if they had shopped on their own! Happy Shopping!

Shop Right Where You Are

July 27, 2012 by Bethany Siggins

closet3 300x200 - Shop Right Where You Are
The most common reason potential clients put off working with me is, “I’d like to lose weight first.” My response, “Life is happening NOW, not when you lose weight. You deserve to look and feel your best today.”

Why You Should Not Wait

Denying yourself nice things at your current size is a form of self-punishment. You work too hard and you are too amazing to do that to yourself!

Often, when I check back with someone who said they wanted to lose weight first, the story is the same. It makes me sad that they denied themselves a year of joy with their image. I like to imagine an alternate life where they looked amazing in a beautifully-curated wardrobe capsule that they love at their current size. Do not wait.

Great Style is not a Size

Style can’t be found in the number on the dress tag, nor is it found in the size of your bank account. Great style is understanding how to dress your body and how to communicate who you are on the inside through your clothing and accessories.

A Success Story

I had the pleasure of recently working with a client who despite being about 25 pounds over her “ideal weight” decided to hire me. I asked her why she was willing to buy new things when she wanted to lose weight. She responded without hesitation that she believes if she looks great in a modern, updated wardrobe at her current size, it will motivate her to take off the weight so she can have the clothes taken in. Amen! She was preaching to the choir. I told her I wish she could convince others to follow her lead. At the end of our work together, she feels the best she has felt in years, she looks the best she has looked in years, and she is receiving oodles of compliments from co-workers and friends who are impressed with how fabulous she looks. And guess what? She was right. She began losing weight almost right away. Hooray!

No More Excuses

I hear the weight excuse a lot. Here’s a short list of others that many think but don’t verbalize: (1) I don’t deserve it, (2) I’m afraid of change, or (3) I don’t think I can look any better than I do. My answers: you deserve it more than anyone, change opens the doors to new opportunities and a few small updates make a world of difference. Message me, and let’s get started. Your best image awaits!

“You have to let go of whatever you were and allow yourself to become who you are.” Stacy London