Happy One Year to Me!

I recently traveled to western Canada and one fine afternoon, this was my view. As I was reflecting, I realized - one year ago (this month) I became certified as an image consultant and jumped into a new career with two wobbly feet. Like any new challenge, I’ve had moments of clarity and a few that felt somewhat terror-like. But, encouragement from friends, family, coaches and clients has remained steadfast. I had no idea how much this new venture would contribute to my own personal growth. That came as a total surprise. My perspective towards myself, others and life in a general sense, has changed for the better. And, one year in – fun things are happening. I’ve joined an agency as their “in-house” stylist, taken on a role as VP Marketing for the board of directors of my association (AICI) starting this fall, and I’ve partnered with two coveted Toronto boutiques so that I can bring an even more customized experience for my clients. Yep, I’m one happy and grateful human being.

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie

Kindness

 

If you were asked to say what you like, or even love, about someone else – a friend, loved one, respected colleague or mentor … I bet you could. But if someone asked you to say that about yourself, chances are you’d have to pause and think. We are all striving for goodness, love and balance in our lives. No matter what your circumstances, this is a deep human intention that unites us all. So yes, while it is so important to be kind to others (always), it’s also very important to be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself and do the best you can with what you have to work with. Have kindness in your heart and that will always prevail.

Till you can walk in someone else’s shoe’s … kylie

The New ‘Classic’ Jacket

I have very often heard clients say, “I would never wear that”. This is especially true when women are looking at expanding their professional wardrobe. Suits and blazers are typically found in black, gray or a deep neutral, like chocolate. In many corporate cultures, these deep shades make the mandatory “power suit”. However, in more creative and casual workplaces, there is opportunity to wear some colour while presenting yourself as being a ‘professional’. I love this coral jacket as an example. Paired with all white, it’s a stunning look. I also love how she’s tied the navy tote to the navy polka dots found in the top. A jacket like this is also very versatile - for work, wear it with all black. For play, add dark denim, a white tee and a statement necklace. Or a light coloured capri pant and a summer scarf. The possibilities are endless!

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie

Photo courtesy of Wendy’s Lookbook

Rainy Day Style

So summer is here and yet I can count on one hand the number of steamy, sweaty, lazy (happy!) days we’ve been able to enjoy. The grass is greener and gardens are smiling as a result of all the wet weather that’s come our way so far this season, but the constant rain tends to drench the summer spirit a little. So, if you have to venture out - how can you keep your sense of style and avoid puddles? Invest in a great pair of rubber boots – brands like Hunter are functional and fashionable and even comfortable! Buy a super cute umbrella, something with a pattern or some colour – boutiques like Trove have some fun ones. Trust me, you will just feel cuter under a cover with some personality vs. typical black. You can wear a light raincoat or jacket but it's not needed. Instead, opt for a lightweight summer scarf and then you're good to go – rain or shine.

Till the next pair of shoes (boots?) … kylie

Oh what a night!

I attended the Lainey Gossip SMUT Soiree this past week, my first ever btw, and it was quite a well-attended event. I had never been to the Evergreen Brickworks, the venue for the event, and it was an impressive space. I don't tend to follow many of those celeb gossip thingy's but WOW, it was apparent at SMUT that many, many, many stylish women do. Women of all shapes, all sizes and all styles came out in droves to listen to this self-made celeb blogger drone on about, well ... frankly ... smut!?! Dare i say, it was fun to watch! I was a little amazed and quite taken with the great fashion in the room. Hint: a good event to attend next year with your besties if you want style ideas and tips. It's a night of people watching with wine! But the best part? We received a pretty kick-ass swag bag on our way out the door. Now THAT'S the sign of a good party.

Till the next pair of shoes ... kylie

It’s A Statement!

I love love love a statement necklace. If you are going to ANY event … brunch with friends, a shower, a wedding, a nice dinner out – you name it, a statement necklace takes a dress (or skirt and top, for that matter) to a whole new level. And, it’s easier to do these days because most retailers, like Ann Taylor, Kate Spade and J. Crew, have their own designs so it’s easy and less intimidating to pop one in your shopping bag … you know, when you’re picking up new tee’s for the summer. If you want to experiment with this trend, but don’t want to spend too much, check out Le Chateau or even H&M for some fun, large and uber cool statement necklaces.

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie

Photo courtesy of Devon Rachel

Stylishly Simple

Things have been crazy busy so my blogs have been scarce. The good news is the season is finally changing to warmer, sunnier days and SOON (not yet, I said soon) we can bust out the shorts! I just did my own closet change-over this past weekend and put all my winter heavies away, purged my summer clothing (this is why it’s a good idea to switch at least twice a year, so you actually see what items you’ve not touched, and you also get to be all like “oh, yeah I totally FORGOT I had this number”!) and organized my closet for easy, breezy outfits. I love this one by Wendy, crisp white shorts and jacket, an interesting tee and cross body bag.

Simple. Style.

Till the next pair of shoes…

kylie

Photo courtesy of Wendy’s Lookbook

Pretty in Pastels

Pastels are not always easy to wear. It’s difficult to incorporate this trend into your existing wardrobe, especially if you’re on the classic, “love your neutrals” side of the coin. But they are so pretty! And, there is lots of it in stores this spring. Some very important things to remember about soft lavendar, minty green, peachy rose and baby pink is NOT to wear it head to toe (unless you’re one of those go for it trendies) but instead to layer it with what you already have. Buy a statement necklace or fun garden earrings in a pastel and bring it into your accessories. Or add a soft touch of colour in a belt with a neutral outfit (think capris and tee’s). Or just go for it and get a soft coloured jean. They are going to look STELLAR with tanned legs, a soft pedi & sandal.

Go be pretty!

Till the next pair of shoes …

Kylie

Photo courtesy of Guess

80/20 Is Not A Rule!

When I saw this photo and caption I truly laughed out loud. I’ve had a couple clients recently admit to me, this is actually how they feel about their wardrobe. They have a lot of clothes … but they keep reaching for the same items over and over again. They wear 20% of their clothing, 80% of the time. They lose their inspiration for creativity and a sense of fun in their choices. I remind them (and you), you don’t have to be dressed up to look and feel fabulous. It can easily be incorporated into your everyday look (business or casual) and it’s easier than you might think. When clients write me or say things like “ This really, really helped my self esteem” or “ I even started exercising again!” I get really, really excited FOR THEM! Because a happy closet…means a happy life.

Happy spring!

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie

Scarving Around

 

I really love this detail for spring and summer. I’ll often tie a scarf around the strap or handle of a bag. It’s an easy way to show that you’ve put a little more creative thought into your day and it's great for travel. Try it with a neutral bag and pull a colour from something you’re wearing. If that’s not possible – match the intensity and value of your colours. Brights with brights – pastels with pastels, etc. Don’t worry about trying an exact match, just be sure they are complementary. For some extra “wow”, mix in some pattern play.

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie

Pause for Thought

OK, so I love this so much, I just had to share it. Admittedly, when the seasons change and the trend reports and lists of “must-have’s” come out, I can tend to tire of it a bit. There’s a fine balance between believing what the marketers TELL us we should be wearing and buying (and yes, it’s mostly expensive designer stuff – at least in the fashion mags) and what we know in our hearts to be true. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE to shop the new stuff in stores and nothing says spring quite like seeing all the winter items hanging on the “sale” rack…but every now and again, it can all be a bit much. So today I’m writing about what really matters. Believing in yourself. Because that, my stylish friends – is truly what being fabulous is all about.

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie

The Hipster

So I brought these belts home with me after discovering them at a ladies day I attended last week. I first saw the display of belts and then I saw this gal (whose name I later learned is Lorie) who is behind the design and she was rockin’ this layered belt look (above right). Despite my fascination with the belts, I also found myself thinking “I want to be friends with this woman!” – she was just so … cool. I finally decided on the cream, studded number with the studded skinny (above left) and I can’t WAIT to show off this look in the warmer months with white shorts, light jeans or tan capris.

On me: Flats, Jimmy Choo; Black jeans, Yoga Jeans; Black shirt, Zara; Belts, myboyz3; Bracelets, Stella & Dot

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie

Spring is in the ... STORES!

So – if there’s one thing on my mind when it comes to adding a piece or two to my spring wardrobe, it’s mixing patterns. I’ve never really been good at this so I’m taking my inspiration from this look, to start. Take one patterned piece that you absolutely love (skirt or top is best) and pick a colour within to match with a different pattern – but no similar patterns (we don’t want to look like a 70’s couch and scare people away). If you’re doing a floral, paisley or larger pattern (like the skirt in this photo) pair it with a smaller pattern, like a stripe or polka dot. Keep all your other pieces, like a jacket or sweater, in a solid. Add a bold necklace and rock a knee sock with a flat or sneaker. Too school for cool.

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie

How to make it work for you

We are seeing a lot of nautical in the stores for spring 2013. Now let’s be clear. I am NOT a fan of sailing (unless there is a full crew operating the boat) but I am a BIG fan of this look. If you’re like me and want to try it – but don’t want to look like you’re heading for the boat … add another pop of colour to the theme. My favourite is red (think scarf, shoe, skinny belt) but you could do yellow, coral, purple, neon … the list goes on. Another fun way to make the look work would be to add another pattern in the same nautical colours (think paisley, polka dots) and in a piece that you can remove if you’re not feeling it, like a jacket or scarf. Remember my number one rule – have fun with it!

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie

Coffee & Conversation

I’m sitting in my favourite coffee shop, drinking the best Americano of my life … and I can’t help but overhear two ladies conversing near me. They’re doing the normal girl-gab thing, but doesn’t the topic of “work” come up just as I am getting settled. One says, “Yes, I’ve got to make money, but I want to do something I LOVE to do”. Well isn’t it comforting to know the same conversations are happening in every nook the world over! I know me and my girlfriends are talking about it … it would certainly be nice to make a living doing something you love, no doubt. If you are not there yet, start with baby steps. Make a list of the 5 things you absolutely LOVE to do in your spare time. Then start doing them. Involve your friends, be it in the act or at the very least, the start of the conversation. Create an “ideas” group with like-minded people and then see what happens.

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie

Men can do it too!

Working with my first male client tonight has me giggly. It makes me happy to see a man thinking about image, fashion and striving to be his best. It reminded me that image consulting ISN’T just for women, although the majority of my clients, thus far, have been women. Men’s fashion has come a loooooong way and there are some fun things coming up for spring. Patterns, pops of colour, denim (under a suit?) and the return of the loafer (did it ever go?) … Trends are fun if they work for you. Understanding a person’s unique style and then working with the right cuts, fabrics, colours – all of which will work for that individuals lifestyle, of course … that’s where the fun is for me (and, I like to think, for my clients too).

Till the next pair of shoes … kylie

It's a New Year...

Happy New Year! There's something about the calendar changing years that puts me into a reflective mood. What did I accomplish in the year past, what did I miss and how do I move into a new year with the best possible intentions? This is what I'm thinking about these days.

For me, it's about embracing the moment. Too often I hear and see friends talking about the past or spending time while in others company on their latest device - often conversing with someone who isn't even present. I am going to try and be more engaging - with my clients, family and friends. And I am going to strive to be a better listener. Those are my resolutions for now.

Till the next pair of shoes…kylie

Casual Comfort

I just love this look. Probably because I’m drawn to the rich, warm colours that belong to my muted palette. But mostly because I love the way the shirt is tied at the bottom, it adds a polished look to a long top with leggings.

Notice the way the cuff of the sleeves are rolled as well to give a pop of that coral colour with the jacket. I love the hair, the scarf and the neutral cross-body bag. For an even more casual look, you could wear a black riding boot or a ballet flat. And, of course – notice the arm candy!

A nice touch of class.

Till the next pair of shoes…kylie

Holiday Style!

The question I get asked the most this season is...”what do I wear”? This is a loaded question. There are so many factors to take into consideration. Your perfect colours that make you look the very best and allow YOU to shine through, your shape, and your authentic style personality and finally, appropriate dress for the event in question.

My best rule? HAVE FUN! Holiday time is a special time to be thankful for the blessings in your life and time to show love to family and friends for being a light in your world. But back to what to wear…be comfortable, be you and don’t forget to add a little bling, darling.

My warmest wishes to all of you!

Till the next pair of shoes…kylie

From "meh" to "wow"!

Having a colour consult and a closet audit is a game-changer. Seeing the shopping mistakes you've been making over the years (like owning 3 of the same sweater, all in black or the ruffle blouse you loved in store but never wear) is the first step to making smart shopping decisions and saving money in the long run. Knowing that your closet includes only the items that work for your body shape and skin tone is an amazing feeling! Technically, everything you own should go with everything else. But, getting to this point does not happen overnight. I have some great ways to "cheat" during this transition - one of which is to own a great scarf within your colour palette. It's an amazing way to take your look from drab to fab in an instant.

Till the next pair of shoes…kylie