Ashley Martini – Is Your Wardrobe Stressing You Out and Style Tips

As if there weren’t enough to worry about in day-to-day life, people often find themselves frozen in front of their closets during the morning rush, panicking about what to wear.

“I think everyone has that terrible feeling of insecurity from time to time when you just know you have on the wrong outfit – as if it’s not just your clothes that are frumpy and outdated, but you, too,” says styling consultant Ashley Martini, author of the new book, “Styletini,” and founding member of Martini Fashions, (www.ashleymartini.com).

“Unfortunately, in today’s society, people do judge books by their covers – and perception is reality. You can sense how people respond to you, especially in relation to job opportunities and relationships.”

Getting your outfit right can be challenging, she concedes. People want to be confident yet comfortable; up-to-date yet not necessarily “hipsteriffic;” professional but not overly formal. Most have a favorite outfit or two, but those get old quickly when worn twice a week.

“One of the first things you should understand is that your criteria really isn’t conflicting – you can be stylish, professional and comfortable, all with that stamp of individuality,” Martini says. “You just have to know what to look for.”

Martini talks tips to take the stress out of the morning dress hour.

• Not all trends work for all body types. “You have to be honest with yourself; skinny jeans may not work for you, and forcing yourself into a pair that’s semi-workable is not the best way to optimize your closet,” she says. “The trendiest thing any individual can do is answer the question: Is it flattering?”

Women have six basic body types: triangle, narrow above the waist and wider on the bottom; inverted triangle, with fuller shoulders and chest and slim hips and thighs; rectangle, also known as athletic with little definition in the waist and hips; diamond, high-sitting, full stomach with wide hips and full thighs; apple, similar to diamonds, but with a lower-sitting stomach – also know as oval-shaped; hourglass, with equal upper and lower halves with well-defined waists.

• Know your measurements! Measure the parts of your body that most define your shape: your hips, shoulders, waist and bust. Wear underwear (but not shapewear) when measuring hips, and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and butt for the most accurate measurement. Don’t tug too tightly or loosely when measuring; the number in the center front is your hip size.
To measure shoulders, keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed, and extend the tape from the outer edge of one shoulder to the outer edge of the other.

To measure your waist, bend forward and note where your body creases – that’s where to measure.

For bust, wear a top without a bra, which often alters measurements. Wrap the tape across your back and under your shoulder blades and arms – and around the fullest part of your breasts.

• Own your plus-size, petite or tall body. You’ve probably heard the statement, “Real women have curves.” Yes, they do, but there are also real women with smaller busts; long and lean women, and some built like the ancient fertility goddess statues. All of us are “real.”

One tip for plus-sized women: highlight your assets — shapely legs and well-toned arms are meant to be flaunted. Petite women: Opt for pieces that come in naturally shorter lengths, such as cigarette pants, knee-length or higher skirts and three-quarter and shorter sleeve tops and jackets. Showing more skin will make your limbs look longer. Tall women: Wear high heels if you want to — just because you’re taller doesn’t mean they’re off limits.

About Ashley Martini

Ashley Martini, styling consultant and founding member of Martini Fashions, LLC, discreetly assists both men and women in unearthing and exhibiting their inner beauty through style, fashion and the top trends. Ashley is the author of the new book on style, “Styletini,” (www.ashleymartini.com). A business graduate of Lynn University, she specialized in fashion marketing and merchandising. She also completed her master’s degree in business with a focus on international business, and studied abroad in the world’s fashion capital, Paris, with a concentration in fashion styling and trend forecasting. She worked as a styling intern with Jennifer Lopez’s fashion company Sweetface/JustSweet/JLO, and earned numerous fashion awards.

1384284104

Ross Dress for Less – My Personal Summer Style and Photos

Let’s be honest, everyone likes to shop at Ross Dress for Less.  Fashionistas can find designer labels for a discounted price and it really doesn’t get any better than that!

To jumpstart their new campaign, the brand asked shoppers to like their Facebook Page and participate in a Summer Style Quiz.  The quiz was a fun addition to their campaign and I discovered that my personal summer style is the Social Butterfly.  Being a Social Butterfly means I enjoy wearing maxi dresses, embellished sandals, oversized sunglasses, and large tote bags.  

Ross Summer Style
Ross Summer Style

I had the opportunity to visit my local Ross and purchase a few pieces for my wardrobe.  I was happy to see all of the Summer hues and trends for shoppers to select.

Pink Betsey Johnson Handbag
Pink Betsey Johnson Handbag
Aztec Print Leggings
Aztec Print Leggings
photo 3 (1)
Black Booties with Gold Zippers
photo 2 (2)
Coral Shift Dress
photo 1 (2)
Gladiator Sandals

As you can see from the previous photos there’s a wonderful selection of merchandise.  If you’re a classic fashionista, one can find a corporate pantsuit and if you’re a trendsetter, one can choose from the leggings department.  To make sure you’re selecting the appropriate size don’t forget to visit the fitting room to try on items.

Visit your local Ross Dress for Less to enhance your wardrobe and find your summer style!

Cut Out Maxi Dress
Cut Out Maxi Dress

If you like this post, click here: Ross Dress for Less – Show Off Your Shoes Selfie

Fashion Awards MD 2014 – Style + Life + Fashion Media Category Recap

Fashion Awards MD is considered to be one of the premiere fashion events in the Baltimore area.  This year’s theme was “Traveling Circus” and sponsors for the event included: Harbor East, Linell Ellis, Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey, Christopher Schafer Clothing, About Faces Day Spa and Salon, Lana Rae, South Moon Under, Open Fly Magazine, Hide N Seek Entertainment, Maryland Renaissance Festival, Baltimore Fashion Alliance, The Fly Wire, Yelp, and DeBois Textiles.

FAMD Program
FAMD Program

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to attend the event being nominated for the Fashion Media Category.  I was surprised to be placed on the ballot (for a second consecutive year) because I only had plans to attend as a media source.  Once I received the email confirmation I was very excited to be amongst such a talented list of bloggers.

Kimberly West FAMD
Style + Life + Fashion attending the Fashion Awards MD

Dress: Romeo & Juliet {Saks Fifth Avenue} | Handbag: Louis Vuitton | Beauty Products: Fake Bake, OPI, and Cutex One Step Wipes

Jaslene Gonzalez from America’s Top Model served as the host for this year’s event.  She was seen wearing a beautiful red asymmetrical gown, created by local fashion designer B. Descai with an additional black, sequin, and green dress selected by fashion stylist Thea Washington.  Jaslene looked stunning and did a wonderful job of engaging the audience.

Jaslene Gonzalez and Lana Rae
Posing on the Red Carpet

What I love the most about attending any fashion event is the creativity and talent that’s circulating in the room.  From face masks to custom design apparel, everyone came out to be seen and noticed.  The evening continued with a variety of performances between the nominee categories and recognition was given to those with a flair for beauty, fashion, and the arts.  In the honorary words of the Fashion Awards MD, we should strive to “Inspire and Be Inspired.”

FAMD
Excited Nominees and Guest
FAMD
FAMD

For additional photos and winner’s list visit: FashionAwardsMD.com

Gwyneth Paltrow and David Babaii Partner with Blo Blow Dry Bar and Body By Blo; Announce Opening of New Location in Gaithersburg, MD

unnamed (1)

Gaithersburg, MD – Ari Yakobson, Blo Blow Dry Bar and Body By Blo’s CEO, along with Academy Award winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow and hairstylist to the stars, David Babaii are proud to announce their continued expansion in North America. Together, they now welcome their new franchise partner and local resident of Gaithersburg, Laurie Tucker, to the Blo family. As the 43rd Blo location, the salon will officially open in Gaithersburg, Maryland on Friday, June 27, 2014 at 317 Ellington Boulevard.

According to Laurie Tucker, “I cannot wait to bring Blo Blow Dry Bar and Body By Blo to Maryland! Gaithersburg women are in need of quick, affordable and convenient beauty services – I am confident that they will enjoy our upbeat atmosphere, catwalk-quality blo outs and expert nail and wax services. I can’t wait to blo Maryland away!”

To celebrate the opening of Blo and Body By Blo Gaithersburg, MD, the salon is offering $25 blo outs and $10 off your wax or nail service plus pink drinks, sweets and girly tunes will be served in true Blo style.

WHEN:

Friday, June 27 from 9am to 5pm

Saturday, June 28 from 9am to 5pm

Sunday, June 29 from 11am to 5pm

WHERE:

Blo Gaithersburg I Body By Blo Gaithersburg

317 Ellington Boulevard

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878

TO BOOK A BLO OUT (OR WAX AND NAILS!):

blogaithersburg@blomedry.com or 301-216-0256

Spread the Blo and tweet us at: @bloheartsyou @bodybyblo

IMG_4380

ABOUT US:

Blo Blow Dry Bar and Body By Blo offer affordable beauty services seven days a week. Blo maintains top session stylists to deliver flawless hair in-bar or onsite while Body By Blo has the best nail technicians and estheticians on hand for manicures, pedicures and waxing. Walk-ins are accepted and online reservations are available for those pressed for time at www.blomedry.com or www.bodybyblo.com.

ABOUT LAURIE TUCKER:

Wife and mother of two boys, Laurie Tucker was blessed or cursed with wavy hair. As a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in accounting, her love of style and getting a great blo out led her directly to becoming a Franchise Partner with Blo Blow Dry Bar and Body By Blo. Her philosophy is “I love to laugh, and I love a good deal!”

blow-dry-bar1 (2)

National Wear Your Lilly Day – June 21st First Day of Summer

Lilly Pulitzer®, the authentic resort fashion brand owned by Oxford Industries, Inc., (NYSE:OXM), is thrilled to celebrate the long-awaited first day of summer, June 21st, aka National Wear Your Lilly Day in a bigger way than ever before. Never needing a cause for celebration, Lilly Lovers will toast their lighthearted lifestyle and the sunny days to come in their favorite Lilly pieces.

 

Summer is bolder and brighter and in the world of fashion, Lilly is THE resort brand to fulfill those requirements. The perfect answer to a jet-set lifestyle inspired by their Palm Beach roots, the Lilly world is filled with bright colors and wild prints. Whether you’re at a pool-side soiree, weekend wedding or burying your toes in the sand, Lilly Pulitzer’s classic chic styles and personality-filled prints are always bound to kick your summer into high gear.

 

Lilly will also be spreading the celebration on June 21st in-store, online, and via their social media platforms. Just like Lilly opened stores wherever she had friends, on National Wear Your Lilly Day you will find well-known friends of the brand painting your Instagram feed in colorful prints and sunny illustrations custom made by the Lilly Print Studio. Taking the social media a step further, this summer Lilly is innovating with a user-generated content gallery via Offerpop Commerce that turns the hashtag #summerinlilly into a shoppable feed from bright & stylish Lilly Girls.

 

Finally, Lilly Pulitzer retail and signature stores will be partying Saturday, June 21st with music, sips & sweets, giveaways and much more!

 

Shop the Summer Collection at www.lillypulitzer.com so you are ready for the First Day of Summer!

 

 

Kim Presents Dress for Success Workshop

Today I presented for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Upsilon Epsilon Omega Chapter, 2014 Cotillion Program: Dress for Success Workshop.

It was a pleasure facilitating the workshop for young ladies in the Baltimore County area. Topics that were covered included professional dress, proper grooming tips, and the importance of having self confidence.

 

 

Confusing Baltimore Weather and Confusing Fashion

With the Baltimore area going from beautiful, sunny and warm BUT— back to cold and snowy, we decided to have a little fun by mixing two ends of the fashion weather spectrum by matching a high waist bathing suit with a fox fur coat and UGG boots!!! I had so much fun doing this shoot!

 

The Coat: a fox fur coat by Kent Fisher Furs in Towson, Maryland (gift from my husband Christmas ’09)

wpid-Photo-Mar-17-2014-1125-AM.jpg

The High Waist Swimsuit: by AMIClubwear

 

The Boots: by UGG

 

Fashion Awards Maryland Emerging Nominee Awards 2014

On this evening, Baltimore’s best and brightest emerging fashion leaders are being recognized at the Fashion Awards Maryland, Emerging Nominee Awards 2014.  The event was held at The Lord Baltimore Hotel near the Inner Harbor.  As the event unfolds, I will continue to post updates.

 

 

My outfit: (1) Tailored black leather spiked motorcycle jacket; (2) Black pencil skirt; and (3) Shoes by Christian Louboutin

 

 

 

 

WBAL’s Ava Marie served as the event host.  The awards show started with a fabulous presentation (as seen above) making guest excited and engaging with the show.

 

 

Jack Daniels Honey served as the sponsorslocal designers were invited to display designs that were inspired by the color honey and/or yellow.  Additional vendors were It Works Global, The Peddlers Gallery, Wearable Art and Design, New Secrets, and Embella Adorn, LLC.

 

Attendees were in high fashion and taking Instagram pics!

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to the nominees and awardees!!!

 

 

 

The grand finale!

 

Click on the link to view the winner’s list: 2014 EMERGE Awards