Creating The Perfect Wardrobe According To Your Lifestyle

The purpose of my Instagram account is to share affordable outfits for the everyday woman.  I am a firm believer that the way you dress communicates your mood, profession, and outlook on life.

Although I have my favorite designer brands, I believe that anyone can look fabulous at any price-point.  If you follow my page, then you already know I shop everywhere!  Thrifting is one of my favorite hobbies while I adore the beauty of visual displays at Saks Fifth Avenue.

One shopping tip that I always give is that fashionistas should create a wardrobe according to their lifestyle.  For example, a stay at home mom should have a variety of classic pieces while the workout diva could select on-trend Athleisure.

Some of my personal outfits are shared based on civic meetings, church service attendance, mom events, clients meetings, etc. Remember, when working with a personal stylist, it’s important to create the best lookbook or closet cleanout according to your individual interests.  For this to be done, you must discuss your weekly activities!

If you have style questions, feel free to email me at kim@stylelifefashion.com or schedule a Personal Style Session.

 

Blouse: New York & Company

 

Dress: Amazon

 

Blouse: Ann Taylor

 

Kimono: Amazon

 

Dress: Who What Wear Collection from Target

Gabrielle Union I’m Perfect Collection X New York and Company: Let’s Change The World By Living Our Truth

Gabrielle Union launched a hot collection for the modern woman with New York and Company!  The statement pieces have a street-style vibe and a bold color palette.

Trendsetters can shop for wrap sweaters, faux leather jogger pants, and strapless maxi dresses.

Gabrielle went the extra mile to design a collection for all body-types; sizes ranging between xxsmall to xxlarge.

The I’m Perfect Collection, true to its name can be mixed and matched to give a high-fashion look!

 

2019 Kentucky Derby Fashion: Decadent Hats and Floral Dresses

Living in Baltimore, Maryland Derby season was a fun annual tradition. I have loved attending my sorority’s brunch event AKA Day At The Races hosted by Committee Chair Cylia Lowe, Esq. and Preakness Stakes.

In the deep south, attending the Kentucky Derby is not only a must-attend affair but a mecca of high fashion. This year did not disappoint and the looks were stunning.

Take a look at the Derby fashion that was shared from Instagram. There were decadent hats and floral tea dresses.  And don’t forget to follow these lovely ladies on social media!

 

Spring 2019 Style Report: 15 Trends For The Everyday Wardrobe

The sun is out and birds are chirping!  That means it’s time to transition our wardrobe for Spring.  Put the cable sweaters away and take out your favorite sandals.  Some would argue that trends are not authentic but they help to refresh your closet.

Below are some of the standout trends for Spring 2019.  I wanted to share items that are easy to incorporate in anyone’s wardrobe.

One suggestion is to purchase items at a reasonable price.  You do not want to buy pricey pieces that may not be worn the following year.  Also, you don’t have to check-off on every style trend but select your top five favorites and enjoy dressing up every day!

Some of the stores highlighted range in sizes which are very important.  When shopping for your favorite piece, you don’t want to get frustrated due to sizes and lengths.

A few reasonably priced stores with sizes 0-22 are Loft, H&M, New York and Company, Nordstrom Rack, and Macy’s.  Additional stores for discount shopping include Marshalls and Burlington.

Happy Shopping!

Spring 2019 Style Report:

 

  • Shirt Dresses
  • Vests
  • Bows:  Tops, Dresses, Footwear
    H&M

     

 

Need assistance with your clothing or personal shopper?  Contact Kimberly West Styling consulting agency.

Be Ever Wonderful: Personal Growth and Mindset

Personal growth is the beginning of having an altered mindset.  It’s the ability to say no to unhealthy environments and yes to pure, authentic joy.  Growth appears different for each individual and can’t necessarily be categorized.

I think every woman has that moment when life changes internally.  Personally, this mental elevation started when there was a desire to read a thought-provoking book or recognize the early morning sunset.  For transparency, it would truly surprise most people to know that I’m both fun-loving and very practical.  My husband finds humor in my ability to keep our family moving like a machine.

Growing up my dad would play Earth Wind and Fire, Be Ever Wonderful.  This song resonates because the last lyrics says, “don’t let the world change your mind. don’t let the world change your mind.”  And how often does the world try to change our mind?  We drift away from our natural upbringings to marginalize into an unknown path of adulthood.

A few steps towards achieving personal growth is through goal-setting, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and most importantly knowing yourself.

My personal philosophy is to be the author of your own story and “Be Ever Wonderful” in your own sweet way!

Wrap Blouse:  New York and Company | Pull-on Pants:  New York and Company | Tangerine Heels:  Similar Macy’s

NY&C Closet Online Clothing Rental Subscription Service

Years ago, only a few selected retailers offered shoppers the opportunity to rent clothing pieces.  Now, this digital option of building a wardrobe has become popular amongst other companies.

New York & Company offers NY&C Closet which is their online clothing rental service.  To get started, you can sign-up for the program and receive approval via email.

From there you build an online closet, have items are delivered to your front door, ship pieces back, and repeat the same process.

 

The really amazing aspect of their online rental service is that items can be purchased for a discount.  It doesn’t get any better than that!

Additional tips for using the NY&C Closet clothing rental service is to add several items to the digital closet, pinpoint and select your favorite items, and be sure to let the company know when pieces are returned.  It’s just that easy to look fabulous every day!

I will be trying the service and sharing my online shopping experiences with everyone here!

 

Weekend Self-Care Activity and Plaid Peplum Top #OOTD or #WIW

The weekends can become pretty hectic.  Running errands, cleaning your room, and paying bills.  Whew!  The word that I’m searching for is called, “adulting.”

At no matter what age, adulting can be super exhausting.  But, the reality is that we strive to be successful versions of ourselves.  Nobody wants to be the girl who forgot to schedule an oil change.

Despite the spirit of busyness and reality of having limited hours in the day, self-care is a must-do!  While cheering for others, we can’t forget to cheer for ourselves.

Simple steps towards practicing self-care involve reading a book, getting a massage, or taking a walk.  My favorite self-care activity during the week is listening to music.   Another activity that’s on the top of my list is journaling.  As a fellow creative, I enjoy organizing my thoughts and keeping lists of what’s important to me.  My journals range from words to pictures or keepsakes.

Self-care doesn’t always have to involve elaborate practices or high-ticketed experiences.  Some of the most relaxing opportunities involve being present in the moment.  How do you practice self-care in your life?

In the photo below, I was attending The Birmingham Home and Garden Show to support my college sister-friend who was a speaker during the event.  In the spirit of self-care, I threw on my peplum blouse and captured a meaningful break to enjoy the show!

Plaid Wrap Peplum Top:  New York & Company | Matelasse Leather Bag:  YSL or replica Amazon

 

#OOTD or #WIW Sweet Pea Hi-Lo Off The Shoulder Blouse: Valentine’s Day Casual Look

Last Thursday was Valentine’s Day and I’m sure that everyone wanted the perfect outfit.  Ever since being a kid, I have enjoyed dressing up for this holiday.

I was planning to purchase items from another store but lost track of my weekly schedule between digital marketing, business consultations, and civic meetings.  Either way, I ran over to one of my favorite retailers (since college) to purchase a blouse.  I already planned to wear skinny jeans and rose gold booties.

The Sweet Pea Hi-Lo Off The Shoulder Blouse was a nice addition to the items in my closet.  I also wore a pair of rose gold chandelier earrings but they were not visible in the photo.

My valentine’s day gift was the bracelet seen on my wrist.  As the day unfolded we enjoyed lunch and was surprised by a new family pet!

Hi-Lo Blouse:  New York & Company | Booties:  Express

ROMwe Color Block Blouse and Pull-On Bootcut Slacks #OOTD or #WIW

Hello, Spring is that you around the corner?  I am prematurely hoping that the weather will change soon.  Why?  Because for as long as I could remember I love the warmer temperatures.

There’s something about walking around barefoot in the sand or running errands in shorts.  Until that day happens I am still digging for jackets and boots.

The inspiration for this look came from seeking a relaxed outfit on this particular Sunday.  I wanted to play with the design of the blouse and texture of the slacks.

Color blocking is one of my favorite fashion techniques.  It’s the mixing and combining of hues that are opposite on the color wheel.  Lately, I have been sharing the importance of color and how it can elevate your personal style.

The ROMme Color Block Blouse was lightweight and the back draped nicely.  I will definitely wear this blouse again and share an additional photo on this site.

Additional style options:

  • wear with jeans
  • wear with pleated skirt
  • wear with high waist pants

ROMwe Color Block Blouse:  Amazon | Pull-On Bootcut Slacks:  New York & Company | Bracelet:  PANDORA Jewelry

Ann Taylor Ruffle Denim Jacket: Must – Have Item

Ann Taylor is known for being a transitional store; meaning their clothing can be interchanged between every season.  The retailer carries classic suits and separates that will enhance anyone’s wardrobe.

Who doesn’t love a white denim jacket?  This piece of outwear can be dressed up or down.  In the Southern region, we vary between extremely hot and brisk cooler temperatures.  Having an item like the Ruffle Denim Jacket is a must-have piece to help combat this weather change.

There are so many style options for this particular jacket!   It can be worn with a pair of jeans, midi dress or pencil skirt.  The details of this piece are visible with a fringed neckline and ruffle waist.

Ann Taylor has so many items that are perfect for the everyday woman ranging from Sunday brunch to the boardroom.  The store is having a 50% off sale.  What better time than now to shop for new clothes during the new season.

Thank you, Ann Taylor, for this collaborative post!

Jacket:  Ann Taylor | Slacks:  New York & Company | Belt:  New York & Company | Bracelet:  PANDORA Jewelry