How To: Shop Your Closet and Create Instant Outfits

Would you believe that I have not been in the mood to shop?  That’s because I’ve been practicing social distancing and focusing on virtual events.  But, there’s always a solution to every problem.

One perspective is that I have always been an advocate for shopping in your closet.  There are so many wonderful pieces in there that you have probably forgotten about.  From accessories to midi dresses, I can guarantee that you’re closets are filled with instant outfits.

A suggestion that I share with my Personal Style clients is to create outfits (in your spare time.)  The worst time to figure out a hot look is right before any event.  Life is a lot easier when you have something to wear!

The outfit shown below is an example of just that.  I was leaving out the door for a lunch date and needed to put on pieces that exuded my personal style.

Cape BlazerAmazon | Cami & JeansExpress | Strappy Heels:  Target similar | Crossbody:  Louis Vuitton similar

 

Eva Classic Clutch from SCORE! Official Game Day Bag: Casual and Cute Accessory

The upcoming football season will be here soon.  Everyone loves the tradition of the game but there’s one small detail that all women must be aware of.  Most games require the use of a clear handbag.  This can shock even the most stylish fashionista because what clear handbag actually coordinates with your look?

Thankfully, SCORE! Official Game Day Bag has you covered.  The company specializes in designer, clear bags in an array of colors and styles.

I could not be more excited than to serve as an official influencer for the company.  Why?  I will be giving you guys details about 12 unique handbags all year long.  It doesn’t get any better than that!

Yes, I am a handbag fanatic and believe that each bag serves a purpose.  The right handbag can elevate an entire outfit.  Let’s not overlook this small accessory!

In the photo, I wore the Eva Classic Clutch.  Not only is this particular bag fancy but meets all stadium guidelines.  For me, it served as a cute little crossbody for a day of running errands.  The Navy and Light Blue color was a vibrate contrast with my hot pink blouse and yellow flats.  There’s nothing better than dressing casual and cute!

Visit SCORE!  Official Game Day Bag to add this bag to your shopping cart.  Oh, use this coupon code to receive a discount: KW 20

Blouse:  Target | Crossbody Game Day Bag:  SCORE!  Official Game Day Bag | Flats:  Express

10 Important Life Lessons Learned from COVID-19 #WIW or #OOTD A-line Midi Dress

There’s a lot of life lessons to be learned from COVID-19.  This was an unexpected lifestyle change and we had to adjust immediately!

My thought pattern always goes back to, “What did I learn from every situation?”  It’s critical to always do self-evaluation and allow the opportunity for personal growth.

Throughout it all, I have tried to be thankful for the small blessings and keep a positive mindset.

10 Important Life Lessons Learned from COVID-19:

  1. Manage your time wisely and create system blocks.
  2. Meal planning is critical towards your budget and home organization.
  3. Cleanliness can be as easy as washing your hands, mopping your floors, and wiping down the countertops.
  4. Mom Tip-kids require (balanced) structure daily.  Allow them to have free space but yet implement structure/disciplined activities.
  5. First, shop your wardrobe and then seek outside pieces.  Do not overspend during this time.
  6. Your home is your haven.  Make it a place of peace and joy!  That might include gardening or rearranging decor.
  7. We can manage our own hair and nails.  At least until it is safe to venture outside of our comfort zones.
  8. Take care of yourself:  get exercise, take a multi-vitamin, and pick-up a new hobby.
  9. Journaling can create a still voice for relaxation and provide mental clarity.
  10. Avoid clutter at all costs.  Get rid of unnecessary items!

What I Wore or Outfit of The Day-

A-line Mid Dress & Clear Slip-On Heel:  Amazon

Homebound Survival Tips: Snakeskin Trendy Accessories #WIW or #OOTD

The last few weeks have been interesting.  Our nation was called to a state of an emergency due to the Coronavirus.  None of us anticipated being in our homes 24 Hours straight; let alone unable to shop for ordinary household items.

This has definitely a time period to reflect upon your priorities and not take simple things for granted.

How are we all surviving?  Some of us are keeping a positive mindset while others are missing the days of careless walks down the street.

Either way, there are moments in our life when we may have to stay home for extended periods of time.

When you have a baby, the doctor might prescribe being home consistently for a week.  When we’re suffering from an illness, depending on the severity, there could be much-needed time at home.

Take a look at the tips for surviving the highs and lows of being homebound.  If you can think of anything else, please share it with this site.

Homebound Survival Tips:

  1. Order groceries online from stores such as Amazon, Aldi, or Publix.
  2. Create menus for your family.  The reality is that we have to eat!
  3. Schedule time periods to watch the news; either morning or night.
  4. Video chat, text, or start a group communication channel.
  5. Gift little kids’ toys during peak time periods when they may become restless.
  6. Cut-back on normal portion sizes on items.  For example, if you would normally use 2 tbsp of coffee grinds use 1 tbsp.
  7. Find unconventional ways to use items.  An egg carton could hold craft paint or beads.
  8. Read inspirational books and incorporate prayer into your daily routine.
What I Wore or Outfit of The Day

In the photo below, I’m returning to my desk after a meeting.  This was taken weeks before we were quarantined to be in our homes!

I want to encourage fashionista’s to mix trendy accessories with your classic wardrobe.  This is a simple way to refresh your outfits and get a new look!

Snakeskin Booties:  JCPenney | Belt:  Express | Blazer:  H&M

If you like this post click here:  QUARANTINED BEAUTY ROUTINE: HOW TO REMOVE DIPPING POWDER OR GEL POLISH

Faux Fur Jacket and Seamless Fleece Leggings: #WIW or #OOTD College Alumni Mixer Event

There’s something about getting a bit older that makes you become sentimental.  You began to reminisce about the carefree days of hanging out with your best college crew!

Those days involved hitting the laundry mat, unsolicited dating advice, and last-minute cramming.  To help us stay better connected the alumni group hosted a pop-up event.  As always, I didn’t know what to wear because I was getting over a cold and had a busy consulting week.

The Furget Me Not Jacket I’m seen in is from Zeal Boutique; it was purchased while attending another event.  Don’t be misguided, it’s actually one of the warmest jackets in my wardrobe!  The texture is soft like a blanket and the outer fridge adds a touch of style.

Again, the goal was to stay warm, so I ordered a pair of fleece-lined leggings, draped camisole, and wore my snakeskin booties.

We had a great night and my outfit was fashionable and functional.  Yes, I have several maroon pieces because it’s the colors of my alma mater.

Faux Fur Jacket:  similar | Cami Top:  Amazon | Seamless Fleece Leggings:  Amazon | Snakeskin Booties:  similar

Style 101: Dress According To Your Profession #OOTD or #WIW

As a creative professional, I am often called into meetings that require a stylish flair.  Long gone are the days of wearing the boring, basic black suit.  In this day and age, women are seen wearing pink pencil skirts and vinyl pointy heels.

Back to the post!  I was scheduled for a consultation and needed an upbeat look.  One way to achieve a fashionable but yet professional outfit is to pair traditional clothing pieces with an on-trend pattern or accessory.  For example, wear a striped blazer with a lace camisole.

In the look below, I’m wearing a leopard button-down blouse, high-waisted dress pants, and denim jacket.  To elevate this outfit, I wore my favorite tassel earrings.

Style 101:  Dress according to your individualized profession!

A few additional stylish business dress tips include:

  1.  Wear a wrap dress.
  2.  Select blazers in bold colors or neutral tones such as camel or red.
  3. Purchase a crisp white shirt but select various styles such as puff sleeves.
  4. Great professional accessories include wearing a logo belt or a vintage scarf.
  5. Keep up with the time by wearing a statement watch.

Denim Jacket:  America’s Consignment and Thrift | Leopard Shirt & Tassel Earrings:  Express | Crossbody Handbag:  Louis Vuitton similar

If you like this post click here:  TENTH STREET TRIPOLI FISHERMAN HAT: CASUAL SHOPPING OUTFIT

 

Creating A Signature Style: Moto Jacket, Plaid Ankle Pants, and Quilted Clutch #OOTD or #WIW

The best way to determine if you made a good purchase is when you wear something multiple times.  That’s how I feel about the burgundy moto jacket seen in feature the photo.

I originally bought this jacket as part of my fall capsule wardrobe and has served as a great staple piece!

Creating A Signature Style:

My week normally ends by attending a church service with my family.  Therefore, I need a closet filled with blouses, blazers, dresses, and skirts.

After taking a test, I discovered that my signature style is considered to be chic; meaning I prefer a powerful look and sharp lines.

Understanding your personal style is one of the first steps towards looking your best.  It enables you to shop according to items that catch your eye and not necessarily what’s seen on a store mannequin.

The plaid ankle pants and v-cut mules I’m wearing are from Express.  If you follow my Instagram account, you are right, I shop there very often because they carry Petite sizes.

Remember, clothing and dress communicates your personality, mood, and attitude!

Moto Leather:  New York & Company | Handbag:  YSL Clutch Comparison | Pants:  High Waisted Plaid Ankle Pant

Do you need help in discovering your personal style?  Contact Kimberly West Styling & PR and schedule an appointment.

If you like this post, click here:  Everyday Style and Lookbook Inspiration

Tenth Street Tripoli Fisherman Hat: Casual Shopping Outfit

The cold weather will definitely motivate your dress options. One way to combat the brisk air is not only through layering a variety of pieces but wearing a stylish hat.

This particular accessory is understated but just like any other clothing item, there are seasonal options. A few seasonal hats include the beanie, felt hat, or bucket hat.

Selecting a stylish hat does have a few requirements. Number one, it must fit the head properly. Number two, when selecting a winter hat, you want a hat that has texture.  Nothing boring will do!

The Tripoli hat that’s seen in the photo has so much detailing. I love the chain link and it’s an easy fit.  Fisherman hats are very on-trend and can be dressed up with a suit or worn for a casual look with a Faux Fur Coat.

Visit Tenth Street to purchase your hat for chic winter style. Also, January 15th is National Hat Day!  Use the coupon code below to add a trendy hat to your wardrobe.

Coupon Code: SLFNATIONALHATDAY20
Wool Fisherman Hat:  Tenth Street | Faux Fur Coat:  Target | Vintage Jeans:  America’s Thrift Stores | Chain Clutch:  YSL

Holiday Style Recap and Self Motivation: #OOTD or #WIW

January is the perfect time to get going with a solid list of deadlines and goals.  One of the resolutions on my list is to attend weekly pilates or zumba.  Visiting the gym is an excellent way to eliminate pre-summer weight gain and keep the endorphins circulating.

It’s also a strange month in terms of being self-motivated due to the cold air and limited amount of sunlight.  Moderate exercise can help fight the winter blues!

I wanted to share a few of my holiday looks in the midst of celebrating birthdays and attending church service.

For Christmas, we started a new tradition of wearing pajamas for family brunch.  I coordinated a wool wrap, lounge pants, and cowboy boots.

My youngest son also celebrated his birthday during the month of December.  Some of you can agree that little boys are very active!  My fur mules were a pleasant option due to feet warmth and they gave me the ability to move around.

The last photo was my outfit selection for attending church service.  The peanut butter toned leather jacket was a gift I received during college.

I paired the jacket with opaque tights and high waisted pencil skirt to look chic.

Click Here

 

 

Everyday Style and Lookbook Inspiration: #OOTD or #WIW

Recently, I have shared some of my personal looks on social media or as it’s said on Instagram #OOTD (outfit of the day) or #WIW (what I’m wearing) because I want to provide inspiration in terms of everyday style.

It’s always fun to play dress-up but what about the day-to-day hustle of getting dressed?  As women, we wear so many hats and it’s often difficult to find something that’s appropriate to wear.  My job on this blog (and through consulting) is to provide style solutions and I’m going to do just that!

Featured Photo Flutter Blouse and Sash Waist PantsExpress.com

You can also shop my looks via Amazon or additional retail affiliate programs.  I decided to set up those links because I receive inbox messages asking where did I find certain clothing items.  I may not share the exact piece but you will find something similar if it’s available.

So here we go on this new journey!  Send me a message at kim@stylelifefashion.com or let me know if you need style advice.

Do I have the perfect shape?  No, I’m actually very short.  Do I have an hourglass figure?  No, I’m actually pear-shaped.  Do I wear a size 0?  No, I’m actually petite and curvy at the same time.  We have more in common than you think but the difference is that I dress according to my body-type!

Hanging out at the park with my kids.

Compared Faux Fur Vest:  AmazonBooties: Target | Fleece Leggings:  AmazonSunglasses:  Tiffany & Co. // Compared:  Target 

Prepared to run business errands.

High-Waist Jeans & SweaterExpressTassel Earrings:  H&M | Lipstick:  Rimmel London 

Family members rented a lake house the weekend of Iron Bowl football game.

Blazer:  America’s Thrift & Consigment | Riding Boots:  JCPenney | Lipstick:  MAC Cosmetics | Faux Leather Leggings:  Target