September 3, 2014 by Debbie Roes

My Outfit Journal Two Months In

Back in July, I wrote about the benefits of keeping an outfit journal and shared that I had started keeping one myself. Now that I’ve been maintaining this journal for two months, I thought it would be useful to update you on how it’s going. In today’s post, I outline what I’ve learned about my wardrobe preferences and personal style through logging my daily ensembles.

Keeping an outfit journal has benefitted me in many ways!

My outfit journal has been even more helpful than I ever anticipated it would be. I’ve learned a great deal about what I like, what I dislike, what I need, and what I don’t need through this process. Along the way, I’ve also substantially increased the number of outfits I like. During July, I had one outfit I rated a “6” on a scale of one to ten and five “7” outfits, with the remainder of my ensembles being “8”s or higher. In August, there was still one “6” outfit (mostly a result of getting dressed in too much of a hurry!) but no “7” outfits. Every other look I put together last month I rated as an “8” or above. That’s some excellent progress in a very short period of time! Continue reading →

August 21, 2014 by Debbie Roes

Virtual Styling Session with Bridgette Raes – Part Two

In my last post, I shared that I recently had a virtual styling session with Bridgette Raes. I highlighted my reasons for doing this, included excerpts from my pre-session questionnaire, and showed some inspirational images of style aesthetics that I appreciate.

The next best thing to being there… (image: Hanna Barbara)

Today’s post focuses on my actual session with Bridgette, including the style advice that she gave me. Please note that the session was really jam-packed with information, too much to include in a blog post, even considering the extra-long posts I often publish. I’m including enough here to give you a taste of what it’s like to work with an expert stylist and how it can benefit those who are struggling to cultivate and express a resonant and appropriate sense of personal style.

Continue reading →

August 19, 2014 by Debbie Roes

Virtual Styling Session with Bridgette Raes – Part One

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ve seen that I often link to articles written by style expert, Bridgette Raes. Bridgette is a New York City based personal stylist and blogger who writes frequently about creating a cohesive wardrobe, the power of color and accessories, and how to shop wisely.

I love Bridgette’s witty writing style and refreshing attitude toward fashion. While many other stylists focus predominantly on current trends and continuously shopping to keep up, Bridgette is far more pragmatic and realistic in her approach. I can see why many of her clients have been with her for years and rely on her helpful, no-nonsense advice!

I recently had a virtual session with style expert, Bridgette Raes.

Continue reading →

July 15, 2014 by Debbie Roes

How Journaling Can Improve Your Style

In my last post, I wrote about “The Dark Side of Style Redefinition,” which was a topic that resonated with many of you. I find some comfort in knowing I’m not the only person who sometimes looks into my closet and wants to start over. In truth, it’s not as bad as all that. I have my emotional moments during which I hate pretty much everything I own, but those stormy times pass and I realize that I do like a decent proportion of my wardrobe. But the plan I devised during my most recent closet meltdown is already beginning to bear fruit.

Taking the time to journal about your outfits can be very beneficial!

In today’s post, I expand upon item #2 of what I termed my “cunning plan” for addressing my shopping and style for the remainder of the year. This step involves keeping a daily journal in which I write about the outfits I wear, where I wore them, and my feelings about each ensemble. After I wrote last Thursday’s post, I’ve gone back and chronicled my outfits from the beginning of July through to today. Continue reading →

July 10, 2014 by Debbie Roes

The Dark Side of Style Redefinition

In some of my recent posts, I’ve shared that I have been redefining my style as of late. Cutting back on my shopping has led me to more thoroughly evaluate what’s in my closet. It’s also given me more time and space to consider how I want to dress and how I’d like to be perceived by others. While this sounds like a very positive shift – and it mostly has been – there have been a few negative side effects.

In today’s post, I offer my thoughts on what I’ve termed “the dark side of style redefinition.” I don’t necessarily think this dark side applies to everyone, but it’s definitely affecting me and likely affects fellow shopaholics in similar ways.