A Diva State of Mind

Style for Hire likes to feature what stylists in the network are wearing on Pinterest. Last month, Style for Hire featured the outfit I wore for a New Year’s Eve house party. I wore sequin leggings from The Limited, paired with a white blouse and one of my favorite clutches, the Love, Cortnie leopard print Ashleigh clutch.

New Year’s Eve House Party Outfit

After posting the picture, Jenn R. asked:

“I have an all black party to attend. Can I do a leather peplum top with sequin leggings?”

Absolutely Jenn! As much fun as it is to mix prints, you should also have fun mixing textures.  Sequin and leather is a great mix to create a sophisticated and edgy look.  What’s also great about an all black silhouette like a peplum top and sequin leggings is that you can still have fun with accessories by adding statement jewelry, a fabulous leather heel like the Jessica Simpson pair featured below and red lipstick and nail polish to pull the look together.

By the way, you can wear sequin any time you want! Don’t feel restricted to wearing sequin only during the holiday season.

For leather peplum tops for less check out Piperlime, Urban Outfitters, Dillards, EXPRESS and Macy’s.

Another way to mix leather and sequin is to wear leather (faux leather) pants and a sequin top or one with sequin details. Leather pants are a  major trend this season. I love the idea of mixing sporty tops like sweatshirts and graphic tees with more sophisticated pieces like leather skirts and pants.  Add color to the look by wearing a bold plum lipstick and cobalt blue clutch. Yes you can wear purple and blue together!  These colors form a 90 degree angle on the color wheel, therefore they complement each other and can be worn together.

For suede booties for less check out Victoria’s Secret, Amazon, Nordstrom, Macy’s and Aldo.

*Click on the pictures for more information about items featured in each look. All pieces except the peplum top and booties are under $100. Great looks for less!

Have a style question? Submit it to keri@adivastateofmind.com. If you are interested in personal styling services, please check out the personal styling page.

If you have ever considered hiring a personal stylist for yourself or a loved one, you’ll want to check out this deal from Style for Hire!!

Between now and March 31, 2013, book an appointment through Style for Hire and you’ll receive $50 off your two hour appointment. As you know, I am a stylist in the Style for Hire network, so you can book your appointment with me! Services include closet audits, closet shopping, personal shopping and more.

I’ve met a lot of people who like the idea of hiring a personal stylist but they are scared. There’s this fear that their experience will be like “What Not To Wear” and when the appointment is over, they won’t have clothes left.  Have no worries! If you book an appointment with me, I won’t get rid of your entire wardrobe. An appointment like a closet audit is an evaluation of what you currently have; we’ll get rid of items that are outdated, too big/small or you haven’t worn in years.

As we approach Valentine’s Day, this is a great deal to help you or others look right for a special night out. You can book an appointment with me to help you create the perfect outfit through a closet shopping appointment or personal shopping appointment.

To take advantage of this special offer, enter code A35C-E7F5 at checkout. Click on the link to schedule an appointment: https://www.styleforhire.com/stylists/23/profile.

I hope to work with you or your loved ones this year!!

Socialite and party promoter Yodit Gebreyes is expanding her business.  She has started an event planning company called Favored by Yodit. The website is scheduled to be released next month so to prepare for the site launch, she had a photo shoot last week to take pictures of herself and various table settings she designed for special occasions.

Yodit contacted me to assist her with styling her looks for the shoot.  She selected the apparel, but needed me to help with accessories. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay for the entire shoot so I styled her first look and I also finalized the looks of three models.  I used my jewerly and jewerly from personal stylist Lauren Matthews. Here are a few pictures the shoot:

If you’re in need of a stylist, don’t hesitate to contact me at keri@adivastateofmind.com or 301-836-1451!

Tiffany asked:

I have a few dip hem shirts (button downs, a t-shirt, etc) and don’t think they look right untucked when the front is so much shorter than the back. What is your opinion and how should you wear them?

The best way to wear dip hem shirts is untucked since the front is shorter than the back.  Since the shirt is designed to be high in the front and low in the back, it may look like you accidently tucked in the back if you do so.  Tucking in the back may also cause  the back of the top to look bulky.

Similar to wearing a tunic, dip hem shirts look best with slimmer pieces on the bottom.  You can wear them with a pair of skinny jeans, faux leather pants or leggings. If the dip hem shirts is a neutral color, have fun pairing them with color skinny jeans like Toya Wright did for the Grey Goose Cherry Noir event in May.

Photo: G.Paras Photography

Get her look for less here:

More Brian Atwood…

During the warmer months, dip hem t-shirts look great with a pair of denim shorts. You can complete the look with wedges to dress up a casual outfit or flats for guaranteed comfort.

ASOS Dipped Hem T-shirt

If you have style questions, please submit them to keri@adivastateofmind.com For more information about personal styling services, visit the Personal Styling page.

Fall 2010: My friend Lisa read an article about Style for Hire. Co-founded by Stacy London from TLC’s “What Not To Wear,” Style for Hire is the natural outgrowth of the work Stacy London does on the show. The goal was to create a network that made personal stylists accessible to everyone.

That article also mentioned that Style for Hire hosts a workshop in early 2011 for those stylist interested in joining the network.  To be considered for the network, attending the two day workshop was mandatory. At the conclusion of the two day training, Stacy London would sit down with her team to select those that would be a part of the network.

After reading this article about Style for Hire, Lisa told me “you need to attend this workshop!”

When I was working in retail, I had entertained the idea of being a personal stylist. I enjoyed working at smaller retail stores that gave me the opportunity to work one on one with those customers that need help finding specific items. I also had fun helping my friends pick out outfits for various occasions, but did that really mean I was meant to be a stylist??

So I went back and forth with the decision “should I register for the workshop?? What if I’m not selected to join the network?” I talked about it with my parents; I’m sure I annoyed my friends with my indecisiveness. And after much deliberation, I decided “why not!” The worst that could happen is that I wasn’t selected.

March 2011, I traveled to NYC and embarked on a two day training taught by Stacy London. I’ll admit, because she is a celebrity, I didn’t think she’d actually teach the workshop. I thought she’s show face and sit back, but no, Stacy London was hands on the entire two days. I think there were close to 100 people at the training; many of whom were personal stylists full-time. Between professional stylists and Stacy London, I’ll admit I was intimidated and a little overwhelmed!

Once training ended, I was selected to be an apprentice in the network. An apprentice is someone who needs more training before they can become a stylist in the network.  Apprentices participate in various tasks that will help them graduate to stylist.  I shadowed other stylists and worked at the Westfield Style Tours & Style Lounges (I was working for Style for Hire when I tweeted about coming to the mall for free consultations this summer). As an apprentice I was also given the opportunity to work with a few clients. 

Through hard work and persistence, I graduated to stylist in the network at the end of 2012. It looks like Lisa was right; I did need to attend the training. By doing so, it helped spark my passion to want to help women look and feel their best self.  Being a member also gave me the opportunity to meet other amazing stylists and various opportunities to continue to grow as a personal stylist!!

Below is a video from the Style for Hire workshop I attended in 2011 (I can’t believe it’s been two years). At the 1:29 mark you’ll see me next to Stacy London (shameless plug I know)!

If you’re a stylist interested in joining the network or you would like to book an appointment with a stylist, visit www.styleforhire.com

Sequin leggings are my current obsession! I recently purchased them from The Limited and I love them.  As we prepare for New Year’s Eve parties, sequin leggings are a great alternative to wearing a party dress.  Whether you plan on wearing them to a party at a venue in the city or a house party, below are three looks I am sure will be appropriate for any occasion.

Just like with leather pants (or matte leggings), you can wear sequin leggings with a blouse. Above, the leggings are paired with an ivory pussy bow blouse.  Since it is now winter, you can have fun mixing textures in your outfit by adding a fur vest and heels.  Normally, I would suggest a pair of black pumps, but why not have fun by adding a blue shoe? Have fun with color!! If you really want to be in the holiday spirit, you can wear red shoes instead. Complete the look with a bold lip. This look is great for a holiday party.

Leggings and skinny pants look great paired with blazers.  Pair your sequin leggings with boyfriend blazer, oversized t-shirt or tank and statement necklace.  You may wonder, won’t the statement necklace compete with the pants?? Nope!  The sequin disks are small so they don’t override the necklace. You can wear a black blazer or be bold and wear a blazer in a bright color like red. Depending on where you are going, there’s the option for a leather bag or leather clutch. Add a little edge with the leather spike bracelet and bold red lipstick to complete the look.

The third option is a great for a house party or if you’re attending dinner.   Pair the leggings with an oversize sweater a solid sweater or one with graphics. Keep in mind, the sweater does not have to be oversized. I wore my leggings two weeks ago with a v-neck sweater and statement necklace to a holiday party.   Pair the sweater and leggings with your favorite ankle booties.  In this case, instead of using accessories to add color to the outfit, do so with a smokey eye and nail polish in your favorite winter shade. Like the second look, if you did not want to carry a leather bag, you have the option to include a clutch.

If you still need help creating the perfect look for NYE, I am here to help you.  Please send me any style questions you may have. Closet shopping and personal shopping appointments are also available. I am still offering 15% off services through the end of the year.  To schedule a consultation, please contact me at (301) 836-1451 or keri@adivastateofmind.com .

For more inspiration on how to wear sequins, click here, here and here.

*Click on the pictures above for more information about the pieces featured.

Most styling appointments I have had thus far have been to help clients clean out their closets, shop to fill in wardrobe gaps or create work and casual looks with pieces they already in their wardrobe. But for the next two months, many people will be invited to attend numerous holiday parties, charity events and inauguration galas.  With so many events going on, trying to find the “perfect look” can become overwhelming.

Whether you need help shopping for a new outfit or need help putting together a look with your current wardrobe, I’m here to help YOU! Yes you! The one reading this thinking “What am I going to wear to the holiday party next weekend?”

If you need help finding the perfect outfit(s), here are two ways I can assist you:

1. I’ll go to the mall before your scheduled appointment pulling pieces for you to try on.  You’ll meet me at the mall and we’ll go to each store to try on the items that were pulled until we find pieces that work best for you.  Depending on how much you need (just a dress vs. a dress, shoes & accessories) the shopping trip may need to be split into more than one appointment.  Believe it or not, after 2-3 hours of shopping with a stylist, you will probably want to take a break.

2.If you’re like a lot of women, you already have plenty of options hanging in your closet; you’re just unsure which of those options you should wear to a specific event. I’ll come over and help select outfits that are appropriate for the event you are attending.  This type of appointment will also make us aware of any key pieces that may be missing in your wardrobe.

If you think you need help this holiday or inaugural season, please contact me! For those planning on attending inauguration galas, now is great time to start looking for a gown. If you are thinking, “I don’t need a stylist, but I have a friend that does” please pass along my information.  My goal is to help you (and your friends) look and feel your best for every occasion!

Special offer – Mention this post and receive 15% off services. 

Click HERE to view my portfolio. Contact me via email at keri@adivastateofmind.com  or phone (301) 836-1451.

Photo: Examiner

My friend Lisa recently purchased a pair of Guess Matte Wet Leggings. The first thing she said after purchasing them was “you have to help me find tops to wear with them!”

This style of leggings and pants is very popular this season.  Below are three different ways Lisa and others can wear their leggings this fall and winter season.

We will call the first look All Black Everything. For a look of sophistication, pair the leggings with a sheer black top, black blazer and pumps. Complete the look with silver accessories and a red lip.

Shop the look below:

More Topshop…

On colder days, pair the leggings with an oversized sweater and boots. This look is great if for an afternoon out with friends in the city or an evening house party. Use accessories like handbags to add a pop of color to the look.

Shop the look below:

More Topshop…

Shop the look below:

More BCBG MAX AZRIA…

If you have style questions, submit them to keri@adivastateofmind.com. If you’re interested in personal styling services, please click HERE for more information.

In the current issue of Façon Magazine, I had the pleasure of interviewing GiGi Williams, the owner of the family run boutique House of JonLei Atelier.  Located at the National Harbor, the boutique sells wedding gowns, tuxedos and special occasion gowns.  I also worked with GiGi on a photo shoot, showcasing the boutique’s fabulous gowns (the blue one is my favorite)!  With the holiday season and inauguration galas right around the corner, House of JonLei Atelier serves as the perfect boutique to find that special gown.

Check out photos from the shoot:

If you’re in need of a special occasion gown or wedding dress, please visit the House of JonLei Atelier. The family is so sweet and they have amazing gowns and wedding dresses.

To view the interview and other fabulous features in the magazine, visit www.faconmagazine.com.

*Gowns & Accessories: House of JonLei Atelier; Hair & Makeup: Alicia Holliday

Last week, Help A Reporter Out (HARO) posted a request for a stylist to give specifics on how to wear some of summer’s coolest tees: Rock n’ Roll/Vintage, Nautical, Bright/Bold, V-Neck and Oversized/Boyfriend.

I submitted style suggestions on how to wear all five tees and wanted to share what I submitted with you just in case you found yourself in a style rut.  Tees are comfortable and convenient however we may get stuck in the habit of wearing them the same way over and over again.  Here are a few suggestions on how to wear summer’s coolest tees:

Rock n’ Roll/Vintage

For a complete rock n’ roll look, pair a rock n’roll/vintage tee with a pair of destroyed denim jeans, a wrap watch, rings, hoop earrings and gladiator sandals. Look for edgy accessories to compliment the rock n’roll theme of the shirt.

Nautical

Pair a nautical striped tee with light fabrics like white linen pants. Bright colors are very popular this season, so compliment a navy blue and white nautical tee with a bright orange necklace and striped wedges. The shoe is a great contrast to the orange necklace and the yellow in the shoe also goes well with navy. This is a great casual look for a day at brunch.

Bright/Bold

A bright t-shirt can be worn with anything! It can be paired with shorts, pants, jeans, and skirts. For extremely hot days in the summer, pair a bright tee with linen shorts and flats in a fun color that compliments the shirt. The look is fun but still causal.  Tribal prints are a huge trend this season, so have fun mixing prints into the look with accessories.

V-Neck

Pair a v-neck tee with a high low hem skirt to create length.  The v-neck shirt elongates the neck and the hem of the skirt makes the legs look longer.   Dress up the tee by pairing it with bold accessories and heeled sandals. This is a great look for dinner in the city. This look can be worn during the day by changing the heels to flats.

Oversized/Boyfriend

Another popular trend this season is printed jeans. Pair a solid oversized tee with a pair of printed skinny jeans. To keep the look fun and casual, wear a pair of flat sandals with a bold necklace and bracelet to add a little edginess.  For a night out, switch out the flats to black heeled sandals.

What are some ways you wear your favorite t-shirts during the summer?

For more information on where you can purchase it items above, click HERE. Have style questions? Submit them to keri{at}adivastateofmind.com. For more information on styling services available, click HERE.