How To Get Away With Black Leggings At Work

When a piece is as comfy as your favorite pair of black leggings, it’s hard not to wear it all the time.

I’m all about rocking your leggings at variety of different occasions — brunch, lunch, the grocery store, your kid’s bday party at the roller rink.

If you’re looking to fit your leggings into your office look, you need to know the dos and don’ts.

It’s not about keeping your look so conservative that you lose a part of your personal style. You need to know what to consider and the right ways to use your leggings as a backdrop, rather than a focal piece.

Watch the video below for three easy-to-style ways to wear your leggings to work.

And don’t forget! If you enjoy this video, I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and share which way you’re most excited to wear your leggings this fall.

Lots of love and joy!

Raquel

Spotlight on Local: Rahya Jewelry Design

This week we’re kicking off our latest series, “Spotlight on Local,” with an interview with local jewelry designer and entrepreneur, Rahya Blackwell. This series will focus on highlighting the women business owners and makers that contribute to Austin’s creative culture and innovative spirit.

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Why did you develop the brand you did? What does it mean to you and what do you think it means to your clients?


The core of my brand and design is minimalism. I find that so much of what we do and buy as consumers is in excess and more than we need. I wanted to create an accessory brand that gave women a resource for simplicity and elegant style that is accessible. Every collection I design I strive to create pieces that seamlessly fit into anyone’s wardrobe—facilitating timeless style but also being relevant.

What is the favorite piece you make or sell? Why does it stand out?


I love a good statement earring. The right statement earring can pair with a simple black dress or elevate a vintage tee and cutoff jeans outfit. I find many women can get intimidated with large earrings and feel a bit “extra”—dressing an earring down with a cool vintage tee is the best gateway to statement earring confidence. The Cane Earrings are a perfect example of an oversized earring that can do it all. These were casted from actual furniture cane webbing, giving them a modern take on vintage style. They feel very structured and geometric in shape giving them an edgy feel as well.

How has being an entrepreneur affected the way you view the world? Does being a business owner impact your personal life? How?



My business is my everything—everything I do revolves around my business. Not necessarily because it is my livelihood, but because it is my passion. Owning a business successfully, you have to always be “on”. There’s never an after work or before work. Just last week standing in line for ACL here in Austin, making new friends with an excited group of girls in line, they suddenly honed in on my earrings I was wearing. In .02 seconds flat, I had business cards in each of their hands. My business and passion are always on my mind—loving what you do has to be authentic and real. If you believe in what you do and love what you do, others will believe in it too.

What do you hope will change about your business in five years? What do you hope will be the same about your business in five years? How do you try to support Austin women?

My 5 year dream would be to bring my company’s casting to Austin and having a facility to do that in. I think this would not only strongly support artistic jobs, but also a creative community of jewelry designers here in Austin. I would keep many things the same about my business in 5 years. One is my design ethic. It is always a delicate balance of designing what I like and designing what my customer likes. Most of the time these are the same, but staying true to my vision I feel is what makes my product unique. That is something I work really hard on and will continue to do.

What can the city government or local community do to support your business (besides visiting it more)?

I would love to see the city provide a financially sustainable platform for artists to work and produce. There are so many great organizations that make studio space available to growing artists—but locking down a facility in the midst of an explosively growing city would allow artists to focus more on the work and less on making ends meet. The community here in Austin is so supportive of artists—many of the big art events have become some of the most anticipated Austin weekends.

What about your brand or yourself do you most associate with Austin? How does it reflect Austin?

Austin is such a mecca for design innovation. I have an affinity for architecture—I love just driving around the city. You can see the character and personalities in Austin residents just from their homes. Shapes, textures, materials—there’s no limit here. Growing up in New Orleans, there was a manufactured comfort from building codes to preserve the look and feel of the cherished neighborhoods. Nostalgic, yes—innovative and fresh, maybe not. Austin is constantly pushing the boundaries with so many new visions and ideas. As a designer, I get so much energy from problem solving and doing things outside the box. Austin is not only is a wonderful platform to do this in, but also a very deep inspiration to my work.

If you were allowed to only eat one food every day for the rest of your life, but it provided you all the nutrition you needed, what would that food be and what do you love about it?

I love this question! It would be sushi, 100%. Growing up in south Louisiana, seafood was everywhere. I guess I just grew to love it or maybe never knew any different. Sushi is the next-level version of Gulf seafood. Its light, refreshing, pretty, and I would absolutely eat it every day if I could.

Want to be featured as an artist or maker in Spotlight on Local? Contact us here.

What is Adaptive Fashion? And Why Everyone Needs To Know About It.

By Laura Perna, Coalition of Texans with Disabilities

Working at the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD) for the past decade, it’s become impossible not to see inaccessible design, even as someone without a disability. Not only do I see barriers in buildings, sidewalks, and websites. But also at the movies (ever try using a closed caption machine?), in game shows (lightning rounds get dicey when participants have a speech impairment)... 

…and with clothing.

When we asked our members about clothing and shoe difficulties, all kinds of things came up that able-bodied fashionistas (and the companies that design for them) simply don’t have to deal with:

• Clothing doesn’t stay in place while I am sitting in my wheelchair. I find that it’s always bunching or riding up, no matter what I wear.

• I wish I could find pants that are easy to put on and take off that aren’t dance wear or leggings. It’s hard enough getting my spasticity to cooperate long enough to get in a position to dress myself. Some clothing materials are so unforgiving it takes an act of Congress to get them on, but I do it because an outfit is cute. I don’t like pants with elastic waistbands, but I like how they go on. A woman can only own so many jeggings.

• I have really bad arthritis in my feet and ankles, so my feet swell. For once, I would love to wear a shoe with a dress that doesn’t look like a gym shoe, but is comfortable like a gym shoe, so I can still walk.

• Jeans (specifically skinny jeans) are a challenge. If there was some sort of discrete zipper along the inseam of my pant leg that would be amazing! It would also be helpful to have access to my prosthetic because throughout the day the volume in my leg changes depending on the type of activity I am doing and it is a pain to have to go to the bathroom and fumble with my pants in order to add socks.

• I can’t find the perfect height of heels that will allow me to walk with my guide dog comfortably.

Plus this observation: When we think about fashion or how clothing fits, many people think about waist, bust, hip, and inseam measurements. We also consider whether a body is tall, short, petite, etc. For people with disabilities, fashion needs to go deeper and consider skeletal differences like pelvis and rib cage rotation; internally or externally rotated hips; muscle contractures, etc.

If you’re reading Raquel’s blog, I don’t need to convince you that clothing is not only a thing all of us have to think about everyday; it’s also an opportunity to express who we are and even feel good about the body we inhabit. This begs the questions: how do people with disabilities access this means of expression and comfort/confidence when clothing is rarely created to work on or with their bodies? How is the industry addressing this, and what are individuals with disabilities already doing to adapt and create?

At CTD, we’re diving into these questions at our annual Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival. We’re beyond thrilled that this year’s Fest guests include:

• Mindy Scheier, founder of Runway of Dreams, an essential organization in the adaptive fashion movement;

• our guest host, RJ Mitte of AMC’s Breaking Bad, one of the more visible actors with a disability working in Hollywood today, who also has more than a few ties to the fashion industry;

• Stephanie Thomas, Disability Fashion Styling Expert and founder of Cur8able, a disability fashion and lifestyle blog-turned-company. Stephanie is literally writing the book on the subject, releasing the world’s first textbook on disability and fashion next spring.

Additionally, we’ll debut designs from our own CTDFF Adaptive Design Challenge. We brought together 5 models with disabilities and Austin-based Ronkita Design and an engineer from UTMB’s MakerHealth Space in Galveston to tackle a series of adaptive clothing and shoe challenges. To give more of the story, we’ll screen a locally produced documentary short on the Design Challenge, as well as host an Adaptive Fashion Panel.

BUY TICKETS

The 16th annual Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival takes place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-19, at the Alamo Drafthouse Village. Tickets and more at CTDFilmFest.org. Note, $10 tickets can be redeemed for $10 worth of Drafthouse food and drink.

Join CTDFF and Art Spark Texas for an Adaptive Fashion Panel Sunday, Oct. 20, at Art Spark Texas. Stephanie Thomas joins CTDFF Adaptive Fashion Challenge designers Vanessa Villalva (Ronkita Design) and Aisen Chacin (UTMB MakerHealth Space) and model Mimi Hau for a discussion on the adaptive fashion movement and how designers and individuals with disabilities can work together to solve fashion problems. Admission is free, please RSVP.

More on this…

CTD is not the first, by far, to think about adaptive fashion. If this is the first time you’ve encountered this phrase, I suggest:

• Adaptive Fashion Has Been a Thing Long Before Selma Blair Came into the Picture

• The $400 Billion Adaptive Clothing Opportunity

• Adaptive Fashion on the Red Carpet

• Adaptive Clothing That is Stylish and Meets a Need Is Getting Easier
  

How To Organize Your Closet Like An Expert

I stopped by Studio 512 this morning to share a few organizational tips, chat fall outfits, and give you a sneak peek into my own closet.

Organization is key to wearing 100% of your wardrobe, which is why I help my clients sharpen this skill as I style my way through their wardrobes.

But even if I’ve never been in your closet, this week’s video will show you some easy-to-use tips you can try today that’ll make you feel more confident, energized, and creative in your wardrobe.

And don’t forget! Once you’ve watched the video, leave me a comment below and share which tip you’re excited to try in your closet.

Lots of love and joy!

Raquel

15 Creative Ways to Restyle Your Wardrobe Today

You’ve probably heard me say it before (because I say it a lot) — most women wear 10 - 20% of their wardrobes.

And it’s not because you have the wrong pieces in your wardrobe.

It’s because that 10-20% is your safety zone of pieces and outfit combinations that you know work. But doing that leaves you unexcited about them and puts your wardrobe at a standstill.

My goal is to help you wear 100% of your wardrobe and love every outfit you wear, but the trick isn’t about throwing it all out and starting fresh.

It’s about exploring outfit combinations from your wardrobe that make your closet feel more fresh and fashion-forward than ever.

So this week’s blog is about giving you some of my absolute favorite styling tips and tricks that you can take back to your wardrobe and try today.

15. Turn your button-up into an Austin lightweight jacket.

This one is especially fun if you have a tunic-style button-down (a little bit longer than a normal shirt) to give a dramatic effect.

Just open up the button-down and throw it over your favorite above-the-knee dress, maxi dress, or jeans and a tee. This will give you a little layer that’s light enough for Austin and polished enough for the office.

14. Add your graphic tee over a dress.

To pull this one off, you’ll need a cropped (or shorter) boxy tee. Otherwise, the tee will cause too much friction around your hips or bring the attention downward instead of upward (which is what we want).

Once you’ve got your tee, chose your dress. The dress doesn’t need to be tight, but it needs to be form-fitting, so the tee can easily fit over top without bunching or pulling.

Finish the look with a casual Texas touch like your cowboy boots and gold hoops.

13. Dress up your tee with a silky square scarf.

You may not think these two go together based on the occasions they were made for, but when you mix a casual piece with a dressy casual piece, you often create the perfect level of formality for an Austin office or working from home.

There are multiple ways you can tie the scarf, but make sure the way you choose to tie it goes with the type of tee you put it with.

Try a girl scout tie to fill in the space of a v-neck or a western-style tie with a crew neck to make your scarf into a colorful bib.

12. Pair knee-high boots with shorts.

It’s easy to feel like you need to be super cautious when using sexy pieces like knee-high or over-the-knee boots in an outfit, but these boots become way more approachable when paired with shorts.

Together, these two make a great dressy casual look—a look that’s perfect for dinner with your partner, brunch with the gals, or a birthday party.

Add a body suit underneath a flowy pair of paperbag waist shorts or front tuck a silky pullover blouse into more fitted shorts. Finish the look with a cocktail ring and statement clutch.

11. Layer up those necklaces.

This is a technique I like to use almost every day, and while you may have seen it done on Pinterest or in person, if you haven’t tried it out yourself, you need to!

Layered necklaces make an extra creative look by adding in multiple balance points that bring the energy and focal point of your outfit towards your face.

To try it, simply take two or three chains from your jewelry cabinet. They can be chunky links, dainty chains, or a mix of both. Throw on two or three and see if you like them. If not, keep trying combos until you find one you like.

They can waterfall down, so each one doesn’t touch the others except near the clasp in the back of your neck. They can mix together in a pretty tangle of pieces that make you feel edgy and fashion-forward.

Either way, you’re good to go.

10. Go biz with your jumpsuit.

Jumpsuits have been popular for a few years now.

They can seem just right for a dressy casual or a formal event. You can repurpose this one-piece though into a look that works for your office with one addition: the blazer.

Try a relaxed blazer over your jumpsuit for a start-up office vibe or try a power blazer complete with shoulder pads (yes, these are back too!) for a business formal feel.

Finish the more casual styling with open-toe stacked heels or a pointed-toe nude patent pump for more formal occasions.

9. Add some moto magic to your shorts situation.

This is what I call a sixty degree look, because it’s a balance of warm and cool elements that makes you appear instantly stylish and is perfect for fall weather.

To do this look, there’s just one thing you need to make sure: The shorts can’t be shorter than the jacket. We don’t want you to look naked from the back, so make sure the shorts can be seen from every angle.

Add a bodysuit or graphic tee under the jacket, then finish the look with fashion sneakers in your favorite color.

8. Denim on denim 4EVA

Or at least until the trend goes away. But for now, denim on denim is the hottest way to style up your chambray shirt, so give it a try! Pull out your chambray (denim) shirt and pair it with your jeans or jean shorts.

The denims shouldn’t match, because then it’ll feel like a bit too much. Go light on top and dark on bottom or vice versa.

Finish with white cowboy boots, navy flats, or silver fashion sneakers.

7. Redefine monochrome.

Monochromatic is classic. The look is about having one color all over, but if you don’t want to feel like giant grape, or any fruit for that matter, then it’s time to update your idea of monochrome.

These days you can get the same sophisticated feel of monochrome without doing just one type of a color in an outfit.

First, pull out your colorful pants or skirt. Pair a top of the same color, but not the same shade. Try a lavender top with plum jeans, a raspberry blouse with blush trousers, or a seafoam tee with evergreen jeans.

Finish the look with neutrals like a grey blazer or caramel duster, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the color. Add a shoe that’s the same neutral as the jacket, and you’re set!

6. Add a feminine touch to a basic dress.

If you’ve got a dress in your wardrobe that you usually just throw on to pick up your kids from school or run errands on the weekend, it’s time to give that dress a little makeover.

To do this, grab a cotton or silky button down from your closet.

Unbutton the button down and tie it over your dress. You can leave all the buttons undone if you want to show off a few layered necklaces across the front of the dress or you can button a few in the middle if you just want a small pendant showing at the top of your dress.

Add your classic sneakers like Vans, Converse, or Adidas to keep you comfortable and fashion-forward for your casual day.

5. Bring out the booties, leave the jeans.

If you’ve got booties in your closet, statement or sporty, you’ve probably paired them with jeans. It’s a natural pairing for cooler weather, but when you want the outfit to feel fall, but don’t have the weather to match, pair them with a skirt.

If you’ve got a bootie that hugs your leg higher up (above your calf), you can show off the detail of the boot with an above-the-knee, a-line skirt or make your look oh-so trendy with the silky midi skirts that are big right now.

For a sporty, western look, add your stacked-heel booties to a denim above-the-knee skirt or a tweed mini skirt.

Finish all the looks by tucking a lightweight, fine knit sweater into the skirt when it’s cooler or your favorite white tee when it’s warm.

4. Sequins aren’t just for special occasions.

For this one, you’re going to have to use lots of imagination, but once you put it into practice, you’ll see just how fun this look can be.

If you have a sequin dress in your closet, pull it out. This look will only work with an above-the-knee dress, so if yours is longer, skip this tip. If you do have one, hooray!

Pair your short sequin dress with your tall cowboy boots, turquoise jewelry like stackable bangles or a squash blossom necklace. Finish it off with your moto jacket and black clutch.

With this look, you can enjoy your sequins not just at a formal occasion, but to dinner at a steakhouse, live music downtown, or to a birthday celebration.

3. Sweater weather is closer than you’d think.

Wanna get away with a sweater when it seems impossible in Austin? Here’s the trick, and it’s all about creating one of those sixty degree looks again.

First, grab your lightest weight sweater. While I love to indulge in a fluffy, cozy sweater, that’ll need to wait till the weather cools down.

Pair your favorite jean or paper bag waist shorts with the sweater. While you’ll get the fall look with the sweater, the shorts will keep everything breezy for hotter days.

Front tuck your sweater into your jean shorts for a tailored, yet relaxed look, and for paper bag waist shorts, make sure to do a full tuck on the sweater, so the top of the shorts and sweater don’t clash.

Finish both looks with open-toe stacked heels that’ll dress up your look and keep it breezy with the open-toe.

2. Mix sporty with sexy.

The 90s are back, which means silky dresses are everywhere to be found. But while the silk dress pairs easily with heels, it’s more fun with something than makes your look edgy and thoughtful: fashion sneakers.

Add a satin fashion sneaker for a feminine touch or a perforated leather slip-on for a downtown feel. Finish either look with a denim jacket and bucket bag.

1. 1 Jumpsuit, 2 ways to style it.

Remember how we added that blazer over the jumpsuit to make it work for business? Well, I’ve got one more way to repurpose your jumpsuit: turn it into pants! For this tip, you can throw a cropped tee over your jumpsuit for a casual look or tying a button down over the top for a dressy casual outfit.

If you add a tee over, the key to the look is making sure the neckline of the jumpsuit isn’t higher than the neckline of the tee. This will make the jumpsuit distract from the look, and both parts should work harmoniously together.

Finish either look with platform sandals to further elongate your silhouette and oversized resin earrings for a playful touch of personality.

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And don’t forget! Make sure to take pictures of each look you style, so you can reference them later whenever you’re ready to wear them.

If you enjoyed this post, I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and share which tip you’re most excited to use.

Lots of love and joy!

Raquel

What to Wear to ACL Music Festival 2019

I visited Studio 512 last week to chat about how to create practical and fashionable outfits from Austin’s biggest music festival. Watch the video below to get your ACL inspo and checklist!

The event that Austin buzzes about for months is finally (almost!) here. Whether you’re a die hard ACL fan that’s going for both weekends or just dipping your toe in with a day pass, it’s important to plan your outfit ahead of time.

For your ACL look(s), you need a balance of practicality and fashion. Practicality can limit what you can wear, which is nice if you already have what you need. If not, you’ll need to make time to shop for a few things ahead of the big day.

Watch the video below and see my checklist following to make sure you’ve got everything to make your 2019 ACL an awesome one!

And don’t forget! Leave me a comment below and share which piece you’re most excited to wear to Austin’s biggest event. I would love to hear from you!

Lots of love and joy!

Raquel

Your 2019 ACL Music Festival Checklist:

• Sunscreen

Never leave home without it, but especially when you’ll be outside all day. This is my favorite.

• Hat

Add a baseball cap with your favorite brewery or team on it for a sporty look, a cowboy hat for a true Texas touch, or a wide-brimmed black hat for a downtown vibe.

• Light-Weight Outerwear

This will come in handy if it rains or gets a bit cooler at night. Try a kimono or duster for a boho feel, a denim jacket for a 90s throwback (that’s totally trending right now!), or a relaxed blazer for a sophisticated touch.

• Shorts/Top or Sundress

You’ll want to stick with shorts or a sundress over a romper to make it easy to use the Porta Potties.

I prefer shorts, because it feels most comfortable for getting up and down off a blanket at a show or walking around, but if you prefer a sundress, just add bike shorts underneath, so you feel comfortable and feminine all day long.

Not big on either? You can always wear jeans, but you run the risk of getting hot, so make sure to keep that in mind.

• Silky Light-Weight Tank or Graphic Tee

If you go with shorts, add a light-weight tank under a kimono or denim jacket for a romantic feel. A graphic tee under a denim jacket or blazer will give you an edgier look. Stick to a 100% cotton tee or a cotton blend to ensure your tee is a little breezy.

• Fashion Sneakers or Cowboy Boots

Sandals will definitely make your feet dirty, so stay away from them. Try a fashion sneaker in navy, charcoal, or black for a color that won’t show a ton of dirt or add a sturdy cowboy boot to your look for a western touch.

• Fanny Pack or Crossbody Bag

80s fashion is back, which means the fanny pack is everywhere! Honestly, I love this trend so much, especially for ACL, because once you strap on your fanny, you don’t have to worry about it moving around or where you put it down.

If you’re not ready to take a trip back in time, add in a crossbody. Your crossbody will likely have the same amount of room or more than a fanny, and you can easily keep it on you at all times as well.

• Sunglasses, SPF Lip Balm, and a Water Bottle

Same as the sunscreen, you should never leave home without these things, but especially when you’re headed to ACL.

• Statement Jewelry

Had to save the best for last! Statement jewelry is your opportunity to get creativity, playful, and even a little wacky if you want, for the big day! Try resin earrings for a look that can hold up through the elements, a blingy bib necklace for a glammed out touch, or a big stack of bangles for a retro feel. You can even add all three if you feel daring — there can never be too many fun accessories at ACL.

The Fall 2019 Trend Report

The beginning of a new season is the most exciting time in fashion because it gives you the opportunity to build out the trendiest side of your wardrobe.

The majority of your wardrobe should be made up of classics, but trends are crucial too. They add joy, complexity, and creative inspiration to any closet.

Trends represent everything in our society: politics, religion, movies, music, food, nature. All those elements get channeled into what we wear.

This fall, there are a lot of eye-catching trends to consider. Here are some of my faves…

CAMO

You may feel like you have an aversion to camo, but there are so many different ways to do camo, which means there may be one for you. You can keep it traditional with an army green camo utility jacket and finish the look with a burgundy top and high-waisted dark-blue flares. If that feels like it stands out too much, try a grey camo print for a more subtle, elegant camo (and yes, it’s possible for camo to be elegant). Choose one of the greys from the camo (since there will be a mix) and use that in other parts of your outfit. For example, a grey camo pair of leggings fits easily with a v-neck charcoal, fine-kint sweater and slate-grey fashion sneakers. Finish all your camo looks with classic hoops.

ANIMAL PRINT

It’s impossible to miss animal print considering it’s everywhere. I hear a lot of women say they aren’t into animal prints, but like any good trend, it’s about finding the animal print that’s right for you.

Neon snakeskin, grey leopard, and an abstract cheetah print couldn’t be more different, so keep your eyes open for something that fits your personality. Neon is unequivocally bold, so if you are too, go for it. Try an abstract animal print, which has the appearance of a traditional animal print but isn't found in nature, to play into your creativity. An animal print made with variations of grey (rather than the more literal black and brown combination) will make for a sophisticated and updated approach.

CHUNKY PENDANT NECKLACES

Remember the Tiffany chain heart necklace of the 2000s? Chunky pieces like this are back and perfect for fall. These heavy-weight accessories are a perfect pairing with your chunkiest sweater or your classic cream-colored button down. Finish the look with simple studs of the same type of metal (such as gold, silver, rose gold), then add a big cocktail ring to match the chunkiness of the necklace.

PURPLE

Everyone can wear every color. It’s the version of the color that you need to match to your skin, eyes, and hair. Purple is all over the place, so you’ve got lots to choose from. One person might have a deep, clear complexion that pairs well with royal purple, while another person’s soft, cool complexion would be better suited for lavender. For a light, warm complexion, the answer is lilac. There is something out there for everyone. Pair your purple with its complimentary color, yellow, for a bold look or stick to all black around the purple for a sleek feel.

LACE

Lace is one of my favorite fabrics to try if you’re looking to transition a trend from day to evening.

In the office, a navy sheath dress with a full-length cardigan will create the perfect balance of femininity and power. Then switch the look to night with a moto jacket and cage heels.

Wearing it in a top instead? Tuck the lace top into paper-bag waist pants for a practical and comfortable look. Finish it with patent leather oxfords and a blazer for a powerful, professional finish.

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If you enjoyed this article, I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and tell me which trend you’re most excited to try for Fall 2019.

Lots of love and joy!

Raquel

How to Shop Like An Expert

Whenever I go shopping with a client, I pre-shop, which means I pull everything in the store well-suited to them before they arrive.

 I do this, because I always want you to have the most luxurious and stress-free shopping experience, and I want to open you up to new things you’ve never tried before but absolutely love.

 This means I take my time to sift through each piece in the store and think through all the parts of you that make up your style: your color palette, your body type, your personality, your lifestyle, and the things types of clothes that really excite you.

 This could surface in the most literal sense like when your love of travel is reflected by choosing a graphic button-down with an Eiffel Tower print. Or this could be a not-so-subtle print like cheetah that plays into your go-getter spirit.

 I see you in ways you may not always see yourself, but in ways that are oh-so true to you.

 I shop with joy, excitement, and curiosity, and I want this for you too.

 So this week is about helping you try something new: shopping like an image consultant.

 Here are my tips to keeping it fresh and fun on your next trip:

 And if you ever want to see what I’d pick for you, let’s chat. I would love to work with you.

4. Forget sizing.

There is no standard sizing. We all know this, but you may be looking to create a framework around your style by going back to the same size over and over again.

 That size will inevitably be too big or too small sometimes, because no piece is designed with you in mind and each piece is designed differently. A XS in Free People is often very roomy, and going up one or two sizes past your usual size may not be enough in TopShop.

 You can look at the tag for a reference point, but always, always eyeball.

 Does the XS look like your size, but you’re sure it’s a medium? Try it on. Don’t psych yourself out.

 And the more you eyeball, the better you’ll get at it, and the less you’ll have to try different sizes. You’ll naturally gravitate towards to size that’s juuuuust right in a piece.

 3. Forget the path you’ve carved.

 It’s easy to get stuck on a style that you think works for you and never deviate. Forget about 5 or 10 years, this can leave your style feeling stale after even 1 year.

 Your style has to always move forward and keep up with where you’re at.

 If you’ve had any transitions, big or small, professional or personal, your style needs to shift with it. This is the only way you can feel fully seen at this current moment in your life.

 So if you’re wearing the same tees you wore when you were 22, chances are you need an update. You need to step outside the box. And it may not even be just a departure from the style of tee. You may not be a tees gal at all anymore, outside of the gym. You may be the new queen of bodysuits.   

 But you never know unless you try one on.

 2. Indulge in the trend.

 A wardrobe should be a lot classics and some trends.

 But this mindset can leave you feeling guilty about buying trends—as if the requirement to be sophisticated is that you’ve gotta be all classic, no zing.

 It’s not true. You can still be and feel stylish your whole life, while incorporating pieces like a faux fur royal purple full-length jacket or rose gold mid-calf booties or cropped flare jeans.

 The trends are in the store and in your closet for a reason. They bring joy and excitement and energy to your closet. They bring humor and make you question why you’re attracted to something, but know you undeniably are.

 They can give you something to look forward to each new season, so let them do their job. And indulge in them whenever you want.

1. Stop looking for something in particular, just focus on you.

 When I go shopping with a client, I have a list to reference.

 The key being reference, because this list doesn’t rule my life or the shopping experience. Instead, I always keep an open mind, so if I see something that’s toooootally you, I give myself the freedom to add it to my cart.

Have you ever wanted to find a black t-shirt, and for some reason, the only black t-shirts you can find happen to be the worst fit, fabric, and just plain sad?

 It’s because you’re looking too hard and, often times, when you think you might need something, you might not need it at all.

It’s easy to fill your wardrobe with things you think you need like a white button down or a black tee, but style is all about you. You get to fill your wardrobe with whatever you want.

 When shopping, focus on what pops out at you and indulge in it. And if you really need a black tee, keep it on your mental list, but not top of mind.

Just like soul mates, the right tee comes along when you’re picking up a stapler at Target and least expect to find your favorite tee of all time. 

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If you enjoyed today’s post, I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and tell me which tip you’re most excited to try on your next shopping trip.

Lots of love and joy,

Raquel

We’ve all had body issues. Here are mine.

I’ve always had big arms and broad shoulders.

As my mom says, birthing these shoulders into the world wasn’t pretty. When I came out, the doctor said, “It’s a girl, and boy is she big.”

In elementary school, my upper body didn’t bother me so much. It was more my size. I wanted to be smaller and blonder like some of the other girls I was friends with.

So many of my friends were my size or taller or bigger. But, of course, I never thought about my normalcy. I went straight for the thoughts that invalidated my little body. 

Then puberty hit, and it wasn’t just about being big. I started to notice specific things that were wrong -- my arms and shoulders, in particular, but there was more.

In the backseat of my mom’s car one afternoon, while driving off from Central Market, my friend started teasing me for how tiny and awkwardly shaped my breasts were.

I don’t think I wore a bra at the time, but if I did, it was one of those sad Limited Too training bras. Everything was out there.

In addition to big arms and broad shoulders, I could now add pointy, ant hill boobs to the list of stuff that had gone wrong with my body.

As a freshman in high school, my first try at dieting directly followed my longtime friend telling me that I had a little bit of a belly in middle school. I needed to erase that memory, and I thought dieting might make her and me forget about what I looked like back then.  

After a high school breakup, I took the opportunity to use the grief to stop eating. I did the same thing again in my 20s. Shedding those pounds landed me compliments about how great I looked from both ex-boyfriends, which further validated my unhappiness.

Even as I got over both those boyfriends and learned that a man’s opinion about my body is irrelevant, I found that other people so often project their body fears on me. Friends and family commented when I looked “good” — a compliment I only got when I was trying really hard at losing weight. Otherwise, there were always the not-so-subtle hints that I should be trying harder, like a former boss in NYC who patted my belly when she thought I had gained too much weight. 

Then something big happened to change the way I think about myself: you.

I quit that job in New York, moved back to Austin, and founded Greer Image Consulting in September 2014 — five years ago this month.

Pretty soon after booking my first clients, I noticed something: So many women I worked with were exactly like me. My clients had issues with their bodies, some of which were based on their own misperceptions and others based on people’s unfair projections.

Any time a client started to pour out her concerns, I felt defensive of her and her inherent beauty.

“I hate wearing shorts because my legs are so pale and gangly.” Her legs are strong and graceful.

“I always wear sweatshirts because it’s the only thing that doesn’t let my stomach protrude.” She has an hourglass body type, with a feminine curve to her waist.

Even today when I hear women mourn the fact that their body is different and hopeless, I’m still shocked. 

How could anyone as lively, smart, beautiful, and soulful as this woman feel that way about her body?

In my heart of hearts, I believe every women is all these things.

As I continued working with more women over the years, I saw that belief validated with each client that learned to express who she is through her wardrobe and feel more comfortable in the body she was born in.

It changed me.

The negativity about my body started slipping away. I realized two truths that I always told myself — that I would never be enough and that every woman is enough — directly contradicted each other. Only one could be true.

I am exactly like the women I serve. I am enough. Every woman is enough. And her body is exactly as it should be.

Today, I love my shoulders, my arms, my breasts, and, even on those PMS-is-the-devil days, my stomach. It’s a process, and I think it always will be. But this body love has given me a new level of self-awareness and the ability to do the work that I love with the women I love.

If you feel like sharing any part of your story, leave me a note below. I would love to hear from you.

Love and joy,

Raquel 

5 Key Items to Add to Your Wardrobe for Fall

Your closet should be easy to navigate and even easier to style.

Your style should make you stand out, fit in, and give off messages of power, creativity, and approachability.

But thinking through exactly how all that’s going to work can easily throw you into the arms of those couple outfits that you have the ultimate love-hate relationship with.

They save you from leaving the house in your pajamas (woop woop!), but they’re about as exciting as vanilla ice cream (where’s the magic shell and sprinkles?!).

But awesome style is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.

With just a few simple updates, you can feel more put together and confident every day.

Sometimes that means strictly styling from what you have, and other times it’s about adding a few fresh items to your clothing arsenal.

Here’s my list of the top 5 items to try this fall, and if you’ve already got them, I’m giving you some fresh ways to style them.  

And don’t forget! Once you’ve read the list, leave me a comment below and tell me which item you’re most excited to try this fall. I love hearing from you!

Lots of love and joy,

Raquel

Can you believe they’re back?! My middle school self is so excited.

These bad boys are like any good part of your wardrobe, both functional and fashionable. Their job is of course to hold your pants up, but more importantly, the pants belt adds an extra ounce of fun to your style south of your waist.

To highlight your belt and buckle, make sure to do a full or front tuck. This brings the attention to the belt and shows that you’re detail oriented.

Watch the front tuck tutorial here.

Finish the look by adding warm-brown booties to match a warm-brown belt or a cool shoe like grey or black to a black belt. Don’t worry, the belt and shoe don’t have to match. They just need to be in the same color family.

Neutrals are good too, but this is your power piece for the moments when you’re feeling like your boldest self.

I would put lots of prints and colors under the umbrella of a statement piece like a blazer, so feel free to explore what you love – hot pink, cobalt, lavender, snake skin, lime, floral.

The sky’s the limit with how funky you can go.

If you’re feeling daring on styling, use the blazer as a compass to style the rest of your outfit.

Pull one color from a pattern to guide you to other pieces of the same color that could work in the outfit. For example, use forest green in the stems of a floral pattern to lead you to a forest green t-shirt dress for underneath.

Going with a solid-colored statement blazer? Use the type of color to guide you to a match. If the blazer is lime green, you’ll want to go with a light, clear, warm-colored piece like a watermelon or coral button-down to compliment the characteristics of the lime green.

Want to play it safe with such a bold piece? You totally can. Just keep it neutral underneath with a dark color like black, navy, or charcoal.

Polka dots, stripes, leopard – they’re all in style, which means you get to choose your fave T-shirt. Layer them under your statement blazer if the blazer is a solid color or tuck them into a skirt for a feminine addition.

Both looks will give you a combination of power and approachability – the perfect formula for work and weekend.

Add pointed-toe pumps to either look to intensify the power or make it smart casual by wearing your favorite pair of fashion sneakers.

If you’re not on the moto train yet, girl, you need to be. A moto jacket is a jacket that’s reminiscent of an actual leather jacket you would wear to protect you on a motorcycle.

But fashion has taken it and turned it into a fun styling tool. You can find these in all kinds of colors, textures, and faux leather options.

They’re not typically super heavy, which makes them just enough warmth for an Austin fall and winter.

Add a fine-knit v-neck sweater underneath during the coldest days of November or your printed tee underneath during the transitional months to come.

White after Labor Day? Absolutely. 

These may seem summery, but they can be totally fall. It’s all about how you style them.  

Try these with all black to give a severe downtown look.

Or pair them with other whites you’ll enjoy wearing all year long, like your classic white button down or a navy & white striped tee. Add your high-waisted blue denim and a bright statement earring to both keep it simple and add interest to your look.  

Finish the look with the statement blazer to play into the sleek feel of the sneakers. And don’t worry about keeping the blazer to office duties only. You can wear this look to work, brunch, dinner, or a shopping day with your girlfriends.

Still want to rock your sundresses into the fall? Perfect! These sneakers will add a practical and fashion-forward touch to the look. Finish it with your oversized denim jacket and your biggest hoops.

Why A Color-Coordinated Closet Is Necessary and How Exactly To Do It

If your closet feels more like storage than a room you’d show off on a tour of your home, it’s time for an upgrade.

Image via Simple Spaced

Your closet should be organized, stylized, and carefully mapped out like your kitchen or living room, but the thought of re-working so many clothes and accessories can get overwhelming.

There’s one thing you can do to shift the energy and appearance of your closet: color coordinating.

Take an hour today or pencil it in to your calendar, because coordinating the colors of your closet is essential.

Here’s why…

You buy less.

If you find yourself spending more than you’d like on a monthly or quarterly basis, color coordinating can help you curb your spending habits.

With each piece in color order, you see what you have and how much you have — often leading to the “Wow, I’ve got a lot of clothes!” moment. It means you don’t have to leave your closet to shop.

Just choose something from the bunch that you rarely wear or haven’t ever worn to give you a shopping buzz.

You use more.

One of my biggest goals at Greer Image Consulting is to help you use 100% of your wardrobe. When you can see it all, you’re way more likely to use it!

Pieces don’t escape into the dark corners of your closet. Instead, each piece is highlighted and in a spot that where you can easily grab it.

You see doubles.

If you’re like most women, you shop for similar cuts and colors over and over again. It’s great to have your best colors and cuts all over your closet, but if you’ve never been through The Greer Style Session, you may be buying the same pieces to keep it safe.

Color coordinating lets you see where you’ve got multiples, so you can give away what you don’t need or want.

You want to be in your closet.

Your morning routine shouldn’t be filled with dread.

Getting dressed is the mood setter for the day, and to get in your conquer-the-world-no-matter-what’s-coming-my-way vibe, you need a space that supports you.

Your beautiful closet (or half of it if you partner has the other half) is a space that’s only yours.

It’s your place to think about how you want to represent yourself: powerful, approachable, edgy, feminine, sexy.

There’s a lot to contemplate in this space, and you’ll get the most clarity and creativity when it’s beautiful and color coordinated.

Here’s how to do it…

Step one:

Organize by item. Put pants with pants, dresses with dresses, jackets with jackets, etc…

Step two:

In each item section, organize using ROYGBIV color order.

Here’s how it’ll go: white, ivory, tan, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, grey, black.

And voíla! Your closet is spectacular.

Don’t forget to leave a comment below and tell me how color coordinating your closet has helped you feel more confident and put together in your style. I would love to hear from you!

Lots of love and joy,

Raquel

How to Create Proportion and Balance That'll Make You Look Put Together and Polished

If you're bored with your current look, it may not be because of what you're wearing. It may be because of how you're wearing the outfit.

It’s easy to throw on a few great items from your wardrobe, and still know that something’s off.

The reason is often not about the pieces. It’s about the proportion.

But don’t worry! It’s an easy fix, and today’s video is all about how to make sure you’ve got the proportion and balance in your outfit that makes you feel confident all day long.

Watch the video below to learn…

• why your old math skills are more important than you’d think when getting dressed

• the simple styling technique to balance your top and bottom

• how to elongate your silhouette using three different jackets

• how to use color to balance your look

• the science behind why you should tuck in your shirt

• a dressy casual way to wear shorts this fall

And don’t forget! Leave me a comment below and share how you’ll using these tricks to create your next awesome outfit. I would love to hear from you!

Lots of love and joy,

Raquel

How to Create Back-to-School Style That'll Leave You Feeling Like the Cool Mom

You’re a busy momma, which means you don’t need one more thing on your plate.

And if you don’t feel confident putting together cute, comfortable outfits, choosing one can drag out the morning and leave you feeling less than confident all day long.

Your style should feel easy, but it should also make you feel put together.

Which means it’s time to put down the Lululemon and try something new. With the right styling techniques (I’ve got ‘em in the video below!), you’ll be ready to go in just a few minutes.

Watch the video below to learn:

• what cute and comfortable pant style to swap your leggings for

• the t-shirt to wear to feel both dressed up and down

• 3 jackets that work whether you’re in the grocery store or the carpool line

• a shoe brand making comfortable heels that actually work for your feet all day long

• the casual one-piece that’s just as easy to throw on (and way cuter) than your athleisure

• the fashion sneakers I swear by

And don’t forget to leave me a comment below and share which tip you found most useful in creating your busy mom style. I would love to hear from you!

Lots of joy and love,

Raquel

4 Pieces to Pair with Your Warm-Weather Blazer

You’ve probably got a blazer or two or ten in your closet.

But like any piece that’s under the guise of business attire, you can feel like the fun stops before it even starts.

There are so many things you can do with this jacket though, for work or weekend. With blazers trending right now, the inspiration is everywhere. Which means you should seize the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and into creative mode.

New outfits are just around the corner. All you’ve gotta do is style them.

Here are 4 simple, but creative ways to wear blazers and styling tips for each to help you along the way.

And don’t forget! After you read up, leave me a comment below and tell me which way of styling your blazer you’ll be trying this week.

Lots of love and joy!

Raquel

Styling Tip:

Follow your dress silhouette with the vertical line of your blazer, so both pieces naturally flow together. Here’s what I mean…

If you’ve got a straight up-and-down blazer (pictured above) or oversized boyfriend-style blazer (pictured below), you’ll want to avoid an exaggerated fit ‘n’ flare shape in a dress. Instead opt for a long and lean silky dress silhouette or a shift dress.

For dresses that have a set-in waist like that fit ‘n’ flare or sheath dress, try a cropped blazer that falls right above the waist or one that curves in at the waist to follow the line of the dress.

Styling Tip: Balance the proportion of blazer to dress by making sure the length of the dress and the length of the blazer aren’t the same.

You don’t want the dress and blazer creating a single horizontal line across your body, because this makes for a boring look.

It doesn’t matter if the dress is shorter (usually only happens if the jacket is super oversized) or longer than the jacket. Either way, they just need to be different lengths.

Prints are my fave, and I bet you’ve got a few of them stored up in your closet just waiting to get some love.

To add them to your blazer-focused outfit, you’ve just got to do one thing: link the colors in the shirt, skirt, or pant print to the color of your blazer.

Styling Tip: You can link two of the exact color together (cobalt blazer, cobalt-infused print) or you can use the characteristics of the color in your jacket to link to a print.

Below I’m using my watermelons to link right into my light, bright, warm, coral-colored jacket. While they’re not exactly the same color, the watermelons share the characteristic of light, bright, warmth with the jacket, so the coral jacket and the watermelons talk to each other.

Is your go-to blazer a neutral? Use it in the same way as you would a colorful blazer. Choose a pattern like leopard to play into a tan blazer or a silver metallic snake skin print to play into a grey blazer. Tan can be found in most leopard prints, so you’re linking the exact color, and grey has the same cool and light characteristics as silver, so you’re linking the characteristics of both colors.

Forget the classic suit. Wearing your blazer with a jumpsuit is the power move you need to be using at work.

The right business jumpsuit lets you move as easily as a dress would, but has the sleekness of a traditional suit. Adding the jumpsuit underneath your blazer will make both pieces more polished, intentional, and commanding.

Want to play with messages in your outfit?

Styling Tip: Tune into texture.

Is the blazer relaxed or rigid? Structured or soft? Ask yourself the same questions of the jumpsuit.

Match the texture of the blazer to the texture of the jumpsuit for a sharp message.

Rigid blazer + structured jumpsuit = power

Relaxed blazer + soft jumpsuit = approachability

If you’re looking to balance both, it’s easy! Just mix textures — try a structured blazer with a flowy jumpsuit like I did below.

This is super simple way to create a smart and casual look with your blazer, but there’s a trick to it: Don’t over think it!

While color matching is super duper important to creating clean looks, adding a basic tank underneath the blazer only means asking yourself one questions: Is the blazer dark or light?

If dark, go with a dark tank. If light, go with a light tank. Got a mix of colors in the blazer? Go either way.

Styling Tip: Even if the color underneath is slightly different, the quality of the color will link the blazer and tank.

If your blazer is black and your tank is navy, this slightly-off pairing will actually create a more interesting, sophisticated, and fashion-forward combination.

My blazer below has navy trim, but my tank’s actually charcoal — is it working? Yup! And yours totally can too. Happy Styling!

Front Tuck vs. Full Tuck? 7 Style Questions Answered.

As a creative woman, you’ve got questions about style that pop up every time you get ready.

“Does this look right?” and “Did I do this right?” are staple thoughts in the routine, but knowing the answers to these general questions means knowing the answer to more specific questions about how to style and piece together your outfit.

I want you to carve new pathways of how you think about your style, and unpacking your previous notions about your style, which may or may not be true, is the way to do that.

So today, I’m diving into some of my clients’ burning questions that you’ve probably asked yourself too…

How do you know if you’re pairing the right colors together?

1. Colors with the same characteristics will naturally go together, like pastels or jewel tones. Think lavender and blush (pastels) or hot pink and cobalt blue (jewel tones). If you’ve worked with me before and know your color palette, you can piece together any two pieces from that palette, because they all have the same characteristics that mimic your natural attributes. Haven’t worked with me before and want to know your palette? Let’s chat.

2. Try a monochromatic look. Monochromatic outfits can seem like a lot if you’re thinking about just one version of a color throughout your whole outfit (i.e., kelly green or mustard yellow). Monochromatic doesn’t have to mean head-to-toe mustard. For an elegant and subtle monochromatic look, simply use one color but vary the version of that color you use. For example, evergreen trousers and a jade top. Finish it with neutral heels to still highlight the color without feeling overwhelmed by it.

What’s the different between a french tuck and a front tuck?

There’s actually no difference between a French tuck and a front tuck. The phrase “french tuck” was popularized by “Queer Eye,” but both are defined by tucking the front of your shirt in and leaving out the back for a polished, yet relaxed feel. Need a tutorial on how to do it? Head here.

When do you do a front tuck vs. a regular tuck?

The front tuck is just a way to make your look a little bit more styled, while keeping it relaxed for business casual, dressy casual, or casual occasions. The only time you need to commit to a full tuck vs. a front tuck is if the top of your pants or skirt is bulky, and the front tuck can’t naturally flow over the back of the pants or skirt.

For example, paper bag waist pants or a poofy fit ‘n’ flare skirt will work better with a full tuck, so the top and bottoms work seamlessly together.

When’s the right time to roll my jeans up with shoes?

Rolling up jeans with your sandals, sneakers, or boots is really about making sure you don’t have too much of a break (excess fabric) sitting on top or your foot or shoe. If you notice there’s way too much fabric going on at the bottom of your outfit, simply roll up just enough to clear the top of your shoe.

Still can’t clear the top of the shoe without creating a huge roll? Roll twice instead of doing one super long roll to bring up even more of the pant.

Double roll feeling bulky? If this is the case, you’ll want to tailor your pants to a length that allows for a single roll or no roll at all.

Do I only have to stick to one metal (i.e., silver, gold or rose gold) when I wear jewelry?

Nope! You’ve got options, girl! The trick to using multiple metals in your accessories is to use each of the metals twice, so your mixed metals looks intentional. For example, if you stack up a gold bangle and a silver one, add a gold necklace to link to the gold bracelet and a silver ring to link to the silver bracelet.

Got a piece of jewelry with two metals already in it? Just add one of each of the metals in your other jewelry. For example, if your earrings are gold and rose gold, try a rose gold watch with a gold bangle.

Does my belt have to match my shoes?

Nope! But they do need to talk to each other, meaning both of the leathers should be in the same family. Wearing a warm-colored brown shoe like caramel, honey, or redwood? Add a belt of any of those colors, and they’ll link together without being an exact match.

Rocking your cool neutral like taupe, slate grey, or dusty rose in a belt ? Same thing — just add a shoe in this family, and both items will be linking back to each other for a put-together and polished result.

How do I know when to stop wearing a seasonal item?

Intuition! The rules of when to wear seasonal items like white or florals are dead, which means it’s completely up to you to decide when you want to pull out or put away these brighter options. Personal style is about expressing your point of view, mood, and goals, so if you get the urge to rock a lime-green jumpsuit in November, don’t stop yourself. Outside-the-box options make you look even more stylish and creative at any occasion.

Now, I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and share which question most resonated with you and how you’ll be using it in your wardrobe going forward.

Lots of love and joy!

Raquel

3 Simple Ways To Mix Prints and Patterns In Your Outfit

You’ve probably got some prints in your wardrobe. Without mixing those prints together, even your boldest pattern can feel a little safe.

Pattern matching and print mixing can feel intimidating if you’re not sure of the rules of how to do it, but with my help (and this week’s Greer Guide), you’ll find that it’s actually just as easy as piecing together an outfit of solids or neutrals.

Watch the video below to learn…

• 3 easy ways to mix prints from what’s in your wardrobe

• The right way to mix two of the same prints (i.e., stripes, stars, polka dots…), so your outfit doesn’t feel unbalanced or cluttered

• The key to taking two completely opposite prints and adding them into one awesome outfit

• The most important thing to consider when choosing how bold to go with your pattern matching

• How to create mixed print outfits for work or weekend

And don’t forget to leave me a comment below and share how you’ll be mixing patterns from your own closet! I would love to hear from you!

Lots of joy and love,

Raquel

5 Reasons Why Impulse Buys Are A Necessary Part of Your Wardrobe

Impulse buys get a bad rep as emotionally driven purchases that rarely, if ever, get used because they have no purpose or won’t quite fit in your wardrobe.

On the contrary! These little outsiders are actually one of the most important parts of any woman’s wardrobe. Here’s why…

5. They strengthen your creativity.

Clothes aren’t just about throwing something on your back every morning. They do so much more.

They help you get the job you want, stay ahead at the job you have, teach your family who you are, and perform multitudes of tasks that allow us to be seen in the world.

Clothes enhance our humanity. Creativity is a huge part of being human.

We create solutions at home and work, with friends and with family. Our clothes should reflect that.

Creativity is about thinking outside of the box and when you insert leopard bike shorts (total impulse buy I had recently) or a floor-length floral kimono into your wardrobe, everyone around you sees your authentic, creative self.

4. They challenge you.

To get better at styling outfits, you have to practice.

This doesn’t mean taking an hour out of your day to go through your wardrobe, but it means being intentional with how you put together your morning outfits.

Impulse buys can throw you for a loop when trying to use them in an outfit. Maybe there isn’t an obvious compliment to your new cobalt blue pumps, but there is always a match. It just may take a little bit more thought and creativity in finding that match.

As an image consultant, my job is to help women understand how to work with everything in their wardrobe in ways they never thought.

Knowing this, I want you to take that impulse buy head on and use the styling techniques I know you’ve got. Look at the colors, the prints, and the hardware in the impulse buy to find other items that can link to those details and build an outfit.

3. They add color, texture, and pattern.

I love bold colors, unexpected patterns, and “Can I feel that?!” textures, because they add upbeat and playful elements to any closet.

They also often get added to your closet in the form of an impulse buy, so these elements are reason alone to let your impulsive self take over once in a while.

Color is the first thing anyone sees when they look at your outfit, so if your closet is solely neutral, you’ve gotta up your color game, girl.

Don’t be afraid of the things you love, because hot pink, geometric prints, and faux fur teddy coats often make for a very cool closet.

2. They show off your uniqueness.

This is a little bit like your creativity, but what I love about showing your unique self is that it’s often not intentional. Self-care and self-improvement are awesome parts of life, but at the core, some parts of ourselves will never change.

Fashion is a way to show off your unique self, and one of the best ways to treat that self is to make the occasional purchase of something you may not normally buy.

Your closet is already made up of a collection of clothes completely unique to you, but impulse buys take it one step further in helping you show the world your awesome self.

1. They help you go with your gut.

This is the most important reason to embrace impulse buys — they make you go with your gut! We intuitively know the colors that look best on us, we instinctually gravitate towards patterns that enhance our attributes, and we shy away from things that don’t quite fit our bodies.

With this in mind, I want you to feel more confident and empowered when you go for an impulse buy. Chances are that rose gold moto jacket is actually a great fit for you, because you know yourself better than anyone else.

Need help styling your favorite impulse buys? Let’s chat.

Want to add some impulse buys to your wardrobe? The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is coming up, and I can shop it for you! Email me for details.

How to Style A July 4th Outfit No Matter Where You're Headed

T-minus two days till my absolute favorite holiday of the year!

There’s so much good food and so many fun activities to choose from for the summer’s biggest holiday, but you’ve also gotta think about the fashion.

It’s a given that you’ll want to incorporate red, white, and blue into your look for July 4th, but thinking through exactly how you’ll style each of the colors lets you create a fun, stylish, and oh-so patriotic look.

Watch the video below to get your red, white, and blue inspiration and these key takeaways:

• how to create a stylish July 4th outfit even if you don’t have all three flag colors in your closet

• the perfect sundress that’s as easy to throw on as a pair of shorts, and a whole lot more breathable, too

• how to incorporate another flag color with your makeup

• how to build your outfit around a July 4th t-shirt or swimsuit

• how to style a bandana in three ways

• what shoe rule you can break on the 4th

• how to create a dressy casual July 4th look for dinner, brunch, or going downtown

• how to style this summer’s hottest shorts trend

• how to use color blocking to create a put-together and patriotic outfit

And don’t forget! Leave me a comment below and tell me what styling tip you’ll be using this July 4th. I always love to hear from you!

Lots of love and joy!

Raquel

5 Fashion & Wellness Products You Need In Your Bag

FASHION TAPE

If you’ve never used fashion tape before, it’s double-sided tape designed to keep clothing in its place, so you can feel comfortable all day at work or all night at an event. It’s applied between your skin and clothing or between two pieces of clothing and comes in little strips, so it’s easy to fit it in the exact space you want it.

Places where fashion tape is useful:

• the space between two buttons of a blouse across your chest when there’s a gaping hole

• on the edges of a deep-v neckline, so it doesn’t gape open when you sit or move

• on the inside of a cuffed shirt or pants roll to keep the cuff in its place

• the edge of a flimsy collar to keep it tacked down

Check out and shop my favorite brand here.

SUNSCREEN

If you’re new to Austin, there’s one thing you must know: The Texas sun ain’t playing around.

No matter the weather or time of year, leaving the house means you’ve gotta put on sunscreen. Your skin is an essential part of highlighting your ageless beauty and protecting it should be a necessary step in your daily routine.

Apply sunscreen in the morning during your regular beauty routine, then again midday on-the-go, and if you’re headed to outdoor activities in the early evening, mid-afternoon as well.

If you’re looking for a new brand to try, check out Coola. They’re my absolute favorite, and bonus — the sunscreen actually smells good!

Worried you won’t get the perfect golden tan if you’re covered in sunscreen? Try a spray tan to get you golden. Here’s where I recommend getting yours in downtown Austin.

MINI LINT ROLLER

I’m pretty sure 90% of people in Austin have pets, and if you happen to fall into this chunk, you’ve gotta have a mini lint roller in your life and in your bag.

Lint rolling is a little extra step in your routine, but it’s super easy one that takes you from very hairy to put together and polished in a few minutes or less.

Check out these mini additions to to combat the fur and get confident.

TINTED LIP BALM

Keeping your lips safe from the sun is just as important as keeping your skin safe, but doing it can also give you a little style boost if you use tinted lip balm.

Tinted lip balm is just like lipstick, but while it’s working as makeup, it’s also working as protection.

Like the sunscreen, Coola is my go-to, because they have 8 different colors to choose from so you can match your lip to your mood and look.

Try “skinny dip” for an everyday look, “purple sky” for an edgy addition to your outfit, or “firecracker” for the perfect party touch.

Check out all the colors here.

MINI SCISSORS

Okay, these are just plain cute. When you’ve got a loose thread in your top or dress, you’re taking a risk when you pull without being sure you won’t create a hole by unraveling more of the garment. So just cut it!

These clippers are also good if you forget to cut the pockets or the vent in the back of your blazer as well as for trimming up a raw edge on your jeans.

bonus item: NIPPLE COVERS

So this item didn’t make it to my top five, just because if you have a larger chest, you’re probably saying “Absolutely not, Raquel” right now, and that would be a very valid point. But if you’re a c-cup or under, nipple covers are a great addition to your arsenal of products.

You can use them for an outfit that requires you to go braless or just add them under a dress or top whenever you feel like going braless.

There are two kinds you can try: one-time use pasties and reusable.

I like the one-time use, because they stick better, and you don’t run the risk of them moving around when you sweat.

Haven’t found your favorite brand yet? Try these.

Ready to bag it all up and throw it in your tote?

Check out these fun printed and patterned makeup bags from Skinnydip.

Now I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and share which addition to your summer satchel you’re most excited to try.

Lots of love and joy!

Raquel

What Are My Balance Points and Why Are They So Important?

Picking out the right jewelry means you need to consider your body type, color palette, and what’s practical for your life. But there’s something else to keep in mind when finding your perfect necklace…

It’s called balance points, and you have two of them that are completely unique to you.

Balance points are the spots that frame your face in the most attractive and complimentary ways. They're the best place for necklaces, scarves, and necklines to fall.

They aren’t hard to find, but since they’re unique to you, it’ll require a tiny bit of homework on your part.

Ready to find them? Grab a shoe lace and watch the video below to find both of yours.

Once you’ve watched the video, I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and tell me which accessories you’re excited to rock on your new found balance points.

Lots of joy and love!

Raquel