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

What to Wear to Work in the Summer Heat

If you’ve been in Texas for the past couple weeks, you’ve probably noticed a few tried and true signs that summer has arrived.

And whether you’re a native Texan like me and can’t get enough of the heat or dread the days of sweat and nonstop sunscreen, you’ve gotta know how to dress for the Texas summer.

This week, I stopped by Studio 512 to chat all about the many options for clothes and outfits to explore this summer at work.

Watch the video below to learn:

• what types of fabrics work to keep you cool in the heat

• the waistband that can save you from sweaty discomfort

• the skirt style that’ll make your look a little more breathable

• how to incorporate your personality into a practical summer top

• the surprising shoes you can stay cool and comfortable in all summer long

• the tropical touch that will make your look perfectly in season

• the trendiest color combination of summer 2019

• how to break the rules of business casual and still keep your look appropriate for the office

• the accessories that add style, but won’t weigh you down

• the pants you can actually enjoy wearing during the summer

• the perfect summer blazer to make your look breezy and office-appropriate

• the do’s and don’ts of wearing sandals at the office

And don’t forget to leave me a comment below and share the styles you’ll be rocking all summer long.

Lots of joy and love!

Raquel

6 Simple Ways to Create An Environmentally Friendly Wardrobe

The earth is our friend and, like any good friendship, it’s important to care for it as best we can. That means taking initiative to preserve the environment through recycling what’s possible, investing in reusable goods, and being mindful about the clothes we wear.

We all get caught up with the shiny new objects in the department store windows or shopping the awesome sales to get a quick fashion fix, but balancing the impulse buys with little steps to save our planet is an easy way to make a positive difference in our world and community.

get things tailored

In love with a piece you bought that doesn’t fit quite right? Before you throw it in the go pile, consider tailoring. If the silhouette is suited to your body type, but fit is slightly off, there’s often a solution in adjusting the top, bottom, sides, or back of the piece.

• Pants fitting through the thigh and butt, but not through the waist? Have them pinched at the waist.

• Torso too long on a top or dress? Have the shoulders taken up.

• Pants too long at the bottom? Have them taken up.

• Worn out bottoms on your shoes? Have them reheeled.

If you’re new to tailoring and unsure of what adjusts might be right for your garment, simply take it to your trusted tailor and hear from them about what can be done. If you’ve got a good tailor, they should be able to advise you about what can or cannot be done to an item. If nothing can be done to fit the item to you, try this next step.

sell what can be reSOLD

Most consignment shops in Austin want next-to-new items you’ve purchased within the last few years. If you’ve got anything you no longer want or that no longer works in the next-to-new category, it’s time to hop to the consignment shop!

Consigning your unwanted items not only means they’ll be put to good use in someone else’s closet, but they’ll also help you make some extra cash along the way.

Not sure where to consign in Austin? Check out this list.

shop consignment

Make the most of your trip to consign your unwanted items by shopping the store while you’re there! Shopping second-hand items often means you’re getting a higher ROI (return on investment) than a new piece, in addition to giving an old item a second chance at life and not creating more waste through new production.

clothing swap

Now, I’m not always the biggest fan of clothing swaps.

I think they can be awkward if the quality of items is uneven among the group, but if you have a trusted group of girlfriends whose price point for shopping and taste aligns with yours, go for it! Just like consignment, you’ll give an old piece new life without contributing to new production.

shop vintage

Almost everything in fashion comes back around at least once or twice, so take the opportunity to get on trend by shopping vintage pieces. The ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and yes, already the 2000s, are speckled throughout the fashion world right now, so it’s the perfect time to find what you love from a wide variety of options.

Need to know where to shop vintage? Get my list of the 40 best boutiques in Austin (including vintage!) here.

hire a stylist

My motto is less clothes, more outfits. When I enter your wardrobe, I get rid of what’s not working for you and style the rest, so you use 100% of what you’ve got, which makes you less likely to shop impulsively later.

You leave the session knowing what pieces from your current closet work for you, why they work for you, and how they work with other items in your wardrobe.

So often women use new purchases as a bandaid to fix their wardrobe when a wardrobe doesn’t need fixing — it needs styling.

While new pieces are sometimes necessary, it’s using what you’ve got more creatively and confidently that often makes you feel more put together, intentional, and knowledgable with your style.

Interested in using what you’ve got in your closet to get dressed every morning in outfits you know look good? Book a call with me this week. We’ll chat all about your individual wardrobe needs and closet goals. From there, I’ll recommend a plan of action unique to your life and style.

Cheers and joy!

Raquel

How to Outfit Prep on Sunday for The 5-Day Work Week

Sundays are for doing — meal prep, homework, to-do lists, and rest allow you to be your most productive and focused self for the week ahead. But what about planning your outfits?

Whether you’ve dabbled in the process or never considered it before, weekly outfit prep is an easy way to save time and energy, just like all your other Sunday tasks.

On top of the all that, prep will actually help you develop your style even further, and we all want that.

Weekly outfit prep helps you tap into your creativity, work your way through your wardrobe, use what you’ve got, and weed out the pieces that make you feel blah when you wear them.

Weekly outfit prep is super easy, too, so don’t shy away. I know you can do this! Let’s dive in, shall we?

Grab your rolling rack.

If you don’t have a rolling rack, clear part of a row in your closet to line up all the outfits. If you’re looking to add a rolling rack to your routine, check out these ones.

Choose five single items to build each outfit around for each day of the week.

I’ve picked five examples for you here, but you can pick anything.

• Monday - dark-washed blue jeans

• Tuesday - floral wrap dress

• Wednesday - hot pink long-sleeved blouse

• Thursday - black jeans

• Friday - leopard pencil skirt

Inspect each item.

Check each item for wrinkles, stains, holes, and pilling. Get rid of any pieces that are pilling. Put any holey items in a tailor pile to mend. Throw any stained items in the wash/dry clean pile. Make a written or mental note of any wrinkled items to be ironed after you’ve pieces together all your outfits.

For any pieces that you had to knock out, replace each with a new item.

---

Choose five more single items that pair well with your current items.

• Monday - dark-washed blue jeans, kelly green striped shirt

• Tuesday - floral wrap dress, scarlet slides

• Wednesday - hot pink long-sleeved blouse, black culottes

• Thursday - black jeans, charcoal dressy tee

• Friday - leopard pencil skirt, black sleeveless mock turtleneck

Inspect each item.

Repeat this step exactly as you did the first time, but with the second set of items.

---

Remember this guideline:

Don’t wear any of the items twice in one week unless the item is outerwear, jewelry, shoes, or a layering tank.

---

Choose five more single items that pair well with your current items.

• Monday - dark-washed blue jeans, kelly green striped shirt, nude pointed-toe pumps

• Tuesday - floral wrap dress, scarlet slides, turquoise statement necklace

• Wednesday - hot pink long-sleeved blouse, black culottes, pewter pendant necklace

• Thursday - black jeans, charcoal dressy tee, black fashion sneakers

• Friday - leopard pencil skirt, black sleeveless mock turtleneck, black blazer

Inspect each item.

Repeat this step exactly as you did the first time, but with the second set of items.

---

Repeat the choose and inspect method until each look is complete.

Outfits may end up be complete at different times. For example, a dress may take four rounds of adding pieces and a pair of jeans may take six. Don’t worry about everything having the same amount of stuff for each outfit. To be complete, just know that each look must include clothes (duh), shoes (duh), and jewelry (don’t forget this!).

Here are my completed outfits:

• Monday - dark-washed blue jeans, kelly green striped shirt, nude pointed-toe pumps, gold watch and stackable gold bangles, mixed metal drop earrings (5 steps)

• Tuesday - floral wrap dress, scarlet slides, turquoise statement necklace, aqua stud earrings (4 steps)

• Wednesday - hot pink long-sleeved blouse, black culottes, pewter pendant necklace, fuchsia pumps, diamond studs (5 steps)

• Thursday - black jeans, charcoal dressy tee, black fashion sneakers, long black cardigan, silver hoops, layered silver necklaces (6 steps)

• Friday - leopard pencil skirt, black sleeveless mock turtleneck, black blazer, black and gold earrings, black mules (5 steps)

---

lastly, iron out the kinks.

This isn’t the most fun part, but it’s definitely a necessary part for your outfit. Wrinkles distract you and anyone you might run into during the day, so make sure to iron them out to keep your look in tip top shape for each day of the week.

And don’t forget! Leave me a comment below and share your favorite outfit you put together this week. I would love to hear from you!

Happy Styling!

R

What Bathing Suit is Right for My Body Type?

Image via Zaful

I love to shop. It’s a core part of what I do with my clients to ensure they have a closet full of clothes that fit their body type, color palette, personal style, and lifestyle.

Shopping is the blank canvas where I get to introduce my clients to pieces that simultaneously feel like them (i.e. authentic to their style) and open them up new ideas and items they would never choose on their own.

Shopping is the means by which you’re able to explore your individual style and see what funky, fun trends are out there right now.

But bathing suit shopping is rarely like this.

It can feel like we’re looking at our bodies under a microscope and, in turn, can make us question ourselves in a whole new, and often negative way.

This year, I want your swimsuit shopping to be different though.

In style, there is always an answer. The answer is not that there is something wrong with your body.

There is nothing wrong with your body type or size.

The answer is not that you’re “too fat” this bathing suit season and should lose hope.

You are exactly the size and shape you should be.

The answer is about keeping an open mind and knowing that not every suit will work, but there are two or three that will.

When going into this process, be quick to say “no” when something doesn’t work, but don’t revert to “no” because you’re down on your body. Give each suit a good, hard look.

Ask yourself “why did the suit work?” or “why didn’t the suit work?” and put that understanding in your back pocket to reference during future shopping trips.

And most important thing to keep in mind with bathing suit shopping, even more than clothing shopping…

Honor your body type.

This is the key to you having a successful, satisfying shop.

So let’s start exploring, shall we?

Oh, and if you’re lost on what your body type is, you can go here to find out yours before reading on about the perfect bathing suit for your body type.

And don’t forget! Leave me a comment below and share what swimwear you’re excited to try this summer season.

Happy Shopping!

Xx.

R

Apple

Your legs are your best attribute, so don’t be shy in showing them off. You have the freedom to go with a low-, medium-, or high-rise bottom, but the top will be your trickiest part. Try these shapes and styles:

• empire-waisted one piece

• halter tops

• tankinis

Check out ideas, get inspiration, and shop specifically for your apple body type here.

Hourglass

Just like most outfits, you want to think about highlighting your waist. Try these shapes and styles:

• spaghetti-strap bikinis

• high-cut one piece

• peplum tops

Check out ideas, get inspiration, and shop specifically for your hourglass body type here.

Inverted triangle

The key to your suit is balancing your shoulders, and you can do this with the top half or bottom half of your suit. Try these shapes and styles:

• high-neck sport suits

• mid to thick strap bikini tops

• mid-rise bikini bottoms

Check out ideas, get inspiration, and shop specifically for your inverted triangle body type here.

Pear

Your frame is best suited to tops that highlight your shoulder girdle and accentuate the curve between your waist and hips. Try these shapes and styles:

• high-waisted retro bottoms

• spaghetti-strap tops

• off-the-shoulder tops

• sweetheart-neckline tops

Check out ideas, get inspiration, and shop specifically for your pear type here.

Rectangle

Your straight up-and-down frame means you’ve got lots of room to play with the suit you choose. Try these shapes and styles.

• one shoulder

• deep v one piece

• vertical striped suit

Check out ideas, get inspiration, and shop specifically for your rectangle type here.

What to Wear to Graduations

Summer is fast approaching, which means it’s time to celebrate! Warm weather is headed our way (some would debate that’s to be celebrated), vacation is on the horizon, and graduations of all kinds are taking place this weekend!

Graduation is an occasion that I always help my clients dress for, which is why I decided to bring some ideas on what to wear to high school and college graduations to Studio 512 this week.

Watch the video below to learn:

• the perfect level of formality for graduation

• how to choose your outfit even if you don’t know what activities you’ll be doing outside of the ceremony

• how to keep your look cool (temp wise) and edgy for the big day

• the breathable fabric you’ll love to wear all day long

• the perfect heels to rock if you’ll be walking a bunch

• how to dress up a piece you might not consider for the graduation, so it’s perfectly appropriate

• how to build a dressy-casual outfit around your plain-white tee

• the right skirt to choose to keep your look festive

• how to match your earrings to your skirt or pants without being matchy-matchy

• how to pair two different neutrals, so they seamlessly work together

• the light-weight jacket you’ll love to wear for the ceremony and beyond

And don’t forget! I always love to hear from you, so leave me a comment below after you’ve watched the video and share your favorite styling take away for this weekend.

Xx.

R

Styled Over Swimwear: How to Create Fresh, Fun, and Practical Outfits for the Pool

Swimsuit season has arrived! And no matter your level of enthusiasm, fear, or a little bit of both about getting into a suit, there’s one thing we can all get pumped about: a really rockin’ outfit for the pool.

Pool looks rarely get the attention they deserve, but one of the biggest factors in feeling truly confident and comfortable when poolside is in giving your pool outfit the same attention you would a work or dressy-casual outfit.

Last week, I visited Studio 512 to chat all about what to wear to the pool and how to do it.

It’s time to ditch those overworked flip flops and worn-out cover-ups for something you really love and feel awesome in all day long.

Watch the video below to learn:

• what piece to start with when you’re styling your poolside outfit

• how to make a cohesive look by linking one clothing piece to another

• what accessories are perfect for the water

• what accessories not to wear into the water

• how to tie the metallic in your sunglasses back to your sarong

• what denim to wear to the pool

• how to create a look that can go from the beach to dinner

• how to tie your swimsuit in with your accessories

• how to elevate your pool outfit (literally) into a glam look

• the perfect layers to rock at the beach or pool

• the trending swimsuit you can use to show off your personality

• how to use sarong three ways

Once you’ve watched, leave me a comment below and share your favorite styling tip you’re going to take to the pool this season.

Happy styling!

R

The Top 5: Bras, Underwear, and Shapewear

If the undergarments don’t work, everything is out of wack.

Self-conscious, distracted, and just physically uncomfortable: I know many of my clients and I have experienced those universal feelings wearing the wrong pair of underwear, a badly fitting bra, or shapewear that just doesn’t cut it.

The pieces you throw on before anything else should support you, physically and emotionally. They should leave you confident, comfortable, and present in every social situation.

After trial and error, I’ve discovered the brands that I swear by for my clients and myself.

Here are my 5:

NATORI BRAS

Why I love them: I don’t have a particularly large bust, but I lean in the direction of comfort, support, and practicality (don’t we all?!?),so no matter your size, I think all women should give this bra a try.

This is full boob coverage, y’all. No spillage — only softness and structure to these masterfully-designed bras.

Find them at Nordstorm or Natori.com.

HANKY PANKY PANTIES

Why I love them: I’ve got a booty on me, and for all y’all out there that identify with that statement, full-butt panties can be uncomfortable. I don’t need one more layer on top of my derrière reminding me of it every five seconds.

Hanky Pankies offer stretchy thongs with wide straps, so they don’t dig into your sides or your bum. They’re soft, durable, and come in one-size-fits-most that hugs around your curves, so they really do fit many different body types and shapes.

Check them out here, and if you’re a woman who loves a full-coverage panty, they also offer those styles are well.

SPANX SHAPEWEAR

I believe every body is beautiful, and every woman should feel that in hers, so I want to start off by saying shapewear is not about hiding. You should never be hidden, because your curves are worth celebrating.

Shapewear is about smoothing under certain fabrics and creating a seamless silhouette under certain dresses, jumpsuits, pants, and skirts.

It’s good to have shapewear in your arsenal, because if you throw something on and the fit isn’t quite right, you can always add shapewear and see if that allows the garment to more easily follow the line of your body.

Spanx may not be the original, but since its birth, it’s been the best.

Check them out here.

FREE PEOPLE BRALETTES

Why I love them: These are the pretty little things that add the perfect stylish accessory to a summer sundress or tank top.

Use them as an extra feminine, flirty detail for date night or under a sporty Saturday outfit for a playful touch that’s super comfortable.

And for those of you who are wondering…yes, they are appropriate for you, no matter your age.

Try matching your bralette to the exact neckline of what you’re wearing (halter bralette with halter top) or contrast the shape of the bralette to the top (bandeau bralette with spaghetti strap v-neck top).

Shop the look here.

ZELLA SPORTBRAS

Why I love them: This high-quality athleisure brand is one of Nordstrom’s own, which means it’s easy to find these super comfortable, durable sports bras at your neighborhood Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack at an awesome price.

Looking to add a whole athleisure look to your wardrobe? Try their high-waisted leggings — the structure and support on these bad boys is the bomb.

Check out the bras here.

Now I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and share which piece you’re excited to try.

Xx.

R

How to Dress For Your Body Type

Last week on The Greer Guide, I shared an easy way to identify your body type based on proportions and measurements.

Today, it’s about taking the next step in using your body type to create outfits that highlight your shape and accentuate your best attributes.

Watch the video below to learn:

• the unexpected shoe that balances an inverted triangle

• the right way to style tops with skirts for a pear body type

• how to accentuate the curves and long silhouette of a rectangle

• the pants to try if you’re an inverted triangle

• the type of jacket that highlights a rectangular shape

• the little accessory that gives a rectangle curves

• the types of skirts well suited to a pear

• the types of skirts well suited to an hourglass

• the types of fabrics to try as an inverted triangle

Once you’ve watched the video, I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment and share your favorite way to style outfits for your body type.

Xx.

R

How to Know Your Body Type

“So what is my body type?” — it’s the question every woman needs to know the answer to.

Knowing your body type unlocks the ability to understand your style. Your body type gives you the freedom to accentuate curves, balance proportion, and create intentional shapes within your outfits.

There are a variety of different ways people measure body type, and this article is one of the best I’ve found. I’m using some of the math from it with some tweaks of my own.

But before we get into the body types, it’s important for me to mention this…

I come from the new school of thought on body type — I don’t believe that if you are a pear, you should never were skinny jeans (a big old no no once upon a time) or if you’re an inverted triangle, you should never wear a power blazer that accentuates the width of your shoulders.

I believe all bodies are beautiful, and you can use your body and style in any way you want. If a look is authentic to you and makes you feel good, it’s worth giving that look a shot.

This is not about doing it wrong or doing it right. It’s about giving you the knowledge, so that you can explore how you wear clothing in the most satisfying ways.

Clothing should always be exciting, which means you’ve got to take risks every once in a while. Whether that means adding cropped flare pants into the mix or belting an oversized patterned mumu, it’s your time to play. Have fun with it.

So without further adieu! Start here:

First, measure your shoulders, bust, hips, and waist.

If you’re unsure of where your natural waist is, it’s situated below your rib cage and above your belly button.

If you’re unsure of where your hips are, stand up and raise one leg, so there is a 90 degree angle between your foot and your glutes. Touch the crease where you bent your leg, then lower your leg. That spot from side to side is where your hips lie.

For shoulders, measure (or get someone to measure for you) straight across the back of your shoulder girdle.

Jot down all four of the measurements, and determine your body type…

Pear

If your hips are 5% larger than your shoulders and/or bust, and you typically gain weight in your bottom half over the top half of your body, you’re a pear.

To accentuate your curves, try these:

Outfit 1: fit ‘n’ flare skirt, graphic tee tucked in, pointed-toe pumps

Outfit 2: high-waisted, wide-leg trousers, pull-over blouse tucked in, block-heel sandals

Outfit 3: flare dark blue jeans, button-down tied up, stacked-heel booties

Apple

If your bust is more than 5% larger than your hips and you easily gain weight in your abdomen, but rarely in your legs, you’re an apple.

To highlight your body type, try these:

Outfit 1: tunic top, long pendant necklace, faux-leather leggings, knee-high boots

Outfit 2: wrap dress, sock booties, gold hoops

Outfit 3: boat-neck tee, white jean shorts, embellished sandals

Rectangle

If your bust, shoulders, and hips measure within 5% of each other, and your waist is less than 25% smaller than your shoulders and/or bust, you’re a rectangle.

To play with your shape, try these:

Outfit 1: shift jumpsuit, kimono, slip-on sandals

Outfit 2: bodysuit, skinny jeans, duster, cowboy boots

Outfit 3: ribbed tee, denim pencil skirt, stretch blazer, oxfords

Hourglass

Your shoulders and your hips measure within 5% of each other, and your waist is at least 25% smaller than your hips and shoulders.

To enhance your curves, try these:

Outfit 1: pencil skirt, moto jacket, tucked-in spaghetti strap top

Outfit 2: high-waisted joggers, mock-turtleneck top, fashion sneakers

Outfit 3: crop top, printed pants, chandelier earrings, strappy heels

Inverted Triangle

Your shoulders and/or bust are more than 5% bigger than your hips.

Outfit 1: boyfriend jeans, crew neck tee, platform sandals

Outfit 2: a-line skirt, silky button-down, pointed-toe pumps

Outfit 3: skinny jeans, cowboy booties, relaxed fit blazer, v-neck tee

As always, I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your body type and what outfit you’d love to try this week.

Happy Styling!

Xx.

R

5 Ways to Style Your Black Dress for Hot Weather

Most of us have a black dress in our closets.

For you, it may be a go-to piece or a dormant item that’s collecting dust in the back of the closet.

No matter its position or rank, it needs some TLC every once in a while because this piece is one of the few in a woman’s wardrobe that deserves the title of staple.

So this week, I’m giving you five easy ways to assemble an ensemble around your LBD (translation: little black dress).

And as always, I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and share which you’ll be recreating using the contents of your closet.

Happy Styling!

Xx.

R

NEON MAGIC

BELTED W/ BRIGHT WHITES

ALL-THE-COLORS STORY

OFFICE-READY

BLING & BLUES

3 Simple Ways to Style Colorful Outfits for Spring

There’s no better time to incorporate color into your outfit than spring. With Bluebonnets and Paintbrushes popping up all along the road, color inspiration is constantly surrounding us.

And while it can feel intuitive to use color in your outfits, you may talk yourself down from a really great outfit if you’re unsure of actually how to use color in your look.

Which is why I stopped by Studio 512 this week to chat all about three different ways to create colorful outfits this spring.

Whether neutrals make up 90% of your closet or you don’t leave the house without color, I’ve got easy-to-implement tips specific to your comfort level that you can apply right now.

Watch the video below to learn:

• how to create a monochromatic outfit

• how to add one pop or more of color to a neutral outfit

• the trick to adding multiple colors to one outfit

• why monochromatic doesn’t necessarily mean what you think

• how I define a neutral

• what colors can actually go with neutrals

Once you’ve watched the video, leave me a comment below and tell me which color styling technique you’re most excited to try. I would love to hear from you!

Xx.

R