I have received quite a few emails from readers asking what advice I can give on creating your own personal style. I think this process is a lot more difficult than you/we think, especially with all of the inspiration on the web, change in trends, seasons, budgets, and just not quite knowing what works well for our bodies. So, here are a few things to keep in mind…

It took me awhile to understand exactly what this meant. I am not a stick; I have a chubby little gut that I like to pretend isn’t there, my hips are bigger than my waist, and my legs aren’t as long and lean as I wish they were. Because I am sometimes insecure about my belly I at times wear billowy tops that conceal my waist, making me look heavier than I am {for awhile this was news to me!}. Clothing is all about balance. It is important to see where your natural waist, hips, and chest sit relative to each other. Because I am short, I tend to look best when tops are tucked in or shorter in the waist, to balance out my slightly wider hips. Heels are always a great option for elongating your legs, and I love a good cropped jean to show off my ankle a bit {also an easy way to look long + slim}. Stare at yourself in the mirror and examine the contour of your body, you will be amazed at how much better you look when you let your body + your clothes work together!

Purge, clean, and organize your closet! Get rid of the clothes that you don’t wear {and know you won’t wear}, the pieces you’ve had for years {the ones with the pills, snags, and holes} that you shouldn’t wear, and make the focus be on the clothes that you feel confident in and want to wear. A well curated wardrobe should consist of what you love and what you feel helps define you, so out with the bad and in with the good! Sometimes this can be daunting, and I know we all tend to hold on to pieces that we might wear down the road, but think of your wardrobe as a showcase of who you are…we don’t want anyone bringing you down.

1  Equipment Signature Washed Silk Blouse {that comes in an array of fabulous colors}  2  Juicy Couture Grosgrain and Gold Detailed Cardigan  3  3.1 Phillip Lim Silk Blend Embellished Top  4  ASOS Levan Double Bow Ballerina {or in black and gold!}  5  Christian Louboutin Corneille Leather Pump  6  Milly Victoria Bag  7  Forever 21 Plaid Scarf  8  Kate Spade Seaport Pearl Studs

I know personal style ranges from person to person, but in order to create a well curated wardrobe, it is important to invest in pieces that are classic and likely to stand the test of time. I am all for popping into Forever 21 to stay up on the latest trends, but if you are going to spend the big dolla’s, make sure you know you will get your money’s worth.

PS: You don’t need to be stiff about this! If your classic is a pink leopard print top, then I am all for it! {I have posted here + here about my staples}

From Left to Right: Theyskens’ Theory Duliya Fruma Dress,  Theory Palya C Dress, and Rebecca Taylor Lace Combo Dress.

I wish I could show you how many LBD’s I have in my closet, probably an inappropriate amount. I am a firm believer of overdressed is better than underdressed, I am always confident in an LBD, they can easily be dressed down {especially this middle option}, and can be taken from season to season. There are times when I am very uncomfortable in jeans and would prefer a dress or skirt {this is usually the case}, so in those times of need I turn to the LBD section of my closet. If you only had one piece of clothing in your wardrobe, make it the perfect little black dress.

Finally, I am a firm believer that confidence is the best accessory a woman can wear. Be creative, find inspiration from others, be a copy cat, play around with texture and pattern, take a risk, wear sequins on a Tuesday, and have fun! Style is what you make of it and only you have the ability to define it your way.

I hope this helps! If you’re interested in a one-on-one styling consultation, please contact me.

PS: Thank you for all of those who participated in the Art Effect Giveaway! Random.org has generated lucky #18, Jen of Design Blossom, as the winner! Congrats!

Also, I am over at The Urban Slant today sharing my favorite outfit ideas for NYE! Pop over + say hello to Julia, she is the sweetest!


{images via Pinterest + Atlantic Pacific}