Add some color to your life

Your style guide
from Ketura Persellin

In This Issue

Closet stuck in a time warp?

Routines that make life easier

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July 30, 2009

Greetings!

Recently I was talking to my good friend and interior designer about colors for the exterior of my house. I figured off-white, taupe and maybe a red for the door. But no: She suggested warm white for the trim, a burnt orange for the door and -- are you ready? -- a lovely toasted lavender for the porch ceiling.

Ketura head shot2

She had completely lost it. Or so I thought at first. The more I considered her ideas, the more the color combination appealed to me. It was new and different, and I kind of liked it.

The next day a new J. Crew catalogue arrived, and guess what? The beautiful spreads were awash in -- you guessed it -- variations of lavender and orange.

Clearly my friend was on to something. And here's my larger point: It can sometimes take a little training of the eye to get used to new silhouettes and new color combinations.

Below are some of my go-to resources for when I need to update my eye. And if you're looking to add a splash of color to your life, you may be interested to know
that I'll be speaking at an intimate evening event about brightening up your wardrobe and finding your signature style, on Wednesday, September 9, at 7:30 p.m. (Email me for details.) This event is for you if you're frustrated with a full closet but have nothing to wear or wish you had a look that really expressed on the outside who you are on the inside.

Stay tuned for more upcoming events and a fall trend report in the next issue. In the meantime, I hope you're having a fabulous summer!

Warmly,

Ketura

PS Is your wardrobe ready for fall? Check out the 20% off coupon at the end of this email.

PPS Is there someone in your life who you think would like to use my services? Simply click on the forward link below and send them this email.

Eye candy

Training your eye

Is your closet stuck in a time warp?

If it is, you aren't the only one. Many of my clients have closets filled with clothes at least 10 years old -- bought before they had children or for a first job interview. Their lives (and bodies) have changed.

It's hard to let go, but you'll have an easier time bringing your wardrobe and your look forward if you educate your eye about current trends.

Some of my favorite resources:

Lucky magazine -- written for younger women but you can learn a ton, plus you never have to wonder where you can get that fabulous bracelet -- the relevant info is all right there (I especially like the "Style and Advice" section of the website)
InStyle magazine -- recently revamped so it's much less celebrity-focused and more about what to wear right now
A few of the blogs I read religously, in no particular order: Grechens Closet, Fashion Toast, Bloomacious, showing real women styling themselves in imaginative ways. Find a blog your really like and then take a look at that blogger's blog roll. Oh, and how about my new find, Atlantis Home -- doesn't the blogger look fabulous in the photo here? Love her insouciant combo of jeans and thrift-store sequin shift for day, though of course it's not for everyone)
Catalogues: J. Crew and Anthropologie, and
Women on the street: Take a look at what women are wearing where you live. Brunch at hip eateries is a good opportunity to people-watch, I've found.

I recommend regularly browsing some of these sources as inspiration and experimenting with the clothes you already have. Try a new silhouette, new layering and color combinations. Then branch out during a foray into a department store or boutique.

Need help? Drastically retooling an out-of-date wardrobe with minimal fuss and expense is my specialty -- give me a call to find out more.

Looking great made easy

Routines that work (and make life better)

There's something really comfortable about routines. Are you ready to take on a couple of new ones that might make your days a little smoother and brighter? Here are five that may work for you:

Makeup. Think about creating a Zen-like atmosphere when applying your makeup. Instead of reaching through a makeup pouch filled with powder residue and the mascara-before-last, just pull out the items you use now and lay them out on a pretty tray in the order you'll apply them. With this visibility and readiness, you'll be creating a routine filled with serenity.

Morning visualization. Take a moment to think about what you need for the day. An extra pair of shoes to go from day to night? A shawl or sweater for an unexpected chill? Gym gear? If you plan ahead, you may find more time to play.

Night-to-day planning. Preparing an outfit for the next day can prevent a morning disaster. Take five minutes at night to pull together the tomorrow's outfit. In the morning, you may make a few changes but at least you'll have a basic plan in place.

Nightly skincare. Everybody suggests it, but have you worked it into a routine? Taking off makeup is crucial to keeping your skin at its best. Add a moisturizer or serum and enjoy your coming-down-off-the-day routine.

Clearing the closet clutter. Make it a habit to get rid of your dry-cleaning plastic bags and put clothes back on their matching hangers. Get rid of all those extra shoe boxes that waste space. Take non-clothing storage out of your closet and only store the clothes you wear. Your closet should be a place you love to come back to, with clothes that work as hard as you do.

Save 20%

Need help getting ready for the holidays? Want to make sure you're all set for a new job? This special offer can get you started on the right foot. Give me a call and we'll schedule an appointment to work in your closet or to get a jump on your shopping list. And if you book an appointment for September before the end of August, you'll receive a 20% discount on the entire appointment. Contact me to schedule your appointment or to arrange for a complimentary get-acquainted session.

Offer Expires: August 30, 2009