Happy New Year Stimuli Readers!  Hope you had a fantastic holiday.  Have you made any style resolutions?  Now that it’s 2012 we are back to regular programming.  Back to work.  Back to school.  Ugh.  Why does that feel like the extra helping of turkey from a holiday dinner?  I need another week off just to recuperate!!  How about you?  

It may be a sluggish start to a new year, but that doesn’t give us license to look like a slob!  No hiding in oversize clothes to conceal whatever ails you.  For those of you who have hit the treadmills, good for you!  But that doesn’t give you the right to wear workout clothes wherever you go.  By workout clothes I also mean yoga wear.  You know who you are.  

If there is one style resolution that you should make for 2012 it is to have a stylish uniform.  Uniform?  Yes, uniform.  I have one.  I have four children that I run after.  Three of them are in school, dance, and hockey.  One of them is a crazy busy toddler.  I depend on a wardrobe that I feel great in no matter what I am doing.  I want/need pieces that are easy to pull together.  It’s okay to wear comfortable stretchy pants and over sized sweatshirt every once in awhile.  I get it.  But don’t drown your style potential.  

Stop yelling!  I hear, “It doesn’t matter what I wear”,  “ I don’t care about style”, “Nothing ever fits right!”, “I can never find clothes in my budget”.  Excuses, excuses!  Why all the excuses?  Are you not worth the effort?  Are you not allowed to feel good because you look good?  Let me tell you that you are worth the effort.  It may seem overwhelming at first, but let's take it one step at a time.
 
It does matter what you wear.  It matters for so many reasons.  When you look good you feel better about yourself. When you feel good you will radiate confidence and project it on to the people that surround you.  Like your children.  Especially if you are a mom to girl(s).  I have two young, very impressionable daughters and two young sons.  High school is looming ahead of them and puberty is a beast.   If you hide underneath your clothes your children will do the same.  How will they know how to dress otherwise?  What about your work environment?  Did you miss a potential job opportunity?   Like pitching a big project, acquiring new clients, or a job promotion. Dressing for success can help you achieve your work goals.

I love when I hear people say they don’t care about style.  Oh really?  What you put on for the day states your style.  You decided to buy that shirt, this sweater, those pants.  Style does not have to mean the latest trend off the runway.  Style does not have to mean what Lady Gaga is wearing.  Style is what you like, what you love.  Style is not out there to change who you are.  Finding your style will only enhance who you are.

It’s too tight.  Makes my butt look big.  My cleavage is spilling out!  Yes, you are right.  It does not fit.  If it does not fit in any size don’t try to make it work.  It probably means that the cut is not right for you.  I know you love the skinny jeans and that shrunken blazer look.  Instead, try a pair of straight leg jeans and a sweater blazer. You need to analyze your body.  Take your time and be honest.  When you do, you will find that understanding what fits you best will make shopping and finding your style a whole lot easier.

You don’t have a lot of money to spend, you're on a budget, especially after the holidays.  I understand.  Write a list of the top five things that will give your wardrobe a jump start.  Consider how often you will wear each item.  Know what quality is.  Have you felt the difference between a $300, $150, and $60 cashmere sweater?  Look at the label. Does it say 100%, 70%, or 5% cashmere?  Sometimes splurging on an item can take you further.  That said, sometimes waiting for a sale can be quite a thrill!  After the holidays there are sales everywhere.  You can find that cashmere sweater to fit your budget.  But be wary of those bargain basement prices by checking the quality, fit, and style.  Sometimes that bargain may be too good to be true!

Dear Readers, if you make one style resolution this year I hope you choose to find your stylish uniform.  Finding your style does not have to be overwhelming.  When you walk in to a store look for a sales associate that is dressed like how you would like to dress.  Don’t be afraid to tell them your fit issues.  Sales associates are trained to know what is on the sales floor that will best suit you.  If you see the girl with the bright pink hair, chewing bubble gum, wearing ripped tights under short shorts and a tube top staring at you like you have two heads, you may want to walk away.  Far away.  I know it can be frustrating at times.  Take a break.  Breathe.  Now try again.  Because you are worth the effort.

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor

It’s the final days before Christmas and for once, I am not out there battling the crowds!  Yahoo!!  I think this is the first year I managed to shop for everyone with time to spare.  So what am I doing with that spare time?  I am thinking about what to lounge around in on Christmas Day.  I don’t want to be in pyjamas all day.  I want something cozy, chic, and comfortable.  That means layers of cashmere, soft cotton blends and plush knits combined with a little holiday sparkle.  

I found this long sleeve raglan t-shirt by Groceries Apparel on sale at Holt Renfrew. Groceries Apparel uses a combination of certified organic cotton, non-toxic hemp, soy, and even recycled plastic.  The best feature, aside from how amazingly soft it is, is the curved hem detail.  It makes an ordinary long sleeve raglan t shirt special.

I was in Seattle last weekend to do some Christmas shopping and  I was cruising through Anthropologie when my fingers grazed this sweater by Lilka.  It was love at first touch. I could literally live in it.  I love the pockets.  It always feels cozier when there are pockets! Don’t you think so?

At Banana Republic Factory I bought these drawstring leggings. The super soft charcoal grey legging will look perfect with my top by Groceries Apparel and layered with my sweater from Anthropologie.  Can you feel it? I’ll be curled up on my couch with my mug of cider watching my kids tear into their gifts all while lounging comfortably in softness.

I am always cold.  My favourite thing to wear indoors to keep me warm is a lightweight cashmere scarf.  How about this navy one from Club Monaco?  I bought mine last year.  This year I am coveting the same scarf but in blush pink. Seriously soft, cozy, and warm.  But not sweaty. Sweaty is not chic!  

Now just like the sparkly star on top of your tree, I love to add a little holiday sparkle.  I’ll be wearing this deep blue chiffon and crystal bracelet by Chan Luu. Just for fun my fingertips will sparkle with confetti.  This topcoat from Sephora by OPI is so easy to apply even if you’ve had two egg nogs too many.  I always wear gloss. This shimmery (not 80’s frosty) gloss #46 Golden Gloss by YSL is perfect!  

I can hardly wait for our stockings to be filled, for my kids' feverish excitement and the eventual mellow good cheer that fills my house.  The year has flown by so fast! I hope 2011 was an amazing style year for you.  Wishing all of you a wonderful holiday and all the best for a fabulous, chic, and stylish 2012!

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor

As we move in to the holiday season our attraction to sparkle and shimmer tend to grow.  Party wear is everywhere.  You couldn’t resist that shimmery top, the velvet blazer, or the gorgeous metallic dress.  By mixing fabric, textures and prints you can create a casual-luxe look that is very wearable.  Here are some ways that you can maximize your luxe purchase.

You saw this gorgeous chevron print metallic dress (T Los Angeles $136) on the hanger and had to have it!  You plan to wear it out for dinner and dancing.  Slip on the perfect heels and you are ready to dance the night away.  By day you are meeting your girlfriend for coffee and girl chat.  Pair the dress with a knee high boot, throw on a chunky knit cardigan (Line $260), a funky necklace (Sexton Lucky Star necklace $78) and settle in for some girlfriend time.

This shimmery tunic by Fluxus ($110) makes dressing up for cocktail hour easy.  A high waisted skirt that falls just below the knee with the top will give you a sexy silhouette.  Dress your look up with sparkles at your ears and wrists and order a glass of champagne.  Next week you are shopping for gifts for friends and family.  Wear the tunic with leggings (BB Dakota leather mix leggings ($196), Brandy Pham multi arrow necklace ($74), and cocktail ring by Lucky Star ($48).

Last night at your partners’ office party you wore a velvet blazer (BB Dakota $122) over top of your emerald green silk dress.  This morning you and your honey are having a nice and relaxing brunch at Provence.  You are wearing your favourite jeans (Current Elliott $190), burgundy blouse ( LA Made $113), and a cozy multi print scarf ($55) with your cool velvet blazer.

I love casual-luxe looks for every day.  The contrast in fabrics, texture, and colour make what you wear more interesting.  It’s also a great way to play with what you already own and show off your personality.  The above looks can all be found at Mela Boutique.  Have you shopped there yet?  If not, what are you waiting for?  Benita is always there to help you find that balance of casual and luxe. 

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor

The holidays are right around the corner.  Time for some pretty party wear!  For this style session my partner in shopping crime, Vivian, is my model.  For perfectly pretty party dresses we went to Mela Boutique.  Store owner Benita Bains has amazing style sensibilities.  Her store will surely have something giddy-inducing for your occasion.

Vivian is wearing a gorgeous green Graham and Spencer Georgette silk dress($310).  Their clothes are chic and effortless. Some of my favourite pieces in my closet are by them.  Juliet bracelet ($50) and 3 Arrow rhinestone necklace ($75) are by Brandy Pham.  A new designer to me, I checked out her website.  I now have a few pieces on my wish list!  Mela Boutique is the only retailer in Western Canada that carries Brandy Pham.  To carry all of Vivian’s essentials for the evening is a Matt and Nat clutch ($80).  The main attraction of this outfit is the bright pop of colour.  You can dress it up a million different ways with different accessories. Put on a faux fur jacket to keep you warm when walking from your limo to your soiree.

This one shoulder dress from Factory by Erik Hart is stunning.  The beautiful silk print fabric is rusched through the body giving Vivian a very flattering and feminine silhouette.  The large cocktail ring by Lucky Star ($48), Brandy Pham Ari bracelet ($45), and studded skull ring clutch by Religion ($112) toughens up her look without taking away any femininity.  A nice dark polish on your nails and a smoky eye will complete your cocktail party look!

Dinner and dancing?  Counting down the last seconds to the New Year?  How about this strapless Eliza dress by Greylin ($115)?  Added to the outfit is this fun and flirty leather bow belt by Friis & Co. ($65) and Brandy Pham 2 Arrow enamel necklace ($65) and Tinsley bangles ($48).  You can dance all night even if you’ve indulged in a few sweet treats!
 

Your office party is at the hottest restaurant in town.  By day your look is conservative with a black blazer over your dress.  At party time you can let this dress shine.  Take off the blazer and you have the perfect little black dress.  The best part is its sexy back!  Slip on a pair of heels and slick on a red pout and you’re ready to go.  Monet lace dress by Paper Crown ($296), reality star Lauren Conrad’s new line.  

If you are on the hunt for that perfect pretty party dress stop by Mela Boutique and check out Benita’s gorgeous selection.  Thank you Benita for letting me and my little assistant Mia (my daughter) have full run of your store!  Thank you Vivian for a very fun photo shoot.

by Michele Bromely
Fashion Contributor to Stimuli Magazine and blogger at www.stilistaathome.com

I love a structured blazer.  What is it exactly?  It’s a fitted blazer that gives your body shape more definition.  If it triples its wear with three different outfits then it’s a keeper!  I own several structured blazers in different fabrics and styles.  It is one of the easiest things to throw on to instantly pull your outfit together.  My friend, the gorgeous Dragana, agreed to be my model.  For the structured blazer we went to Muse Social Fashion House to find the perfect one.  

Muse Social Fashion House has a beautiful selection of clothes and accessories.  Owner Christine Visnjak, has a fabulous eye! On the day of our styling I came across this black blazer with faux leather trim by BB Dakota ($130).  The faux leather trim gives the blazer texture, interest, and fun.  Now here are three ways that you can wear it.

First up, Dragana is wearing a printed dress by Collective Concepts ($98) and holding a Hanna tan envelope clutch ($65). I love how how lively the print of the dress is underneath the blazer. It’s a fun and flirty look.  Also a great day to evening outfit. You can take it from an afternoon shopping with friends to dinner at your favourite restaurant.

Dragana’s second outfit is my favourite! She is wearing an Ellison sheer military style black shirt ($86) under the blazer, skinny jeans by Black Orchid ($150), and faux fur vest by YA ($150).  I layered on two necklaces and she is carrying a wine coloured bag by Colab ($105). The faux fur vest gives the outfit instant glamour and is my favourite trend right now.  The wine coloured bag adds a pop of colour.  You may laugh at me, but this would be an everyday outfit.  School run, shopping, meetings, lunch with friends, or running around with the kids.  But I kid you not - if you wore an outfit like this you would be admired for your style and guaranteed lots of compliments!

This last look is sexy.  Dragana is wearing a black sheath dress with lace by Theme ($110) and holding a Hanna envelope clutch in white ($65).  In this outfit, the lace and leather play off each other.  A bit of tough and a lot of feminine.  Her cocktail ring ($22) and leather wrap bracelets with gold studs by CPAK Montreal ($32) repeat the edgy/feminine look.  Dragana is ready for a night of partying.  Maybe counting down the last seconds to a new year?

I hope the structured blazer worn three different ways will inspire you to find one for your wardrobe.  It can take you from day to night, transform your jeans and t-shirt into a chic outfit, and play contrasting looks against each other.  The possibilities are endless!

Thank you Christine for letting me play at your store. I had so much fun.  Please visit her at Muse Social Fashion House at Morgan Crossing and discover her amazing eye for fabulous clothes. Thank you Dragana for the many outfit changes, for bringing your model look and striking that perfect pose!  



 

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor