I don’t look like I am going on a bike ride of course. I want to be cute on my metallic hunter green bike with basket and a bell. I want my boyfriend Adam to be riding behind me thinking “look at my sassy little bike girl.” Better than leaving me in the dust at Dockweiler.

I’m always dressing for me first. Let the onlooker appreciate my efforts not the other way around. Just because it’s casual Friday at work is surely no excuse to dress like you rolled out of bed. Friday should be time to let your sparkle shine, the weekend is hours away!

Maybe you work at home and think no one will see you…. umm so do I. You see you? Hear me again. You see you.

I always say to clients “I had (fill in the blank) just like you, I just don’t have them any longer. It’s not that I have better taste, ok maybe just a little. It’s that I am not spending time and space archiving the past.

That’s why I am not afraid of turning 44 in September. You should be just as excited! Clothing is a weapon of epic proportions. Used correctly you become more powerful in every facet of your life.

Don’t have a pity party in your closet instead have a purging party. Ready? Set? Go!

Here are 4 tips to get you motivated.

1) If the name sweat is used anywhere in describing said item demote down to sick days. Your friends and family will react much differently when you call the shots in chic loungewear instead.

2) You used to live on the East coast or in the Mid West but your shoes didn’t get the memo. Wall to wall black. Try a new shoe wardrobe of skin tone shades instead. Slimming and super elongating to the legs and ankles.

3) Are you still letting your bra straps show? How very Real Housewives of New Jersey. Time to go get yourself a few tube top type bras. Straps are not trending right now with all the deep armhole and t-strap looks. If you have anything that’s a tank top bra in six shades. Donate directly to your favorite charity and email me saying “how did I know.”

4) Trends repeat themselves every 4, 7 and 10 years but you gotta know when they are here the first time so you can store for the next 3 rounds. If anything you own in your closet is over 10 years, consider reworking it with a scissors or a tailor (send me a pic and I can help) OR give to your favorite niece, god daughter or anyone 20 years younger. They will look amazing! Keep wearing and you could look older than you are.

If I dressed my age I would be tired and frumpy looking. I put on a Cynthia Vincent dress the other day that on someone half my age would have been super fresh, instead I looked like I am going to be 44. Simple shortening with a tailor and it will be super sass. Staying ageless is never knowing how you should dress for your age instead know which parts of your body to highlight. There is no such thing as not wearing a mini after 45. You can’t wear it like you would have in a Whitesnake video but if you’ve got the goods don’t cover them up. Wear everything in a quiet killer kind of sexiness.

Even when my boyfriend Adam found my first gray hair this past weekend all I thought was….. look Mom….it’s official your first born is all grown up!

When you look amazing and are dressed effortlessly chic, up your age, scream it from the roof top..people will think you are age obsessed and you are in a very happy healthy way.

People magazine and Starbuck’s made me their Summer style tip stylist and I couldn’t be happier. Look for me in Sept. as Starbuck’s continues to sell Frappacino’s with what to wear first!

Poshglam.com called me a master of affordable shopping, such a great article and I am very grateful to share all of my favorite stores and designers.

Lastly the most amazing client/ friend and writing mentor of mine, Jen Sincero shared on video without my begging and pleading, what the hell I do when I come into your closet. Besides getting so excited, lots of outfits you never even knew were possible.

If you haven’t picked up your end of season bathing suits at Loehmann’s or your favorite bikini spot, NOW is the time to go! Listed in this email as well is an uber chic fantastic style piece with tips from Feature Boutique in Brentwood. Get four pieces to stun your way onto the beach/pool while wearing all Summer as your signature statements. Buy-Wear-Sell-Repeat!

Want me to send you a box from Feature of what I think you should get without even having me on the clock? You even get my stylist discount.
If you are on my list and we haven’t worked together yet, great way to see if my taste can win over yours.
Below is a beautiful layout with style tips all from Feature Brentwood.

Yep simply being selfish and clever enough to figure out how to get my fashion fix. Recycling your clothing was just stupid smart for me..

When I became a published author of the book/dvd Closet Control in 2007 I coined the term, Eco-Selfish. What does that mean? Think street style savvy. Want something new? Sell something old? uh duh?

That’s Eco-Selfish which now happens to be good for you-good for your pocketbook and good for the planet.

In honor of one of the most important birthday’s in town tomorrow I am offering a VERY SPECIAL Buy 2 hours of styling time and I will GIVE you one hour FREE!.  Earth day is no longer tofu and tye dye. It’s high style and higher consciousness.

Did you know that celebrities and socialites sell their clothing? Accidentally green without even knowing it. Still counts. If celebs/socialites turn their wardrobe for a buck and a new bag shouldn’t you too?  That’s how they stay rich right?

I am about to share one of my BIGGEST secret weapons on the West coast. Want to know where to go to recycle your post loved labels while perhaps picking up this season’s Mui Mui at resale prices?  (you heard me correct, this season’s Mui Mui at resale pricing?) Like No Way???—Way!

Decades Two-Where high end meets reality–Not can’t afford fantasy.   

Imagine owning a Stella McCartney blouse for $140 and then selling it next season for Stella’s 2011 collection?

]]> http://barbrahorowitz.com/girlsblog/?feed=rss2&p=648 15 http://barbrahorowitz.com/girlsblog/?p=635 http://barbrahorowitz.com/girlsblog/?p=635#comments Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:14:53 +0000 barbigb http://barbrahorowitz.com/girlsblog/?p=635 One day you are in and the next day you are out. What is this high school? Pretty much.

The sociological pressures of “fitting in” today as an adult can certainly feel reminiscent of how you felt growing up. Hardddddd huh?

Who doesn’t have that popular pretty girl/guy from high school wedged at the forefront of their minds? Wanna hear about mine?

Kim Riskas a junior was my fashion ’it’ girl. One day Kim wore this chambray western shirt with a square plaquard overlay.”Too cool for school” dark pleated cigarette jeans paired with toffee cowboy boots topping it all off a   monogrammed navy Gucci doctor bag. I remember this outfit like it was yesterday.

Kim would roll up to school in her Black El Dorado often walking in late to 1st period French.

Kim sat in front of me one row over, I would drift off from Ms. Whitman’ Parlez-vous wondering, could I ever be as cool as Kim? All these years later I know now that what I was really after was Kim’s confidence and that navy monogrammed Gucci doctor bag, I still want it.

I’m certain acceptance and your appearance are still a major part of how you feel on a day to day basis or like some of my clients minute by minute?

While I was in French studying Kim’s style, you were actually studying:) Style I can do. School I couldn’t of cared less.

I sit before you as a fashion writer and published author who barely passed her senior year. I am firsthand proof. It’s never too late to get it together.

As Wayne Dyer points out, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”. Makes perfect sense right?

If you wished you were more popular and more accepted in high school, I guarantee you feel the same today. Want to be cooler than you were? Poof! Your Style healer (Me) will erase all of those self loathing teen-age angst thoughts.

My cousin Betsy came to me 10 years ago and said “Barbra can you help me? I feel good on the inside I want to match it up on the outside?” I could completely relate. I spent what feels like a college degree in therapy (4years) working on matching my inside to my confident outer appearance. I can help you make the same connection.

Appearance as shallow as it seems leads your viewer before you begin to speak.

When I tell people I have just met that I’m a stylist, whoever I am speaking with immediately begins to scan me up and down. I like to call it “unknown style scanning.” No one consciously is aware they are giving me the once over.

Sizing me up is a very natural reaction. You must believe what you are seeing to believe what I am saying.

When you look shiny and pretty it pleases your viewer’s automatic senses.  Congratulations! You have passed the starting gate of acceptance.

Dressing currently and on trend creates confidence, which creates compliments, creating ease in the heavy navigation of your life.

Ask yourself these simple questions:

Is your wardrobe older than 3 years?

-If you answered YES- Time to pay attention to your self.

It’s A-ok to get compliments when you are the CEO of you.

If it’s on sale, do you buy more than one?

-If you answered Yes- My crystal ball is telling me you have more than 5 hangtags of unworn sale purchases hanging in your closet. (busted!)

Not a deal when you don’t wear it.

Do you find a shape you think works and buy it in 3 or 4 different colors?

-If you answered Yes- Send in the sheep. You are definitely asleep at the wheel so is everybody you come into contact with.

Time to swish up your style for you and all those who love you.

Do you believe if you buy the most expensive jeans your butt will look better?

-If you answered YES -I hope you are buying your over marketed booty wishes at Loehmann’s or online sample sales.

Let me show you how to buy denim that will not date itself nor cost nearly as much.

Do you have expensive taste?

-If you answered Yes- then you need a spanking. Luxury has nothing to do with cost. Great style is knowing how to get dressed for nothin. That’s what my degree is in. Want to look high end on a low end budget?

If the above doesn’t describe your sex life. Read on little miss multiple.

Let’s daydream for a moment. You’re in the shoe department at Nordstrom. It’s their Half-yearly sale.

Your super- spotter- shopping endorphins begin to kick in.

You’ve spotted the cutest ballet flat EVERRRRRRRR and your closing in.

You think “I’ll buy the white. Can’t go wrong-so practical-goes with everything. Do you stop there?  As if- you aren’t satisfied yet! (they’re on sale!) Gosh the turquoise are fun and oh look Fuschia!

You stop and ask yourself: What would Audrey Hepburn do in Breakfast at Tiffany’s or Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the city? Your heart begins to beat faster- like hot boy fast.

You decide Holly Go Lightly and Carrie would ABSOLUTELY buy all 3. Umm! They probably wouldn’t but YOU think so.

You go to the register- ring up FAST- 3 pairs of ballet shoes richer. (or is that poorer?) Oh sorry we’re still daydreaming.

In the car on your way home you compulsively think of the many outfit combos you can make and how you’re totally set on shoes now.

You congratulate yourself. What a deal 3 pairs of the SAME shoes for the price of one. You’re so smart!

Do you hear the needle on the record scratching right about NOW. You’ve just committed the act of multiples in the wrong space.

Here’s how this story REALLY ends.

White-goes with everything you own-you wear em all the time. Turquoise SOUNDED like fun, but you have no idea what to wear them with.

Oh and the fuschia- you chicken out each time you put them on. Now both turquoise and fuschia flats never see the light of day. Sound frighteningly familiar?

Babe, not only did you not SAVE money- you need an intervention. Take this women’s wallet away.

Enter- STYLESPY!

If you’re buying multiples of any item besides underwear- you’re wasting money mommy.

Has anyone told you there’s subliminal messages in the lighting and music at your favorite shopping spots? Gasp!

These messages say “Buy Me-Buy 3 of me” it isn’t even your fault.

The recession is your intervention. Sometimes restriction can be your biggest teacher.

Are you thinking “oh crap, Barbra’s right!” You know that Theory sweater set you have in 3 different colors- the Balanciaga handbag you had to have in both navy and orange? Big fat waste of money.

Take a moment now and put your hand on your heart and repeat after me? There’s only one place for mulitples-there’s only one place for multiples.

I pinky promise you will never wear one as much as the other. You’re attempt at being practical is actually down right wasteful.

As your stylespy. I will break you of your multiple habit. I can be with you anytime-anywhere. Just enter a mall- text me when you find your latest love times 3- I’ll talk you down.

If you’re about to click purchase, I’m an email away. Cool huh?

As the economy continues to have it’s way. You WILL feel the binge and purge of restriction right on down to depletion.

How you shop is IMPERATIVE right now.

I will help you make the most sound financial fashion purchases for your wardrobe and your budget. That’s money in your 401k.

Join my stylespy monthly membership program. There’s no contract. I am here for you one month at a time.

For $249 a month. That’s a little over one hour of my time in person. Such a deal. Style Spy allows you to pay less-get more cuz you are doing the choosing. Not me.

No more not knowing- no more wasted money and best of all no more multiples where they don’t belong. Signal boyfriend/husband clapping right now.

Take the stress out of shopping by having your own personal stylespy.

It’s like getting the answers to the test.

If you shop only in emergencies or for an event you must take me with you.

If you get overwhelmed in stores easily and can’t make a decision, I’m your girl.

Who wouldn’t want to shop with a professional style strategist. You’re time is valuable – so are you. Don’t waste  precious hard earned money any longer.

Stylespy monthly memberships are for you or someone you love.  Email me to sign-up now.

*up to 8 shopping excursions in one 30 day period.

I can help you look great and retire. How about that?

Tips to Avoid Multiples

When you buy more than one item over and over, chances are you are doing the same throughout your whole wardrobe which only means Snoreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-same wardrobe x3.

If you must buy more than one of anything, make it a staple for your wardrobe. Jeans and trousers no problem. Buy one for heels – one for flats. Burn your basics into the ground each season.
If you think you have to have both. Buy one then wait 30 days. I guarantee you won’t even remember let alone go back. If you think I’m crazy take the money you would have spent on the second and third duplicate- put it in the bank or under your mattress (might be safer).

Take these tips with you every time you’re at a cash register. Guaranteed you’ll never buy multiples again.