A New Year’s Resolution List From A Personal Stylist

Whether you want to call it resolutions or goals, this is a list from a personal stylist that everyone should incorporate in 2020. Maintaining your wardrobe and your personal style, should be something you’re always striving to do. 

Can you say that you really love every piece of clothing in your wardrobe? Can you say that you only ever purchase clothing you absolutely need? Can you say that you consistently clean out your wardrobe? If the answer to these questions are all a “yes” then maybe you don’t need this resolution list, but doubt it’s many of you. I mean, we are human. 

Here are 10 goals from your personal stylist to keep you and your wardrobe on track this coming year: 

1. I will start the year off with a closet clean out 

There is no better way to start the year off than a closet clean out. The beginning of a new year is the best excuse to embrace a fresh start. It’s almost as if when you flip the calendar from December to January that you get to be a completely new person. 

As a personal stylist, I challenge you this year to become more minimal and organized when it comes to your wardrobe. Getting rid of clothing items that don’t fit you well or that you never wear can lift such a weight off of you. Closet clean-outs ultimately allow you to take inventory of what you have and what you may need. It also saves you time in the future from having to dig through a bunch of junk to find what you are actually looking for.

2. I will complete a closet clean-out 1x/ season

Goal #2 exists because cleaning out your closet one time doesn’t mean it will stay organized forever. Even if you try to promise yourself that you will always keep it cleaned up, that doesn’t mean you will. 

Although a new season isn’t as impactful as a new year, it’s still another great time for a fresh start. After your January closet clean-out, before you know it, it will be spring cleaning season. In the spring, it will be a great time to take account of what you wore this past winter and what items you will need as the temperatures start to change. Which brings us into our next point! 

3. Every season I will create a list of items I need (and stick to it)

summer-vacation-hats

One thing I focus on as a personal stylist, is making sure my clients have complete wardrobes. I believe so strongly in having a complete wardrobe. A wardrobe where no matter the occasion, you always have something to wear. A wardrobe that is transitional, yet timeless. 

These wardrobes exist and if you don’t think yours is at that point, we can get it there. It starts with creating shopping lists of items that you know you need. Try to cut out purchasing random pieces that you see in stores just because they’re fun. You will likely end up wearing them once or twice and then they no longer work for your wardrobe. 

The goal is to shop for necessities or items that will work for many occasions and will stay in style from season to season. This rule doesn’t mean you can’t ever buy a fun piece, but it’s just here to remind you of the items that you really need. 

Think of it in terms of grocery shopping. If you don’t bring a list with you, you will end up purchasing a bunch of food that you may not really need and you will most likely go over budget as well. 

4. I will challenge myself to wear items in new ways

Many people think they have nothing to wear because they assume they can only wear that one scarf with that one pair of jeans. The way that you create multiple outfits is to get creative when it comes to styling. 

Instead of pairing that sweater with a basic pair of jeans, wear it under some overalls or with a skirt instead. There are many ways to mix and match different pieces, you just need to challenge yourself. If you don’t know where to start, then start by watching youtube videos or pinning pictures on Pinterest. Inspiration can easily solve this issue! 

5. I refuse to buy clothing just because it’s on sale

If you can keep this resolution, your stylist, your wardrobe, and your bank account will all be saying thank you. Many people fall into this curse, where you feel like you need to buy something just because it’s on sale. 

This is when you end up with too many clothing items that you just feel mediocre about. Or perhaps clothing items that sit in your closet with the tags still on. The tags may remind you of a great deal you got on that item, but if they just sit in your closet, they really robbed you. The point is that I want you to absolutely love each and every item in your closet. 

6. I will not buy clothing that doesn’t fit me right 

This point is very similar to the previous one. If you find an item of clothing that you absolutely love, but it doesn’t fit you right, you need to pass. Forcing things to work that aren’t meant to work is when your style just starts to go downhill. 

Unless you’re purposely going for an oversized look, don’t purchase anything that doesn’t fit you the way it should. 

7. I will not buy something too similar to another item I already own

We all have our favorite clothing colors, and pieces that we love to every day. However, when we find something that works, we tend to go all in for that item and everything similar. 

Then before you know it, your whole wardrobe starts to look the same. Now, believe me, I’m all about a monochromatic wardrobe and if you find a style of pant that flatters you the most, then rock it! Go ahead and buy multiple pants, but mix it up with a different color or pattern. 

8. I will challenge myself to get outside of my comfort zone

Now that we’ve covered all of the bases when it comes to maintaining your wardrobe and of course your necessary shopping rules, let’s get into the real new year’s goals. 

As a personal stylist, one of my favorite aspects of styling client’s is getting them out of their comfort zone. Many clients approach their first styling appointment skeptical and not ready to have an open mind. 

After trying on different pieces and earning some trust, they start to loosen up. As soon as you have an open mind and can try different pieces and styles is when you can really discover what you like and your personal style. A lot of the times you will surprise yourself. 

For example, maybe you’re super loud and have a strong personality, but you dress very plain because you don’t want to draw attention to yourself. That right there is staying in your comfort zone. I love to stretch that zone, so that you get to the point where you really discover your style and you don’t care what other people think. 

9. I will fight to love my body

One of the biggest things I’ve learned as a personal stylist is that it simply doesn’t matter how great your wardrobe is, whether you have a personal stylist or not, if you don’t love your body. 

Loving your body is step #1 in my book. There are clothing items that can flatter you better and there are ways to style your specific body type, but if you don’t love yourself, you’ll never love any piece of clothing on you. 

No matter how secure you are, I believe we can always love ourselves a little bit more each and every year. 

10. I will put effort into my outfit choices because I deserve it

No matter how busy you are, whether you’re married with 5 kids or not, you deserve to look good. Not for a specific career, or a person, but for yourself. The days that I wake up a little bit earlier, put some makeup on and wash my hair, I feel like I can conquer the world. I know I’m not the only one out there that feels this way. 

Sometimes just putting an extra 10 minutes into your look can keep you focused at work, confident in your role, give you more energy, and keep you motivated all day long. 

This may be one of my crazier examples, but even this month I decided that before I got my wisdom teeth out I was going to get a spray tan (the night before), do my hair and do my makeup. You may ask why? Why would I put all of that effort into my look before I go into surgery and lay on the couch for the rest of the day. Well, the answer is simply because I knew if I looked decent, I wouldn’t feel as bad. You may say the fact that your tan and your hair is curled is not going to take away your mouth pain. It didn’t, but when I looked in the mirror, all I saw was swollen cheeks, not a mess of a human being. 

Wrap Up

As you probably know, there is no one size fits all resolution list. I’m not saying these 10 things are what you need to do, but if you are interested in improving your style this year, this is a good place to start. When I put on my personal stylist hat, these are questions I like to ask my clients (and myself.)

Maybe you need to just pick 1-2 items from the list, or maybe you pick all 10 and change some out for your own, whatever it is, something is better than nothing. 

Thank you guys for reading, I wish you the most confident, healthy and self-loving year!

7 Cincinnati Bloggers You Should Follow Based Off Of Personal Style

I haven’t done a local blogger recap in quite some time! Not only do I want to shout out some of my favorite local Cincinnati bloggers, but I think it’s so cool how each blogger has their own unique style. Based off of my personal opinion, I categorized each blogger by a style type! 

If you resonate with any of these styles, I suggest giving them a follow. If you’re like me and just want all of the fashion inspiration no matter what style type, follow them all. Each Cincinnati blogger creates incredible content and your fashion game will be changed for the better after following these girls. 

Without further ado….

Trendy Vintage

Coming in Clutch by Bryanna is FEED GOALS. She isn’t just a Cincinnati blogger, but a true creative. I personally love how bold and colorful her style is. She doesn’t hold back when it comes to fashion inspiration and we all need someone in our lives who is not afraid to embrace a fashion trend.

From biker shorts to cowboy boots, Bryanna knows what is trending. She knows how to mix vintage styles with modern trends, and she’s always inspiring me to try something new. Her fashion advice, is evident in her personal style, and she believes:

“Looking like everyone else takes zero imagination – dare to be yourself.” – Bryanna

Follow Bryanna: @_cominginclutch

Western Edgy

You’re looking at her! It took me awhile to truly nail down my personal style. However, I’d say I’m known for my western/boho hat, a great pair of mom jeans, my leather jacket and my edgy white doc martens. Multiple people have told me they knew it was me because they saw those boots.

My style is also very neutral. Occasionally you’ll see me add in a pop of color here and there, but if I do add color it’s typically earthy tones.

This past year I expanded my brand from a Cincinnati blogger to a personal style and image consultant. I loved taking the next step from inspiring people through my instagram to actually shopping with them in person and helping them discover their personal style.

This past year, the idea of self confidence has been heavy on my heart. I believe every female should walk in confidence knowing who she is. I have a very exciting project coming up that has to do with this! Keep an eye out for it. Some advice I like to tell everyone is: 

“Great style isn’t found following the fashion rules, but going against them.” – Alli

Follow me: @astylebreeze

Casual Chic

The cutest mom you ever did see! A mom of two young boys, somehow Shelby manages to be a mother and look fabulous at the same time. Her outfits tend to err on the more casual side, but she is so chic, always looking 100. 

If you’re looking for some great denim and tee combos, Shelby is a great one to follow! She has also found some very cute rompers and summer dresses. Not only is she a fashion blogger, but she posts about different restaurants and fun activities to do around Cincinnati (including activities for children). Her fashion advice is: 

“A mix of new & old can be magic, don’t be afraid to repurpose older finds & shop secondhand.” – Shelby

Follow Shelby: @ddotts

Modern Classic

Another mom who kills the fashion game is Katie from Out and Outfit. Katie has more of a modern classic style sticking to solids and neutrals, but having fun with cuts and textures. She has a more modern look with her edgier gray tinted hair cut. If there’s one big thing we have in common, we both love to rock leather jackets. 

Katie’s expert fashion advice is:

“Be absolutely cool with being into whatever it is you’re into – whatever style, trend, aesthetic you’re liking, be it. It’s that simple.” – Katie

Follow Katie: @outandoutfit

Thrifty Professional

Another walking inspiration is Sydney from The Style Resolution. This girl, who is a full time personal stylist and entrepreneur, knows how to thrift like a pro. Sydney could be dressed head to toe in thrifted items and you would think she just walked out of the designer department. Not only can she rock some thrifty finds, she’s most commonly known for keeping it professional by wearing a blazer.

While a lot of bloggers, create their fashion content on the side of their main job, Sydney lives and breathes fashion and you can tell. She’s determined and disciplined to grow her business and she’s on her way to big things!

Her mission is to provide luxury styling services that are ongoing, stress free and convenient for your particular lifestyle. Her fashion advice is:

“I’d like to think of style as a state of mind – Something that starts with your internal thoughts of yourself + those of the people you come in contact with.”- Sydney

Follow Sydney: @thestyleresolution

Girly x Sporty

Another superwoman Cincinnati blogger and mother of two beautiful girls, is Christie. Christie just started her blog this past year, but has seen growth like no other. If you want daily content, and a chance to win some free things, Christie is the girl for you.

Christie is a mix of all things preppy, boho, sporty and girly! She does a killer job of linking her outfits and giving you shoppable outfits right from your phone. Busy moms, you no longer have an excuse for not looking your best, because Christie is hooking you up. Christie’s fashion advice is:

“Dress for yourself, and only wear what YOU feel good in” – Christie

Follow Christie: @christiefightingspirit

Feminine Fun

One of my favorite bloggers and friends from the beginning has been Olivia from Baubles to Bubbles. Olivia and I actually will meet up occasionally and take each others pictures. We always laugh because our styles could not be more opposite, however she blows me away every time I see her!

The way she dresses herself always makes me consider becoming more preppy. Olivia is the definition of “looking put together”. You’ve probably seen her hosting on Channel 9, or maybe she’s sold you a house before, but whenever and wherever you see her, she’s looking her best.

If you love a good pop of color, and a vibrant color, Olivia is your girl. She’s typically rocking Anthropologie, JCrew, and Kendra Scott. You’ll also find lifestyle videos, decor ideas, beauty inspiration and travel musings. Her inspiration is drawn from all things feminine, fun and colorful.

“Invest in a well-made blazer as it’s the perfect piece to take your look from day to night.” – Olivia

Follow Olivia: @baublestobubbles

Wrap Up

There are so many influential Cincinnati bloggers, and my favorite part is that we don’t follow the Cincinnati stereotype. In order to be a blogger who is going to make a difference in this city, I believe it’s important to go against the grain, to challenge our fellow Cincinnatians to raise the bar, to step out of our comfort zone, and to embrace our individual personal style.

Each girl on this list, does just that, in their own unique way. I challenge you to embrace a new trend this summer, or to take that step to try that item you’ve had your eye on and never thought you could pull off. You can pull it off! I truly believe that “pulling something off” starts with believing that you can! 

5 Essential Festival Hair Products

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pantene. The opinions and text are all mine.

If you’ve ever been to a music festival before, or have seen pictures and videos, you can visualize the experience. A crowd full of people, in a large field of grass gathered around a stage. What once was a giant concert full of tons of the top artists, has become a huge fashion event. Music festivals now consist of months of outfit prepping, and hair styling. We all know Coachella is the biggest and has some of the best artists, but let’s give Cincinnati some credit!

Bunbury Festival is a three day music festival at Sawyer Point in downtown Cincinnati. Each annual event typically features over 100 acts performing on three to six separate stages through the park. That’s a lot of performances and makes for a long day. If you’re like me, you’re thinking, “What can I wear that looks cute and will be comfortable for an entire day?” and “How in the world am I going to get my hair to stay intact all day long?”

The answer to the first question would be to sign up for my styling services. The answer to the second question is the Pantene Festival Hair Kit.

As the official haircare sponsor of Coachella, Stagecoach and Firefly, Pantene’s Festival Hair Kit changes the game for music festivals. And let me tell you…this small portable hair kit is specifically made to rescue and reset your hair during the heat of the summer! I am all about keeping it simple, practical and convenient when it comes to hair and makeup products. If a company can give me it all in one package, I’m all about it.

Over the past week, I’ve been able to test the Pantene Festival Hair Kit on my hair and am confident in its ability to carry me through the festival season. The Festival Hair Kit won’t just take care of you during the festival, but will also prep you ahead of time and help you recover post festival as well.

Before/ During The Festival

Just like any big event, there is always some preparation that needs to take place. For me, this preparation looks like outfit planning, exploring Pinterest for hairstyles, and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. I love music festivals because they give you a really great excuse to have some fun with your hair! Day to day, I typically rock my beachy waves, or a low bun, but when it comes to festivals, I am all about the braids. Whenever I know I have a long day ahead of me (paired with humidity outside), I always make sure to give my hair some extra product to hold onto.

Airspray

Pantene’s Airspray helps me hold these fun hairstyles throughout the entire day. Yes that’s right, I said Airspray (not hairspray). This is a key difference, and one product that has changed the game for me. Airspray is an alcohol-free hairspray. You may be thinking, “but don’t I want alcohol in it?” The answer is no. Alcohol is actually what dries out your hair and, in the end, creates frizz. So what you’re using to prevent frizz is actually creating frizz.

This Airspray is a nutrient-infused, quick-drying spray for a strong hold and lasting frizz control. It locks out humidity and adds shine for a beautiful finish. All you have to do is spray evenly on dry, styled hair to finish. This is a “brushable” spray and you may find that you need less than your usual hairspray. Now that’s a win-win! You know what is also a win-win? When you don’t have to shampoo and wash your hair every day.

Dry Shampoo

Now the Pantene Dry Shampoo is the true MVP of all hair products. I have very thin, blonde hair and so I feel the need to wash my hair every day for it to look its best. I’ve always been jealous of my friends who say they haven’t washed their hair in 4 days and it still looks amazing. I realized it’s because I never found the right dry shampoo. I absolutely love the way that my curls look after day 2, but my roots always seem to be greasy. It’s like I can never get the best of both worlds.

This Dry Shampoo by Pantene absorbs oil in your roots and instantly refreshes hair without having to wash it. And it works! All you have to do is shake the bottle vigorously, part and lift sections of dry hair, and spray at roots. Following your spray, simply massage thoroughly into your roots with fingertips. If excess powder appears, easily remove with the swipe of a brush and style as usual.

On-the-Go Frizz Iron

Another issue I typically run into during the summers, and at festivals, is frizzy hair. My hair is normally a little frizzy before I even leave the house, so after a long day outside at a music festival it looks absolutely nothing like how it did originally. Good thing for the portable On-the-Go Frizz Iron. You may be thinking what in the world is this? It’s not a mini straightener like I originally thought, but it kinda looks like one!

This On-the-Go Frizz Iron is a smoothing balm applicator. It’s extremely convenient because absolutely no heat or water is required. You can actually whip this product out right in the middle of a performance and not miss a thing. To use this product you just remove the protective cover, close the On-the-Go Frizz Iron around hair and glide from top to bottom like a traditional flat iron (but without the heat).

The best part about these products is that you can continue to use them after the music festival since they carry so much product for their size. The Frizz Iron will last six to eight weeks with average daily use.

After the Festival

Taking care of your hair after the festival is just as important as doing so before and during the festival. After this three-day long music festival, your hair may be left feeling dry and brittle.

Nourishing Mask

I recommend using the Nourishing Mask after the festival to give your hair an instant boost of hydration, transforming dry and brittle hair into visibly healthier, shinier and stronger hair. While in the shower, on damp hair, place a half dollar amount inside your hands, rub together and comb mask into hair from mid-shaft to the ends. Leave on 5–7 minutes or longer if desired and then rinse thoroughly after use.

The Festival Hair Kit comes with two 1.7 FL OZ sachets of the mask, meaning you have plenty of product to use to rescue your hair after the festival.

Intense Rescue Shots

If you’re looking for a quick fix, I recommend the Intense Rescue Shots. My hairdresser always tells me to use heat protectant and try not to blow dry, straighten or curl my hair if I don’t have to. When you know you have a product that can rescue your hair from any damage, it’s hard not to play away, especially during music festival season. So Pantene and I encourage you to have fun! Be bold, and go with whatever style you desire without having to worry about the damage of your hair.

To revive your hair all you have to do is apply the treatment onto your damp hair after shampooing and massage from root to tip. Be sure to target areas that see the most damage. Leave in for just 30 seconds. Rinse for 30 seconds, but don’t over-rinse!

Repurpose the Products

Even though you got all five of these products for a very affordable price, they come in handy for more than just festivals! Use these products on summer vacations, outdoor barbeques, pool parties, and more. And once the products are gone, I’ll be using this cute bag as my new makeup travel bag.

Heading to Bunbury Festival this weekend? Pick up your own Pantene Festival Hair Kit at a local Kroger!

Vacation Packing List: Summer Essentials

It’s one of my favorite times of the year, vacation time, and that means I need to share my vacation packing list with you all. I will be headed to Palm Beach in about two weeks from today. As you can imagine, I’ve been outfit prepping nonstop. It’s the beginning of warm weather here in Ohio, so I’ve been just in general ramping up my spring and summer attire.

But First, Cleanse.

I started the season off, as you know it, with a huge closet cleanse. If you have yet to clean out your closet, I highly recommend starting there. It sets you up for a successful season and allows you to make room for the new clothing that will join you this year. Trends change, your body changes (sometimes), and frankly sometimes your taste just changes. Something you once thought was so cute, there is a chance you now think it is hideous.

I’ll end my closet clean out rant there, but with that in mind, I’ve been able to fill the gaps in my wardrobe. Having a full wardrobe is important to me because I want to be prepared for all situations. For example, I just bought a red t-shirt because our professional baseball team is red and I typically go to a few games during the season. I also am usually last minute scrambling around to find something to wear. I’m sure I’m not the only one who does that right?!

So long story short, I want to make sure you guys are fully prepared for spring, summer, vacation, whatever you guys have planned for this summer. This blog post will include my vacation packing list, because when you pack you can only include the best of the best.

Wicker Bag

I am going to start off with accessories. A bag that once may have only been known as a beach bag, is now an everyday bag for spring and summer. It’s the Ata Bag (Medium) from Amerii, https://www.amerii.com

Let’s just say If you’re going to make it on my vacation packing list, you must be unique. That’s exactly what this bag is. This bag is handmade with Ata Grass and leather straps, and that’s I mean by unique.

But who handmade this bag you may be wondering? By purchasing this bag, I supported an Indonesian artisan and that alone is worth it.

In addition to wicker bags, I’m all about a good two piece outfit for vacation.

Two-Piece Monochromatic Outfit

A two-piece outfit is another item that is unique and different. This outfit immediately caught my eye at The Wolfpack. First of all, it’s one of my absolute favorite colors. Last year I wrote the article, Summer Color Trend Watch: Earthy Tones and this year I am excited to say the trend hasn’t gone anywhere. I am a very neutral person, but if I’m going to embrace color it’s going to be an earthy color.

Secondly, I love that this outfit looks like a jumpsuit without it being one piece. Katherine, the owner of Wolfpack and I, were laughing about how awesome it is that you can go to bathroom without sitting on the toilet completely naked.

I always choose to wear a jumpsuit without really remembering what it’s like to go to the bathroom wearing one.

And last but not least, this outfit is comfortable! I took some pictures in the store wearing it, and I just wanted to walk out of the store wearing it. Comfort is so important to me, especially while being on vacation. Flowy and comfy clothes allow you eat, and drink as much as you want without having to worry.

Ps. because I just had to add one last thing, this entire store is sustainable!

Hats

summer-vacation-hats

Hats are my new favorite thing. I feel like they take every outfit from okay to outstanding. I purchased this hat from The Native One in Over The Rhine, and I am now on the hunt for more colors.

When most people purchase their first hat, they have to make themselves wear it. Mostly because they don’t know how to style it, or it makes them nervous because it stretches them out of their comfort zone. I’m at the point where I have to try not to wear my hat!

The neutral color seems to go with 95% of my wardrobe and it seems to make 100% of my outfits better. I just don’t want to be known as “the hat girl” for overdoing it. If you know me and I love something, I tend to overdo it.

Light Wash Denim

Light Washed Denim

Now light wash denim is an all year round essential if you ask me, but it will definitely make it on my vacation packing list. I’ve pretty much gotten rid of every dark wash pair of denim I own. I typically wear light wash, black, gray or white. These jeans are actually called “The Perfect Summer Jeans” from Madewell. They have been a favorite of mine for at least two years now, and still hold up well! I receive a compliment almost every time I wear them, but my favorite part is how high rise they are.

They run just under $100, but are worth every penny. If you’ve never had a pair of jeans that you absolutely love, give these a shot!

Wrap Up

There will be much more included in my vacation packing list, but here is a start! I will be sure to take lots of vacation outfit inspiration pictures for you! I will also create a post vacation blog post as well. So stay tuned, and let me know if there are any other spring/summer topics you would love for me to write about!

If you’re looking for help completing your closet clean out, or you want personal styling assistance, you can contact me at astylebreeze.com.