Tag Archives: Personal Stylist

4 Ways To Keep Up Your Look As A New Mom by Guest Blogger Allison Taylor-Moseley

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Style is a frame of mind. It’s expressing who you are at a particular time in your life. Ask yourself, “Where am I in my life and does my personal style fit my current lifestyle?” I’m an Austin based jewelry designer, wardrobe stylist, and new mom to a 4 month old baby girl. I basically live in jeans, tees, and my favorite wedges these days. My “getting ready” routine has really changed! So, I’ve rounded up the 4 ways I keep up my look as a new mom…  

  1. Have at least 1 fabulous pair of jeans that fit you like a rock star (and make you feel like one). Even if you wear them everyday, you know you’ll look good! They’re durable, easily cleaned, and you don’t have to shave your legs as often! Plus, you can dress them up or down. Wear them casually with tees, tanks, and flats, or dress them up with blouses, blazers, and heels. I have 3 pairs in high rotation: a pair of cropped colored denim, straight leg dark denim, and a flared light blue. Don’t buy duplicates; you gotta mix it up!
  2. Build a wardrobe with a foundation of essentials and stick to a color scheme. This allows you to easily mix & match your pieces to make a variety of outfits. Getting dressed will be easier and you’ll avoid the dreaded, “I have nothing to wear” syndrome when you have the basics. Don’t be tempted by too many trendy items, which are hard to style. A great color scheme is blues, greens, and reds (pick shades that work for your skin tone).
  3. Buy stylish statement shoes, even if they are flats, sneakers, or low heels. Shoes are a quick & easy way to add a stylish touch to the most basic outfit. It could be a fire engine red patent leather flats, animal print wedges, a bold pair of oxfords, brightly colored sneakers, or a gorgeous pair of low-heeled pumps. Let your shoes make a statement!
  4. #1 MOST IMPORTANT TIP: Don’t give up on yourself; do your hair & make-up! I find that when hair and make-up are done, everything just looks more “put together”. Even when I haven’t showered or I’m feeling down on my looks, if my hair and make-up are done, I’ll feel great!   So, here are my tips:
    1. For hair, learn to create a quick up-do that works for you. For example, learn to braid it, curl it, pin it back, or tie it in a bun in 10 minutes or less. Find a creative way to use a scarf or hat on bad hair days. For me, I curl my hair 2 or 3 times a week. Instead of washing, drying, and curling it every day, I’ll use a shower cap and just refresh the curls with a little spray wax the next day.
    2. For make up, get yourself a 5-minute make-up routine. Mine is: Foundation, concealer under eyes, blush, 1 eye shadow, powder, mascara, gloss.
    3. Bathe at night. I save a lot of time by bathing at night. In the morning, all I have to do is hair & make up! I also find it very relaxing and nurturing to my soul to bathe at night. It’s like I’m washing away everything that happened that day and getting into bed with a fresh start.

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Above, is an example of one of my favorite “mom” outfits: Fabulous Denim (Black Orchid), Colorful shoes (Nike), a graphic tee (Zara). For more outfit inspiration, visit my instagram. And, let me know if you have any questions!

XOXO Allison

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Allison Taylor-Moseley is a personal stylist, jewelry designer and new mom living in sunny Austin, Texas. Her jewelry collection is made with precious metals & colorful gemstones with the goal to make style as effortless as possible. The pieces make great wardrobe staples and are designed to be layered with each other, worn alone, or paired with other styles of jewelry to suit your personal style.

SOS is excited to be giving away a unique Taylor-Moseley design in the popular Stocking Stuffer Giveaway this Dec!  

Browse the collection NOW! 

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TAKING THE LEAP: Meet Multi-Talented Jewelry Designer & Personal Stylist Allison Taylor-Moseley {Giveaway}

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Sanctuary of Style Giveaway copy{Allison is giving away one of these stunning creations! Details below.}

MEET ALLISON TAYLOR-MOSELEY:

1. Many women dream of starting a business from a creative passion they have, but aren’t sure how to get started.  You have actually started (2) businesses and are able to divide your time and run them side by side.  What advice do you have for those wanting to take the first step? How did you get started and take the leap? 

How I got started:  Before I started jewelry & personal styling, I was selling software.  And, although I was successful at it, it still felt like something was missing.  I told my husband about my dreams of becoming a fashion designer and he suggested I quit; so I did the very next day. I didn’t ease into it; I LEAPED! About 3 months later I realized I hated sewing!  So, I thought, “I’ll try jewelry”.  (I honestly don’t know what I was thinking because I had never made any jewelry before.)  But, I took a 2 hour class at a local bead shop on how to wire wrap and by the time I got home I knew I had a business. 

That same year, I started a style blog.  (I highly recommend you start a blog that relates to whatever business you want to start. Completely immerse yourself in your field and write about it.)  My style blog quickly turned into more of an advice blog like, “How to wear the latest trends” and “How to dress your body shape” etc.  And, after a few years of writing about styling, I began actually styling people.  I thought, “Wow, I know a lot about styling.  I should do this.”  I thought it would be a great side income.  It’s got a low start-up cost, so I leaped again.  

I’m always looking for new opportunities; even now, with 2 businesses, I’m thinking about what’s next.  Never be stagnant, never be satisfied.  What can I turn this into down the line?  This keeps it interesting and helps me grow.  When I get an idea in my head, I move forward with lighting speed and I don’t think about failure- ever. 

If you want to take that leap:

  • #1 most important thing: Educate yourself!  No matter where you are in your business (just about to start or 10 years along) you must continue to learn (you’ll never know everything), be pro-active (not reactive), and know your strengths and weaknesses.  Play up your strengths and find ways to make up for your weaknesses.  I’m blessed to have the artistic side and business side.  But, I also read a lot about business and entrepreneurship.  I take free webinars on stuff I don’t know anything about, like marketing, PR, social media, blogging, branding, etc.    
  • Understand that running a business requires a lot of sacrifices and everyone has to be on board.  My husband and I had to cut out all the shopping, we decided against the expensive condo and bought a practical house instead.  We cut back on eating out and taking trips.  It’s all worth it in the end, but it does take sacrifice of time and money.  I had to learn to say “no” things and people.  I work a lot of hours!  I’ll take it easy some days, and then I’m working 12-14 hour days for 4-5 month straight.  If you have a full time job, stop going out on Friday nights and start waking up at 5am on Saturdays to get things done.  Don’t let your full-time job hold you back.  Make it a priority.  It will happen faster than you think, trust me!    
  • Surround yourself with a network of supportive people!  When I first started, I got weird comments from “friends”.  They didn’t think I could do it.  I used that as motivation and stopped hanging out with them right away.  I made friends with other jewelry designers and business owners and did whatever I could to help them out.  Help everyone.  How did I find these people?  About 6 months into my business, I started selling my jewelry at a local outdoor market where people sell their art on weekends.  This was so helpful because I was able to start earning a little money and make friends with other artists doing the same thing I was.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking other people in your field are “your competition” or “your enemy”.  I have seen this happen.  You’ll get SO much more from networking with your peers.  And, if people are snobby to you, brush it off.  People like doing business with honest, positive people.  Be one of those people.
  • Participate and put yourself out there as soon as possible!  Nobody is going to pluck you out of a crowd and offer to pay you money for your services or your art.  You have to put yourself out there and actually be doing it.  That first couple of years, I participated in everything I could, like jewelry contests, festivals, and art events.  I attended style-related activities, like Austin Fashion Week and trunk shows at local boutiques.  Even though I wasn’t close to being ready for a showroom, I contacted one anyway and asked if they would represent my line.  These experiences taught me where I needed to be, what I needed to change, and how to get there.  It also gets you SO motivated.
  •  Act like the company you want to be.  My husband taught me this.  If you want to be a company that sells to big retailers, then act like one!  Get a linesheet, have a professional website, get your social media in place, record how much you spend/earn, create a business plan, etc.  I started recording how much I was spending/earning from day 1.  After a year, I looked back and realized I was spending way too much on materials.  Cutting back just a little bit helped me be profitable and grow faster!  Also, don’t be afraid to “lose” a little money.  Don’t be wasteful, but understand that there are payoffs to investing in your company, like advertising, marketing, etc.  Be smart; if you have literally no traffic to your website and no existing customers, spend money on new skills or growing your business instead of wasting money on a fancy website.
  • Know how to sell yourself.  Many people have the artistic skills but don’t know how to sell themselves.  You have to be able to talk about why your product or why your service is the best (and really mean it).  Something makes you different from everyone else.  What is it?  Figure out what it is and rock it!  It’s something you’re going to have to get used to doing. Practice makes perfect. 

2. Where do you find inspiration for your jewelry designs?  I’m not a very trendy person; I love the classics.  So, a lot of my inspiration comes from my own desire for high quality investment pieces that aren’t trendy.  When I’m working on a piece of jewelry, I think to myself, how will someone wear this?  What will it go with?  It is versatile?  I love that my jewelry looks great now and will still look great in 5 years.  There’s a time and place for “fast fashion”, but for the most part, I think a piece of jewelry should be something you wear with pride.    

3. Austin has a thriving music scene and film community, but what is the fashion scene like there? Such a good question!  I actually think dressing “fashionably” in Austin is a little tricky because it’s so HOT (7-8 months of heat) & so CASUAL and everything takes place outside.  So, wearing a $500 dress, 3 inch heels, and a sparkly clutch feels a little ridiculous when you’re melting in the sun. You don’t see a lot of flashy, designer clothing in Austin.  There’s not a lot of fashion in Austin, but there is a lot of style!  You have to be clever.  I wear a lot of dresses, lightweight fabrics, flowy tops, and sexy sandals.  And, I play up the accessories, hair, & make-up!

4. What is your signature, never-leave-the-house-without, accessory? Right now, its my long, gold, hammered, marquise necklace (found here).  It literally goes with everything and makes the most boring outfits look super stylish instantly!

 5. Whether it is styling your clients or creating stunning jewelry designs- you are helping women to feel more beautiful and confident.  What makes YOU feel beautiful and confident?  I think I feel the most beautiful when I am taking care of myself.  Eating healthy, working out, and being balanced are key for me.  It makes me feel in tune with my body and light on my feet.  Heavy food weighs me down and makes me feel sluggish and depressed.  Don’t get me wrong, I certainly indulge in champagne and croissants, but I keep an eye on it!         

6. What’s the most exciting thing that has happened during your career?  My husband and I traveled around the country for 1 year in an RV selling my jewelry along the way.  It was an important life experience that I’ll never forget.  I felt like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz…. I always wanted to know what was over the rainbow and when it was time to go home, I realized that everything I needed was right here in Austin. It was a beautiful experience and I learned a lot! 

7. Where are you at now, and what do you have in store for the future?  I just hired my first employee, which is really exciting.  I also finally have a “real” studio that’s inside my home.  Previously, I was working at my kitchen table, on the couch, and even in bed.  It’s nice to finally have a professional place to do business (and WOW I’m so much more productive).  I’m working on a new collection which will be ready in Spring 2014 and will be showing in a showroom.  As far as long term?  I plan to create a line of handbags and shoes!  We’ll see where life takes me.

If anyone has any questions or wants to contact me personally, please don’t hesitate to reach out!  allison@taylormoseley.com

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WIN A STUNNING TAYLOR-MOSELEY CREATION 

To enter the giveaway, follow these 3 simple steps:

  1. LIKE the Sanctuary Of Style Facebook Page.
  2. LIKE the Taylor-Moseley Facebook Page
  3. BROWSE the Taylor-Moseley Online Store then POST A COMMENT on her Facebook Page letting us know what your favorite piece is!

One winner will be chosen to receive the item of their choice from 4 options. (shown above) As a special added bonus for this giveaway, Allison will custom design the necklaces with your choice of stone color! Giveaway ends August 31, 2013 at 12pm PST. Winner will be announced that afternoon. Share the fun and tell all your friends! 

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Website: http://taylormoseley.com
Shop Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/taylormoseley
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorMoseleyStyle

Modernize Your Business Attire: Top (3) Tips to Close More Deals! By Personal Stylist, Style Expert & TV Host Laurie Graham

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Hi Fashionable Friends, 

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you know SOS is all about giving you the tools to walk tall with confidence and shine your brightest.  I consistently strive to bring the latest + greatest tips, words of wisdom and inspiration to this community so I’m thrilled to introduce you to my dear friend and fellow fashion maven, LAURIE GRAHAM.  One of the many things that set Laurie apart in her field is her insight to identifying each client’s personality. She styles each individual by incorporating trends into their wardrobe, rather than trying to make their whole look too trendy.  Laurie is a true confidence-builder and her contagious, positive energy instantly makes you feel better when you are in her presence. She’s smart, sassy, stunning, super funny and an inspiration to all women– well of course, she’s a Texas girl!  

Meet the Fab LG….

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It’s Monday morning & you find yourself staring blankly into your closet trying to decide what to wear to work … (in 5 minutes or less!)  Your closet is shoved full of clothes, yet you still suffer from the “I have nothing to wear” syndrome.  Since you have an important meeting today, you decide on something all black.  It’s classic & that’s what your first boss told you to wear to look “professional” in front of clients, right?  WRONG! 

I’ve been feverishly updating the images of hard working business professional clients for the past 8 years.  I’ve styled hundreds of private clients ranging from school teachers to real estate agents to the CEO’s of major corporations.  Consistently, the biggest mistake that I see women make in their professional attire is playing it too safe in an effort to be taken seriously in the work place.  Even in the most conservative of jobs, there is no reason to dress like an androgynous man just to feel like you fit in with the boy’s club.   Thankfully, having great style and dressing business appropriately are no longer mutually exclusive. 

Your image is a big part of your brand.  It’s the first impression you make in front of a potential employer or a prospective client.  Stand in your power as a woman & make it as easy as possible for someone to tell you “YES!”  Remember the saying, “dress, act & talk like the person you want to become?”  Rather than wearing something boring & forgettable, start making purchases that attract positive attention.  People want to associate themselves with someone who shines their light brightly and can own a room.  A pop of color, some modern style and impeccable fit are your secret weapons to standing out from your competition. If you aren’t getting at least 10 compliments on your wardrobe every single day, you aren’t maximizing your strongest calling card … YOU!  No matter what dress size, age group or income level you are, there are affordable and stylish outfit options to flatter your figure and respect your wallet.  And for the record, the best way to fit in the boy’s club is by being the most confident and powerful WOMAN in the office!

Here are my Top (3) Wardrobe Tips to Close More Deals:

1.)Embrace Your Femininity

Want to make a lasting first impression?  Wear a dress.  Period.  Take our First Lady’s Hilary Clinton & Michelle Obama as examples … Yes, Hilary Clinton is a smart, career driven woman working in a male dominated industry.  But, her affinity for wearing box cut pant suits is utterly forgettable. And her lack of updated, feminine attire has opened her up for much criticism.  Look at the difference we saw when Michelle Obama came on the scene … because she embraced dresses and cheerful colors, suddenly Vogue magazine labeled her “The First Lady of Style!” Do you see the difference of immediately capturing positive attention? Decades later we are still talking about the impeccable images of Jacqueline Kennedy & Nancy Reagan who always rocked the color red.  All smart, motivated women but those ladies are revered as a triple threat of beauty, brains & heart.  Shine your feminine light & never apologize for being beautiful!

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2.)Choose Soft, Flowy Fabrics

The first thing to replace in your closet are every pair of stiff & structured pants, blazers and man-ish dress shirts. Inject a shot of modern style by choosing pants with a soft fabric that drape down your leg and blouses that are flowy like silk or sheer chiffon worn with a cami.  Structured pants (like Chino style khaki’s) flatten your buns & cup your thighs, whereas a silk blend pant will slide right off your keister giving you the buns of a 12-year old gymnast! And, by all means your blouses should embody a soft, flowy style with tapering and feminine detail.  Check out this example of a fierce, feminine pants look! 

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3.)Focus on Fit

There is a big difference between wearing clothes that are too tight or too boxy versus wearing clothes that just graze your body and flatter your shape! The fit of your clothing is the #1 most important aspect to pulling off a sophisticated & modern image.  Through fashion, we have the ability to choose the proper clothing that gives the ILLUSION of having a smaller waist, longer legs and flatter tummy. Embrace alterations when necessary and get familiar with your proportions so that you know what cuts and hemlines best flatter your specific body type. 

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There is no better feeling than walking into a board room, packed stage or networking event looking & feeling your best!  Grab the attention of your colleagues, clients & superiors by taking pride in your appearance.  Once you know all eyes are on you, then you can easily seal the deal with your experience, articulate knowledge and follow through skills.  As Nancy Reagan says, “I think a woman gets more if she acts feminine.” Go claim “more” from your life!  You deserve it and you’re worth it.

 

Laurie Graham is a Personal Stylist, Style Expert & TV Host based in Los Angeles, CA.  

For more on Laurie, visit her website http://www.lauriegrahamstyle.com

Follow her on Facebook &  Twitter for style tips, inspiration & updates on her TV appearances.