A Statement Piece

 

 

 

 

 Sunglasses: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Ear Cuff: Jennifer Lopez; Link Bracelets: Dana Buchman; Hammered Bangle: Unknown (gift); Watch: Guess; Top: Rock & Republic; Boyfriend Jeans: Gap; Studded Pumps: Aldo

I love to make a statement!

Whether it's a witty (sarcastic?) statement that comes out of my mouth on a daily (hourly?) basis or throwing on something eye catching. I was out shopping months ago and came across these boyfriend jeans from Gap. I love them. They have a different fit from my other boyfriend jeans and had no distressing, either. I tried them on once I was home and my boyfriend was not impressed.  He thought they were "too boyfriend." I told him I'd prove him wrong. I believe my statement was "Studded heels and a cute top. That's all you need and those boyfriend jeans will be transformed, you watch!"

On another outing, I came across this Rock & Republic top and saw the statement "So Over It." I loved it. It had perfect attitude and I knew it would be great with a low slung jean. I also spotted these cool Jennifer Lopez ear cuffs and figured, "Well, it's a statement piece." And off to the register I went.

As we all know, I love a pop of color (you know, something that draws the eye in). One of my perfect pair of heels for this reason alone is my cobalt blue studded/spiked heels from Aldo. Those heels are a statement in themselves.

Facial expressions are also a great statement. I'd be a horrible poker player. It is clearly evident what I am thinking and feeling by looking at my face at all times. But sometimes it is fun to hide your expression with a large pair of shades. I have Vera Wang to thank for this.

When I was shooting the pics for this blog, I was at a park and was consistently being passed by dog walkers and joggers alike. Some glanced over while others stared, neither of which bothered me. I had made a statement. And I think it was a pretty good one.

Liz

A Tale Of Two Jackets

In my very first blog post, I talked about some of my favorite coats, so it goes without saying that I also love jackets. I have a leather jacket that is so soft like butter, and has been in my closet for years and is my absolute favorite. Then again, I love denim jackets, lightweight jackets, embellished or sleek jackets as well. I jumped on the moto jacket trend while living in New York City and working at Bebe. I had been eyeing this black moto jacket embellished with many zippers and swore I would buy it. After weeks and weeks of going back and forth on the pros and cons of owning a moto jacket (FYI: There are no cons!), I finally bought it. I've worn it with dresses or skirts or denim, and though it still hangs in my closet, I wanted something more.

Most people, if they own a moto jacket, have it in black and many moto jackets at first glance look alike. I wanted to stand out. So recently I went on the hunt for a new jacket. No crazy outrageous color, as I would prefer something that could be as versatile as the black one. I also didn't want to spend a lot of money on a "trendy" item.

Here's a lesson: When shopping, spend your money wisely. If you are shopping for a classic piece (i.e.: pencil skirt or button down blouse), one that can be worn again and again and is fashionable but not "of the moment," than put aside a decent amount of money for it. You want to buy a quality item that is made well and can last for years. If you are shopping for a trendy piece (i.e.: tropical print crop top), that will be worn during this season and then go to the back of your closet to die, than still buy a quality made item, but at a lower price.

Back to my hunt for a new jacket. I searched around the mall and found nothing. Looked online, but was weary of buying and not trying on the jacket to check the fit (all of my jackets are different sizes). Then I ventured off to Kohl's. This is a store that I always luck out in. So it comes as no surprise, that after about only ten minutes of searching, I looked up at the Elle wall and found my new jacket. It wasn't like any others in my closet. It was on sale. It felt buttery soft (a MUST for me) and was in a great light neutral color. The best part of this jacket? It has an adorable ruffle along the back bottom hem, that is totally unexpected. I tried on a few sizes and found my perfect jacket.

Do not feel sorry for my black jacket; however, as it still has many more years in the spotlight. Until that moment comes, I say it's finally time to step away from the dark and slip into the light...jacket.

 

 Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson; Pearls: Vintage; Tee: Gap; Jacket: Elle; Jeans: Old Navy; Pumps: Aldo

Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson; Pearls: Vintage; Tee: Gap; Jacket: Elle; Pink Rhinestone Cocktail Ring: Guess

 

 Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson; Tee: Gap; Jacket: Elle; Pearls: Vintage; Pink Rhinestone Cocktail Ring: Guess; Rose Ring: LC Lauren Conrad; Jeans: Old Navy; Pumps: Aldo

Jeans: Old Navy; Pumps: Aldo

 

Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson; Tee: Gap; Jacket: Elle; Pearls: Vintage; Jeans: Old Navy; Pumps: Aldo 

Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson; Pearls: Vintage; Jacket: Elle; Tee: Gap; Rose Ring: LC Lauren Conrad

 

Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson; Pearls: Vintage; Tee: Gap; Jacket: Elle; Jeans: Old Navy; Rose Ring: LC Lauren Conrad; Pink Rhinestone Cocktail Ring: Guess; Pumps: Aldo 

Pink Rhinestone Cocktail Ring: Guess; Earrings: Express; Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson; Jacket: Elle

 



reStyled By Liz

A few months ago, I decided to start my own business, which is called reStyled By Liz. I offer such services as styling, personal shopping and closet consultation. I wanted to bring my interests and background to those in my hometown of Bridgeport, West Virginia and surrounding areas.

My career in retail has spanned fourteen years. I started out with cashier and sales associate positions and quickly advanced to visual and management positions. I've worked at malls and boutiques and from a small town to larger cities to the Fashion Capital of the United States.

Some of my favorite stores/boutiques I have worked for have been Macy's, Chico's, Bebe, Tilly's, Banana Republic, The Body Shop, Juicy Couture and the Gap. Each of these brands have their own customer demographic and their own vision. It has been a whirlwind going from brand to brand and learning the secrets of the trade for each respective one. Not one store/boutique that I have worked at has resembled the next, which makes it more educational for me as well.

I gained a ton of styling experience while working at stores such as Bebe and Juicy Couture. Here, we had client books and were encouraged to create lasting relationships with loyal clients. If we made appointments with them, we would pull items that we knew they would love and we would either add to or create their perfect wardrobe. Styling is easy once you create a relationship with a client. Once you understand their personal style, it is easy to look over a rack in a store and pull out items that will compliment their wardrobe and style.

I have two Bachelor's degrees. One from West Virginia University in Psychology and the other from the Academy of Art University in Fashion Merchandising, with an emphasis on Visual Merchandising. I love it. I would be in charge of the entire look of the store, including all displays, mannequins and windows. I have been a part of every visual team in every store I have worked at, either being a visual associate or the visual manager. Normally, you are given a corporate standard's book to follow, in regard to floor sets, mannequins and windows, but normally each store allows creative freedom for leftover windows, walls, doors and/or mannequins. This was the most fun. To have your creativity on display for the world (okay, customers) to see. I love that I could place my personal stamp on each display I have created over the years.

I use my background in visual for not only styling and personal shopping, but also in my closet consultations. It's fun to look at a closet, sketch out all you can do to have the maximum use of space, a clear organizational view and to find fun ways to display your accessories and clothing. I love to work on standards such as hanging and folding items properly, to ensure a long life for your wardrobe, and to color coordinate or organize seasonal clothing. It's not a job to me, it's fun. Though sometimes I miss doing my windows (especially in New York), I love to bring my knowledge and expertise to those around me.

Floral Handbag, Mesh Platform Heels, Three Tier Necklace and Black and Navy Handbag: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Satin Scarf: Vintage;  Blue Teardrop Necklace: Pier One; Studded Pumps: Aldo

Mesh Platform Heels: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Blue Teardrop Necklace: Pier One; Three Tier Necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang

Blue Clutch: Liz Claiborne; Handbag: Juicy Couture; Blue Beaded Sandals: Gianni Bini; Necklace: Liz & Co.; Scarf: Unknown; Glass Bangle and Blue and Silver Bangle: Pier One; Black Strappy Sandal: Lauren Ralph Lauren;

Blue Beaded Sandals: Gianni Bini