Tip for the Struggling Fashionistas: Don't Forget the Basics

:::: Quick Style Tip:::: Dresses are a no brainer. Can't decide what to wear? Don't fret with a two piece, throw on a dress and instantly feel stylish.

Tannya,

Love your website and think your blog is a great idea!

I am finally at a place in my life where I want to invest time in how I present myself to the world, but have neglected fashion for so long I don't have good shopping habits to develop a wardrobe that reflects my personal style. More specifically, over the last year I have added 20-30 statement/investment pieces to my wardrobe that I absolutely love, but I don't have anything to pair with them to complete a look. So even though I have spent the last year buying pieces to improve my wardrobe, when I go to my closet I still feel like I have nothing to wear! It seems that purchasing pieces here and there that I love is not translating to an actual functional wardrobe. How should I change my shopping approach to create a wardrobe?

-Struggling Fashionista

Dear Struggling Fashionista,

The number one fashion dilemma my clients run into is they open their closet and feel like they have nothing to wear.

You are on the right track shopping for statement pieces that you love, but really ask yourself what you love about them. Is there a bridge from your statement pieces to your everyday pieces?

Here is how you should start to define your personal style:

1.) Try on all your clothing, yes all of it. Ask yourself what you like or don’t like about what you are wearing. This will help you understand yourself a little more. Be critical, do not stick with items because you invested a lot of money on it.

2.) Get rid of clothing you haven’t touched, clothing that doesn’t fit right at the moment. Also make a pile of clothing that could be tailored to fit better and clothing you love.

3.) You will notice a commonality in all the clothing you love. Whatever it is, drapped clothing, romantic styles, edgy look, or simple and chic, always purchase items that fall into that similar essence.

4.) Do realize that your investment pieces should be the clothing you wear the most. To often clients forget that the basics are what tie their wardrobe together. The basics are different for everyone depending on your personal style but the common ones are black pumps, a nice boot, ballet flats, blazer, trench coat, crisp button up, cardigan, white tee, you get the drift :-)

5.) Don’t get caught up in wearing a sort of “costume” every time you are seen. It is a fashion trap that some fashionistas fall into. It just shows others you are confused with style, I promise you it will make your life more difficult when getting ready and it will take a huge chunk of your money wearing one time pieces.

6.) Make a list when you shop and shop less. Having a workable wardrobe doesn’t mean having a huge walk in closet that looks like a boutique (although that would be nice!!!!!) a workable wardrobe is being able to interconnect your pieces and looking stylish yet effortless.

7.) LASTLY…fashionistas take risks. Don’t save your favorite pieces of clothing for special events. Wear them more often and combine them with your everyday wear! If you have a favorite t-shirt pair it up with a blazer or statement necklace. If you have a favorite expensive cardigan, wear it with a tank top, roll up the sleeves and add a wide legged jean.
If you continue to struggle doing this yourself, having a wardrobe stylist go through your closet will provide a much needed cleansing. The experience will help you better understand your style, fix a scattered wardrobe, provide a cure for making shopping regretful, and you get photos of all your outfit combinations to keep for a reference.

“Know first, who you are; then adorn yourself accordingly.” Epictetus

-Tannya Bernadette

Tip for the Struggling Fashionistas: Don't Forget the Basics

:::: Quick Style Tip:::: Dresses are a no brainer. Can't decide what to wear? Don't fret with a two piece, throw on a dress and instantly feel stylish.

Tannya,

Love your website and think your blog is a great idea!

I am finally at a place in my life where I want to invest time in how I present myself to the world, but have neglected fashion for so long I don't have good shopping habits to develop a wardrobe that reflects my personal style. More specifically, over the last year I have added 20-30 statement/investment pieces to my wardrobe that I absolutely love, but I don't have anything to pair with them to complete a look. So even though I have spent the last year buying pieces to improve my wardrobe, when I go to my closet I still feel like I have nothing to wear! It seems that purchasing pieces here and there that I love is not translating to an actual functional wardrobe. How should I change my shopping approach to create a wardrobe?

-Struggling Fashionista

Dear Struggling Fashionista,

The number one fashion dilemma my clients run into is they open their closet and feel like they have nothing to wear.

You are on the right track shopping for statement pieces that you love, but really ask yourself what you love about them. Is there a bridge from your statement pieces to your everyday pieces?

Here is how you should start to define your personal style:

1.) Try on all your clothing, yes all of it. Ask yourself what you like or don’t like about what you are wearing. This will help you understand yourself a little more. Be critical, do not stick with items because you invested a lot of money on it.

2.) Get rid of clothing you haven’t touched, clothing that doesn’t fit right at the moment. Also make a pile of clothing that could be tailored to fit better and clothing you love.

3.) You will notice a commonality in all the clothing you love. Whatever it is, drapped clothing, romantic styles, edgy look, or simple and chic, always purchase items that fall into that similar essence.

4.) Do realize that your investment pieces should be the clothing you wear the most. To often clients forget that the basics are what tie their wardrobe together. The basics are different for everyone depending on your personal style but the common ones are black pumps, a nice boot, ballet flats, blazer, trench coat, crisp button up, cardigan, white tee, you get the drift :-)

5.) Don’t get caught up in wearing a sort of “costume” every time you are seen. It is a fashion trap that some fashionistas fall into. It just shows others you are confused with style, I promise you it will make your life more difficult when getting ready and it will take a huge chunk of your money wearing one time pieces.

6.) Make a list when you shop and shop less. Having a workable wardrobe doesn’t mean having a huge walk in closet that looks like a boutique (although that would be nice!!!!!) a workable wardrobe is being able to interconnect your pieces and looking stylish yet effortless.

7.) LASTLY…fashionistas take risks. Don’t save your favorite pieces of clothing for special events. Wear them more often and combine them with your everyday wear! If you have a favorite t-shirt pair it up with a blazer or statement necklace. If you have a favorite expensive cardigan, wear it with a tank top, roll up the sleeves and add a wide legged jean.
If you continue to struggle doing this yourself, having a wardrobe stylist go through your closet will provide a much needed cleansing. The experience will help you better understand your style, fix a scattered wardrobe, provide a cure for making shopping regretful, and you get photos of all your outfit combinations to keep for a reference.

“Know first, who you are; then adorn yourself accordingly.” Epictetus

-Tannya Bernadette

Top 5 Ways to wear a LBD in Fall

Versatile Cardi-Wrap BCBG @ $158

This ink blue color will add dazzle to anything you wear it with,

some excitement to the LBD

Ruffle Front Cardigan Free People @ $98

The front adds texture to the outfit creating a focal point.

CAUTION:

make sure when shopping to not purchase a top that is

too cropped. It will add attention to the hips!

Sleeve Ruffled Shrug DKNYC @ $79

Another ruffled shrug but this one has a few rose buds

that blend into the ruffles. Very romantic look.

Crop Cardigan Maggy London @ $48
This is a classic look and you can never go wrong with a classic.
But take a little risk and add shine with bangles, earrings, or a statement
necklace. It will personalize the look completely.


Stretch Duchesse Satin Jacket SoCa St. John @ $595
This is my favorite look! The elderberry color adds
a rich and strong statement about yourself. The details
to the jacket are not overpowering, they are modern
and sleek.

Hey Tannya,

Do you need a fashion dilemma for your blog? I've got one if you want it!
I will be wearing a satin, LBD that I'm wearing to a cocktail party on the east coast next week. I think it's going to be cold, so I need a shrug, pashmina, or something to go with it. Any quick tips??

-K

K!

LBDs have many ways to top off the look which is why women love it. There are a few options you can choose from, depending on how formal or casual the party and what reflects your

personal style. Above are photos of different designs and cuts you can look for when shopping.

Shopping Tips:

-Make sure the fabric is not heavy, it is definitely not a good pair while conversing in a party environment. Choose light weight.

- Don't let the crops be too short unless you choose to go with shawl to wrap around your shoulders.

-Take a little risk but make it work with your style.

-Make sure you purchase a piece that you can integrate into your wardrobe.

-Be honest with yourself. If the cut doesn't match your body type, too tight too loose, too high, too low. Keep looking. The secret to dressing well is wearing clothing that accentuate your best body attributes.

-Looking for great pieces at a lower price? Check out local consignment shops such as: Felipa's on 45th, Your Sister's Closet, or the ReDress Shop. You may find treasure items.

Have a great search!

Tannya Bernadette

Top 5 Ways to wear a LBD in Fall

Versatile Cardi-Wrap BCBG @ $158

This ink blue color will add dazzle to anything you wear it with,

some excitement to the LBD

Ruffle Front Cardigan Free People @ $98

The front adds texture to the outfit creating a focal point.

CAUTION:

make sure when shopping to not purchase a top that is

too cropped. It will add attention to the hips!

Sleeve Ruffled Shrug DKNYC @ $79

Another ruffled shrug but this one has a few rose buds

that blend into the ruffles. Very romantic look.

Crop Cardigan Maggy London @ $48
This is a classic look and you can never go wrong with a classic.
But take a little risk and add shine with bangles, earrings, or a statement
necklace. It will personalize the look completely.


Stretch Duchesse Satin Jacket SoCa St. John @ $595
This is my favorite look! The elderberry color adds
a rich and strong statement about yourself. The details
to the jacket are not overpowering, they are modern
and sleek.

Hey Tannya,

Do you need a fashion dilemma for your blog? I've got one if you want it!
I will be wearing a satin, LBD that I'm wearing to a cocktail party on the east coast next week. I think it's going to be cold, so I need a shrug, pashmina, or something to go with it. Any quick tips??

-K

K!

LBDs have many ways to top off the look which is why women love it. There are a few options you can choose from, depending on how formal or casual the party and what reflects your

personal style. Above are photos of different designs and cuts you can look for when shopping.

Shopping Tips:

-Make sure the fabric is not heavy, it is definitely not a good pair while conversing in a party environment. Choose light weight.

- Don't let the crops be too short unless you choose to go with shawl to wrap around your shoulders.

-Take a little risk but make it work with your style.

-Make sure you purchase a piece that you can integrate into your wardrobe.

-Be honest with yourself. If the cut doesn't match your body type, too tight too loose, too high, too low. Keep looking. The secret to dressing well is wearing clothing that accentuate your best body attributes.

-Looking for great pieces at a lower price? Check out local consignment shops such as: Felipa's on 45th, Your Sister's Closet, or the ReDress Shop. You may find treasure items.

Have a great search!

Tannya Bernadette

Translate your Impeccable Style into the Gym

Puma's Lakyo's Running Shoes for Women @ $78 : The white color is great for the gym, they will stay looking fresh for a long time. Use them for the gym only to avoid dirtying them up! They have stylish a-symmetrical designs and the misty jade color can work for all seasons.

Crossfit Duffel @ $88: This is more than a gym bag, it's a work bag! Durable: Holds up to 50lbs and can carry a 15" laptop. The interior has pockets for all of the little accessories and devices we use. Stylish: It is all water resistant and the deep purple is so versatile.

Define Jacket @ $108: Well fitted and great to have as a cover up while warming up.

Salutation Tank @ $52: The tops can be colorful and print splashed! This is what you will be rotating around most and if the price is a bit high, don't hesitate to work around finding fitted tanks at department stores. But this one comes with built in support so no extra bra needed, and removable cups for added fullness. It is organic certified which adds a nice touch against your skin while working out.

Wunder Under Crop @ $68: Yes it is black, let's choose neutral colors such as gray, navy, and black on bottom to make the most possible combinations possible with tops.

Help! I am in my late twenties and have recently signed up for a membership at the gym. The first few days I was wearing my lounge wear clothing that I wear at home, you know, the baggy pants with mismatched t-shirts. When I leave the house I start to feel "underdressed" and it causes my performance to subside. What type of clothing do you recommend for working out?

-Distressed at the Gym

Good Morning Distressed at the Gym,

How you look can affect how you feel about yourself, even damper on your confidence. The gym is a place where you want to work towards accomplishing goals with your weight, more importantly your image. Wearing baggy pants and mismatched shirts aren't looking good when you see yourself in the mirror at the gym.

My fashion fix for you would be: Lululemon. I am a fan. Their clothing works wonders for many different body types because they offer cuts and designs that are well tailored. They even offer pants that are made for petites like myself and long pants for taller women!

I suggest you first acquire two bottoms in gray or black, add three tops, two sports bras, one pair of gym shoes, and a gym bag. Of course the style you choose in bottoms will depend on the activities you are performing at the gym: aerobics, kickboxing, or machine. You may feel comfortable in cropped pants for machine work, long pants for aerobics, drawstring fitted pants for kickboxing, and shorts for running. This really depends on your comfort level. Above is an example of a combination that will be a good start to your trips to the gym.

Fashion Dilemma Solved!

-Tannya Bernadette

Translate your Impeccable Style into the Gym

Puma's Lakyo's Running Shoes for Women @ $78 : The white color is great for the gym, they will stay looking fresh for a long time. Use them for the gym only to avoid dirtying them up! They have stylish a-symmetrical designs and the misty jade color can work for all seasons.

Crossfit Duffel @ $88: This is more than a gym bag, it's a work bag! Durable: Holds up to 50lbs and can carry a 15" laptop. The interior has pockets for all of the little accessories and devices we use. Stylish: It is all water resistant and the deep purple is so versatile.

Define Jacket @ $108: Well fitted and great to have as a cover up while warming up.

Salutation Tank @ $52: The tops can be colorful and print splashed! This is what you will be rotating around most and if the price is a bit high, don't hesitate to work around finding fitted tanks at department stores. But this one comes with built in support so no extra bra needed, and removable cups for added fullness. It is organic certified which adds a nice touch against your skin while working out.

Wunder Under Crop @ $68: Yes it is black, let's choose neutral colors such as gray, navy, and black on bottom to make the most possible combinations possible with tops.

Help! I am in my late twenties and have recently signed up for a membership at the gym. The first few days I was wearing my lounge wear clothing that I wear at home, you know, the baggy pants with mismatched t-shirts. When I leave the house I start to feel "underdressed" and it causes my performance to subside. What type of clothing do you recommend for working out?

-Distressed at the Gym

Good Morning Distressed at the Gym,

How you look can affect how you feel about yourself, even damper on your confidence. The gym is a place where you want to work towards accomplishing goals with your weight, more importantly your image. Wearing baggy pants and mismatched shirts aren't looking good when you see yourself in the mirror at the gym.

My fashion fix for you would be: Lululemon. I am a fan. Their clothing works wonders for many different body types because they offer cuts and designs that are well tailored. They even offer pants that are made for petites like myself and long pants for taller women!

I suggest you first acquire two bottoms in gray or black, add three tops, two sports bras, one pair of gym shoes, and a gym bag. Of course the style you choose in bottoms will depend on the activities you are performing at the gym: aerobics, kickboxing, or machine. You may feel comfortable in cropped pants for machine work, long pants for aerobics, drawstring fitted pants for kickboxing, and shorts for running. This really depends on your comfort level. Above is an example of a combination that will be a good start to your trips to the gym.

Fashion Dilemma Solved!

-Tannya Bernadette

Let's talk style

It occurred to me that fashion is over dramatized on the runway for the real world. Those that are not fashionistas (as myself) living in a fantasy world need to be able to interpret the trends and take what they like and wear it with confidence. As a stylist, I work as a fashion interpreter for my clients.

This website will answer the how to's, do's and don'ts of fashion. A way for you to get answers fast. A process that is easier than searching through magazines finding the right way to wear your new clothing item. A site that is open to everyone so... ask away!!!

We understand designerwear is expensive. Looking good and feeling fresh is about taking a few risks, working with a budget, and feeling comfortable in what you wear. For that reason we have done all the research beforehand to give you Fashion Dilemma Solved.

This blog was created for you! Some days you can't decide where to shop for the best pair of jeans at a $100 budget, maybe you have a wedding to go to, have the dress but can't decide on shoes. Or you have a few Summer items you want to integrate into Fall and don't know how. Questions are endless!

Come in and get your style dilemma solved before it becomes a fashion disaster. Enter all your questions to info@tannyabernadette.com. You will get a response through e-mail and it will also be posted on the blog.