Author: Scarlett De Bease

What To Wear

Written by Scarlett De Bease on May 20, 2014. Posted in Caring for Clothes, Image and Style, Organizing Tips. 2 Comments on What To Wear

Tired of never being able to find what to wear in your closet? Do you keep putting off cleaning out your closet? Make today the perfect day, to get your closet in shape simply by taking the following steps:

Step#1 Remove all tops that are too short.

Step#2 Remove all pants, dresses, and skirts that are too short.

Step#3 Remove all tops that have shoulder pads from the 80’s and 90’s and/or look like it was worn on a TV show from that time period.

So now the final step, and an easy one……………drumroll please………

Step#4 If it is stained, has holes, or is in a non-flattering color or fit, then get it out of your closet and drawers!!! You should only have in front of you pieces that make you feel and look good. Nothing should take up space that cannot be worn, or is only there to remind you of times gone by, and/or if only I were that thin again. Sound familiar?

If you take the time to follow these simple steps, you will save many hours trying to get thru the jungle of your closet to find what will look good on you. You’ll also spend much less time putting back all the clothes you took out while trying to figure out what to wear.

This photo was sent to me by my client Jane Pollak, as a thank-you card, after I had organized her closet. She always knows what to wear, and as you can see has a variety of choices. There are no duplicates, and nothing that wouldn’t look good on her every day for any occasion.

Note: I am writing an easy to follow guide on how to organize your closet so you can create more outfits, know what to wear and find what you have and I would love your thoughts on my project. Please leave me a comment or suggestion as to what you would like to see in my guide.

How To Pack a Suitcase for a Week in a Carry-On

Written by Scarlett De Bease on May 20, 2014. Posted in Image and Business. 1 Comment on How To Pack a Suitcase for a Week in a Carry-On

How To Pack A Suitcase for A Week in a Carry-On

One of the tips I shared with you in my last post, was that each piece of clothing must be able to be worn at least 2 different ways. That guideline works for the accessories you bring as well, including handbags, jewelry, scarves, and shoes.

Here is what I brought with me:

Shoes

Three pairs of shoes. 2 low heeled sandals and 1 pair of sneakers but they are not the kinds you wear to the gym. Mine are black suede, and yes they can get wet. When I wear mine with jeans, they almost disappear. I only brought shoes that I can do lots of walking in, but you can pack heels to substitute for one flat pair if your trip is more business than touring.

Handbags

One handbag is really all you need, and mine was a bright blue which went with EVERY outfit! It had enough room for keys, cell phones, cameras, IPAD, business cards, makeup, etc. I didn’t bring all those things, but you might.

Scarves

One patterned scarf that went with almost every single outfit. I love scarves, and like how they can add some pop and pizazz to a simple outfit.

Jewelry

Two necklaces. One blue and silver, the other brown/cream.
One silver watch.
One multi-strand bracelet with brown, black and cream colors.
One silver hoop pairing of earrings, that I can change the ball drop to three different colors.

Stay tuned for How To Pack A Suitcase for A Week in a Carry-On Part 3, when I show some of the different outfits that can be created with very few clothes.

“You should know that EVERYONE raves about my new wardrobe.”
Linda T. Ct.

I am now offering virtual consultations for those that are too far away or are not yet ready to work one to one with me. Do you want to know what to wear always to look your best? Schedule your FREE Get Acquainted Call to find out how I can show you how to always know what to wear.

Don’t Call Me A Fashionista.

Written by Scarlett De Bease on May 20, 2014. Posted in Image and Business, Image and Style, What To Wear.

I Am NOT A Fashionista

At the start of every season, the fashion experts on TV and in magazines tell us what the “must haves” are for us to add to our closets so you too will look like a fashionista.

Perhaps it is a white shirt, black dress, tan trench coat, and animal print shoes or belt.

Oh wait, isn’t that what seems to be recommended to women practically every year, despite the fact that tan is a very unflattering color on many women including myself?

Black is harsh on some others, and white can make some people’s skin tone look ghostly.

Spell check changed ghastly to ghostly, but there really isn’t much of a difference, right?

These ‘experts’ typically represent a manufacturer or retailer and are there to encourage shopping and they get a piece of the pie.

Trend purchases are often behind many of those price tags I see hanging in women’s closets on unworn purchases.

Actually, there are a few women that can pull off almost any look, but that is their personal style, and they typically work in the fashion field. These women would never be labeled a fashion victim as they are all about being on-trend, and they are in the business of doing so. Think Devil Wears Prada.

But, if you are an entrepreneur, stay at home mom, lawyer, speaker, writer, decorator, artist, volunteer, fundraiser, etc., you want your unique talents, personality, creativity and self confidence to shine, and not the metallic top the fashion stylist on TV exclaimed you simply MUST wear.

No, you do not have to wear or buy the latest trend to look current or fashionable. Actually, not following the current fad is a style in itself, and one that I personally employ, because I am NOT a Fashionista.

About Scarlett

Scarlett is a professionally trained Image Consultant and Wardrobe Stylist. She is Not A Fashionista.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it to appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

Dump The Heels and Wear Flats To Parties

Written by Scarlett De Bease on May 13, 2014. Posted in Accessorizing, Image and Style, Shopping Tips.

Heels aren’t the only way to make your outfit look great.

Hate or can’t wear heels?

Then wear flats to parties, weddings, and pretty much everywhere.

According to an article in the New York Times Style section, flats with a touch of festive, make great alternatives.

Not that I want to pick a fight with the New York Times, but some women have to wear flats to parties. For many, they are the ONLY alternative to wearing heels that cause pain and imbalance.

What about having a stylish-looking pair to slip into after having worn the heels that might have looked great when you walked in, but have now caused you to experience pain and discomfort that reminds you of childbirth or dental surgery? Sometimes both.

If heels are out of the question, get a pair of flats with some color or embellishment so you can dance the night away in.

Another tip would be to wear a dress or pants that are long enough to just be about an inch off the ground so that you seemingly float into the room as you will be so light on your feet being pain-free! Just do a Whoopi!

Years ago, Whoopi Goldberg wore a ballgown to The Oscars with comfy combat boots, not torturous heels. I like her thinking.

Pssst…Overheard In The Dressing Room

“I spent a delicious half day shopping – in my own closet! – with Scarlet. She is a magician, transforming my well-known but not always well-worn clothes into amazing new outfits. She’s delightful to work with, clever, and practical. I highly recommend the therapeutic experience! It will give you a new ” look” on life.
I love thumbing through my new outfits. Just so much fun thinking about what I’m going to wear that day.” Liz Vizza – Executive Director Friends of the Public Garden

Do You Have Packaphobia? Find Out What To Pack For A Trip

Written by Scarlett De Bease on May 13, 2014. Posted in Accessorizing, Caring for Clothes, Image and Business, Image and Style, Organizing Tips. 4 Comments on Do You Have Packaphobia? Find Out What To Pack For A Trip

Packaphobia: def: A condition of high stress and anxiety as a result of trying to figure out what to pack for a trip.

This is nothing to be ashamed of and please don’t be alarmed if you and many other women you know suffer from this stress provoking condition.
This is nothing to be ashamed of, can easily be treated, and fortunately, I have a cure.

I just packed for a week in Europe in two different countries, with the daytime temps in the high 70’s and the nights in the low 60’s. Personally, that is my kind of weather, not too hot or cold and a jacket is only needed at night.

Here is what I packed, and how all the pieces can be interchanged to create more outfits that I could possibly wear for a 7 day period. Oh, and I forgot to mention that I only used a carry-on suitcase.

1 pair white straight leg jeans
1 pair dark denim straight leg jeans
1 tunic top that can be worn with either pair of pants
1 tan casual pencil skirt
2 sleeveless tops that can be worn with all bottoms
3 long sleeve tops that can be worn with all bottoms
1 sleeveless long dress
1 jacket that can be worn over all tops, and my dress, except the tunic
1 scarf
3 pair sandals (1 of which is for rainy days and to be used as my slippers in the hotel)
3 necklaces
3 pair earrings
1 watch
3 pair earrings
Pj’s
2 bras
4 pair panties
1 handbag
1 small umbrella

I had plenty of room to spare, so I could bring home a few unique finds…
which I did.

NOTE: All fabrics, except one denim shirt and the skirt, are made of a polyester blend that does not wrinkle and takes up very little room in the bag. I wash my clothes in the sink with shampoo, so I can have clean clothes and underwear while traveling when needed. The polyester blend fabric dries very quickly and is easy to wash by hand.

Joy Behar of ABC’s, The View, throws out her underwear as she uses them when she travels, but I prefer not spending my money on disposable clothes.

Pssst…Overheard In The Dressing Room

“You helped me organize my clothes for the business trip I was going on with my husband. Well, we just got back from another annual trip and I packed the day before we left, with NO STRESS!!! When I dressed for our first night my husbands words were,”WOW you look great. Scarlett would be very proud of you. Thanks for being such an important part of allowing me to feel good about myself.”
Sharyn Baer

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and you do not wish for it to appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

4 Instant Makeover tips for Spring and Summer

Written by Scarlett De Bease on May 13, 2014. Posted in Image and Style, Seasonal Tips.

Finally, the warmer weather is here, the daffodils are popping up and you too are ready to spring up and out with a new image.

So here are 4 instant makeover tips for you, that you can easily and without any expense, start implementing right now to update your looks.

#1. Wear your top out and not tucked into your waist. This will instantly make you appear thinner and taller and will also take a few years off your look.

#2. Change your hairstyle. Try bangs, change the side you part your hair, pull it back or wear your hair loose. Just try to wear it differently than you usually do, and next time you are due for a cut and or color, let the stylist make a suggestion rather than you telling him or her what you want. Hair grows back, so be open to experimenting a bit, and embrace change for a change.

#3. Don’t wear the same outfit over and over again. Instead of grabbing the same top and bottom that you always do, combine pieces that you normally don’t put together. Try wearing a nicer than ‘everyday’ top with your jeans, to update your look. or wearing another pair of shoes. And when you go shopping, DO NOT buy something you already have. Odds are you already have the black pants and white shirt! Right?

#4. Finally, the easiest and most effective wardrobe change that you can do, is to roll or push up your sleeves. This is one of the most important tips I give my clients, as by utilizing this simple styling tip, you will be amazed at what a difference it will make to your image.

Give all or any of these instant makeover tips a try, and let me know which are your favorite.

Go here to get my 5 Style Tips To Look Younger, Thinner and Taller.

Pssst…Overheard In The Dressing Room

“I highly recommend hiring Scarlett! She helped me purge the out-of-date and unattractive clothes from my closet, showed me new ways to wear my existing clothes & accessories to highlight my face and figure, and emailed me almost 50 pictures that evening of all of the outfits she put together. In addition, Scarlett made a list of the items I needed to purchase and can be hired to shop with me to make sure I make the best decisions. No more wasting time and money buying the wrong clothing items. She was a pleasure to work with and I had a great time in the process.” Denise Baliotti

© Scarlett De Bease & Scarlett Image, All Rights Reserved

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

Do You Ask Yourself These Questions?

Written by Scarlett De Bease on May 13, 2014. Posted in Image and Business, Image and Style. 3 Comments on Do You Ask Yourself These Questions?

What should I wear today?
How Can I look thinner?
What should I wear to an interview?
What should I wear to look professional?

Do you ever find yourself asking any or perhaps all of these questions?
If yes, you certainly are not alone.

The #1 question is of course: What should I wear today?

These are very common concerns for women entrepreneurs and for those over 40 who are reinventing themselves and their careers. It all comes down to personal branding which basically means how you package your professional and personal image.

When you walk into a room to meet a potential client or for a job interview, the only thing you should be focused on is what you have to offer the person/people you are meeting. You should not be thinking about what you are wearing, if you are dressed properly, or hoping to fit in and not stand out in a negative manner.

Another kept quiet concern for many women: “Will I pop any seams because my clothes might be a bit too tight”.

Try these 3 tips to help you end the cycle of not knowing what to wear and stop asking what should I wear today?

Go to a store you have never shopped in.
Try clothes on that you think would not look good on you. You might really surprise yourself with experimenting a bit.
Don’t tell yourself you want to lose weight before you buy new clothes.

It really isn’t just about what you’re wearing that will make the best first, second, etc. impression. It’s about how different you will feel when wearing the right fitting and looking clothes. You’ll no longer waste your time and energy thinking about your appearance when you really should be focussing on your business and profession.

There was a study done that women and men perceived themselves taller when they felt powerful. You automatically feel confident and powerful when you are wearing clothes that are perfect just for you. What women wouldn’t want to feel more powerful? Especially when over 40 and is beginning to feel her better days are behind her.

For the record, no way, no how is a woman over 40 past her prime.
It’s truly the opposite as now a woman over 40 is smarter, stronger and more informed than ever before to take control of her life and career.
She also is a far better judge of how to use her time.

So how is a person perceived? How you look 55%, how you sound 38%, and what you say 7%.

Yikes! That is 100% terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Stop procrastinating on looking your best and taking care of your image, personal brand, ego, whatever you want to call it.

YOU are worth time and effort.

Pssst…Overheard In The Dressing Room

“You don’t have to wear 5 inch heals or lose 25 pounds at weight watchers, just spend one hour with Scarlett, and you will lose ten pounds and grow at least 4 inches. When she gives you the tools to work with and casts her spell on you, you gain a feeling of confidence you never know you had. Trust me, it happened to me, and it will happen to you”. ~ S.B. Stamford Ct.

Just Who Do You Think You Are, Telling Me What To Wear?

Written by Scarlett De Bease on May 13, 2014. Posted in Image and Business, Image and Style, Makeovers, What To Wear. 4 Comments on Just Who Do You Think You Are, Telling Me What To Wear?

Welcome to Scarlett Says

How can I show you what to wear?

Have you ever wondered exactly what it is that I do? Come on, you know you’ve wondered what working with a wardrobe stylist is all about. I bet you even have wondered what working with me is all about. And, oh working with a wardrobe stylist and personal shopper must only be for the wealthy and shop-a-holics, right?

I mean, just who do you think I am?

Well, now you can hear the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Scarlett Says.

You’ll also find out how to get 3 FREE wardrobe stylist tips from me, no strings attached, no small print, etc. This is my way of showing a woman who has not worked with me, how making only 3 changes in what she wears can totally change how she looks and feels about her appearance. All I need is your picture, sent to Scarlett@ScarlettImage.com, and you will get my tips created specifically for you, and will those tips will help you know what to wear.

Have you gotten your copy of my Free Guide to find out what to wear:

Click here to see the →5 Style Tips To Instantly Make You Look Younger, Thinner & Taller?

“Scarlett is a God send. I was wearing the same outfits repeatedly and couldn’t decide how to dress better. Scarlett came to my house and in one session efficiently figured out the colors and style that looked best on me. Than she went to my closet and created coordinated outfits including shoes and jewelry and photographed everything so I have a personal file of outfits I can wear. The wardrobe stylist transformation has been lasting and significant. I have a new sense of myself.”

—Beth Martin, Scarsdale NY, Spiritual Life Coach/Grief Counselor

Personal Shopper Wins The Gold In Shopping Olympics!

Written by Scarlett De Bease on May 13, 2014. Posted in Shopping Tips.

After a particularly great shopping day, my client awarded me the gold medal for being the best personal shopper she has ever worked with.

I really like this client’s taste, but all kidding aside, I truly aim to get the best deals and items I can find for my clients. I love sales and hate spending more than necessary, and I urge you to feel the same way.

SALE WARNING: Just because the sign says sale, does not mean you are really getting a deal. Some stores inflate their prices so that when you see that the item is on ‘sale’, you think you are getting a deal. Well, you are not! You are simply paying the price the store planned on getting all along.

P.S. I wrote this post while London, England at the time of The Olympics, and having spent the better part of the day in the world famous Harrods. This store gave me, a personal shopper, lots of inspiration, but honestly, there is almost nothing here that cannot be found back in the states. As a matter of fact, I would even be able to find the merchandise for less, as I take getting the best price quite seriously, as it is after all my sport of choice!

I am now offering virtual consultations for those that are too far away or are not yet ready to work one to one with me. This is only available to those who are ready to Stop Stressing About Dressing.