Highlighting Natural Beauty: A Style Session
Style:
a distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed.
What I love is that we all have a sense of style! The journey to discovering our style can be both frustrating and absolutely beautiful. In a previous blog post I shared my thoughts on style and how I am helping women to achieve their desired sense of style as a Style Coach. (read about it here)
Last month, I had the opportunity to schedule the EXTRAordinary Rashida for an in-person style session, and I’m sharing the experience here with all of you. I just knew that she would be the perfect model to style two EIMO sweater dresses on, and she jumped at the opportunity to be styled by moi.
When styling individuals, I always ask which aspect of their personal style they feel most confident about. I get a range of responses, but Rashida responded that she feels most confident in her “shoe game”. Over the years she has spent a lot of time and money exploring shoes that reflect her sense of style. However, she did confess that many of these shoes have never been worn and they sit in her closet waiting for the perfect outfit to pair them with. I felt this DEEP because I have also been guilty of this over the years.
Nonetheless, I knew that our style session would be the perfect opportunity to pair the shoes she feels most confident wearing with a look/looks that she would be exploring for the first time. So, I asked her to bring those shoes along with any other accessories that she likes.
As a style coach, I understand that it is empowering to highlight and include the client’s likes! Because of this, Rashida was eager to partake in her EIMO style session.
Full disclosure - I LOVE Rashida’s style! My/Our intention for the session was for Rashida to see herself from a few different style perspectives so that she can continue to add new pieces to her wardrobe. What I know is that seeing yourself in pictures really helps with making a vision real, so I thought it would be fun to turn her style session into a photoshoot as well.
Plot twist, I was also the photographer! Yikes...I am NO photographer, but I take a lot of pictures. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and move from in front of the camera to behind the lens (cell phone lens that is)! For some reason, my “bright” ideas always involve me multitasking. So, staying true to being EXTRA, I was the stylist and photographer on that day!
I asked her to show me which shoe she was most excited about wearing with the sweater dress, and she excitedly showed me a fabulous chunky purple heeled bootie. We decided to save the “best for last”! Then, she slipped into her black EIMO sweater dress and it was as though she became instantly transformed.
Style tip: every outfit that you wear should include at least one item that you love to see yourself in.
The dress accentuates her killer legs and the heels add inches to her already tall frame. There’s no other way to put it; she was SEXY. We both agree that this look is perfect for cooler weather and as the seasons transition.
Style tip: Don’t be afraid to wear a really high heel with a mini dress or skirt.
Next, the sweater dress was paired with her black flats to create a more casual look. I love the way Rashida instantly looked stylishly comfortable. Pairing her maroon backpack and throwing on her specs (eyeglasses) gave a youthful and understated look.
Style tip: Consider your eyeglasses an accessory. A bold frame, funky shaped frame, or the color of the frame can complete a look.
Next up, I had her switch up the vibe completely with a sporty look. Also, her oversized maroon waist-bag and sneakers were the perfect accent to the rose gold print on the sweater dress. This comfortable and stylish look is a perfect travel ‘fit!
Style tip: introduce a complimenting color with matching shoes and bag.
At last, it was time to get funky with her favorite chunky boots and hosiery. With this look, Rashida exudes confidence and a sense of EXTRAordinary style. She was in awe at how fabulous she looked and felt with this particular ensemble.
Style tip: pair a thinner hoop earring with shoes that have a chunky heel.
Style tip: have fun with hosiery! Fishnets and tights with designs are your friend.
Here we see our model in the same style sweater dress with two differences that make a big impact on a person’s style: color and size. While the color looks great on her, the bigger size changes the look completely. We both agreed that going one size up on her gave a casual, loungewear vibe.
Style tip: Try on at least two sizes in the style you’re hoping to get. This can help you to determine how you plan to style the complete look.
Cheers! It’s always an EXTRAordinary style session when a client feels exceptional and looks fabulous from start to finish.