Welcome to Real Life Style Blog!

Can changing your wardrobe really change your life? Of course it can! Imagine how light and powerful you would feel if 100% of the clothes in your closet were the right clothes for you right now. Imagine that your wardrobe reflected both your personality and your personal style, while suiting your lifestyle. That, ladies and gentlemen, is called Real Life Style. Want to be able to look and feel put together in just 2 minutes a day? You can.

Click here for more information about how you can work with Lani and click here to schedule your free consultation. Because fashion should be an outlet for fun, not frustration!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

How to Create an Intentional Wardrobe


What is an intentional wardrobe? And do you have the guts to create your own?

An intentional wardrobe is one in which every piece is purposeful, wearable, flattering, and dare I say, exciting. Does this sound like your closet? I didn't think so. Most of us are stuck with what fits, what we've been given or guided into buying by a well-meaning friend or family member, and what we've grabbed at the store when time-crunched. This is NOT an intentional wardrobe. Rather, it is an accidental one.

How do you create an intentional wardrobe? First you muster up the courage to take honest stock of your current wardrobe. Does it fit, flatter and make you excited to get dressed every morning? Only keep the pieces that "fit" this description. Put those pieces on beautiful, new, matching hangers. Take everything else out of your closet. Rather than feel anxious about how little is in there, I bet you'll feel relieved not to be looking at clothes you spent money on but never worked or otherwise didn't make you feel good about yourself.

Secondly, figure out what's missing. Do you have a coat that makes you feel fabulous? The perfect black pump or pencil skirt? Maybe your lifestyle is more casual so it makes sense to buy the best pair of jeans you can afford and comfortable but stylish flats you can run around in? Your intentional wardrobe is going to be particular to your personal style, lifestyle, body type and climate.

Thirdly, go shopping! Of course you won't be able to buy everything you need at once. However, as I tell my clients, "Rome wasn't built in a day and your wardrobe won't be either." If you have a targeted fill-in list, rather than just buying what you find or see on sale, you'll be able to create a wearable wardrobe that makes you feel fabulous EVERY SINGLE DAY. Don't we all deserve that?

So who are these gutsy people who chuck everything and create their own intentional wardrobes? Usually they are going through a change, such as weight loss, post having babies or beginning a new career. Most of us need that kind of motivation, a time where we are literally left with NOTHING TO WEAR, before we will take action. I say, DON'T WAIT! YOU DESERVE IT NOW!

Where did this blog idea come from? I have two clients who work for the State Department. They relayed to me a conversation they had about how much fun it was to hit reset on their wardrobes and JUST START OVER WITH CLOTHES THAT WORK.  Why did they do this? Their previous postings had been in deserts where their wardrobes were so bleak they wanted to burn the clothes by the end. Their next postings were in locations that valued fashion and femininity, although one in an extremely cold climate and one in an extremely hot location. Faced with having to create an entire wardrobe from scratch, they hired me to help them create their perfect, intentional wardrobes.

What fun I've had! Half the battle with new clients is holding their hand as I convince them to let go of the items that aren't working for them. This time, none of that. Just the joy of buying fabulous new clothes! Whoo hoo! Why should I have all the fun? Go ahead, create your own intentional wardrobe. I dare you.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Spring Shopping Hiatus


Some blogs/students/normal people take a Spring Break. Not me. My blog is taking a Spring Shopping Hiatus this week while I am busy in NYC shopping till I drop. It's a hard life I have, toiling away the late nights at Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman. I know, I know... So I leave you with an image of one of the most beautiful of all of the beautiful, wonderful clothes that I have seen in the stores this week. Have a beautiful week!







Thursday, April 11, 2013

Mystery Solved:How to Wear Floral Pants

I know what some of you are thinking. Floral pants? Really? Really. One of the most daring (and fun!) trends to try this season is the floral pant or jean. Whether a large, bright pattern or subtle and small print, you’ll stand out from the crowd wherever you go. Printed pants can be intimidating because they draw attention to the bottom half. However, with the right overall silhouette, these pants can be totally flattering and most importantly, fun to wear. These little tips will help you style floral jeans or trousers for an outfit that will have you looking and feeling spring spectacular!


Peplum tops cinch your waist and add the perfect balance to the ultimate feminine silhouette.




Try mixing your prints too!
 



Slouchypatterned trousers are very “in” this season. You can either match the fit with a large boyfriend-style blouse or tuck in a tank top for a more slimming look.







 Printed pants at work? If your office has a more casual dress code, this look is totally appropriate. Add a blazer or a tweed jacket to printed pants for an outfit that’s bound to impress your co-workers. 









Feminine florals look great with a tough edge, such as a leather t-shirt or boots. Add a rocker-style necklace to tie the look together. 


 



Sporty sweatshirts can make floral trousers look effortless but still totally chic. The floral print on the casual pants keeps the outfit polished. 







The print on these jeans is subtle and great if you aren't ready for bold prints. You can wear them simply with a cute t-shirt, just like you would wear any other pair of jeans! Don't forget to mix your prints or add texture with a lace tee!

 







 



 Chambray shirts are so easy to wear and match practically everything. Wear with these printed pants for a preppy summertime look. 

 





Thursday, April 4, 2013

The Best Layering Accessory for Spring

Blazers are THE best layering accessory for spring. With bright colors and new playful patterns, these structured jackets are no longer just for the office. This spring’s blazers are perfect for any occasion. Wear a pastel moto jacket with a lacy spring dress or rock a boyfriend blazer with floral skinny jeans. As another stylist friend of mine recently reminded me, we all look waaay skinnier and more put together in a blazer. I'm wearing my favorite Theory blazer as I write this!
Any way you wear it, you’re sure to look amazing!



Floral jackets make the cutest spring statement pieces!















Wear bright colors, like these blazers, with softer tones in the same color family for a look that's totally on trend.







Sherbet colors go with almost anything, adding the perfect feminine touch to an outfit.







Who knew leather could look so polished? Whether you choose leather accents or full-on metallic, you can't go wrong.










Tweed made a return this season in styles that range from preppy perfection to totally glam! Which style of tweed do you like?







These motorcycle jackets range from leather to denim to fleece so that you can choose the style that best suits your style.