Yes! Mabelle Style does a personal shop for men. The client ratio currently is approximately 40% male. I am aware that a lot of my blog posts happen to be geared to women’s fashion & outfit posts. I want to make sure that I include a mens blog whenever I can .
Last week I wrapped up three mens shops & two had lookbooks created for Fall; I’ll share some photos below. Each one had very different styles. The first shop being geared toward business casual/professional, wanted a more polished & conservative look sticking to a sports coat & denim with a focus on the colours navy, charcoal, a burgundy. I did add a pop of print with a fun but stylish pocket square for the sports coat.
The second shop client looked for an eclectic style with fun prints and colours, as he says “I like my clothes to be a conversation piece.” I went with the theme of burnt red for fall, tying the colour together with a fun floral print blazer from Etro & a floral shirt. Perfect looks for fall and great pieces to add to his ever evolving, captivating wardrobe. (We have shopped together for a very long time!)
For my third client, who flew into Vancouver from Victoria, BC knew exactly what he needed. He was in need of 3 suits for work and one sports coat for casual Fridays. Since he wears a suit daily, we wanted to make sure we found lasting brands, going with Canali & Armani. This client is a perfect example of showing why a personal shopper can be so important for a busy business professional. Because I select the merchandise ahead of time, he saves himself a great deal of time, as we took only one-and-a-half hours for fitting, tailoring and finalizing our 4 selections. He also saved money by making sure he got the perfect fits and correct purchases on a one-stop-shop while avoiding any wrong/bad purchases. Costly mistakes are nothing more than poor decisions – look sharp, use a professional!
Do you have a summer dress you just love and aren’t ready to put it at the back of your closet quite yet? (Even with the wind and rain that literally arrived the first day of September!)
Mabelle Style recommends a lot of summer dresses (not all!) that would be great transitional pieces for September / October. When I say ‘not all’ dresses, what I mean is don’t wear a dress full of spring & summer colours / prints. Try to stick to dresses that have neutrals, camels, blacks, grays, pinks, browns, reds … think fall colours.
What do you need to take summer dresses into fall, successfully? Transitional coats are a must when I personal shop for clients. These are what make so many outfits work season to season. Layering a leather jacket, bomber style coat or blazer over a dress with an appropriate scarf, if need be, does the trick. Take a closer look through your existing fall outer apparel and enhance something you love into the next season. This will give you a few more weeks to wear that favorite dress from your spring / summer collection.
How to complete this look? It’s always in the shoes… for the fall/autumn season, the perfect addition would be to go for the ankle booties or cool sneakers. Check out my personal style below… I fell in love with this smock Ganni dress for day & night this summer. To carry it into fall I wanted to give it some edge by wearing my moto leather jacket and some cool boots … I also felt this gave the dress an entirely different look from a feminine girly-vibe to edgy.
Why is it so important to have a shopping list when shopping for apparel?
Mabelle Style believes that you can avoid impulse buys, overspending, bad purchases and it can be a time saver when shopping in the stores…. if you prepare a detailed shopping list beforehand.
Before I shop with my clients, new or regular, we work together to come up with a shopping list for each season beforehand. As an option, I suggest a budget to the list for overall total and /or per item. No shopping list is one and the same, as everybody’s needs are different. Recently, I did a poll on Insta stories asking who would like to see my personal shopping list for fall? I got an overwhelming response of YES! Keep in mind the list I prepared below is based off someone (me!) who shops a lot and enjoys it. (opposite of most my clients) which means I don’t need many basics or a large number of items, mainly a few refreshers and trendy pieces.
Footwear ~ My favorite area is shoes, which can be problematic as it’s the one section of my wardrobe I have too many. This season, my list consists of knee high boots to wear with both midi skirts/dresses and over a pair of denim. The style shown below is my fave (Tamara Mellon) but they have been sold out for some time now. Hopefully, they restock soon!
Secondly, an update for my Vans, now having a platform sole. Only $85 and they will look great with any outfit.
The third choice is a pair of Golden Goose sneakers, they have a good selection of different prints and patterns, I should wait till next spring for this style and I’ll definitely wait till a good sale but they are on the list!
Outerwear ~ I have a few coats but I don’t have a robe coat like the one on the right from Zara. I’ve added that to the list as I am fond of the winter white and I have nothing like it in my current wardrobe.
The second coat on my list is this specific trench on the left from Mango. This colour is a love for me and would coordinate with my boots that match perfectly.
Sweaters ~ My shopping list for each season should be focused on tops as I find that’s the biggest opportunity to update in my wardrobe. I don’t have a lot of options. I have 3 sweaters on my list; one a poncho style like the left image from Anthropologie and a couple of options that match the fall coats with creams and brown tones. Also, fair isle sweaters, like the one on the right, is a very big trend this season. Another big trend that I have selected is a Neon Pink sweater, this colour is everywhere right now! I won’t forget to add my staple black & cream turtlenecks to the list (that is a basic refresher I pick up every fall.)
Dresses ~ I personally do not wear a lot of dresses, but the look of a dress with the knee high boot is both classic and fashionable. I have two dresses on my shopping list, one is a casual sweater style. Comfortable, approachable and able to wear for any occasion. The second option is a holiday dress. One of my favorite brands for an event or holiday dress is A.L.C. I love the colour blocking on this one and the turtleneck. This look is very true to my personal style.
Denim ~ I don’t need any denim so this would be something at the very bottom of my priority list for shopping but each season I do look for a sale on a couple of favorites to add to the shopping list. The styles shown are from Mother Denim a brand that currently seems to be the best fit for my body type.
Handbags & Belts ~ I don’t have a black tote, this item is always on my list season to season I just haven’t found the one. Celine Cabas…. maybe one day i’ll find it at a consignment store (fingers crossed!). I have added a crossbody to the list in colour cognac to tie in with the creams and camels I’m wearing for this fall.
Lastly, I have one black waist belt on the list as I have not shopped for a waist belt in years. This is a must accessory for update and style this upcoming season!
I am far from ever being a Mommy Blogger. As my knowledge and strength has always been in Fashion, that’s what I stick to, with blogging, social media and most importantly, my work. With that being said, while this is a mom blog, it is focused on talking about styling your body after baby!
Over the years I have received numerous inquiries from women needing a personal shop for a new wardrobe as their body had changed since having a baby. This is something I can relate to since having a baby two years ago. Not every mom is going to have the same challenges in styling. You may have become smaller after baby, stayed the same size but different shape, or have become curvier. It doesn’t matter what has changed, my goal is to make you feel great and comfortable which means finding that perfect fit for your body type.
Talking from personal experience, I was the same size but nothing fit the same! All my pants were too low and uncomfortable against my stomach. My back felt wider (how on earth did that happen?) and well lets be real, does anyone have the same upper body after babies? Here are some style tips that worked for me and my problem areas …
First off, I had to buy a lot of new pants … they don’t call them Mom jeans for nothing! It doesn’t matter how hard I work out, it seems the shape of the tummy will never be the same. The higher the waist the better, in both jeans and dress pants. Thankfully, they are easy to find and feel soooo good on. Tip – Aritzia has amazing dress pant options with an elastic hidden in the back, even better than a high waist. Comfortable, cool & flattering!
I also found that tops had become too fitted or body hugging and I did not feel comfortable wearing them. When shopping I looked for tailored at the waist-line. Tip – blazers layered with any style of shirt can give you a tailored waist, and a dress-up a look. Loose fitted shirts work well, but keep in mind this style should be half-tucked or full-tucked into the front of your high waisted pant so you don’t lose your waistline and end up looking bigger than you actually are.
With dresses, it’s either find your waist with a wrap or a belted look or go for the loose fitting tunic. Tip – The loose fitting tunic with no belt needs some leg or heel showing to keep the style slim and streamlined.
Lastly, the accessory that has saved me is the belt. I’m talking all sorts of styles for belts. With a high waisted pant, cinched at the waist of a dress, shirt or blazer, a belt is a must or any wardrobe!
Overall the key to styling is to find your waist again and make sure your showing it! If that’s not an option or you don’t feel comfortable with that look, then I recommend lots of tunics, flowy blouses that sit just below the waist line. Tip – Flowy tops need a skinny pant to complete the look. Why? the look can make a body look bigger than it actually is, but if you have a bottom that is skinny-pant, it will elongate your legs and show slim features (like ankles) – Nude heels can do this too:)
I would like to say that the band tee (a t-shirt representing a band … usually from the 70’s) is a trend right now but I think this look has become a staple in many wardrobes. It’s an easy way to take a casual outfit and make it cool. You could style the simple T with jeans, skirts or even take the look to the office by adding a blazer (see below outfit.) I will say, be mindful of prices when shopping for this item as they can run from as low as $15 to as high as $100! Best places to shop for this look? Women’s options, Urban Outfitters, H&M & Anthropologie and for Men Lucky Brand and John Varvatos.
As we wrap up August and head into September, we begin to change from jackets to coats. Starting with a lighter weight, we line up options as the months progress and as the weather gets cooler, the coats get heavier! I’m not just talking about those transitional coats we will wear the majority of time over the next couple of months I’ve also put together options to carry you from early fall to cold winter days of December & January.
Coats are not only functional & weather accommodating attire they can completely change and elevate the most simple outfit. I always say my personal style could be as basic as a white T with a perfect fit jean everyday while rotating through different styles of fabulous outerwear on a regular basis! This philosophy can easily work for both men’s and women’s fashion. This one item ‘outerwear’ can completely change your look! A little tip from the personal stylist :)
Keep in mind you don’t need to be a fashionista wearing the most current outerwear trends – See my picks below for the must have coats of the season (I’ve stayed with classic styles that will last forever) Click the picture to shop the look! Also, don’t miss the Youtube video as well where I’m sharing coats from my personal closet.
The Black Blazer ~ Finding the perfect fit is a must for this look, structured waist and length is key.
Smythe
The Trench Coach ~ Going from Summer to Fall or Spring to Summer, look no further than the perfect trench. The weight is just right for transitioning into seasons and the style looks great with just about anything!
Mango
The Jean Jacket ~ I’ve been wearing the same jean jacket for 20 years! It will never go out of style if you stick to a clean wash and simple cut.
Levis
The Leather Jacket ~ Either a clean black leather or a moto jacket style can be a staple item in your wardrobe. The only difference is if your personal style is into more detail. The motto has zippers and hardware were as the other look has simplicity to the look.
Mackage
Mackage
The Robe Coat ~ This style can also we called the wrap coat and it can have two different looks. The shorter length with a hood option is perfect from work to casual with sneakers. The other option is the longer style which is perfect for over dresses and suiting keeping with a dressier feel.
Sentaler
Zara
The Classic Wool Coat ~ Once we hit December / January a clean classic wool coat is a must for those cold days. You can stick with black or have some fun with a pop of colour like this red version!
Smythe
The Puffer ~ The casual puffer is a cute style and functional if your running errands or running after kids in the park. This one is a fave of mine as it’s only $88 and maintains a fashionable fit.
Mabelle Style would like to share a client story from earlier this year, on the blog! Back in the spring, I had wrapped up a shop for a client that had wanted to do a big shop once she got to her most comfortable weight. This summer she was happy with her current status and was ready to build the perfect business and weekend wardrobe.
The goal was to develop and build a work-wardrobe that didn’t require a lot of items, we focused on multi-functional pieces. This included suits, suiting-shirts and sheath dresses on rotate, as well as the classic nude and black heel. After cleaning out her current wardrobe, we were able to begin from scratch.
Co-ordinating shift dress was included in this 4 piece ensemble
For weekend summer looks, I incorporated knit skirts with T’s (as shorts were not a favorite for fit) and also included a few button up linen t-shirt dresses. Sneakers and easy slip-on sandals were added for footwear as well as a cute crossbody!
Lookbook Photo
A common goal for Mabelle Style clients is to look fashionable without trying, easy and effortless pieces that fit well. We will be shopping in the fall to include sweaters, boots, outerwear and other fall pieces into her wardrobe. Quantity isn’t always the answer, sometimes it is about quality and classic pieces.
The client had this to say, once the shop was complete! “Lindsay, as usual, provided an excellent, personalized service in helping me select a new wardrobe. I was amazed at how much leg-work she’d done in advance in selecting an array of new outfits that truly suited me. The process was painless and fun and I’m so pleased with my new look! Lindsay’s manner is friendly and supportive and never pushy. I’ll be sure to hire her again in the future.”
The fashion industry once had a wise saying that went like this.. ‘don’t wear white after September Labour day weekend’ which was taken literally all around the world. Mabelle Style says, ‘This rule, along with many other ‘fashion’ rules, has been thrown out the window nowadays because of social media, trend-setters and influencers being the ring leaders’. I think it’s only fair to say there are no rules anymore. It’s all about creating your own personal style for what suits you best.
I have had two white looks I’ve been sporting the past few months. A white suit with a double breasted blazer and a tailored white blazer, t-shirt & white checkered pant. Both styled looks are very effective when focusing on white, but the best part about the items is that they are all multi-functional and multi-seasonal with other pieces within my wardrobe. I liked the fact that these two looks kept my style effortless but still maintained a fashionable twist.
White is a year-round staple in any wardrobe with a handful of must-have styles to share. Check-out my most recent video sharing some top picks for white pieces every woman should have in their wardrobe. There’s a quick note at the end for men! Since a lot of Mabelle Style shops are for men, I would like to share a few tips on white must-haves for them too!
Have you ever ordered an item online in hopes it would be as amazing as it looked on the model?You finally receive it and it’s nothing but! I think that’s happened to the best of us, especially when we find a sale item and can’t resist. Once it has arrived it becomes much less than a steller deal as it just sits in the closet forever becoming another impulse buy. I do think as a stylist, there is hope!! Sometimes it just takes a little more thought and creativity to make that oversized sweater, to short of denim or whatever else you may have purchased look cool again.
Before Look: Online purchase ALC dress.
The look in this post shows a dress from one of my favorite brands, ALC, I had ordered online thinking what a deal, half price! When I received the dress in the mail it just didn’t fit, making me look wider and didn’t showcase any the areas I like to focus on with my personal style. I ended up trying different looks by layering jackets to give the dress a cool casual vibe or dressy night out look! It worked and I felt like I had worked my personal style with the dress.
After: Dressy Look by adding a pair of heels & leather cropped leather jacket
After: Casual Look adding denim jacket & booties
For all those random online purchases, there’s hope! Add belts, jewellery, or like me a jacket to make the look suit your personal style. It could even be a heel vs a flat. Sometimes it’s just a quick visit to the seamstress to tweak that ill fitting area that didn’t seem so noticeable on the model!
Matching Hangers A Must! See more tips on Mabelle Style Youtube at the end of this blog.
Mabelle Style and everyone else have been hearing a lot about organization, minimalist living and cleaning out the clutter at home. I’d say Marie Kondo has been the dominant influence on these topics that have become so prevalent nowadays. If you don’t know who Marie Kondo is – I recommend that you google her. She has a book available at Indigo. Even better, you can ‘netflix & chill’ watching the Tidying up withe Marie Kondo.
Mabelle Style focuses on organization of one particular area in your home … the wardrobe/closet. This is not a small area and is one of the most important ones because it’s an area that you are into first thing in the morning or last place at night. It carries vital energy and you want it to be positive. The best time to start the process is NOW… why? Who doesn’t want an organized closet where you can see clearly what items you actually have, clothes you love to wear and feel confident in, and most importantly, when using Mabelle Style, you receive a personal shopping list of items you will need to complete that perfect outfit(s).
This before & after closet photo was done for a client that is ending her year off from Maternity leave and will be heading back to work at the end of August. It was time for her to review her wardrobe and see how all those work clothes now fit and consider what items needed to move on as well as evaluate the items worth keeping. Also, most importantly, the items she needed to shop for to create a capsule work wardrobe.
Before
After
Capsule wardrobe is a minimal curated collection of clothing that are multi-functional. Pre-baby days, her closet contained professional work-wear for her full-time job, but now that she is going back PT (3 days a week) she realized there wouldn’t be need for many pieces since 4 of the days will be living a different lifestyle out of the office. Updating her existing wardrobe was a priority.
How did the process of wardrobe consult turn out? We ended up sending A LOT of the work-wear items to consignment or donation places. A detailed shopping list was prepared. I personally shop to find the specific pieces required to complete her curated wardrobe ahead of her personal shopping experience, and then I prepare a very organized closet grouped by colour & style with all matching hangers! I also recommended matching white baskets to keep her handbags & hats in.
What did the client think? – Here is what she had to say…
“I am extremely pleased with the closet clean out provided by Lindsay! The process was quick and easy and the results were fantastic! Eliminating old items that no longer suit my lifestyle makes my closet much more manageable. Everything is organized, making picking my outfit for the day quick and effortless.”
Want more closet tips? Check out Mabelle Styles Youtube page below with a most recent video on the Top 5 tips to keeping your closet organized!
