Personal Shopper – Sustainable & Eco Friendly Fashion

Mabelle Style uses reusable bags for your personal shopping day

Sustainable fashion is happening now and growing in popularity quite quickly! This change is occuring with both choice of textiles by designers (using a less environmentally harmful option) and having durable fabrics to last longer. Think reduce, reuse and recycle! Here are some tips Mabelle Style does to be apart of the eco friendly fashion shift.

Donate & consign whenever doing a closet clean-out. If you have good condition brands stores like Mine & Yours or Turn About are great for consignment, Varage or Craigslist if you want to sell directly and any local charity. Donations can happen at any local charity in your area and if you have work wear for women check out Dress For Success
Fast fashion vs slow fashion. Fast fashion won’t come with the quality but very trendy we recommend quality (slow fashion) over quantity (fast fashion) and sprinkle in a few of those trendy pieces that you don’t want to spend a lot but will wear through out a season. Be sure to try and donate or repurpose the fabric once your done with fast fashion pieces as the fabrics are not great for the landfill!
Reusable shopping bags! When we do a personal shop we end up with some many shopping bags! To change this we have been using Mabelle Style reusable bags for a couple of years now! And we always condense as we shop to avoid taking bags from every store. Also, say no to tissue! Unless you have purchased a delicate fabric or dark denim jeans that could run.

Some of Mabelle Styles favorite sustainable brands …

Personal Shopper – Fashion Gone Wild

You will notice Animal print fabric trends just about everywhere these days, and it’s here to stay right through 2019. I’m sure this won’t be my first outfit post on this theme, more to come for fall!

T-shirts, cardigans, dresses, shoes in zebra, cheetah and snake prints and many more animal designs are being shown from low fashion H&M, mid range Nili Lotan to top designers like Gucci. I’m thinking this may not be just a trend but is now considered forever chic.

I have a couple of cheetah print tops circulating in my wardrobe but I wanted to try something new that was a little out of my comfort zone. I purchased a snake print skirt from Mango, which to be honest, reminded me of something I would have worn in the 90’s. It’s midi length, satin feeling with a soft snake print. I will say I’m pleasantly surprised how often I’ve had it on rotation throughout my wardrobe this season, as well as the numerous ways it could be styled!

Look 1 – I put the (I like to call them the Meghan Markle heal) Stuart Weitzman and a casual denim shirt from one my my favorite brands Rails. The thought of making a heel feel more casual with denim is a personal style I like to go for.

Look 2 – Printed band t’s are fun pieces to mix with other different styles including a printed snake skin skirt! This is my fave of the three looks with the classic Gucci slide. It’s casual but fun and very Vancouver.

Look 3 – Dressing up a skirt using a snake print is pretty easy by just adding some black accessories – you can wear any black top and black heel. I went for a cropped knotted-T as it’s cute with the subtle detail. Two key points from this look are: black is an easy go-to for dressing up with heals which really change the look!

Personal Shopper – Having Trouble Packing?

Over the years, Mabelle Style has received questions regarding wardrobe selection for travel. The biggest challenge for most when packing is that they can never decide on what to pack. The suitcase becomes over the weight capacity allowed by the airlines and you are still unsure if you even have the right outfits? Or for that matter .. outfits period. Sometimes, the clothes selected are nothing more than a bunch of random pieces of clothing that you like, but they actually don’t tie together, and you are stuck away from home without any coordinated outfits.

Over the past ten years I have had to travel a lot for work … only taking a small carry-on piece of luggage. And, most recently I have been sharing my suitcase with my little one whose clothes and diapers take up half of my space. I would like to think I’ve become an expert on efficient travel packing! Let me share with you some tricks and tips that have worked for me as well as some frequent questions I have received from clients when I assist them on packing their best outfit combinations for their trips.

Putting together multi-functional outfits for my next trip!

MAKE A LIST ~ Before you even start packing, prepare a list of what outfits you would like to wear each day. This helps avoid over packing and gets you thinking of outfit combinations. If you are struggling with these combinations, that’s where I can come in and share some style expertise when needed.

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL ~ Shoes, coats, jeans, bottoms can all be multi-functional items that can be worn for more than one look on a trip. Think more about shirts & dresses as the items you may want to pack .

ROLL THEM UP ~ Save space in your suitcase by rolling-up as many clothing pieces as you can. This will be a big space spaver.

Mabelle Style can always create a packing list and lookbook for you that will absolutely make one part of travelling a little bit easier!

Stylist – Vancouver Club Portrait Series

For those of you who have been to the historic Vancouver Club, you know the Club is filled with memorabilia, dating back to 1889.

Mabelle Style had the opportunity of styling a photo shoot that took over the heritage Club, partnered with stylist Emily Gray. We had plenty of ideas on how to bring life and drama to its beautiful architecture. We styled a three shot series for photographer Mark Whitehead starting with the Georgian Room, one of my favorite wedding venues in the city.

The second shot styled for the series took place in the Captains Bar. Heritage personalized liquor lockers constructed from olde dark wood and low ceilings enhanced with detailed thick crown moulding boasted a dramatic lounge.

The final shot of the evening took place in the billiards room where I had a vision of the leading lady taking a shot in a red power suit (this was before I even saw the room!) Ladies you can’t go wrong with a bold suit; it doesn’t matter if it’s in the workplace or for a casual game of pool!

Thank you to all whom made this photo shoot come together ~

Vancouver Club, Mark Whitehead <photographer>, Emily Gray <stylist>, Steve Pinter <retouchter>, Cat Langdon & Becca Randle <makeup & hair>, Thiago Tarcitano <lighting>, Lisa Chandler, Mike Veal, Ror Tio, Owen Caddell, Dani Lerose, Shawn Yip, <models>

Personal Shopper – Toddler Fashion

Personal Shopping for toddler-clients has never been top of the Mabelle Style list until the past year. Once I posted a few photos of my own toddler, who receives special treatment in the fashion department, I received some inquiries. The dress shown in this picture was a smocked green-print cotton dress purchased from the gift store at London Heritage Farm as a special present from her Grannie. I added a cool pair of trendy pink Converse. She currently has a staple supply of hair-bows for everyday to match her outfits.

We have often been stopped on walks where people compliment her fashion style. I’ll be honest, it’s a minimal multi-function wardrobe with some of the coolest pieces coming from Varage Sale (an app based in your area that you can consign products). Since having a baby, I’ve been asked numerous times to do a blog on the brands I love and where I shop. See below a list of my personal fave kids brands and why.

Tea Collection – TC carry an unique supply of fun prints! My favorite is the pj’s and leggings! They also have some cute prints on t-shirts and dresses.

LP Apparel – LPA has super cute t’s and hats! (Canadian too) Fits/sizes are on the smaller side.

Posh & Cozy – PC have the cutest graphic sweatshirts.

Petunia & Buster – PB carry my favorite harem pants, the prints are adorable. Local too!

Noppies – Overall, some cute fashionable pieces.

Mini Mioche – This brand is an all time fave! Fabric is organic and their clothes are made in Canada. Not only are the clothes perfect basics, they also have the coolest kicks like Vans & Adidas.

Childhoods Clothing – The products I favor are the camo prints and the very soft fabrics! Rompers are super cute as well. They are a bit pricey with the dollar exchange but they use domestic manufacturers.

Portage and Main – PM carry fun and creative graphic t’s. Canadian brand!

Whistle & Flute – Cutest Prints! From sushi to cotton candy. Local Brand!

Aloha Kai – AK offer the coolest hats for kids. If you going to Hawaii you must shop this brand first for the perfect photo opp outfit. Local Brand!

Zara Kids – ZK carry a great supply of basics, cardigans, as well as some fun fashion pieces. This is an easy site to shop online and their prices are pretty good. I purchased a down coat last winter for $35 and it looks like it will fit through this winter!

H&M – Great prices and their looks are cute! I bought a lot from H&M. It is easiest to shop online for correct sizes. The conscious line is my favourite for basic rompers, onesies and layering pieces. Also, H&M has a good variety of hats for the little ones. (Fits big)

Gap Toddlers – This store has the best sales! You never have to pay full price. I always purchase her skinny jeans/jeggings here.

Carters – Best price for cute onesie packs! They also have three piece outfits that come with a fun printed fleece jackets. (Perfect for Vancouver weather.)

Minimoc – From age 1-2, my baby lived in the soft sole mocs. (Gray, Pink & Cream colour.) I have not tried their sneakers yet. Local brand!

Converse – Because who doesn’t love Converse? It’s pretty fun to have matching shoes with your kids isn’t it? Well i’m sure not for much longer.

Native Shoes – A popular shoe company for both kids and adults. My daughter is obsessed with her Natives. I got her first pair on Varage for $8 in mint condition. They are comfy and practical in so many ways. Local brand!

Adidas – Another fave sneaker brand in lots of colours that you can have matching shoes!

Personal Shopper – Mabelle Style is in full swing

Mabelle Style is taking on new clients!

If you dread searching for hours in a shopping mall or if you find it difficult to put new outfits together from your wardrobe, then its time to consider a personal shopper. Take a moment to look through our services that Mabelle Style offers for both men and women.

Last year I was at the maximum for my profile of clients with the birth of my daughter. I’m now shifting gears back to full time styling which allows me to increase my clientele.

With that being said, we are offering a couple of perks for 2019 shopping ….

New Client?

We have a combined special package for wardrobe organization & personal shopping.

Existing Client?

We now offer a new amazing referral program!

Email for more details.

Personal Shopper – A Fashion Lookbook

Pants: Paul Smith
1st polo: Fred Perry
2nd polo: Rag & Bone
Sneakers: Wings & Horns

Gentleman prefer photos … Updating a man’s wardrobe and piecing together outfits is one thing but coming home from a successful shop done with your very own personal shopper is a whole other mattar. Not only do you end up with complete new outfit combinations but you also have the opportunity to build on the current outfits you already have in your wardrobe. You can receive on average at least 15 – 20 new looks per season!

One of the most requested services I receive is to find a way to document all the possible clothing combinations. The lookbook I create simplifies your morning selections by not having to think about how to pick and put together items and still look good. Instead, you turn to your personal collection of photos that showcase several combinations that work. Simply select what you feel like wearing for that day. The photos can be sent in email to save on your computer/phone or printed into an book!

I’ve created two separate lookbook updates last week for two different male clients. I thought I’d share some snaps for you to view of what a Mabelle Style fashion lookbook entails. Enjoy!

Personal Shopper – Styling Suits For The Ladies

How often do you see women wearing suits today?

I guess this could be dependent on what city you’re living in. Being based in the Vancouver market, I would say it isn’t something my clients are often looking for these days, but I have noticed during the past year the style of suits have really changed. They have become more versatile and fashionable, no longer carrying the stigma of being a ‘stuffy and corporate’ appearance for only certain jobs. You are now seeing suits worn on all different age groups and in all works-of-life. It’s the trend, and has become the norm with evolving styles from cropped pants and oversized blazers to bold prints, which provide options on how and when we wear a suit in Vancouver. I wanted to show you a few styles I’ve been providing clients in suits this season! Taking the classic colours of navy/hunter-green plaid, this multi-functional oversized fit is both professional and fun and gives three looks! (This suit is from Aritzia for $490)

First look – corporate day job to a night out for drinks at the Pacific Rim with a fierce heel.

Second Look – a fun style of oxford shoes give the suit a relaxed day look for a casual job to an evening out, pretty much anywhere in the city!

Third look – my fave. Who doesn’t want to wear a pair of sneakers? Well today, it is acceptable to wear with suits. Pick up a cool pair of Adidas for $90 and this can take your suit pretty much anywhere in the city .. looking very trendy and comfy all in one!

Top 5 Reasons To Hire A Personal Shopper!

The best part about being a personal stylist is the feedback received from clients who explain how great they feel following a consultation by hiring a professional to understand their personal needs. Here is a list of the top five reasons why my clients regard Mabelle Style as a ‘good investment’.

Wardrobe Consultation

An unorganized, overstuffed closet can cause anxiety, confusion when you can’t clearly see your clothing. You should be able to spot a possible outfit combination with a quick glance. By having your own stylist professionally clean out & organize your wardrobe, you will visibility be able to interpret new ensembles at a moments notice. The Personal Stylist will automatically piece together new looks and options, and then observe any particular weak areas required to create a well rounded wardrobe.

Looking Good without the stress
A skilled Stylist produces an effortless approach for the client, who doesn’t want to think about how to do it, by generating multiple outfit combination’s, and then documents them all with photographs. An easy way to view and select an outfit from the closet that matches the picture… voila! A Simple way to look your best.

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Time Saver
Numerous clients dislike spending time shopping in malls because they can’t find what they want, feel pressured by sales people or leave with pieces instead of outfits. The stylist does the legwork and finds all the items for you, saving hours of time that you could put to better use!

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Money Saver
How many times do you leave the mall spending large amounts of money and don’t even know what you bought or purchase clothes that don’t get worn. With a stylist you save money with new items pulled specifically for you that are multi-functional. Numerous outfits are created by adding new pieces to the current wardrobe. Also, you save money by doing a couple of shops a year instead of hitting the mall multiple times (all that wasted $ adds up). By setting a budget with your stylist, you save time and costly mistakes.

Feeling Confident
The number one reason I style for my clients is to make them feel better about themselves. Wearing well fit clothes make you feel comfortable, look fashionable and most importantly you feel confident… a real boost once the compliments start rolling in.

Blazer: Banana Republic
Hoodie: American Apparel
Denim: Armani Exchange
Boots: Zara

Stylist – Spring into camel!

Coat: Zara
Shirt: Uniqlo
Denim: Citizen of humanity
Boots: Stuart Weitzman

Spring has sprung and the heavy sweaters have been packed away by now. When it comes to fashion choices at this time of year we often hear about flowers. We see so many floral options year after year . Instead of jumping on the floral train, one of my personal favorite colour pallets to get us through spring is the colour camel! It looks fabulous with a white on white combination as well as with just your basic denim! Check out the looks below.