A Blast From The Past

After four years spent under the sales umbrella, I made the switch over to the marketing world.

This recent change gave me the opportunity to sit and reflect about the journey that I have experienced up until this point. It is always important to not only get a viewpoint of where you are currently, but also how far you’ve come.

I’ve had many part-time and full-time jobs growing up but my intro to style started with one specifically. I spent some time as a Sales Associate at Wet Seal back in Connecticut. Interestingly enough I didn’t originally apply for the job, I was recruited as a customer. I used to spend my paycheck in there on a weekly basis and one day the manager, Marcie, approached me in the store and offered me a job. She said, “You might as well work here and get the discount since you are in here all the time.” She was right. I filled out an application and started the following weekend.

The Wet Seal team was amazing and welcomed me into their family. They taught me how to execute seasonal floor sets, handle inventory, open and close the store, set mannequins, and I even survived Black Friday madness with them. Of all that I have learned,  one of my most valuable lessons came from Marcie. She was a master at styling and could put any outfit together with ease. People would come shop at that store specifically just so that Marcie could style them before their night out. (Currently 50-70% off then entire brand since they are closing their doors after all these years)

One of her styling tips/rules that always stuck with me was, T.B.L.A. – Top. Bottom. Layer. Accessory. When you are assembling your outfit, start with a top that you really want to wear. I got this chiffon pink pleated top from Hautelook and was dying to wear it to the office, so I did! Depending on how complex your top is, pair it with a bottom that is simple so that there aren’t too many focal points. Next, add a layer. The layer could be a sweater, a cardigan, a vest, anything really that pulls the outfit together (not including your outerwear). With this outfit, I opted to go with a high low short sleeve sweater that allows the pleats and sleeves to peek through. Finally, give yourself an accessory or two to pull it all together. My favorite  accessory add-on is always a necklace of some sort that adds texture or dimension like I did here with the hammered metal necklace. (also from Hautelook!)

I hope that this blast from the past styling tip helps you to pull together some fun new outfits for your day to day. What are some of your go-to styling tips/rules? Let me know below in the comments.

Thank you for reading – Come visit again soon!

OUTFIT
Top || BCBG Hi Lo Sweater, Elizabeth and James Pleated Blouse
Bottoms  || Express Pants
Shoes || Nine West Pumps
Accessories || Steve Madden Necklace, Pearl Earrings (old),
Lit Boutique Bracelet, NY & Co. Clutch(old)

Thank you Binky for photos! I miss you.