Fall Trends to Live For: The Style Haus Report

Fall is my absolute favorite season!! I mean seriously, when else does a girl have the opportunity to rock jeans and boots on a daily basis without being criticized? 

I love the warm hues, oversized sweaters, knee high boots, gloves, and oh I can't forget the fabulous newsboy hats and romantic headwear we get a pass on for the season. YES!! Can you tell I love fall fashion?

OK seriously, I've been trend-spotting lately and I've uncovered the hottest trends for this fall season. Surprisingly enough, all are obtainable, and affordable. That's the coolest news for my budgetnistas! 

The first trends I'm primarily excited about are the ladylike skirts, sumptuous coats, and comfy flats.

This fall trend report is full of easy-to-wear pieces you're going to love! Here, fall's best fashion trends straight from either the runway, Rachel Zoe, or my Style Goddess, Kimora Lee Simmons...and how you can style them for work, date night, and everything in between.  

This look will literally take you from day to dinner without any edits! So feminine, and elegant, yet edgy. And the best news? Iron-free ensembles!!! Yes, you're welcome. Stop by Nordstroms, H & M, or DeAnna's Style Haus to shop the hottest wrinkle-free skirts, tops, and dresses for your day-to-day.

All About Pops of Color...
In addition to blue, orange is another hot color for the season. Wait, before you say "not for me," know that there are different shades for every skin tone- from juicy, bold brights, to subdues, muted hues.

I love theses hues because you can style them black or nude shoes and purse, and you're done...BAM, out the door!

WhooHoo Wrap Coats!! The Ultimate Feminine Touch.

I've been waiting all year to rock my Cavalli Wrap Coat! Oh my goodness. Throw on an over sized wrap coat over a multitude of layers, or team it with slim-cut trousers and a thin turtleneck. It's all yummy, and fabulous. Think Olivia Pope.
Oh what I wouldn't give for Olivia's Pope coat wardrobe!! Coats have become Olivia's signature. So stylish. So Grace Kelly.

When black and white feel overdone, try the hue that's a happy medium of both. I saw gray styled from head to toe during Fashion Week (for everyday wear), and it actually wasn't bag. Simply add a little pop of cheeriness color like rich violets, vibrant green and bright yellows. All go beautifully with gray. 

Bold Fashion Statement Bags

There are bags that say something about your style, and then there are pieces that actually deliver the message for you. These are statement bags. This is what every girl should aspire for. The statement bag allows you to make a statement without saying a word. 

Take a look at Kim's statement bag. Your eye is immediately drawn to it right. Inner-thoughts? Oh she's cute, yet casual. Effortless.

"Statement bags are the easiest way to add flair to your look. If you prefer to wear jeans and black sweaters, a bright-colored bag can completely elevate your look." - Kimora Lee, Fabulosity

And finally. The hottest 2014 fall trend is...drum roll please.

The Glamorous Cape...oh so Hollywood!

So refined. Wear it over a dress to add polish to your evening look, or with jeans, a chunky knit, and riding boots for a chic weekend ensemble.

For more style tips, trends, and how-to's be sure to give me a shout to receive a complimentary virtual style makeover. I live for style-on-call! No matter where you are, day or night. 

In Style & Service,

DeAnna

Visit my website: www.styledbydeanna.biz

Tweet me: @DeAnnaDuPree

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: @ImSimplyDeAnna

Til next time, dolls!

Act Like a Brand, Post Like a Lady...In Business

It's been quite the journey transitioning from the "Social Media Butterfly" to the "Personal Stylist for LA's Women in Business." However, many business principles remain the same in both industries. One being, branding. I felt compelled to share my social media insghts with you.

Many female entrepreneurs who are building a business through networking should know how important every component of branding is, right down to your LinkedIn profile picture, your business cards, your Facebook page, your Twitter profile, every single component of your marketing collateral. That first impression lasts forever.

There’s a secret that successful woman-owned companies know about social media: A strong visual brand helps you connect with your community and effectively convey your brand’s personality. In short, it makes you memorable. Think Oprah.

Good branding doesn't have to be complicated. Before you dive into social media contests, blogging, and driving traffic to your website, it is imperative you thoughtfully consider the following five branding elements:

1. Color Palette: Does your company have specific colors associated with it?

If not, I encourage you to think about your brand’s personality and how you can convey it with color; a strong color palette is a key element of brand recognition.

Are you a fun brand that wants to inspire creativity? Use bright or pastel colors. Or are you an insurance brand built on trust? Use trustworthy dark blues and maroons. If you need help with finding your perfect brand colors, click here. 

Google is a perfect example of a successful company using established brand colors.

"Google‘s color scheme is immediately recognizable and is used in all of the company’s imagery. The colors (primary red, blue, yellow and green), as well as their images, reflect Google’s playful, innovative culture" Zach Kitschke.

2. Determine Your Brand Fonts- A blogger I love learning from, Zach (mentioned above) taught me: like your color palette, your font choice should reflect your brand’s personality. Don’t go crazy. You only need two to three fonts. Any more than that and your audience may be distracted and your message lost.

The 1 Million Women Facebook page combines a fun, modern font with images for its posts. Using the same font for each post trains their audience to recognize the company’s Facebook updates in the news feed, which in turn encourages more interaction.

Consistency in the look & feel of marketing materials has a subtle but vital effect, and  fonts are where people often trip up - usually by using too many when in reality 'less is more'.

Do you have a font you use regularly on your social media posts? If not, pick two to three that represent your brand and incorporate them into your marketing efforts.

3. Get Professional Headshots ASAP: There’s nothing worse than looking at a LinkedIn or Facebook profile and seeing someone else’s shoulder abutment because you couldn’t quite crop them out. Seriously? Get with the program. You should be well dressed (at least from the waist up), well groomed (styled hair), well polished (current makeup), and your teeth should be relatively white (look into Crest White Strips or photoshop). Show those pearly whites!

Are you getting my drift here? A professional headshot is a must, whether you are an executive or business professional. And BTW, you will not be paying wedding portfolio prices here – it is just a headshot!

And of course I have a referral!   If you want this info – get your ‘ask’ in gear and just ask me.

4. Design Consistent Templates and Themes: Now that you have your colors, and fonts, you want to be sure to use them together every time you create new marketing materials (even if that material is just a Facebook, Pinterest or Google+ post).

Think Coca-Cola. Always red and white. Always Swirly. Always Fun.

Keeping the same elements of structure gives your audience the feeling of familiarity and consistency. Take the time to create templates for quotes, announcements, sale products, promotions or contests. They’ll make it easy for you and your team to quickly create and post timely content. And they’ll also make it easier for your social media fans to recognize your brand and encourage further engagement.

5. Release Your Feminine Power!

As women, we naturally want, maybe even need to share, protect, motivate, and educate our friends, family, and cyber buddies. It is imperative you allow yourself to be a woman in business. Be sure your language, photos, content, branding, and even your fonts all exude your feminine energy and power. 

Gone are the days where one can say "this is a man's world." Puh-llleeze! Women rule social media! Social media is all about building relationships. Who builds sustainable relationships other than women?

Now, on to my soap box...

These are just the first elements that can put the basis to a real relationship with your audience. The key to social media is building a relationship with your audience. Increase that relationship by promoting familiarity through branding.

When you use colors, fonts and filters consistently, your fans and followers come to recognize your brand quickly and your content stands out in their social feeds.

Set aside some time to review your company’s online image. If you take away your company’s name, will your fans still know it was you posting? If not, look at ways you can implement the ideas in this blog.

As my old tag line read, get social or get left behind!

Socially and Stylishly Yours,

Tweet Me: @DeAnnaDuPree
Check out my ever changing website: www.styledbydeanna.biz 
Like my Facebook page: www.fb.com/SimplyDeAnnaDuPree
Are you on Instagram? Follow me: @ImSimplyDeAnna 

Style Tips for the 40 & Fab Woman

"With age comes wisdom," or so the saying goes.  But we all know that’s not true.  A lot of things don’t come with age, like a more matured sense of style. Wearing everything from graphic tees to copious amounts of cleavage, women 25 and over need to grow up and into more appropriate fashion!
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Whether we like it or not, people judge us by the way we look and dress. And even though this used to be considered as rather rude, nowadays it has become inevitable and more and more people start to see this as natural. The fact is that the clothes we wear reflect our lifestyle, our position in society, our education, preferences and so on. Therefore, we should be very careful with regards to our dressing code.

Probably the most important piece of advice is that like most things in life, our style of dress should be moderate and well-considered. By modest I mean classic lines, light textiles, bold statement jewelry, and clean cuts. Allow me to demonstrate a few age appropriate Do's and Dont's:

Ok seriously??? Mamie Van Doren is like 83 years old still dressing like a 24 year old video vixen. I don't even know where to begin. Just know this: if Mamie is your Style Icon, change it now! For the Love of God, change it NOW!

Nancy Jones (58), Mother of Rapper Jim Jones.

Let me start by saying once you've reached 30 years of age you are no longer allowed to wear graphic tees! Period. Don't get me wrong, if you're supporting the AVON Breast Cancer Walk, that's one thing. But DO NOT single mindedly select a graphic tee to wear to enter into the world in. You're someone's mom, teacher, or grandma for goodness sakes. And PLEASE don't wear tees that demean you and feminine power! Geez, I had no idea this problem was still plaguing our fashion communities.  I digress...     

 Take a look at this beautiful makeover  of Cheryl, age 61. She has a fun and spunky personality, however it is not ok to shop at Forever 21 once you've crossed over into the "Over 40 Playground." Cheryl wanted to keep her sexy but knew the current look she had was not playing well with her grandchildren, coworkers, or even in the dating scene. Notice the hair cut, color change, and clean lines of her new makeover. Cheryl looks younger, sexier, classy, and most definitely more stylish!

This timeless "Audrey" look is perfect for all ages! Again, classic cuts, clean lines, and bold statement jewelry are the perfect elements to creating timeless style. The above ensemble could be worn for a simple day of running errands (just because you can), to the office, or even out to dinner...and hopefully dancing! 

Now, I especially like the Miss Tina (Beyonce's mom) Collection. She designs to flatter the woman about town, style, and business. She accentuates our curves without telling the whole story. Miss Tina's Collection is my first pick for affordable, fabulous, curve rocking style for the 40+ business superwoman. 

Goddess, creating timeless, age-appropriate looks are not as challenging as one would think. Having a Personal Stylist is a perk every gal should be privy to. So let's talk! Give me a call or send me an email and let's start creating bold, and flawless looks for you that will turn heads, prospects into loyal clients, and your man into a ravenous Thundercat!

Until Next Time: Love Deeply, Dress Appropriately, and Live Fearlessly!

DeAnna 

Wardrobe Consultant to the Business SuperWoman

Check out my website: www.styledbydeanna.biz

Like My Facebook Page: www.fb.com/SimplyDeAnnaDuPree

Tweet Me: @DeAnnaDuPree 

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Style In The City: Tips to Create a Flawless Fashion Show

On Thursday July 17, 2014 my fashion world was turned on its head as I styled and directed a charitable fashion show for one of my favorite women's organizations, ABWA (American Business Women Association). Click here to find one in your area, you can thank me later.

We chose the theme "Style in the City" to (1) recreate the incredible fashions and styles by the brilliant Pat Fields' Sex & The City. (2) Assist in selling the showcased clothing to raise funds. This was such an honor as I've followed the shows fashions for years now, and have broken many fashion rules thanks to Miss Samantha Jones, and Carrie Bradshaw. 

Now, it's imperative I share what I learned during this great undertaking. Whether voluntary or involuntary, If you follow the steps laid out before you, I promise you will produce a flawless show; no drama, no injuries, no catfights....no STRESS!

1. Allow yourself, at the bare minimum, 4 to 6 weeks prep time. This gives plenty of room for error, call-outs, cancellations, model replacements, finding the perfect contractors, and deciding what and how YOU want to produce this show.

2. Have an all-star team. There is NO way to produce an OTT  (over-the-top) show alone. Find people committed to your dream, and vision. If each team member only has a few hours to spare each week, I'd take perfection over passivity. Delegate within their strengths, not yours. 

3. Establish Perfect Harmony with the models, co-organizers, and vendors. When all things are harmonious within your cause, a supernatural "third mind" is created that produces miraculous ideas, creative juices, and most importantly PEACE. Be sure you're all on one accord. Take your position as Creative Director; stand tall; bring positive energy each day, keep the morale high; play music, laugh, sing, and dance. This is your show, allow no one to diminish it.

4. Decide your theme right away (no later than the second week of planning). This helps chose your looks, models, music, and lighting. 

5. Plan two fittings; day, and evening. It's not your job to run on the models' schedule. Offering a day fitting (week 3) and evening (week 4) allows plenty of room for rescheduling, and weight loss (ha ha!). 

6. Make the venue owner/manager your best friend! The decision maker at the venue will make or break your show. You want them on your side! Take them to lunch, post how awesome they are via social media, send them referrals, give them shout-outs during the show, and most importantly, send the cookies and cupcakes.

7. Hire the DJ, Photographer, and A/V guy at least 3 weeks prior to the show. This allows room for replacement if need be. 

8. Call to order an "all hands on deck" meeting. This should happen by week 3 or 4. This gets everyone on one page and gives an opportunity for all members to meet one another, discuss the show, share ideas, and resources. In perfect harmony, all will be thrilled to work together and pull it in to produce a phenomenal show.

9. Once you've decided on all the show pieces, have your assistant tag, label, and photograph the who, what, and wear. This makes everyone's life easier. 

10. Day of the show; Arrive 5 hours early. Bring Tylenol, a sewing kit, jewelry, shoe polish, your glam squad, body shapers, your favorite playlist, a cool ensemble to rock after the show, healthy snacks, pizzas for the models, and bottle water. 

YOU'RE WELCOME. 

This is what will happen when you follow my suggestions:

                                HAPPY, BEAUTIFUL, AND UNSTRESSED MODELS!!

Yours in Style, and Service

DeAnna 

Check out my new website: www.styledbydeanna.biz

BE....

10 Staples You'll Need to Keep Cool & Stylish this Summer

Summertime does not indicate a summer break for most entrepreneurs. As you already know, business never stops, so neither do we.

Being a busy serielpreneur (yes, an obsessive business "starter"), I'd found it difficult to keep the "business" in my business wardrobe during the sweltering summer months. That is, until I began styling and shopping for a living. With my healthy social media obsession, I've found very creative ways to keep my clients cool, stylish, and professional while rockin' their business mojo at mixers, meetings, and speaking gigs. 

My top 10 favs from Pinterest, Polyvore, and Instagram:

10. The Classic "ShirtDress:" No matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, a shirtdress that flatters your figure and goes with flats or heels will never let you down. 

9.  High-Waist Flare Skirt: This airy skirt keeps cool while staying functional. For a work-perfect look, rock a printed high-waist flare skirt (preferably silk)  and tuck a tailored tank into it, add a mini blazer, BAM....you're done and out the door! 

8.  Wrap Dresses: Perfect for the girl on the go, one could literally run out of the door in 15 minutes with a wrap dress, mules, and a stylish handbag!

7. White Trousers and/or Jeans: Because we must honor the season (and our figures) with white bottoms, period. 

6. Pencil Skirts: B-O-D-Y need I say more? 

5. Peplum Tops: Perfect for work or play, peplum tops give a gal an effortless figure while adding style and pizazz to trousers, pencils skirts, or even jeans (for casual biz events of course).

4. The Pleaded Skirt: For my 9-5 ladies out there who are looking for an alternative to wearing pants every day to the office, try a pretty pleated skirt. Go for one that’s an appropriate length (like this one that skims the ankles) and a pick lightweight silk material that will keep you feeling cool all day long. 

3. A Full-Length Jumpsuit: The hottest piece a woman could own is a full-length jumpsuit! Made for curves, jumpers totally create an hour-glass figure while giving a cool classic look with any bolero shrug (play) or mini blazer for work! Don't forget to add a statement necklace to really set this piece off!

"I love the look of this full-pant jumpsuit in a creamy white. It takes a basic summer romper and instantly updates it. Plus, an all-white ensemble is the perfect summer uniform." - Lauren Conrad 

2. Tulip Skirts:  The most adorable "bottom" a gal could rock with a classic button down, prim blouse, or even a tailored or bedazzled tank! Stick with the nautical blues to really soak in your seasonal swag.

1.   Summer Ballet Flats: Because a girl can't live in heels alone, rockin ballet flats this summer totally gives your toesies a break from the model high heels, while keeping you cool and relaxed while running around in the heat! 

Got more seasonal yummies that I missed? Submit them here so we can keep our biz girls stylish, cool, and comfy this summer! 

Yours in Style, and Service

DeAnna
Tweet Me: @DeAnnaDuPree