These days, style matters. From architecture and graphic design to fashion and furniture, style is fast becoming a subject of substance.
Perhaps most elusive however, is the concept of personal style, or the outward expression of your best self.
Over the years, I have gone to great lengths to pay attention to what attracts me, to learn what flatters, and to find a way to present myself in a way that portrays my unique personality. I crave colour, seek quality, focus on fit, and try to resist trends, but none of this has come naturally. It has taken me time and effort to acquire a sense of refinement, and I’ve been enlightened along the way by many more knowledgeable than me. I am the first to admit there is still much room remaining for improvement where my style sense goes, and I am always open to getting help whenever I can.
What about you? Is your closet stocked with only those things that fit and flatter you? Do you know what looks best and what to wear where? Are you able to describe your personal style and express it effortlessly? If so, then the following news is not for you!
Toronto-based personal style coach and certified image consultant Wendy Woods, owner of The REFINERY is taking a road trip to Ottawa. From November 2nd to 8th, Wendy will be right here in Otown providing personal and party services to those in the know!
Wendy’s expertise is widely sought after by savvy women in the GTA, and she is frequently featured by a variety of Toronto media outlets. Her services range from workshops and parties to colour consultations and boutique shopping tours around the GTA, all designed to help clients refine their sense of style and boost self-confidence.
So, to celebrate The REFINERY’s Road Trip to Ottawa, Wendy has kindly offered girlaboutOtown readers a generous giveaway!
The winner will receive a $50 dollar gift certificate for services. Planning to travel? Try shopping til you drop on a boutique tour of Toronto. Better yet – why not book a wardrobe overhaul or shop your closet while Wendy is here in Ottawa?
To enter, list the top 3 pieces you want in your wardrobe right now and why in the comments section below. Enter only once before 8 pm on October 18, and the winner will be selected randomly on Monday, October 19.
For more details on The REFINERY’s Road Trip to Ottawa or to reach Wendy, click here.
October 8th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Top 3 pieces I want in my wardrobe right now and why:
- nice boots, that fit over my calves without cutting off the circulation!
- a versatile accessory (necklace?) that I can wear with many outfits – save me time in the morning!
- a work-to-evening dress that is flattering and comfortable – because I’d wear a dress everyday, all day if I could!
October 13th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Top three pieces I need in my wardrobe:
1. The perfect charcoal grey pencil skirt – because it’s a wardrobe staple: flattering, I can wear it forever, and I, oddly, find grey more versatile than black
2. The Marc Jacobs multi-pocket hobo in cinnamon – a gorgeous reddish brown that goes with brown and black, adds a nice pop of colour to neutrals, and I can use it forever too (because at that price, that’s how long I’ll be paying it off)
3. A comfortable round toe black pump with about a two inch heel, again because it is classic and a wardrobe staple. Wide enough for my freakishly wide feet (my feet are short, too, so I have…hooves, really).
Natalie, have you tried Duo boots? They’re gorgeous, and come in all different calf sizes!
October 14th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I don’t but I am going to google them now! thanks for the tip!
October 15th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Top Three Pieces I want in my wardrobe right now:
1. A new three quarter winter coat with a great collar because our winters are so long and after three kids my size has changed drammatically.
2. A pair of riding or high boots to wear with skinny jeans because that is one of my favourite looks of the season. Ones that offer a little bit of warmth would be even better.
3. A pair of metallic strappy heals because they add a little punch of flare to any outfit and can be worn with may different colour dresses.
October 16th, 2009 at 10:02 am
My top 3 wish list…
1. a new perfect pair of jeans, so elusive… i know they’re out there! because mine need to be retired
2. a beautiful chunky necklace because i love the idea of adding an artistic touch to my outfits
3. a new black sweater than i can throw on over anything as a daily staple thru the cold weather
October 16th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Wish list -
1. A pair of mid calf boots to wear with leggings – maybe fluevog’s mirellas!
2. A beautiful fall scarf in a bright colour – either in a fine wool or a a heavy textured silk
3. Extra tall sized winter tights in myriad colours… so difficult to find.
October 18th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
1. A pair of black chords from Paige maternity because I’m 7 months pregnant and the chords would look great but it’s not in the budget.
2. A 3/4 length really warm coat for our freezing winters
3. A funky gold necklace