I received an invite to a book launch that I unfortunately was unable to attend. A few weeks later I received something even better in the mail…Fashion Therapy! Once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down. I contacted the author R. Africa Wreh, who I’ve become friendly with through twitter, and expressed how much I loved her book, especially since it was not your typical personal style guide. She asked if I would mind writing a 3 – 4 sentence review; I said I’d be delighted to.
Well in order to write a fair, honest review, I feel you have to read cover to cover. Unless of course the book is just so bad you can’t stand to. If a book can keep my interest that long (cover to cover) even if it’s short, then it’s good! Yes, this small 77 page manual is packed with lots of priceless information for “all the style misfits who haven’t quite found their way through the exciting world of fashion”.
Fashion Therapy is great for those that lack personal style and/or self-confidence.
Even if you have style but feel your closet has gotten a little ‘stale’ for one reason or another, Fashion Therapy will inspire you to upgrade your wardrobe and for some, your overall look. If you had confidence but lost it along the way somewhere, this guide should help you gain a renewed confidence.
Fashion Therapy will encourage you to embrace who you are and inspire you to become a better you. The author, R. Africa Wreh also lets you into parts of her personal life, allowing you to connect with her. Africa ‘keeps it real’ and will also make you laugh a little.
I’m sure we could all use a little Fashion Therapy in our life, so we want to share some with you.
GIVEAWAY:
We’re giving away 3 copies of this therapeutic pocket sized style guide. All you need to do is leave a comment below stating what wardrobe dilemma you suffer from. On April 15, 2011 we will randomly select 3 individuals who will receive this book as a gift. Oh and if you’re lucky, style guru Africa Wreh, may even stop by and leave you a tip to solve your fashion dilemma.
To learn more about Africa Wreh and follow her visit:
http://www.fashionitesociety.net/
http://fashiontherapyblog.tumblr.com/
I’M ALWAYS INDECISIVE I CAN NEVER GET DRESSED IN A NORMAL TIME FRAME I LOVE SO MANY THINGS AND ALWAYS CANT JUST CHOOSE ONE LOOK FOR THAT DAY IT MAKES ME LATE ALOT ^_^
Hello Fatiah!
I have 2 suggestions for you. Take out time to organize your closet. Make two sections in your closet. Everyday classic pieces, such as denim jacket, blazer, classic trousers… basically your basics side. Then the next section is your statement pieces. These are the printed, trendy and pop garments that makes an outfit shine. This should make it easy for you to start with the statement piece then transition to the basics to bring the outfit alive. (Accessories can also be part of your statement pieces)
The second thing that should help you get to your appointments on time is to pick your outfit the night before. Therefore all you’re doing that morning is getting dressed… FAST! lol
Africa
http://www.fashionitesociety.com
IVE APPLIED YOUR ADVICE NOT ONLY DOES MY CLOSET LOOK REALLY PRETTY NOW BUT I GET DRESSED SO MUCH FASTER LOL THANKS
What a great idea for a contest….
Wardrobe Dilemas+Fashion Therapy+Lots of Style Mag = FRESH NEW INSPIRATION!
My fashion dilemma is that I own way to much stuff but cannot talk myself into getting rid of anything because I love everything I own… I’m a fashion hoarder, I can’t even wear 30% of my wardrobe because I just buy things that I believe to be beautiful weather its mens or womens wear, my size or not! Help my wardrobe is taking over my apt!!!
Hi StyledbyPhil!
You sound like 95% of the population, lol. The first step towards correcting any addiction is first admitting that you are addicted, and it sounds like you’re way past that and you’re ready to take action. I would suggest that you take 3 steps.
1. Take out time to either take a trip, or better yet volunteer to a homeless shelter or half way house. When we extend ourselves and service others, we tend to realize how blessed we are and how little we need to be happy.
2. So now that you’ve taken your trip, you’re ready to make a difference. Get two garbage bags ( don’t get scared). You’re going to go through your closet and try everything on piece by piece. In bag one, label it ‘New’ and label bag two ‘Used’. If you can’t ABSOLUTELY see yourself wearing it that week, you’re going to put it in one of the two bags. If it’s never been worn before, then put it the bag labeled “new”, but if it has been worn, then put it in the bag labeled “worn”.
3. Phil, you should be feeling very brave and proud at this moment. The bag labeled “new” should be taken to a consignment store to be resold and make some of your money back. Or you can try ebay or like websites. The ‘used’ bag can be taken to your local Salvation Army ( you’ll get a receipt for a tax write-off). If you can’t find one, you can still take the bag to any clothing donation location.
So at the end, your closet should have more breathing room, your pockets should be a little fuller and you’ve also helped many people in need.
Good Luck,
Africa
http://www.fashionitesociety.com
I’m always so busy making awesome designs for all my customers, that I feel my sense in style is sometimes lacking. basically I’m too busy making everyone else look good; that I don’t (look good) Ha!
Hi Jane!
I empathize, as I too sometimes fall victim to hectic schedule. My advice is to write out a work schedule that includes yourself. So lets say that you’re having a busy month. You’re schedule should have ATLEAST 1 1/2 days in the week dedicated towards YOU. The full day should go towards relaxing and yes, maybe pampering too. The half day should go towards picking out great pieces or outfits for the rest of the week.
This should ensure that you always look great and are rested enough to put your all into your designs. Don’t forget a little eyeshadow and lipstick or gloss :)
Take time to invest in yourself.
Africa,
http://www.fashionitesociety.com
Hello everyone! I’m R. Africa Wreh, the author of ‘Fashion Therapy… the style within’. I will be happy to answer all comments on wardrobe dilemmas.
Hi, I have 2 very frustrating wardrobe dilemmas:
(1) I love to travel but I hate to pack. It takes me like a week to figure out what to bring. I always over-pack like I’m moving (lol) even if I’m only going away for a long weekend. I wind up bringing all these extra sandals, flip flops, pumps, jackets, cardigan sweaters and outfits that I don’t even wear. Then when I check my bag in at the airport I have to pay extra $$$ because the bag weighs so much. I don’t want to under-pack and not bring enough though because I want to be prepared for anything when I travel.
(2) I hate shopping but I love clothes. I try a few items I really like on in the store, I purchase the pieces that I think look and fit great on me but when I get them home and try them on again, I don’t like them. It’s almost like the mirrors in the stores lie. I end up returning 80% of the pieces I buy. This feels like a disaster, especially when I’m shopping for an event and I get the clothing home just to realize it’s another return. This happens with shoes sometimes too. :( I just want to be in love with the stuff I buy. Am I having a “mid-life clothes crisis”?!
Please Help!
Hello Kristy!
Vacations are supposed to be fun and EASY… so why do we all spend so much time in planning our wardrobe? This is actually a great question. My first suggestion is to plan a shopping trip exclusively for your vacation. Six outfits Maximum (Bathing Suits not included). Make sure that at least three out of the six are interchangeable so that you have an option to change your mind. At least two out of the six are SEXY Party outfits for a night. Two pumps; a solid and a stunner. Three pairs of sandals. I do like the cardigan because you never know. So after the shopping trip pack and don’t open the suitcase until you arrive at your vacation destination.
At first, my initial thought is that maybe you should try a personal shopper and stylist. This would eliminate a lot of the shopping. In addition, a personal stylist could teach you some tricks to make the items look better on. Having a great tailor is the icing on the cake.
Retail stores lighting are strategically angled so that clothes look just a bit better! So you’re not going crazy…lol, it happens to the best of us.
Hope this helps
Africa
http://www.fashionitesociety.com
My dilemma is not knowing when to dress it up or down and how to dress cute and be stylish when you don’t have a lot to work with, especially when it seems too hot for clothes (TEXAS)!
Hi Jennie,
It sucks when you don’t have that much to work with. I’ve been there, but oddly enough, that’s when I think the most creative outfits are put together. The quickest and most cost efficient way to understate or overstate an outfit is with accessories. When you go shopping, only buy one or two trendy garments. Stick with accessories to make your statement.
The only time you should think about strictly dressing up is work(depending on job), Weddings or formal settings. Other than that, my advice is to dress how you feel. Once you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing, others won’t think twice.
Find your favorite magazines and style inspirations. Then try to pick out what you like about the look and find a way to create mostly with what you already have. Don’t forget to put your own signature to it.
The Fashion Therapy manual has a couple of chapters dedicated towards finding your style voice when you don’t have much options.
Challenges makes us stronger!
Africa
Here is my fashion dilemma. Im a fashion stylist with over 10 years experience But I find myself in a fashion rut. I need a metamorphosis.
Hi Mia!
Sounds like you need to be inspired! I would suggest that you make a major change. Whether it’s a new hair cut, hair color, 5 pd weight loss or just a plain ole makeover.
As a stylist, you know how important it is for your clients to own or feel what they’re wearing. I think maybe your enthusiasm went away with something else. Once you’re able to recognize what stole part of your joy, it shouldn’t take you long to revamp! Making that major change outwardly or from the inside… I think clothes will be exciting again!
Good Luck,
Africa
Thanks everyone for participating in our Fashion Therapy Giveaway!
If you have been chosen to receive a copy of ‘Fashion Therapy’, you will get an email from LOS MAG.
I’m sure all of Africa’s advice will be very helpful to you! :)
For those of you who missed the Giveaway and are suffering from wardrobe dilemmas you can purchase a copy of Fashion Therapy at http://www.fashionitesociety.net/
Lots of wonderful style tips packed in this little guide to help you become a more fashionably better YOU!
This book looks so great and what girl doesn’t need a pocket stylebook? I think everyone could use a little help styling and my fav stylist is Niki Shadrow who graduated from FIDM! Pretty cool, huh?