MORE THAN STYLE | PERSONAL STYLE & KEEPING A POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE / May 11, 2016 by EUREKA CALHOUN

Photo:  Tori Beechum — Photo: *Tori Beechum*

Velvet Lope “Style Spotlight” consultations always include a sample of expert styling, where the client and I have a mini makeover session at a local clothing store. During this process, majority of my client’s become energized, excited, and invigorated during the transformation. After a few consultations with the same response, I started to realize there is a direct correlation between personal style and having a positive self-image. People often wonder why personal styling should be considered as a tool to transform self-image. When a person doesn’t have a positive self-image, it will directly affect their confidence and how they physically view themselves and ultimately how they operate in a sometimes unforgiving world. Expert styling can boost self-confidence, change moods, and give an extra bounce in your step to make you feel like you can do anything!!!

The media portrays an unattainable standard of beauty making it impossible for people to ever to be satisfied with their look. Proven studies state over 60% of society has a negative view about their appearance and feel stuck in a sartorial rut! Majority of working men and women find it difficult to develop their personal style during the work week and it’s just easier to opt for casual lounge wear on the weekends. On more than one occasion there are days I wake up and don't feel like myself causing me to invite in self-defeating thoughts…...I struggle like everybody else. Is my body perfect, HELL NO, is there room for improvement, ABSOLUTELY!!! But I always take a moment to asset my negative thoughts and make a choice to remind myself I’m here to SLAY in MIND, BODY, & SOUL! You may not always have control over your appearance but you have the power to keep a positive attitude about yourself!

The simple act of what I affectionately like to call dressing with "self-love" is a ground breaking power and a constant reminder that I’m in control on how I feel about ME and what I want to present to the observing world. When you create and cultivate your own personal style this allows you the freedom to have a positive self-image and grants the power to eclipse the human need for validation. The preconceived notion that “well dressed” people have it all together is nothing more than mastering the act of LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD, and DO GOOD CONNECTION. Something magically happens when clients step into a style and color that makes their skin glow a little more and or enhance their natural assets in the right places. As a result they start to view themselves in a new light and slowly remove the self-imposed blinders. Experiencing this first hand will make you a believer on how implementing small changes in your clothing can change the relationship with your body and your internal self for the better!

4 GIFTS OF PERSONAL STYLING & keeping a positive self-image:

1. A positive self-image through styling grants you the power to eclipse the HUMAN need for validation.

2. Personal style is one the easiest ways to transform your self-image.

3. Expert dressing is powerful for improving confidence and establishing your uniqueness.

4. Focusing on your positive attributes and highlighting what you love through clothing is a vital self-love tool.

If you have already started making small changes towards your personal style, I would love to support you via social media.  Tag me on Instagram and or Twitter with the hashtag "MORE THAN STYLE" because it's just that. A movement towards buildi… — If you have already started making small changes towards your personal style, I would love to support you via social media. Tag me on Instagram and or Twitter with the hashtag "***MORE THAN STYLE***" because it's just that. A movement towards building a society who fully believes and adorns their God given beauty!!!

Until next time with love,

Eureka

BOLD & DARING | MIXING PATTERNS & PRINTS / February 24, 2016 by EUREKA CALHOUN

Hello beautiful people? Hope your week so far is productive and enlightening. Mixing patterns and prints is something I love to incorporated into my daily outfits. Lately, I have lost my inner mojo and my wardrobe choices are feeling a little run of the mill. Call it lack of enthusiasm or too busy to exercise my quintessential Velvet Lope style. But I have to bring it back and place it on it's rightful throne.

My rule for mixing patterns and prints is go with what feels comfortable. Because it doesn't have to match but it will definitely make sense. I know and heard this can be somewhat scary and daunting for a lot of ladies. It shouldn't scare you off because it will be as simply or eccentric as you make it. You can use pieces already in your closet to create a subtle every day look while looking super chic and oh the possibilities!!!!

A FEW TRICKS ON HOW TO MIX PATTERNS AND PRINTS LIKE A PRO:

1. A good rule of thumb for the intermediate fashionista is to start with 2 to 3 prints within 1 ensemble. Pair a classic structured pieces with a bold eccentric piece and maybe add in a conventional accessory like a statement bag.

2. Take baby steps when attempting this style, you can try adding small touches, like a hat, stockings, or clutch in a different pattern or a funky fresh head wrap.

3. Find patterns and or prints that complement each other. To the untrained eye it may look like you got dressed in the dark. But trust me this look is a definite show stopper. Stripes, floral, and or vivid patterns always mesh well. Also look for construction of clothing that compliments because it will balance out the ensemble.

4. An easy no fail trick is to pair the same pattern like floral in complementary colors. As long as the patterns are in a similar scale you don’t have to find the exact print in different hues. Genius right!!!!!

5. Try mixing big prints with smaller ones. It will create fluidity and the overall look is visually appealing while still making a strong, not overwhelming statement.

6. Stay in the same color family, do not go over board (editing is key). It also helps if one of your prints function as a neutral like a blazer or trench coat.

For my fashionista who want to start slow choose a star piece to work into the mix. A bold statement piece like sunglasses or clutch is a great starting point allowing you incorporate your outfit around it. Focus on a central piece and work your way into the bold & daring zone but always go with what feels right!

With a little practice and confidence anyone can rock it!! Took a break from showcasing my personal style this week to focus on clients duties. But look out for a brand spanking new personal style post next week.

Until next time,

1 ❤️ Eureka

CLOSET TREASURES| OOTD / February 10, 2016 by EUREKA CALHOUN

Hi guys! Happy Wednesday! Hope your week is going great so far. Given that I’m a stylist and fashion enthusiast, I’m constantly inspired by everything and everyone. The fashion houses, personal street style gurus, or the everyday stylish guy/gal deposit into my fashion bank account daily. Recreating style inspirations with the Velvet Lope touch (of course) can be a gift and curse. Spending money on expendable clothes with no real value doesn’t feed my spirit animal anymore. The gift of becoming older and wiser will cause oneself to reevaluate what’s important.

My focus is to pursue what feeds my spirit like saving, creating memories with family/friends and traveling the world to name a few. Make no mistake I will still invest in pieces that speak to me when the fashion gods shine on a particular item......... only makes logical sense, right? But one of my personal goals this year is to choose well, buy less and shop the TREASURES already in my CLOSET. The fact I have had all the pieces in this post except for the shoes for over a year (the gloves over 6 yrs, smh) and they're just now making an appearance confirms I'm finally on the right track!