New Year, New You: Style Overhaul

Quick Update--my Great-Granny is doing so much better! After suffering severe respiratory failure, Sugar's slowly starting to heal. I was really worried we were gonna lose her, but all of the prayers and thoughts are working. Thank you. xo-Elle

If you're new to this series, I started off with Closet Organization Essentials. Last week was all about the Closet Overhaul (did you clean out your closet yet?). Today I'm focusing on style. Remember how I mentioned not to donate your old clothes yet? I hope you didn't because today we might get rid of more of them--read on:

The Books:
The first way to find or change up your style is by reading what the experts have to say. Here are a few that I own:

{a few faves}

• The One Hundred, Nina Garcia--100 items you need in your closet that will never go out of style
• The Little Black Book of Style, Nina Garcia--The ultimate guide to dressing your best
• The Lucky Shopping Manual--For those who are visual, this guide shows you exactly what to buy
• The Pocket Stylist, Kendall Farr--Tricks & tips from a celeb stylist--this one has lots of detailed info and is very thorough
• Style A to Zoe, Rachel Zoe--The guide to that Zoe signature look
• I Love Your Style, Amanda Brooks--How to develop personal style, with gorgeous photos for inspiration of fashion icons
• Matchbook Magazine's Checklist of 50 Classics (you can view & print!)

{me & an ampersand tee}

The Rules:
In this Ask Elle post, I mentioned when I first noticed fashion, but I didn't discuss my own rules for style. Here are the basic rules I use, and many are culled from the books above:

• Look for Inspiration:
• Magazines, style blogs, and street style are great starting points into developing style, or just an outfit. The colors I hear in music from having synaesthesia influence my outfits often.
• Stick to Basics:
• You'll get far more use out of basics (check out the 50 classics link above) and you'll always be in style. 
• Remember the Rule of 3:
• If you can't wear it 3 different ways, don't buy it (of course I'm excluding certain items, like a wedding dress). Take a dress, for example. Can you wear it dressy and casual? Add a belt? Can you add a shirt or cardigan over it? This really curbs my shopping and makes me think before purchasing.
• Know When to Spend:
• I spend money on classics, but I go the cheaper route if there's a fad piece I must have.
• Know Your Body & How to Flatter/Hide:
• It's time to be realistic on what looks good on you--The Pocket Stylist is a great resource for this. Learn how to hide problem areas and enhance your assets. Everyone has assets!!
• Tailor It
• You will look your best if your clothes fit well. Find a tailor (ask a department store for a recommendation) and get clothes altered when needed. I always assumed tailors were for men's suits and for formal dresses--I was so wrong! Just a simple alteration can make you look like a million bucks without spending nearly that much.
• Look Good, Feel Good
• When it comes down to it, wear what makes you happy. Having confidence will always get people to notice you before the outfit!

Spill your style secrets below! PS: Organizing beauty is next week!