Rescue your closet and update your look with help from LifeStyled

I'm fairly organized and neat when it comes to my closet, and I generally know what I like and what looks good on me. However, one of my occupational hazards is being exposed to an abundance of hard-to-resist merchandise. I often wind up with a closet full of compulsive purchases. That's why I invited Darcey Howard, chief style officer of LifeStyled, into my humble not-a-walk-in closet.

Howard is a personal style consultant and her skills are varied. She'll not only dig through your current wardrobe, she'll also offer tips and suggestions for the new you. Howard has worked with everyone from executives to women leaving relationships and individuals who've gained weight. Whether you want to change your look entirely, update your wardrobe or get outfitted for a new job or special occasion, Howard has you covered – in the right style of clothing.

I opted for the standard closet rescue and wardrobe update for $600. The process generally takes three hours, and additional consultations are $100 an hour (a bargain considering the prices of some consultants!). It starts with a thorough questionnaire you fill out on your own time followed by a one-on-one review with Howard. "I like to access a client's attributes and keep those in mind when going through a wardrobe. I want to make sure they're connected," she says.

Next is the wardrobe consultation. Howard brings in a hanging rack and physically goes through your closet. Together, you access your "inventory," assemble as many outfits out of current items as possible, fill in the holes, and discuss color palette. Finally, Howard assembles a personalized style guide, which she delivers approximately a week after the meeting.

I was totally satisfied with my session. Howard has a gentle approach; her goal is to make things work and help you achieve a more stylish wardrobe. But she's not going to arbitrarily throw out favorite or sentimental clothing -- no matter how gauche it is. Howard helped me put together outfits with existing pieces I hadn't thought of combining. She validated and expanded upon my sense of style with suggestions for investment pieces and identified holes in my wardrobe -- the need for a basic black blazer, a pair of red shoes, adding a new color, and a killer dress (I'm still looking for the last item).

During our time together Howard left me with some timeless fashion tips. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Accessorize. Howard calls this the "Silent Scream." "They say, 'Hey, over here!' You can use accessories over and over for years to come." For example, invest in a great belt in a slightly wider width. "The belt is the most underutilized item in most wardrobes."
   
   
2. Trends. "At a certain age and intellect, it's OK to bypass a trend," says Howard. "I can give you five reasons to ignore leggings," she says. She also suggests you stop watching the "Today Show" for your fashion guidance.
   
   
3. More on Trends. "There are a thousand trends happening all at once – you don't have to follow all of them. Pick ones that you love and feel comfortable with and make them work with your staple wardrobe pieces."
   
   
4. Sizing. Sizes vary between manufacturers. Quit obsessing about them. Wear what fits. "If you plan on losing weight, don't let that stop you from buying something fashionable now. Choose pieces that can be tailored such as jackets with darts. Shirts and dresses with empire waistlines are perfect as you shrink in size."
   
   
5. Fashionistas. "It's not always about being fashionable. What resonates with you? What do you feel confident in? That's what you should be wearing."
   
   
6. Statement Pieces. "Buy one amazing piece you can wear forever. It should have a cool factor and be timeless and you always feel great wearing it. Just knowing you have it in your closet makes you feel secure, such as a smashing jacket or a fabulous dress. It should have beautiful drape."
   
   
7. Statement Pieces Part II. "Purchase an eye-catching obscure piece, whether it's a designer you love or a phenomenal color that everyone comments on, or something with interesting details. It's the thing that motivates you to get dressed at times."
   
   
8. Smart Shopping. "Everything you have should look like you purchased it with intelligence, put it on with care, and forgot about it. You want things you can wear with ease. You don't want to be fussing with something all day. You have other things to think about."
   
   
9. Color. Determine your drama and power colors. "Drama colors are colors you wear that evoke emotion or drama in you. These often complement your eyes, hair or skin color. Power colors are colors you wear that evoke emotion in others. Frequently these are a shade of red, or have red in them like burgundy, orange or eggplant."
   
   
10. Color Combinations. "When combining colors, think about balance and the earth. Do the colors live in harmony in the environment?"
    
    
11. Get a Visual. "Take pictures of outfits and post them in your closet. If you're just trying to get out of the door, these are priceless. You simply choose rather than making a lot of decisions."
    
    
12. Shop Someplace New. (I was a victim of the same stores for years. It's easy to run into a store you're familiar with and grab stuff.) "The best thing is to widen your scope, try new boutiques, and buy surprising pieces."
    
    

For more information visit www.getlifestyled.com.

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