January 23, 2011

Website Update

Thank you loyal readers for sticking with us! Please visit our fabulous new site www.fromdostoshoes.com for our every-other day blog updates and company fabulousness!
We love each and every visitor and cannot thank you enough for your support!

See you at our other site!

Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

January 20, 2011

Four Things In Your Wardrobe That Should Never Leave The House!

From Do's To Shoes Styling knows that every closet has it's skeletons, and some times this can mean hanging on to a few faux pas items that probably should have been given away when your read our blog on closet cleaning parts one and two. We understand that some articles of clothing are special, or simply too comfortable to get rid of; but with that said, there is a line that must be drawn of what is appropriate to wear in public!

Number one on our list of fashion don't list is slippers. Though Snooky on Jersey Shore rocks her slippers in the sunlight, we think it is important to point out that she is no role model - fashion or otherwise! Slippers (or any version of shoe that feels comfortable but looks like small rodents have nested within them) must remain an in-house item. As comfortable as they may be, unless you are willing to don such nicknames as "crazy person" or "bum", please slip 'em off at the front door.

The second thing on our From Do's To Shoes Styling don't list is your college/university sweatshirt. Unless you are off to a sporting event where your school is competing, living on campus, or going to your own sports competition, your sloppy hoody [that still smells like beer from that time you did a keg stand and it got all over you] should be at home. If you want to support your school, donate, get a bumper sticker, or blog about it. But for goodness sakes, leave your fabulous wardrobe out of it!

Coming in third place on our don't list is Crocs. It doesn't matter how comfortable they are, they will always scream "please don't ever, ever sleep with me!" as loud as possible. This gets only more true when you have those little ice cream cones or bugs jammed in the stupid holes they put on the top. They are ugly, they match nothing, they look adolescent, and they are impractical. While they may be immensely fabulous to walk around the house or garden in, From Do's To Shoes Styling can assure you that in public, people don't care that they are comfy, they only get turned off by the bad taste.  This type of footwear is a house hold item only!

The fourth and final don't on our list is sweatpants. Now this is kind of tricky, because there is such a thing as a fashionable sweat pant, and we give you full authorization to sport those sweats in any setting that isn't the work place or a gala of sorts. However, those sweats that have holes (our biggest pet peeve), fit six sizes too big, are torn at the hem on the bottom, or look like they have been around for 13 years; those are home pants. From Do's To Shoes Styling fully appreciates the value of feeling comfy in a good baggy sweat pant. We just ask that you enjoy that feeling at home.

Though we could go on and on with the many fashion flaws people have, From Do's To Shoes Styling would like to put out the word that these four items top the list. So the next time you go to wear these items out in public, remember...

Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

January 18, 2011

Maximizing Closet Space

Many people are what you might call "over consumers". These are people who buy too much stuff for the living space they are in. Not quite hitting the extreme of hoarding, these people own more stuff than they know what to do with. And often, their closets appear to be busting at the seams (no pun intended of course).

Maybe you don't know where to start, or perhaps all the items in your wardrobe are wearable, but either way; if you can't bring yourself to clean out your closet, then you should maximize it! Increasing the value of prime in-home real estate is an excellent way to relieve some stress. After all, a cluttered room means a cluttered mind (or is it the other way around?)!

The best place to start when trying maximize is to hit up your nearest Wal-Mart. Get yourself some shoe racks, some closet dividers, some drawers and some hangers. 

  • Closet dividers are an excellent starting point for a basic closet that you might find in a kid's bedroom or an apartment/condo. Creating a space for bottoms to hang, with tops above and then having another space for long items such as coats or evening wear, can be as easy as erecting a divider kit. Some times these kits can be some what tough to put together alone, so be sure to get a friend, spouse, or From Do's To Shoes Stylists to help you out. 

  • Unified hangers make browsing your closet (once it is maximized) easy as pie. Using different hangers beside one another often causes tangles and makes reaching for the garment you want similar to searching for a needle in a hay stack. Buy sturdy, simple hangers that are shaped the same for all your tops and then a different type of hanger for your bottoms. The stores hang them this way to keep them looking good, and so should you.

  • Drawers are an awesome thing to have too many of. By no means do we at From Do's To Shoes support excess clutter, but we support keeping the things you both need and love in your home - and having them organized neatly! Spare drawers are excellent for sweaters, socks, undergarments, bags, scarves, hats, belts and even halloween costumes. Remember to be somewhat cautious when buying your spare drawers because it can be an easy way to create excess where it nee-dint be.

  • Shoe racks are an important way to not only maximize space in your closet, but also to organize. There are many different types of racks, and of course, only you can decide what works best. The two tiered (or three if you put shoes under them) racks are my favorite because they are usually really affordable. They line neatly at the bottom of your closet and allow for boots on top, shoes in the middle and flip flops/sandals/slippers on the bottom. It might be a good idea to count the number of shoes you have in order to be sure you have enough racks to fit them all. 
Starting with these four purchases and implementing them into your closet the day that you purchase them (no point in them collecting dust in the box!), is a From Do's To Shoes Styling secure way of maximizing your closet space. You will have plenty more space to fit your clothes in your closet, and henceforth avoid the embarrassment of sweaters falling from the sky whenever you need to reach for a pair of jeans!

Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

January 17, 2011

Shoes! Glorious Shoes!

Flats, sandals, sneakers, pumps, dress shoes, kitten heels, loafers, running shoes, boots, flip-flops and more! Who doesn't love a good foot cover? Today's lesson from us here at From Do's To Shoes Styling is all about the bottom of your body (and our name) - SHOES!

Everyone knows that shoes are necessary for any outfit to be complete. No one in their right mind would walk out of the house for more than just the mail without shoes on. With that in mind, there are many people out there who believe that shoes are just the things you put on to walk in; an insignificant part of an outfit that should be comfortable and nothing more. To them we say, "are you kidding?"

Shoes are like art. They tie an outfit together like a neat little bow on top of a nicely wrapped gift. They are the perfect way to get that mismatched belt/hat/scarf/etc to look like it belongs with the rest of you. There are hundreds and thousands of varieties of shoes, and finding the perfect pair to match your look of the day, is a great way to show the world your creativity and ability to follow (or create) a trend.

Shoes can dress up a simple outfit with ease. Dress yourself from hair do to pant leg in neutral colors and then make it pop with a deep brown, a crimson or even a royal blue shoe. Wearing a boot instead of a loafer could be just drastic enough to get the much sought after 'you look great' compliment. Shake up your shoe and feel fantastic in your feet!

On occasion your shoes speak should for them selves. After all, if you are supposed to walk with your best foot forward, shouldn't it look great? Men and women often judge the opposite sex by the way their feet look, and on a special occasion or just a regular tuesday, we should not fall short of the expectation. A wedding dress should get a heel that screams "look at me (even though I am under 25 layers of fabric)!", a pair of jeans and button down should get a shoe that says "Manly is an understatement".  It is a true confidence to let your feet do the talking.

If you need a good way to spruce up the drab things living in your closet, get yourself some sexy shoes and show the world that you are jumping feet first into fashion! Don't know where to begin? Email us at fromdostoshoes@gmail.com and we will be happy to help!

Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

January 16, 2011

Why Your Tailor Should Be Your Best Friend

When planning for the perfect wardrobe, From Do's To Shoes knows that budget is often times a factor. The idea of buying new clothes simply feels like a luxury to many in this struggling economy. So while we all try to make good on our new years resolutions of getting into a healthy body, our clothing allowance stays as it is, and we begin to look like disheveled messes in our once beautiful clothes.

Enter the tailor.

A tailor (also known as a seamstress, alterations person or fashion saviour) is one of the best things you can do for your wardrobe (aside from hiring From Do's To Shoes Styling - of course). They are really one of the oldest tricks in the book, but their industry continues to thrive because they are so great.

What do they do?
Of course, there are the basics: hemming a pant leg, shortening a sleeve, adding a button etc. Then there are the more advanced things like fixing a button down shirt to fit a broad chest or shoulders; or letting out the seams of a pant to make your butt fit while not compromising on a waist line that slips down every time you sit. And of course there is the expert stuff like creating a dress or suit from scratch; or fixing a textured or highly detailed garment.

Why should you have one?
A tailor is important because it means saving money in a big way. The expense of going out to buy a new pant, top or blazer can be an expensive ordeal and often times without a proper stylist, finding the right shape and size in those items can be a struggle. This leaves you settling yet again for a semi-fitted piece, and less money than you started with. A tailor can take the item already in your closet and make it fit to you perfectly.

How do you find a good one?
If you shop at high-end retailers, most good sales people should be able to guide you on this. But if you are like the other huge percent of North Americans that don't, then ask around. Often times your dry cleaners might know someone (or have one on hand), and any good stylist has a good list of them too. If you need a tailor in your neighborhood, please feel free to email us at fromdostoshoes@gmail.com for our recommendations.

When trying to fill the gaps in your closet, remember that often times the pieces you've already got don't need to be replaced. Save yourself some money and a head ache or two by getting your clothes altered. What a great way to start to feel better in your wardrobe!

Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

January 12, 2011

The Personal Shopping Experience

Lets be honest, living in the fast paced world today, there is very little time for anything. Your endless to do list grows and grows each time that only half your errands get completed. Dry cleaning is done in the moments on your lunch break that you have to spare. Your weekends are crammed with family, your social life and about ten billion things you've been meaning to get to. Its hard to find the time for yourself to go and spend a few hours weaving through storefronts to find the few articles of clothing that are missing from your hectic life.

Maybe you are waiting for a genie in a lamp to deliver your goods to you, but From Do's To Shoes Styling's email is all you will ever need! Avoid the stores and the sales people. Avoid the crowds and the waste of time going from store to store to store and turning up with nothing. Contact us, and like super heros we will be there.

During your busy week, while sitting at your desk, dreaming of the items you know you need but haven't got the time to find, email us! After a short in-person questionnaire, all we will ever need is your wish list.  The questionnaire is the only part of the process we insist upon, because it is our way of getting to know you. It is of the utmost importance that From Do's To Shoes Styling please each and every customer, each and every time we work with them. Therefore, knowing the things you love, hate and can't live without are imperative to each job.


Once we have the answers we need, we pick up the things you asked for, and then drop them off to you wherever is most convenient for you. Now you can finally try things on at the office or in the comfort of your own home! 

Now that you've sorted out the stuff you want to keep, we take the rest of the items back to the store for their full refund and your invoice arrives within 24 hours from us! There is no stress on your part. If you don't have luck with the items we bring you, we will go the second time FOR FREE in order to make sure you leave the From Do's To Shoes Styling personal shopping experience happy and well dressed!

We hope that this brief intro to the wonders of personal shopping with us has sparked your interest! Feel free to email us at fromdostoshoes@gmail.com any time to set up a meet and greet appointment with our star stylist Jana Stern. In the mean time...

Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

January 10, 2011

Winter Wardrobe Woes

Living in a four season climate can be a lovely thing. Experiencing the changing of the leaves, the buds budding into beautiful flowers, the smell on a warm summer's eve, and even a fresh snow fall, are things that many people savour the moments of.

When it comes to fashion, four seasons can be fantastic:
-Fall fashion is luxurious; it is filled with warm colors, rich fabrics, heavy sweaters, and leather jackets in every style, shape and color.
-Spring fashion is sexy; it is bombarded by bright colors, cooling fabrics, light scarves for every occasion and the start of shoes with no socks for 6 months.
-Summer fashion is bare-all; it means dresses for women, topless men, flip flops, sandals, and linens.
-Winter fashion is (lets face it) almost non-existent; parkas to the floor, boots and accessories to warm you up (and not match a single outfit you've got), and outfits that hardly even see the light of day outside the office.

Looking and feeling great in your clothes might seem like it is hard to pull off in the winter. But From Do's To Shoes Styling has some great tips on what you can do to make the rest of your winter the sexiest winter yet!

Tip 1: Accessories make an outfit!
This is a statement that can be applied to every season, but for winter it is especially important. Having your hat, gloves and scarf be a trio of eye-popping color, can really jazz up that parka poignancy! They don't need to all be the same color or from the same store, but a brown glove + a brown and red hat + a brown or red scarf, will make your outdoor adventures look well co-ordinated and chic.

Tip 2: Boot Boost
Most people try and stick with basic colors like winter white, black or brown. Of course, there is nothing wrong with basics, but don't be afraid to add some texture (fur, tassels etc) or to simply ditch the basics and go to greens, blues and reds for your boots. Remember though that there is a fine line between tasteful and tacky, so save the boots with the stars on them for the teens.

Tip 3: The Outfit Underneath
Every From Do's To Shoes client knows that you always feel best when you are well dressed. With that in mind, an outfit that was only half-assedly put together, will only add to those winter blues. Because it might be hard to find a head to toe outfit every day that not only keeps you warm, but also makes you feel good; we recommend that you put on a minimum of one item every day that makes you feel great. Go for the underwear that ups your sex appeal by 5%. Wear that sweater that matches your eyes. Strut in those pants that feel like butter on you. Its always hard to feel sad when you look damn good!

Tip 4: Come Out of Your Cave!
We know it is cold out, but coping with cold does not make us bears, and hibernating is not in our nature! Get out and do things in the winter so that your outfits can still be on display. Go out for dinners and drinks. When shopping, try indoor malls and carry your coat. Don't just trek from home to work and back again - your wardrobe deserves more!

By adhering to these few tips, From Do's To Shoes Styling guarantees that you will feel great in your clothing all winter long. And remember, if you haven't got the goods to follow our directions, shoot us an email at fromdostoshoes@gmail.com or message on facebook or twitter for ways we can help you feeling and looking great all year long!

Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

January 8, 2011

The Benefit of a Stylist

From Do's To Shoes Styling has a unique view on the benefits of having a stylist. We believe that looking good is not always as effortless as models and celebrities make it look. They have teams of people working behind the scenes to make sure that every article of clothing looks good on them; and it works well enough with their personas that people think, "If they can do it, so can I".

Now if you are not a celebrity, it might seem like a strange idea to employ a stylist. Men and women have differing opinions as to why they don't need what seems like a luxury expense, but to them we say "Looking good doesn't need to come at an astronomical price any more"!

Most men would say "I want to get in and get out as soon as possible. I want to pick what I like, pay for it and then go home. Why would I want to prolong the process by using a stylist?" While most women say "I shop with my friends and they tell me what looks good. Why pay someone else to do what my friends already do?" For both sexes we have an honest response worth thinking about.

Men: A stylist can help you sort through the junk and get straight to the good stuff. They can help you fit those arms that everything seems to be too tight on, or those pants that seem to always pull in the crotch. A good stylist can evaluate your body and help to make sure that your wardrobe not only looks put together, but also fits you in the right ways. Your jeans don't have to be too long. Your shoes can match most of your outfits instead of just guessing that they do! Not to mention, From Do's To Shoes Stylists will do all the shopping for you, so the 'process' is one that you barely need to be a part of!

Women: In keeping with our honesty policy - your friends are not the best people to trust when you go shopping. They have their own motives when walking into a mall and after the third or fourth store that they haven't found a single thing to try on, their evaluations of you might not be too honest. They will say something looks good (or bad) based on their own want to find something that looks good on them. And as emotional creatures, very often when women feel badly about themselves, they project the negativity onto others while shopping. It is supremely difficult as a friend to stay unbiased as the 'shopping partner'.

However, a stylist's job is to remain honest and unbiased on what looks good on you. It is literally our job to make sure you look good in every single item of clothing that you own. From Do's To Shoes Stylists focus on your shape, the things you hate about your body, the things you love about it, and how to make the whole package look good. We can tell you how finding a top that fits around your breasts properly is possible. We can show you how to find a pant that makes your butt look fabulous while still feeling great to wear all day. We can give you comfort and class all in one shot. You can shop in any store you want, and still get a professional opinion (not the one from the sales girl who has budgets to hit)! Best of all, if you don't like public change rooms, we can do this all from the comfort of you own home!

It seems clear to us that anyone who is serious about looking good, needs an image consultant like From Do's To Shoes Styling offers. With exclusive discounts and expertise that is truly hard to come by, its no wonder the wealthy rely on others to dress them. You don't have to be a millionaire to work with us, just a person looking for a wardrobe that looks (and feels) like a million bucks!

Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

January 6, 2011

The Art of Gift Giving

Gift giving is a tough art to master, but From Do's To Shoes Styling has some ideas of what to do and what not to do, to match the gift to its getter.

With the holidays having just passed, it is almost guaranteed that you got a gift or two that made you scratch your head and think, "this is what you think of me?". A pair of socks, while practical and necessary, is not exactly the type of thing that warms your heart.

One rarely feels the love reverberating from a gift that was not thought through. Some people buy what they like for themselves, and make the assumption that the receiver will like it too. This is a colossal mistake! Unless the receiver is an identical twin who loves all the same things they love, the giver has erred.

There are very few people out there who are supremely good gift givers. These days a gift certificate or a cheque can be a sufficient gift (well who doesn't like getting money? Right??), but From Do's To Shoes believes in the art of gift giving.

Gift giving is about the person getting the gift. When buying for someone, think about the things they like to do. What puts a smile on their face? What inside joke do you share that can be converted into a gift to remind the receiver that you still find it funny? Think of their day-to-day lives and see; what item would fit perfectly with their social lives, private lives, or at the office?

From Do's To Shoes Styling understands that it would be outrageous to expect that each person in your life be given the same budget for every birthday, anniversary and holiday. But, as you know, budget is not what makes a gift great. As any parent or grandparent can tell you, a home-made gift filled with love trumps a gift that has no thought behind it any day.

When shopping for a gift, plan your attack! Wandering into a mall with your wallet in hand on the hunt for "something to pop out at you", is a laissez faire and risky way to search. You might never find your dream item, and after hours of aimless wandering, you get frustrated and tired, and you end up settling for something you think might work, and so, the sentiment it not buried beneath the wrapping paper.

If you plan your gift before you shop, you will end up with a gift that makes you both feel great. You can watch the unwrapping and feel pure joy in the anticipation of "oh my goodness! This is present perfect! Thank you so much!".

Remember, there is no happiness like the happiness of making someone else happy.  If you don't think you can come up with an idea of what to get that special someone, email us at fromdostoshoes@gmail.com and we will be happy to suggest something, or to go and buy it for you!


Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

January 4, 2011

Closet Cleaning 101 (Part 2)

Now that you've taken those first major steps in cleaning your closet, take a step back and marvel at all the space you've made for new items (or maybe for a place to put those 5 pairs of shoes that have been living in the front hall because you couldn't fit them in with the rest)!

You've come a long way, Baby! But, there is still more to do. Add these tips to your process and you will find even more room still in that vortex that is your cluttered closet.


Tip 5: Alterations Pile
When sorting through your items, you may come across a few things that are almost perfect, but they just need a little alteration or two. Cleaning your closet is the perfect time to identify those items and haul them to the tailor all in one shot. Now those pants that were too long, and the jacket that needed new pockets are both as good as new and fit perfectly with your wardrobe!


Tip 6: From Do's To Shoes People!
As our fabulous name indicates, a wardrobe is a head to toe package. Getting rid of old jeans and tees is only half the battle. Sort through belts, shoes, purses (if your a woman, or a tres chic dude), scarves, hats & gloves too! Most of the time, these items are keepers because truthfully, a good belt can last longer than a few decades (just take a snoop in my Grandma's closet and you can see that)! But some times, those things need to go. That shoe that gives you blisters; that belt you bought on impulse that never gets worn; those gloves with a teeny hole that you constantly reject for a better pair - TOSS! Bonus: those gloves might help a homeless person or a kid who needs winter-wear.


Tip 7: Garbage or Give Away
It is really important that you make two separate piles when you are tossing things - garbage and give away. Things like underwear, gross socks, pit stained t-shirts and the like, are garbage. Despite that fact that you might think that someone might someday love the item as you once did, thats a false hope because no one wants stuff like that. Its a wonderful feeling to know that someone else is going to feel good because of you (trust us, we know!), but please don't just give them everything just so its out of your hands. After all, what kind of charity would that be?

Tip 8: Touch it Once
As our good friend Dee always says "touch it once". This is a good motto day to day to keep clutter from multiplying. But for closet cleaning, it might as well be rule numero uno. What does it mean? Well it means that once you bag an item to go to charity, you can't go back and retrieve it. Make calculated, yet firm decisions when sifting though each item, and then stick to them! Believe us when we tell you that when your closet is clean, the item that you might have retrieved will stick out like a sore thumb in an other wise perfect-for-your-life wardrobe.

With these 8 tips, you should now have a closet that glimmers with the hope of becoming perfect. You can now see your sweaters, your pants and your shoes and can select outfits ever day that you feel good in that fit in with who you are and the image you are trying to project. 

Always remember to dress for the job you want, not the job you've got!
Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

January 3, 2011

Closet Cleaning 101 (Part 1)

The truth is, in this age of over consumption, we all have things in our closets that we never wear. Items that we see and instantly think "oh I forgot I even had this!" and shove back into the pile of stuff spilling out of your shelves.

The thing about cleaning your closet, is that its a hassle. It takes time, energy and decision making power that seems can be a very daunting task to go at alone. And then of course is the question that keeps our stuff stuffed in the first place - "what if I need it one day?"

From Do's To Shoes Styling is (if we do say so ourselves) the best way to get this item checked off your infinite 'to do' list. But of course, if you live outside the GTA and you can't get our reps out to you, then you may have to tackle it solo; with these tips of course!

Tip 1: Sentimental = Be judgemental
If it is an item that has real sentimental value, don't argue with yourself. You know that your Grandmother would do back flips in her grave if you gave her lucky red sweater to Goodwill (note: all used clothing should be donated), then for goodness sakes, keep it!
However, the flip of Grandma's sentimental is the kind where silly objects become more than their worth. The tee shirt you wore on that first date that now has holes in the seams and a stain on the front - TOSS!

Tip 2: Inner Struggle: Which side wins?
This is part of the "war" From Do's To Shoes Styling's slogan is talking about. You have a perfectly good item that you've worn a few times and it looks pretty good, but for some reason you rarely pick it up in the morning to put on. You can't see a good reason to get rid of 'a perfectly good item', but you know it doesn't get to the top of the pile enough. So what to do? Usually the answer is toss it (the less clutter the better), but try to ask yourself "what don't I like about this item?". Whatever the answer is, try to remember to steer clear of similar items in the future when shopping to fill your newly made gaps in your closet.

Tip 3: Stains, Smears, Holes and Ruined Fabrics
There is nothing worse than a person trying to look their best, with a hole in their clothing! If your items are not strictly lounge around the house items, then any of the above are strictly prohibited in the wardrobes of any From Do's To Shoes Styling Clients! If the pits look a little yellow, if the fabric gets those little balls (called pilling), if your shoulders/ribs/hips/butt/leg/arm/collar has holes... TOSS! Regardless of the item, it can usually be replaced by something more chic and more appropriate.

Tip 4: Skinny/Fat Clothes
Women (and many men) keep a one or two (or 6) pants and tops that fit them in their "better body". Though this is a semi-norm of society, From Do's To Shoes Styling believes deeply that the body you have is the body you should dress for. Lets face it, you keep those clothes because you feel best in them. So go out and get some stuff that makes you feel even better. If you aren't the size you want to be, at least you should feel great in your clothes! Tossing might be tough when it comes to these items, so the best recommendation is to store them some where else in the house so you don't get taunted by them. Who knows? You might even forget they are there and forget all about trying to get to that size again!

These starter tips are the first of many to come on how to de-clutter your closet. Hope these helped! Keep checking back to our blog for updates on all the latest news.

Stay Chic,
From Do's To Shoes Styling

Don't forget to like us on facebook and follow us on twitter

January 2, 2011

Welcome!

Hello Fashion lovers, haters and everyone in between!

From Do's To Shoes Styling Blog is here to help you! We specialize in closet cleaning, closet organization, styling, personal shopping and gift buying. If you are wondering "what does this all mean?" have a look at our "What We Do" section for a list of just a few of the incredible things we at F.D.T.S.S can do for you!

We at From Do's To Shoes Styling are here for all your shopping needs. Check out our "About Us" and "Stylists" sections to learn more about who we are and what we stand for. If you want to know about costs, stuff we love and more, look under pages on the right column. Keep checking back for ply of tips, tricks, ideas and no-nos!

If you have an questions, please email us at fromdostoshoes@gmail.com

Stay Chic!
From Do's To Shoes Styling