Sep 23, 2015
I’m so excited today because I get to introduce you to someone I think is pretty special. Her name is Samantha Hannah and she’s not only one of my mastermind buddies but a very talented personal stylist. I admire her ability to perfectly pull an outfit together but even more her sweet spirit and beautiful soul. Sam is from New Zealand and when you meet her, you instantly notice her passion for impeccable style (and her cute accent!)
When I decided to offer a masterclass teaching fit advice as one of the bonuses for the Fall 2015 GYPO Style Challenge, Sam was my first pick to teach it. She understands fit so well and knows that it’s the difference maker in whether an outfit works for you or not.
For a more official intro, here’s Sam’s bio:
Samantha Hannah is a spirited personal stylist and personal branding strategist, keynote speaker, TV host and founder of the e-course The Entrepreneur Style. Over the past 9 years Sam has helped thousands of women find a unique personal style that allows them to express who they are from the inside out through onte to one coaching, workshops, live events, and more recently her online courses. She’s the style expert on the TV show Starting Over, had a regular spot on TVNZ’s Good Morning Show, been the style expert in NEXT magazine and the fashion editor of 4 magazines.
Sam believes, “Style is more than the clothes you wear, it’s everything you are. What you think, what you value and how you live all affect the way you see yourself, which then affects the way you dress and how the world receives you. To be successful, you need to become aware of all of these things.”
Today Sam is sharing with us her top four tips for getting the right fit.
Ever had days where you’re shopping online or out in stores feeling overwhelmed and frustrated because you just don’t know what shapes, styles or colors to buy that suit you?
I know I did before I became a stylist, as have plenty of my clients since. Knowing exactly what to buy that’ll flatter your shape can be one of life’s hardest challenges; especially if you’re a busy working mom, with limited time to spare.
You wish to click into an online store or glide into a clothing shop, picking out an armful of garments in shapes and styles that fit you well, and confidently purchasing them knowing the pieces you’ve chosen are going to look gorgeous.
What if I told you this is possible? And that all you need is a sprinkling of some key ingredients and you’ll never feel stressed about your dress again.
For the past nine years I’ve dedicated my time and energy to learning, researching, experimenting, trusting intuition and practicing the art of personal styling. I’ve worked with hundreds of women from many countries, all shapes and sizes, ages and colourings, creating what I believe is a practical yet fabulous recipe book of styling tricks. And I’d love to share some secrets with you.
1. Know your body proportions more than your body shape. It’s so easy to put yourself in a box, but realistically that box may still be wrong. Not all body shapes are the same. As an example, height, weight and torso length are just 3 of the many things that could be totally different between, say, two ‘pear shaped’ women. Your body proportions give you much more information about yourself. Remember, your body is unique… it’s suppose to be. There’s no one like you and that’s a beautiful thing.
Your body proportions include some of the following:
- Is your torso long, short or proportioned?
- Is your waist defined, slight or straight?
- Are your arms long, short or balanced?
- Are your shoulders wide, narrow or balanced to your hips?
Knowing the answers to questions like these will help you find the right fit of clothing for you.
2. Learn how to take your measurements. This is essential for choosing the right size garments for you. Before you make any purchases, always have your measurements with you.
- Your height – to know if something is going to be too long, too short or just right.
- Your waist – it’s not necessarily at your belly button. I’ll explain more in a moment.
- Your bustline – measure around your bust, cross your nipple line.
Your hips – stand straight and raise one leg up, bent at the knee, until it’s horizontal to your hip bone. Mark the top of the leg at the hip, lower your leg and measure around your hips and bottom from the marked point.
Your rise – measure from the top of your pubic bone to your belly button. It’s important you know your rise when buying pants because the rise determines where your pants sit on your body.
3. Get to know your waist! Your waistline holds so many answers to your ‘best fit’ questions because it is the centre point of your torso. It’ll tell you if you can wear tops tucked in or out, fitted or floaty, tapered or straight, which is super useful in your buying decisions. And since this area is crucial to many of my styling decisions, I thought I’d share my exact recipe for finding a client’s waistline to help you even more.
Finding your Waist. 
Put your hands on your torso, and tip over to the right side.You’ll feel your body indent in one place more than another, usually it’s around the bottom of your ribs. Keeping your right hand at the place where you indented the most, stand up straight. This is your natural waist.
Are you short waisted or long?
- Keep your right hand on your torso at the point where your natural waist is.
- Put your left hand underneath your bra line.
- Between the hand on your natural waistline and your hand under your bra line, how much space do you have?
If you have little space between your bra and your natural waist, you have a short torso. You’ll be best choosing garments that shape in on the outside of the body like tapered jackets and to avoid wearing belts.
If you have plenty of space between your bra and your natural waist, you have a long waist. You may find it easier to wear belts and garments with detailing around the middle.
Is your waist shaped or straight? If the area from underneath your arm to your natural waist curves in, you have a shaped waistline. You’ll suit styles that accentuate your waist and tailored garments.If the area from underneath your arm to your hips goes straight down, without curving into your natural waist, you have a straight waist. You’re best to wear your tops untucked and choose styles with an open neckline.
4. Lastly, forget about clothing sizes. Having worked behind the scenes styling many fashion designers lookbooks and magazine editorials, plus personal shopping with hundreds of women, I can tell you that clothing sizes vary so much it’s impossible to know exactly what size you are. I’ll never forget one client of mine who had clothing sizes ranging from a size 6 to a 12 after one shopping trip!
The number inside a garment is just that, a number. It doesn’t define you. Remember your body proportions and measurements to find clothes that fit you well, because as Grace Kelly once said,
Your dress should be tight enough to show you’re woman and loose enough to show that you’re a lady.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my four tasty secrets from my styling recipe and you’re able to put them to good use in your next shopping trip. If you’d like to know even more about your body proportions and finding the right fit for garments like pants, jeans, dresses, tops, even accessories, then make sure you’re signed up for GYPO Style Challenge because I’ll be running a mini personal styling master class in there too, and I can’t wait!
Oh, and the last secret I want to whisper in your ear before I go is this: You’re enough, just as you are, and you deserve to wear all the things that make you feel beautiful.
Along with Alison, I can’t wait to help you Get Your Pretty On!
With love and spirit,
Sam x
Be sure to follow Sam on Instagram where she shares her outfits and style advice and at her web site www.samanthahannah.com
She also has a free online course for entrepreneurs called 7 Days to Colour You to discover the right colours that make you and your brand shine. You can sign up HERE.
If you’d like to get the bonus fit masterclass that Samantha Hannah will be teaching, it’s not too late to join the Fall 2015 GYPO Style Challenge. Late registration is now open. The outfits start on October 4th so you still have plenty of time to get your shopping list items in place. You’ll get your shopping list of seasonal trends plus 21 days of mix and match fall outfits.
Sep 17, 2015
Growing up, I was always fascinated by the aging of both of my grandmothers’ faces. My paternal grandmother had most of her lines around her eyes while my maternal grandmother’s aging was most obvious in her jawline and neck.
Now that my parents are getting older, I can see the same patterns of aging etched across their faces. While I feel that I’ve been genetically blessed by both of them in many ways, this is one trait I’m hoping to mitigate as much as possible. (Sorry mom and dad!)
Since turning 40, the changes in my skin have been more and more obvious. It’s not as tight as it used to be and the lines around my eyes are getting more pronounced. Having a skincare regimen that tackles my personal skin issues has become more of a priority than ever. I’ve worked hard to educate myself and invest in the very best products to rejuvenate my skin.
One of the tools that I’ve found useful is L’Oreal’s skincare website centered around the insight that everyone’s skin has its own unique story. It aims to help women like us find the right solution for our unique skin concerns. You get a personalized skin diagnostic with a customized RevitaLift™ Skincare regimen.
My recommended skincare regimen included RevitaLift™ Triple Power Moisturizer for day, RevitaLift™ Triple Power Intensive Overnight Mask and RevitaLift™ Triple Power Eye Treatment.
I’ve been using all three products for the past several weeks, day and night and I’m seeing results.
1. RevitaLift™ Triple Power Eye Treatment – This product goes on around the eye area both day and night after cleansing skin. It’s formulated to repair wrinkles, reduce bags and lift the eye area. It’s a lightweight serum that’s quickly absorbed.
My Take: After four weeks of use, the area around my eyes looks more lifted and the bags are gone. This is one of the only eye creams I’ve used that hasn’t irritated my very sensitive eyes. I love the metal tip and how it has a cooling effect while applying the serum.
2. RevitaLift™ Triple Power Day Lotion Moisturizer with SPF 20 – This is my new go-to moisturizer for day. It absorbs quickly, is non-greasy and provides moisture all day. Its active ingredients also reduce dark spots.
My Take: This is a great everyday moisturizer. It’s lightweight, perfect under makeup and gets bonus points for smelling really nice too, without being overpowering. I wore it outside for a full day and it did a great job of protecting my skin from sun exposure.
3. RevitaLift™ Triple Power Intensive Overnight Mask – This luxurious, hydrating creamy mask is formulated to mimic skin’s own elasticity and works to improve skin’s firmness and elasticity overnight.
My Take: Since using this product, I’ve noticed that my skin looks better in the mornings. It’s more “plumped up” and my fine lines are less noticeable.
The Bottom Line: I love how this skincare line is customizable depending on your particular concerns. It’s also effective while being gentle and non-irritating, which is essential for my sensitive skin.
Armed with the right skincare regimen, I’m hoping to rewrite our family’s skin story for future generations.
It’s Your Turn: What are your most pressing skin concerns? Share them with us in the comments for your chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.
Entry Instructions:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
- Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
- Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
- Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
- For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 9/17/15 – 11/15/15.
Be sure to visit the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift™ brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
- Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
- For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 9/17/15 – 11/15/15. Be sure to visit the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift™ brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Sep 16, 2015
Registration for the Fall 2015 GYPO Style Challenge opened last week. This challenge is a little different because participants are getting their fall trends shopping lists immediately upon sign up. Hands down, the most controversial piece on said list is the plaid dress.
Some are embracing it fully while others are with trepidation. Still others are totally out on it and substituting a tunic instead.
I totally understand, that’s what the challenge is all about after all, taking the pieces and outfits and making them your own. But I really want to see you give the plaid dress a chance.
That’s what today’s post is all about.
My #1 reason that you need a plaid dress in your life right now is that it’s an excellent transition piece.
Pair it now with ankle boots, later with leggings and this winter with a cardigan, tights and riding boots. Here are three ways that you can wear a plaid dress now, later and this winter.
Three Ways to Wear a Plaid Dress
1. Now
Pair it now with some ankle boots featuring one of fall’s hottest trends, fringe.
[Dress/Necklace/Ankle Boots/Purse]
2. Later
Later, add a layer of warmth by pairing it with your favorite leggings and leopard flats. Who can resist plaid with leopard?
[Dress/Leggings/Flats]
3. This Winter
Warm it up with a cozy cardigan, tights and your favorite pair of riding boots this winter.
[Dress/Cardigan/Tights/Boots]
Plaid Dress Shopping Options
Option #1/Option #2/Option #3/Option #4/Option #5/Plus Size Option
Fall Style Challenge Closing Soon
If you liked the pieces in these three outfits, then you’re going to love the Fall 2015 GYPO Style Challenge! All of these pieces and more are on the fall trends shopping list. The best part? You’ll get it immediately upon sign up. We’ll be styling the pieces on this season’s list 21 different ways in our daily mix and match outfits. But hurry – early bird registration closes tomorrow night at midnight ET. This is the lowest rate this challenge will be offered at. Sign up and get all of the details HERE.
Sep 14, 2015
As I’m entering the second year of my 40’s, I spend a lot more time thinking about skin care than I ever used to. Things like regularly exfoliating, drinking enough water, applying sunscreen and even getting enough sleep are now a necessary part of my skincare regimen. But more than anything, I’m interested in reversing some of the signs of aging that are starting to show. Those little lines around my eyes and the dullness of my complexion are two of my biggest issues right now. A few months ago, I started using Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE® Anti-Aging Daily Serum as one of my lines of defense against aging. You can read my initial review of the product here. When I’m researching and shopping for new skincare lines to try, I look for those that help reverse the signs of damage. Since starting to use it, I’ve noticed that my complexion is brighter and my fine lines, especially around my eyes, are showing improvement. I love that there are products like this that allow for a less drastic approach but are still very effective. PREVAGE® Anti-Aging Daily Serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, sun damage and uneven skin texture, which are some of my biggest skin issues at this stage in life. It also helps reverse the signs of environmental damage, the #1 cause of aging skin.* You know how good antioxidants are for you, right? PREVAGE® is formulated with Idebenone, a powerful antioxidant that fights environmental threats including pollution, UV rays, and smoke. If you’re looking for an alternative to professional procedures, PREVAGE® Anti-Aging skincare solutions offers it by helping to give skin a smoother, firmer, more resilient look. But the proof is in the results. 96% of women saw an improvement in skin’s overall appearance in just four weeks.** 
I’m also excited to try Elizabeth Arden SUPERSTART and will be posting more on that soon. Stay tuned! Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE® Anti-Aging Daily Serum is available at EA.com; Macy’s.com; Nordstrom.com.
*Bahman, G et al (2009), Factors Contributing to the Facial Aging of Identical Twins.
**Based on a US home use test on 99 women aged 25-65 after 4 weeks.
It’s Your Turn: Would you like to try PREVAGE® Anti-Aging Daily Serum to reverse the signs of environmental damage to your skin? Tell me in the comments for a chance to win your own bottle of PREVAGE® Anti-Aging Daily Serum!
Entry Instructions:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 9/14/15 – 10/14/15.
Be sure to visit the Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE® Anti-Aging Daily Serum brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Sep 9, 2015
The Pretty Fix is a monthly feature at Get Your Pretty On that features my top five picks for the month that you can shop for on your own to stay in style at a price you’ll love. The idea for it was born out of frustration that some of you have had with other monthly box services that you feel “miss the mark” or are too pricey.
Each month, the Pretty Fix includes five affordable items that I personally recommend to stay on trend.
This month’s fix features fall pieces in pumpkin orange and cognac. It’s like a pumpkin spice latte for your wardrobe!
Want to know the best part? You can buy everything in the monthly fix for around $100.
Consider me your budget-minded personal shopper. Here’s your September Pretty Fix.
SEPTEMBER PRETTY FIX TOTAL = $103.49
Pumpkin orange is on the radar for fall. This bright tunic v-neck tunic sweater will work with all of your jeans and even leggings. Here’s another option.
A vegan moto jacket is the perfect way to stay on trend – and at this price it’s the perfect time to try it. Sub it into any outfit where you would normally wear a blazer or military jacket.
The colors and patterns in this scarf virtually scream “IT’S FALL!” Pair it up with your favorite sweater or jacket.
A cross body purse is a great way to go hands-free for fall activities like football games and festivals. This bright color adds a fun touch to all of your fall essentials.
Fringe is one of fall 2015’s biggest trends. Dip a toe in with a little bit of fringe on a pair of versatile ankle boots.
It’s Your Turn: What will you be adding to your wardrobe to stay on trend this month?
If you loved these pieces, then be sure to join me for the Fall 2015 GYPO Style Challenge. We’ll be styling items on this list and many more in our 21 days of mix and match outfits. Wake up every day this fall knowing exactly what to wear with your fall trends shopping list and capsule wardrobe. Registration opens this Friday.
