Thursday, January 09, 2014

Lessons From Ella


On December 4th, I was amazed with Lynne's post on Lessons on Style from Ella and with just a few changes you can go from looking good to looking amazing!

It didn't take me long to schedule a session with Ella (her blog here).  My session was Friday, January 3rd, Erin was still on Christmas break from teaching which meant I did not have the little guy.  My only concern was my very slow internet and how that would effect Skype, which wasn't much of an issue.

 This post is long and picture heavy, just warning you!

What I learned from Ella:

  1.  My first concern, not dressing too young.  No, Ella said you are not doing that, in fact maybe dressing too old.  
  2. Layers are good things
  3. Mixing patterns is a good thing
  4. Belts wear them high just under your ribs.
  5. Look for brightness around the face or add pop of colors
  6. Since I am more of a "H" shape, Ella suggested "building in shape by cinching in the waist and adding volume around the hips"
I am going to show you pictures of outfits Ella helped me with and since this is a sewing blog, I tried to use garments I made in each outfit.
So let's start with the silk blouse I just made.  It looks good like this



Now with Ella's suggestions, pop of color with the belt, layers and texture with the jacket and then building shape with the belt and finally a statement
necklace.  I think the blouse looks totally different and as Ella suggested take the jacket off and another look.

One thing I should of done was roll the sleeves of the jacket two more times and add bracelets.

Something I would have never thought of with this Renfrew top.

In fact, this was what I was wearing when my session started with Ella.  Ella said let's start with this and do you have a stripe shirt.  I did have one, so this is the new look

How about a layer to this look, adding my denim wool bomber


one more look with the shirts


On Saturday, Mike and I went to a movie and I did this outfit all by myself!  I had Kaitlyn snap a picture with my phone and I emailed to Ella.  She loved it!  Yea, I did good.


After several jean options, which is my work wardrobe.  Ella suggested we move onto dresses and skirts.


First up my Lola Sweater Dress, a good looking dress and Ella saw it on the blog.  Great dress but in the picture looks a bit boring.  She is right but I explained, I have to show off the sewing but in reality I had not thought of wearing it any other way.


Ella suggested a plaid shirt, yep I had just the one, my Archer


Put a Lola and an Archer together and you get a whole new look.  I sure didn't think of a brown belt and my brown booties but I love it.

Then Ella said how about a jacket (which is an oldie but goodie made it in 2009)





Now a skirt and a peplum top.  I made this skirt a few years ago and can't find it on the blog.  The peplum top is recent and we used the same jacket from above.  Another cute look and a way I feel good in the peplum top.

I took all these pictures this morning, so by the end, my hair was a bit frazzled and wild.

A couple more suggestions from Ella
Ponte pants, stripe sweater with a white blouse.  The camera didn't focus but you get the idea.

Then on my own but using the Pinterest board Ella created for me, I added a vest.

Ella suggests to plan your week wardrobe on Sundays.  Hang it all together with scarves, necklaces and belts.  I did do this last Sunday and here is today's outfit.   I tried belting it on the outside of the cardigan but the cardigan was just too big, I felt like a marshmallow.


What do I need to purchase?  Ella said red lipstick and that was all.  I did purchase that on Monday and it made a world of difference.  Who knew a little tube of lip stain would have such impact?  Ella did.

A parting shot, my bedroom floor after my session with Ella.


You can see what Ella wrote about our session  and see all her other remarkable consultations.

I highly recommend this, you will look at your clothes in a whole new light!

31 comments:

  1. Wow! I loved your outfits before, but now they really pop! I especially like the new ways to wear the grey dress. Looks like you had a lot of fun and came up with some great new ideas.

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    1. Thanks, Pam, they do have that pop. The grey dress with the plaid blouse is my favorite, too.

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  2. Lots of winning outfits here! I especially like the layered gingham shirt look and the layered sweatshirt dress with the black tights and booties. :)

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    1. Thanks, Lauren, what a difference combining a couple garments makes, right? Thanks again.

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  3. Sounds like you had lots of fun! It is good to get ideas on putting pieces together.

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    1. Thanks, Vicki, it was so fun.

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  4. I *love* the shot of what your room looked like after the session! :)
    That gingham look is a standout!

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    1. Kyle, it took me a good hour to put all the clothes, jewelry and shoes up! The gingham has been a favorite for a couple of years.

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  5. Hi Lori- great looks. Did you make the blue gingham/check shirt? I tried to search for it in your gallery......I could use one-please direct me to your link. Happy Friday!

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    1. Joanne, I did not make that gingham shirt, it is Old Navy.
      thanks,

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  6. Looks fantastic - all those outfits. I,however, would be having a heat stroke wearing all those layers! lol

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    1. Thanks, Linda, the jackets are just outerwear and take them off when you arrive. So that helps a bit with the layers.

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  7. LORI! you always look put together, but now it's like you have a whole new closet, i love these layers and belts!

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    1. Oh, Thanks so much, Marci, the layers and belts do make a world of difference.

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  8. Anonymous9:18 AM

    Wow! This is so fun! This is really going to stretch your wardrobe-- you've got so many looks here with only a few pieces! Wow! I love this!

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    1. It was so fun. I agree, the wardrobe will be stretched and several looks from a few items. I am just not going to tell my husband that! LOL

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  9. All these outfits look great! It looks like a fun experience & great way to expand your wardrobe.

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    1. Thanks, Sarah, it really was fun and opens your eyes to the possibilities.

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  10. Ella certainly know how to pull everything together and get the most out of your figures as well as your wardrobe! You look fabulous!

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    1. Joen, you are right, Ella makes the most of your clothes and matches that to your figure.

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  11. Wow that's just so impressive. I wouldn't have thought to put the archer under the Lola, but it looks great! Looks like time well spent . just remarkable how those few changes just popped your look. Nice job, Lori!

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    1. I wouldn't have thought of it either. Ella was spot on. Thanks so much.

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  12. What a great experience you had. Love, love, love these looks! I think Lola is my favorite but they are all great! I am amazed how adding a striped top under your Renfrew made such an amazing change. Can't wait to see what else you do with your garments - and if what you make changes. g

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    1. Thanks so much, it is an amazing change. Are you doing a session?

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    2. I am - the second week of February. I'm really looking forward to it. g

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  13. I loved reading what you had to say, Lori! What a fun time together!

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    1. Thanks, Ella, it sure was fun.

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  14. Wow - it looks like you've really expanded your wardrobe choices! I really like these looks that Ella and you put together. I'm usually too tired in the morning to come up with anything more adventurous than a tank top, cardigan, and dress pants. I really need to get some layers and accessories going!

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    1. Shar, planning my outfits on Sunday has made a world of difference.

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  15. Lori, I am SO excited about the changes you made! Indeed you do look fresher and more updated! I just can't say enough about our Ella and would recommend a thousand times over to meet with her! Can't wait til we can all get together in the spring!!!!!

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    1. It is so exciting, Lynne. I am so excited about the weekend in the spring.

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