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!