What Not To Wear - my home edition!

Many years ago my friend Helen introduced me to the show What Not To Wear on TLC.  For those of you who are not familiar, it's basically a makeover show on steroids.  In each episode, one woman gets a whole new wardrobe (via a 2-day shopping spree!), a new hairstyle, and new makeup - always with a stunning before and after transformation.  (On a side note, my friend Pete used to joke that one of his hobbies was to be a "before" model.  =D )

I've always wanted to go on a true shopping spree, similar to what the made-over women receive on TV.  Similarly, I've always envied the scene in Pretty Woman where Vivienne spends an obcene and "really offensive" amount of money on new clothing. 

Obviously the biggest limiting factor in going on a true shopping spree is the lack of funds (especially in places like Rodeo Drive).  I bring this up because my work wardrobe has been getting to the point where some change is in desperate need.  Yours truly would really like to freshen up thy dying sense of style without spending a ton of money (translation: no shopping spree for me).  Anything to avoid another day of wearing neutral-colored pants and a button-down shirt.


Yeah.

Kim suggested that I contact Erin over at Loop Looks for a free closet consultation.  (Erin also authors Eri-Thon, one of the running blogs that I follow!)

Erin came over last night.  She took one look at my closet before spinning out a seemingly endless array of mix-and-match ideas and tips for new outfits that I would never, ever, ever have thought of myself.  She generated a ton of ways to utilize the many items I previously had laying around serving as dust bunny receptacles.  She also taught me that some of the fashion "rules" I always abided by can actually be "broken" with absolutely fantastic results.  For example:

You CAN mix a printed top with a printed bottom! 

You CAN pair an animal-print neutral with a bold jewel tone! 

You CAN wear a belt on a skirt without belt loops!

Here are a few of my favorites from the outfits that Erin put together:

(OK, OK, the last picture is my own creation so it doesn't belong with the others.  But aren't the obnoxious day-glow colors fabulous?!?  I think style guidelines can be more outlandish when it comes to running gear.  =P)

Thanks to Erin, I am excited once again about the contents of my closet!  It'll be so invigorating to express some unique style in the workplace and beyond - NO MORE COOKIE CUTTER.  Not to mention how pampered I felt to have a personal stylist for an evening!  I could really get used to this.  And my wallet is very happy, too.  =D