By Safina Khimani of Faith Style

Imagine you had only one dress in your closet that worked for everything – work, date night, parties, or the occasional wedding. Well I’m here to share with you my secret style weapon. The Two Birds Bridesmaid dress, one dress that can be worn over 15 ways for every occasion and transforms to match your every mood.

This incredible dress was designed by Ariane Goldman from New York City and was created to marry a bride’s vision with her bridesmaids’ happiness. It is one dress, two sizes (size A 0-14, size B 16-24), comes in 18 colours, requires no alterations and can be worn more than a dozen ways.  You’ll never have to go looking for an occasional dress again. The beauty of this dress is that contours the body, draping beautifully and flattering all. This dress is approximately $300 CAD (for the shorter length) and when you do the math that is $20 a dress. Where in the world are you going to score a deal like that?

Dress it down for the summer with flip flops and a patterned scarf or dress it up with a killer pair of heels and jewels. Add a blazer to make it work appropriate or incorporate your own stylization with a cluster of vintage rhinestone brooches. The possibilities are endless and I guarantee this dress will stand the test of time, lowering the cost per wear over decades.

I had my eye on this dress two years before I got married, my bridesmaids purchased it and so did I and none of us have been disappointed. Here are just a few ways to play with it. The best part is you can be the designer and be the creative soul behind your look. 

Visit http://www.twobirdsbridesmaid.com/ to view the different dresses; classic (which is the one I have and love!), go through the colour options like Kelly Green, Peacock and Coral and to watch the video tutorials to help you style it perfectly.

By Safina Khimani of Faith Style

The scarf is by far one of my favourite go-to accessories. It adds a punch of colour, an unexpected pattern and instantly creates depth and interest to any outfit. It is an inexpensive way to update your wardrobe and is easily the best way to integrate your personality into your wardrobe. Paired with grey capris, a white tee and denim jacket any of the scarves below transform the look into something causally chic. Or added to a pair of trousers and blazer makes you look more polished and put together. The possibilities are endless and the hunt for the perfect one can be super fun!

Tips For Selecting the Perfect Scarf:

1. Buy the best quality that you can afford.

2. Avoid the chain stores and venture into stores/boutiques that offer a smaller selection of styles to ensure you will not be the hundredth person sporting the same item.  (For example Winners, Vintage Shops or online)

3. Pick a pattern that is in harmony with your facial features and does not over power you.

4. Select a colour you adore and brings a smile to your face.

5. Choose a texture that feels great against your skin.

Spun by Subtle Luxury |Ikat Diamond Print Scarf $35 USD

Lucky Brand | Feather Weight Bamboo Wrap $ 55 USD

Lucky Brand | Paisley Dream Square Scarf $39.50 USD

Spun by Subtle Luxury | Monet Garden Scarf $40 USD

Faithful Style Tip: If you’re in the Toronto area, visit the Exhibition Place during the annual CNE festivities. The cultural vendors from around the world carry a great selection of goods (including unique scarves) in a variety of colours and fabrics and at a great deal. You’ll be sure to find a few great pieces to add to your wardrobe.  All these beautiful scarves are available on http://www.piperlime.com/

By Safina Khimani of Faith Style

Spring has finally sprung and what better way to inject some life than in our wardrobes. Out with the black and in with the colour. It’s time to start storing away our heavy fabrics, dark clothes and salted winter boots (after cleaning them of course) and adding some lightness to our closet. Here are 5 easy cost-effective items you can pickup to freshen up your wardrobe:

Fabulous Scarves

A scarf is a feminine touch that can be thrown on top of any outfit for some instant chic. Opt for some colour or a print that reflects your personality which will draw the attention to your beautiful face.

All from Old Navy $10-$20

Bold Trench Coat

This season, challenge yourself by embracing a hue you’ve never wore before. Old Navy has a great trench in a Kelly Green for only $50! Layer that with a fabulous scarf and you’ll be turning heads. 

Neutral Tote

Switch out your black handbag for something more light. A neutral tote will work for business or causal weekends.

Aldo $55

Commit to Print

Inject some personality into your solid-full wardrobe. If you’re not into ultra feminine go for something bold and bright rather than something soft and pretty.

Banana Republic $130

Sexy Wedge Heel

Now it’s time to show-off those newly pedicured toes and the best way to do that is with a sexy wedge. Pick out a metallic (the new neutral) that will look great under a jean or paired with a jersey dress.

Aldo $90

By Safina Khimani of Faith Style

We may not be conscious of it, but every day we are sending out our own personal message. Each of us emitting a story to the people we interact with. What’s your story?

There are 8 key things that go into developing your own personal brand.

1. Confidence, be yourself, speak from your heart and let your passion shine through.

2. Offer Value. Every brand stands for something i.e. Apple = Innovation. What do you offer? What is your value?

3. Build a Destination, a place where people can learn more about you, your personality, and your style. Examples of these may be a website, a facebook account, twitter page, LinkedIn profile. Potential clients, employers and business partners should be able to find and interact with your brand.

4. Speaking/Writing from the heart will fill your life with things you love. Remember your heart is where your passion lives. It gives others the opportunity to learn more about you.

 5. Innovate. The world is full of people who all do very similar things, who offer similar products and have similar responsibilities. The individual who innovates, challenges the status quo, who opts to create a new path is the person who is going to stand out amongst the crowd.

 6. Give Back. We are all connected on this planet and creating positive change benefits everyone. Dogooding creates great return on investment.

7. Grow, if you’re not uncomfortable you’re not growing and if you’re not growing you’re falling behind. Make an effort to do something every month that puts you out of your comfort zone.  

8. Communicate who you are in all you do. Consistency is power. When the various parts of your life reflect your essence, your life moves in the direction you want it to.

What you wear is considered Fashion, what you say and how you say it is a style. Style has substance. Your Style is your brand.

By Safina Khimani of Faith Style

It is critical that when we make choices based on our style we are honest with ourselves and we are authentic to who we are at our very core. To ensure we make the best choices for us and our bodies take the Style Self-Exam. Part I was created by the most authentic woman I know Danielle LaPorte of White Hot Truth. Part II is my personal extension of the process:

Part I Prep Work…

Why do you buy what you buy? Do a mental scan of your wardrobe. Think of the your most recent purchases, or your most-worn pieces, or the regrettables collecting dust in your closet. What motivated those choices? Were you feeling…elation? Rebellion? The deep craving to belong? The drive to appear powerful? Sentimental for the past? Sweet, sensual inklings? At one with the style gods?

Who do you take shopping with you? Not literally, but, psychically. Do you have your own what-not-to-wear committee on your shoulder? Are your inner style advisers jeering at you or cheering you on?

Do your clothes feel like friends or foe? Do you have to psyche yourself up to get into that navy suit that sucks the innovative thinking right out of you? Or do you look at that linen tunic and think, “Ahh, old friend, we work so well together?”

Part II Critical Shopping questions...

Do you love it? Buy What You Love & Wear What You Love. If you buy something now that you love, it will fit into your life, instead of following the trends and mimicking others. If your heart isn’t moved, leave it so something more incredible can make its way to you.

 Do you feel great in it? Not good, not good enough but GREAT!

Does it fit you? Does it fit you PROPERLY? It should feel comfortable but be fitted. Not tight where breathing is manageable or a bit big that it reminds you of your Lululemon yoga pants. It should lie flat against your body. Be smooth as it was your second layer of skin.

Does it flatter you? It should be showing off your assets while camouflaging your challenge areas. Do you notice yourself standing taller? Smiling from ear to ear? These are usually good indicators that a piece truly flatters you.

Do you have at least 2 things to wear with it? This is a simple and direct question. Try and train yourself to shop in outfits vs. pieces and both you and your wardrobe will thank you for it.

Women have a great sense of instinct. If you put something on and you’re not quite sure listen to your gut. There is a reason why you’re not feeling 100% trust your gut and avoid a bad purchase just because you need a white button down cotton shirt is not a good enough reason to buy it.  

Every choice is an expression of what we believe. Style tells an intimate journey of self discovery. It’s the way we express ourselves through our tastes, desires, passions, inspirations and lifestyle. Whether you are Elegant, Sophisticated, a Rock star or a Bohemian spirit it’s about being authentic to your essence and that has very little to do with the number on the label or the size of our bodies. 

By exposing yourself to all kinds of influences and dressing with an open mind you’ll discover new things that will inspire you to change and embrace the parts of yourself you already love.

By Safina Khimani of Faith Style

“Authenticity is energizing, economical, and efficient. The better you know yourself, the clearer your choices. Self-awareness leads to true style.” Carrie & Danielle

Find Your Key Item

A key item is the central piece your outfit will be based around. It can be anything – shoes, a dress, a necklace – the only criteria is it must be something you really, really love!

Build Around Your Key Item

Take a look around your wardrobe – is there anything that complements your key item? Do you have a belt that goes well with this purse? Or a dress that looks fabulous with these boots? Put it on. Continue adding more pieces that work well with your ensemble. If you don’t see any obvious matches, start trying stuff on at random – you might come across something unusual and fresh!

Some basic rules … neutrals go with EVERYTHING. Neutral colors include tan, beige, gray, brown, black, white, and navy.

“How do I know if something ‘works’?”

This would depend purely on your personal style and your vision. If you’re unsure of your personal style listen to your gut. With time, you will learn to trust yourself and your eye.

Sometimes you may simply not have the right item to bring it all together. When this happens, you can either put the outfit on hold and finish it later, once you have the item, or substitute it with something else.

Add an Element of Surprise or your “Signature”

What’s the difference between a good outfit and a great one? A great outfit has a hook, something that makes it memorable and sets it apart from the rest! Once you have most of your outfit together, look for something bold and unexpected to offset the equation! Something you’d never normally consider, like cobalt blue shoes in an otherwise white/gray ensemble, or a large chunky necklace in an otherwise simple understated outfit. Adding the unusual will make your outfit look more interesting.

To have style, there must be an emotional and physical connection and passion to the clothes you buy and own.

By Safina Khimani of Faith Style

Confidence is captivating; it is powerful; and it does not fade – and that is endlessly more interesting than being a certified fashionista. The first and most important step in developing a new or refined style is to project the kind of confidence you exude when you’re at your very best. The kind of confidence that will tell others that you respect yourself, love yourself and dress up for yourself and nobody else.

When you express your own personal style you exude this kind of confidence. To help you discover what your style may be, you need to know what inspires you – what colours you love, what images draw you in and the things that attract you. Create an inspiration board one that holds all the things that make your heart flutter. Analyze it looking for words, patterns and keys that may unlock the “uniqueness” each of us possesses.

“Know, first who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.” – Epictetus, Greek philosopher

Once you’ve identified your direction you need to embrace your body, learn about your shape and what you should do to show off its assets while camouflaging your flaws. Let balance and proportion be the guiding spirit. Check out Cadillac Fairview for a breakdown on your shape. Next is colour. Are you a warm tone or cool tone? Warm-toned individuals tend to look alive and healthy while wearing earthy colors, such as oranges, bronzes, golds, peaches, brick reds, earthy greens, mocha browns and ivory. They look best in yellow-based colors. Cool-toned people look best in jewel tones such as vibrant emerald green, royal or icy blues, rosy pinks, silvers, plums, and pure white. Blue-based colors look best. An easy test is to ask yourself, what colour do you get the most compliments on? What colour makes you feel really good when you wear it? And take your cue from there.

The last and best part is to play. Take the afternoon, turn on your favourite music, invite a friend, open a bottle of wine and start dressing up. Take photos as you go, making your very own look book.

A great style is equal parts consistency & diversity. Without consistency, it’s just clothes; without diversity, it’s a cul de sac. Adhering to a particular theme can be good – mod, boho, avant-garde – but don’t limit yourself to just one particular look, cut, silhouette or palette. It’s ok to throw in some fun, unexpected pieces, and just because you’ve never worn it before, doesn’t mean you can’t ever!

Remember: Style is not a chemical element that can be simply discovered. Eternal style is a complex concoction of ideas, simmered on low fire and perfected over time. It is a result of an agile mind.