I walked into her “closet” and I just wanted to TRY EVERYTHING ON. This is Erin Nadler’s domain. She’s the founder of BetterStyled — a stylist who has been featured on Canada AM, Chatelaine, as well as countless other media. She’s the wardrobe consultant to some of Bay Street’s corporate women as well as moms on the go. “My client is usually a very busy woman. She may also have a family and needs to be efficient and pulled together,” says Nadler. “Toss in events such as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) into her already bustling lifestyle and sometimes it’s not so easy. She’s got to deal with transitioning from day to night.”
As I head into TIFF this week, I made a quick stop to meet Erin at her office to see if she could offer any TIPS that are quick and current, that we could keep handy in our handbag. And we all carry that big awesome tote to work, right?
FOUNDATION PIECES:
“When in doubt, black it out,” says Erin. “A black suit or dress serves as a foundation that can take you from the boardroom to a night on the town”. Erin suggests bringing a top to change into at night if you’re wearing a suit to work. A sleeveless top with a pop of colour or even some sequinned detailing can really glam up a suit. But Erin cautions wearing blinged out tops to work. “Depending on what type of business you’re in, sequinned tops to work during day may not go over so well, so pop one into your purse and save that for night,” says Erin.
STATEMENT PIECE:
If you’re comfortable wearing fur, Erin suggests to invest in an accent piece that continues to be a cool trend this fall. “A fur vest, or jacket, over a black shift dress or even a fur trimmed neck piece is a strong look for the season.” But unfortunately “faux” fur just doesn’t have the same look or feel.
COLOURS:
Black is safe, as are other monochromatic schemes this fall like dark greys and purples. Wearing one colour elongates the body if you’re trying to achieve that look. But one of the biggest fall trends continues the ‘inkblot” pattern so you may want to incorporate that under a suit in a subtle top or as a skirt for a trendier look.
LEGS:
Have a little more fun with that “Little Black Dress” and change up the colour of your hosiery and shoes. Fashion runways have influenced a recent interest in tying in the colour of your shoes to the hose you wear. Or go for patterned tights in black that just gives a hint of texture.
PURSES:
Grab a clutch purse that has a pop of colour this season. We’re seeing rich jewel tones in fabrics and leathers with detailing in metal and beading or sequins that can really pull together an evening look. Oh, and leave the big tote bag at the office or check it at the coat check. The last thing you want to do is head into an event with a large bag in hand.
JEWELLERY:
There’s no shortage of jewellery out there whether it be from Holt’s, Swarovski, The Bay, Forever 21 or H&M. “Multi-strand long drop necklaces are great to transition day to night and if you’re chesty, a long necklace can help balance things out,” says Erin. “And hoop earrings are great for evening.” She also suggests to keep a stash of those cute little mesh gift bags handy. You know, the ones you can find in the dollar store? They are great for popping in these types of accessories that you don’t want to get tangled or damaged in your purse.
SCARVES:
This season can be warm during the days but cool off quickly at night. A scarf can be a girl’s best friend without taking up much room. Also, an easy way to freshen up an outfit without necessarily breaking the bank!
TREND TALK:
What about the hot peplums? Erin says to make sure balance out with thin bottom with either slim pants or pencil skirt. Infinity scarves are still very hot for Fall/Winter and so is leather. By the way, not everyone can wear ankle booties “they can totally make your legs shorter, but knee length boots or peep toe shoes are flattering on most,” says Erin.
So there are Erin’s easy tips to stay fashionable from the boardroom to the night on the town! You may not necessarily do it all together but pick and choose what you’re comfortable with. And that’s part of it. You want to look fresh for the evening but at the end of the work day we still want to feel comfortable in what we’re wearing.
Erin Nadler, and her associates at BetterStyled, help many women achieve the best looks for their individual shapes and styles. Whether she’s a corporate type or a mom who’s interested updating her look after mat leave, she’s here for you. And she’s a big supporter of Canadian and European labels. You’ll find some unique pieces in her stash!
For more information about Erin and her services please visit her website at BetterStyled.com.
Red Carpets..here I come!