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Secrets From a Stylist's Handbag

Have you ever wondered what items professional fashion consultants use? Clients often ask me to share my secrets. I am ready to share my list of favourite things and with the holiday season fast approaching they might even spark some gift ideas.
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Have you ever wondered what items professional fashion consultants use? Clients often ask me to share my secrets. What do I use for skin care or makeup, what's in my suitcase when I travel, or most importantly what are the wardrobe essentials that I just can't live without? I am ready to share my list of favourite things and with the holiday season fast approaching they might even spark some gift ideas.

A leather jacket is a classic wardrobe staple and a fantastic outerwear piece that can also double as an indoor jacket. Worn over a dress with tights and a boot, or paired back to skinny jeans an oversized sweater and pendant necklace; a soft leather jacket is a welcomed edition to any wardrobe. Look for unique details like edgy metal hardware or quilted leather. It's these distinctive features that will allow you to take a plain outfit to the next level with just the addition of your favourite leather jacket.

Teegan Lamb leather Biker - Danier Leather

Other photos courtesy of: lookastic.com

Day to night dressing can be overwhelming and for those who never have enough time to head home to change before an event, adding accessories to your outfit can make for an instant evening look. One of my must have items is a statement necklace. I find that owning several necklaces of various shapes, sizes, colours and finishes gives me the ability to change the look of any outfit I am wearing. By adding a chunky statement necklace around the collar of my favourite white blouse, wearing my oh-so-cozy cowl neck sweater and adding a long pendant necklace, or wearing multiple bangles and bracelets to make the ultimate fashion statement while sporting a basic blazer, jewelry and accessories can inexpensively be added to help your classic wardrobe staples look on trend for each new season.

Necklaces: Banana Republic

Every woman has their weakness when it comes to fashion and for me it's shoes. They always fit no matter my size and can instantly make any outfit. With so many shoe trends coming every season I always rely on my classics. A comfortable ballet flat, to the knee riding boot, stiletto style ankle bootie and the must have classic pump. My go to toe -- a slightly pointed style. This helps elongate your legs thereby making you look taller and thinner, and who doesn't love that? What if I told you that you could purchase a classic pump that came with interchangeable heels. Yes, you could use your black stacked heel for the office with your power suit and with a quick pop, change it to a spiked and sparkled stiletto for evening with your LBD. Instead of purchasing a new shoe every season you can simply change the heel. From coloured and patent, to metallic and animal print, these heels can easily be changed thereby making packing for your next business trip a snap.

Shoes: Tanya Heath Paris

When it comes to travelling let's face it, the getting there part is rarely fun, but to make the flight a little calmer and more relaxing here are my travelling essentials. When the seat belt sign is off and you are able to settle in and relax I always pull out my super soft and cozy reading throw. Toss it over yourself on a cool flight or even use it as a pashmina when you are heading out for the evening. In addition to my travelling blanket, I love a pair of super soft socks. They can be rolled up into a ball in your carry on and allow you to not only take your shoes off during the flight but act as a cozy alternative when you're hanging out back in your hotel room. Lastly a travel mask gives you the privacy to shut your eyes while flying but also keeps any sunlight out if your hotel room has sub-par drapery.

Another frequently asked question is what to do about those pesky travel wrinkles in your clothing. I never leave home without my personal steamer, after all who wants to pull out an ironing board and iron while away. Heats up quickly and packs up small, it's also a great item to have around your house for those small touch-ups.

Blanket, Socks and Travel Mask: Chapters Indigo

Steamer: Conair

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